For over two decades, Many Paths, One Forest has been a beacon of community and spiritual growth in Morgantown, West Virginia. From the inception of Morgantown Pagan Pride Day to the countless classes, rituals, and potlucks we've hosted since the year 2000, our dedication to fostering understanding and connection within the Pagan community has been unwavering.
In addition to our community events, we've also extended our reach through initiatives like our previous food pantry that we want to bring back, offering support to those in need. However, we've realized that to truly amplify our impact, we need to take the next step: establishing ourselves as an official Not-For-Profit organization. Share where you think people will be interested, please. For Many Path, One Forest https://forms.gle/ZLaVGtTZ5iTFmw9h8
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Next Potluck is Beltaine.
For Beltane, also known as May Day, it's traditional to celebrate with foods that incorporate seasonal ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Customize recipes as you see fit. Here are some recipe ideas that you might enjoy:
Mountain Heights Community Center 1683 Summers School Rd Morgantown, WV 26508 Greetings to all. As we near the conclusion of another semester at WVU, I trust that everyone is faring well. With just two weeks remaining, I anticipate a successful culmination of our academic endeavors. Looking ahead to the summer months, I aspire to engage in additional events and activities within our community.
As I approach the final stretch of my academic journey, with only one more semester remaining until graduation in the fall, I offer a prayer for educational success: "Mighty spirits of wisdom and guidance, Grant me the clarity of mind and strength of spirit To navigate these final weeks of study and examination. May my efforts be fruitful, And may I emerge victorious in my academic pursuits. Guide me towards knowledge and understanding, And bless me with the wisdom to apply what I have learned For the betterment of myself and those around me. Blessings upon my path as I journey towards graduation, May it be a time of celebration and fulfillment. So mote it be." Regrettably, I was unable to attend the event due to an unexpected vehicular malfunction en route, resulting in a week-long sojourn in Wisconsin. I extend my sincerest gratitude to all who contributed to rectifying the automobile issue and facilitating our return home. The support and solidarity of this community are deeply appreciated, and I am profoundly indebted to each and every one of you for your assistance during this ordeal.
I have done much for the community in the past and will continue in the future. Any help to increase my education by attending Paganicon 2024 will also benefit the local community. I am about $500 short of the minimum I need for the trip, but anything over that will allow me some extra if anything happens along the way and when I get back any left over will go back into my work in the community. Below are the workshops I plan on attending. and here is a link to the event itself tcpaganpride.org/paganicon-landing-page/
Debate plays a significant role in various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Judaism, and Pagan traditions, though the nature and emphasis on debate can vary among these belief systems.
Hello from Rev Marc, in essence, my spiritual journey reflects a diverse blend of influences. My initial exposure to Wicca occurred in the early 1990s on the periphery of a coven in Phoenix, AZ, where I wasn't a formal member but was allowed to partake in classes. Over the years, I engaged in various smaller festivals and workshops, ultimately receiving initiation in 2005 from my mother, who had attained her 3rd degree by then. Subsequently, I achieved my second degree a couple of years later, though this accomplishment was not officially recorded beyond our family circle, involving only a few individuals. At mothers suggestion I became Clergy through Universal Life Church and have performed a number of weddings over the years and sadly Mothers funeral in 2016. Rev Whitedove for any of those who knew her.
Along with Wicca, I have attended a number of Celtic, Norse, Santeria, Tarot, Astrology, and Crystal workshops and rituals. I also have an extensive private library and have donated books to local libraries for the community to use. In 2023, feeling the need for more structured and documented training, I embarked on a new chapter. I joined a local coven and commenced studies at Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary (wiccanseminary.edu), where I currently stand as a sophomore. Concurrently, I'm pursuing my senior year at WVU, with minors in religious studies, human services, and arts management. These academic pursuits are paving the way for my MDS degree, set to be completed in the fall of 2024. I ran Morgantown Pagan Pride day for a decade and hope to bring back something like it in the coming years. The group hosts Sabbat potlucks and are looking to expand into other activities. We have Morgantown and West Virginia facebook groups where we post various articles and events from around the area. As the cold grip of winter persists, cultures around the world come together at the beginning of February to celebrate various festivals that signify the midway point between the winter solstice and the eagerly awaited arrival of spring. Imbolc, Candlemas, and Groundhog Day, though rooted in different traditions, share a common thread of light, hope, and the promise of warmer days ahead.
