Tradition History

by Donna Rhose

When in my teens I read The White Goddess by Robert Graves and became convinced I had been and was a Bard. At this time, I also began to remember some of my past lives, seeming to cue me to dig for what may have been my training.

Becoming involved in Earth Spirituality, I put some of my thoughts into workshops that I presented as 'Energy Weaving'. In many senses, it is what I perceive a Bard does, whether through Art, or as an approach to Life.

I eventually joined the Tradition of Lothlorien (founded by Paul Beyerl) where I in turn became Its Bardmaster under the smokescreen, Thomas Berkham. While in that Tradition I was able to format a system of training within the safety and soundness of that Tradition. It was the format of Lothlorien Itself that helped me to place my thoughts into a coherency that could be utilized by others.

Seeking a wider spectrum, I began to teach outside Lothlorien and in doing so created a version I called the Eldritch Path. Through this I eventually realized it was time for me to leave Lothlorien for the Eldritch Tradition to come into Its own.

I do NOT purport the idea that this is THE Bardic Path/Tradition. It is a system built from memories as well as historical study. It was created because I wanted to understand why I could do what I did as an Artist and how I may help others understand their own Gifts; or perhaps, even create those Gifts. It is one Path; there are many.

I hope to hear from friends, students, other Bards. I believe it is the time of the Artist, for they give something of the Spirit to those they touch. And I hope that the Articles and Exercises I have put together shall serve to expand other's awareness of their own Art.