Just wanted to say how excited I am by the response I've received since setting up Gnosis a whole three weeks ago. Six members in less than a month? I'm impressed anyway, so thanks for coming on board.
I'm not sure if a personal introduction is appropriate here but since it's my bright idea that got us into all this trouble, perhaps it might help to break the proverbial ice...! In no particular order then, I'm a new OU student, enrolled for Science Starts Here and hoping to go on to study Physics and Astronomy. I have been an practising Pagan / Occultist involved with various groups for the last ten years.
Just to reiterate, Gnosis aims to become a meeting point for students and staff members of all paths and traditions, practising and non-practising and also welcomes anyone with an interest in finding out about Paganism and/or Occultism. A desire to share and learn from each other's experience are all that's needed.
I will be coming onto Platform regularly now, as I would really love to see our fluffy little fledgling group grow up, take to the skies and soar like Horus! Please feel free to introduce yourself to the rest of the group and generally make yourself at home. Also as these are really early days, I would particularly appreciate any ideas people may have for discussions, activities and any other cool stuff.
Thank you and Blessed Be!
Therese
I think an introduction is a good idea :)
I'm starting K101 (An Introduction to Health and Social Care) in October. I hope to go onto the Social Work degree. I am a Wiccan/Pagan and am a solitary.
BB
Hi Carrie pleased to meet you!
So we're both new students by the looks of it? What a relief to have squeaked in before the fees go mad in 2012... Can't wait to get my course materials through tho' I'm quite nervous as well.
I am also a solitary at the moment and finding it very liberating. I suppose I'd describe myself as a nature worshipper first and foremost with elements of Wicca, Thelema and Egyptian magick.
BB
T
Luckily financial support will help me alot with fees. I am nervous too, but excited. I'm just dreading the exam at the end lol.
I am quite shy and prefer to do things my own way, so I don't think a coven would suit me. I am fascinated with mythology and I work with the Greek Pantheon.
What course will you be taking?
BB
I am doing Science Starts Here - it's the precursor to the first grown up Level 1 science course and its for people with rusty maths who haven't done much science before. It's astronomy and planetary science which interests me most, both from a practical and religious point of view.
I work quite a bit with Stellar Magic by Payam Narbarz which is a great guide to Star Magic with a very interesting Persian and Bardic influence running through it.
Re mythology I have noticed there are some great Classics courses on offer with the OU and the science programme has quite a big free choice element so I definitely want to try and squeeze in some Classics if at all possible. Do you get much free choice on your programme?
BB
T
That sounds interesting. I'm not much of a science fan myself, English Literature was my favourite subject at school and sixth form, Maths being the one that I was best at.
I will definately have a look at the Classics courses. The social work degree is pretty structured, you can choose your main subject (I will be choosing working with children), but there is a lot of compulsory modules like social work law etc. I am doing the course to change my career and so will be focusing on that, but afterwards I will probably look at doing something like the classics course.
xx
Hello folks,
I have eclectic tastes in most things, which includes th traditions in which I am interested. I am a member of OBOD (Order of Bards Ovates and Druids) at Bardic level, although I have not been too active since becoming a granny ten months ago. I also run my own website/forums for those of a spiritual leaning, whatever their tradition aand healers, and another where I privide Tarot/Oracle readings which keep me busy. I'm also blogging and an avid crafter.
I read Tarot to help loval charities at fundraisers as well as on my own sites, I have a great affinity with the Osho Zen tarot.
From the OU perspective, I am planning to complete my BA (Open) Hons next year, having done an (as you might expect) eclectic mix of modules so far, including Welsh, French, IT, Death and Dying and Creative Writing. This years modules are A363 Advanced Creative Writing and A251 Archaeology.
I look forward to chatting with others as time goes by here.
Ruth
Hi Ruth, thanks for your introduction, your open degree sounds fascinating. Although I am not personally involved with the Druidic tradition, I know a fair few Druids from my occult travels!
All the best with your courses for this year. Archeology and Creative writing are both courses I would like to do if time and resources permit. Although I am aiming for a Bsc, I am pretty eclectic too!
BB
Therese
Greetings fellow studious persons
My name is Mandy and I'm from Kettering in Northamptonshire.
I'm going to be starting S104 Exploring Science (60pt Level 1) in January and am waiting to hear if I have managed to successfully register for the brand new course S175 The Frozen Planet (10pt Short Course) starting November.
My long-term aim is a BSc in Natural Sciences and am extremely nervous about the commitment I am making, as I am a single mother of two and do actually work too. Like Therese I have more than a passing interest in the stars and planets and will be hoping to follow an Astronomy/Planetary Science route.
I think I'd have to describe myself as a solitary Wiccan of sorts... with the emphasis more on Solitary but that's the way I happen to like it anyway. I enjoy the freedom of choosing my own path and means of celebrating life and the wonders of the world around us.
Hi Mandy,
How wonderful to find another scientist on here and one studying the same course - I am in the throes of s154 too! How are you finding it so far?
I think we're all a bit nervous starting out - I know I am! - but so far I have found everyone incredibly positive and encouraging. I am interested to see that you plan to do a short course in November before moving on to s104. I am planning to do the Astronomy 10 credit course which starts at the same time and like you, move onto s104 after that.
In the meantime, all the best with your studies and I look forward to hearing more from you on here.
Blessed be
Therese
Hi again Therese,
I too was considering the S194 Introducing Astronomy which starts for the last time in November, however I have discovered that there will be a new and improved course replacing it which combines S194 and S196 Planets: An Introduction. The only other information I have managed to dig up is that the course code will be S177 but I do not yet know it's title. This was my main reason for looking at a different short course to start with. I'm not doing S154 though so unfortunately I am unable to comment on that one.
I've also managed to get my hands on a full set of books for S104 and have been slowly reading Book 1 Global Warming. I have to say that not only is it extremely well written but it gently guides you through any science you may find new or difficult to understand. This has given me great confidence already and I am now really looking forward to starting the course in January.
Here's to a long and prosperous journey together!
BB
Have deleted post as this sight seems inactive.
Helo there, just found this group whilst exploring the alumni site. Am all the way up in Orkney and just wanted to say hi to begin with really
Mark