Imbolc: A Celtic Prelude to Spring Imbolc, with its origins in Celtic traditions, takes center stage around February 1st or 2nd in the Northern Hemisphere. Celebrated as the festival of Brigid, the Celtic goddess associated with healing, poetry, and smithcraft, Imbolc marks the awakening of the Earth and the first signs of spring. As the days begin to lengthen, this festival symbolizes renewal, and in agrarian societies, it's closely tied to the beginning of lambing season. Candlemas: A Christian Feast of Light On the same day as Imbolc, Candlemas finds its place in the Christian calendar. Candles are blessed during the religious service, signifying the entrance of the light of Christ into the world. The blessing of candles adds a touch of warmth and hope to the winter darkness. Groundhog Day: Folklore and Weather Predictions In North America, the quirky tradition of Groundhog Day has become a cultural phenomenon. Rooted in German and Celtic folklore, Groundhog Day takes place on February 2nd, the same day as Imbolc and Candlemas. In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow, with the belief that if he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are in store; if not, an early spring is predicted. This lighthearted celebration adds a playful and secular dimension to the anticipation of spring. The Convergence of Traditions What makes this time of year particularly fascinating is the convergence of these diverse traditions. While Imbolc and Candlemas represent ancient customs deeply rooted in spirituality, Groundhog Day adds a touch of modern whimsy to the mix. The shared theme of light, purification, and the promise of a changing season unites these celebrations, offering a rich tapestry of cultural observances. Conclusion: Embracing the Crossroads of Winter and Spring As we stand at the midwinter crossroads, observing Imbolc, Candlemas, and Groundhog Day, we are reminded of the resilience of human spirit and our timeless connection to the cycles of nature. Whether through the ancient rituals of Imbolc, the religious significance of Candlemas, or the playful predictions of Groundhog Day, these celebrations invite us to embrace the changing seasons with hope and a sense of unity across diverse cultural landscapes. So, as we light candles, watch for shadows, and welcome the first stirrings of spring, let us rejoice in the shared human experience of anticipating the return of warmth and light. Starting a shrine stone. Here is a work in progress, and the image and text that will go on it. I did one of these years ago but that stone is gone. The glue is Mod Podge, there is one that is waterproof if you intend for it to be left outside. It will dry clear. Put some on the stone, on the back of the paper, then when you put the paper in place, cover it. I recommend using your finger to push the paper into all the contours of the stone. You can do this with any diety. I recommend an image on the front and a prayer on the back. Mediate while you create it. Let one side dry before doing the other. I prefer black and white images, but there is no reason you can't use color.
I haven't decided where I will put it, but for now, it will be next to my altar while I work through some stuff. Here is some about Hekate https://www.thecollector.com/hecate-goddess-magic-witchcraft/ Listening to this as I work https://youtu.be/rOtAqD2nuTs?si=c7W9OvAp2W5q26ll Just cleansed my altar and set it up for a new year. Admittedly doing this a few hours before midnight, but will have a ritual toast and ringing the bell then. 1)turned on a music playlist I made for the purpose 2) took everything off 3) Made a wash with water, cinnamon, Cyprus black salt, and lavender. 4) smoke cleansed with Palo Santo 5) washed the altar and everything I was putting back on it 6) put a sigil on the altar 7) placed the altar cloth 8) lit a Vetiver protection candle and a Sage Cleansing candle 9) placed all the items I wanted to start the year with Sigil by Laura Tempest Zakroff https://www.patheos.com/blogs/tempest/2023/12/ltzs-2024-sigil-for-the-year.html 10 spiritual meanings of lavender https://www.mdbiowellness.com/blogs/doctors-desk/10-spiritual-meanings-of-lavender Magical Properties of Cinnamon https://plentifulearth.com/magical-properties-of-cinnamon-cinnamon-materia-magicka/ Cyprus Black Salt https://inspyritmetaphysical.com/products/cyprus-black-salt Vetiver https://www.theperfumechronicles.com/chronicles/vetiver The Spiritual Meaning of Sage (including through time and cultures) https://www.thisiskatemurphy.com/post/the-spiritual-meaning-of-sage Music playlist for today https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_Y2uC7FzdallSJDWdsbhurGgD6pI6fTy&si=UsvubfEeoxKs_NC5 |
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April 2024
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