About Us - The Founder of Sacred Grove

Text Box: Time Line: Discovered Paganism Began Solitary studies in Pagan Spirituality Joined the Sabbat Celebrations of ‘The Coven of the Old Order’ and began the ‘Pagan Ways’ course taught by the High Priest Completed the ‘Pagan Ways’ course Began studying Crystal Healing February: Was interviewed alongside the High Priestess and the High Priest of ‘The Coven of the Old Order’, by the Argus Newspaper, to fight against the religious slander by MTN’s misleading advertisements and to create awareness for Paganism Interviewed alongside the High Priest of ‘The Coven of the Old Order’ by journalist students, to explain the meaning of Paganism for their thesis. August: Represented ‘The Wiccan Read’ Magazine by participating in a staged ritual for the Woman’s Day celebration at the Good Hope Centre alongside ‘Witches Unite’ and ‘Llaluna Drumming’. The events were televised on ‘Take 5’. October: Officially resigned from ‘The Coven of the Old Order’ December: Joined the ‘Temple Ubuntu’ under CNCI (Correllian Nativist Church International) with Rev. Andi Fisher Joined ‘Witchschool.com’ with a lifetime membership Began Pagan studies to become Clergy January: Started offering Crystal Healing to the public February: Established a Pagan Teaching Circle called the ‘De Tyger Teaching Circle’ (DPTC) Performed a public Paganing for the baby Isis, born to her proud parents Ferdie and Liselle March: Was interviewed by ETV news alongside the High Priest and High Priestess of ‘The Coven of the Old Order’ to raise awareness for Paganism Officially resigned from ‘Temple Ubuntu’ April: Joined ‘Witches Unite’ with Rev. Lucille Reynolds and continued the 1st Degree studies under her mentorship October: Performed public Croning for Llalluna Pelligrina Was interviewed with the DPTC by ‘The Daily Voice’ newspaper to discuss how we practice Paganism January: Began the ‘Circle of the Horned Moon’ together with the resigned High Priest of ‘The Coven of the Old Order’, to provide a higher level of Pagan studies and exclusive celebrations to the DPTC members April: Appeared on ‘Issues of Faith’ television programme with ‘Witches Unite’, to discuss luck and destiny Performed a rite of Wiccaning for Trinity, with ‘Witches Unite’ Started teaching the ‘Pagan Ways’ course June: Completed my First Degree Correllian Course October: Appeared on ETV news to join the fight for the legalization of Pagan Marriages Earned Clergy status (Reverency) from the CNCI Began studying Correllian Second Degree 2007 January: Received Correllian Mentorship status April: Appeared on the television show ‘Free Spirit’ to discuss legalizing Pagan Marriages August: Presented a talk on Paganism at the Jewish Museum CPT November: Established Temple Home for ‘Circle of the Horned Moon’ January: Officially resigned from ‘Circle of the Horned Moon’ Began ‘Sacred Grove’ February: Established Temple home for ‘Sacred Grove’ Began teaching the CNCI course April: Pagan Marriages were legalised in South Africa May: Joined the SAPC (South African Pagan Council) and their cause September: Registered to apply to become a Marriage Officer under the SAPC January: Celebrated ‘Sacred Groves’ first birthday! February: Voted in as an Executive Committee Member of SAPC March: Started writing the book ‘Hear Our Voices’ - a unique look at South African Paganism in South Africa April: Assisted with PDF (Pagan Freedom Day) in Cape Town with ‘The Klan of Kheper Temple’ May: Passed Exam to become a Registered Marriage Officer June: Completed writing the ‘Gemstone Course’ January: Celebrated ‘Sacred Groves’ second birthday August: Moved to Hogsback in the Eastern Cape 2011 January: Moved back to the Western Cape In memory of Syntax, my little wild child You were taken from me too soon and you will always have a place in my heart May the Goddess keep you close Until we meet again Safe journey and blessed be

