The Conference on Contemporary Pagan Studies 2007 Previous CCPS Information Academic conferences are the large part of the life of researchers. They are times and places to share knowledge, explore new perspectives, and generally socialize. Paganstudies.org is dedicated to all elements of the academic study of Contemporary Paganism, so we want to provide as comprehensive a list of conferences as possible. If you know of a conference or gathering of scholars that might be of interest to people studying Contemporary Paganism, please let us know and we'll add the data to tis page, as well as a link to the any relevant sites. You can email cat@paganstudies.org. The Midwest Sociological Society In 2007 the Midwest Sociological Society and North Central Sociological Association launch a one-time innovation in bridging our two organizations. I urge you to help in enhancing the diversity and dynamics of both organizations by organizing a session for the 2007 MSS meeting in Chicago. Sessions on ANY topics are needed and welcomed to expand our sociological dialogue with colleagues and students. Both organizations bring a rich history of endeavors, reflecting the full range of methodological, theoretical and substantive approaches to sociological research, teaching, and outreach. Our goal is to continue those important traditions and to link these when appropriate to the 2007 joint theme of Social Policy, Social Ideology, and Social Change. We will develop parallel but independent program sessions in each Society to double the richness of our conference offerings. They welcome submission related to Contemporary Pagan Studies. The 3rd Annual Gaia Gathering: Canadian National Pagan Conference MAY 18-21, 2007 University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB 2007 Theme: The Pagan Muse: Inspiration, Creativity, and the Art of Pagan Practice The Canadian National Pagan Conference invites scholars, both academic and grassroots, to submit paper proposals for the Scholarship Stream on Saturday, May 19, 2006. We encourage paper submissions from scholars doing research with Canadian Neo/Pagan traditions and communities. Some areas of interest: history of, ethnographic studies, rights and responsibilities discourses, gender, media representations, environment, ritual. All areas of interest and topics are welcome. Abstracts should be 250 words, with a representative reference list of at least 5 sources. Presentations shall not exceed 20 minutes. Submissions will be refereed by Neo/Pagan academics from Anthropology, History, and Religious Studies. Deadline for submissions: March 21, 2007. E-mail, or attachment in MsWord or .rtf formats to: j.leverick@uwinnipeg.ca. Mail: Jane Leverick, Anthropology and Women's & Gender Studies, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. R3B 2E9 Notice of Acceptance and Scheduling: April 1st , 2007. The conference is an opportunity for Canadian Neo/Pagans to exchange information, networks, and encourage the exploration and identity of Canadian Neo/Paganism. Featured speakers include Tim Ward, author of "The Savage Breast: One Man’s Search for the Goddess. Panels include: Our Rights under the Charter - Teaching Paganism - Death & Dying in a Pagan context - the Art of Public Ritual - Pagan Youth - Organizing Public Events - Debate: Why or Why Not Pagan Churches, gender. Registration: $70 by Dec. 31; $80 by Feb. 28; $90 by April 30; $100 at door. Day rates $55. There may be an opportunity for publication in the Conference Proceedings for eligible papers. Upon acceptance, more information will be made available. For more information on the Gaia Gathering and to download registration forms visit: http://www.gaiagathering.ca/ Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies Conference homepage "An informal network of academics from many disciplines conducting research in Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies (ASANAS)." The ASANAS conferences in Britain provide a good place for the presentation and reception of great scholarship. This page also features links to .mp3 files of some of the papers presented at ASANAS. These include Graham Harvey's "Studying Paganisms to refine academic methodologies" and Jenny Butler's "Neopaganism and the Domain of Alternative Healing in Contemporary Ireland". Belief Beyond Boundaries series Belief Beyond Boundaries is a research group at The Open University in the United Kingdom. They host conferences on a variety of topics on a regular basis. They will be hosting a conference on "Locating the Ancestors" but it has been delayed until Spring 2005.. "A two-day conference examining the place of ‘ancestors’ in contemporary religions, cultures and societies."