Tucson Area Wiccan-Pagan Network (TAWN).
TAWN has been the public face of Neo-Paganism in Tucson since it was founded in 1988. TAWN's goals are communication, understanding, and goodwill among local Neo-Pagans and between the Pagan community and the general public. TAWN meetings are held once a month in Tucson's La Madera Park and are open to the public. There is a Moon School for members' and guests' children between the ages of four and thirteen. TAWN hosts twice-monthly adult public education classes on a variety of Pagan topics, facilitated by TAWN members on various paths. Open sabbat rituals are also presented by members, and the open Mabon rite is the centerpiece of TAWN's annual
Fall Festival and Faire
. There is also a quarterly newsletter,
Tapestry
(see page 502). Address: TAWN, P.O. Box 482, Tucson, AZ 85702-0482. E-mail:
[email protected].
Two-Spirit Peoples.
“Two-Spirit” is a modern phrase now being used by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered Native Americans to show a link to past cultures where some people possessed a balance of both feminine and masculine energies, making them inherently sacred people. Two-spirit often refers to the seers, the visionaries, the cultural keepers, and the peacekeepers of many Native American tribes. “The Two-Spirit tradition of old is being reborn into a new tradition for our age and time. Many gays and lesbians from all walks of life are now hearing the call of the Great Mystery and learning to reconnect with their gifts.” E-mail:
[email protected].
Warrior Circle.
A networking and support circle for Pagans serving in the military and veterans, plus those involved in emergency and protective services, including police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel. Sponsored by Circle, members network with each other through an e-mail discussion list and through the Warrior Blessing Rite and other activities at the Pagan Spirit Gathering. Coordinator: Windwalker. Address: Warrior Circle, Circle Sanctuary, P.O. Box 9, Barneveld, WI 53507. Phone: 608-924-2216. E-mail:
[email protected].
White Mare Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary is a Dianic Sisterhood of the Goddess registered in the state of Michigan since 2002 that believes that the spiritual feminine power, when unleashed with controlled abandon, is true art. “We are free within the Circle to give full artistic and spiritual expression of the Goddess with unconditional love and acceptance of one another; it is a sacred breeding ground for our growth, peace, empowerment and strength.” They meet every month for Full Moon Circles. Address: White Mare Sanctuary, 140 E. Hickory Grove Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Phone: 248-593-8464.
Wiccan Church of Canada.
In 1979, the Wiccan Church of Canada became Canada's first Pagan organization whose services were entirely open to the public. “We are still the only group in Canada offering weekly services to our congregations in Toronto and Hamilton. Not all of our services are Wiccan. We encourage Ãsatrú folk, Druids and other Pagans to visit and demonstrate their ways of worship to us. Why? We want Pagans in our area to know about all of their options of which Gods may speak to them.” The Wiccan Church of Canada runs a weekly two-hour Wicca 101 class, on a one-year cycle. Address: Wiccan Church of Canada, 109 Vaughan Road, Toronto ON, M6C 2L9. E-mail:
[email protected].
Wiccan Church of Minnesota (WiCoM).
A multitraditional Pagan organization made up of individuals and covens dedicated to the celebration of Pagan/Wiccan spirituality. The Church holds annual rituals for the eight sabbats as well as a memorial rite in October. In addition, it provides an annual conference, WiC*CoN, each spring, as well as providing referrals to seekers of various teaching groups/covens whose teachers are recognized by the church. It also publishes a newsletter or members as well as a public newsletter available at their Web site. A sample copy of the newsletter is $3.50. Address: WiCoM, P.O. Box 6715, Minnehaha Station, Minneapolis, MN 55406. E-mail:
[email protected].
Wiccan Religious Group, Iowa State Penitentiary.
