The 2023 Frederick CUUPS Beltaine Ritual is this Saturday, May 6th, at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick.
This year’s ceremony will feature sacred fires as well as a Maypole dance. Drums and other hand percussion are welcome! Learn the chants we will be using in the video below.
A snack/dessert potluck will follow the ritual. Please remember to clearly LABEL your offering with the ingredients in it so folks with food restrictions can make safe choices for themselves.
Donations welcome but not required.
We will be using three chants in our ritual:
“Sacred Way” by Abbi Spinner
We are going to a sacred place We are now in sacred space We are living in a state of grace We are loving in a sacred way
“Earth be Hallowed” by Orion Foxwood
Earth be hallowed, Earth be sweet Earth be blessed by witches’ feet
“The Circle is Open” by Irene Glasse
The circle, circle is open But never, never broken
May Schedule Updates
The Shadow Work Circle is meeting on Tuesday, May 16th (rather than May 9th) at 7 PM.
There will be no Reclaiming the Gift of Sacred Movement workshop this month due a schedule conflict.
We have a new addition to the schedule as well:
Thargalia Purification Ritual with the Monocacy Mediterranean Pagan Temple Friday, May 26th at 7 PM At the UUCF
In ancient Greece, the Divine Twins, Apollon and Artemis, were celebrated annually with the Thargelia, a festival of ritual purification for the whole community. Allow the love of the twins, Apollon Alexikakos (the Ill-Averting) and Artemis Ariste (She Who Brings Excellence), to transform the detritus to divine light.
Join the Monocacy Mediterranean Pagan Temple for our first open ritual. Using elements from history and modern practice, we aim to create a vibrant living tradition based in the polytheistic beliefs of the Mediterranean, including Greek, Roman, Kemetic, Babylonian pantheons, and more.
Donations are welcome, but not required to participate. We will be meeting in the UUCF Chapel at 7PM EST
Chair and Accessible Yoga Thursdays at 2 PM At the UUCF Chapel
Join us for chair and adaptive yoga that is truly accessible to every body. Open to teens and adults that are looking to grow a yoga and meditation practice but find traditional classes uncomfortable or out of reach. Variations will be offered from the mat or a chair to allow you to gain the most from your practice. This is a great class for those recovering from an injury or seeking to improve balance, strength and flexibility. Some blocks, straps and mats will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them. Nae is certified in adaptive and trauma informed yoga and has completed her 200hr RYT certification.
Donations welcome but not required
Open Beltaine Ritual Saturday, May 6th, 7 PM At the UUCF
Join Frederick CUUPS for an open, family-friendly Beltaine Ritual! This year’s ceremony will feature sacred fires as well as a Maypole dance. Drums and other hand percussion are welcome! Learn the chant we will be using here: https://youtu.be/h3Qn8JuyEjE
A snack/dessert potluck will follow the ritual. Please remember to clearly LABEL your offering with the ingredients in it so folks with food restrictions can make safe choices for themselves.
Donations welcome but not required
FCUUPS Kids Beltaine Ritual Sunday, May 7th, 3 PM At the UUCF
Join us as we explore Beltaine and participate in a teen and child centered ritual. A grownups lounge is available for parents and guardians to relax while the children are in the ritual.
FCUUPS Kids & Teens offers workshops and rituals appropriate for school age children elementary through high school.
Donation Yoga for Advancing Beginners Mondays at 1 PM (no class May 1st) At the UUCF
One of the best ways we can stay resilient and healthy is to exercise and cultivate mindfulness. These donation classes with E-RYT 200 Irene Glasse are open to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks past their last vaccination/booster). At this time, masks are optional. An Advancing Beginners class is most accessible to people who have some basic familiarity with yoga and are able to comfortably take low lunge (lunge with one foot forward and the back knee touching the mat), tabletop, warrior two and other foundational yoga poses. Previous classes can be viewed here.
Open Blót (Heathen Ceremony) Saturday, May 13th, 6 PM At the UUCF
Join Elk Ridge Kindred for a blót (pronounced blōt), which is a traditional way of toasting and honoring Deity and our ancestors. Elk Ridge Kindred is a small local group who practice the Norse traditions of Heathenry. While open to the public, blóts require supplies, so we are asking that people make reservations by emailing ElkRidgeKindred(at)gmail(dot)com if you wish to attend.
Please bring your own horn or ritual cup, donations of mead/other libations are welcome.
Elk Ridge Kindred practices #inclusiveheathenry and seeks to foster openness and inclusivity both individually and through our religious practices.
