HP Pete Pathfinder & HPS Wende Davis presenting Elder Status
to Elspeth and Nybor, of The Haven Community Church-ATC in Keyser, WV with
Jacque-Omi, then HPS of The Church of Iron Oak-ATC.
In addition to the original Aquarian Tabernacle Church congregation, which meets and worships at the church in Index, Washington, there is a lot going on at many other locations under the auspices of the ATC or one of its many other affiliated congregations throughout other parts of Washington state, our nation, and the world. The ATC has gone from a small handful of people in 1979 to the worldwide Wiccan religious tradition it is today, because we are responsive to the spiritual and worldly needs of our sisters and brothers on the path to ancient spirituality we call Paganism.Elsewhere you will find a partial address listing of groups (and in some cases, phone numbers) of our affiliated ATC congregations in Washington and other areas. If there isn’t one in your area, give us a call – there may be a new one in your neighborhood, since this list grows almost daily as new groups form and established groups affiliate. Many of our groups are associated in some way with a metaphysical shop that may offer meeting space, or be operated by one of the members to serve their local community.
Often, there may be an informal study group, empowerment or discussion group meeting near you that is sponsored, encouraged or supported by the ATC or its members. These gatherings offer the opportunity to meet and get to know other, like minded folks without any obligation or need for the formal commitment of actually ‘joining’ something. You can attend a few, and ‘test the waters’ before you decide to plunge in. Some groups may not suit your needs or expectations, and you are free to decide on your own if you want to participate without pressure from anyone. This is not a controlling cult — this is a church of the Old Religion that’s open to all sincere seekers, and we never require anyone to have the sponsorship of someone we know. Our experience in this has been completely positive, with never a problem. Groups located in the Bible Belt and other hostile areas of the southern states may be somewhat less open, however.
Frequent classes and workshops on interesting subjects are held in central locations, most often at the church or metaphysical bookstores. These classes are almost always without cost to the attendees, and although sometimes a small donation to cover supplies or room rental may be asked it is not required, especially if you truly can’t afford it — our first concern is your spiritual development, not your pocket. There are also many interesting open workshops and classes held as part of our annual Spring Mysteries Festival, the Thursday through Sunday of every Easter week, and at the annual Hecate’s Sickle Festival, on the first weekend of every November. Classes are given at the Tabernacle grounds in Index on the Saturday evening after the new moon, just before or immediately after our monthly Diana’s Bow Worship and potluck supper gatherings. Many other ATC groups also host their own festivals, worship gatherings and classes, so check with the ATC group nearest you.
Professional Clergy training classes are frequently available to those sincerely interested in, and motivated to make the commitment to doing the work of the Goddess by serving and ministering to the spiritual and secular needs of our Wiccan and Pagan communities. Priest/ess/hood requires dedication, commitment, and intensive hard work and study, but the rewards are many and the need is great in these times of rapidly expanding Paganism. Credit for prior learning and experiences can shorten the study requirements, and cross-tradition recognition is available when appropriate. If interested in clergy service, ask for more information.
