The Avalon Method
In the history of religion, various models of worship have been introduced. Types of prayer may have included festivals, worship services, and sacrifices. In modern times, most beliefs involve attending rituals, music, and education. Avalon takes a three-prong approach to spiritual growth.
Yoga: We believe that yoga is instrumental in individuals' physical, moral, and spiritual development. Many perceptions of yoga exist, but as a discipline, it is adaptive to various levels of ability and is fun! Spirituality grows us by challenging us emotionally, physically, and personally. Yoga provides a mechanism for individuals to do just that.
Education: We believe that education is vital to developing your spiritual philosophy. To that end, each week will offer an educational class and a group discussion on implementation. Our world is full of mystery and majesty, much of which is dismissed by mainstream religious thought. We believe these mysteries require investigation and discussion. Avalon does not have all the answers, but we can explore those mysteries and look for applications in our personal Hero’s Journey. In light of that, the education will draw on The Bible alongside other texts to investigate what applies to you.
Celebration: We believe that spirituality is a serious business, but we should also call to celebrate! We do that through a weekly religious service and eight annual festivals linked to the seasons and the Calendar. We gather, sing, enjoy beverages and celebrate around a fire.
Samhain (October 31st to November 1st) - Celebrating the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, often associated with honoring ancestors. In the Church Calendar, this corresponds to two Holy Days. The first is All Saints' Day (31 Oct) celebrates all the saints, known and unknown. All Souls' Day (1 Nov) is a day to pray for all the faithful departed.
Winter Solstice (Around December 21st) - Celebrating the shortest day and the longest night of the year, welcoming the return of the sun and the promise of longer days. In the Church Calendar, this is Christmas.
Imbolc (February 1st-2nd) - Honoring the first signs of spring and the fertility of the land. In the Church Calendar, this is Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, is a Christian feast observed on February 2nd, precisely 40 days after Christmas. Each day of Candlemas focuses on a different element. On February 1st, The Presentation of Christ in the Temple is recognized. On February 2nd, The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated.
Spring Equinox (Around March 20th) - Celebrating the balance between day and night and the awakening of nature in spring. In the Church Calendar, this is Easter.
Beltane (April 30th to May 1st) - Marking the beginning of summer and celebrating fertility and growth. Although no church feast day is directly on this day, May Day is a traditional spring festival celebrated on May 1st by many churches.
Summer Solstice (Around June 21st) - Celebrating the longest day and the peak of summer's power. On June 19th. The Feast of Corpus Christi - celebrates the belief in the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.
Lughnasadh (August 1st) - Honoring the first harvest and the fruits of the land.Although not a feast day, Celtic Christians celebrated Lammas. The term "Lammas" is derived from the Old English "hlāfmæsse," which means "loaf mass." It refers to the custom of baking bread from the newly harvested grain and offering it in thanksgiving to God for a bountiful harvest. The freshly baked bread would then be blessed in churches.
Autumn Equinox (Around September 22nd) - Celebrating the balance between day and night and the beginning of autumn. In the Church Calendar, this is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
