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 has been specifically adapted with the Southern Hemisphere perspective in mind. The tuition offered by the Temple of the Dark Moon is a combination of Alexandrian-based Wicca, traditional Craft and ceremonial magick. The Temple's Inner Circle also explores other Pagan and occult workings with the view of providing each member with as much personal experience as possible.
We believe 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. Tuition in the occult arts 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 incurred in order to provide such tuition. The Temple of the Dark Moon also donates 10 to 20% of all moneys 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 High Priestess is Frances Billinghurst, who has studied various aspects of Paganism, metaphysics and the occult for most of her life. She has been initiated as a Wytch and Priestess 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 publications since 1998. In March 2002 she was asked to regularly contribute articles for Australia's No.1 spiritual lifestyle magazine, Insight Magazine and has appeared as guest editor on two separate occasions, October 2002 and August 2004. An article on the Southern Sabbats can be found in the 2008 "Llewellyn Witches Calender" with other articles having appeared in a range of other publications including "Witchcraft Magazine" (Australia), "Rainbow News" (NZ), and "The Cauldron" (UK), "The New Witch" (USA) and Traditions Magazine (USA). 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, as well as local paper, "The Messenger". 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.
At the 2006 Annual General Meeting, Frances resigned as secretary for the Pagan Alliance Inc (South Australia), a position she held since 2000. Up until her resignation, she had also been a regular contributor to the Pagan Alliance Inc (SA)'s magazine "The Silver Wheel".
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 2451, SALISBURY DOWNS SA 5108 © Temple of the Dark Moon (unless otherwise stated)
