Evergreen is a mixed-gender Wiccan Tradition based in Calgary, founded in May of 1998 by Margarian Bridger and Stephen Hergest -- both of whom have been practicing the Craft since 1991. Essentially we are an eclectic Wiccan congregation, and the gateway to initiation into the Tradition is through the Evergreen Teaching Circle. Additionally, several individual members are active within the greater
Wiccan and Pagan communities, for example: attending greater community events (Covenant of the Gaia, Calgary Heathens, etc.), leading greater community events (rituals, meetups, movie nights, etc.), assisting in the organization of 2015's Calgary Pagan Pride Day, attending 2015's Gaia Gathering, and beyond. Evergreen seeks to balance the best of traditional Wicca with the flexibility of eclecticism. We do not limit our worship to any one pantheon nor to any single understanding of the nature of deity. We honour the concept of polarity, but we don't translate this to limiting our concept of gender and gender-roles. As reflected in our name "Evergreen," we consider it part of our sacred duty to work for the wellbeing of the Earth, but it is up to each individual member to decide how to act upon this duty; we do not, as a Tradition, espouse specific political causes. Although we encourage our members to form covens and to be active in the Pagan community, we consider the basic unit of Craft practice to be the empowered individual. Every Evergreen initiate is their own priestess or priest, capable of creating their own acts of worship and magic. Whether solitary or in group practice, all members are encouraged to treat Evergreen as a lasting and supportive family. Evergreen's initiatory lineage grows right out of Dianic and Feri Traditions. Our Tradition also acknowledges less formal input from English Traditional Craft, Reclaiming, and several other sources. We are a branch of the Blackring lineage, and enjoy close kinship with other Blackring lineage branches.
