Our History
Ever since we came together as a community, we have endeavored to respond to the needs of those around us. We have always been especially concerned with helping children, but do our best to answer any call for help that comes our way. Our current projects include helping our neighbors in need, creating a safe sacred space for people interested in organic farming, and conserving our beautiful land.
The Early Years
How It All Began . . .
Tolbert "Toby" McCarroll, an attorney, Mary Martha "Marti" Aggeler, an executive secretary and flight attendant, and Julie DeRossi, a teacher and social worker, were all involved in the Human Potential Movement which flourished in San Francisco in the 60s and 70s. Toby founded a growth center, which sought to bridge humanistic psychology with Eastern and Western approaches to spiritual growth. Marti came on board and was soon facilitating popular groups working with art and dream journals. Julie showed up expecting to take up a few classes - and stayed!
In the 1970s, Brother Toby, Sister Marti, and Sister Julie each took monastic vows.
We decided to form a community and move to the country. In 1976 Starcross was established on a rundown homestead in northwestern Sonoma County. Being city folk, the first few years were challenging. We managed, however, to plant a garden, open a one room schoolhouse, write books, and begin supporting ourselves with a Christmas Wreath business, all while maintaining a monastic schedule and raising many young foster children.
