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Biography
Passions
Projects
Past Projects
Friends and
Family
Products and
Crafts
Contact List
What do you
Think?
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Once completed this will be a short
version of my life story. Currently it's a relatively
short introduction to me and my interests. The
information below is much more interesting tho'. :-)
I have a strong interest in
religion, both comparative religion as a study
and in my own personal religious path. My own
path is very hard to define, since I am both
eclectic, incorporating the elements of many
traditions into my path and Neo-Pagan, a minority
religion which is both non-creedal and largely
misunderstood. Here you'll find links to articles
on religion and to various religious sites. If
you're interested in my own religious viewpoint,
you may want to check out the PhoenixSpirit
Clan website, especially the Book
of Shadows: Ethics Article and Training
program, which heavily reflect my beliefs. My
Credo., which was written when I strongly identified as
Christo-Pagan is now significantly out of date. Although I
do still believe many of these things, I now identify much more as
a religious pluralist than I do as a Christ-Pagan... but I've
gotten so much feedback in the past at how the article was helpful
to others that I've left it accessible (until I get the time to
revise it.)
- Religious Freedom
Perhaps our most important
freedom, guaranteed by the constitution, is the
right to believe as we wish. History's most
horrendous tragedies have been perpetrated in the
name of religion. In my mind the most frightening
thing which could happen to our society would be
to loose this freedom. Recently a small but very
vocal minority of people have been working to to erode those freedoms bit by bit. Perhaps the
most frightening thing of all is that often do so
while justifying it as their own right to
religious freedom. Perhaps the most important
links on my site are those in this section. Here
you will find links to groups who are trying to
defend our religious freedoms as well as links to
groups trying to erode it. You will also find a
reference list to organizations, groups, mailing
lists and "calls to action" geared
towards protection of this right. In other words,
to things that you
can do to help defend this most important right.
This page changes most often because I try to
keep it as up to date as possible, so you may
want to bookmark this link when you get there!
-
- Church of
All Worlds
Until it's dissolution, I was a member of the Church of
All Worlds, an Eclectic Neo-pagan church. CAW was
one of the largest Neo-Pagan churches in the
world, with nests and proto-nests (local
congregations) in Australia, Europe and the US.
CAW was also one of the first Pagan churches to
incorporate legally as a church in the US and the
first to do so in Australia, establishing the
legitimacy of Paganism in Australia! CAW also, for years,
published Green Egg, an award winning Pagan
magazine with national distribution.
'The CAW Mission Statement is:
"to evolve a network of information,
mythology and experience that provides a context
and stimulus for reawakening Gaia, and reuniting
Her children through tribal community dedicated
to responsible stewardship and evolving
consciousness." We are fairly all-embracing
in promoting general Pagan and Gaian lifestyles
and values. We advocate basic feminist and
environmentalist principles, including freedom of
reproductive choice, ordination of women as
Priestesses, sacred sexuality, alternate
relationships, gay and lesbian rights,
legalization and utilization of hemp products,
protection and restoration of endangered species,
wilderness sanctuaries, green politics, etc. We
are also engaged in restoring ancient Mysteries
and rituals, such as the Eleusinia and Panathenaia.
-
During the late 90s through to 2004, CAW went
through a period of legal and political turmoil which result in the
Board of Directors voting to dissolve the organization, then failing
to do so and resigning instead in toto. Rather
than resolve the problems within the organization which they had
committed to lead, they abandoned the church and shifted the
membership of any who would follow them to a "new"
organization which they had formed 4 years prior to attempting to
dissolve CAW. Since CAW was incorporated under the laws of
California, it was not legal for them to dissolve the organization
without a vote of the membership (and they didn't even *notify* the
membership except those who were enrolled in certain BoD controlled
lists), so it would appear that their intent was to
force the organization to discorporate by allowing it to lie
"fallow" without conducting any business for 5 years (the
only way that the California corporate code permitted them to
dissolve the organization without the consent of the members.)
- Rather than permit that to happen, a few members, who were
dissatisfied with this lack of resolution, began to research
the legalities behind the issue, and eventually Oberon Zell,
one of the original founders, stepped in, found out how to
legally reactivate CAW as a corporation, installed a new Board
of Directors and began The
3rd Phoenix Resurrection of CAW, which you can read more
about on the CAW website.
