[Editor’s Note: Return to Mago E-Magazine (RTME) introduces Sister Organizations under the banner of the Nine Sister Networks as a way of consolidating Matriversal Feminism previously known as Goddess Feminist Activist Spirituality. If you are interested in interviewing or being interviewed for this project, please see here.]
Helen Hye-Sook Hwang: I am delighted and grateful to interview Dr. Glenys Livingstone for her organization, PaGaian Cosmology. Glenys has come to The Mago Work more than two decades ago and has walked with me steadily for those years. In my advocacy of Matriversal Feminism (Goddess Feminist Activist Spirituality), I have relied on PaGaian Cosmology. Now as RTM undertakes a new project, Nine Sister Networking, I feel honoured and privileged to introduce PaGaian Cosmology. Sometimes, we don’t choose who become sojourns and can’t explain why they do. When that happens, it’s a gift from our Cosmic Mother.
Helen: Tell us about your organization’s mission, founder, and its brief history.
Glenys Livingstone: I am the author and founder of PaGaian Cosmology, which brings together a religious practice of seasonal ceremony based in a contemporary scientific sense of the cosmos and female imagery for the sacred. This original synthesis was created within my context/situation of being female and white European growing up in the Southern Hemisphere, and specifically Australia: and my people had lost all connection with country as sacred, even before they arrived from the ancestral lands. The sense of alienation from my place of being, and myself as a place of being, was profound, though it had seemed normal to be so in early years. From early years I was hungry for the deep truths and a sense of the Beloved of the Cosmos. I had already set out on the path of the Search, mostly within known world religions, and in particular the more radical and mystical traditions of Christianity, but as soon as I became aware of the deep betrayal of my kind as female in particular (in the late 1970’s), I was passionate to know more of the Great Mother, to learn Her story, and to celebrate Her, and grow Her in myself and in the world. She became my chosen topic for post-graduate studies: both for a Masters degree in Theology and Philosophy (1982 Graduate Theological Union Berkeley California), and for a doctorate in Social Ecology (2002 University of Western Sydney).
Ceremonial celebration of the Seasonal Moments of the Old European calendar, with an open community, have been the main part of PaGaian Cosmology, as it developed through the 1990’s in particular. A special ceremonial space – MoonCourt, was built by my partner for the ceremonies in 2008.
Helen: How do you see your organization contribute to the cause of feminist activist spirituality directly or indirectly?
Glenys: I understand ceremonial practice as an action for change. When it is done religiously: that is, with commitment to the whole process, with intention, and attention to detail, it is a pathway to embodying Her. The speaking and expressing of the truths of the deeper self, in a deeper relational community, is transformative and healing/wholing. It may be described as Geotherapy.
Helen: What are your wishes for the future of your organization?
Glenys: For decades now the work of PaGaian Cosmology has been rippling out, picked up by many others – mostly students, who have blended it into their own felt understandings, and it then ripples further in unique ways. In recent years there appears to be a new receptivity, a new audience, more who are hungry to express Her and grow Her: more have grown tired of spiritual/religious pre-scriptions. Desire/holy Lust for new language and expression has been ignited. I see that many more are practicing ceremonies celebrating and expressing Her extant Creativity: may it continue to be shared in ever unique ways – the deep knowledge of Her in self, other, and cosmos.
Helen: How would you like the Nine Sister Networks project help and/or connect with your organization?
Glenys: I am happy to be present to the Nine Sister Networks, part of the community, present on this page, inspiring others in their journey, and being nurtured myself by the presence and work of sisters.
Helen: I can see that PaGaian Cosmology has guided you to have come this far, as you gave birth to it and have nourished it. I cherish this opportunity and appreciate your PaGaian Cosmology work. May we continue to rely on each other and bear the fruits beyond our expectations. Thank you and Mago blessings to you and ALL.