Western Esotericism

Course Title:  T5560 History of Western Esotericism, Wicca and Contemporary Paganism
Professor: Deirdre Sommerlad-Rogers, Ph.D.
Class Description: This course surveys the history and theology of Western esotericism and contemporary Paganism, including the Golden Dawn, Theosophy, Thelema, Wicca, and the flowering of contemporary Pagan traditions. Considers the defining characteristics of esotericism, historical influences on the development of contemporary Pagan traditions, and current controversies in historical interpretation.
Required Reading: Goodrick-Clarke, N. The Western Esoteric Traditions: A Historical Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2008.
Class Meetings: Mondays 9:00 pm EST
Class Begins Monday May 18, 2020

Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan

dadboyscamping.jpgdadboyscamping.jpg

P5105 Human Development across the Life Span in a Pagan Context
Professors: David Oringderff, Ph.D. and Shane Nelson, MA
Class Description: Students will become familiar with psychological development throughout the lifespan. For each stage of development, students will consider the ways in which a Pagan lifestyle and a Pagan world view may affect an individual’s physical, cognitive, social and personal development. This course provides clergy with developmental information that can be applied to age-related ritual design, curriculum and counseling.
Required Reading: Feldman, Robert S. Development Across the Life Span (6th edition), 2010.  Pearson.
Class Meetings: Tuesdays, 8:00 EST
Class Begins: Monday, May 18, 2020

Archetypal Imagery in Counseling I

altar credit Peridoxs.JPGaltar credit Peridoxs.JPG

Course Title: Archetypal Imagery in Counseling I
Instructor: Angela Chamberlain, MA
Class Description: Learn experientially how to achieve personal and client goals using techniques that incorporate mythology from Asian, Middle Eastern, and European Myths.  (The second part of this series will be offered Fall 2020.)
Required Reading: Archetypal Imagery and the Spiritual Self: Techniques for Coaches and Therapists by A. Nelson. Singing Dragon Publishing.
Class Meetings: Thursdays, 8:00 pm EST
Class Begins: Monday May 18
Insights 1 – May 18 – June 14

Ins - Real World Pagan Ethics

disaster chaplain.jpgdisaster chaplain.jpg
What does it mean to be an ethical magical practitioner? How can you tell if a teacher or coven leader has good boundaries? When we step into leadership, how can we make sure we are doing right by our communities? This course is designed to help clarify our internal ethical code, and then apply it to the areas of Community, Service, Ritual, and Leadership. The poet and philosopher M.C. Richards wrote, "It takes a golden ear to be empty enough of itself to hear clearly.” We will approach the formation of healthy, rigorous ethics and boundaries in the spirit of deep listening and open conversation, and follow where it leads.

Per Ankh I: Ancient Egyptian Spirituality for Today

nut-night.jpgnut-night.jpg
During four exciting weeks discover the landscape that inspired the world's oldest recorded religion - the mighty Nile, the deserts, the delta and Kemet's neighbors. Learn about several major creation myths, introduce yourselves to the ancient netjeru (deities) and their temples. Consider what ancient Egypt means for us today. Per Ankh II will be offered in the fall of 2020.