I was one of the members who protested the action of
the BoD at the time, and I have offered my help in the current
incarnation, but until I know where things are going and that they
aren't going back down the destructive politics path, I've been
remaining a bit reserved and have not become a member again. I
look forward to supporting CAW in rising from the ashes to become
the big, glorious, beautiful bird that she once was.
-
- Neo-Paganism
I am a Neo-Pagan and am
interested in the religious, cultural and
historical aspects of paganism and Neo-Paganism.
Neo-Paganism is an "umbrella term",
like Christianity or Protestantism, which
describes a group of religious faiths with
similar common beliefs. Link to my Neo-Paganism
page above if you would like to learn more about
Neo-Paganism.
My interest in Neo-Paganism
became strong enough that I have felt a call to
the Priesthood. I have also decided to return to
school and pursue my bachelor's degree. Before moving to San
Diego, I had proposed and had approved (through GSU) a Bachelor of
Interdisciplinary Studies in Neo-Pagan Clerical
Studies Since there is no degree in
Neo-Paganism currently, I was planning to attend a
school which allows people to design their own
program and gone through the steps to do so.
The link above will lead you to my proposed
program if you are interested.
- Now that I'm in San Diego, I've had to change directions and
have been attending the San Diego Community College District
to continue my studies. I'm currently working towards my
associate's degree and intend to complete my bachelors as
well. I am looking at how I can get the same
benefits of the B.I.S. I had proposed through a more limited
structure. I will post that proposal when I have it
finalized.
- Wicca
The largest tradition within
Neo-Paganism is Wicca, which is also called
Witchcraft, Wicca is a religion which is very
misunderstood and mired in negative mythic
stereotypes. My Wicca page begins with
information about the difference between Wicca,
or Witchcraft as a religion and witchcraft as a
magickal practice. Go here to learn more about
Wicca, Witchcraft, witchcraft, kitchen witchery
and the occult in general.
-
- Anthropology
My involvement in NeoPaganism and
Wicca has also deepened my interest in
Anthropology. When completed, this area will contain links to my favorite
Anthropology and History sites as well as
cultural sites of all types.
- Comparative
Mythology
A myth is "a usually
traditional story of ostensibly historical events
that serves to unfold part of the world view of a
people or explain a practice, belief, or natural
phenomenon; a popular belief or tradition that
has grown up around something or someone;
especially one embodying the ideals and
institutions of a society or segment of
society". Within the framework of
comparative mythology you learn that
"myth" does not simply mean a story
which is not true. There are always truths within
myths, even if the truths are allegorical or
symbolic in nature, rather than simply historical
data. In my opinion, recognizing the value of
myth and how myths can be used to transform and
heal our lives is a key element to overcoming
many of our societal problems. Take this link to
learn about the mythology of many cultures and
how to use the transformative power of myth to
change your own life.
- When completed, this area will contain links to my favorite
Mythology sites as well and resources.
- Polyamory
Polyamory is a term first
proposed by Morning Glory and Oberon (then Otter)
Zell to define a lovestyle or relationship style
which includes more than two adults. The work
polyamory comes from the Greek root
"poly" which means "many" and
the Latin root "amor" which means
"love". Polyamory is therefore a
lovestyle which accepts the range of
possibilities which arise when one has "many
loves". Polyamory is not swinging tho', so
you won't find sites about swinging here.
Polyamory is based on creating relationships
while swinging is about recreational sex. You'll
find information about what polyamory is, what
different types of relationships there are, links
to polyamory groups and organizations (including
a Poly activist group) and lots of references,
including a glossary of terms and a bibliography.
-
- Politics
I firmly believe that the
greatest good in a democratic society is our
ability to participate in the political process.
In fact, while a liberal I'm also one of those
old fashioned types who believes that
participation in that process is a
responsibility. One that I take very seriously. I
vote, of course, and encourage you to do so as
well. This page has information on my political
viewpoint as well as links to articles on issues
important to me as well, political organizations
of interest and candidates that you may want to
consider.
-
- Kitchen
Witchery
The term "Kitchen
Witch" brings up many different images to
people, but the most common idea is that of a
Witch who practices her art mainly thru cooking
and common household skills. Another image is
that of one who uses common everyday items in her
art, drawing up memories of the Burning Times,
when it was necessary to hide your working tools
from those who would persecute you for their
possession. While both of these images are
certainly true ones, Kitchen Witchery goes far
beyond magical cooking or using ordinary items as
magical tools. One Kitchen Witch, Mama Rose,
defines Kitchen Witchery in the following way: It
is my belief that the heart of Kitchen Witchery
is a talent for finding the sacred and magical in
everyday tasks, a philosophy which
"practices the presence of the Goddess"
in daily devotion through ordinary actions. The
Kitchen Witch makes the ordinary, extraordinary,
the mundane magickal and by doing so,
acknowledges the presence of the Divine in all
things.
