Drawing Down the Moon (91 page)

Web site:
www.newwiccanchurch.net

9 Mayans.
A loose group of people in and around Cobán, Guatemala, who perform Mayan rituals, particularly the primicia, to invoke the 9 Mayan gods. Don Jeronimo's is an eco-hotel near Cobán which offers instruction in channeling and working with nature spirits, as well as hiking, tubing, swimming, and caving. Anyone coming to Guatemala who wants to invoke the 9 Mayan gods themselves at Tikal can get information at
www.dearbrutus.com
and
www.dearbrutus.com/donjeronimo
. E-mail: [email protected].

Nova Roma.
A Roman history organization with a section devoted to ancient Roman religion. Active since 1998, with thousands of members worldwide, Nova Roma is currently raising money to restore a shrine of Magna Mater in Rome. “Tax” (dues) is $12/year, but it is possible to participate as a non-paying member. Address: Nova Roma, P.O. Box 1897, Wells, ME 04090. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.novaroma.org

Officers of Avalon, Inc.
An organization representing Pagans in the emergency services (police, firefighters, paramedics) and related trades (physicians and nurses). Members come from all of the Neo-Pagan and Afro-Diasporan spiritual paths. It is incorporated in Nevada and is a 501(c)3 charity. It has members in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Officers of Avalon works to educate law enforcement organizations and the public about Pagan spiritual paths. Avalon Cares is a branch of Officers of Avalon set up to raise funds for disaster relief. Address: P.O. Box 22, Baraboo, WI 53913-0022.

Web sites:
www.officersofavalon.com
;
www.avaloncares.com

The Open Hearth Foundation, Inc. (OHF).
Established as a non-profit Pagan community center initiative in 1999, the mission of the OHF is to create gathering space and resources for Pagans of all paths. Primary programs of the OHF include a Pagan lending library, the Washington, D.C., Pagan Pride Week, the OHF Resource Guide, the D.C. Pagans' Night Out, Samhain Drumming at the Jefferson Memorial, the OHF Spring Ball, and an ongoing capital drive campaign for the creation of a dedicated Pagan community center in the D.C. region. Address: OHF, P.O. Box 76043, Washington, D.C. 20013-6043. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.openhearth.org

The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids (OBOD).
A spiritual group dedicated to practicing, teaching, and developing Druidry as a valuable and inspiring spirituality. The Order was founded by Ross Nichols and a group of members of the Ancient Druid Order, including the writer Vera Chapman. The Ancient Druid Order was formed during the early years of the last century out of the Druid Revival that began about three hundred years ago. The ADO traces its origins to 1717. Membership of the Order is open to followers of all faiths and none, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin, and there are currently over 8,000 members in 50 countries. Although most members practice Druidry on their own, there are over 90 groups around the world that offer the opportunity for members to meet and celebrate together. There are also OBOD gatherings, retreats, conferences and workshops. Address: OBOD, P.O. Box 1333, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1DX, England. Phone from U.K.: 01273 470888; from abroad: 0044 1273 470888. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.druidry.org

The Order of the Sacred Oaks & The Sacred Oak Grove.
The Ancient and Honourable Order of the Sacred Oaks was founded on Winter Solstice, December 22, 1998, in Portland, Oregon, along traditional Druidic, Wiccan/ Arthurian lines. The Sacred Oak Grove was chartered the next day. According to the “Great Charter” of the Order, it exists “to revive and rediscover the Druidic mysteries, further the Druidic, Wiccan and Pagan communities and provide a safe and nurturing environment for its members.” The Grove sponsors an annual Eisteddfod for the “bards” in the local Pagan community and conducts an open Summer Solstice ritual in Portland. Initiated members commit to a communal and individual path-seeking knowledge. The Order is a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Oregon. Address: The Order of the Sacred Oaks (or The Sacred Oak Grove), 3352 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, OR 97214. Phone: 503-235-5774. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.sacred-oak-grove.org

