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The By-Laws of Cerddorion Nyfed
Article I: Name1.1 The name of this non-affiliated, independent grove (henceforth referred to as an organization) shall be Cerddorion Nyfed. 1.2 The principal contact addresses for this grove/organization shall be: Former Arch-Druid CiHela: [email protected] Ollamh Nuada: [email protected] Ollamh Cerridwen RavensDaughter: [email protected] Ollamh Oisin: Ollamh Oisin Ollamh Mabh: Ollamh Mabh Arch-Druid Arch-Druid Taliesin Emrys: [email protected] [email protected] Youth Administrator Ollamh Brighid WolfChild: [email protected] Ard Brehon Ollamh Neide: [email protected] Rigfenneidh Manannan: [email protected] Article II: Grove Purposes2.1 This organization is formed exclusively as a religious and educational fellowship, as stated in our Statement of Purpose (http://www.geocities.com/cerddorionnyfed/Nyfed.html), and is not organized for the private gain of any person or persons. 2.2 This organization has a specific and primary purpose to foster and practice the spiritual and cultural teachings of the Ancient Celts, as a Historical Reconstructionist Druidic Grove and to facilitate communications with and between those who show interest in this path. 2.3 This organization will have the ability to establish, modify, and/or dissolve private, non-profit educational facilities for those interested in the Historical Reconstructionist path of Druidry, as well as public informational web pages, and a privately based non-profit grove. 2.4 As a private organization, unaffiliated with any other druidic organization, and not holding either clerical nor tax-exempt status, this organization has no power to officiate in any legal exchange of oaths (such as marriage), nor do we have the ability to authorize, bestow, convey, grant, issue, or revoke any type of officially (government) recognized certificates, charters, degrees, credentials, diplomas, franchises, licenses, or ordinations. 2.5 Under the rights bestowed in the U.S. Constitution it is understood that this organization has a right to publicize, publish, promote, teach, research, and explore any and all material which may present or otherwise bear upon its beliefs, philosophy, theology, and religious history, ancient or modern, so long as said material does not itself in some way infringe on the laws of the land in which this organization is based (the laws of the United States of America). 2.6 As an unaffiliated, independent, non-government-recognized, non tax exempt organization, we accept that we have no power to apply for and/or receive grants, accept bequests and/or to establish any sort of endowment fund. Nor do we, as a group, currently hold deeds to any communal property. Article III: Pecuniary Gain3.1 No part of any proceeds ever collected by this organization shall be distributed among private members of said organization, except in a case in which a Grove member is in desperate need (confronting a terminal illness, has an immediate family member confronting a terminal illness, a child of a Grove member requires financial assistance for survival, a Grove member is faced with potential homelessness and/or starvation, etc.). Under such circumstances, need must be determined unanimously by the Grove entire, including Associate and Home Grove members, as well as those in the leadership of this Grove, and there will be complete transparency and accountability insofar as on what the funds will be/are spent. It is understood that the Grove member receiving any such funds will be responsible for any taxes incurred by the received funds, and that the Grove itself, and/or its leadership will not be held responsible for such once these funds have been received by the party in question. It is also understood that those members of the Grove contributing to such a fund will not be elligible for any exemptions on their tax returns. Since we are a non-governmentally-recognized association, we are not considered a charitable institution recognized officially for tax exemption. Money contributed to a private Grove fund for a Grove member in dire need is considered the same as a private gift to a friend or family member, not a charitable donation. Article IV: Duration4.1 The period of duration of this organization shall be perpetual. Article V: Personal Liability5.1 Upon dissolution of this organization, any funds received during the existence of said organization will immediately be turned over to charities approved of during the existence of the organization. Such charities will not include members of this Grove, even if in dire need, as such has previously been defined as not being an issue of charity in Article 3.1 of these ByLaws. 