Fact Sheet for Northern California

compiled by the Northern California Local Council of the Covenant of the Goddess 2/13/96 (with updates - last updated 06/08/2011)

Covenant of the Goddess (COG), an organization of Witches, often receives letters requesting information and contacts in the Northern California area. We are not a referral organization and can not, as a general rule, connect people with specific teachers or covens. We can, however, provide networking information which might prove useful to newcomers in the Wiccan community as well as to practicing Witches who are new to Northern California.

The following listings should be taken as a resources, and not as recommendations. Items are included because somebody connected with our organization at some time found them useful, and not because COG as a whole has granted the list any official stamp of approval. People have their own interests, attitudes and priorities, which may or may not concur with yours. Remember that contacts which aren't what you are looking for can sometimes lead to others which are. As you can see, we are heavily weighted in the Bay Area; we do the best we can for other areas. We also try to keep the information as current as we can, but sometimes it changes rapidly. We apologize if any of the below is already out of date, and appreciate receiving any information about changes.

Please let us know if there are organizations or stores in your area which could be listed here. Thanks!

GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Bay Area Pagan Assemblies (BAPA), http://bapa.net/, P.O. Box 4159, Mountain View, CA 94040, Phone (408) 559-4242. Religious organization providing services to the Pagan community of the greater Bay Area and Santa Cruz. Open circles, Pagan drumming circle, classes.

Church of All Worlds (CAW), http://www.caw.org/, 960 Berry St Toledo, OH 43605, e-mail office@caw.org. One of the oldest Pagan organizations in the US and the first Pagan Church legally chartered in Australia. They have congregations (called Nests or Branches) in five countries with most in the US (including the East and North Bay).

Community Seed, http://www.communityseed.org/. A Santa Cruz area organization supporting Pagans and other earth based spiritualists through community service, events, ritual, and a magazine. Monthly ritual, nature walks and much more.

Covenant of the Goddess (COG), http://www.cog.org/, P.O. Box 1226, Berkeley, CA 94701. National non-profit religious organization for Witches, both covens and solitary practitioners, offers networking, legal status for the Craft, and ministerial and elder credentials. NCLC COG, http://www.conjure.com/COG/, is the source of the document you are now reading.

Daughters of the Goddess, http://www.daughtersofthegoddess.com/ A San Francisco area womyn-based Goddess Temple dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Goddess culture, public ceremony and Womyn's Mysteries in the Spirit of Aloha.

Diablo Valley Pagans, http://www.diablovalleypagans.com/ DVP offers open networking and social events for Pagans in the area around Walnut Creek, CA. Currently we offer a Monthly Meet & Greet at the local metaphysical store The Mystic Dream. We're looking to expand our offerings through other upcoming events and community collaboration.

Fellowship of the Earth, http://www.fote.org/, Modesto, CA. An organization for earth and nature-based spirituality networking, education and promoting community service and religious tolerance. They host a variety of meetings, gatherings and festivals.

Fellowship of the Spiral Path (SPIRAL), http://www.thespiralpath.org/, P.O. Box 5521, Berkeley, CA 94705. Pagan religious organization centered in the East Bay. Ongoing classes and teaching circles, open rituals, clergy services and clergy training program. Phone Diana at (510) 658-6033 or Hawk Hall (510) 601-6753.

Hrafnar, http://www.hrafnar.org/, Box 5521, Berkeley, CA 94705. Hrafnar (the Ravens) practices the native religion of the Germanic peoples (Asatru) and Norse shamanic skills such as oracular seidh.

New Reformed Orthodox Order of the Golden Dawn (NROOGD), http://www.nroogd.info/, is a Wiccan tradition founded in the Bay Area. NROOGD holds Sabbats (most often in the East Bay) open to the public.

Reclaiming, http://www.reclaiming.org/, P.O. Box 14404, San Francisco, CA 94114. Politically active Witches (Starhawk, author of The Spiral Dance and other books, is a member of the collective.) Public rituals and classes in the Bay Area year-round, Witchcamps in various locations every summer. Their events line, (415) 929-9249, carries announcements of other Pagan events as well as their own but does not take messages. Newsletter published quarterly and can be bought at most occult stores; send $2 check or money order payable to Reclaiming for a sample copy. For specifics on Witchcamp, write to their P.O. Box or see the WWW page. For Starhawk's personal website see, http://www.starhawk.org/

Sonoma County Pagan Network, http://www.scpagans.net/. SCPN is a networking organization located in Sonoma County. It provides 13 Open Meetings per year with guest speakers on various Pagan topics, maintains an on-line discussion list and has over 40 active community members who meet for fellowship and fun.

South Bay Circles, http://www.southbaycircles.org/. An umbrella organization of local circles & covens. SBC celebrates Wiccan sabbats in the greater Santa Clara/Silicon Valley, south of San Francisco.

