Honoring the Ancestors at Samhain
The growing season is winding down, and we stand between the two final harvest holidays of the Wheel of the Year. It is a beautiful time to deepen our spirituality, release that which no longer serves and set new intentions for the coming season.
Learn the chants we’ll be using at the Frederick CUUPS Open Samhain Ritual on Saturday, November 10th, with the video above.
Saturday, November 10th, 7:45 pm: Samhain Ritual
Join Frederick CUUPS for an open Samhain Ritual! Samhain falls at the time of year the light noticeably fades. Pagans reflect on and review the past year and welcome the Celtic New Year. In this season, Pagans also honor death as a part of the sacred circle of life and remember those who have died. We will share a Samhain celebration (led by Irene). Parents, please remember that grief is a part of Samhain – this ritual is recommended for ages 12 and up. Please consider whether your child will be comfortable exploring the emotions of loss and grief. Please note: the doors will open for this ritual at 7:30 pm and they will be closed at 8 pm. Latecomers will not be admitted.
Please feel free to bring an item or items for the Ancestral/Remembrance Altar. This year, we will have spaces for Ancestors, Beloved Friends, Ancestors of the Order (ascended masters, trailblazing witches – the Mighty Dead of Witchcraft), and Animal Companions. Traditional dress for Samhain is harvest colors or dark colors (mourning dress). Snack/dessert potluck to follow the ritual, please clearly LABEL any offerings with the ingredients included. Facebook event here.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, October 24th, 6:30 pm
Full Moon Labyrinth Walk
Sunday, October 28th, 1 pm
Beginning Pagan Practices: What is Paganism?
Learn the basics of Pagan spiritual practices with Frederick CUUPS members. Build a strong philosophical foundation, develop your spiritual connection, learn common beliefs and practices and deepen your journey into Pagan faith. This is a beginner’s course and everyone is welcome. Each class includes a lecture portion, open Q&A, practical application exercises, and a handout. Classes run from 1 – 3 pm and meet the 4th Sunday of the month. Recommended donation of $5/class.
Sunday, November 4th, 1 pm
Archetypes for Pagan Men with special guest Rath Cobv
Many pagan men have a call to become the very best versions of themselves. In an era of toxic masculinity and paternalism, our Gods have much to teach us about how we may move through the world in a strong nurturing way, with full recognition that what that looks like for one of us, may not apply to all.
We will cover archetypes of pagan deities, discuss common challenges we face as pagan men, and deepen our understandings of how our Gods may help us achieve our birthright. We will share ritual space devoted to our connection to the Divine Masculine.
All male identified persons over the age of 13 are welcomed with open arms in a spirit of brotherhood. Due to some of the subject matter, our brothers under the age of 18 will need a suitable family figure to vouch for them.
Suggested donation of $20 to cover expenses, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. “To his friend a man should bear him as friend / and gift for gift bestow” – Havamal 42
About your instructor, Rath Cobv:
Rath has been called a druid by druids, a heathen by heathens, and a witch by witches. He is the High Priest of the Coven of the Black Vulture, based in Alexandria Virginia. He has led public rituals for Fertile Ground Gathering, Moonfire CUUPS, and open sabbats at Sacred Circle Bookshop. He has taught publicly at Shenandoah Midsummer, Fertile Ground Gathering, the Firefly Housewarming, Moonfire CUUPS, Northern Virginia Pagan Pride Day, Northern Virginia Pagan Moot, Hallowed Homecoming Samhain Retreat, and Frederick Pagan Pride Day.
Sunday, November 11th, 10:30 am
Earth Centered Spirituality Service
This month’s Earth Service will be led by Irene and Tamara. Facebook event here.
Sunday, November 25th, 1 pm
Beginning Pagan Practices: Crafting the Pagan Soul
Learn the basics of Pagan spiritual practices with Frederick CUUPS members. Build a strong philosophical foundation, develop your spiritual connection, learn common beliefs and practices and deepen your journey into Pagan faith. This is a beginner’s course and everyone is welcome. Each class includes a lecture portion, open Q&A, practical application exercises, and a handout. Classes run from 1 – 3 pm and meet the 4th Sunday of the month. Recommended donation of $5/class.
Learn the basics of Pagan spiritual practices with Frederick CUUPS members. Build a strong philosophical foundation, develop your spiritual connection, learn common beliefs and practices and deepen your journey into Pagan faith. This is a beginner’s course and everyone is welcome. Each class includes a lecture portion, open Q&A, practical application exercises, and a handout. Classes run from 1 – 3 pm and meet the 4th Sunday of the month.
frederickcuups.com 