Institute for Thealogy & Deasophy

Trish Mattei
Trish Mattei graduated in 2002 from the University of Texas, completing her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Holding paramount the principle that all individuals have the responsibility to affect change in their community, she sought out mission-focused organizations. Finding her niche in the medical social services field, for the last decade she has worked alternately in womyn's health and then with cancer patients. She recently left the American Cancer Society to resume her academic pursuits. She continues to work as an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, volunteering in recent months with Nursery Relief of Central Texas.

Trish is currently enrolled in an inter-disciplinarian MLA program at St. Edwards University. Her studies are focused on the re-reading of the myth of Persephone, exploring the concept of rape as initiation and her descent into the Underworld as a transformative metaphor. She is also pursuing a M.Div. from Ocean Seminary College.

The Goddess entered her life through folklore and myth telling of times when womyn was revered and omnipotent. Trish remains fascinated by the interplay of symbolism, culture, power, and language. Her current research interests include exploring the significance of rape in mythology, creating sustainability in thealogy through liturgy and the influence of thea/ theology on psychological approaches to the treatment of mental illness.

Having explored several traditions, Trish is currently a dedicant of The Apple Branch seeking ordination as a Priestess.