The 3rd Road, http://www.well.com/user/zthirdrd/francescadbrchr.html, POB 210307 San Francisco, CA 94121, (415) 750-1205, email: zthirdrd@well.com. The 3rd Road, founded in 1986 by Francesca De Grandis is a school of Goddess spirituality and Celtic shamanism, with an emphasis on the Faerie faith. Entry level classes and workshops, and long term shamanic training are available. The 3rd Road is also a center for personal transformation, wherein pastoral counseling -- Pagan style -- is offered.

Waxing Moon Circle, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WaxingMoonCircle email contacts: valerie_voigt@yahoo.com

The Women's Spirituality Forum, http://www.zbudapest.com/ is a Dianic organization headed by Z. Budapest. They offer online classes via http://wicca.zbudapest.com/ and hold gatherings and events at a variety of locations both local and national.

Linking Circles, a Pagan discussion group on the second and last Wednesdays of the month held at The Sacred Grove, 924 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Call (831) 423-1949 or email sacredgrove@onebox.com for details.

Scarlet Cord, an open circle for families with young children which is affiliated with SPIRAL, meets monthly in the East Bay. For more information contact Mary, (510) 526-1008.

Moonweavers, an open women's circle affiliated with Spiral, meets monthly in Oakland. Call Hawk Hall, (510) 601-6753.

Educational Society for Pagans, P.O. Box 10979, Oakland, CA 94610. Publish Pagan Digest ($14) and sponsor a Harvest Moon Celebration in the Fall. Contact ESPfirst@aol.com

Seekers' Lunch, weekly lunch meeting at Hobee's, 4224 El Camino Real near Arastradero, Palo Alto. Curious, new to the Craft, or Pagans new to the area welcome. Restaurant is child and vegetarian friendly. Tuesdays, noon to 1:30 p.m. Ask the hostess for the "duck people." Information (415) 856-6911. Reservations not required.

Rainbow Path, a group of three holiday based Dianic circles meet monthly in the East Bay. Contact Margaret at 510-525-7184 or email her at margecole@hotmail.com for more information. The three circles are: Persephone's Journey; for girls and boys age eight and up. Demeter's Quest; for women only. Pomegranate Circle; for lesbians and gay men.

OCCULT/METAPHYSICAL SUPPLY SHOPS AND BOOKSTORES

These are often good places to learn about classes and events in the Pagan community, as well as to buy books.

SAN FRANCISCO

Fields Book Store, http://www.fieldsbooks.com/, 1419 Polk Street (between California and Pine), San Francisco, CA 94109 Open Tuesday - Friday from 11-8, Saturday - Sunday 11-6, (415) 673-2027, email: fields@fieldsbooks.com Soulful and scholarly books from the world's spiritual traditions.

The Sword and the Rose, 85 Carl. Phone (415) 681-5434. Excellent incense, imported oils.

BERKELEY/OAKLAND

Ancient Ways Store, http://www.ancientways.com, 4075 Telegraph, Oakland, CA 94604. Phone 510-653-3244 Good bulletin board for networking, psychic readings, Witches on staff. Also call them for information about PantheaCon, a pan-Pagan conference in the East Bay every February, and the yearly Ancient Ways Festival at Harbin Hot Springs in the late spring or early summer.

PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

Inner Journey, http://www.inner-journey.com/, 222 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030, (408) 395-2766. Small selection of books, good selection of crystals, jewelry, incense. Offers readings and reiki.

Moonfyre Metaphysical, http://www.moonfyre.net/, 401 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008, 408-370-0333. Candles, incense, crystals, books, CD's and more. Reiki, Readings, a variety of classes, etc.

World of Music, 20015 Stevens Creek Blvd. Cupertino. Phone (408) 252-8264. Excellent selection of percussion instruments at good prices.

SANTA CRUZ AREA

Air & Fire, http://www.airandfire.com/, 13124 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA A Mystical Bazaar offering handcrafted products with essential oils & Pagan crafts.

Avalon Visions, http://www.avalonvisions.com/, 208 Monterey Ave., Capitola. Phone (831) 464-7245. New Age store. Goddess and Pagan book selection, Tarot readings, astrological charts.

The Perfumer's Apprentice, http://www.perfumersapprentice.com/, Upstairs, 1319 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (831) 466 0288. Over 300 essential oils and perfumery ingredients which you can blend to your heart's desire!

Serpent's Kiss & Mama Chola's Botanica, http://www.serpentskiss.org, 703 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz, Ca 95060, (831) 423-5477 Serving the community needs of those of alternative faiths, including a full Botanica.

