Annwfn Sacred Temple
Annwfn is one of the oldest dedicated earth based spirituality sanctuary (pagan retreat center) in Northern California. In 1976, Gwydion Pendderwen (Pagan Bard & Magical Priest) came to the Coast Range mountains of Mendocino County in northwest California, and founded Annwfn.
Gwydion saw the land in a vision that inspired him to claim it even though it was ragged and torn... it had been chopped and dozed from heavy logging a few years before. He began by building an A-frame cabin and planting trees. As he could, he built the unique Shaggy Mushroom, so-called because of the thatch roof it had at that time.
In 1982, after his untimely death, the land was left in trust with the Elliptical Congregation of the Church of All Worlds to be used as a sanctuary where Pagans would be able to commune with nature and peacefully practice their religion. Annwfn is open for the Pagan community to use when they have the need to relax, rest, and reground away from their mundane lives.
Annwfn has a radiant, earthy, mystical and beautiful. The forests are Fir, Madrone, and several kinds of Oak. There are Red Tail and other hawks, Stellar Jays, several kinds of woodpeckers as well as many other birds. The wildflowers include Douglas Iris, Golden Fairy Lanterns, Blue-eyed Grass, Shooting Stars, Lupine and Buttercups and a myriad of others, in season. There are deer, foxes, coyote, squirrels, and yes, skunks, and mice. There is a small pond, streams and a small waterfall in springtime, meadows, and spectacular views.
In addition to its natural beauty are added four ritual circles, ritual paths, a Goddess-dedicated organic garden, and the wonderful Mushroom Temple which was built with loving care by Gwydion Penderwyn and his friends.
Gwydion saw the land in a vision that inspired him to claim it even though it was ragged and torn... it had been chopped and dozed from heavy logging a few years before. He began by building an A-frame cabin and planting trees. As he could, he built the unique Shaggy Mushroom, so-called because of the thatch roof it had at that time.
In 1982, after his untimely death, the land was left in trust with the Elliptical Congregation of the Church of All Worlds to be used as a sanctuary where Pagans would be able to commune with nature and peacefully practice their religion. Annwfn is open for the Pagan community to use when they have the need to relax, rest, and reground away from their mundane lives.
Annwfn has a radiant, earthy, mystical and beautiful. The forests are Fir, Madrone, and several kinds of Oak. There are Red Tail and other hawks, Stellar Jays, several kinds of woodpeckers as well as many other birds. The wildflowers include Douglas Iris, Golden Fairy Lanterns, Blue-eyed Grass, Shooting Stars, Lupine and Buttercups and a myriad of others, in season. There are deer, foxes, coyote, squirrels, and yes, skunks, and mice. There is a small pond, streams and a small waterfall in springtime, meadows, and spectacular views.
In addition to its natural beauty are added four ritual circles, ritual paths, a Goddess-dedicated organic garden, and the wonderful Mushroom Temple which was built with loving care by Gwydion Penderwyn and his friends.