Order of the Whiteoak.
The Order of the Whiteoak (Ord na Darach Gile) is a modern Druidic order which bases its beliefs and practices on what is known about the original faith and practices of the pagan Celts. It uses historical research and inspiration to build a viable tradition. Based on those studies, the order believes that the ancient Druids were philosophers, lawyers, judges, lore keepers and poets, as well as ritual leaders and teachers. Members of the order seek to achieve similar skills in these modern times. “We do not believe we are inheritors of the priesthood of Atlantis. We do not believe that Druidry was the sole province of men . . . We do not derive our traditions from medieval romances about Arthur and Merlin. We are not Wiccans or Witches of any sort, as witchcraft and Druidry have been separate though coexistent paths throughout their mutual histories. We do not believe we are the only true Druids.” In 2006 the order split into three branches: the Order of the Whiteoak, a World Druid council. (e-mail: [email protected]; Web site:
www.whiteoakdruids.org
); the Order of the Whiteoak—European Continental (Web site:
www.whiteoakgrove.de
); the third group had not chosen a name when this book went to press.

Ordrine Scatere Stellae—Order of the Well of Stars: An Alexandrian Mystery Order.
This is a magical group that traces its lineage to Alexander Sanders (Witch King of Hastings). It uses a seven-grade system that “takes Sanders's magick beyond the 3 tier level, yet preserves the integrity of Traditional Alexandrian Craft.” Address: OSS, P.O. Box 653, Ulladulla 2539 N.S.W. Australia. Phone: +61 (02) 4455 3006. E-mail: [email protected]. E-group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Well_of_Stars

Web site:
http://geocities.com/well_of_stars

Our Lady of the Earth and Sky (OLOTEAS).
A non-denominational Pagan church serving the Seattle-area Pagan community. It conducts monthly free introductory classes on Wicca, Paganism, Magic, and community service efforts. Address: Our Lady of the Earth and Sky, P.O. Box 20032, Seattle, WA 98102. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.oloteas.org

Our Lady of Enchantment.
A seminary of Wicca founded in 1978 by Lady Sabrina. The school offers home study courses and personal training in Wicca, magic, and metaphysics. It offers degrees and ministerial credentials. Workshops, library, and chapel are open to all students, as are sabbat celebrations and full moon rites. Beginners as well as seasoned practitioners welcome. Address: Our Lady of Enchantment, P.O. Box 355, Cobb, CA 95426. Phone: 707-928-0264. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.wiccaseminary.org

Our Lady of Spiritual Audacity.
A networking organization co-founded by Lady Isadora and daughter Lady Andred for Pagans in open dialogue with people of other faiths. “We are inspired by such ‘gender-bending' or ‘uppity women' heroines of traditional male-dominated religion as Joan of Arc, the legendary Pope Joan, and medieval mystic abbess-composer Hildegard von Bingen. We're also intrigued by increasingly popular alternative ideas about Mary Magdalene in a priestess or goddess role, and we seek to promote public dialogue and awareness about the apparently Pagan roots of the legendary Jesus figure. Address: Our Lady of Spiritual Audacity, P.O. Box 41246, Des Moines, IA 50311. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.ladyisadora.com/olsa.html

Our Lady of the Woods.
A Wiccan coven and congregation whose missions are “Teaching Wicca, Healing the Earth.” OLW provides priest/priestess training in the Ladywood Tradition established by Amber K. The coven offers a Wicca 101 course to the public on a periodic basis and accepts students into the coven by application. Honoring both the God and Goddess, this eclectic group also sponsors eight sabbat celebrations that are free and open to the public. Monthly lectures, workshops, or rituals may also be held. Announcements of events can be found on their Web site. The Web site also contains selected articles from
Lady Letter,
published by OLW from 1993 to 1999. Address: Our Lady of the Woods, P.O. Box 1107, Los Alamos, NM 87544.

Web site:
www.ladywoods.org

Ouroborous Isis Gnosis (OBIG).
Formed by Boneblossom, a Pagan missionary from Starhawk's Reclaiming coven in 1981, and still going strong today. “We are an Inanna based coven, taking Inanna's descent into the Underworld as our litany but we honor all gods and goddesses. Our ritual theme is Mirth and Reverence. We are an eclectic, non-hierarchical, consensus group spread across New England.” A subgroup of Ouroborous (the Star Lodge), a ceremonial magickal group, practices a variant of Israel Regardie's Middle Pillar Meditation. E-mail: [email protected].

