The closing of the Sacred Paths Center leaves people grieving. All five stages are represented. Anger: “Someone must have done something wrong.” Denial: “So they’ll just have another fund raiser and open up again.” Bargaining, “What can we do to keep it open?” Depression: “There’s just something wrong with us that we can’t make this work.” And acceptance. It was a good three years, and a lot of good came from having the Sacred Paths Center. It was five years between the closing of The New Alexandria Library and the opening of the Sacred Paths Center. Each was open for over 3 years, and demonstrated that this community does want a community center. There are lessens to learn, memories to cherish, and work to continue.

If the Sacred Paths Center had a positive experience on your life, please leave a comment telling about your personal experience at https://pncminnesota.com/2012/05/07/sacred-paths-center-to-close-an-obituary-for-our-community-center/ . If you would like to read more about the situation leading to the center’s closing, you can do so at https://pncminnesota.com/2012/05/10/after-the-obituary-a-post-mortem-on-sacred-paths-center/ It’s also discussed in the popular Pagan blog The Wild Hunt at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wildhunt/2012/05/the-closing-of-pagan-community-center.html

With the closing of the Sacred Paths Center, several regular events are having to find new locations.

* Coffee Cauldron is still looking for a new home, but for now will be continuing at Caribou Coffee, 1127 Larpenteur Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN 55113.

* The Briar Patch American Tribal Style® belly dancing classes will continue every Wednesday with Level 1 at 6:30 and Level 2 at 7:30 at Shift Studio at 1304 University Ave NE, Minneapolis and more information at http://www.petalsthornsandhips.com/mn/ .

* The Mentoring Elders program will be meeting at various people’s homes, so contact Volkhvy at volkhvy@stonedragonpress.com and include “Mentoring Elders Program” in the subject line to find the next location.

* People interested in classes and sessions with Reiki Laughter can contact Maggie through http://www.reikilaughter.com/

As the community is still recovering from the shock of losing the Sacred Paths Center, it was just announced that Shadow Lights Minnesota will be closing. It’s sad to lose a metaphysical shop, and in the course of one month, we’re losing two. Here’s the entire official notice about the closing of Shadow Lights Minnesota:

Dear friends,
It is with much sadness that Kim and I must make the following announcement. As many of you know, Kim has a full time job outside our store. Her job is now requiring us to move on for her to remain employed. Shadow Lights Minnesota, at least our physical location here in Prior Lake must close to facilitate this move.

This breaks our heart as it’s been our hope to provide something needed to the community and you’ve all responded with great enthusiasm. Albeit our store, since day one, has continued on the right road and has become self sustaining, it is not where we need it to be to support our whole family in our short 19 months of existence. Our little brick and mortar shoppe opened in Sept, 2010 and has slowly continued to prosper in a very tough economy and we owe all of that to you!

As our thank you to our friends and customers, Shadow Lights Minnesota will have a “Moving Sale” starting this Friday, May 11th, 2012. All items in the store will be sold. This is your chance to purchase every item in the store at 40% or more off and this includes displays, tables, shelving, etc. We will sell all merchandise at our cost. This means you’ll be able to purchase all new merchandise at the wholesale price. Displays, etc will be properly depreciated and sold below cost.

Please understand we won’t sell out for less than we’ve invested in this and if you own a business and wish to purchase items “wholesale” bring in your tax EIN, etc. and we’ll accommodate you for sales tax purposes. Kim will continue to make candles and they will continue to be available on our website after the store closes. Thank you all so very much for your support. ~ Kim and John Hinnenkamp, Owners, Shadow Lights MN.