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Paganism 101 Lesson 2 is posted

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Wheel Mandala
Thanks to everyone who was able to come to Lesson 2 today!
REVIEW
Both the slide deck PDF and the Study Hall sheet for Lesson 2 are posted online at
That is the main “hub” for all the class stuff. You can use the LESSONS tab at the top to get to the ones available so far. Both Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 materials are posted.
You can talk to classmates in between sessions on the matching Facebook group if you wish.
HOMEWORK
Homework is “pick your level.” Suggested minimum is from the red square area of the study hall 2 sheet.
These are the main items
  • Read Article #2 “What is Ritual?”
  • Practice #2 “A Solo Hour in Nature”
  • Think about what “sacred space” means to you.
As willing and able, you can explore other ideas on the sheet if you wish. We do NOT expect you to try to do it all! It’s just for ideas. You can also pick your own activity or idea to explore for your spiritual practice this month.
NEXT TIME
Next time we talk about creating “sacred space.” We add a few more components to mini ritual — practicing casting the circle, calling elements, calling the lord and lady, raising energy in a simple way, and cakes and ale. Then we practice releasing all the things and opening the circle back up as we leave sacred space.
Our new tool is the pentacle plate. You can use any plate to serve your “cakes” at the home altar.
Minimal supplies are your
  • UU chalice/candle/finger chalice
  • a small plate with bread, cookies, or other treat for “cake”
  • a glass with a beverage for “ale.”
You can set up your student altar with extra items if you wish.
You can bring a drum if you have one or you can drum on your lap or table.
We enjoyed seeing you today and look forward to seeing you next month! 🙂

Seeker Class – 3rd Sundays Spring 2021

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Seeker Class PR Flier copy

Seeker Class PR Flier Spring 2021

Are you curious about Paganism and/or Unitarian Universalism? Is this the path for you? Take this class to find out what it is all about.  Both newbies and long term UU’s and Pagans gather to share their questions and experiences in lively discussion in this 90 minute class. 

SYLLABUS

Feb 21, 2021
  • Pagan Paths – An Overview
  • Public Rituals

Mar 21, 2021
  • Paganism – Truth and Tales
  • Wicca and Witchcraft

Apr 18, 21
  • Safety in the Circle
  • Skyclad – The Bare Facts

May 16, 2021
  • Sacred Knives
  • Sacred Ground

June 20, 2021
  • The Faith of UU Pagans
  • Brief History of CUUPs
  • About Mystic Grove CUUPs

FACEBOOK GROUP

 You can join the Seeker Class study group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mgseekerclass

REGISTRATION AND COST

This class is FREE.  A $5 donation per class is welcome but not required.  You can donate online or send a check. 

To register please visit https://tinyurl.com/MGSeekerClassRegistration

For more info, email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

Winter Solstice 2020 Info

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Corrected Winter Solstice 2020 Main Flier

Come celebrate the longest night of the year and the returning light with us on through special readings, songs, and reflections.

SPIRAL DANCE

Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org to register and help film a masked and socially distance Spiral Dance at 6 PM on Sunday Dec 13, 2020 in the labyrinth.  Guest list is limited to 15 persons.

SHARE PHOTOS

Are you decorating the house? Baking cookies? Setting up home altars? Doing other holiday activities? You can share your pix by emailing them to mysticgrove@orlandouu.org.

ATTEND WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP

Want to make the worship and after party more interactive?

LEARN THE SONGS

At worship…

At fellowship time…

PRINT AND MAKE THE CANDLE CENTERPIECE

YULE CHANT BOOKS

Learn a song from either the red or green Yule chant books and lead it around the bonfire!  We love contrafactum!

SHORT MORNING RITUAL

If you do stay up all night to greet the sun, here’s a reading and song as you extinguish your candles.

READING: 

“A Pagan Awakening”  by Jeff A. Bordeaux

A new life is there,
You hear Her now,
She was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So listen to Diana, and accept Her love.
Hoard not Her gifts : feeling, renewal, music.

A new life is there,
You see Him now,
He was always there,
and you’re forever changed.
So look to Apollo, and receive His light.
Hoard not His gifts : healing, growth, joy.

A new life is there,
Your hands reach it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So touch the earth, and partake of it’s sustenance.
Hoard not it’s gifts : body, green, silence.

A new life is there,
You soar with it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So breathe in the air and gather the wind.
Hoard not it’s gifts : mind, dreams, empathy.

A new life is there,
You’re warmed by it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So build the flame and brave it’s heat.
Hoard not it’s gifts : spirit, will, energy.

A new life is there,
You flow with it now,
It was always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So study the ocean and follow it’s tides.
Hoard not it’s gifts : self, courage, sorrow.