5.2 Members, officers, and founders of this organization shall have no personal liability for the debts of the organization or its members. Article VI: Leadership of the Grove6.1 All theological direction for Cerddorion Nyfed shall be from the Council of Elder Ollamhs. Members of the Council are those active members who have been with us the longest. After a period of at least three years� active service as an Ollamh, a member may be promoted to the Council, if one so chooses and is then accepted by majority vote of the Council. The Council of Elder Ollamhs supersedes and can override all secular offices and officers in matters that are deemed by the Council of Elder Ollamhs to be of a spiritual nature or may inappropriately impact the beliefs and philosophies of Cerddorion Nyfed. The Council of Elder Ollamhs shall consist of no more than nine members and no less than three. Appointment shall be by choice of a member ollamh who has participated actively for no less than three years, unless it is determined by the Council of Elder Ollamhs that a person who has not served in this grove at least three years should be recommended to the council for election, both/either followed by a majority vote of the existing Council of Elder Ollamhs. Abstention of a vote does not appy to the majority of assent needed for elections. The duration of appointment shall not exceed nine years and a day. There is no limit to the number of consecutive appointments. The Council of Elder Ollamhs is empowered to remove any member from membership roles for cause as stated in these bylaws. 6.2 The primary authoritative spokesperson for the theological direction of Cerddorion Nyfed shall be known as the Arch-Druid. The Arch-Druid shall be selected from the Council of Elder Ollamhs by the Council of Elder Ollamhs and shall hold the position for as long as she or he remains on the Council. The Arch-Druid shall preside over meetings of the Council of Elder Ollamhs. The Arch-Druid may choose a representative to act as a proxy in matters of public relations, or in matters where he/she feels they are too involved emotionally or otherwise to make a fair decision, should he or she so choose. 6.3 The Council of Elder Ollamhs may, on a case by case basis, approve waivers to requirements for Levels of Achievement when it believes that such a waiver is in the best interests of the Individual, and/or the Grove. 6.4 The Council of Elder Ollamhs will be responsible for setting up dialogues with anyone interested in participating in the Grove�s online educational community. The Council of Elder Ollamhs is also responsible for thoroughly checking any references provided by or pertaining to such individuals, in a non-invasive manner. The Council of Elder Ollamhs has the ability to make decisions with finality as to whether or not particular individuals will or will not be accepted into the Grove�s online educational community, on a case by case basis. 6.5 Members will not be denied office on the Council of Elder Ollamhs or as Arch-Druid based upon any physical disability, unless said physical disability is deemed in some way to inhibit the mental, decision-making capabilities of the individual member. While it is understood that, historically, any form of disability would have prevented a member of an Ancient Celtic tribe from holding such an office, it is also understood that through modern medical technology our society has evolved beyond such taboos. In the ancient world, risk of infection, etc. meant that �inflicted� leaders could have their mental capabilities altered by any pre-existing conditions. Such risks could also radically cut short their terms of office, leaving matters in a state of upheaval. In our modern society, such risks are significantly lessened, if not altogether eradicated. Today, the disabled are enabled to live otherwise perfectly normal lives, and their abilities to hold office within this Grove should, and shall, be treated likewise. 6.6 If at any time, a member of the Council of Elder Ollamhs or the Arch-Druid may be proven incapable of making decisions, due to mental or emotional circumstances beyond their control (such as an incapacitating mental disorder, emotional disorder, or a combination of any of the above, including circumstances in which such incapacity has been brought about due to a physical problem), they will be asked to step down either for an interim period pre-decided by the Council of Elder Ollamhs or permanently, dependent upon the severity of the condition and the possible duration of said condition. 6.7 A member of the Council of Elder Ollamhs and/or the Arch-Driud is as responsible to the keeping of these By-Laws, if not even more so, as any other member of this Grove, or associate member of this Grove. Any member of the Council, and/or the Arch-Druid, will be dealt with in the same manner as anyone else breaking the codes put forth herein. Article VII: Individual Membership7.1 Members of the Home Grove of Cerddorion Nyfed , and/or those considered long-distance members of the Home Grove of Cerddorion Nyfed (henceforth referred to as �Correspondence Members of the Home Grove�) shall consist of those persons who understand the principles of Historical Reconstructionist Druidry as put forth by Cerddorion Nyfed, and who have chosen to undertake formal training, as defined later in these by-laws, with a resident Ollamh or Druid of Cerddorion Nyfed. 