- PhoenixSpirit
Clan
The God/dess is currently calling into being a
new coven. This section is back in development and I am currently
working to draw students to the grove to begin training classes in
September (Mabon) 2006. So if you are in the
area and are seeking Wiccan training, please drop by the site and
see if you think this group would appeal to you..
The PSC site contains the original Announcement
to the Wiccan Community of the Grove's inception, the
proposed By-Laws
and a sample Grove
Calendar (for 2006-2008), and the Spell of Manifestation
for the Grove (don't read until you read the full announcement
and know that you wish to add to the energy of the spell of
manifestation - link to it through the announcement.). There is also a link to the bibliography
and bookstore and the course
outline of the Grove Training Program as well as an inquiry
form for anyone interested in more information on attending grove
events.
-
As we all know, God/dess does indeed move in mysterious
ways and as usual my plate is unusually full, so the progress of this
project has been very slow. I was out of town due to work
commitments between January and June of 2000 which put the project on
hold. After that I was been very involved in family concerns,
including preparing for my move from Atlanta, GA to San Diego, CA (which
occurred in September of 2001), then transitions in both employment and
family life had me reeling for the next several years. Lately I've
met people who are interested in the vision, or just interested in
training, and I attended a self actualization seminar which helped me
get back on track, so things are beginning to move forward again with
this project.
-
- CAW
: Nest of the Phoenix
The local congregation of the
Church of All Worlds is the nest or proto-nest.
Nests are small, intimate, family like groups
which focus on the spiritual growth of their
members. The Nest of the Phoenix existed in Atlanta, GA, where I served as the Nest Coordinator
for several years.
Now that I'm in San Diego, and with the 3rd
incarnation of CAW being reborn, I hope to form a PhoenixSpirit
Nest out here once CAW is up and running again. If you are interested in
belonging to a nest or forming your own nest,
please contact me via this link.
-
- Web
Design
- I'm learning Web Design and do freelance work.
If you like what you see here and would like to contact me for
professional consultation, please e-mail me and let me know! As you can
see, my personal style is text based and minimalist, but I can certainly
adjust where needed and I am very customer service oriented. I also do
work on a co-operative basis with my nest mate, who has more web
design experience than I.
-
- Catherine
Deville's Online Bookstore:
- In association with Amazon.com, I'm building a
bookstore from my bibliographies. I figure if you're going to read them
on my recommendation then you might as well get them here :-).
-
- Please pardon the mess... we're building right
now and only the Pagan areas are really
"open for business" yet, but if you
want to tip-toe through and buy something we've
got a limited stock in house. Don't trip over the stock clerks on your way to the cash register
<g>. Books through Amazon.com are usually
available at a discount, so you save money! All
of the profits made by this site on Wiccan
and Pagan books are contributed to the
PhoenixSpirit Clan and a portion of all proceeds (if we ever
make any) are (will be) tithed to the Church
of All Worlds.
Past Projects
{or stuff I do when I have time}
- Polyamory
Southeast
This is a loose knit group of
folks around the South Eastern US who have a
mailing list and get together to do stuff every
once in a while.
- Polyamory
Atlanta
Polyamory Atlanta is the Atlanta
members of Polyamory Southeast. Polyamory Atlanta is currently
going through the process of becoming a bit more cohesive and has begun to have regular,
rather than occasional, meetings.
-
Binet Atlanta's purpose is to
bring together the gay, bisexual, and straight
communities, work towards eliminating bi phobia
and prejudice in our communities, and provide a
supportive, safe and sane social environment for
bisexuals and bi-friendly people. Membership in
Binet Atlanta is open to all bisexuals and their
supporters. Binet Atlanta does not discriminate
on the basis of any definable category or
characteristic. While I haven't been very active
since BiNet Atlanta was formed, I was a founding
member of the organization that it grew out of,
BiAtlanta. I'm very proud of this BiNet Atlanta,
how they've grown and the things that they've
done. They're great folks and I stop by when I
can.
