M5325 Liturgical Design: Beyond the Wheel of the Year

Study of extant liturgical practice in contemporary Paganism and development of seasonal celebrations and rites of passage. Liturgical terminology from theological discourse is defined and applied to Paganism to broaden ability for interfaith engagement. In a Pagan context, studies will explore the mythos cycles upon which many traditions build their liturgical year, as well as the structure of ritual itself. In critically analyzing ritual structure, students will develop theories about what makes “good” ritual, with the intent of applying those theories to rituals created for this course. Final project is a collection of original rituals-devotional, petitionary, and benedictory-created by the student.

Department: Ministry, Advocacy & Leadership (MAL) / Pagan Pastoral Theology

Required Reading:

In memoriam: A Practical Guide to Planning a Memorial Service by Amanda Bennett and Terence B. Foley, Touchstone Books, 1997, 978-0684819020, (available in paperback and Kindle ed.)

The Pagan Book of Living and Dying: Practical Rituals, Prayers, Blessings, and Meditations on Crossing Over by Starhawk, M. Macha Nightmare & The Reclaiming Collective, HarperOne, 1997, 978-0062515162 (available in paperback and Kindle ed.)

Rituals of Celebration: Honoring the Seasons of Life through the Wheel of the Year by Jane Meredith, Llewellyn Publication, 2013, 978-0738735443, (available in paperback and Kindle ed.)

Worship That Works: Theory and Practice for Unitarian Universalists by Wayne B. Arnason, Skinner House Books, 2017, 978-1558968097 (available in paperback and Kindle ed.)

Class Meeting:  Mondays, 7-8:30 PM ET

Total Tuition Cost: 570 RON

To register:
If you are new to INCSR, first complete the registering form or order this course, then the office will send you an invoice.

Professor: Olteanu Cosmin – holds a degree in Orthodox Pastoral Theology from Baia Mare, studied Byzantine Theology, emphasizing the influence of ethical and theological values on Eastern European and Western Asian societies. He pursued Comparative Theology at Universal Life Church from 2014 to 2016, exploring global religious phenomena and their historical and cultural threads. He holds a Professional Qualification Certificate as a Youth Worker, obtained in June 2021, and participated in the Ruhr Games 2017, attending international workshops on sports development, good governance in sports, anti-discrimination policies, and contemporary European political issues. Cosmin served as the President of the Institutionalized Youth Council from February to June 2022, defending and promoting the rights of institutionalized youth and advocating for their active community participation and education. Since May 2022, he has been an active member of various committees in the Chamber of Deputies, including the Committee for Human Rights, Religions, and National Minorities Issues, the Committee for Equal Opportunities, and the Committee for Culture. He has been the National Coordinator for the European Green Progressive Interfaith Coalition (EGPIC) since July 2022. Cosmin received a merit diploma for his cultural volunteer activities in December 2017 and has been involved in educational projects and conferences, such as the anti-discrimination educational project in Bacău’s pre-university schools and the summit for children and youth in state care.