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From the Chair
 I always see May as filled with hope and promise. Perhaps, this is just me being self-centered as my birthday occurs in May. You would be right in thinking so. This does not always mean that that I am egocentric or selfish. It mean that my viewpoint is unique, based upon my biological being, environment, history, and I am sure a host of other reasons. Paganism speaks for me because I can be unique yet still be part of a group.
Yet, all this is very self-centered. My religion is based upon what works for me, what rings true in my heart. I have heard criticisms that Paganism lacks "fundamental" beliefs. I do think there is a core to Paganism; it's just that this includes a multiplicity of cores that interact in a highly complex manner making each of us unique but connected. It also means that I take responsibility for my own spiritual wellbeing to varying degrees of success.
Lucky for me, I did not need to take my spiritual journey all alone. I have learned, and even model some of my behavior, after people I admire including those I have met and others by their writings. One reason I came to Cherry Hill Seminary was for the unique experiences in learning at a Pagan seminary. However, the responsibility is still mine which begins with registration for the classes that will add to my uniqueness. So join me this May by registering for one of the great classes at Cherry Hill Seminary.
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You Can Help With Just One Click
We often hear that Cherry Hill Seminary is one of the best-kept secrets around. We do not rent mailing lists from others and never share our own lists. But word-of-mouth is the very best way to let people know about this veritable jewel.
Will you help by forwarding CHS messages to the groups to which you belong?
A link at the bottom of this message makes it easy to forward our news and announcements without the formatting becoming garbled.
Thanks for spreading the word! |
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Important Dates
For Students
May 14 - End summer registration
May 21 - Begin summer classes
May 21 - Foundations 1 classes begin
May 28 - Drop/Add deadline midnight tonight
For Faculty
May 6 - Grades due to office by instructors
May 10 - Fall course proposals due to department chair
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Position Open
Soon we will bid a fond farewell to Ben Hoshour who has served as our Newsletter Coordinator for the past year.
Are you a strong writer and project manager looking for a way to support your favorite Pagan educational organization?
Visit here to review the job description and qualifications and apply by sending a cover letter, resume and two professional references to CHS@cherryhillseminary.org.
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Join the Conversation
More than 2,000 people are now connected to the Cherry Hill Seminary Facebook page where Keri Alley, our Social Networking Coordinator, keeps the pace lively. Come "like" the page and then jump in to share what's happening in your circle or grove, swap ideas and resources, Pagan news, and discussions - from secret societies to recipes to free speech to shout outs to remarkable Pagans.
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Summer starts May 21-Register Now
Instructor: Grant Potts, Ph.D
Class meetings: None
Although the status of contemporary Paganism as an indigenous religion is contested, many practitioners claim at least some resonance between their own spirituality and that of living indigenous traditions throughout the world. This course offers students of Pagan ministry a survey of indigenous traditions throughout the world. Examine the category "indigenous" then explores indigenous religion and spirituality in specific contexts. Emphasis on the diversity of practices and beliefs More info and register
Instructor: Anne Hill, D. Min.
Class meetings: Wed. 5pm
Dreams have played an important historic role in Pagan traditions as a reliable means of direct communication with the Gods, ancestors, and nature spirits, for healing, prophecy, and intercession. Using current research, their own dream material, and an interactive class dream group, students will develop a framework for using dreams in spiritual mentoring, and identify approaches to dreams that make the most sense for contemporary Pagans. More info and register |
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May 21 - June 17
Instructor: Holli S. Emore
Class meetings: 8pm (ET) Mondays.
Philanthropy is a bedrock of American democracy, providing a balance between a purely corporate or a purely socialist state. But not only is it key to our survival, it's a joy to give! Pagan groups and organizations are emerging from half a century or more of conflicted emotions about money, crippling growth or even sustainability. Over the course of the class you will begin to develop your own fundraising plan. Four Monday evening live Skype chats (9PM ET), plus online classroom discussion and light assignments. More info and register |
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June 18 - July 15
Instructor: York Dobyns, Ph.D.
Class meetings: 8pm (ET) Fridays.
The implications of Quantum Mechanics are so profound and astonishing that some of the physicists who founded the field adopted mystical worldviews as a result. The relationship between science and spirituality, and what quantum mechanics does and does not have to say about the nature of consciousness and human spirituality. The course will not use equations nor expect students to have any particular knowledge of physics. More info and register |
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June 18 - July 15
Instructor: Scott Mohnkern, J.D.
Class meetings: 8pm (ET) Mondays.
Individuals labeling themselves "Heathens" have established their own religious and social practices. Introduction to the ethics and philosophy of those following the Northern European paths, and the unique values of the Heathen community. Students will emerge better prepared to handle diversity in a ministerial context. More info and register |
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July 16 - Aug 12
Instructor: Christine Kraemer, Ph.D.
Class meetings: none
Victor and Cora Anderson were the founders of the Anderson Feri (or Faery) tradition, an American witchcraft tradition famous for its ecstatic practices and its queer-friendly theology. Despite its small size, Feri has had a tremendous impact on the Pagan movement through well-known figures such as Gwydion Pendderwen, Alison Harlow, Starhawk, T. Thorn Coyle, Macha NightMare, and many others. More info and register |
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July 16 - Aug 12
Instructor: Lee Gilmore, Ph.D.
Class meetings: none
Burning Man is an annual eclectic, seven-day celebration of art, fire, and community that takes place in Nevada's Black Rock desert. Think critically about the event's dynamic history, culture, communities, traditions, rituals, and values to cultivate an expanded understanding of religion. In the spirit of Burning Man, this course will be participatory and will culminate in the completion of creative and academic projects. More info and register |
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Welcome New Hypatia Society Members
We are also thrilled to welcome our first two group members, Oak Henge Grove in Austin, Texas, and Circle of the Wild Wood in Dallas, Texas!
And we owe a very special thank you to the wonderful individuals who opened their homes to host an Agora Party during our spring Hypatia Society campaign. The message of Hypatia and the Agora movie is loud and clear - education is the key to a civil, safe and fulfilling society. Not only that, but spring fundraising has now topped $10,000!
Keep The Hypatia Society in mind as a gift to recognize the progress of your initiates or students, for 2012 graduates, or any time you want to give a gift that also gives to Cherry Hill Seminary.
$20 Astronomer - Vinyl CHS logo decal 5" square $45 Mathematician - Enamel CHS pin 3/4" round, plus Astronomer benefits $95 Philosopher - 10% discount on one Foundations course, plus Mathematician benefits $150 Teacher - 20% discount on one Foundations course, plus Philosopher benefits $250 Mystic - Free registration at any CHS one-day event, plus Teacher benefits $500 Beloved - Glass Yule commemorative ornament, plus Mystic benefits $1,000 Divine Guide - Online link as sponsor, plus Beloved benefits. Join as a group:
$50 Observatory - CHS enamel pins for up to 6 members of your group
$100 Lunarium- One free Foundations course for one member of your group, plus Observatory benefits $250 Solarium- One free Pagan Community Education course for one member of your group, plus Lunarium benefits
$500 Naos- Your group web link on our THS web site, plus Solarium benefits $1,000 Inner Sanctum- Two free Pagan Community Education courses for your group, plus Naos benefits
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