ABOUT

The Astraea Society, formerly a sorority before the 1970s ban on Greek-letter organizations at Eastern Tsuga College, was founded as a service and social sorority. It is now an elite women’s society that embraces its long-standing traditions of sisterhood, volunteerism, and unique cultural practices. The society focuses on personal growth, mutual support, and upholding the legacy of strong, independent women on campus. Astraea Society took its name from Astraea the “the virgin goddess of justice, innocence, purity and precision.”

History

Astraea Society was originally part of Eastern Tsuga College’s sorority system, but a ban on Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities in the late 1970s forced it to rebrand as a society. This was due to several hazing incidents that resulted in student deaths, leading the college to outlaw traditional Greek organizations. Many fraternities and societies moved off-campus and reformed as “societies” and “orders” named after various Greek gods as a snub to the administration. Astraea Society took over one of the historic mansions on Elysian Road in Verdant, a mansion that was one of seven vacation homes built between 1900 and 1920 by wealthy families rumored to be involved in occult practices.

One of the founders of Astraea Society was the daughter of the Verdant Preservation Society‘s Treasurer, who was responsible for the transfer of the mansion to the society. Astraea House, their residence, is one of the better-preserved mansions from this era, with much of its original interior kept intact, including a mysterious art deco basement designed for secretive society rituals​.

Membership Structure

Astraea Society is a selective organization with a membership cap of 35 women at any given time. Astraea House, their primary residence, can accommodate up to 26 members, though typically only around 20 sisters choose to live in the mansion during any given semester. The remaining members either live in other campus housing or off-campus residences​

Like many traditional sororities, Astraea Society follows a structured recruitment process that mirrors the broader Greek life timeline. Prospective members are generally eligible to join during their sophomore year, although some outstanding freshmen are occasionally invited based on their academic and extracurricular achievements. The society looks for women who demonstrate a balance of academic excellence, leadership potential, and a willingness to engage in Astraea’s service and social activities​.

New members undergo a rigorous selection process, where current sisters vote on which candidates best embody the society’s values of sisterhood, empowerment, and tradition. Once inducted, members are expected to contribute to both the house and the broader community, taking on responsibilities in event planning, service projects, and maintaining Astraea’s long-standing rituals.

Hazing Rumors: Despite the society’s commitment to service and sisterhood, rumors of hazing have occasionally surfaced, particularly concerning the initiation rituals held in the mansion’s infamous basement. Allegations of “playful punishment” and endurance challenges are whispered among the student body, although the society consistently denies these claims. Astraea members assert that their initiation process, while immersive, is always safe, consensual, and in line with Eastern Tsuga College’s anti-hazing policies

 

Astraea House

Astraea House is situated on Elysian Road in the historic town of Verdant. After Astraea Society acquired the mansion, it was lightly remodeled to accomodate 13 bedrooms for up to 26 sisters. The mansion has a reputation for being one of the most beautifully preserved homes on the street. Its basement, a key feature, is a grand hall often used for rituals and secret meetings by the sisters.

 The space retains much of the art deco style from its original construction, featuring archaic symbols and a large pentacle inlaid in the floor, which has only fueled rumors of the occult. 

Reputation

Astraea Society has long held a complex reputation on campus. Known for their vibrant and occasionally raucous parties, Astraea House has become somewhat infamous at Eastern Tsuga College for pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior. Nevertheless, the society maintains a respected presence in both the campus and local community, balancing their notoriety with a longstanding tradition of service and academic excellence.

Pantheon Pact: The Pantheon Pact is a set of governing principles established by the seven founding societies and orders at Eastern Tsuga College, including Astraea Society. Formed after the ban on Greek-letter organizations in the 1970s, the Pantheon Pact was designed to allow these groups to manage their internal affairs autonomously, while maintaining a standard of ethics and accountability across all organizations.

The Pact serves as a charter, outlining rules for conflict resolution, discipline, and governance. Key provisions include the establishment of tribunals to adjudicate internal disputes, administer punishments, and ensure fairness within each society. These tribunals are composed of senior members from the respective society or order, and their rulings are binding. 

The Pantheon Pact is also notable for encouraging cooperation between the societies and orders when necessary, allowing them to handle inter-organizational disputes and maintain secrecy regarding their internal activities. Although each group retains its unique rituals and traditions, the Pact ensures they operate under a unified framework, preserving the integrity of Eastern Tsuga College’s historic societies. 

