Department of Neopagan Studies
The seminary offers scholarly and experiential study along four broad paths typically linked with Neopaganism religious movement: (1) Neopagan Theology, (2) Goddess Thealogy, (3) Wiccan Philosophy, and professional training in (4) Divination studies. Students participate in independent study, self-paced directed study, online class discussion, and live class discussions, as well as those pursuing ordination or divination certification actual supervised internships. Students may elect to pursue a scholarly, ministerial, or combined degree through this department.
Neopagan Theology
This program of study is designed to ground the student in the broad elements that link a range of smaller religious movements together under the umbrella term of Neopaganism (or Paganism if you live in Europe). Students take a wide range of courses examining the history of Neopaganism, thoughts on its overarching philosophy or theologies, sociology of Neopaganism, and whether the term Neopaganism is valid and if so what constitutes it. This program is offered only as a scholarship track and is recommeded for students currently practicing within a Neopagan tradition or those who are interested in academic-based work.
Thealogy
One of the most exciting programs to emerge from OSC is our comprehensive Thealogical studies department. The only program of its kind in the world, OSC provides women and men with a comprehensive education in Thealogy, whether they opt to pursue an academic track or a priest/essing track.
Wiccan Philosophy
Wicca is rarely explored at the academic level and is often taught within a tribalist/traditionalist perspective or through isolated self-learning (solitary practice), OSC brings the opportunity for rigorous scholarship and ordination options to solitary practitioners, as well as traditionalist, who are called to this broad religious faith to support the broader recognition of Wicca as a vibrant religious path.
Divination Studies
Emerging through popular demand by students of OSC, our Divination Studies certificate program allows students to learn a range of methods and work under supervision to obtain professioal certification. Our most popular program is our Runes program taught by Dr. MacDowell, who brings her expertise on Norse/Icelandic myth and language to interpreting the Runes.Students in these programs are grounded in history, ethics, and professional practice.
