Would you like to know more about the curriculum itself? Here are answers by Nancy Irons to a few of the most commonly asked questions:
In 1977 the UUA General Assembly unanimously passed the Women & Religion Resolution, calling on all individual UUs and UU organizations to examine and put aside sexist assumptions, attitudes, and language; to explore and eliminate religious roots of sexism in myths, traditions and beliefs.
The impact of this resolution has been profound; ranging from the establishment of women’s spiritual retreats, to the rapid increase in the number of female UU ministers. It has prompted incorporation of more ritual, such as chalice lighting and “Joys and Sorrows” into our services, as well as the review and revision of our Principles and Purposes. Curricula celebrating the female as divine have been developed, including Cakes for the Queen of Heaven.
Q. What is “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven”. . . a cooking class?
A. “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” is a woman honoring adult RE curriculum by Rev. Dr. Shirley Ranck. It examines pre-Judeo Christian cultures that may have worshiped the female as divine. The concepts of equality and reverence for the female in a religious setting are eye-opening to many participants.
More than Goddess 101, this workshop series examines important elements of today’s women’s lives; personal, interpersonal and societal. It examines how our culture has been influenced by Judeo Christian values. The primary question raised is: How would your life have been different if, when growing up, the divine had been imaged as female? Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences and beliefs, creating trust and strong bonds of friendship.
Q. Why is it called “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven?”
Cakes classes often offer as a follow-up, three videos by Canadian filmmaker Donna Read.
Goddess Remembered
The Burning Times
Full Circle
The first two are now available as downloads at a nominal cost. Full Circle is harder to find.
Or order online: Goddess Video Trilogy.
Goddess Remembered - Part 1 - This poetic documentary is a salute to 35 000 years of "pre-history,"; to the values of ancestors only recently remembered, and to the goddess-worshipping religions of the ancient past. Goddess Remembered features Merlin Stone, Carol Christ, Luisah Teish, Starhawk, Charlene Spretnak, and Jean Bolen, who link the loss of goddess-centred societies with today's environmental crisis. They propose a return to the belief in an interconnected life system, with respect for the earth and the female, as fundamental to our survival.
Burning Times - Part 2 - This beautifully crafted film is an in-depth look at the witch-hunts that swept through Europe just a few hundred years ago. False accusations and trials led to massive torture and burnings at the stake, and ultimately to the destruction of an organic way of life. The film advances the theory that widespread violence against women and the neglect of our environment today can be traced back to those times.
Full Circle - Part 3 - In this stirring documentary, authors, teachers, social activists and feminists explore manifestations of contemporary women’s spirituality in the Western world. Drawing on the customs, rites and knowledge of the past, Full Circle envisions a sustainable future where domination is replaced with respect. At the centre of these discussions is a reverence for the Earth, a sacred circle which we must protect.
You might also appreciate:
- Signs Out Of Time, about archeologist Marija Gimbutas.
- Things We Don't Talk About: Stories from The Red Tent
- Goddess Icons: Spirit Banners of the Divine Feminine by Lydia Ruyle
We have had many requests for downloadable files, since folks are using more tablets and laptops without a way to play files from a CD. The Resources (slideshows and handouts) from both volumes are now downloadable on the UUWR website! You will need to log in - that information is included when you buy the curriculum. If you have already purchased the set and would like access to the files, please email
Dear W & R women --
I finally recorded "Baking Cakes for the Queen of Heaven." You may remember that I wrote it to honor the 20th anniversary of the curriculum and Shirley Ranck (and sang it at GA). You can see that I've been blogging about "Cakes" as well. Please take a listen. Love and light, Nancy Vedder-Shults (author of The World Is Your Oracle)