A new life is there,
You’re one with them now,
They were always there,
and You’re forever changed.
So take Their gifts and return them threefold.
Share this magic : friendship, love, trust.

SONG:

“Awaken Me” by Abigail Spinner McBride

For more info, email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org

Mabon 2020

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For those who might enjoy “visiting” Orlando for Mabon!
Join us in celebrating the Autumn Equinox on Sept 19,2020 from 6:45 PM EST – 9 PM EST.
Come as you are or dressed in colors of the season: brown, orange, yellow, red, etc. Ritual starts at 7 PM, but we gather at 6:45 for “Meet and Greet” orientation.
Mabon is our annual canned/box food drive. This year we invite you to share the bounty by making an online donation to Second Harvest Food Bank as willing and able.
Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org for Zoom connection info or visit the Facebook event page on the day.
Mystic Grove Mabon 2020 Web Flier

Book Group – Pagan Voices

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Note: This class series has ended. This is now an archived post.

50650260_10155963824477011_3837864956162736128_n(Book published by Skinner House Press. Image © Kishgraphics)

This 6 session book group meets on 3rd Sundays. We will be reading and discussing selections from “Pagan and Earth-Centered Voices in Unitarian Universalism.” It is drop-in friendly and free of cost. Donations always welcome toward the MG scholarship fund. This benefits students who wish to take our tuition classes but need financial assistance.

Each month on 3rd Sunday we gather in Room 1 after coffee hour and read the selection of the month out loud and discuss. While you don’t need a book to drop-in and check it out, your experience will be enriched if you do get your own text.

TOPICS

Volunteer teachers takes turns facilitating a session where 2 selections are read and discussed.  Email us if you would like to co-host and share your two favorite selections from the book.

Dates Host(s) Selections
Jan 20, 2019 Mary
  • “A Unitarian Universalist Journey into Paganism” by Shirley Ann Ranck
  • “Vibrant, Juicy, Contemporary: Or, Why I am a UU Pagan” by Margot Adler
Feb 17, 2019 Cat
  • “Celebrating the Seasons” by Selena Fox
  • “Pagan Depth in Unitarian Universalism: Or Why UU Polytheism is Not an Oxymoron” by John Beckett
Mar 17, 2019 Dev Inderjeet
  • “Paths and Patterns” by Misty Sheehan
  • “Touched by a Goddess” by Om Prakash
Apr 21, 2019 Mary
  • “Drumbeats in the Sanctuary ” Carole Etzler Eaglehart
  • “Earth Song: pagan Chant in UU Churches” by Nancy Veder- Shults
May 19, 2019 Michael
  • “Affirming LGBTQ Identity in UU Paganism” by Michael Walker
  • “Welcoming the Gods into Our Congregation by Sue Nading”
June 16, 2019 Lesley
  • “Cultural Sharing and Misappropriation” by Carol Bodeau
  • “Designing Ritual for All” by Maggie Beaumont

HOW THE BOOK CAME TO BE

In early 2014, the board of CUUPS shared about a potential book project with Skinner House Press on Pagan Voices within the Unitarian Universalist Association. After much conversation, and weighing the options, Rev. Shirley Ranck and Jerrie Hilderbrand agreed to take it on and work on it together.

The result is a compilation of essays from people who followed Pagan and Earth-Centered traditions and/or thinking of many kinds.

“Similar to the other theologies honored in UU sources and principles, Paganism and Earth-Centered voices were as diverse as humanity. We are not a once size fits all. There is no dogma or one way being the right way. We challenge the Pagan who comes to us with a fixed way of thinking.”

You can read more about the book origins here. 

BUY BOOKS ONLINE

Moon Circle: Third Eye and Crown Chakras (June 2019)

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Our sixth Moon Circle session focuses on the third chakra and the crown chakra.

Sri Aurobindo:

That within us which seeks to know and to progress is not the mind but something behind it which makes use of it.

Throat Chakra- Ajna

Element: light

Concerns: to know, to perceive, intuition

Health and wellness issues: blindness, headaches, nightmares

Herbs: mugwort, star anise, acacia, saffron, clary sage

Sound: seed sound Om

Tarot: High Priestess

Stones: lapis lazuli, amethyst, quartz

Animals: owl

Other deities: Shakti in her throat chakra aspect called Hakini, Hecate, Isis,  Athena, Apollo, Thoth

 

Crown Chakra- Sahasrara

Element: Thought

Concerns: understanding, bliss

Health and wellness issues: depression, alienation, confusion, apathy

Herbs: lotus, gotu kola

Stones: diamond, amethyst, quartz

Animals: owl

Deities: Ama-kala (upward moving Shakti), Shiva, Varuna, Zeus, Inanna, Odin, Obatala

HOMEWORK

Homework is “pick your level.”

