Students will learn to help people meet the challenge of old age and develop models of spiritual development and maturity that can point the way to how the last third of life can be lived in a fulfilling and constructive way. Core topics include rites of passage into eldership, venerating deities of age and wisdom, support for older community members, the role of elders in the Pagan community and developing Pagan models of spiritual maturity. Students will also gain an understanding of end-of-life issues, spiritual palliative and hospice care, to better prepare Pagans who hear the call to this sacred work, and for those who encounter it as part of their overall priest/esshood.
Instructor:Ben Louma, MDiv
Zoom class meetings: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM ET
Required Texts:
Puchalski, C. M. (2012). Making health care whole : Integrating spirituality into health care. New Age Books.
Mackinlay, E., & Harrington, A. (2024). Changing Cultures of Ageing and Spirituality. Routledge
Groves, R. F., & Klauser, H. A. (2009). American book of living and dying : lessons in healing spiritual pain. Celestial Arts.