THE TEMPLE OF THE DARK MOON
WHO IS THE TEMPLE OF THE DARK MOON?
The Temple of the Dark Moon was established in 1999 in Adelaide, South Australia to order to provide accurate information on Paganism (in particular Wicca and Wytchcraft), and magick, as well as occultic arts and metaphysical practices. This is done through a variety of workshops and courses, all of which have been the result of substantial research and experience from many years dedicated to this practices. What sets the Temple of the Dark Moon aside from other groups is that wherever appropriate, the information contained in all workshops and courses have been specifcally adapted with the Southern Hemisphere perspective in mind. Within its Inner and Outer Court training circles, the Temple of the Dark Moon provides tuition based on a combination of Alexandrian based Wicca, traditional Craft and ceremonial magick. However aspects of other Pagan and occult traditions are also included in order to provide students and members of the Temple with as much information and practical experience as possible.
The Temple of the Dark Moon believes that all religious and spiritual beliefs should be respected in order to bring about the much needed peace and harmony within both ourselves, and for our planet, Gaea (the Greek name for Mother Earth), who is our Mother. The Temple of the Dark Moon does not believe that education should not come at an unreasonable cost. While other groups may charge extensive fees for limited information, the Temple sets its fees at a level considered reasonable in order to cover all relevant costs which it incurs in order to provide such education. The Temple of the Dark Moon also donates 10-20% of all monies received to various charitable organisations.
WHAT'S IN THE NAME?
In the ancient teachings, the dark phase of the moon often represented the subconscious level of our being, and it is at this level that the hidden or forgotten knowledge that has been passed down through the ages, can be found. It is for this reason that the Temple decided on the name "Temple of the Dark Moon", to act as a guide for those seeking the forgotten knowledge of ages past. It is a common misconception that the word "occult" relates to anything evil or untoward. The dictionary definition of the word "occult" is kept secret; beyond the range of ordinary knowledge; involving the supernatural, mystical or magickal. Occult knowledge today is based on the residue left from the growth and spread of science and religious during the last 3,000 years.
THE TEMPLE'S FOUNDER
The Temple of the Dark Moon's founder and course coordinator is Frances Billinghurst, who has been interested in Paganism, metaphysics and the occult for most of her life, with the last 14 or so years being dedicated to serious study and practical application. She has been initiated as a Wytch and Priestess of the Alexandrian Wicca Tradition as well as being trained in ceremonial magick. While she still acknowledges the foundation provided by both these traditions, her current drawing is towards a more "traditional" element of the Craft, ie non-Gardnerian.
Frances has been contributing articles to various Pagan publications since 1998, and in March 2002, was asked to regularly contribute articles for Australia's No.1 New Age magazine, Insight Magazine on Pagan, magick and Craft related topics. Some six months later, she was asked to be the guest editor of the October 2002 edition. In August 2004, Frances again appeared as Insight's guest editor. Her articles have also appeared in "Witchcraft Magazine" (Australia), "Rainbow News" (NZ), and "The Cauldron" (UK), "The New Witch" (USA) and Traditions Magazine(USA). Added to this, Frances also regularly contributes articles to the Pagan Alliance Inc (SA)'s magazine "The Silver Wheel" as well as to other Pagan publications. In addition to her writing, Frances appeared in the local Adelaide newspaper, "Sunday Mail" in July 2002, with respect to an article on Wytchcraft and Paganism following the release of the Australian 2001 census results, and in January 2005 she appeared in "The Age", a Melbourne-based newspaper. In March 2003 she was invited to speak at the New Zealand Pagan Festival as well as leading the opening ritual with Chief Druid, Philip Carr-Gomm. She also regularly supports events organised by the Pagan Alliance Inc (South Australia) by giving lectures as well as providing practical demonstrations on various magickal techniques.
Frances is currently the secretary for the Pagan Alliance Inc (South Australia), a position she has held since its conception in 2000. She also holds the position of secretary for the Alexandrian Wiccan Inc (Australia), a member of the Pagan Federation (UK), and the Fellowship of Isis (Ireland).
TEMPLE SPONSORSHIP
The Temple of the Dark Moon supports a number of ecologial, humane and animal protection charities and organisations (including the Australian Conservation Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund (Australia)), as well as sponsoring a child through World Vision. A percentage of all monies received by the Temple from its workshops and courses is forwarded to these charities. In August 2004, the Temple of the Dark Moon became a sponsor of Witches Voice, a large international networking organisation for Pagans which offers invaluable information and resources all around the globe free of charge.
CONTACT THE TEMPLE OF THE DARK MOON
Postal Address: Temple of the Dark Moon, PO Box 5003, ALBERTON SA 5014 © Temple of the Dark Moon (unless otherwise stated)
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