Message From the Director
Great Good News for the temple in so many ways.
Pagan singer/songwriter Wendy Rule is giving a benefit concert for Temple of the Goddess on September 15th in Pasadena, California. See article below for more information and go online to purchase tickets. Limited Seating, so order soon.
AN IMPORTANT NEW PAGAN VOICE: Pagans, we finally have our own journalistic voice on the Los Angeles Examiner. Click here to go to the LA Paganism Examiner, then click on subscribe to get the latest news about Pagan events and news happening in our wonderful cultural oasis of a city. Great information is pouring out of the LA Pagan Examiner.
BE A PART OF LOS ANGELES ART Now you can be a part of a magnificent new art exhibit opening September 12th and running through October 24th as part of a Group Exhibit at Angels Gate Cultural Center (formerly Fort MacArthur, a U.S. Army base). Click here and with a small donation, be a part of Thickening the Plot: Reclaiming � Restoring � Refreshing, a living labyrinth.
The temple facilitators have begun planning for Hallows Eve, a new myth and evening of ritual theatre. Look forward to seeing you all soon. Blessings, Xia
 
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Temple of the Goddess Announcements
Monthly Events If you are feeling the need for more frequent, intimate spiritual gatherings, please join Temple of the Goddess priestesses Pythia and Kamala for our monthly Full Moon Celebration on Wednesday, September 23rd and the Women's New Moon gathering on Thursday, September 8th, both held between 7-10 pm. See notices below for more information.
TEMPLE SURVEY If you didn't have time to take the 2010 Temple of the Goddess Survey last issue, it's not too late. The Board of Directors need your your input about the growth of the temple and how we serve your spiritual needs. Please take a few minutes, click here, and fill out our 2010 survey.
Pagan Pride Day 2010 Visit Temple of the Goddess booth at Pagan Pride Day on Sunday, September 26th. Details below. See you there!
Goddess Choir Rehearsals
Sunday, September 12,
2:00-4:00 Sunday, September 19, 2:00-4:00
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! -
Goddess Choir: If you'd like to be a part of the
ever-growing Temple of the Goddess Choir, please contact us at [email protected]
NOTE: Please send any related essays, articles, interviews, and poetry for temple newsletter to [email protected].
Click here to find out about Community Events. If you would like to post an event with Temple of the Goddess, please let us know by submitting the date and pertinent information to: [email protected]. |
Wendy Rule gives benefit concert for Temple of the Goddess!
Temple of the Goddess has the pleasure of presenting Pagan singer/songwriter Wendy Rule in Los Angeles for one night only: Wednesday, September 15th, 7:00 p.m.. This will be a twilight concert under elder oaks in Pasadena, California.
 In the U.S. promoting her latest cd, Guided By Venus, Wendy completes her tour by generously offering a benefit concert for Temple of the Goddess before heading back to Australia. Guided By Venus is another great cd of powerful and haunting music.
As a songwriter, Wendy's music is deeply spiritual and touches on magick, mythology, deep emotions, nature and the cycles of life. Though a Pagan artist, her music pulses with life for the Earth and all humanity. Her songs span all spiritual beliefs, with resounding interfaith messages, affirming our divine commonalities. "Feel the world at your feet. Freedom calls you from time. And all because you shine. You are drinking the nectar divine." Guided By Venus is Wendy's tenth cd and Temple of the Goddess has incorporated many of her songs into our rituals and original myths.
 "Wendy Rule has firmly established herself as one of Melbourne's most uniquely gifted and prolific artists. Her music is a passionate union of her incredible voice - moving from soaring heights to intimate whispers - and her beautifully dark and visionary lyrics. Wendy's live performances draw on her love of ritual and theatre, enticing her audience into an otherworldy realm of power and Magic. After years of local shows and national tours, Wendy's music is now being recognized internationally."
This intimate concert will be held at the home of Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Utter, Secretary of the Southern California Committee for a Parliament of the World's Religions, one of the major groups working to bring all the religions of the earth together for dialogue and common service." Address provided with reservations.
Space is limited. Click here to order tickets, $15 general seating. For information contact us at 818-771-5778 or email: [email protected].
To read more about Wendy Rule and hear some of her music, go to: www.WendyRule.com, myspace.com/wendyrule. To buy her CD's, please go through Temple of the Goddess Store. We receive a donation from Amazon.com for each sale.
