April's focus will be Celtic Tradtions.   We will have Ellen Evert Hopman as a guest speaker to teach an overview about Druid Tradtions.   Ellen Evert Hopman is a local Druid Priestress, Master Herbalist and published author.  She is available to give workshops and to teach.  Read below for more information on Ellen and her website. 

What exactly is Paganism and what does it mean to be a Pagan?  

There is so much to be explored and understood, it can be challenging to know where to begin or how to proceed after doing some initial research.  Many folks feel drawn or called to experience a spiritual practice that is connected to the Earth, The Moon and the Cycles of the Year without being overly burden by a dogmatic structure that does not resonate with their personal interpretation of the Sacred.   Paganism is a rapidly growing spiritual practice in the United States and is still in practice around the world in various cultures. 

But who are Pagans and what do they do?  Are Wicca and Paganism the same thing?  What does it mean to be a Witch or to practice Witchcraft? What if you are drawn to Paganism but do not identify as a Witch, then what?  

There is a rich tapestry of spiritual traditions that come under the umbrella of Paganism and it can take a bit of study to comprehend the similarities and the differences as well as to find which path resonates with your heart.  This monthly series is meant for beginners and the more experienced to come together to learn and explore in an experiential way the workings of “Mystery Traditions”. 

The focus of this series is to empower individuals as they sort through an abundance of information to find a Path that speaks to them and to assist them in transforming knowledge into practice.  Participants will be encouraged to develop their spirituality, literary knowledge and hands-on practice of “Mystery Traditions” through out the course of this series.

 Each class will stand on its own in content and drops-ins are welcome.  This workshop series will meet once a month on the 2nd Monday, 7-8:30 pm

 About the Guest Teacher and Speaker, Ellen Evert Hopman:

 Ellen has been a Druid initiate since 1984 and a member of several Druid Orders.   Hopman is a founding member of The Order of the White Oak (Ord Na Darach Gile, www.whiteoakdruids.org ) and its current Co-Chief, a Bard of the Gorsedd of Caer Abiri, and a Druidess of the Druid Clan of Dana. She was Vice President of The Henge of Keltria, an international Druid Fellowship, for nine years. She has also been at times a member of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF). She is the co-cretaor of the Virtual Shrine of the Goddess Brighid (http://shrineofbrighid.com/)

 Ellen Evert Hopman is the author of a growing number of books. Her first novel, Priestess of the Forest: A Druid Journey (Llewellyn, February 2008), was an exciting new project for her, combining a heart-warming fictional romance with practical Druid rites and rituals. The sequel is called The Druid Isle (Llewellyn, April 2010). Her newest novel in the series, Priestess of the Fire Temple is due out March 2012.

About the Presenter: Winifred Tannetta                          

Winifred Tannetta has more than 20 years of direct experience and knowledge in Paganism, Goddess Traditions, Earth Centered Spirituality,  Sacred Dance, Reiki, and Tarot.  Her mission is one of helping others to live an empowered life through connecting to Sacred Source, encouraging them to find and listen to their inner voice and embrace their authentic spirit essence.  She is the co-founder and sole proprietress of AwenTree which is the manifestation of a lifelong dream to create a sustainable business that celebrates spiritually-inspired living, honors Sacred Traditions and encourages healing and transformation for all beings and her community.   Winifred is a NGH Certified Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master Teacher (since 1997), and a Certified Past Life Facilitator.   She is a dedicated Healing Arts Practitioner, creating and holding sacred space for her clients to discover and open to their highest potential on their journey of awakening, healing and transformation.