Thinking Questions:  

Deep Listening Questions:

“Close both eyes to see with the other.” –Rumi
What do you think it means to see with your third eye?
How do psychic messages usually come to you?
Describe a mystical experience that you have had.
Small Choose one from each category

Music

Videos/Exercices

Articles
Medium: All the above PLUS Choose an article or two from this category
Large: All the above PLUS
DIY Mix and match your own combo from above and/or select another working that interests you related to this month’s theme.

Moon Circle: Throat Chakra (May 2019)

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Our fifth Moon Circle session focuses on the throat chakra with guidance from the angelic realm.

Throat Chakra- Vishuddha

Element: akasha or aether

Concerns: expression, listen to guidance, act on higher will

Health and wellness issues: ears, lungs, mouth, thyroid, respiratory, communication

Herbs: angelica root, basil, bergamot, chamomile, cypress, peppermint, spearmint

Fragrances: frankincense

Sound: musical note G, seed sound Ham

Planets: Mercury

Tree of Life Sephirot: Gevurah, Chesed, Da’at

Rune: ansuz

Tarot: The Hanged Man, The Hierophant

Stones: amazonite, aquamarine, chrysocolla, lapis lazuli, larimar, sodalite, turquoise 

Animals: hummingbird, wolf

Other deities: Shakti in her throat chakra aspect called Shakini, Ambara, Benzaiten, Bragi, Dian Y Glas, Hermes/Mercury, Lucifer, Melek Taus, Muses, Odin, Sadashiva, Saraswati

HOMEWORK

Homework is “pick your level.”

ThinkingQuestions: This month we study the throat chakra. We discuss listening to guidance and acting on our higher Will.

“I have just recovered the key to the lost staircase … the staircase in the wall … winds from the subterranean depths of the Ego to the high terraces crowned by stars.”

French writer and mystic, Romain Rolland

Deep Listening Questions:

 
Small Choose one from each category

Videos/Exercices

Articles
Medium: All the above PLUS Choose an article or two on our deity and pantheon of the month
Large: All the above PLUS
DIY Mix and match your own combo from above and/or select another working that interests you related to this month’s theme.

Other

Music

Moon Circle: Heart Chakra (April 2019)

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Our fourth Moon Circle session focuses on the heart chakra and the bodhisattva Kuan Yin.

Heart Chakra – Anahata

In Sanskrit, anahata means unhurt, unstruck, and unbeaten.

Element: Air

Concerns: Love, Forgiveness, Compassion, Acceptance

Health and wellness issues: heart and breathing disorders, breast cancer,  chest pain, high blood pressure, passivity, immune system problems, muscular tension.

Herbs: Vervain, Angelica, Hops, Hawthorn, Basil, Tulsi, Rose, Motherwort, Lavender

Fragrances: Rose, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine

Sound: Yam

Planets: Venus

Tree of Life Sephirot: Tiferet (Tephereth)

Rune: Wunjo, Berkana

Tarot: Strength

Stones: Emerald, Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, Tourmaline (Green, Pink, Watermelon), Pink Kunzite

Animals: Dove, Dog, Deer

Deities: Kuan Yin, Jesus, Vishnu, Krishna, Venus, Isis, Green Tara

HOMEWORK

Homework is “pick your level.”

ThinkingQuestions:  This month we study the heart chakra.

Deep Listening Questions:

“To me, the way of the witch has always been a heart path. As we align with the green world, with nature, and venerate nature as the physical manifestations of the divine, we are aligned with the green that has become associated with the heart chakra. Many mystics have found their spiritual awakening through nature and through the awakening of the love that connects all things.”

Christopher Penczak, The Living Temple of
Witchcraft

Answer the following questions while thinking
about the previous quote:

Describe a time when you felt a sense of serenity and connection in nature.

How does your paganism and/or UU path help you to become aware of “the love that connects all things”?

Does a connection between nature and the heart chakra work for you?Why or why not?

———

“Radiate boundless love towards the entire world —
above, below, and across — unhindered, without ill
will, without enmity.”

– The Buddha (from the Metta Sutta)

Is “radiating boundless love towards the entire world” realistic? Why or why not?

How do you deal with difficult people in your life? Which spiritual tools do you use?

———

A common form of the Wiccan Rede (a pagan ethical statement) is “An’ ye harm none, do what ye will.”

What are some ways that we can avoid inflicting harm on other people?

How do you make amends after you have harmed someone else?

 
Small Videos/Exercices (Choose Two)

Articles
Medium: All the above PLUS Choose an article/video or two on our deity and pantheon of the month
Large: All the above PLUS
DIY Mix and match your own combo from above and/or select another working that interests you related to this month’s theme

Bach Original Flower Remedies

Official Website

How to Use Bach Flower Remedies

The following were used in our blend for the heart chakra…

Agrimony: Communicate Openly

Agrimony encourages the positive potential to open up, as well as communicate your real feelings. For those who hide a mountain of thoughts and inner turmoil behind their smile. Leave emotional discomfort in the past; face your emotion freely.

