Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

Oberon Zell, born Timothy Zell in 1942, is a prominent figure in Neopaganism, known for his extensive writing, speaking, and leadership within the community. He co-founded the Church of All Worlds in 1962, drawing inspiration from Robert A. Heinlein's novel "Stranger in a Strange Land." Zell has held leadership roles within the church for decades, currently serving as First Primate. He also established the Grey School of Wizardry, an online educational institution focused on esoteric knowledge and magic, where he remains President of the Board of Directors.

Zell's contributions extend to popularizing the term "Neo-Pagan" through his editorship of the magazine "Green Egg" starting in 1968. He is also recognized as an early advocate of deep ecology and claims to have independently articulated the Gaia Hypothesis. His work as a sculptor and graphic artist, distributed through his business Mythic Images, has also been influential in depicting Pagan deities. Zell has faced personal health challenges, including cancer, and experienced the loss of his wife, Morning Glory Zell, with whom he was influential in the modern polyamory movement.

Oberon Zell identifies as a Wizard, distinguishing his practice of "magick" from fictional portrayals. His interest in the mystical began in childhood through Greek myths and fairy tales, alongside early visions. He is recognized as a co-founder of the Church of All Worlds (CAW), established in 1962 through a ritual inspired by "Stranger in a Strange Land." Zell served as High Priest and Primate of CAW for many years and returned to lead the organization in 2005. He also co-founded the Ecosophical Research Association in 1977, an organization dedicated to exploring the truth behind myths, notably known for their "Living Unicorns."

A significant aspect of Zell's work involves education and the dissemination of esoteric knowledge. He founded the Grey School of Wizardry, an online institution offering courses in ancient wisdom and magic. This school evolved from lessons developed by the Grey Council and has expanded to include a wide range of departments and student activities. Zell was also the creator and original editor of "Green Egg" magazine, a publication that played a key role in popularizing the term "Neo-Pagan" and served as a vital forum for the burgeoning Neopagan community before the widespread use of the internet. He has authored numerous books, often in collaboration with his late wife Morning Glory, covering topics from ritual and mythology to wizardry and the afterlife.

Beyond his spiritual and educational endeavors, Oberon Zell is also a sculptor and graphic artist. He has created many depictions of Pagan deities, some based on historical sources and others as original creations, which are distributed through his business, Mythic Images. Zell is also noted as an early proponent of deep ecology and asserts he was the first to publish the Gaia Hypothesis independently. Alongside his wife, Morning Glory, he was influential in the modern polyamory movement, advocating for group marriages.