Wicca Study Group A Bit of History The original Wicca Study Group (WSG) was founded in 1988 by Vivianne and Chris Crowley, who continue to run courses in London and Europe along with other coven leaders. Vivianne is the author of Wicca: a comprehensive guide to the Old Religion in the Modern World (2011, first published as Wicca: the Old Religion in the New Age, 1989). Now available in Canada, WSG will be running its introductory evening course for those interested in initiatory coven Wicca, led by Jo Pearson and her conjoint, Conrad. Who We Are Jo and Conrad are British Wiccans, initiated in the combined Alexandrian and Gardnerian traditions for over 20 years. They relocated from the UK to the Montréal area in July 2012 and settled in St Bruno de Montarville last summer. Conrad is half Quebecois, holds dual British and Canadian citizenship, and speaks both French and English; Jo has recently become a Permanent Resident of Canada, and keeps on trying to learn French! Jo trained with the WSG in the early 1990s, and has written extensively on Wicca, magic and paganism. Her books include Wicca and the Christian Heritage, Belief Beyond Boundaries, A Popular Dictionary of Paganism, and Nature Religion Today. She is currently Professor of Religious History at Cherry Hill Seminary, a US institution offering Pagan online education (see cherryhillseminary.org/). Conrad is an aerospace engineer, and has a particular interest in the relationship between science and magic. What is WSG? The Wicca Study Group consists of a series of 9 friendly meetings introducing aspects of Wicca, and including practical, experiential work. It is aimed at both beginners and people who have some knowledge of the Craft. It provides an opportunity to learn about and experience core areas of the Craft such as the roots of modern Wicca, concepts of deity, the importance of ritual, and the practice of Magick within the Old Religion. Further key topics include the initiatory tradition, creating sacred space, and attuning to the sabbat cycle. WSG works within a British Gardnerian/Alexandrian framework. As such, it has its roots in the 19/20th century occult revival as much as in the post-1960s Pagan revival. This history and differences between British and North American Wicca will be explored early in the schedule. Language: given Jo’s limited French, the WSG will be conducted primarily in English for the time being. However, we do not wish to deny access to French speakers, nor do we wish to run separate classes for Francophones and Anglophones. Our aim is to work together with all those who wish to attend, with Conrad and any bilingual attendees providing translation where necessary. Please note: WSG does not guarantee initiation into our, or any other, coven. It is an introductory course designed to enable you to gain some knowledge of British Alexandrian and Gardnerian Wicca which can, of course, be a starting point for the initiatory journey. Where and when? The Wicca Study Group will be held weekly on a Wednesday evening 8-10pm, beginning 3rd September 2014 in St Bruno de Montarville, 15km from downtown Montréal. Spaces are strictly limited, and we ask for a small donation of c.$5 per class to cover materials and essentials from those who can afford it. Further details will be provided once you have registered. Bright Blessings, Jo & Conrad
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:50:05 +0000
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