Bingham Young University (BYU) is a private university located in Provo, Utah. The university is known for its strong emphasis on religious education and has a vibrant campus culture. One of the iconic elements of BYU's campus culture is its mascot, Cosmo the Cougar, and the mascot's renowned dance moves. Cosmo the Cougar is BYU's official mascot and has been entertaining fans at sporting events and other university functions for many years. Cosmo is portrayed as a friendly and energetic character who ignites enthusiasm among students and supporters. However, what truly sets Cosmo apart from other mascots is his incredible dance skills.
Local Pagan Covens, Groups, and Resources
The Enchanted Willow is the same business that some of you may remember from 6th Street in Topeka, KS. Two of the original partners, Jim and Bert are part of the 4 partners in the Willow's present form. Deb and Ken joined them 4 years ago to complete the group. The present location was opened in 2013.
The MoonShadow Coven holds classes and rituals at the shop. Bert and Ken are part of that Coven.
The Energy Within- 7807 W 151st Street Overland Park KS: Meditation Center and Astrologists and Psychic Cultural Gift store. Features y oga, healing, classes.
White Light Bookstore, The Path of Spirit: 1801 W 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Holds classes on Past Life regression, spiritual protection, meditation, offers readings energy healing, and home/office spiritual cleansing
Interfaith Worship
Infinite Source Church
Mission: As an affiliate of the Universal Life Church, founded in Modesto, California, some forty years ago by Rev. Kirby Hensley, we believe only in that which is right. Each individual has the privilege and responsibility to determine what is right for him/herself, as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. We seek to be competent, proficient and cooperative; to love our fellow Man; to appreciate; to be humble, honest and moral; to live positively and to be what we profess.
Infinite Source Church was conceived with the intention of honoring all who are seeking to enhance their journey. The IS invites you to attend our weekly meeting. We gather every Sunday evening at 3 p.m. at Unity Church located at 9126 SW 10th St., Topeka, KS. Our meetings are informal and open to all who wish to explore the many facets of spiritual expression.
Topics have included Sacred Geometry, Reiki, Melchizedek Method, Angel Healing, Plant Medicine, Meditation, Aura Photography, Gem and Crystal Shamanic Healing and many others.
Sponsor the Spirit, Mind, Body Fair twice a year
Interfaith of Topeka
Interfaith of Topeka is comprised of people from a variety of faiths and religious traditions. We bring together individuals who are willing to put aside their prejudices and open their minds and hearts to new possibilities. We are willing to engage in the process of working together to build an active community, strong in its shared values of faith, compassion, human dignity, and mutual respect where the expression of love and peace replaces hate and violence.
Fairs/Events
Summer Spirit Fair June 29. School of Metaphysics (Kansas City) 4323 Rainbow BLVD, Kansas City, Kansas 66103
KC Metaphysical Fair Overland Park, KS: July 12 4PM-July 16 6:00 PM. Abdallah Shriners 5300 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, Kansas 66202
KC Mystic Fair: August 10-11 10:00-6:00. Jack Ray Post 5789, VFW 329 SE Douglas St, Lees Summit, Missouri 64063
Kansas City Spirit Fair - Mind, Body, Spirit Fair: Aug 24-25. 12601 West 95th Street, Lenexa, Kansas 66215
Wiccan Covens, Circles, and Solitary Practitioners
At some point during your exploration of Wicca, you’ll probably want to know more about covens and circles, and how they differ from practicing as a solitary. Below you’ll find an introduction to these potential paths, and how to find like-minded others to learn more from as you navigate your Wiccan journey.
One of the many things that set Wicca apart from other religions is the seeming lack of direct access to other people who practice it. There’s no church, temple, mosque, or other official building where you can approach leaders with your questions about Wicca. But depending on where you live, there may be a community of people—perhaps a practicing coven, or else a more informal Wiccan circle—whose members can provide you with some personal perspectives on the practice of Wicca. And depending on their circumstances, they may even invite you to join their group.
