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Spiritual Guide in the Santa Cruz area

Sunday, 02 October 2011 00:00 GTWebmaster Santa Cruz - Area Guide
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spirit_religion_DP

NEW AGE/OMNI-FAITHS/ EASTERN
CATHOLICISM
CHRISTIANITY
PAGAN/OCCULT
JUDAISM

 

NEW AGE/OMNI-FAITHS/ EASTERN

INNERLIGHT MINISTRIES Perhaps one of the most popular spiritual havens in the county, Innerlight is an omni-faith portal. With Rev. Deborah Johnson at the helm, the vibes are good here and the lessons deep.

5630 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 465-9090


LAND OF MEDICINE BUDDHA The Medicine Buddha is a deity that has achieved a state of nirvana, and the Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel is a tranquil corner where practicing Buddhists or those simply searching for the transcendent meaning of life, can aspire to an enlightenment of their own. Land of Medicine Buddha is devoted to helping people maintain a healthy mind/body balance through Buddhism classes, meditation, yoga and experiencing nature. Annual festivals, special meditation retreats, and visiting monks add vibrancy to the spiritual ambiance while creating a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere even for non-Buddhists. Now that’s enlightening.

5800 Prescott Road, Soquel, 462-8383


MOUNT MADONNA CENTER Mount Madonna is a conference and retreat center located on 355 acres of mountaintop redwood forest and grassland overlooking Monterey Bay. The center offers a supportive community for relaxation, reflection and a wide variety of learning experiences. The Center has been a functional and successful community for more than 28 years.

445 Summit Road, Watsonville, (408) 846-4064, or (408) 847-0406

mountmadonna.org


PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER FOR THE SPIRIT Pacific Cultural Center offers yoga classes seven days a week, ranging from gentle to advanced, as well as performances and seminars by widely sought-out leaders and speakers. Anyone who attends can expect a meditative, peaceful atmosphere with activities that will enrich the mind, body, and soul. 1307 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz, 426-8893


CATHOLICISM

HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH It’s that beautiful church up on the hill when you drive into town. For Mass (and a killer view) Holy Cross helps get you in touch with your inner Catholic.

126 High St., Santa Cruz, 423-4182


CHRISTIANITY

TWIN LAKES CHURCH Probably the area’s largest church. Twin Lakes is non-denominational with a bounty of offerings to get involved in in this Christian community. 2701 Cabrillo College Dr., Aptos, 465-3300


SANTA CRUZ BIBLE CHURCH The other “mega-church” in town. SCBC is a non-denominational church with loads of Bible studies and groups for all ages.

440 Frederick St., Santa Cruz, 429-1162


VINTAGE FAITH CHURCH Rock & Roll at this church, where the pastor is cooler than cool and your stereotypes about Christianity will be crushed.

350 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 429-1058


PAGAN/OCCULT

SERPENT’S KISS Dubbed as a “magical arts shop and botanica specializing in authentic, unique, hand-crafted, and one-of-akind ritual and healing tools,” Serpent’s Kiss offers everything from witchcraft supplies to psychic readings and more.

2015 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-5477


THE SACRED GROVE METAPHYSICAL BOOKSTORE & PAGAN COMMUNITY The name tells you just about all you need to know, but Sacred Grove also offers classes in witchcraft, herb use and nature-based spirituality.

924 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 423-1949;


JUDAISM

SANTA CRUZ HILLEL Santa Cruz Hillel is an organization that off ers resources to Jewish college students. Activities, outreach and various programs are available through Santa Cruz Hillel.

222 Cardiff Place, Santa Cruz, 426-3332


CHABAD BY THE SEA Run by Rabbi Yochanan Friedman and his wife, Bailly, the Chabad offers a synagogue and many social and religious activities for all Jewish people.

406 Mission St., #B, Santa Cruz,454-0101


TEMPLE BETH EL Known for its focus on Reform Judaism, Temple Beth El is a popular destination. Visit the synagogue, partake in the activities, browse the gift shop.

3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos, 479-3444

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