The Society of Guardians is an established Contemplative Community and Mystical Order in the Western Mystery Tradition. The Society has been active in New Zealand since 1970, in Australia from the 1930’s, and prior to that in England from the 1870’s. From the mid 1980's onwards, some members of the Guardians deeply resonated with the Celtic and Franciscan spiritualities and found they were very complimentary. Over the last 10 years a synthesis and integration of these traditions has re-defined the focus of our group. Our key characteristic are:
- Christian Mysticism, Franciscan Spirituality, and Monastic teachings and traditions
- Celtic Spirituality, seasonal traditions, philosophies and teachings including the lives of the Saints.
- Meditation and Contemplative practices
- Creation-centered ceremonies: Working with the seasons of nature, the cycles of life, and the elements
- Spiritual Study, Psychological Growth, and Personal Development
- Compassion and care for Creation as well as Service, Prayer, and Healing for those in need.
We offer a supportive, spiritually nurturing community whereby people can come together to attune to nature and connect to God and each other through meditation, prayer, sacramental worship, and seasonal ceremony. Members are drawn from various Christian denominations and spiritual paths, but come together with a unified vision and shared intention.
Our evening Celtic Christian and Contemplative Services are held 8 times a year at 7:30pm on a Sunday evening and combine the beauty of traditional worship and liturgy with a creation-centered and mystical approach to Christian spirituality. Members of the Society (by application or invitation) undertake daily meditation, personal spiritual practices and study, while also attend seasonal ceremonies held 4 times per year at 5:30pm on a Sunday evening for Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
The Intention of the Guardians
It is our intention to link ourselves with those spiritual forces and forms
that are constructive in the universe. So that we might be part of evolving life.
In COMMUNION with all life, with COMPASSION for all life, and in CO-OPERATION with all life.
Our goal is to seek the Light and to act with Love, that our service may be guided by Truth.
Celtic Prayer & Meditation Services
Join us in a beautiful historic church for our evening contemplative meditation and prayer services. Services combine traditional liturgical worship with candles, incense, sacred music, poetry or scripture readings, Celtic and Mystical Christian prayer, and contemplative (centering prayer) meditation. The services usually last one hour.
Steeped in tradition, the meetings evoke an atmosphere of spiritual stillness and peace. All are welcome.
Society of guardians Seasonal Ceremonies
Membership of the Society of Guardians is by application after a period of discernment. Members engage in daily meditation, regular personal spiritual practices and study and attend the Seasonal Ceremonies held four times a year for Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The Ceremonies are participatory and held in a sacred circle and draw on Celtic Monastic and Western Mystery traditions. In the ceremonies we worship God, honour the four elements of creation and the archangels and take part in contemplative meditation, prayer, religious chant, and seasonal ritual,
Celtic christianity
Celtic Christianity draws on ancient religious and monastic traditions, yet this spiritual path is relevant for the contemporary world today. Revering nature as God's Creation and incorporating sacred music, art, and poetry in worship are integral elements of Celtic Spiritual and Monastic traditions. Through a deep personal spiritual journey a close relationship to Christ, Mary, and the Saints is developed. Distinctive features of this path include: Hope, equality, mystery, nature, holism, simplicity, and community.
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