Ozark Avalon, Church of Nature.
A Wiccan Church and Land Sanctuary located on 160 sacred acres near the Missouri River outside of Columbia, Missouri. “This is a magickal land with groves, woods, a lake, trails and natural and created shrines. Our mission is to steward and protect our land and offer it for outdoor worship and fellowship. We are open to all Earth Honoring persons of good intentions.” Ozark Avalon is open for camping and personal retreats year round, as well as full moons and sabbat celebrations. Some limited indoor space is also available. There are family-oriented events as well as a few that are for adults only. Address: Ozark Avalon, 26213 Cumberland Church Road, Boonville, MO 65233. Phone: 660-882-6418 or 573-289-3657. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.ozarkavalon.net

Pagan Academic Network (PAN).
An association of Pagan students, faculty, staff, and scholars in academia. Founded in 1992 and sponsored by Circle, members of the network share resources, perspectives, news, and support about the emerging field of Pagan studies and issues pertaining to Pagans on campuses in the United States and elsewhere. The Nature Religions Scholars Network, associated with the American Academy of Religion since 1995, was among the Pagan studies endeavors that emerged from this organization. PAN's annual meeting is held during the Pagan Spirit Gathering (see page 584). Director: Dennis Carpenter, Ph.D. Address: PAN, Circle Sanctuary, P.O. Box 9, Barneveld, WI 53507. 608-924-2216. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.circlesanctuary.org/learn

Pagan Alliance.
Founded in Australia in 1991 to provide a networking and information service to Pagans within Australia. Over a decade later it is still doing so, and also providing information about Pagan religions to official bodies, to the media, and any other interested parties that may require accurate advice or background information about Paganism. In 2000 the Pagan Alliance, Inc. was formed and incorporated as a national body to produce the magazine
Pagan Times
(see page 500). The Pagan Alliance is structured as a network of connected State Bodies. Each State Admin team is independent but headed by a member-elected State Co-ordinator who sits on the National States Council, as a means of ensuring an overall National approach to both policy and any events requiring action by the Alliance, and providing a formal channel for national-level communication. E-mail: [email protected].

Web site:
www.paganalliance.org.au

Pagan Alliance of Nurses (PAN).
PAN strives to unite Pagan nurses for purposes of education, support, exchange of information, political action, and healing. “We seek these things for the overall benefit of ourselves, our religion, families, friends, communities and the world.” PAN began in 2001 as an online discussion group. There is a periodic newsletter, workshops, educational and community projects, and a scholarship. The organization has been a source of information and support for many. “We have been able to ask our questions, to share knowledge, experience, even dreams. As members of a nature-centered religion we realize that all life is interconnected and that our actions as individuals and as a group can have a profound effect of the whole. By coming together as a coordinated force using our knowledge, skills and talents we enhance our effectiveness to facilitate and promote our goals.” E-group site:
health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PaganAllianceofNurses
.

Web site:
www.pagan-alliance-of-nurses.org

Pagan Community Council of Ohio.
A network of Pagans in Ohio from many different traditions and paths. It sponsors meetings and four festivals: the Greening (Memorial Day weekend) (see page 578), Summerset (Labor Day weekend) (see page 586), as well as fall and winter festivals. It also lends support to various community organizations and Pagan Pride events. “We do not require members to follow any certain path, tradition or faith—all with an open mind are welcome.” Address: Pagan Community Council of Ohio, P.O. Box 82089, Columbus, OH 43202-0089. To join the mailing list or inquire about membership, contact: [email protected] or [email protected].

Web site:
www.thepcco.com

The Pagan Federation; The Pagan Federation (Scotland and Ireland).
This is perhaps Europe's largest and most active Pagan organization. It was founded in 1971 as the Pagan Front, to provide information on Paganism and to counter misconceptions about the religion. The Pagan Federation works for the rights of Pagans to worship freely and without censure. Its membership is drawn from all Pagan paths, and while it seeks to advance the general interests of the Pagan community, it does not presume to represent all Pagans. All Pagans over the age of eighteen are welcome to join. The PF runs a growing number of annual, national, and regional conferences across Europe and is particularly active in anti-defamation work and civic advocacy, defending Paganism against abuse and misrepresentation and Pagans against discrimination. The PF handles hundreds of inquiries each year from radio, television, and newspapers, giving them accurate and authoritative information. The Pagan Federation provides pastoral care for Pagans in hospitals and prisons. It publishes a quarterly magazine,
Pagan Dawn
(see page 499). Address: The Pagan Federation, BM Box 7097, London WC1N 3XX, England, U.K. E-mail: [email protected].