In 2023, the Gorsedh expanded by welcoming its first Ovate and recognising several Bards as Elder Druids.
The Ovate branch of Druidry focuses on healing, divination, environmental stewardship, and sacred craft. The Ovates of Ynys Witrin are the healers, seers, and earth‑keepers of the Gorsedh, working to honour the land, the seasons, and the community.
Our Vision is to keep alive the traditions of Druidry, to inspire future generations, and to strengthen the bonds between people, place, and spirit. We are the keepers of wisdom, listening to the whispers of earth, sky, and spirit. We serve our community with healing, insight, and ceremony rooted in the land of Avalon. We walk with the seasons, and guide others through the cycles of life.
The Ovate stream is open to those living within a day’s walk of Glastonbury Tor who practise skills such as healing, herbalism, divination, astrology, geomancy, environmental work, or the creation of sacred objects.
Each year at Imbolc at the Open Gorsedh we welcome new Ovates who have shown their abilities to the satisfaction of two Elders. Applications are available from the Library of Avalon.
Ovate College: Expectations and Path of Belonging
Joining as an Ovate
• Demonstrate your competence in one or more Ovate skills (healing, herbalism, divination, astrology, geomancy, environmentalism, sacred craft).
• Gain approval from at least two Elders.
• Present yourself for initiation at the Open Gorsedh ceremony.
• Once initiated, you become a full member.
Honorary Ovateships
• May be granted by Elder Ovates to honour existing merit.
• Can also be given when someone is Chaired without formal initiation.
• Must be declared openly at the Gorsedh, with clarity that the role is honorary.
The Chaired Ovate of Ynys Witrin
The Chair of the Ovates is the highest honour within the Ovate College of the Gorsedh Ynys Witrin. It recognises an individual who has shown exceptional skill, wisdom, and dedication to the Path of Druidry through the Ovate discipline.
The Chaired Ovate embodies the qualities of seership, healing, and deep connection with the land and its cycles. They are chosen not only for their personal abilities but also for their service to the community, guiding others in the mysteries of nature and spirit.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Chaired Ovate of Ynys Witrin
Core Duties
• Inspiration and Guidance: Provide stewardship, encouragement, and counsel to the Ovate College and the wider community.
• Seasonal Leadership: Participate in Wheel of the Year ceremonies, bringing Ovate wisdom into the rituals.
• Mentorship: Support new Ovates on their journey and assisting Elder Ovates in initiations.
• Craft and Proficiency: Demonstrate mastery in a chosen discipline such as sacred creation, herbalism, healing, or environmental care.
Primary Responsibilities
• Advance the Ovate College: Oversee the organisation of the Ovate initiations and gatherings during their tenure as Chaired Ovate.
• Attend Meetings and Gatherings: Take part in the Ovate Council, Bardic Council, and Gorsedh Committee, while also joining regular Gorsedh gatherings and seasonal celebrations.
• Hand Over the Title: Pass the Chair to the incoming Ovate at the Imbolc ceremony.
• Public Service: Assist with organising and leading events, and be available to offer blessings, divination, or healing when called upon by the community.
Tenure and Jurisdiction
The tenure of the Chaired Ovate is three years and one day, ensuring continuity and renewal.
On the day of handover at Imbolc, there are two Ovates: the outgoing and the incoming.
The area of jurisdiction is defined as “within walking distance of the Tor” — the distance one can reasonably walk, fulfil duties, and return in a single day.
Purpose
The Chair of the Ovates is largely an honorary role, bestowed to honour the most dedicated practitioner of Ovate arts within the community. The recipient is expected to elevate the Ovate path and promote its values in a manner appropriate to the position.
Where the incumbent is unwilling or unable to fulfil any of these duties, it defaults to the Gorsedh Committee to appoint a deputy drawn from the lineage of accepted Ovates, with a time limit applied if necessary.
|
Ovate Chair of Ynys Witrin |
|
| Year | Chair |
| 2026 | Zoe Jayne Price |