Blackberry Circle
Blackberry Circle (sometimes abbreviated as BBC) is a legally recognized Wiccan church and state non-profit located in Conroe, Texas. They provide open Sabbat rituals for the general public as well as educational opportunities for those wishing to learn Wicca.
History
Following the purchase of land in Conroe by one of the founders of Blackberry Circle in October, 2006, a group of like-minded people decided to start a coven that would provide open Sabbat rituals for those who wished to attend and fellowship with other Pagans. The first open ritual held was Yule on December 16, 2006 with approximately 20 people in attendance.
On March 13, 2007, Blackberry Circle filed papers as a non-profit corporation in the state of Texas. The application was approved and on March 20, 2007 (The Spring Equinox), Blackberry Circle became an official church. The Bylaws of Blackberry Circle were voted on and approved by the board of directors on March 22, 2007.
Since that time Blackberry Circle has provided open rituals for all the Sabbats, with the exception of a few that were canceled due to weather, and on one occasion to show support for the 2008 Houston Witches Ball.
In March, 2009, Blackberry Circle became a member of the Family Wiccan Traditions International, founded by Lydia M. Crabtree. While Blackberry Circle is not true family coven under the guidelines of FWTI, they share the same core IDeaS and values.
Due to the unique and adaptable nature of the rituals performed by Blackberry Circle, they have been invited by other groups, Pagan and non-Pagan, to perform rituals. The most recent was the closing ritual at the 2009 Houston Pagan Pride Day as well as a stone circle consecration at Sherwood Forest Faire near Giddings, Texas.
Beliefs
While Blackberry Circle has its own cosmology and tradition, it is an inclusive rather than exclusive organization in that it recognizes the individual members may have their own particular beliefs, practices and Gods that they worship and does not seek to supplant those beliefs.
The Primary deities worshiped by Blackberry Circle are Danu and The Dagda but they have been known to incorporate other deities in their open rituals, ranging from Hawaiian to Greek and Roman Gods, depending on the theme of the ritual.
Blackberry Circle also believes that the rituals are celebrations of the seasons and as such they need to be fun. They encourage humour and laughter in each of their rituals and have designed most rituals to include humour.
They believe that family is the basis of spiritual life and that worship should not only include the parents but also the children. They ensure that all rituals are children friendly, with the exception of Beltane1.
References
External Links
Conroe Courier article about Blackberry Circle accessed 13 October 2009