Earth Centered Spirituality Service Sunday, May 14th, 12 PM At the UUCF
Join members of the Frederick CUUPS community for our monthly Earth Centered Spirituality Service. This time provides an opportunity to focus on the Sixth Source of Unitarian Universalism: “Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.”
Donations welcome but not required
Stitch-N-Witch Crafting Circle Monday, May 15th, 5 – 7 PM At the UUCF
Grab your yarn and knitting needles, your crochet hooks or embroidery, your paints or markers or WHATEVER you like to craft with and join the Stitch-n-Witch. Hosted by Eira at the UUCF, this group meets monthly for crafting and conversation.
Got some crafting supplies you know you’re not going to use? The Stitch-n-Witch also offers space for craft supply swapping.
Donations welcome but not required.
Shadow Work Circle Tuesday, May 16th at 7 PM. Second Tuesday meet-ups resume in June At the UUCF
Join Renee and others who are doing their own Shadow Work in a safe space for sharing and learning from each other. The Shadow Work Circle meets once a month in a facilitated but not heavily structured meeting. Come prepared to discuss your own work or just to listen and be in community.
Our sense of smell has a unique way of triggering memories and setting a mood that can bring an extra layer of intentionality into our rituals and daily practices. During this workshop you’ll learn to work with oils (safely) and gemstones to create unique oil blends for grounding, protection, self-love, anxiety relief, or other applications that are easy to use and keep close at hand to help deepen your practice on even the most mundane of days.
Create your own gemstone infused oil blend using recipes and recommendations from the instructor or develop your own unique blend.
Workshop fees cover workbook, 5 ml. roller bottle, carrier oil (fractionated coconut – if sensitivities are present please let the instructor know in advance so they accommodate), various essential oils, and gemstone chips.
*allergen alert* coconut oil, almond oil, and a variety of essential oils
Thargalia Purification Ritual with the Monocacy Mediterranean Pagan Temple Friday, May 26th at 7 PM At the UUCF
In ancient Greece, the Divine Twins, Apollon and Artemis, were celebrated annually with the Thargelia, a festival of ritual purification for the whole community. Allow the love of the twins, Apollon Alexikakos (the Ill-Averting) and Artemis Ariste (She Who Brings Excellence), to transform the detritus to divine light.
Join the Monocacy Mediterranean Pagan Temple for our first open ritual. Using elements from history and modern practice, we aim to create a vibrant living tradition based in the polytheistic beliefs of the Mediterranean, including Greek, Roman, Kemetic, Babylonian pantheons, and more.
Donations are welcome, but not required to participate. We will be meeting in the UUCF Chapel at 7PM EST
May Labyrinth Clean-up Wednesday, May 31st, 6 PM At the UUCF
Our next Labyrinth walk is Saturday, June 3rd, which means it’s time to tidy up the Labyrinth! If you would like to help, please join us. This service to the community is not glamorous, but it is absolutely vital. With four volunteers, it only takes an hour to do.
Remember to wear clothes you can get dirty in and sunblock/bug spray if you need it
The most effective way to clear the stones of the Labyrinth is with a string trimmer. If you have one you can bring along, that would be awesome. We also have a few that are available for use. Spades and shears can also be useful for tidying the beds in the Labyrinth courtyard and clearing dirt where it’s piled up on the stones of the Labyrinth.
Spring is here and Frederick CUUPS is offering wonderful ways to connect, deepen, learn, and transform! This month sees the return of our outdoor Full Moon Labyrinth Walk and Drum Circle events! From workshops to services to crafting circles, there are so many ways to Pagan it up this month. Scroll down for individual event listings. See you soon! An up-to-date listing of events is always available at our events page as well as on the Events section of our Facebook page. Scroll down to see everything on the calendar this month.
April Labyrinth Clean-up Sunday, April 2nd, 6 PM At the UUCF
Our April outdoor (hopefully, depending on the weather) Labyrinth walk is Friday, April 7th, which means it’s time to tidy up the Labyrinth! If you would like to help, please join us. This service to the community is not glamorous, but it is absolutely vital. With four volunteers, it only takes an hour to do.
Remember to wear clothes you can get dirty in and sunblock/bug spray if you need it
The most effective way to clear the stones of the Labyrinth is with a string trimmer. If you have one you can bring along, that would be awesome. We also have a few that are available for use. Spades and shears can also be useful for tidying the beds in the Labyrinth courtyard and clearing dirt where it’s piled up on the stones of the Labyrinth.