7.2 Associate Members of Cerddorion Nyfed shall consist of those persons, who, following extensive dialogue with members of the Council of Elder Ollamhs and any non-invasive checking of references, have been invited to participate in the online educational community of Cerddorion Nyfed. 7.3 Youth Members of Cerddorion Nyfed shall consist of those persons under the age of 18 who have been sponsored into either Home Grove, Correspondence, or Associate membership, as described later in these by-laws. Youth Members shall be allowed participation in any activities only with the accompaniment of a parent and/or legal guardian. Youth Members will have access to the online educational community of Cerddorion Nyfed only through their adult sponsor�s account. Neither contact information nor any other personal information of any kind pertaining to Youth Members will be shared with the community of Cerddorion Nyfed, online or elsewhere, as a whole or in part at any time. 7.4 Membership shall not be denied to any member at any of the previously described levels, based upon sexual orientation, gender, race, color, place of national origin, creed (unless said creed is in some way Satanic, racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic, heterophobic, or is in some other way directly contrary to the inclusive, peace-loving philosophies of this Grove), or physical/mental/emotional disability (unless conditions previously detailed in these by-laws [6.6] deem otherwise). 7.5 All Members, at all previously described levels, are presumed to have read and understood these By-Laws, as well as any other documentation released in future pertaining to policy or procedures which are by reference hereby included in and made a part of these By-Laws, and that the member/applicant agrees to abide by the same. 7.6 Any Member, at any of the previously described levels, who violates the code of ethics of Cerddorion Nyfed or otherwise puts Cerddorion Nyfed, its members, and/or its leadership in a disreputable light may be removed from the membership by the Council of Elder Ollamhs. Such removal may be appealed in writing within 30 days of removal to the Arch-Druid. Notice of appeal will be distributed to the Council of Elder Ollamhs within ten days of receipt. 7.7 Formal training to become a member of the Home Grove or a Correspondence Member of the Home Grove is understood to include all of the following:
7.8 Upon proof of completion of the Novishaigh/dalen level of training, and proof of intent to continue at the Doltanagh/Cangen level (as later described in these by-laws) of training, the individual will be considered a full Home Grove Member or Correspondence Member of the Home Grove. 7.8a Upon proof of completion of the Novishaigh/Dalen level of training, and proof of intent to continue in a course of study as a Fenniocht of Cerddorion Nyfed (as later described in these by-laws), the individual will be considered as a full Home Grove Member or Correspondence Member of the Home Grove. 7.9 Associate Members of Cerddorion Nyfed may participate within the teaching threads of the online educational community of Cerddorion Nyfed. However, such is not considered formal training. 7.10 A parent or guardian may sponsor an individual under the age of 18 (henceforth referred to as a Youth Member) into the Grove at either Home Grove, Correspondence, or Associate levels of membership in the following manner:
7.11 Youth Members shall not be allowed access to the online educational community of Cerddorion Nyfed except through the account of their parent and/or guardian. Youth Members shall not maintain accounts of their own. Posts by Youth Members should contain their accepted �Grove name� only! Real names, specific ages, and/or any other personal information pertaining to Youth Members shall never be posted in any public forum upheld and/or operated by this organization, except where express written permission to do so has been given by the Youth Member's parent or legal guardian who is also their sponsor. 7.12 In matters where a vote of members needs to be called, only those holding Home Grove Membership or Correspondence Membership in the Home Grove are eligible to vote, unless otherwise noted at the time at which the vote is called. Article VIII: The Office of Youth Administrator8.1 The Youth Administrator shall be an individual chosen by the Council of Elder Ollamhs and/or the Arch-Druid based upon an ability to communicate the ethics and principles of Druidry to those under age 18, a willingness and eagerness to communicate said ethics and principles to those under age 18, an ability to exhibit discretion and good judgement when dealing with those under age 18, and a clear criminal record, not only with those under 18, but overall. 8.2 The Youth Administrator will be appointed by the current Arch-Druid and approved by a majority vote of the Council of Elder Ollamhs. 8.3 The Youth Administrator may be removed from office by the Council of Elder Ollamhs and/or the Arch-Druid if any of the following occur:
