Fall 2024 Semester

Fall Semester runs Sep 8 to Dec 21, 2024. Insights course dates are noted below.

Insights (4-week courses)

If this is your first time taking a class, go here for a one-time signup

If you have done the signup before, log in to your Populi account and click “Registration is now open” on the Dashboard.

The Faery Faith: Meeting our extraordinary cousins

Increasingly over the past 20 years, pagan spirituality and practice has embraced building relationships with the other-than-human beings called the Faery people. But who exactly are the Fey? And what is our role and relationship to them? Although there is still much debate in pagan circles about the Fey (are they dangerous, capricious, or simply misunderstood), nevertheless benevolent relationships have been and continue to be built with them folk. Traditionally, this was understood as the Faery Faith—rituals, practices, and beliefs centered around our co-creative relationship with these otherworldly cousins. In this experiential class, Dr. Megan Rose will share her years of research as a practitioner-scholar of the Faery Faith. By demythologizing some of the common misconceptions around who these beings are, we will ground Faery contact within a solid psycho-spiritual framework. We will address some of the transcultural folkloric Faery traditions, discuss their relevance to contemporary practice, and clarify the ways in which we might work with the Fey in a safe and sane way. Dr. Rose will also share specific practices from her Faery Seership lineage, which is rooted in the folk-traditions of Scotland and Southern Appalachia.
INSTRUCTOR: Megan Rose, Ph.D.
DATES/TIMES; September Tuesdays 8:00 PM ET
REQUIRED TEXTS: none

Santa Muerte Death Magick

This Insights course will cover the modern history of death magick and death devotion as it is practiced by devotees of the Mexican folk saint known as Santa Muerte, or Saint Death. Students will explore communal and individual beliefs and practices related to this Skeleton Saint, as well as learn practical steps for crafting a Santa Muerte petition ritual. A final course project will allow students a chance to create their own Santa Muerte petition ritual from beginning to end. The only thing students need to know before taking this course is that Santa Muerte, as Death itself, accepts us all, and it is because of the universal nature of Death that we are all free to form devotional relationships with Santa Muerte, and to petition her for anything our hearts desire.
INSTRUCTOR: Arnold Bustillo
DAYS/TIMES: October, Saturdays, 6:00 PM ET
TEXTS: Materials provided by the instructor

Weather Witchery: connecting to our inner weather witch

Weather is something that connects us all, regardless of where we live.  Typical weather magic centers around trying to manipulate the weather in some way, but let’s dig deeper.  If we can connect the science of the weather to our magical practices, there is an abundant source of energy we can draw upon.  As we work with weather magic, we become more attuned to the cycles of the earth and the seasons. As we learn the folklore of the weather, we are connected to that long line of those who watched the signs and the skies to foretell what was to come.  We come to embody the storm, the wind, the clouds within our magical selves.
In this workshop, we will learn some of the basic science around familiar weather patterns then see how that connects to the folklore surrounding them. Then we will brainstorm new ways to incorporate the energy of weather phenomena into our magical practice. Weather is all around us, why not use it as a magical ally?
INSTRUCTOR: Debra Burris
DAYS/TIMES: November, Thursdays, 8:00 PM ET
TEXT: none

Graduate Courses

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C5151 Research Design and Methodology

Introduction to research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation, including the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession; research methods such as qualitative, quantitative, single-case designs, action research, and outcome-based research; statistical methods used in conducting research and program evaluation; principles, models, and applications of needs assessment, program evaluation, and the use of findings to effect program modifications; the use of research to inform evidence-based practice; and ethical and culturally relevant strategies for interpreting and reporting the results of research and/or program evaluation studies. APA style is required in papers.
INSTRUCTOR: Deirdre Sommerlad-Rogers, Ph.D.
DATES/TIMES: Saturdays– 1-2:30 PM ET
TEXT: Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches 4th Edition by John W. Creswell

M5561 Nonprofit Management

Pagans throughout the U.S. and beyond are finding that one effective way to achieve their ministry goals is through a nonprofit organization. Pagans are also entitled to the same organizational benefits enjoyed by churches and synagogues. A nonprofit is much like a business, but with a different bottom line – rather than a financial profit, nonprofits work for changed lives and strengthened communities. Students will cover the basics of forming a Pagan nonprofit, board governance, the basics of management, legal and ethical issues, the basics of fundraising and how to create a fundraising plan, and the basics of branding and communication.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Chris Rothbauer, M.Div., MALS
DATE/TIME: Sundays  8:00 PM ET
TEXTS:
DuBoff, L.D. and Bryan, A., The Law (in Plain English) for Nonprofit Organizations (2019)
Heyman, D.R. (ed), Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals (2016)
Libby, P. and Deitrick, L., Cases in Nonprofit Management: A Hands-On Approach to Problem Solving (2017)
Vick, S. Nonprofit Bylaws Made Easy: The Complete Guide to Writing your Nonprofit Bylaws (2015)
Wikstrom, E.W., Serving with Grace: Lay Leadership as Spiritual Practice (2010) [this book can be purchased at https://www.uuabookstore.org/Serving-with-Grace-P17091.aspx.

P5301 Intro to Pastoral Counseling and Chaplaincy

What is the difference between a pastoral counselor and a chaplain? This is an opportunity to explore an overview of the range of venues for pastoral counseling and chaplaincy, the use of spiritual resources, clinical skills, and the unique roles of the chaplain & pastoral counselor. Students will become familiar with the opportunities & limits of pastoral counseling, global & historical context for chaplaincy, interfaith dialogue, and their meaning for modern Pagans. Students will learn how to effectively function in these specialized ministries by sharing knowledge, understanding, acceptance, and respect, as well as working to protect and promote the free expression of religion for all faith formations, collective and individual.
INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Shane L. Nelson, Mdiv, MA, LPC, NCC, CADC-I, CCTP-II, BCC
DATE/TIME: Tuesdays 6:00 PM ET
TEXTS:
Roberts, Stephen B. (2011).  Professional Spiritual and Pastoral Care: A Practical Clergy and Chaplain’s Handbook. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Path Pub. ISBN 978-1594733123.
Townsend, L. (2009). Introduction to Pastoral Counseling. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press. ISBN-13: 9780687658350
Harrow, J. (2002). Spiritual Mentoring: A Pagan Guide. Toronto, Ontario: ECW Press. ISBN-13: 9781550225198
Ivey, Ivey, and Zaloquett. (2014). Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural Society. ISBN-13: 9781285065359