Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2000 21:28:50 EST
From: (address deleted)
To: [email protected]
Subject: Temple of Many Directions

> ... TEMPLE OF THE MANY DIRECTIONS

> ... According to the recently discontinued Chicago Pagan FAQ, they have been
> ... charging hefty fees for teaching. So, I'm sure they can afford to buy a
> ... good newspaper ad or two to advertise their services. We recommend that
> ... you avoid them, at least for the moment, and, under the rules already
> ... stated, we decided to remove their listing, until we hear that the
> ... reports are false, from a reputable source. Or until they become too
> ... fascinating to ignore. One or the other.

I've just nominated myself to be your reputable source because I'm afraid you have been misinformed. But first, let me introduce myself. I am Kassady, Moon Priestess of the Evanston Temple of the Many Directions. Everyone's perception of what a "hefty" fee is differs. It depends on what you value. The Temple has recently attained not-for-profit status as a religious denomination with the State of IL. We ask guests for a donation of $5 to cover rental and other expenses for attendance at a New Moon Ritual. We ask guests for a donation of $10 to cover rental and other expenses for attendance at a Sabat Ritual.

At Imbolc/Candlemas, we are coming up on our 2 year anniversary of presenting rituals open to the public (our Full Moons are closed to members only). This anniversary also marks the growing of our denomination with the inauguration of the Elgin Temple of the Many Directions (2nd congregation birthed). We have to pay for rental at the UU Church in Evanston and the UU Church in Elgin where we meet. Our expenses include Congregational Mailings, Ads in the Monthly Aspectarian, Hiring of Drummers & Musicians for Sabbats, Hot Food budget for feasts and various miscellaneous expenses. Our members are asked to contribute $20 per month dues to help fund the running of the temple (this is something the Christians are real good at that pagans should not be too proud to emmulate).

Now, to directly address the charge of "hefty" teaching fees. To become a member of the Temple of the Many Directions requires taking The Class in Magick which is a 5 month long intensive. It has been the Temple's experience that to draw dedicated students to this path requires a commitment of time and money on their part. They must value the training that they are going to acquire. That is why the class is 5 months long (commitment of time) and costs $25 per 2 hour class (commitment of money). People tend not to value what they don't have to pay for and what doesn't take any of their time. The teacher of the class has also committed time to preparing the lessons, as well as teaching and time/expense traveling to and from the lessons. The teacher deserves to be compensated. There's even a 20% discount if the fee for the whole 5 months is paid upfront. All I can tell you from my own experience is that I started the Class in Magick 2 1/2 years ago and feel the training I received was worth every penny of the $500 total I paid. I am currently taking the Advanced Class in Magick which is a 12 week course costing $300. It's not cheap, but I certainly wouldn't classify it as excessive or "hefty". I've seen weekend seminars with Sonia Chocolate or Carolyn Moss cost $495-595 and, remember, that's just for 2 days!!!! But, hefty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose.

Below is how we like to think of ourselves:



THE TEMPLE OF THE MANY DIRECTIONS
===========================

is a Circle of Magickal Spirituality based in the Wiccan, Earth centered belief in the Sacredness of all Creation, all Life. Wicca sees Nature as Sacred and since we are all of part of Nature, we are Sacred as well. There is no split seen between body and mind or matter and spirit. Spiritual authority resides in the individual and personal Magick is used to effect positive change in accordance with each individual's True Will and True Spirit.

The Temple of the MNay Directions is not a coven, rather we are an initiatory, Temple community dedicated to presenting meaningful, Earth centred Spirituality classes and rituals to the public while deepening each member's connection to the Earth, to Life and to Spirit.

Eight times a year at the Sabbats, we join together to celebrate the Here and Now by observing the ancient Solar and Seasonal Festivals that make up the Wheel of the Year. We also host New Moon rituals each month that are open to the public, but our Full Moon observances are for members of the Temple only.

For more information call: (ommitted), Evanston Temple or (ommitted), Elgin Temple.


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