8.4 The Youth Administrator will hold dialogues with parents and/or guardians on a case-by-case basis and submit any required information to the Arch-Druid only. In the event that said parent and/or guardian has not already entered into a dialogue with the current Arch-Druid, the Youth Administrator will immediately facilitate such dialogue before furthering his/her own dialogue with said parent and/or guardian. 8.5 The Youth Administrator will maintain a discussion thread at the online educational community of Cerddoroin Nyfed and manage the content therein, maintaining suitable material for those under the age of 18 and their families. 8.6 The Youth Administrator will be responsible for maintaining public informational web pages within the Home Grove�s website suitable for those under the age of 18 and their families. 8.7 The Youth Administrator will be responsible for maintaining, with certainty, that all personal information pertaining to any Youth Members of this organization remains completely private. 8.8 The Youth Administrator will work directly in concert with the current Arch-Druid. Article IX: Annual Meetings9.1 The Council of Elder Ollamhs, the Arch-Druid, the Youth Administrator, the Ard Brehon, and the Rigfenneidh will meet annually immediately prior to Lughnassadh (the first of August) to settle any outstanding Grove matters, such as: election/reelection of council members and/or the Arch-Druid; appointment of the Youth Administrator and/or creation of/appointment to any other new offices which the council and/or Arch-Druid deem necessary to the fulfillment of the duties of this organizations; announcement of any proposed amendments to these by-laws; and the settlement of issues of judgement (as described later in these ByLaws), and/or appeal of judgement. 9.2 The period of time between Lughnassadh and Samhain (29th October through the 4th November) will be a period of deliberation of any proposed amendments or policy changes. 9.3 The Council of Elder Ollamhs, the Arch-Druid, the Youth Administrator, the Ard Brehon, and the Rigfenneidh will meet annually at Samhain (the period from the 29th of October through the 4th of November) to vote upon any proposed amendments or policy changes. Samhain, therefore, will become the time of making laws within this Grove. 9.4 As did our Irish Ancestors, we shall observe an "Assembly of Peace" during this time of lawmaking at Samhain. During the period from 29th October through 4th November each year, any form of disrespect towards the assembly of peace will not be tolerated. Disrespecting the Assembly of Peace includes:
Such breaches of the Assembly of Peace will be punishable by removal from this Grove with finality upon unanimous vote of the Council of Elder Ollamhs of Cerddorion Nyfed, as described later in these ByLaws. 9.5 At such meetings, the Youth Administrator will act as witness, unless the issues voted upon directly relate to issues under the aegis of his/her office. 9.6 Special meetings of the Council may be requested by the Arch-Druid, in his/her absence, by the most senior member of the Council of Elder Ollamhs and any other two members of said council. 9.7 A simple majority representing at least 5 percent of the membership of Cerddorion Nyfed�s Home Grove and/or Correspondence Membership must be physically present, or represented by proxy, at all annual and special meetings. Physically present is hereby defined to include not only the physical presence of a Council Member and/or the Arch-Druid, but also as being in communication with the persons physically present by telephone or some equivalent means. 9.8 There shall be 3 types of votes possible concerning any proposals before this organization: affirmation, abstention, and negative. 9.9 All eligible voters may cast one vote. Voting will be done by ballot. Voting by proxy is allowed. Proxies must be given to a Home Grove or Correspondence member in good standing. 9.10 At such meetings, the Ard Brehon (as described later in these by-laws) will act as the arbitrator and counsel of any Grove member, at whatever level of membership, receiving a settlement of issues of judgement and/or appeal of judgement. 9.11 At such meetings, the Rigfenneidh (as described later in these by-laws) may receive assignments of the enforcement of removal of a member against whom such judgement has been received. The Rigfenneidh will otherwise act as a witness to the proceedings, unless the issues voted upon directly relate to issues under the aegis of his/her office. Article X: Amendment10.1 Amendment to these by-laws may be proposed in writing and filed with the Arch-Druid by any three members of Home Grove status or Correspondence Member status. 10.2 Any amendment proposals must be received by the Arch-Druid by July 1st to be considered for that year�s annual meeting. At other times of the year, a special meeting may be called if deemed necessary. In either event, the Arch-Druid will have informed the Council and any other necessary parties of the proposed amendment within 10 days of receipt. The Arch-Druid will then respond to the parties submitting the proposed amendment acknowledging receipt of the proposed amendment within 5 days of receipt. The Council of Elder Ollamhs will examine and judge the proposed amendment to insure its passage would not weaken the theological foundations of Cerddorion Nyfed. 