Who and What is Sangha-Sho,Inc.?

The Coven of Sangha-Shō is a Rochester-based eclectic Wiccan Nature centered coven founded at Ostara (March) 2003 that emphasizes living Wicca rather than being Wiccan. We are a spiritual group that emphasizes traditional and ceremonial practice to connect with a dual aspect of divine: God and Goddess. We are often referred to as just “Sangha-Shō” and are also known as the Sangha-Shō Spiritual Society.

So often in our society, we do not take time to be spiritual and pause to understand the connection that we have to the ALL. In such cultures as in India and Asia or in paths of enlightenment such as Yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, or Zen, there is a “built-in” time in daily life to be spiritual, pray, meditate, and reflect on the power that humans have and how we are connected to something greater. For this reason, the coven integrates living a Wiccan lifestyle with the practice of the Wiccan Religious belief system.

Although we are not an Eastern coven, we do not practice Buddhism, nor do we claim to be Zen masters, we do allow for a strong influence from the Eastern school of thought because of the reasons aforementioned; those societies already live spiritually.

So you are still probably asking and wondering then, what does Sangha-Shō mean? The word Sangha comes from the ancient language of Sanskrit and is used in Yoga studies and amongst Tibetan monks. The definitions are numerous; however it can be summed up as a community of people that is dedicated to encouraging and nurturing Spirit.

The second word Shō is actually the name of the circular symbol of the coven on the front cover of this brochure. It is a Chinese symbol that corresponds to the 5 Chinese Blessings: Happiness, Health, Long Life, Virtue, and Peace. By putting these two parts together you get a group of people dedicated to living, encouraging, and nurturing the Shō blessings in themselves and others.

The coven promotes a strong sense of individuality amongst its members and supports its members in their own spiritual Wiccan path. For this reason, the group has a diverse background; members practice such Wiccan traditions as Celtic, Norse, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and others. What binds us together is at the root of the name of the coven, dedication to living the Shō blessings.