Donation Yoga for Advancing Beginners Mondays at 1 PM At the UUCF
One of the best ways we can stay resilient and healthy is to exercise and cultivate mindfulness. These donation classes with E-RYT 200 Irene Glasse are open to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks past their last vaccination/booster). At this time, masks are optional. An Advancing Beginners class is most accessible to people who have some basic familiarity with yoga and are able to comfortably take low lunge (lunge with one foot forward and the back knee touching the mat), tabletop, warrior two and other foundational yoga poses. Previous classes can be viewed here.
Chair and Accessible Yoga Thursdays at 2 PM At the UUCF Chapel
Join us for chair and adaptive yoga that is truly accessible to every body. Open to teens and adults that are looking to grow a yoga and meditation practice but find traditional classes uncomfortable or out of reach. Variations will be offered from the mat or a chair to allow you to gain the most from your practice. This is a great class for those recovering from an injury or seeking to improve balance, strength and flexibility. Some blocks, straps and mats will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them. Nae is certified in adaptive and trauma informed yoga and has completed her 200hr RYT certification.
Recommended Donation is $5.
April Full Moon Labyrinth Walk & Drum Circle Friday, April 7th, 7:30 PM At the UUCF
Come enjoy the beauty and peace of the Labyrinth by the light of the full moon! If the weather is good, this will be an outdoor, drumming walk. In the event of rain, we take our labyrinth practice indoors, into the Chapel and our canvas labyrinth.
The first half hour will be a quiet walk, the remainder drumming, so feel free to bring hand drums and other percussion instruments.
If you haven’t walked a Labyrinth before, there is no ceremony or ritual. A Labyrinth Walk is safe, open Sacred Space for personal exploration. Please plan to arrive by 8 pm to allow enough time for your walk. For an in-depth article on Labyrinths and what to expect at one of our open walks, visit this link: https://pinkpaganpriestess.wordpress.com/…/an…/
Recommended donation of $5. Please help support Labyrinth Walks at the UUCF.
FCUUPS Kids Family Potluck and Grown-ups Game Night Saturday, April 8th, 6 PM At the UUCF
Join FCUUPS Kids for a family potluck (sign up genius will be available soon to avoid a whole meal of cookies ) and games. We will all eat together. After the potluck, the children will move to their own space with childcare provided by donation. They are welcome to bring their own games to share and come in their PJs for a fun night with friends. Grown ups are encouraged to bring a card or board game to share. Depending on the number of players and games available, we’ll determine what to play once we get there. We’ll have the space to have multiple games going at once if we have enough players. BYOB is welcome in moderation. Please remember this is an all ages family event.
FCUUPS Kids & Teens offers workshops and rituals appropriate for school age children elementary through high school.
Earth Centered Spirituality Service Sunday, April 9th, 12 PM At the UUCF
Join members of the Frederick CUUPS community for our monthly Earth Centered Spirituality Service. This time provides an opportunity to focus on the Sixth Source of Unitarian Universalism: “Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.”
Recommended donation of $5. Please either bring cash to the Earth Service or donate online.
Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FCUUPS” in the memo box
Shadow Work Circle Second Tuesday of the month at 7 PM At the UUCF
Join Renee and others who are doing their own Shadow Work in a safe space for sharing and learning from each other. The Shadow Work Circle meets once a month in a facilitated but not heavily structured meeting. Come prepared to discuss your own work or just to listen and be in community.
Recommended donation of $5/session.
FCUUPS Kids and Teens: Introduction to Working With Energy Sunday, April 16th, 3 PM At the UUCF
FCUUPS Kids & Teens will meet for our first workshop of the year. This year we are learning about energy and how it is used in pagan practices. We’ll discuss the different views of cultures, communities, belief systems and practitioners that apply energy to their magical and spiritual workings.
FCUUPS Kids & Teens offers workshops and rituals appropriate for school age children elementary through high school.
Stitch-N-Witch: Crafting and Conversation Mondays from 5 – 7 4/17 At the UUCF
Grab your yarn and knitting needles, your crochet hooks or embroidery, your paints or markers or WHATEVER you like to craft with and join the Stitch-n-Witch. Hosted by Eira at the UUCF, this group meets monthly for crafting and conversation.
Got some crafting supplies you know you’re not going to use? The Stitch-n-Witch also offers space for craft supply swapping.
Recommended donation of $5.
Chanting: Engage and Create Workshop with Alyssa Yeager Monday, April 24th, 7 PM At the UUCF
Do you enjoy listening to chants and would like to be more involved in creating chant music? Participants will learn traditional and modern chants while exploring movement, harmonies, rhythm, and rounds. No experience necessary. Everyone will be encouraged to participate at the level where they feel comfortable. The workshop will conclude with an opportunity for the group to create a chant together!