Founded in 2000 in order to provide a chance for inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary to practice an Earth-based religion in a positive environment. Traditions currently being followed are Alexandrian, Gardnerian, and Teutonic Wicca. The group meets once a week. Sabbats and Esbats are celebrated, and there are initiations, dedications, and requiems. All must hold to the Wiccan Rede. Lawrence T. Gladson is the HP and group coordinator; Scott E. Howrey is the attending priest. All ritual items are made by hand. “Natural religions bring spiritual development, discipline, support and overall self realization.” There is also a connected coven: the Coven of the Enchanted Dragon. The coven “follows the wisdom of the old ways,” has inner and outer circles and holds open Wicca classes when an outsider wishes to visit. Address: Wiccan Religious Group, Iowa State Penitentiary (Attention Chaplain), P.O. Box 316, 31st Street, Avenue G, Fort Madison, IA 52627-0316. Phone: 319-372-5432, ext. 233. Fax: 319-372-6967.
Widsith.
A Texas seidh group serving the soul-working and oracular Heathen needs of the Dallas area. Since its inception, Widsith has aimed to provide lore-based learning and practices of spae (divination) and seidh (soul-working) in service to the Heathen community. While not all of the members are Heathen, all of Widsith's workings are within the cosmology and ideology of the Heathen (Anglo-Saxon/Germanic) religion. Widsith members regularly meet to enhance skills, honor the deities who are traditionally associated with this work, observe seasonal holidays, and continue to explore the tradition. Beginner workshops are offered regularly. Phone: 972-625-RUNE. E-mail Jennifer at:
[email protected] or
[email protected].
WindTree Ranch.
Located in the southeast Arizona mountains and situated on more than 1,200 acres, WindTree Ranch is the home of Summerland Monastery (est. 1993), affiliated with the Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC). “We are a mortgage-free, off-grid (wind and solar power, water well), ecological research (alternative building and sustainable gardening) and healing retreat for tough pioneer spirits (tobacco and meat free). Our public outreach is the empowerment of minority, disabled youth who are living in poverty: serving them through education, including arts and drama.” Contact a volunteer at WindTree Ranch, 4200 E. Summerland Road, Douglas, AZ 85607-5271. Phone: 520-364-4611. E-mail:
[email protected].
Wisteria.
An intentional community dedicated to sustainable land stewardship, healthy lifestyles, and environmental education. Founded in 1996, Wisteria is situated on 620 rural acres in southeastern Ohio and supports a residential community, event campground, and nature preserve. Wisteria's event campground is operated by Wisteria Community members and offers private, natural space to alternative, spiritual, and progressive groups (20 to 1,000+ people). Facilities include a wetlands wastewater treatment system, residential solar power, and other progressive innovations. Wisteria is now home to the Pagan Spirit Gathering (see page 584), one of the oldest and largest Pagan gatherings in the United States. Located near Athens, Ohio. Phone: 740-742-4302. E-mail:
[email protected].
The Witch & Famous Coven.
Located in Tamarac, Florida, the Witch & Famous Coven was officially founded at Imbolc 1994 and follows the Celtic Pantheistic path. “We seek to keep alive the old ways, and to nurture our Spiritual selves in the worship of the old Gods and Goddesses. We are a teaching coven, and many of our initiates also feel the call to become teachers.” Leaders are Lord Riekin and Lady Bridget, who is a singer and songwriter and has produced two Wiccan CDs. They are a member of the Covenant of the Goddess and Everglades Moon local council. Address: Witch & Famous Coven, P.O. Box 771273, Coral Springs, FL 33077. E-mail:
[email protected].
Witchcraft Education Network.
Caters to Witches and would-be Witches living in Japan. They have published a highly successful booklet on the Craft and run an online Witchcraft study group. In the future they plan to publish more booklets and hold open rituals. WEN is Internet-based. E-mails should be in Japanese or English. E-mail:
[email protected] Witch Grass Coven.
The coven was started in March of 2000 by a group of people connected by religion who also had children. Many covens require day care for children, but “We felt, if you can not have your children with you when you worship, then it is not a real religion. Witch Grass Coven was our answer. We do not require people to be parents to join this coven, but they must accept that this is what we are. We will not hide our children, nor hire child care to have a ritual; children's energy is the purest energy in the room!” The coven is based in NROOGD tradition but is eclectic and is as much a family as a coven. “We love to read, we all have children, we love to create, we love to have a good time.”
Wolves' Wod Kindred.
