NEWS FROM RCGI

WTI ONLINE CLASSES

Winter session for the RCGI WTI Online Classes begins January 23, 2011

We are delighted to offer six amazing new online classes for you this Winter that range from beginning levels to the more advanced practitioner. For additional information, please go click here or contact

Bellezza, WTI Online Coordinator.

Six-week courses: $65 - Reduced fees for participants currently enrolled in the Women's Thealogical Institute (WTI) in local groups. Fees for those not currently enrolled in the WTI local groups are $75. Materials fees listed with each class when required.

Registration for these classes will begin on December 21, 2010.
Classes begin in the week of January 23, 2011.

Here is our line-up. We hope you find something here that will inspire your desire to go deeper and learn more about your own self in the process.

Water/Goddess

Faculty: Sid Reger, Ed.D. - EIGHT WEEK CLASS / $85 for Current WTI Participants; $95 for those not currently enrolled in the WTI local groups

We know that there's no life without water. But, do we understand how the waters of the world have played an essential role in the development of culture and mythology? In this class we will explore water goddesses and spirits from around the world-goddesses of oceans, sea travel, rivers, lakes, springs, and rain. We will also consider the importance of the waters of life and women's wisdom-the relationships between the waters without and within us. In the watery realm we will also examine the importance of intuition and dreams. And we will discuss environmental issues relating to human use-and abuse-of water resources.

Woman-identified Wicca

Faculty: Debby Zygielbaum - $65 - Reduced fees for participants currently enrolled in the Women's Thealogical Institute (WTI) in local groups. Fees for those not currently enrolled in the WTI local groups are $75.

Learn feminist, woman-centered, Dianic witchcraft - from origin to practice, including history, cosmology, philosophy, ethics, spellcraft and more. It has been said that this form of spirituality models ways in which women can develop personal empowerment traditionally denied them. It provides a context within which we can address such issues as violence against women and societal destruction. It is one of the fastest-growing forms of spirituality in the country.

Take this opportunity to explore what thousands of women have been doing to make a difference in their personal worlds and with their personal lives. This is a great course to begin your studies with and will give you a foundation for deeper work to come.

Tending the Spirit

Faculty: Bellezza Squillace - $65 - Reduced fees for participants currently enrolled in the Women's Thealogical Institute (WTI) in local groups. Fees for those not currently enrolled in the WTI local groups are $75.

Who cares for the Guardians? Who are the ones a Guardian allows close enough to provide care? What happens when a Priestess recognizes she cannot do it all? Whether or not you identify with either of these spiritual archetypes, you might see yourself as daughter, spouse, parent, friend who is the strong one, always caring for others and rarely meeting her own needs.

This course examines the spiritual strength and challenges in our Priestess/Guardian service in our private lives that take us beyond the limits of stress and life trauma.

It is not meant to be a therapy group, but rather a guideline to help us focus on the present moment and go just a little deeper into our own spiritual nature. Those who can draw upon their spirituality from within realize the threat of conflict and defeat happens to make them renew their connection to the Goddess and work toward self-care and an evolved spirit. As a general principle to this coursework, we will use the foundation of spiritual directors who help us to: First - be present, Second - to find a sense of purpose and Third - to have an an awareness of our sense of place in the scheme of things.

Archetypal Art: The Sorceress & The Dark Mother

Faculty: Laura Keefe - $65 - Reduced fees for participants currently enrolled in the Women's Thealogical Institute (WTI) in local groups. Fees for those not currently enrolled in the WTI local groups are $75.

This class is inspired by the outstanding book The Circle of Life: Thirteen Archetypes for Every Woman by Elizabeth Davis and Carol Leonard. This book is recommended reading but not required.

This season's class expanded to include ritual work with the archetypes we explore, and lengthened the amount of time with each archetype to allow for an even deeper experience.

This is the third class in our series, but you need not have taken the previous classes to join us at this time. A very broad range of creating is encouraged; your art might include painting, sculpting, photography, music, poetry, cooking, dance or any style that YOU feel fits the assignments. Participants are expected to participate by posting their progress at least once per week, and to share their creations with the class. Discussion is encouraged, and lu will reply to all posts. If you create a tangible piece of art, it is helpful (but not required) to post photos of your art. lu will be creating along with the class and sharing her art as well. Experienced artists & newcomers are welcome and encouraged to participate and create in honor of the life journeys of women!

Elemental Activism: Warrior for the Elements

Faculty: Jannis Goodnow - $65 - Reduced fees for participants currently enrolled in the Women's Thealogical Institute (WTI) in local groups. Fees for those not currently enrolled in the WTI local groups are $75.

We honor and invoke the Elements in ritual and in daily practice - but what have we done for them lately? The aim of this course is for each of us to explore our relationship with one of the Elements-Air, Fire, Water, or Earth, to learn about the challenges related to that Element in our mundane world, and to find the passion to commit to do one small thing-to take the first step towards becoming a Warrior for that Element.

The Elements are in trouble. I feel drawn to helping Water, but I want to move beyond abstractions and actually do something about it! Are you also drawn to the idea of becoming a Warrior for the Elements that are so important to us spiritually and physically? Are you willing to walk with me on the Warrior Path to help an Element? I am in WTI Cycle III on the Creatrix and Scholar-Teacher paths. In leading this class and moderating our discussions, I will journey with you as we explore, reflect, brainstorm, and move towards becoming Elemental Warriors.

A Winter Immersion in Women's Spirituality

Faculty: Kim Duckett, Ph.D., Pr. - Fees include $5 for materials. $70 - Reduced fees for participants currently enrolled in the Women's Thealogical Institute (WTI) in local groups. Fees for those not currently enrolled in the WTI local groups are $80.

This 4-part series is an online adaptation of the "Women's Spiritual Journeys" curriculum Kim Duckett offered for over 17 years as a part of "A Year and a Day Sacred Mystery School for Women." This, then, is a proven, solid, systematic somewhat advanced introduction to women's & goddess spiritualities.

Participants are asked to purchase (before the class begins) The Chalice and the Blade, by Riane Eisler. Affordable used copies are available online and in used bookstores and also available through many library systems. Participants are also asked to procure the "Women's Spirituality" trilogy videos/DVDs (Goddess Remembered, The Burning Times, Full Circle). There are sites to download these videos for free and also affordable used copies for those who would want to purchase for their libraries. Other readings will be scanned and transmitted. A CD "sampler compilation" of women's spirituality music/chants/ meditations will also be mailed to participants. Therefore, an extra $5 fee is collected to cover those supplies and mailing costs.