If possible, bring your own hand drum or percussion instrument. A selection of percussion instruments will be provided.
Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FC – chanting” in the memo box.
Alyssa Yeager: Alyssa is a board-certified music therapist and professional musician with over 20 years experience in these fields. She has released 7 full length albums of original music plus the meditation album, “Meditations for Geeks”. Alyssa’s goal is always to create an engaging experience for the audience and workshop participants.
Following the workshop will be a performance by Rhiannon’s Lark (Alyssa’s stage name). Alyssa Yeager is known for her magickal, mystical story-telling. She weaves a tapestry of personal tales, myths, and moral choices in a chaotic world with her folk style and instrumentation. This geek-goddess-girl tackles everything from krakens to ethical dilemmas with insightful lyrics, gorgeous vocals, and gentle humor.
Chair and Accessible Yoga Thursdays at 2 PM At the UUCF Chapel
Join us for chair and adaptive yoga that is truly accessible to every body. Open to teens and adults that are looking to grow a yoga and meditation practice but find traditional classes uncomfortable or out of reach. Variations will be offered from the mat or a chair to allow you to gain the most from your practice. This is a great class for those recovering from an injury or seeking to improve balance, strength and flexibility. Some blocks, straps and mats will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them. Nae is certified in adaptive and trauma informed yoga and has completed her 200hr RYT certification.
Recommended Donation is $5.
Donation Yoga for Advancing Beginners Mondays at 1 PM At the UUCF
One of the best ways we can stay resilient and healthy is to exercise and cultivate mindfulness. These donation classes with E-RYT 200 Irene Glasse are open to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks past their last vaccination/booster). At this time, masks are optional. An Advancing Beginners class is most accessible to people who have some basic familiarity with yoga and are able to comfortably take low lunge (lunge with one foot forward and the back knee touching the mat), tabletop, warrior two and other foundational yoga poses. Previous classes can be viewed here.
Full Moon Labyrinth Walk Friday, March 10th, 7 PM At the UUCF
Come enjoy the beauty and peace of the Labyrinth by the light of the full moon! The labyrinth will be illuminated from 7 – 9 pm. Everyone is welcome. During the cooler months, we take our Labyrinth practice indoors, and will be walking the Rainbow Seed Labyrinth, a canvas Classical-pattern Labyrinth. Please remember clean socks or slippers to walk the Labyrinth in.
If you haven’t walked a Labyrinth before, there is no ceremony or ritual. A Labyrinth Walk is safe, open Sacred Space for personal exploration. Please plan to arrive by 7:30 pm to allow enough time for your walk. For an in-depth article on Labyrinths and what to expect at one of our open walks, visit this link: https://pinkpaganpriestess.wordpress.com/…/an…/
Divination practice is welcome – please feel free to bring your preferred divinatory tool (runes, tarot, ogham, etc) to practice/trade readings. The FCUUPS Library will be open for browsing.
Recommended donation of $5. Please help support Labyrinth Walks at the UUCF.
Earth Centered Spirituality Service Sunday, March 12th, 12 PM At the UUCF
Join members of the Frederick CUUPS community for our monthly Earth Centered Spirituality Service. This time provides an opportunity to focus on the Sixth Source of Unitarian Universalism: “Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.”
Recommended donation of $5. Please either bring cash to the Earth Service or donate online.
Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FCUUPS” in the memo box
Open Blót (Heathen Ceremony) Sunday, March 12th, 6 PM At the UUCF
Join Elk Ridge Kindred for a blót (pronounced blōt), which is a traditional way of toasting and honoring Deity and our ancestors. Elk Ridge Kindred is a small local group who practice the Norse traditions of Heathenry. While open to the public, blóts require supplies, so we are asking that people make reservations by emailing ElkRidgeKindred(at)gmail(dot)com if you wish to attend.
Please bring your own horn or ritual cup, donations of mead/other libations are welcome.
Elk Ridge Kindred practices #inclusiveheathenry and seeks to foster openness and inclusivity both individually and through our religious practices.
Shadow Work Circle Second Tuesday of the month at 7 PM At the UUCF
Join Renee and others who are doing their own Shadow Work in a safe space for sharing and learning from each other. The Shadow Work Circle meets once a month in a facilitated but not heavily structured meeting. Come prepared to discuss your own work or just to listen and be in community.
Recommended donation of $5/session.
