John Morris
Ordained Minister in Casa Grande, Arizona
Why did you originally become an ordained minister online?
I became an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church to formalize and expand my ability to serve my community, particularly within the Pagan and Wiccan traditions. My ordination was a natural progression of my spiritual path, empowering me to offer meaningful rites of passage and spiritual support to those who resonate with a nature-based spirituality. As a practicing Pagan Wiccan, I saw the ULC ordination as a practical and inclusive way to gain the legal authority to perform ceremonies like handfastings and blessings for loved ones and fellow practitioners—services not always readily available through more conventional channels in my area. Ultimately, I wanted the ability to legally solemnize marriages and other significant life events for friends, family, and community members who seek ceremonies aligned with their Pagan or alternative spiritual beliefs.
Where are you from?
While I've lived in various places, I've made my home in Casa Grande, Arizona, USA and I am committed to serving this community.
What do you hope to achieve with your online ordination?
With my ULC ordination, I aim to provide accessible and meaningful spiritual services—such as handfastings, naming ceremonies, and blessings—to individuals and couples in my area and beyond who seek ceremonies reflective of their Pagan or nature-based beliefs. I also hope to foster a greater sense of community and spiritual connection within the Pagan and Wiccan traditions in my area. My goal is to offer authentic and personalized spiritual guidance and rites of passage, filling a vital need for those who resonate with an earth-centered spirituality and desire an officiant who truly understands and respects their path. Ultimately, I aspire to utilize my ordination to be a source of light, understanding, and support, helping individuals mark significant life events in a way that's deeply meaningful and aligned with their personal spiritual truth. I also hope to promote a better understanding of Paganism and Wicca, demonstrating that these are valid and enriching spiritual paths, and offering a welcoming space for exploration and growth.
Religious Affiliations
Neopaganism, Wicca
Additional Information
As a lifelong Pagan, I have dedicated myself to the Wiccan path as a Solitary Practitioner for the past 20 years, deeply immersing myself in its traditions and wisdom. My journey has recently expanded through my initiation into The Temple of Witchcraft, where I am currently engaged in studies under the esteemed guidance of Christopher Penczak. This formal training complements my extensive personal practice, providing a structured approach to deepening my magical and spiritual understanding. It allows me to connect with a wider community of dedicated practitioners and continually evolve my service as a minister. My affiliation with The Temple of Witchcraft reflects my commitment to ongoing learning and my dedication to sharing a well-grounded and informed perspective on Pagan and Wiccan spirituality.
What do you think makes your ceremonies special as a Casa Grande, AZ wedding officiant?
What makes my ceremonies special as a Pagan Wiccan officiant is the deep personalization and spiritual authenticity I bring to each event. Unlike more conventional ceremonies, mine are crafted to specifically reflect the earth-centered, nature-based beliefs of the individuals involved. I incorporate elements that resonate with Pagan and Wiccan traditions, such as:
Honoring the elements: Often including invocations of earth, air, fire, and water to ground the ceremony and invite their energies.
Connecting with nature: Whether held outdoors or indoors, I weave in themes of natural cycles, seasons, and the sacredness of the earth.
Personalized rituals: From handfastings that symbolize intertwined destinies to blessings that call upon specific deities or ancestral guides, each ritual is chosen and adapted to the couple or individual's unique path.
Focus on intention and energy: We work together to set powerful intentions for the ceremony, creating a palpable sense of magic and sacredness.
My goal is to create not just a formal event, but a truly transformative experience that celebrates significant life passages in a way that feels deeply meaningful, authentic, and spiritually aligned for those I am serving.
Are there particular areas near you where you prefer to travel or have special experience?
I am based in Casa Grande, Arizona, a vibrant and growing community located midway between the major metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson. This central location in Pinal County allows me to serve not only Casa Grande itself, but also the surrounding communities. I am particularly open to traveling to and have special experience with ceremonies in: * Pinal County: This includes nearby towns like Coolidge, Florence, Eloy, and Arizona City. I understand the unique energy of the Sonoran Desert and how to respectfully incorporate its essence into outdoor ceremonies, whether they are held in a private backyard or at a designated outdoor venue. * The Greater Phoenix and Tucson Areas: While based in Casa Grande, I am able and willing to travel to the larger metropolitan areas for services. These cities have more established and diverse Pagan and spiritual communities, and I'm keen to offer my unique services to those who may be seeking an officiant with a strong Pagan Wiccan background. My understanding of the diverse spiritual landscape in these larger cities, coupled with the insights gained from my studies with The Temple of Witchcraft, allows me to connect with and serve a broader range of individuals and groups. My experience living and practicing in this specific region of Arizona has given me a deep appreciation for the desert landscape, its cycles, and its subtle energies. This informs my ability to craft ceremonies that are not only spiritually resonant but also uniquely tied to the natural environment, whether the ceremony takes place under the vast desert sky or in a more urban setting.
Types of Service Offered
Marriages, Same-Sex Marriages, Renewal of Vows, Handfastings, Spiritual Healing, General Ministry, Spiritual Guidance
Additional Information
Beyond traditional ceremonies, my services as a minister extend to offering personalized spiritual guidance and support for individuals exploring their Pagan or Wiccan path. I can assist with:
Rites of Passage: Marking significant life transitions such as coming of age, divorce or separation ceremonies, croning/saging ceremonies, or even house blessings and clearings. Each is tailored to the individual's needs and spiritual beliefs.
Spiritual Counseling & Mentorship: Providing a non-judgmental space for those seeking to deepen their understanding of earth-centered spirituality, navigate spiritual challenges, or integrate their beliefs into daily life. This can include discussions on magical practice, deity work, seasonal observances, and ethical considerations within Paganism.
Educational Workshops & Discussions: I'm open to facilitating small gatherings or discussions in the Casa Grande area to help demystify Paganism and Wicca, fostering understanding and dispelling common misconceptions. This can be a great way to build community and provide a safe space for learning.
Grief and Loss Support: Offering comforting rituals and spiritual solace during times of loss, providing a Pagan perspective on death and the cycles of life, tailored to honor the deceased and support those grieving.
My aim is to be a versatile resource for my community in Casa Grande, providing spiritual services that are inclusive, deeply personal, and authentically rooted in the wisdom of Pagan and Wiccan traditions.