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THE CIRCLE GROWS 
We would like to introduce Charles and Joanne Elliott, two new leaders who've come aboard to help grow, and guide, Temple of the Goddess' vision and mission. They come as fully credentialed clergy, both expert writers, and both savvy in the field of media and networking. In addition to his new role as Media Director, Charles is also serving on TOG's Board of Directors. A seasoned media evocateur, Charles' innovative approaches will connect the temple with the public through radio, television and printed word. Joanne, as our Social Network Director, is expanding the temple's interface with the public using Facebook, Twitter, and a revamped MySpace, which are all up and running now, so please sign up for current Pagan/Goddess information. Welcome Joanne and Charles. Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Temple of the Goddess family and expanding our mission and work in the world.Joanne Elliott, Priestess in the International Fellowship of Isis, has been practicing Paganism for over 10 years in the Los Angeles area. A poet and novelist, she has completed a contemporary fantasy novel (currently seeking representation) and publishes her poetry and fiction on her blog. Online since 1997, she has used social media both personally and professionally. Well versed in the world of online networking, she believes she can help the Temple of the Goddess connect both locally and worldwide to those who would support TOG's endeavor. Recently she became the LA Paganism Examiner at www.examiner.com. She knows the power of words to cast spells and connect people and hopes that through her word craft and the Temple's support, she can be a part of something that will create a better world.Charles Elliott/Beautyseer is a priest of Isis and Ra in the Fellowship of Isis, a nationally published poet, and an award-winning fine art photographer who for the past decade has photographed Temple of the Goddess rituals, Pagan Pride Day, Long Beach WomanSpirit Faires and other pagan events and organizations in the greater Los Angeles area. A historian with three published books on local Southern California topics, he is also an inventor with two patents applied for. His long career in journalism included newspaper and magazine writing and editing. He also worked in market research and public relations for organizations including the Whittier Uptown Association, which promotes business in an historic business district. He retired from a position as Whittier College's media coordinator in 2008. He and his wife, Joanne, co-founded The Poetry Cabin, a mountain retreat for writers in the San Gabriel National Forest. As TOG's new Media Director he will coordinate media contacts. He seeks to serve the Goddess by helping TOG to widen the understanding that the divine feminine's life-enhancing aspects are greatly needed in our world today. |
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Thickening the Plot: Reclaiming � Restoring � Refreshing
with artists Ruth Ann Anderson (RA) and Jill D'Agnenica
 September 12 - October 24, 2010Group Exhibit at Angels Gate Cultural Center 3601 South Gaffey Street San Pedro, California 90731
Phone: 310-519-0936
Purpose & History of the Labyrinth
The
labyrinth is a path for transformation. It is a container for the
creative imagination to align with our heart's desire. It is a place
where we can profoundly, yet playfully, experience our soul's longing
and intention. It is a walking meditation. A letting go (enter),
illumination (center) and union (return). The entrance becomes the exit.
The
labyrinth can be regarded as the mandala of the Mediterranean world and
European culture from which it arose. Sometimes confused with a maze
which offers a multitude of paths both true and false, the labyrinth
offers a single true path. At its core, the concept of the labyrinth is
both reflective and meditative. In its most ancient form, considered by
many to be Cretan, this path leads in seven convolutions to the center.
In its Medieval form, there are eleven convolutions.
The
labyrinth is a spiritual act-an act of pilgrimage-to self-knowledge,
intuition, healing, imagination, intention. The labyrinth is a wide and
gracious path generous with its gifts of support, clarity, empowerment,
and consoling.
Walking the Labyrinth Viewers
will be able to walk the labyrinth which will be created by plants and
"moon breads" which will contain seeds. The breads will dissolve and
release seeds over time, giving the labyrinth continued new growth
while older plants grow larger. Viewers will be invited to choose a
black rock at the entrance and carry on the walk inward. In the center
of the labyrinth there will be a 4' diameter pond. White chalk will be
provided for participants to write their intentions/wishes for the
planet/dreams for themselves, etc. on the rock and then place in the
pond. Over time, the chalk writing will be released, refreshed,
dissolved symbolizing the release of the writing into the elements of
the Universe.
Click here to become a part of this amazing, living, participatory art exhibit. Your generous donation of $5, $10, or more makes a difference.
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SAVE THE DATE "The seasons and all their changes are in me." -Henry David Thoreau
Our multi-cultural Earth celebrations are open to families and community. Our Sabbats are multi-media ritual theater combining mythology, music, visual art, dance, liturgy, spoken word, and participatory theater which fuses drum and dance with personal enactment to re-connect us to the seasons and the Earth.
- October 23, 2010 All Hallow's Eve*
- March 19, 2011 Spring Equinox*
- Summer Solstice 2011, Date & Location TBA
- September 24, 2011 Autumn Equinox*
- October 29, 2011 All Hallow's Eve*
*Rituals scheduled
at the Neighborhood Church. Click here for more information and to download an event flyer. Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103 818-771-5778 Website: www.TempleoftheGoddess.org
We hope you will join the temple, in community, to honor the seasons, the Earth, and our own personal growth for our 2010 Ritual Sabbat.