- The Society
for Creative Anachronism
While the info below is all correct (AFAIK), I now live in the Kingdom of Caid and
in the Barony
of Calafia. I have not had much time to participate
since moving here. I'm still a paid member of the Society,
and love when I have time for it, but it's "play" and
takes a back seat to the real life projects that are priority time
commitments.
The Society for Creative
Anachronism (SCA) is an international
organization dedicated to researching and
recreating pre-17th-century European history. The
link above is to the official website. Groups are
divided regionally into Kingdoms and within their
Kingdoms are further divided geographically into
Baronies, Shires, Cantons and occasionally into
Colleges. When a region within a Kingdom has a
large enough populace they may become a
Principality, which stays under the jurisdiction
of the Kingdom until it becomes large enough to
become a Kingdom of it's own. Atlanta is in the Kingdom of
Meridies (the South). There are several local
groups in the Atlanta area: The
Barony of South Downs is the largest group
and encompasses most of the area. A College is a
group formed on a college campus. There was a
College of St. Burdell on Georgia Tech campus,
but it is now listed as the
Household of St. George of Burdell , so the
College of St. Burdell may no longer be active.
Probably someone (or even everyone) graduated.
That happens a lot with colleges. The
Shire of Owl's Nest is in the Marietta -
Kennesaw area. The
Shire of Sol Haven is in Conyers. Not far, to
the Northeast (not actually in Atlanta) is the Barony
of Bryn Madoc (Athens) and the Canton
of Beau Fort (Gainesville).
-
I've recently become interested in becoming active in the
SCA again... If I can ever find the time, and I now participate in the
SCA cooks list on a mostly lurking/occasionally active basis.
Aradia's Circle is an experimental online NeoPagan Seminary
which was developed to provide training opportunities for
solitary Pagans. Aradia's Circle offered an
Online program of Study in Eclectic Paganism.
Enrolment was academically selective (due to limited resources
we can only accept a certain number of students every year and
therefore we accept only those who demonstrate a serious
commitment to their religious education) but classes were
offered free to anyone who wished to partake in them and who
could demonstrate through their application the skills necessary
to complete their courses.
-
We were intent on becoming an alternative for formal
religious training in NeoPaganism which will provide solitary
practitioners with a strong base in Ethics and a firm foundation in
NeoPagan religion. We developed a Level 1 degree program which was
intended to provide the student sufficient knowledge of NeoPaganism and
Wicca as spiritual paths to make an informed decision on whether or not
these paths are appropriate to his/her spiritual development. The
Level 1 degree, which is in the final stages of development, currently
consists of 51 hours of core requirements and 3 hours of electives,
for a total of 54 credit hours and for a devoted full time student
should take approximately 4 semesters (2 years) to complete.
Our Level 2 and Level 3 degrees, which focus on community service and
Priesthood/Ministry, are still in the first stages of development.
As our degree programs evolve they are updated on the Aradia's Circle
website.
I served as both an instructor (primarily in the
Rituals and Ethics tracks) and as a member of the Board of
Directors of Aradia's Circle, as well as being an ongoing student,
until the school went into hibernation due to technical problems
and personal time commitment and health issues among the volunteer
instructors and BoD members. It was a grand experiment, and
we learned a lot. Perhaps some day it will rise from the
ashes as well.
-
- ~Goddess
2000 Project~
The ~Goddess 2000 Project~ was a healing
Community Event that sought to include all branches of the Earth
Spirit, Goddess, Pagan, Dianic, Wiccan, Asatru, Yoruba, Heathen,
Indigenous Spiritualities, and other related folks.
Whatever our own individual
Paths, we have come together here to Celebrate
the return of the Goddess, focusing on our shared
beliefs, not our differences.
-
-
This area is reserved for those of my
friends and family who have their own web pages. It will
grow as my network does and may eventually become it's
own page. :-)
:-( Since the move, it appears that all my friends who
had home pages have moved or taken down those pages. Until then,
you can check out my
friends page on Live Journal if you wish.
I've recently found lots of
stuff on the web that I feel others would enjoy, Pagan
and Poly and others stuff for sale or Pagan vendors of
note. While I don't know all these folks, I thought that
their stuff would be of interest.
The Nest of the Phoenix or
The PhoenixSpirit Clan:
E-mail us:
Please send me mail telling
me what you think about this page and how I might improve
it.
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~ Catherine Deville's Homepage ~ 