A Tribalist/Folkish Ãsatrú Kindred founded in 1999 and serving the folks in Southwestern Indiana. “We unite as a tribe and family to celebrate and follow the Germanic religion of Ãsatrú. We are a faith family devoted to our beliefs, toward learning, practice and kinship with the Aesir, Vanir, our ancestors and goodly wights. We are committed to resurrecting old customs and traditionsâbut we simultaneously strive to integrate our faith properly into our modern American lives.” Wolves' Wod strives to serve local Ãsatrú families, national organizations, and to serve as a positive example of Heathenry in the secular world. Kindred members facilitate rituals and rites of passage. They help create a learning environment, provide spiritual counseling, and foster community support. Address: Wolves' Wod Kindred, P.O. Box 13, Elberfeld, IN 47613. E-mail:
[email protected].
Women in Conscious Creative Action (WICCA).
WICCA was founded in 1983 to provide women with a place to call their ownâa place where they could study and celebrate together. Women meet in small groups called Wings and come together for the eight holydays. Women who are not in Wings may also be members. “We hold retreats (called Forwards because we are not retreating for anyone), classes and a Summer Gathering in August of each year.” Students can complete individual studies that can lead to ordination as Priestesses. WICCA held three Festivals of Women's Spirituality in 1985, 1986, and 1987 in Oregon. The organization has been working with women in Ghana, and with women, youth, and some men and who are incarcerated in the United States, holding classes and rituals within institutional walls. A newsletter,
On Wings
, is published six times a year, free samples are available. Priestess: Norma Joyce. Address: WICCA, P.O. Box 5296, Eugene, OR 97405. Phone: 541-485-3654. E-mail:
[email protected].
Women of Wisdom Foundation:
A non-profit organization for the empowerment of women through programs that offer healing, spiritual awareness, personal development, and community. WOW “celebrates the sacred feminine and is committed to creating a new paradigm through a circle structure of shared leadership.” WOW has sponsored an annual conference for women every February since 1993, with lectures, concerts, ritual theater performances, and experiential workshops. This is a unique gathering for women to celebrate, share their stories, heal, and be validated to make positive changes in their lives. You can sign up for the WOW e-newsletter at their Web site:
www.womenofwisdom.org
. Address: Women of Wisdom Foundation, P.O. Box 30043, Seattle WA 98113. Phone: 206-782-3363. E-mail:
[email protected].
Women's Spiritual Leadership Alliance (WSLA).
An association of priestesses who meet regularly to support each other, to contribute to the life of the Pagan community in the Denver area, and to provide educational outreach to the public when needed or requested. WSLA has sponsored lectures, a leadership conference, and an introduction to Wicca classes. WSLA also does charitable work. Address: WSLA, Inc., 7482 East Providence Avenue, Denver, CO 80237.
Women's Spirituality Forum.
The Women's Spirituality Forum really began in the late 1970s as a series of lectures; it was founded as a non-profit organization in 1986 by Zsuzsanna Budapest. The Forum is dedicated to bringing Goddess consciousness to mainstream awareness and to provide spirituality education for girls and women. In the past, it has produced a monthly lecture series in the Bay Area, spirituality retreats, Halloween Spiral Dances, and annual weeklong festivals for women and girls. In 2003, the Forum established an ongoing online course that facilitates education for women in the Dianic Tradition, the Dianic University Online. Address: Women's Spirituality Forum, Inc., P.O. Box 11363, Oakland, CA 94611.
Women's Thealogical Institute (WTI).
The Women's Thealogical Institute is a seminary and multidimensional school for women who wish to further their understanding of the Goddess, women's spirituality, and/or Witchcraft. The Institute is run by The Re-formed Congregation of the Goddess-International (RCG-Iâsee page 558). There are three programs of self-directed spiritual development: the Cella Program, a course of study designed to assist women to explore, expand, and strengthen their practice of women's spirituality, to discover the inner mysteries of both themselves and women's religion; the Crone Program, for women over fifty-three, to build a future for the Crone years; and the Guardian Program, a course of spiritual development for women who identify with the Amazon archetype. The structure allows women to work at their own pace. Later they can choose a path or specialization. The Women's Thealogical Institute graduates and ordains priestesses of RCG-I. Address: RCG-I, P.O. Box 6677, Madison, WI 53716. Phone: 608-226-9998. E-mail:
[email protected].