Artwork from Ritual
Path DVD by artist John Banks of Artek Images and music by Fritz Heede.
Available from Temple of the Goddess Music & Media Store.
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DONOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Temple of the Goddess wishes to acknowledge, honor, and welcome those who have joined, tithed, or donated to the temple this month. You keep the temple doors open for all of us.
 Realm of Air
Kamala
Charles & Joanne Elliott
Realm of Fire
Carol Benson Holst
Realm of Water
Meloney Hudson
Realm of Spirit
Dawn Bodnar Sutton
J. Clark
J. Tatum
eScrip Shoppers = $12.08
Click here for information on becoming a member of TOG. Temple of the Goddess has a variety of ways that you can participate fiscally in our vision. To learn more about making a tax-deductible donation to the temple, go to Gifting Opportunities.
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 How can you help the environment as an individual?
by Leann Zotis
What can I do? I'm only one person!
For many people looking at their possible contribution to helping society and protecting the environment,
this is a common response. The problems of the world seem
insurmountable when viewed too broadly. As far as dealing with the
dilemma of being only one person, it's time to take a step backwards
for a reality check. Everyone is only one person! But everyone can
make a difference in their own way and on their own level.
As one of the multitude of creatures on the planet, we humans have the
advantage of realizing what is going wrong around us. We can see the
destruction and abuse of our resources and we are intelligent enough to
react to that knowledge. No one is going to save the planet
single-handedly. Many skeptics question whether it is even possible to
reverse the damage to the environment that threatens to destroy us
all. Still, even in the darkest hour, there is always reason to hope
and believe in a solution that may not be obvious to us yet. With this
hope and belief in mind, it is the mandate of every conscientious human
being to do what they can to help the small portion of the environment
that touches their lives.
Click here for Leann Zotis' suggestions...
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Federal Court Strikes Down Calif. Same-Sex Marriage Ban
LEGAL REPORT
August 4, 2010
A federal district court judge today struck down California's ban on
gay marriage, ruling that the prohibition violates the U.S.
Constitution. The decision, which is expected to be appealed,
represents the first time a federal judge has ruled that the U.S.
Constitution protects the right of same-sex couples to marry.
In
his ruling, District Court Judge Vaughn Walker stated that gay and
lesbian couples enjoy a fundamental right to marry. This right,
according to Walker, is protected by both the Due Process and Equal
Protection clauses of the Constitution's 14th Amendment.
The case, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, was prompted by the passage
of Proposition 8, a 2008 California ballot initiative that amended the
state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. In striking down that
language, Walker said that it served no real purpose beyond
discriminating against same-sex couples. "Proposition 8 does nothing
more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that
opposite sex couples are superior to same sex couples," he wrote,
adding: "Because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its
constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the
court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional." Click here to read more . . .
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You are sitting around a fire after a hard day of work. The air cools and the sun sets, the frogs and crickets begin singing as the sky darkens. Suddenly the person you have been eagerly awaiting leaps to the center of the circle. You have heard the story a hundred times, but the antics of the animals and the wisdom in the story never fail to give you pleasure. As she weaves her tale, the knowledge that every thing is alive, carrying its own power and wisdom, soothes your soul.
Let us join together, in this virtual circle, and share these Animal Tales. Let us once again feel how the stories connect us to the natural world and remind us that we are all part of a vast Circle of Life. Listen now as the Shaman whispers tales of animal power and wisdom in your ear.
Tonight we have a story from the California Native Americans. The
Gabrielino, or as they called themselves the Tongva, lived in all of
Los Angeles County and the northern parts of Orange County. This
is an appealing story that explains why California has earthquakes.
Turtle invokes the nurturing, protective mother energy. So it is
comforting to imagine California sitting on the strong backs of
Turtles, even if they do occasionally shake us up.
How California Was Made
From Stories the California Indians Told, by Anne B. Fisher
Long ago, the Medicine Man of the Gabrielino Indians far down in the
southern part of California, stood watching the leaves fall. He looked
around at the brown hills. He heard the wind rustling the rushes and
poles of the Indian huts. Medicine Man smiled and turned toward his own
hut. The time for story telling was here.
Inside his hut he
carefully painted red and white stripes on his body. The red was as
bright as the toyon berries that grew on the hillsides. The white was
like the snow on distant mountains peaks.
