| Pagan
Prison Programs |
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PPO
Sabbat Lessons Study Program
On
this page:
 Origin
& Development of the PPO Sabbat Lessons Study Program
Getting
copies of the Sabbat Lessons Program
The
Thirteen Questions
 Friends
or family 
and chaplains
are welcome to contact us about the PPO Sabbat lessons program.
Please Note: Unfortunately we can no longer ensure teachers
to work, via correspondence, with the inmates on this lesson
program.
Please
visit Links
- Other Pagan Prison Organizations for information
on other Pagan study program for inmates.
Origin
& Development of the PPO Sabbat Lessons Program
 The
orignial Sabbat Lessons Program
was started in 1993 by one of the founders of PFPC and PPO
to supplement other study programs at Kingston Penitentiary.The
impetus was that many set study programs or books
require tools, supplies and conditions (such as in a coven
setting) that are usually not available to inmates.Much
of the set study program focused on ancient traditions
which while useful information (and students are encouraged
to read books on this subject), don't really address spiritual
development in the modern world.Such
study programs also often focus on the 'how-tos' of particular
Pagan traditions
many involving practices that simply aren't possible in
a prison environmentthat
rather than the 'whys' (that is, why do we believe what
we do; why do we practice as we do; why is ancient mythology
significant in the modern world; etc. — and how those 'whys'
can be applied, both to the modern world and to a prison
environment).
Another
problem, especially for inmates, is that they are often
restricted in what they are allowed to do ‘in nature’; and
therefore have little that helps them stay in touch with
the cycle of life (seasons/sabbats).The
timing of set study lessons is not necessarily geared
to the current sabbat/season, and therefore doesn't impact
on the inmate's 'experiencial' sense of what they are studying
therefore, the lessons tend to be fairly abstract or 'in
the head'.
The
original Sabbat Lessons Program was not based on a set
study program, but rather one broad issue within Wicca and
how it particularly relates to each sabbat and the Wheel
of the Year.The
lessons are based on the cycles of Nature, and therefore
provide a basis for most Pagan practice. The
program's focus
was developing one's own spiritual path
- rather than arcane information, 'spells', etc;
and on applying Wiccan/Pagan principles to the issues of
modern-day life.Over
almost 2 decades of this study program, more than 150 inmates
participated in the program
from Canada and the U.S.A; and sometimes at the request
of a Prison's chaplain or psychologist.
The
present PPO
Sabbats study program is based on the
same material as the original one, but makes it available
in a simpler format.The
focus remains the particular Sabbat of that time of year;
and how one can learn
spirituallly and personally
from their experience of Nature during that season, as well
as the various ancient myths and imagery related to that
holy day.Each
lesson includes a ritual
which can be used by solitary practioners or by groups
which focuses on the particular qualities of that Sabbat,
and is geared towards the general restrictions of prison
life (that is, does not require any tools or activities
that are likely to be prohibited).
Other
advantages to this kind of study program are:
-
Because
it is focuses on the Wheel of the Year (the year cycle
of the Sabbats), it is useful for a broad range of inmate
students who may or may not already have backgrounds
in particular Pagan traditions.Also,
students can start the study program with any of the
lessons
that is, focus on the Sabbat that they are experiencing
at the moment.
-
Because
it focuses on spiritual development
rather than the 'how tos' of Wicca (although those are
also included)
the study program encourages a personal and experiential
growth in a Wiccan/Pagan approach to spiritual growth.
-
As
with the original Sabbat Lessons Program, the present
PPO Sabbat study program explores the relationship between
Wicca/Paganism and the living realities of the present-day
world.
- The PPO
Sabbat Lessons Program also comes with an introductory
package, which includes
Basic Information about Wicca and Paganism,
a set of 13 questions that the student can explore their
own personal beliefs (see below)
a Document outlining the Common Answers (from the general
outside Pagan community) to the 13 questions
A Recommended Reading list of both specifically Wiccan/Pagan
books, and others related to the mythology, science, and
psychology behind our practices
Getting copies of Sabbat Lessons Program
THE
THIRTEEN QUESTIONS
(USE FOR PPO SABBAT LESSONS STUDENTS)
please
feel free to copy and send to Pagan inmates
who might be interested
This
is not a test. Your personal answers to these 13 questions
are only a way for you to explore your present understanding
of Wicca/Paganism.There
are NO WRONG ANSWERS – you are only asked for your present
opinions.
1.
Define and describe what being a Pagan means
2.
Define and describe what being a Witch means
3.
Do you consider yourself one of the above or both? - why/how?
4.
What do you see as being positive in Paganism or Wicca?
5.
What, do you see as being negative in Paganism or Wicca?
6.
What is your understanding of the meaning of the Wiccan
Rede - "An ye harm none, do what ye wilt”?
7.
What is your understanding of Polarity as the basis of Wicca?
8.
What is your understanding of the following terms:
Goddess
God
Priestess
Priest
9.
What is your concept of death?
10.
What do you think should be expected from any teacher you
might have, and yourself as student - in terms of the responsibility
of each to the other?
11.
What do you personally seek from Wicca or other Pagan traditions?
12.
Are there any special areas within Paganism/Wicca that you
would particularly like to study? - religious or practical?
13.
List what other religions you have explored or been involved
with, and why you chose not to follow them.
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