Chicory: Love Unconditionally

Chicory encourages the positive potential to selflessly take a step back and care for others without expecting anything in return. Care for the ones you love without becoming manipulative or overprotective. Take a step back, and love unconditionally.

Red Chestnut: Peace of Mind

Red Chestnut encourages the positive potential of peace of mind, to care for others with compassion but without the worry. Often a temporary feeling, anxious thoughts and worries can impact our relationships. Overcome the feeling of anxiety around others, and comfort your mind.

Water Violet: Connect

Water Violet encourages the positive potential to find warmer relationships with others in a calm, relatable way. Allow yourself to reach out and connect with others. Cultivate and connect with the
people that surround you.

 

 

Moon Circle: Solar Plexus Chakra (March 2019)

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Our third Moon Circle session focuses on the Solar Plexus and the Germanic/Heathen deity Sunna.

Solar Plexus- Manipura

Element: Fire with Air.

Concerns: will, power, energy, self esteem, transformation, laughter, anger

Health and wellness issues: adrenal issues, anorexia/bulimia, anxiety, cirrhosis, codependency, diabetes, digestive issues, fear of rejection, indecisiveness, self image, ulcers

Herbs: calendula, carnation, chamomile, cinnamon, dandelion, ginger, helichrysum, juniper, lemon balm, marigold, milk thistle, Rosemary, sunflower, turmeric

Fragrances: amber, citrus, Florida Water, helichrysum, lemongrass

Sound: musical note E, seed sound RAM

Planets: Sun, Mars

Tree of Life Sephirot: Hod, Netzach

Rune: Sowilo

Tarot: The Sun, The Tower, Suit of Wands, Threes

Stones: amber, calcite (gold and honey), citrine, malachite, tiger’s eye, topaz

Animals: bear, lion, ram

Other deities: Shakti in her Solar Plexus chakra aspect called Lakini, Aine, Agni, Amaterasu, Apollo, Athena, Beaivi, Belenos, Brigid, Helios, Vishnu as Rudra, Lugh, Mithra, Pele, Ra, Saule, Sekhmet, Shamash, Sol, Sulis, Surya, Unelanuhi, Vulcan

FOR THOSE TAKING THE MOON CIRCLE CLASS IN PERSON, OR WANTING TO FOLLOW ALONG FROM HOME, HERE ARE THIS MONTH’S LINKS.

HOMEWORK

Homework is “pick your level.”

ThinkingQuestions:  This month we study the solar plexus chakra. We discuss personal power and will

Deep Listening Questions:

“Explorations of power can be difficult, yet  we have chosen a path that deals with power. Many witches are uncomfortable with power yet it is a fundamental part of our tradition. Our paths are the paths to power. Our worship rituals direct and raise energy. Our magick is balanced with a certain power and our magick is the way we commune; we pray with the universe. […] We are active and empowered participants in creation.”

Christopher Penczak, The Living Temple of Witchcraft

What is power? Does power make you feel uncomfortable? What makes you feel empowered? (I.e. God(s)? Goddess? Nature? Universe? Higher power? Humanism?)

“There are two kinds of power. One is power over, which is always destructive, and the other is power from within, which is a transcendent and creative power.”

Starhawk, Dreaming the Dark

Do you think that “power over” is always destructive? Why do you think these distinctions are important to Goddess oriented feminist witches like Starhawk? Starhawk later mentions a third kind of power: “power-with,” pertaining to social power or influence among equals. When do you see “power-with” dynamics in your life?

“When we are in unhealthy fear, it is rooted in the ego, for the ego is what creates the illusion of being in control. The fear of the ego is that it will end, either through literal death or loss of self-identity, ego death. The ego doesn’t always serve our highest good. It often creates stagnant situations where rather than being forced to grow and shed an aspect of the ego, we keep our consciousness contracted in fear and retain the ego in its contracted form. We must identify, through introspective practices, the ego so that we transcend it and get it working for us.”

Christopher Penczak The Living Temple of Witchcraft

Do you feel that your ego gets in the way of your spiritual journey? If so, when do you notice your ego? What introspective practices have you tried to identify and transcend your ego?
Small Videos/Exercices (Choose Two)

Articles
Medium: All the above PLUS Choose an article/video or two on our deity and pantheon of the month

Sunna and Other Solar Goddeses

Heathenry
Large: All the above PLUS
DIY Mix and match your own combo from above and/or select another working that interests you related to this month’s theme.

Music

Heathen Resources