History
The College of the Crossroads was established in July 2002 on four acres in Valley Center, California. Sitting amidst oak and pomegranate trees, over the following years the campus developed into classroom and lectures areas, a library, picnic grounds, a community garden, and a public ritual area. In a secluded grove on the far end of the property a special area was developed as a spiritual retreat center. Relocation plans are now underway, as well as the development of satellite programs in other communities.
What's in a name?
"The Lares are friendly gods, without prejudices. About their altars on the crossroads they collect all the vagabonds, all those who have no family, no hearth, no worship of their own. Their humble devotees combine to celebrate their feasts as best they can, forming Colleges of the Crossroads, collegia compitalica…History being wholly aristocratic and political, hardly noticed them. For they lived outside history, so to speak, content to be alive under a sunny sky, on a land which they loved. They needed no more than a few very simple ideas inherited from their forefathers and a few homely rites to give them confidence and joy. A loyal, courageous race, feeling no dread in the presence of the unknown and, at bottom, not really caring much about it, when the thoughts and fancies of the Mediterranean came pouring in they kept alive the original conceptions and religious acts of the first masters of the Italian soil"
- Albert Greneir, The Roman Spirit in Religion, Thought, and Art
The New College Vision
In November of 2006 the property on which the College of the Crossroads campus was located was sold. With this came a new and expanded vision for the College that is in keeping with the philosophy of the crossroads connection.
In ancient times the crossroads was a place where the “vagabond class” gathered, which included sorcerers and witches. These were people that the State deemed as practitioners of illicit religion. In other words they were not viewed or accepted as possessing a valid practice or set of beliefs. Realizing that they were rejected by society, the witches and sorcerers avoided the public temples and proclaimed their own authenticity at the crossroads. (literally)
In modern society the witch and the pagan is viewed in much the way as they were by ancient government. Modern witches and pagans, like those in ancient times, do not feel that they require approval or recognition by the government in order to be considered valid or authentic. This spirit is, in essence, the heart of the College of the Crossroads today.
Our new vision for the College is to create “Crossroads Communities” in various areas across the nation. In this way the College is not limited to a campus, but embraces community as its campus. To this end we are planning to establish and train Crossroads Communities wherever people are receptive.
These communities will be listed on the College website once they are operational. Please check back on a regular basis to see if a Crossroads Community is near you.