 "Photo:")
link to a video of the pagan spirituality group
With a multitude of churches in the Whitewater area, most people don't have a problem finding a supportive environment for their religious and spiritual beliefs.
Despite this, there is one group of students who explore their beliefs within the walls of the University Center every week.
The Pagan Spirituality Student Organization is a group of 15 students who study and practice Pagan beliefs, traditions and rituals. They also explore aspects of various religions supported by Paganism.
"PSSO is an organization that allows everyone to explore their personal beliefs," senior Kris Louden said. "Our group is all about finding what is right for you personally."
PSSO was founded in December 2007 by Krystal Rutzen and Avery Stann. Both women shared opinions and beliefs regarding their religious and spiritual beliefs, which were not largely supported by their friends or family.
They created PSSO, which was officially recognized as an organization at UW-Whitewater in January 2008, as a way for other likeminded students to share their beliefs in a supportive environment.
"PSSO is an organization that allows everyone to explore their personal beliefs," Louden said, "Our group is all about finding what is right for you personally."
Paganism is a term that has many definitions. Broadly defined, it is a term given to religions practiced before the introduction of Christianity.
In other definitions, it is religions outside Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Still, others define it as being without a religion.
Members of PSSO define it as any belief that is nature-based and polytheistic. The organization celebrates holidays based around the seasons.
Pagans reside their views in a more naturalistic and spiritual manner by celebrating the Earth and nature.
One of the seasonal holidays Pagans celebrate is Beltane, also known as May Day, celebrated every year on May 1. Rituals, feasts and dances are performed to commemorate spring and the coming of summer.
The PSSO celebration of Beltane includes a picnic behind tge Wells East residence halls. They also have a picnic to celebrate the end of the school year, along with games and community activities.
Although the organization supports Pagan beliefs, it also explores various religions and beliefs.
"I joined when I first heard of the group because religions fascinate me," graduate student Ann Feutz said. "I had no set religion, and in a group like PSSO you are never considered wrong."
Weekly meetings give members the opportunity to explore different aspects and practices of Paganism through presentations and demonstrations. During their last meeting, members looked at the study of prayer beads in the Pagan religion.
Prayer beads are used by many religions as a guide to remembering prayers and principles.
PSSO members studies how each set of beads represents different beliefs based on shape, size and color. They were then given the chance to create their own set of prayer beads to better understand and promote their personal beliefs. Some members believe that PSSO has given them a chance to explore their own religion, as well as others.
"Being a part of PSSO has given me the chance to explore my religion," senior Emily Foti said. "Paganism is not so much a concrete religion as others."
Those interested in learning more about Paganism can attend the weekly meetings located in University Center room 264 Tuesday at 9 p.m. Meetings are open to the Whitewater campus and community.
Be the first to comment on this article!