My name is Sarah Veale and I am a writer and religious studies student in Toronto, Ontario.

You may know me from my work in journalism or maybe one of my blogs. It’s possible you don’t know me at all. Well, here’s your chance to change that.

Shall we begin?

I’m a former freelance writer who contributed to several web and print publications between 2002-2010. My most notable work was with View Magazine, Hamilton’s weekly alt newspaper, and the nationally published Inside Entertainment. During this time, I talked to a lot of really cool (and famous!) people, learned a bunch of new things (and got paid for it!), and guest lectured at Mohawk College on the writing process (obviously, that made me feel really, really important). I’m not going to lie to you, being a writer kicked a lot of ass.

In addition to writing, I have been blogging since 2002. My former blog, Toronto Vegetarian, has been featured in BlogTO and on the Toronto Vegetarian Association’s website. My latest blog is Invocatio (formerly X, Y and Zen), which details my experiences and observations as a student of religion.

Speaking of religion, let’s talk about that. First things first, I am not a nun, nor do I intend to become one. But I am a religious studies student at York University. While presently an undergrad, I hope to pursue graduate work in the emerging field of western esotericism.

Since moving to Canada in 2002, I’ve increasingly learned the importance of community involvement. I am a past member of both the Keep Hamilton Clean Committee and the Hamilton Cycling Committee, of which I was also the webmaster. More recently, I established a resident’s association in my neighbourhood. In addition to my duties as association chair, I was also responsible for our online presence and coordinating action efforts among residents. Though I have since “passed the torch” on these commitments, I remain active in my community and continue to work for positive change.

In my free time, I can be found strolling through my awesome neighbourhood of The Junction or indulging in an afternoon of hot yoga. I often pretend to not drink nearly as much coffee as I do, and I wish I were better at accessorizing. A proud native of Chicago, I root for the White Sox and whomever is playing the Cubs.

While most people think of Christianity, Judaism and Islam when they think of religion, my perspective is a little different: I’m most interested in the emerging field of western esoteric studies. So far, my undergrad work has helped me explore ancient cults of the Mediterranean, 18th century American mystics, and eastern philosophy as it relates to the female experience.

In addition to my studies at York, I have an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts (cum laude) and have taken web master courses at the post-secondary level.

Current Grade Point Average: 8.38/9.00 (A)

Papers of Note:

• Wondrous Mysteries: Mysticism in the Dead Sea Scrolls
• Gendered Images of Divinity & Women’s Religious Alienation
• The Ecstatic Divine: Joyful Motivations and Eastern Integration in the Hare Krishna Movement
• Shakers & Puritans: Two Approaches to Experiential Religion
• Walter Burkert’s Ancient Mystery Cults: Four Topics for Understanding the Mysteries (book review)
• Philosophical Liberation: The Case for Legitimate Female Sannyasa
• Miracles! Visions! Blood Sacrifice! The Sacred Tales as Blueprint for Greco-Roman Religious Practice

Academic Organizations:
Golden Key International Honour Society
Societas Magica

Languages Spoken:
English, German

Academic Career

York University, Toronto, Canada 2010 to present
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies
Currently in third year of program

Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, 2008
InDesign for Graphic Communications (professional development course)

Mohawk College, Hamilton, Ontario, 2004 to 2006
Web Master Courses, GPA 96%

Moraine Valley, Palos Hills, Illinois, 1998 to 2000
Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts (A.A.)
Graduated Cum Laude, GPA 3.69/4.0 (92%)
- Member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Society
- Named to the President’s List for four semesters
- Named to the Dean’s List for two semesters

Columbia College, Chicago, Illinois, 1992 to 1993
Audio Engineering Program

Volunteer Activities:
Founding Chair & Webmaster, Local Residents’ Association
Webmaster/Member, Hamilton Cycling Committee
Member, Keep Hamilton Clean Committee

At the blog, I discuss matters pertinent to Western Esotericism and share a “behind the scenes” look at what it’s like to be a student of religion.

Please click here to visit the blog.