Zen Druids of North America (ZDNA) Analysis
Year founded: 1976
Location Founded: Olympia, Washington, USA
Origins, inspirations, or parent org: Parent - Schismatic Druids of North America (SDNA), Zen Buddhism. Inspirations - New Reformed Druids of North America (NRDNA), Reformed Druids of North America (RDNA), Alan Watts.
Founders: Isaac Bonewits, perhaps Thomas Schuler.
Official Symbols: RDNA Druid Sigil. Alternatively the Sigil could be stylized after the brushed ink circle commonly associated with Zen Buddhism.
Theological compatibility: Polytheism (hard and soft), pantheism/panentheism, agnosticism, Buddhism (especially Zen) eclectic paganism, animism, perhaps some Shinto, liberal monotheism.
Founder prior involvements: Isaac Bonewits - RDNA, occultism, LaVeyan Satanism, witchcraft. Vicki Rhodes - RDNA, Jewish & neopagan practices.
Active, Hiatus, or Defunct, & Rebootability: Defunct since 1997, but rebootable.
Centrally organized: In 1979 the ZDNA was mostly absorbed into the NRDNA.
Governing body: If rebooted, the ZDNA would be tied into the RDNA/NRDNA’s Council of Dalon Ap Landu (CODAL).
Study Program or Mentorship: No formal study program, but would be welcome to utilize the RDNA training program that is currently being developed.
Member degrees, ranks, or levels of achievement: Identical to RDNA - First Order (entry level), Second Order (training for priesthood), Third Order (priesthood), plus seven higher orders of priesthood as areas of focus or dedication. There is also the Order of the Acorn as a self-dedication rite for those who wish to affiliate with the RDNA or its direct offshoots.
Membership fees and recurrence: Like the RDNA, membership to the ZDNA is free. Individual Groves have the autonomy to charge membership dues to offset operating costs. Entering the Third Order (priesthood) informally costs “breakfast” to feed the person who ordains you. It is viewed as a courtesy, not a requirement, after the All-Night Vigil and ordination ceremony.
Estimated membership: 0.
Estimated number of Groves or study groups: 0
Current grand poobah & title: If rebooted, would be under RDNA Council of Dalon Ap Landu Chairperson.
Cult danger (A. B. C. D. E. F. version 2.7) estimated rating: NULL
Alleged cult criteria: NULL
If anything needs to be rectified, please contact me with proof for correction.
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