You can start with an Internet search, as well as combing through community calendar listings in your local news publications. If you live near a shop specializing in “New Age” or even specifically Wiccan items, see if they have a community bulletin board, or inquire with staff members. Some covens and circles actually put on public rituals, often on the solar Sabbats (equinoxes and solstices), and will usually advertise these events with flyers and/or community calendar listings. Of course, some covens and circles are quite private, with no desire to add new members. It’s important to respect this, even if you do somehow discover their existence.
However, what truly sets Cosmo apart from other mascots is his incredible dance skills. Cosmo is known for his acrobatic and entertaining dance routines that often leave audiences in awe. Whether it's breakdancing, hip-hop, or other popular dance styles, Cosmo can do it all.
Wiccan Covens
The word “coven” originally comes from the Latin word for “come together,” and was used in the Middle Ages to describe gatherings of all kinds. Covens became particularly associated with Witches starting in the 1600s, and especially in the early-to-mid 20th century, as the interest in reviving “the Old Religion” was gathering steam. But what is a coven?
The traditional notion of a coven is a 13-member group of Witches who meet in secret to worship their deities and work magic. In the early forms of Wicca, this group included a High Priestess and High Priest, who represented the Goddess and the God. There are still many traditional Wiccan covens around today, who can trace their initiatory lineage back to the original covens of Gerald Gardner or Alex Sanders. Many other covens, however, may be more eclectic in their practices, borrowing from a number of traditions and adopting more egalitarian, rather than hierarchical, leadership structures.
Regardless of tradition, most Wiccan covens will hold a formal ritual of initiation for new members, who will spend considerable time in study and preparation before undergoing initiation. Many also follow traditional degree systems, which offer opportunities for more advanced study once a person is initiated. The first degree is obtained upon the initial initiation, and after further study and practice, one can move on to the second degree, and then the third. The specific requirements for each degree will depend on the tradition one is following.
Typically, a Wiccan coven meets to observe Sabbats and Esbats, and may also gather more informally in between these occasions. If a coven is looking to add new members, they will want to spend time with potential initiates as well. Coven members often form very close bonds with each other, and may even consider the coven to be like a family. As with any group, the overall energy will change with the addition of new people, so all involved should take their time deciding whether a given person would be a good fit—including the person seeking to join! Again, there’s a big difference between this situation and joining another type of religious organization—your presence or absence in a church makes less of a difference to the whole group than it does at a Sabbat or Esbat ritual. So you really need to be willing to make a dedicated commitment to reliable participation.
If you’re brand new to Wicca, however, it’s unlikely that you’ll be joining a coven right away. Most covens require at least a year and a day of studying Wicca—and possibly longer—before you can be eligible for initiation. This is a good thing, since it means you’ll be prepared to participate in group ritual, and it keeps you from making such an important decision too soon.
His high energy and coordination make him the life of the party at BYU events. The mascot's dance moves have become so well-known that Cosmo has even gained a substantial following beyond the university's campus. Videos of his performances regularly go viral, receiving millions of views and garnering attention from people worldwide. Such popularity has helped elevate BYU's reputation and has become an integral part of the university's identity. Cosmo's dance routines are not just limited to sporting events. He performs at various university functions, including homecoming events, pep rallies, and other important occasions. His presence helps create a lively atmosphere and spreads the school spirit among students, alumni, and supporters. In addition to entertaining the crowd, Cosmo also serves as a symbol of unity and pride for BYU students. His memorable dance moves have become a source of inspiration for many, encouraging students to showcase their talents and pursue their passions. In conclusion, Cosmo the Cougar and his exceptional dance skills have become a significant aspect of BYU's campus culture. His performances add excitement and energy to university events, bringing people together and fostering a sense of unity and pride. Cosmo has become not just a mascot but a symbol of BYU's vibrant and dynamic community..
Reviews for "The Role of BYU's Mascot Dance in Creating a Festive Atmosphere"
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