Elwin Herman of Ethel and her dog, Ella, pause in a space on the Sacred Spiral Sanctuary property that Herman particularly loves. She says this moss-covered tree is a spiritually charged location.
The word Pagan and its traditions are often misused an misunderstood in modern society, said Sacred Spiral Sanctuary owner, Elwin Herman. For example, this gateway built at the space in Ethel may look scary but is actually a metaphor for delving into the dark spots in the human experience in order to emerge a new person.
Handmade flags hang around the perimeter of one space at Sacred Spiral Sanctuary in Ethel. They were created by participants in one of the space's many public events, many marking seasonal events.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Since this story was published in 2019, The Chronicle has learned of the Sacred Spiral Sanctuary's owners' previous ties to groups that promote white supremacist ideologies. The Chronicle's independent confirmation of those connections can be found at this link.
For Elwin Herman, a walk out her back door is not just a walk, it’s an experience. From the flags to the altars to the different stones (painted and unpainted), the 5-acre Ethel property known as Sacred Spiral Sanctuary is a lesson in being connected to the land and experiencing our place in the universe
“So often, we look at (screens) but we don’t look up. We don’t look at the people around us. We don’t look at the world around us,” Herman said. “We talk about being with the Earth but when was the last time you spent any quality time with it?”
Herman, 57, is the founder and Elder of Sacred Spiral Sanctuary. She moved to the property in Ethel in 2011 when she married her husband, Tom. About a year later, she began opening her home for workshops and healing sessions, which lead to the present day Sacred Spiral Sanctuary.
“It’s really about having the opportunity to be of service to others,” Herman said of the property.
Herman’s introduction to the divine and spiritual began as a young child. She recalled noticing she was incredibly empathic and sensitive to the spiritual world and deciding to learn about Earth-based spirituality and Core Magic in order to help herself understand what she was experiencing. She attended classes for several years at Center for Light in Portland and today holds a degree in teaching, a masters in transformational therapy and a doctorate in metaphysics with an emphasis on quantum theory. She explained that her doctorate is focused less on the math-based side of the field of study and more on theories such as quantum entanglement, multiverse theory.
“It’s the science of possibilities. What could be more exciting than that?” Herman said.
Herman also considers herself a Medicine Woman. She is a Certified Alternative Medical Practitioner (AAMA) and over a 30-year career in alternative medicine has earned certifications in 26 different healing modalities. She has also studied more than 100 techniques and areas and said she considers her education a constant work in progress.
“I believe in learning,” she said. “I think it’s something you do continuously so I think I need to continuously find out what’s out there.”
Herman teaches weekly classes at Bead Opus, where she is considered Director of Esoteric Studies. She also hosts a monthly Weaving Pagan Roots course at Centralia College and founded The School of Core Spirituality, which offers online study courses.
At the Sacred Spiral Sanctuary property, Herman offers myriad events and courses at her Ethel home, including tea and medicine courses, drum circles and drum making workshops and celebrations during full moons. Eight seasonal rites are also celebrated each year with different traditions each time. The most recently celebrated rite was Ostara, the spring equinox celebration that is often associated with the secular Easter Traditions such as egg decorating. This year’s event included egg-related activities but also an exploration of the concept of renewal.
“It’s not just things that come alive during this time,” Herman explained. “You always have an opportunity to come alive and become more authentic.”
Herman explained that while the terms Pagan and Core Magic are often misunderstood, much of what they do at Sacred Spiral focuses on common beliefs that are found in many spiritual practices. Some of these include: blessings and love; caring for the Earth; growing as an individual; respecting others and honoring ancestors; breaking free from negative aspects of life; and personal responsibility.
“It’s Earth-based spirituality,” Herman explained. “How many people, especially farmers and ranchers, can read the land and their animals? That’s really being at one with the land and that’s what we’re trying to do. We don’t do sacrifices. There is no Devil because the Devil is a Christian belief. We don’t believe in sin. We believe we consciously make choices and we’re responsible for the consequences of them.”
Events at Sacred Spiral Sanctuary are often well attended, with some attendees traveling long distance. Herman said some visitors are local pagans, many of whom are excited to learn there are others of their belief system in Southwest Washington. But many come from varied backgrounds. Herman explained she is part of a core group of seven members, called Seekers of the Stones, who sometimes gather for a more in-depth, invite-only practice but any event listed on her Web site or on the Sacred Spiral Facebook page is open to anyone of any background as long as they think and act with integrity.
“I believe wisdom comes from all parts, it’s how you listen to it that matters,” Herman said. “If you label something as negative or bad how can you be open to it?”
In the future, Herman hopes to raise the money necessary to have Sacred Spiral Sanctuary designated as a religious non-profit. She would also like to offer more community workshops, including some food related classes such as cheese making. Moving forward, the core idea will never change, though, she said. The space will always be about healing, service and creating connections.
“Really, I want to provide a space where the community can come together and grow together,” Herman said.
