Understanding Ritual Experience
 
Cultural systems around the world employ ritual for a score of reasons. This course uses a variety of articles from anthropological journals and books written with respect to emic understandings of the sacred and the use of ritual.   Through classic readings and new interpretations of rites in varying cultures, we will identify similarities and differences and look at the types of rites that are relied upon around the world.
Master's level
Instructor: Christina Beard-Moose
No class meetings.
May 13 - Aug 18

Burning Man: Rethinking Ritual, Spirituality, and Culture  

What does the Burning Man festival have to teach us about the nature of religion (Pagan and otherwise)? And what does this have to do with shifts in the contemporary American religious landscape? This course will critically examine the broad cultural and spiritual significance of Burning Man-an eclectic, seven-day celebration of art, fire, and community that takes place annually in Nevada's Black Rock desert.
Insights: May 13 - Jun 9
 Instructor: Lee Gilmore
Tuesdays 6 pm ET
 More Info & Register
Psychopathology: Creativity, Madness, and Pagan Spirit
Psychopathology is explored from a spiritual/Pagan perspective. Students learn diagnosis as it is currently applied and spiritual/Pagan approaches to diagnosis and alternative states of consciousness.
Master's level
Thursdays 7 pm ET
Introduction to Homiletics: The Art and Craft of Preaching  

Pagan clergy, as all clergy, are called to speak to, for and about the religious community. An exploration of authentic preaching as a ministry of exhortation, encouragement, teaching and working with energies always present in ritual, we aim to cultivate these ministries and the individual gifts of the preacher. Emphasis is placed on identity, presence, as well as the power of story within narrative and non-narrative preaching. Explore the preparation and delivery of messages in sacred context and the understanding of what it means to speak and proclaim truth from an authentic sense of the community's values that inspires, edifies, and challenges others.
Instructor: David Kling

Master's level
Class meetings Tuesdays 8 pm ET
 More Info & Register  


Family Systems/Systems Theory
One of the ways we can help our counselees uncover more of their own sacred stories is to provide a different, or more inclusive, perspective. Using a Systems Theory model, this course explores how our formal, or informal, chosen or given, families and relationships cast both light and shadow to make a whole icon of being. We experiment with a series of lenses and structures to expand our perceptions in societal, social and personal contexts. Students examine the ethics, theology, theory and practice of interactions with individuals, groups and systems.
. Instructor:David Kling
Master's level
Mondays 8 pm ET

 

Beyond Bake Sales to Real Fundraising
Pagans in today's society are hard at work building the resources that will make their traditions sustainable for years to come, and that takes funding. Beyond Bake Sales to Real Fundraising is designed to open up a topic that is mysterious and frightening to many, and for others, fulfilling or even fun. All fundraising comes back to some basic concepts about relationships. Learn to understand one of the greatest taboos in western society and in so doing lose your fear of fundraising. Students will have the opportunity to design and get feedback on their own project. The instructor has many years of experience as a nonprofit consultant and former CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive).
Instructor: Holli Emore
Insights: Jun 10 - Jul 7
No live class meetings.

 


Beginner's Guide to Shapeshifting
 
For many people around the world and throughout history, the ability to change one's form at will is a reality. Explore this ancient and cross-cultural phenomenon from both anthropological and spiritual perspectives. Students build an understanding of the processes and reasons for different kinds of shapeshifting (its pleasures, perils, and functions), and greater familiarity with how shapeshifting can become a powerful spiritual and personal practice.
Instructor: Jessamine Dana
Insights: Jul 8 - Aug 4
Tuesdays 6 pm ET