MONTEREY AREA

Pilgrim's Way Bookstore, http://www.pilgrimsway.com/, Dolores Street between 5th & 6th Streets, PO Box 1944, Carmel, CA 93921, (800) 549-9922. Metaphysical bookstore

Chalice Center, http://www.celticspirit.org/, P.O. Box 3839, Carmel, CA 93921, 1-800-694-1957. Workshops, psychic readings, and products with a Celtic flair.

CONTRA COSTA AREA

Heart & Soul Gifts and Gallery, http://www.themysticdream.com/, 1437 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, (925) 933-2342 Open 7 days. We are a spiritual and magical marketplace, specializing in books, music, crystals, and art to inspire the mind and delight the spirit.

MARIN COUNTY

Open Secret Books, http://www.opensecretbookstore.com/, 923 C Street, San Rafael. Phone (415) 457-4191. Workshops, classes, author events. Focus on eastern polytheistic traditions

SOLANO COUNTY

The Red Raven, http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Red-Raven/148950397686, 1505 Louisiana Street, Vallejo. Phone (707) 558-0808. The Red Raven is a metaphysical book and supply shop. Our ecclectic tribe embraces those on any positive spiritual path. We are owners and patrons, local artists, family and friends. Together, we celebrate our diversity!

SACRAMENTO

Tree of Life Bookstore, 918 25th Street, Sacramento, CA

The Secret Cottage, http://www.thesecretcottage.com/ 7332 Gail Way, Fair Oaks, Ca 95268

CHICO

Abaxion, http://www.abaxion.com/, 236 W. East Avenue, Suite A, Chico, CA 95926. selection of occult & new age products, accessories and supplies.

FRESNO

The Brass Unicorn, http://www.brassunicorn.com/, 845 East Fern, Fresno, CA (209) 441-7107. Bookstore run by Pagans.

EL DORADO COUNTY

The Mystic Dream, http://www.heartnsoulstore.com/index.html, 3300 Coach Lane Suite A3, Cameron Park, CA 95682, (530) 676-2276 We carry beautiful angels, metaphysical books, crystals, crystal gift sets, dragons, scarves, lip balms, journey stones, organic creams, tarot cards, zodiac bookmarks and much more!

PUBLICATIONS

(Note that many of the organizations in the preceding section also publish magazines or newsletters.)

Circle Network News, http://www.circlesanctuary.org, P.O. Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572. Quarterly newspaper published by Circle Sanctuary.

Red Garters International, P.O. Box 162046, Sacramento, CA 95816. Published 8 times a year by the New Wiccan Church (NWC), a confederation of British traditional groups. For sample copy, send $1 check or money order payable to New Wiccan Church.

SageWoman, , a journal celebrating the Goddess in everywoman. Published quarterly, $18 for a year's subscription. P.O. Box 641, Point Arena, CA 95468.

OTHER RESOURCES

Avalon Mystery School, http://www.avalonmysteryschool.net/, The Avalon Mystery School, directed by Mara Freeman, offers programs in the Arts of Sacred Magic from Celtic, British and other Western traditions through correspondence courses and classes.

Ffiona Morgan, author of Wild Witches Don't Get the Blues, teaches astrology, psychic skills and Tarot on Monday evenings in Sebastopol. Women only. Phone (707) 449-0550. http://www.daughtersofthemoon.com/

Lesbians and feminist women interested in feminist or Lesbian Goddess spirituality can write to Vibra c/o Reclaiming, P.0. Box 14404, San Francisco, CA 94114. Send SASE for reply.

Multi-issue Women Only Pagan Recovery group meets on Saturdays at Pacific Center in Berkeley (510) 841-6224.

Spiral Steps, http://www.spiralsteps.org/, These groups are for people working all sorts of issues (chemical and process addictions, codependency, dysfunctional family issues, etc.) and for those of us just trying to be healthy Pagans in a very unhealthy culture. Anyone who respects the ethics of Earth Based Spirituality is welcome.

Military Pagan Network, http://www.milpagan.org/, Box 1268, Forestville, MD 20747

Teenagers interested in learning about Magick should write to Vibra, c/o Reclaiming, P.0. Box 14404, San Francisco, CA 94114. Send SASE for reply.

OTHER INTERNET RESOURCES:

There are numerous newsgroups, mailing lists, and IRC channels on the internet devoted to Pagan and Wiccan topics. Unfortunately, most of the newsgroups suffer from a poor signal to noise ratio and occasional invasions of fundamentalists who divert the conversations for weeks on end. There is some useful information, however, and newsgroups are also a good way to meet others. You may want to check out alt.religion.wicca and alt.pagan (the busiest and noisiest). IRC suffers from the same problems (plus it's harder to browse and discard useless information). Mailing lists are best, but many have a screening mechanism (which is how they avoid the problems of newsgroups). You may wish to join the Bay Area Pagan mailing list to talk to local folks.


Back to NCLC COG Home Page.
Back toRowan's Home Page