The Sunstave Circle: Utah's Unique Pagan Tradition
March 23rd, 2009
Wiccans, Pagans, and Spiritualists unite for eclectic rites in Sandy
by Jacob Hodgen
"Blessed be."
The sacred rite is about to begin. A woman wearing a white robe and a pentagram necklace rings a chime and invites those in attendance to join her in a magical ceremony celebrating the coming of spring. She is joined to by two men wearing black robes. The ritual will take about half an hour and will involve the conjuration of multiple elemental forces. First, the three begin a multi-tonal chant and an invocation of benevolent spirits in Hebrew. They turn and face each of the four cardinal directions and make various hand gestures. Each direction is affiliated with a specific alchemical element and is called upon for blessings.
I am about to take part in the Sunstave Circle at the Odd Fellows lodge in Sandy, and the purpose of tonight's ritual is to seek balance between the spiritual and physical form and celebrate the spring equinox. The event is a unique Utah tradition that has been taken place in Utah since 1996 and happens about every six weeks, corresponding with various solar calendar events. There are approximately 400 practicing ritual spiritualists, which includes Pagans, Wiccans, Shamans, Druids, Magickians, Vikings, and others. The Sunstave Ciricle is open to anyone and serves to bring these people together for a chance to share their diverse beliefs. Soon, black and white candles are lit, and one of the robed men walks around the room with incense and offers blessings to each person. Next, we engage in breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga poses are discussed.
The Sunstave for which the tradition is named is an actual staff that is bequeathed from one group to another at each event. The person or group which accepts the staff agrees to lead the group at the next meeting and add something to the staff to symbolize their faith. The staff itself is covered in ribbons, trinkets, and emblems from the previous groups and individuals who have held it.
The group leading tonight's event is called Luman Sagas. It is led by a women named Hazel who models her rituals after those created by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. A magical order that reached its peak of popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Golden Dawn has many similarities in its structure and rites to that of Freemasonry, of which its historic founders were all members. At its peak, the Golden Dawn included many famous British artists, including Bram Stoker, William Butler Yeats, and Aleister Crowley. Its rites and texts have been major influences on modern spiritualistic practices.
Some people who have never attended a Pagan or Wiccan ceremony may have the preconception that it is somehow inherently satanic or evil. However, from my experience, this was not this case. The ritual was upbeat, pleasant, and quite peaceful in nature. In fact, Hazel says that most of the people in the circle do not even believe in a devil or ultimate evil. For them, the rite was a chance to relax, give thanks, and celebrate the end of long, cold winter, which I think is something almost everyone can relate to.
When the ceremony has concluded, I ask if it is ever hard for them to practice Paganism in Utah, when the dominant religion is strongly opposed to it. They tell me that it doesn't really bother them: "We don't adhere to other people's approval," claims Will, one of the leaders of tonight's group. He says that he first began practicing candle magic at the age of 11, and that spiritualism has helped him to develop a self-confidence and love for himself where conventional religion had failed. "To me, it's a discipline, like martial arts. The ritual is intended to make us conscious of the union of body and mind."
Hazel tells me that she turned from her traditional Christian upbringing, because she got tired of feeling repressed and disapproved of what she felt was the use of guilt as a motivator by her leaders. "It was always, 'do what we say,' and there was no questioning it." She found her way to Qabalah and other magical arts and discovered it to be a much better fit for her. She says that, "The goal of this is to seek balance in our own lives and then endeavor to bring harmony to the world around us."
Ed is the third member of Luman Sagas, and he too wears a long black robe with a cowl. He tells me that the robes symbolize setting aside the mundane: "whenever you put on the ritual robe, it's a reminder that you are no longer outside on the street; it helps separate the material world from the spiritual world."
At the end of the ceremony, small cups of soil are passed out, and everyone is given a handful of seeds. There are cosmos, sweet peas, and other wildflowers, which represent setting positive goals and watching them come to fruition. Lastly, the group presents everyone in attendance with a Italian Wicca charm called a "Grigori." In the shape of a mask, the Grigori serves as a reminder that the physical and spiritual must always be kept in balance.
The next Sunstave Circle will be held in a little over a month. If you get the chance, open your mind and come out to experience a truly unique Utah tradition.
Blessed be.
Learn More About the Sunstave Circle Here
Photos by Jacob Hodgen