Astraea Society Tribunals: Tribunals within Astraea Society are formal proceedings, deeply rooted in tradition and governed by the guidelines established under the Pantheon Pact. These tribunals are convened when a member’s actions violate the society’s rules or jeopardize its reputation. Held in the society’s candle-lit basement, the proceedings are presided over by senior members acting as judges, while other sisters observe. The accused stands before the tribunal to face charges.

The tribunal process begins with the accused given the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. If a not guilty plea is entered, the tribunal hears evidence and witness testimony to determine the outcome. A guilty verdict leads to a fitting punishment decided by the tribunal.

In cases where the accused pleads guilty, they are permitted to propose three possible punishments. The entire society then votes on which punishment will be enacted. This approach ensures that accountability is maintained, while allowing the sisterhood to weigh in on disciplinary actions.

The structure and guidelines for these tribunals, as laid out in the Pantheon Pact, serve not only to maintain order within the society but also to protect members from external consequences. The tribunal system acts as a buffer, helping to shield sisters who misbehave from academic disciplinary actions by addressing issues internally, preserving both the reputation of the society and the academic standing of its members.

Notable Residents

• Shelia Carpenter (Member: 1998-2001)
• Cassandra Bloom (Member: 2021-2024)
• Kelly Spaihts (Member: 2022-2025)
• Bridgette Hutchinson (Member: 2022-2025)
• Stacy Cantrell (Member: 2022-2025)

Society Culture and Traditions

Astraea Society thrives on a mix of traditional sorority values and its own unique, bold customs. Like many sororities, Astraea has secretive traditions and rituals that are kept confidential, known only to its members. However, there are several known activities that highlight the society’s vibrant social culture, blending fun, academic support, and community engagement with its rich history.

• Welcome Dinners – At the beginning of each semester, Astraea Society hosts an elegant dinner for both new and existing members. This event welcomes new sisters, allowing them to meet the upperclassmen, learn about house rules, and hear stories about the society’s history and traditions from senior members. It’s a more formal affair, fostering a sense of belonging and setting the tone for the semester.
• Heritage Week – A week-long celebration of Astraea Society’s founding and values. The event includes guest speakers, history lessons on the society’s origins, and social events designed to reinforce the society’s identity. Service projects and fundraisers are often organized during this time, reinforcing the society’s commitment to giving back to the community. A banquet is held at the end of the week to commemorate Astraea’s legacy.
• Initiation Ceremonies – Like many sororities, Astraea Society has a secretive and sacred initiation ritual that all new members must undergo. The ceremony typically involves symbolic tasks, such as the passing down of the society’s lore, to bind new sisters to the group and reinforce the values of loyalty, discretion, and empowerment.
• Service Projects – Maintaining its roots as a service organization, Astraea Society regularly participates in volunteer activities around the local community and campus. These projects may involve charity events, food drives, or assisting local shelters, allowing the sisters to bond while giving back to those in need. Each semester, the society aims to organize at least one major service project that reflects its values.
• Academic Support Circles – Astraea Society places a strong emphasis on academic achievement, offering mentorship programs where senior members guide younger sisters through their academic journeys. Study groups are a regular part of house life, ensuring that sisters support each other in maintaining their grades while still enjoying their college experience.
• Big Sister-Little Sister Pairing – New members are paired with older “Big Sisters” who serve as their mentors throughout their time in Astraea Society. These relationships are designed to offer guidance and help integrate new members into the social and academic fabric of the society, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and support.
• Sisterhood Retreats – At least once a semester, Astraea Society organizes a weekend retreat where members can bond away from the pressures of campus life. These retreats often involve outdoor activities, team-building exercises, and deep discussions aimed at fostering stronger connections between the sisters.
• No-Phones Party Policy – Astraea Society, like many of the orders and sororities, have a “no phones” party policy. This policy, designed to protect the privacy of attendees, is enforced to varying degrees. Often there is a casual acceptance that phones will stay out of view. If a party is expected to be espcially raucous or uninhibited hired security will collect phones at the door to prevent recordings or leaks of actvities that may occur.

Rumored Traditions and Party Games

• Strip Relay – A notorious  2023 event mentioned in a Strawbridge Sentinel article. The relay incorporates a series of party games where participants compete and the loser removing an article of clothing. By the end of the gauntlet, many particpants are nearly or fully naked. The article didn’t identify a specific organization or location, but rumors suggest the event took place at an Astraea House Party. It is speculated that the party games were so popular that the Strip Relay has become an annual event which rotates between the seven Greek houses on Elysian Road.