PART FIVE
THE GREAT
DRUISH
BOOKS
New Introduction
The last major Branch of the Reform to have been (more or less)
organized was that of the Hasidic Druids of North America (HDNA),
which was an offshoot of the SDNA. The Hasidic Druids began
when Isaac Bonewits stopped en route in St. Louis on the way from
his previous position as Arch-Druid of the Twin Cities to Berkeley
(where he was subsequently elected Arch-Druid of the Mother Grove,
which for awhile, was different from the Berkeley Grove). Hasidic
Druidism was one of the many Branches of the Reform, growing out
of the SDNA, consisting of Neopagans of even greater piety. Their
grove was known as the Arch Grove, led by Vicki Rhodes, named
after the 630 foot arch that is the symbol of the City of St. Louis.
Incidentally, this was the first grove not to use its city-location as the
name of its grove, mainly because they objected to the use of a Chris-
tian saint in the name of their grove. The HDNA agreed to continue
to use the same ordination ceremonies as those of the other Branches
of the Reform (with their own additions), so as to maintain the Ap-
ostolic Succession and to encourage those who are interested in Re-
formed Druidism, but not Hasidic style, to be able to get in touch
with other Branches of the Reform. Sadly, the one grove of the HDNA
disbanded within three years of its foundation c. 1977 c.e. and many
decided to join the Church of All Worlds.
The Lughnasadh 1976 c.e. (14 y.r. Berkeley) edition of The Druid
Chronicles (Evolved) was the first publication to present these books
to the general public. In the late 70s, Pentalpha Journal republished a
few of their works. Although they are currently considered an “inac-
tive” Branch (at least until someone revives it), the current editor
Scharding, feels that, in their short time with our organization, they
produced a marvelous group theilogy and rule of living. They are
also another noteworthy example contrary to the general belief that
all the members of the NRDNA and other offshoots were only inter-