Quickening: Old Ways in a New City

Merry Meet!

As Imbolc approaches, it seems only fitting to announce the first stirring - the quickening - of the Wiccan Family Temple of San Francisco, sister circle to the Wiccan Family Temple of NYC.

The WFTSF will begin holding public esbats and sabbats, in the hopes of expanding to classes and other events and gatherings once we have our footing. The idea was born last year with a series of powerful rituals held on Ocean Beach at the firepits, where a small but fierce band of womyn met to honor the Mother on the Full Moon. I can only dream that one day we will be gathered together in song and chant, a true family of Witches committed to healing each other, our communities and the Earth.

 The Wiccan Family Temple tradition, started by Starr RavenHawk, HPs (from Laurie Cabot's lineage) is an ecclectic NeoPagan path founded on a love of family/children, the Goddess & God, and the greater Pagan community. It includes all genders and ages, and strives to provide accessible Pagan education and activities for Witches of all socioeconomic states.

CLERGY:

Rev. Kore Peaceweaver, HPs

"I promise to hereby protect the old ways while creating new paths honoring all life and her manifestations. I call upon Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, for guidance as I emerge from this circle a Pagan leader, both for my community and the greater Pagan world. May I wield this wisdom with strength and confidence; humility and temperance, using it only to guide those in need so that they too may become leaders and weavers.

I call upon the spirit of the Green Man for Freedom in its purest form. Help me to embrace the wild beauty of Nature and nourish the inner shaman in myself and in those around me. I promise to honor all of Nature and its teachings, from the ancient roots to the buds of progress. Green Man, I pledge to help protect your realm and its inhabitants, working to ensure all beings are free to grow and be their true selves. May I never stop dreaming, listening, and playing on this path as Priestess."

This was the vow I spoke in the spring of 2011 when I was ordained as a Reverend & High Priestess (HPS) of the Wiccan Family Temple of NYC. I was joined by teachers, family and friends, including the Rev. David R. Weasley of Chicago, an ordained Baptist minister whose social justice approach to ministry remains a constant source of inspiration. Very soon after I would trek down to city hall and register as a marriage officiate and sign the ceremonial book along with the names of clergy from a host of religious traditions and denominations. It was a significant moment for myself, my temple and my faith. Becoming a therapist has been the next step on this journey, leading me to San Francisco in the fall of 2012 to pursue a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, therapist liscensure, and career as a Drama Therapist. I have directly witnessed & learned the need for Pagan and Pagan-friendly psychology professionals, as our needs are often left unmet - our beliefs misunderstood at best & pathologized at worst. This is not limited to Pagans & interfaith traditions, but to all faith-based communities with needs beyond the scope of their religious organizations. And while my priestess role is kept purposefully separate from that of therapist, the promises made that March evening remain the foundation & heart of everything.  

Kore Peaceweaver also currently serves on the Wiccan Family Temple's Governing Board of Council as the National/International Resources Coordinator.