Text Box: When discovering Paganism I found my spiritual calling. I was living in confusion, as I was brought up to believe that Christianity was the only truth, however even though I attended every Sunday school class, memorised every hymn and Bible verse I felt empty. My questions were not answered to my satisfaction and I did not feel as if I belonged. Paganism completed me, I found my home in the ancient philosophies and in the way of the craft. After several years of self study, my solitary practice became very personalised and eclectic as I found the practices of the Shamans, Native Americans, Druids, Ancient Egyptians, Celts and Norse extremely interesting. My personal philosophy was of balance in all things - in nature and deity, tolerance and respect for other cultures and religions; and a respect for nature. A few of my friends shared a similar love for nature and ritual - so many an evening was spent in worship in the forest. After 1994, South Africa became exposed to more modern thought processes and all those that found themselves ostracised for their beliefs, started reaching out to others who might be like-minded. Pagan groups slowly became public as the fear of being prosecuted lessoned with each year. This is because South Africa’s constitution finally protected all cultures, races, religions and beliefs. One of these groups was the ‘Coven of the Old Order’. Even though I was terribly nervous to even attend a group function, I quickly felt at home amongst the other Coven members even though their practices were different to mine. It was those differences that eventually led me to leave the Coven and join Temple Ubuntu. It was through Rev. Andi Fisher, the Temple Head of Temple Ubuntu that I met Rev. Lucille Reynolds of ‘Witches Unite’. She has been my mentor for several years and I bless the day we met. With her guidance and patience, she has helped me grow into the spiritual woman I am today. With the beginnings of my first group the ‘DPTC’ (De Tyger Pagan Teaching Circle) and the ‘Circle of the Horned Moon’, I started reaching out to the media to help widen the awareness of Paganism in South Africa. My goal was to hopefully rid South Africans of their misplaced fear and prejudice of Paganism and hopefully encourage our government to extend the same rights to the Pagan community as the Christian community enjoyed. This goal led me to join the SAPC (South African Pagan Council). ‘Sacred Grove’ grew from my need to follow a solo path of leadership. This allowed me the opportunity to lead a group that followed a spiritual path that included more favourable teaching methods and a sense of family. Through all of my trials and tribulations, ‘Sacred Grove’, ‘Witches Unite’ and it’s members have been my foundation. My wish for all those searching for a spiritual family, is that your path leads you to the right people to help you. I hope that South Africa continues to grow towards true equality. With love and light, Amon Angel’isa

Amon’s Familiars

Psygar

Cora Bear

Tigger Girl

Bunny

Walter

Text Box: Birth Name: Brigitte Kratz Pagan Name: Rev. Amon Angel’isa Role: Founder of Sacred Grove Executive member of SAPC (South African Pagan Council) Student and member of Witches Unite Clergy (Reverend), Mentor and 3rd Degree Student under the CNCI (Correllian Nativist Church International) Registered Marriage Officer (RMO) under the SAPC Background Information: Amon Angel'isa was born in Welgemoed in Cape Town to her very proud parents on Friday the 13th of October in 1978. She was raised in a Christian home, yet found herself following the Solitary Pagan Path in her early teens. Her parents always supported her very opinionated ways and always encouraged her to be true to herself first ,even when her beliefs clashed with the opinions of mainstream society. Even in her school years, she found herself fighting for the rights of those who came to her for help. She studied many art subjects at University level and with private tutors. She loves a challenge, has a ‘wicked’ sense of humour, loves meeting and speaking to people and is a very loving friend. Being self-taught and self-initiated, she brings a unique view to the Pagan community and continues to study, so that she can teach others. Her personal philosophy as a typical Libran, is of Spiritual growth, balance and attuning with the Sabbats and ultimately with the God and Goddess. Amon Angel'isa has had a great love for nature from a very young age and found her passion working with the healing energies of gemstones. Dedicated and passionate, she has persistently added her opinions to newspaper articles, TV shows and magazine articles, in the hope of ridding South Africa of the negative stereotypes surrounding Paganism. She LIVES her spirituality and hopes to be an inspiration to many for years to come.

Rev. Brigitte Amon Angel’isa Kratz