Pagan or Earth-Centred celebrations are a valued component of Westwood’s eclectic spiritual practices. All are welcomed to our annual Winter Solstice celebration as well as events held throughout the year. See below for current plans, contact information and recent events.
Contemporary knowledge of old pagan religions comes from several sources, including anthropological field research records, the evidence of archaeological artifacts, and the historical accounts of ancient writers regarding cultures known to classical antiquity. Forms of these religions, influenced by various historical pagan beliefs of premodern Europe, exist today and are known as contemporary or modern paganism, also referred to as neopaganism (Wikipedia).
Earth-Centred Gatherings
Our Earth-Centred folk celebrate the Wheel of the Year with several gatherings, either at Westwood Sanctuary or in private member homes. These “Pagan Circles” are held, as far as possible, on the Sabbats.
- Dates Are:
- September 21. Mabon / Fall Equinox
- October 31 Samhain
- Dec. 21 Yule / Winter Solstice, traditionally involves the whole WW community
- Feb. 2 Imbolc
- Mar. 21 Ostara / Spring Equinox
- May 1 Beltane
- June 21 Midsummer, Summer Solstice.
- We have not usually met in July or August
- For further details and to participate in any of these events Contact: anne@westwoodunitarian.ca
Earth-Centred Spirituality Google Group
The Earth-Centred Spirituality Google Group is an email group that Westwoodians use to suggest and plan earth-centred events. The email list is used by the Worship Committee to contact people who may be interested in planning or participating in an Earth-Centred themed service. It is also a forum for people to share messages relating to pagan or general nature-related spirituality.
To join this group or for more information, email anne@westwoodunitarian.ca
If you are a member of this group, you can view messages sent among group members at the group’s Google Group page.
Being Unitarian Universalists, people involved in this group have all kinds of interests and slants on what Earth-Centred Spirituality means in their lives.
Paganism 101
Paganism 101 is an adult religious education curriculum developed by B.C. Unitarian, Louise Bunn. Westwood has offered Paganism 101 twice, with an enthusiastic participation both times.
The Paganism 101 course material is available in the Westwood library collection. It is a wonderful sourcebook for pagan ritual and a great primer on paganism with a Unitarian Universalist flair.
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