Ethics Code and Virtues

1. All Warrior Guild members will abide by the laws of the communities they are in.

2. No Warrior shall use his/her position to put undue influence on any person, including but not limited to sexual exploitation, financial extortion, etc.

3. Any Warrior who has cause to suspect that a person may cause harm to themselves or others will make the appropriate referral to professional services or law enforcement.

5. A Warrior will not refuse reasonable requests to provide services to any ADF member, if only to refer them to another Warrior or professional. This does not apply if the ADF Warrior is unable to perform those services competently.

6. A Warrior shall avoid providing service to an ADF member when this places the Warrior in a conflict of interest.

7. No ADF Warrior shall charge a fee to a ADF member for Warrior Guild services. This does not include professional services provided outside the ADF setting

The Warrior’s Triad is an adaptation/continuation of the study triad introduced by Ian Corrigan in the DP Program. Ian writes that “druidry is a religion of the mind, of the heart and of the flesh.” Taking this same concept into the warrior’s realm we see that the triad is body, mind and soul. This is the first layer of the Warrior’s triad. This is the reasoning behind breaking up circle one into three sections of focus for the warrior; physical, mental and spiritual. As warriors we must strive to constantly improve ourselves in these three disciplines. It is by challenging ourselves to improve and be the best we can be we that we tap into the energy and essence of the warrior.

The next layer of the Triad is the Warrior’s Way; honor, balance and service. These should be the three key elements of the warrior’s outlook and lifestyle. By focusing on these three qualities we will expand our understanding of the nine ADF virtues and deepen our understanding of the warrior’s role in today’s society. I again would like to quote Ian’s work on right action. “For the ancients, ethics was about having as much control as possible over one's well-being. Although some aspects of eudaimonia are external to the individual, like having sufficient food, warmth, friends and loved ones with whom to interact, most of the elements of a flourishing life are internal goods which are within our control, or at least influence. In northern Pagan cultures these goals were often characterized by the simple triad of “Health, Wealth and Wisdom.”” Let us look at each element of the path.

Honor - There can be no path for the warrior without honor. The warrior does what is right, no matter the ease or the cost. We must sacrifice ego for right action. There is no hope for balance without honor.

1a. Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.
b. A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.
2. Glory or recognition; distinction
(From The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.)

Balance - The warrior strives for balance in all endeavors. We must be in harmony with the energy of the universe.

1. A stable mental or psychological state; emotional stability.
2. A harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design. See synonyms at proportion.
3. An influence or force tending to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.
4. The difference in magnitude between opposing forces or influences.
(From The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.)

Service -The warrior places others and their welfare above his own. The warrior’s role in society has is to serve themselves, their family / community and the kindred. There are great rewards in service. As you give so do you get.

1a. Assistance; help: was of great service to him during his illness.
b. An act of assistance or benefit; a favor: My friend did me a service in fixing the door.
2. Active devotion to God, as through good works or prayer.
(From The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.)

Here is an example of how the Warrior’s Way could break-down the ADF virtues.

This leads us to our third and final layer of the triad, incorporating the Kindreds and other ADF elements into the triad.

Once we have the first two layers of the triad established then we can begin to see how all the elements are interwoven into the Warrior’s Triad. Now that I have the first circle written my goal is to expand the Warrior’s Triad into each circle as outlined here. So the second circle will be nine items that relate to the Warrior’s Way. By completing the first two circles then the warrior will have a much better understanding of their place in the world and in ADF and can began a much deeper relationship with the kindred. That will lead us through the nine items of third circle. The Kindred, the Hallows and the Realms.