Next Medicine Man
took his story-telling headdress from its place among his medicine bags
and magic charms. The headdress was like a hair net, made from the
tough strands of the milkweed plant. Medicine Man pulled the net over
his black hair. Through the net, the soft down from baby eagles'
breasts had been drawn. The pale eagle feathers fluffed out from the
meshes to make a fuzzy cap.
When Medicine Man, whom the Indians called Shaman, was ready, he went outside and called in a loud voice to the Indians:
"Come sit around the fire and I will tell you a story." Continued . . .
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 Pagan Pride Day Los Angeles
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The mission of the Pagan Pride Project is to foster pride in Pagan identity through education, activism, charity and community.
Enjoy
a wonderful day celebrating your Pagan roots with like-minded,
Earth-honoring people. The day is filled with Rituals, Workshops,
Authors, Entertainment, Vendors, Food, Children's Activities. Please
visit us at our Temple of the Goddess booth.
The Meadows at
Whittier Narrows, Regional Park, South El Monte, 751 South Santa Anita
Ave. (off the 60 Fwy, south of the 605 Fwy) Admission is free, but you
are asked to bring a non-perishible food item for the food bank. For
more information, go to Pagan Pride Los Angeles.
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Temple of the Goddess ~ Full Moon Celebrations
Image by Felix Navin
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Monthly Celebrations are held on the night of the Full Moon, unless listed otherwise. Time for Moon Lodge is 7-10:00pm. Led by temple
Priestess, Pythia
Upcoming Dates:- September 23
- October 22
- November 21
- December 21
Moon Children are those born under the Zodiac sign of Cancer. But in reality, we are all Moon Children. We live half of our lives in the light of Grandmother Moon. She, like Mother Earth, has power. She shows us her power with the rising and falling tides caused by lunar gravitational pull interacting with specific attributes of our oceans. She shows us her power by lengthening the calendar 15 microseconds every year. And finally, she shows us her power by women's reproductive cycle.
At the Full Moon Celebration we will draw down Lunar Power to aid us in releasing that which no longer serves us, thereby actively creating room for an increased abundance in our lives. So, join us as we honor Grandmother Moon, using sacred tools in sacred space to create magick in order to enjoy a more fulfilling life.
Full Moon. . . Keywords for the Full phase are: fulfillment, illumination, realization, experience. It is the time in a cycle when you are given a clear view so that you can make adjustments to put you back on track to manifesting the goals you set at the new phase. Go to a public place. Do something with a friend. LISTEN. Receive awareness. Understand others.
Bring a blanket to snuggle in and a treat to share during after-ritual chat time. Click here for more information about Temple of the Goddess Full Moon Celebration, and a pdf flyer or email [email protected] or phone: 818-771-5778. Picture Courtesy of Isquiesque. |
Temple of the Goddess Moon Lodge for Women
We gather to honor and celebrate the Moon Mother and her cycles which we embody with her sacred gift of rhythm and blood. Together we will celebrate stories of our own moon-time, from our experiences of menarche to menopause. We will share stories of Her ebb and flow, reconnecting ourselves with these divine and timeless cycles. Our repose in this dreamtime within the safety of a circle of sisters has the power to heal and reunite our deeper selves with the natural world.
The Moon Lodge is held on Wednesdays between 7pm and 10pm. - September 8
- October 6
- November 3
- December 8
Dress comfortable and bring a comfy pillow and blanket to snuggle in. Bring any sacred offerings you may wish to share with the Goddess on Her Altar. And a decadent snack to share with your sisters. Led by Temple Priestess, Kamala. Contact [email protected].
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 In a Sacred Circle of Sisters, Come Home to Your Authentic Self
The Shamanic Tantric Dance is a meditation in motion, a sacred dance spontaneously sourced from body impulse.
Mondays, 7-10:00pm*
$30.00 (no one turned away for a lack of funds)
No Dance Experience Necessary.
For more info click here.
Contact Kamala: [email protected]
*Classes are not currently being held but will resume in the future. See you then!
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 Trance Journey Through Drumming
New class offered by Temple of the Goddess
This is not a "learn how to drum" class, but deep meditation instruction. In this class you will learn about Shamanism and what a Shaman does when she or he moves into a trance and enters another reality. If you've wanted a different way of meditating to "sort things out" then this might work for you. In addition to the trance work, the class will study various topics including:
- Shamanic Trance Drumming-what it is and where it has been in practice.
- Spirit Guides-how to obtain one and what a Guide does for you.
- Relevancy of Shamanic Trance Drumming in today's world.
Classes led by Pythia, Temple of the Goddess priestess and a practioner of Shamanic Trance Drumming for 18 years. Classes ongoing. For dates and times, contact [email protected] and put Trance Journey in the subject. Click here for more info and a downloadable pdf flyer. | |