10.3 After the Council of Elder Ollamhs has ruled upon the proposed amendment the Arch-Druid shall notify the membership in writing of the accepted amendment (s). Article XI: Code of EthicsWe adhere to the following:11.1 Cerddorion Nyfed does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, creed (except as otherwise stated herein [7.4]), or physical/mental/emotional disability (except as otherwise stated herein [6.6]). 11.2 At no time and under no circumstances shall a member (at any level of membership) or officer of this organization espouse or engage in the practice of blood sacrifice; nor shall any member or officer of this organization, as part of his or her religious practice, participate in the torture, mutilation, enslavement, or abuse (physical or emotional) of any sentient creature for the purpose of enjoyment or supposed spiritual gain. Any taking of life for the purpose of meeting physical needs shall be done only in accordance with civil law, and shall be conducted as humanely as possible. 11.3 All personal/private information�including names, addresses, telephone numbers, and/or places of employment�pertaining to any and all members and/or officers of this organization shall remain confidential within this organization, except where expressed permission has been given to publicize said information; or in such case as an individual has been deemed by the Council of Elder Ollamhs to be a public threat (in which case confidential information may only be revealed to those authorities under whose jurisdiction the matter of conduct falls). 11.4 We view our �lay clergy� (Druids and Ollamhs) as professionals and, as such, demand professional behavior equal to that of other secular or religious professionals. Those in a position of leadership within this organization are expected to uphold the six virtues most esteemed by our Celtic Ancestors, as are, indeed, all members of this organization at whatever level: Honesty, Loyalty, Honor, Courage, Justice and Hospitality. The leadership of this organization, and, indeed, all members of this organization at whatever level, are expected to abide by the law (except in cases of certain �victimless crimes� or civil disobedience), to respect the rights and privacy of others, and to promote the ethics upheld by our Ancestors in action as well as in speech. 11.5 Certain sexual taboos are placed upon those in a position of leadership within this organization (i.e., those who teach or have �clients�). Those who are teaching shall refrain from engaging in any sexual activities with their students. Also, those acting as healer, therapist, or divinatory counselor shall refrain from engaging in any sexual activities with their �clients�. These restrictions do not apply to sexual relationships that existed prior to the onset of the teacher/student or professional/client relationship. While it is accepted that as adults we are capable of making our own choices, it is also understood that such taboos must necessarily be enforced for the protection of the student/client. 11.6 Manipulation or coercion of a sexual nature will not be tolerated in the ritual practice of Cerddorion Nyfed. 11.7 It shall be the custom of Cerddorion Nyfed to work robed or clothed at all rites, as did most of our Ancestors. The private rites of individuals may be conducted �skyclad� at the individual�s discretion. 11.8 At no time and under no circumstances shall firearms or explosives be brought to or used during a ritual of Cerddorion Nyfed. 11.9 Although we advocate the practice of altered states of consciousness/awareness through meditation, visualization, inspiration, chanting, etc., at no time and under no circumstances may such states be reached via the use of illegal psychoactive substances. 11.10 Members and/or officers of this organization shall respect the personal, individual Truths of all other members. While casual debate for purposes of education are not only allowed but, in fact, are encouraged, firestorms will not be tolerated. Such vehement, violent discussions will be settled with finality by the Arch-Druid. Repeated outbursts of this type may lead to probationary status and possible eventual removal from the membership of Cerddorion Nyfed. 11.11 Unlawful Satire: Undeserving, and, therefore, unjust: verbal (written) assault (mocking appearance, viewpoints, etc.), coinage of a derogatory nickname, composition and/or repetition of a satirical verse. Also: mocking of a person's defects by a physical gesture (or description of a physical gesture). Satire is deemed unlawful when the person against whom it is committed:
Lawful Satire: Deserving, and, therefore, just: verbal (written) assault (mocking appearance, viewpoints, etc.), coinage of a derogatory nickname, composition and/or repetition of a satirical verse. Also: mocking of a person's defects by a physical gesture (or description of a physical gesture). All of the above are understood to come in the form of a formal statement and not in the form of initiating a firestorm. Satire is deemed lawful when the person against whom it is committed:
Article XII: Probation and/or Removal12.1 Members at any of the previously described levels of membership, and/or officers, either elected or appointed, of this organization may be placed on a probationary level of membership if any of the following occur at any time, under any circumstances, and such has been proven by the Council of Elder Ollamhs:
12.2 The probationary period shall be no more nor no less than one year and one day, either from the time of the commitment of the offence or from Lughnassadh (August 1st) to Lughnassadh, whichever period is of greater duration. 12.3 Probation shall be defined as: a period during which the offender may continue any and all studies, and attend rites as an observer, but may only offer posts at the online educational community in social areas (unless posted by their teacher, as agreed upon by the Council), nor actually participate in the rites of the Grove. The social areas of The Forest House, our online educational community, are defined as the following: Around the Cauldronfire-->The Druid Shaman-->Around the Cauldronfire Llyfyrau-->Ogham Leaves and Coffeebeans-->The Atrium 12.4 Following the duration of the probationary period, the individual on probation will enter a period of dialogue determined by the Council of Elder Ollamhs with a Council member or a Druid or Ollamh of Home Grove or Correspondence membership status appointed by the Council before re-entering active participation in the activities of this organization. 12.5 Associate Members who have not participated in the online educational community of Cerddorion Nyfed for a period greater than 366 days (a year and a day) shall be contacted for private dialogue by appointed members of the Council of Elder Ollamhs, and may then either be placed on probationary status or removed from membership as deemed appropriate. Participation is defined as having posted more than six posts in the course of a year and a day in membership at the Grove. 12.6 Members at any of the previously described levels of membership, and or officers, either elected or appointed, of this organization may be removed from membership if any of the following occur at any time, under any circumstances, and such has been proven by the Council of Elder Ollamhs:
12.7 For those who have been deemed worthy of removal, it is possible to appeal this in writing within 30 days of the ruling. This appeal should be addressed to the Arch-Druid. Notice of appeal will be distributed to the Council of Elder Ollamhs within 10 days of receipt. All appeals will be decided at the yearly Lughnassadh meeting of the Council, unless it is deemed appropriate to call a special meeting. 12.8 Anyone permanently removed from the Grove shall remain so, with finality. 12.9 Anyone found to have committed an act of unlawful satire will be required to make a formal retraction and apologize publicly on the boards. If such is not given by the end of the period determined and announced by the Council in the specific case, the satirist will be placed on probation until such time as the formal retraction and apology are posted, as defined in sections 12.2-12.4 of these By-Laws. In extreme cases, the Council may demand a "praise" post to restore the honour of the one who has been satirized accompany the formal retraction and apology. In the event that none of the above is given, the satirist will remain on probation as described in sections 12.2-12.4. Three occurrences of such behaviour will result in removal from this Grove, with finality, as described in sections 12.7-12.8 Article XIII: Levels of Achievement and Paths of Specialization13.1 The Levels of Achievement of Cerddorion Nyfed shall be as follows:
13.1a After completion of the Dalen/Novishaigh level, a student undergoing formal study may elect to pursue the Path of the Fenniocht, as opposed to the Cangen/Doltanagh Level. Fenniocht is an initiatory path. The Fenniocht is prepared to attach themselves to Druidry as a life path and Cerddorion Nyfed as a tribe. This shall be symbolized by the taking of an oath and a Grove name following the required course of study under the guidance of the Grove's Rigfenneidh. The training of the Fenniocht shall include a study of the Bardic Arts, Brehon Law, the Celtic Values, and the History of the Celts. 13.2 Formal study at the Novishagh and Doltanagh levels will be done according to the formal guidelines set by the Council of Elder Ollamhs, Mabon, 2002 (guidelines available in doc format upon request). This is to ensure that students will be equipped with the necessary information to progress from level to level and get the most out of their experiences. It also aids those who are new to teaching by providing them with a framework from which to teach. At each level, ollamh may teach the material in the guidelines in whatever manner and order they see fit. 13.3 Advancement through the Levels of Achievement shall be approved by the Council of Elder Ollamhs. Such advancement shall only be possible for those undergoing formal study as Home Grove or Correspondence Members as previously described herein. 13.4 Each teacher/Ollamh may maintain two Novishagh/Dalen level students (one local, and one Correspondence Member), two Doltanagh/Cangen level students (any combination), and two Druid/Boncyff level students (any combination), unless other arrangements are approved by the Council of Elder Ollamhs. 13.5 Those at Druid level will pursue studies with an Ollamh specific to their path of specialization, the guidelines of which will be approved by the Council. 13.6 The Paths of Specialization within Cerddorion Nyfed shall be as follows:
