As a student interested in exploring different belief systems and traditions, I have recently been researching Pagan schools near me. Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses various nature-based spiritual practices and traditions, and attending a school that focuses on these teachings can provide a unique and fulfilling educational experience. In my quest to learn more about Pagan schools and communities in my area, I have come across several organizations that offer courses and workshops on Paganism. These schools aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Pagan beliefs, rituals, and practices. One such school that caught my attention is located just a few miles from my home. They offer a variety of classes that cover different aspects of Paganism, including herbalism, divination, mythology, and ritual work.
In fact, the slippage of time is steeped heavily into the film’s narrative. A cracked window corner prompts Simon to say, “We’re the house doctors, you and me. Get in there, make the bad parts look good…turn this into some place someone would want to live.” The subtext is spackled on just thick enough to become text: if eyes are windows to the soul and the house reflects the core, then the homestead provides a soft but pervasive metaphor for Simon’s appraisal of his family as a broken one that needs repair.
Likewise, Tacker s precocious performance is complemented by that of Alex Draper; he desperately attempts to be the grownup, the bearing wall that supports his son s load as well as his own. Lydia is the titled Witch, and her spectral appearance in a window five minutes into the film is the only instance of on-the-nose folly to be found in the lean 77 minute runtime.
They offer a variety of classes that cover different aspects of Paganism, including herbalism, divination, mythology, and ritual work. The school also hosts regular gatherings and events where students can connect with like-minded individuals and deepen their spiritual practice. Another Pagan school I discovered is a bit further away but offers online courses, making it accessible for students no matter their location.
Movie Review: Take a good look at Shudder’s “THE WITCH IN THE WINDOW”
Partnered with Jesse Holland, Andy Mitton emerged over the last few years as a skilled practitioner of modest yet deep-creeping horror with YELLOWBRICKROAD and WE GO ON. His first solo effort, THE WITCH IN THE WINDOW (debuting today on Shudder), once again demonstrates his facility at crafting an absorbing narrative and raising the hackles while working on a small scale.
Despite the title, this isn’t a black-magic tale but rather a ghost story, and a good deal of it is a drama about the fractured relationship between a father and son. Recently divorced Simon (Alex Draper) is about to start flipping a house in Vermont when his wife Beverly (Arija Bareikis) insists he take their 12-year-old son Finn (Charlie Tacker) for the summer. The boy has committed some sort of unspecified transgression on the computer, and some time in a rural environment might do him good. Simon hasn’t been a true part of his son’s life for some time, and Mitton and his two leads do a swift and sincere job of establishing their estrangement, with Simon’s renovation of the house an unforced metaphor for his attempts to rebuild his relationship with Finn.
The home, of course, has a history, involving a woman named Lydia (Carol Stanzione) who previously lived there and cultivated a fearsome reputation. Such an outcast was she that after she died, her body remained seated in front of a window for weeks before anyone figured out she had passed…but she’s not really gone. She begins turning up in that chair again, and in odd corners and the back of the frame, as Mitton teases us with both her barely seen presence and her stillness when she’s front and center. At a time when specters of all sorts are often brought to screen life via digital effects, it’s admirable how Mitton can evoke anticipatory chills with a simple lateral move of the camera.
THE WITCH IN THE WINDOW is not just about eliciting fear from the audience, but exploring what it does to people and how they cope with it. Specifically, Simon does his fatherly best to shield Finn from the darker side of life, not realizing that the boy is smarter than that and can see through Simon’s well-intentioned attempts to protect him. Simon even sends Finn home when Lydia’s presence becomes more pronounced, leading to an eerie story turn that’s particularly effective for the understated, matter-of-fact way Mitton handles the reveal. Throughout THE WITCH IN THE WINDOW, even as the supernatural elements come more to the fore, the writer/director doesn’t lose sight of the basic human emotions—sorrow, guilt, yearning for redemption—at the core of the scenario. The movie runs only 77 minutes, which proves to be just the right length for Mitton’s simple, heartfelt and occasionally quite frightening tale, which comes to an understated but resonant conclusion reminiscent of the ending of THE SIXTH SENSE—the first ending, before the big twist.
- Andy Mitton
- Shudder
- THE WITCH IN THE WINDOW
Partnered with Jesse Holland, Andy Mitton emerged over the last few years as a skilled practitioner of modest yet deep-creeping horror with YELLOWBRICKROAD and WE GO ON. His first solo effort, THE WITCH IN THE WINDOW (debuting today on Shudder), once again demonstrates his facility at crafting an absorbing narrative and raising the hackles while working on a small scale.
They have a range of programs that cater to beginners as well as those more advanced in their path. The school emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with the natural world and develop their connection to the earth. In my search, I have also found several Pagan study groups and covens in my area. While these may not be formal schools, they provide an opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners in a more personal and intimate setting. These groups often meet regularly for rituals, discussions, and shared learning, offering a supportive and engaging environment for individuals looking to delve deeper into Paganism. Attending a Pagan school or joining a study group can be a wonderful way to learn about and explore different aspects of Paganism. These educational institutions and communities provide spaces for individuals to connect with nature, deepen their spirituality, and develop a rich understanding of Pagan traditions. In conclusion, through my research, I have found several Pagan schools, both physical locations and online platforms, that offer courses and workshops on Paganism. These schools provide comprehensive education on various aspects of Pagan beliefs and practices, while study groups and covens offer more personal and intimate learning experiences. While still relatively niche, Pagan schools and communities are growing in popularity, providing an enriching educational opportunity for those interested in exploring this diverse spiritual path..
Reviews for "Pagan Education: Getting in Touch with Nature at Schools Near Me"
1. Sarah
Rating: 2/5
I was really excited to find a Pagan school near me as I've been looking to explore my spirituality further. However, my experience at this particular school was quite disappointing. The teachers seemed disinterested and lacked enthusiasm during classes. The curriculum also felt shallow and didn't provide much depth or practical knowledge. I was expecting a more enriching and interactive learning environment, but unfortunately, this Pagan school did not meet my expectations.
2. John
Rating: 1/5
I had a very negative experience with the Pagan school near me. The instructors were unprofessional and did not seem to have a strong understanding of the subject matter. The classes were disorganized, with lectures that lacked structure and coherence. Additionally, the school had a poor selection of resources and materials. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time and money attending this Pagan school. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a quality education in Paganism.
3. Emma
Rating: 2/5
I had high hopes for the Pagan school near me, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The classes were overcrowded, making it difficult to receive personalized attention or engage in meaningful discussions. The curriculum also felt outdated and failed to explore the diverse aspects of Paganism. Moreover, the school lacked a sense of community and connection among its students. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed by my experience at this Pagan school.