We are so excited to share that the Spring 2021 Brochure is out!
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Seeker Class – 3rd Sundays Spring 2021
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
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Feb 21, 2021 |
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Mar 21, 2021 |
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Apr 18, 21 |
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May 16, 2021 |
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June 20, 2021 |
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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
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
- 7 PM EST Online Worship over Facebook Live and Zoom
- 8 PM EST Virtual Yule Bonfire Party on Zoom
Want to make the worship and after party more interactive?
LEARN THE SONGS
At worship…
- Carolyn’s Party by Ann Reed
- Held in the Heart by Abbie Spinner McBride
- Dance, My Children, Dance by Spiral Rhythm
- One Spirit by Spiral Rhythm
- Solstice Carol by Wyrd Sisters
At fellowship time…
- Come and Be Welcome by Heather Dale
- Solstice Night by SJ Tucker
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
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.
Book Group – Pagan Voices
Note: This class series has ended. This is now an archived post.
(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 |
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| Feb 17, 2019 | Cat |
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| Mar 17, 2019 | Dev Inderjeet |
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| Apr 21, 2019 | Mary |
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| May 19, 2019 | Michael |
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| June 16, 2019 | Lesley |
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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)
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.
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| 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)
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:
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| 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)
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 Answer the following questions while thinking 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 — – 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?
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| 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
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| 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 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
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Moon Circle: Solar Plexus Chakra (March 2019)
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
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
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| 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
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Moon Circle: Sacral Chakra (February 2019)
Our second Moon Circle session focuses on the Sacral Chakra and the Yoruba deity Oshun.
Sacral Chakra: Svadhistana
Element: Water
Concerns: sensuality, pleasure, relationship, intuition, creativity, and joy
Health and wellness issues: gonads, ovaries, kidney/bladder, intestines, liver
Herbs: fennel, coriander, damiana
Essential Oils: orange, ylang ylang, jasmine
Sound: VAM
Planets: Mercury, Venus, Moon
Tree of Life Sephirot: Yesod
Rune: Fehu
Tarot: All Cups, The Moon, The High Priestess
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Orange Tourmaline, Amber
Other deities and mythical beings: Freya, Aphrodite/Venus, Dionysus, Inanna, Hathor, Ostara, Eros, Kama, Erzulie Freda
FOR THOSE TAKING THE MOON CIRCLE CLASS IN PERSON, OR WANTING TO FOLLOW ALONG FROM HOME, HERE ARE THIS MONTH’S LINKS.
Links to Music We Used in Ritual:
- “Oshun Chant” by Women of the Calabash
- “Homage to My Hips” by Lucille Clifton
- “River” by Ibeyi
- “I Be Your Water” by Sweet Honey in the Rock
- “Sacral Chakra” by Beautiful Chorus
- “River” by Bishop Briggs
Deep Listening Questions:
- Is it possible, or desirable, for sensuality to be connected with all, or many, of our actions?
- Can the sensual be consistently felt in our daily lives?
- Are healthy sexuality and relationship an integral part of your spirituality? Why/why not?
- How does paganism deal with healthy sexuality in ways that may be different from other religions?
- Is there a time when you have trusted your gut instincts over intellectual knowledge? If so, what happened?
- What do you do just to play?
- How do you incorporate creativity into your life?
- Do you think that joy is connected to creativity?
- When you were growing up, did your family encourage you to be a kid, or were you encouraged to be serious and responsible? How does that influence your life now?
- Finish this sentence: I am beautiful when. . . List as many things as you can think of.
HOMEWORK
Homework is “pick your level.”
Small level:
Medium level, all of the above plus:
- The Archetype of Oshun and the Divine Feminine video
- How to Open Your Sacral Chakra video
- Sacral Chakra Healing Meditation
Large level, all of the above plus:
pages 91 to 110 in The Living Temple of Witchcraft: Volume One, The Descent of the Goddess