13.7 Acceptance into a particular area or areas of specialization shall be approved by the Council of Elder Ollamhs. 13.7a Acceptance into the Fenniocht Path shall be approved by the Council of Elder Ollamhs, the Arch-Druid, and the Rigfenneidh. 13.8 Students undergoing formal study will be required to adhere to the following rules of study:
13.9 Students who have committed to undertaking formal study will be allowed to return to Associate Member status should they meet with some obstacle which presently hinders their studies (such as grave personal illness or grave illness of a family member, and/or occupational hindrances, etc.), of which they must inform their ollamh or druid in writing at least a month prior to their ceasing formal study. Also, severe breach of an item aforementioned in the Code of Ethics [Section 11] may relieve a student of the rite to formal study. Otherwise, failure to participate in lessons and/or a conscious effort to cause difficulties in learning (such as an overtly argumentative attitude) will be considered breaking a commitment--or oath--and therefore will be treated as a breach of the Celtic Values of Loyalty, Honour, Honesty, and Hospitality (as the student is behaving in an ungrateful manner by wasting the ollamh or druid's time). Such will be treated according to the laws set forth in Sections 11 and 12 of these ByLaws. Article XIV: Definitions14.1 Our practices and beliefs shall be those as described in our �Statement of Purpose� and within the corpus of our public webpages. Article XV: The Office of Ard Brehon15.1 The Ard Brehon shall be an individual chosen by the Council of Elder Ollamhs who has reached the level of Ollamh Cyfraith Rhoddwr (Ollamh Brehon) and has exhibited an extensive knowledge of Brehon Law, is familiar with the laws of this Grove, and has demonstrated an ability to make fair and unbiased judgements and provide fair and unbiased counsel. 15.2 The Ard Brehon shall be appointed by the current Arch-Druid and approved by a majority vote of the Council of Elder Ollamhs. 15.3 The Ard Brehon may be removed from office by the Council of Elder Ollamhs and/or the Arch-Druid if any of the following occur:
15.4 The Ard Brehon will hold dialogues with and provide counsel to any Grove members against whom judgement has been called and will present the findings of said dialogues and counsel to the Arch-Druid and the Council of Elder Ollamhs. The Ard Brehon will act as the defense of any such Grove member. 15.5 The Ard Brehon will oversee the drafting of all amendments to these by-laws to maintain their truths to the tradition of Brehon Law. Article XVI: The Office of Rigfenneidh16.1 The Rigfenneidh shall be an individual chosen by the Council of Elder Ollamhs who has exhibited exceptional leadership capabilities and an extensive working knowledge of the history of the Celts and the dynamics of tribal society. 16.2 The Rigfenneidh shall be appointed by the current Arch-Druid and approved by a majority vote of the Council of Elder Ollamhs. 16.3 The Rigfenneidh may be removed from office by the Council of Elder Ollamhs and/or the Arch-Druid if any of the following occur:
16.4 The Rigfenneidh, along with the Arch-Druid and Council of Elder Ollamhs, will approve students wishing to undertake the Fenniocht Path of Study. 16.5 The Rigfenneidh will instruct his/her students according to the guidelines drafted at Imbolc, 2003. 16.6 The Rigfenneidh will seek to protect this Grove and its principles whenever such is deemed necessary. 16.7 The Rigfenneidh will assist in maintaining the Fenniocht area of the Forest House forums. 16.8 The Rigfenneidh will enforce the removal of Grove members against whom such judgement has been reached. 16.9 The Rigfenneidh will be responsible for maintaining public informational webpages within the Home Grove's website for anyone interested in the Path of the Fenniocht and/or the causes supported by this Grove and its members. 16.10 The Rigfenneidh will oversee the actions of the Fianna of Cerddorion Nyfed,which shall be his/her students, insuring that they provide their required services to this Grove, and may suspend a student from the Fianna if it is determined that they have not upheld their oath, their duties, or the principles of this Grove. The required services of the Fianna of Cerddorion Nyfed shall be:
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Originally drafted
Lughnassadh 2002
Revised
Samhain 2002
Revised
Imbolc 2003
Arch-Druid CiHela
Council of Elder Ollamhs
Taliesin Emrys
Cerridwen RavensDaughter
Nuada Silverhand
Oisin MacAinbhioth
Youth Administrator
Brighid WolfChild
Ard Brehon
Ollamh Mabh
Rigfenneidh
Rigfenneidh Fenrir