A Seeking

In order to join the Druids as an Acolyte or Apprentice, a druid must first be in good standing with their community, and learn certain basics of herbs, healing, rituals, and meditation. Three tests are undergone in service to the community, selected as acceptable by the applicant's mentor. In order to take the final steps to become an Acolyte, the applicant must prepare an herbal blend (herbs and fungi) that will trigger a trance state; this will be overseen by one or more Druids to make sure the blend is done just right. This the applicant will then place in the ritual bowl and alight; breathing deeply of the herbs assists the applicant in a dream quest to seek out the goddess, the divine, or any holy spirits that may answer. Based upon what goes on during this overseen trance, what words are spoken, or what may be learned, the applicant is either accepted or rejected. Once done, there is no going back. Once an Acolyte, always an Acolyte. The knowledge can't be given back, even if things are learned that are unpleasant or hard to hear.

Execution

The three tests involved prior to the Seeking are traditional in that they not only show the applicant's growth and mastery of the desired skills, but also serve the community, which is the reason the Druids have this knowledge. They are as much about proving readiness to learn as they are about informing the community of the choice. The Seeking itself is unique to each Seeker, but the recipe that must be followed correctly from harvesting of the fauna to inhaling of the ritual smoke is very specific. Any missed step or problem with these particularly powerful plants could be deadly.

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