Apple Branch Protogrove
About Us
The apple branch is a potent symbol in Celtic mythology. Strongly associated with Mannanan Mac Lir, the God of the sea, boundaries, and by extension the gateway to the Otherworld, the apple branch can be seen as a key to the transition from this world to the next. In many Irish myths, men who entered the realm of faery would be offered a branch of golden apples, or carry it back with them.
Created on Midsummer, 2006, Apple Branch Protogrove is East Central Illinois' local chapter of ADF. We work primarily within a polytheistic, Celtic tradition, though we are amenable to work with other pantheons.
As an ADF protogrove, we hold eight public rituals a year as well as other meetings. We will soon begin a Dedicant Program discussion group and one of many community service projects.
What is ADF?
ADF stands for Ár nDraíocht Féin, which is Irish for "Our Own Druidism."
From Real Magick by Isaac Bonewits
Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship, is North America's largest tradition of Neopagan Druidism, planted by Isaac Bonewits. With hundreds of members and groves and protogroves across the U.S. and Canada, ADF is leading the Neopagan community into the mainstream with serious scholarship, beautiful arts, powerful ceremonies, college-level training and organic organizational patterns based on common sense and Neopagan ideals.
ADF is: non-sexist, non-racist, polytheistic, pluralistic, creative, open, inclusionary, accessible, accountable, rowdy, dedicated, tax-exempt, hard working, hard playing, exoteric, esoteric, and controversial.
Comments? Questions? Contact webmaster@apple-branch.org.