Open Ostara Service Sunday, March 19th, 10:30 AM At the UUCF and on Zoom
Join Frederick CUUPS for a special Ostara Service at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick. Explore the history, meaning, and resonance of the spring equinox with members of the Frederick CUUPS community. This service will take place in person as well as on Zoom. Visit www.FrederickUU.org for the Zoom link.
FCUUPS Kids & Teens Ostara Ritual Sunday, March 19th, 3 PM At the UUCF
Join us as we explore Ostara and participate in a teen and child centered ritual. A grownups lounge will be available for parents and guardians to relax while the children are in the ritual.
FCUUPS Kids & Teens offers workshops and rituals appropriate for school age children elementary through high school.
Stitch-N-Witch: Crafting and Conversation Mondays from 5 – 7 2/20, 3/20, 4/17 At the UUCF
Grab your yarn and knitting needles, your crochet hooks or embroidery, your paints or markers or WHATEVER you like to craft with and join the Stitch-n-Witch. Hosted by Eira at the UUCF, this group meets monthly for crafting and conversation.
Got some crafting supplies you know you’re not going to use? The Stitch-n-Witch also offers space for craft supply swapping.
This video teaches the chants for and information about the 2023 Frederick CUUPS Imbolc ritual on Saturday, February 4th, at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick.
Things to bring:
A respiratory mask (N95 or similar)
A 6 inch or so long stick – this stick will not go back home with you
Indoor Full Moon Labyrinth Walk Friday, February 3rd, 7 PM At the UUCF
Come enjoy the beauty and peace of the Labyrinth by the light of the full moon! The labyrinth will be illuminated from 7 – 9 pm. Everyone is welcome. During the cooler months, we take our Labyrinth practice indoors, and will be walking the Rainbow Seed Labyrinth, a canvas Classical-pattern Labyrinth. Please remember clean socks or slippers to walk the Labyrinth in.
If you haven’t walked a Labyrinth before, there is no ceremony or ritual. A Labyrinth Walk is safe, open Sacred Space for personal exploration. Please plan to arrive by 7:30 pm to allow enough time for your walk. For an in-depth article on Labyrinths and what to expect at one of our open walks, visit this link: https://pinkpaganpriestess.wordpress.com/…/an…/
Divination practice is welcome – please feel free to bring your preferred divinatory tool (runes, tarot, ogham, etc) to practice/trade readings. The FCUUPS Library will be open for browsing. Recommended donation of $5. Please help support Labyrinth Walks at the UUCF.
Open Imbolc Ritual Saturday, February 4th, 7 PM At the UUCF
Join Frederick CUUPS for an open, family-friendly Imbolc Ritual! In the deepest cold of winter, we come together to celebrate! Imbolc, after all, marks our turn toward the springtime and holds the promise of warmth, light, and life yet to come.
Together, we will create and share the magic of fuel and fire, looking within to nurture and kindle the light and warmth that will see us through to spring. How can each of us cultivate our internal flame even during dark times? How can we see and celebrate the light within others? How can that fire energize the way we move through the world?
Our ritual is inspired by the winter crone Cailleach, who gathers wood on Imbolc to fuel her fire through the remaining winter. At our Imbolc ritual, too, will each of us.
If you would like to, please bring a small stick (around 6″ in length) for the ritual. You will not be taking it home with you, so please choose a stick that does not have a good deal of emotional attachment. We will also have sticks for people to use.
ようこそ！ to the Japanese 101 class! Japanese is an East Asian language spoken primarily in Japan. You may have seen or heard it in the U.S. among any Japanese friends, at Buddhist temples, at your favorite Japanese restaurant or grocery store, or in a movie or anime. In addition to the basics of the language, there will be a basic introduction to Japanese history, geography, cultural elements, and some of the most quintessential Japanese literature and folklore, such as stories from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Momotarō, and Bunbuku Chagama. These will help you place your language learning into context and tie them all together into a more holistic beginner’s understanding of Japan and the Japanese language.
This course assumes zero prior knowledge of Japanese language, history, geography, or culture but is also refresher friendly. If students complete the 101 course and have interest in learning more, there may be a 102 course.
There will be optional informal field trips/meet-ups at the Japanese Sakura Matsuri in DC and an Obon Dance Festival in Fairfax Station (both on Saturdays), as well as to a couple of smaller outings such as to Asian grocery stores or Japanese restaurants peppered throughout the course. (Specific dates & locations for all optional field trips/meet-ups will be in your course syllabus.)
We’ll be using the textbook Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese, SECOND Edition. You should be able to find it used for around $16 on Abe Books website.
This course meets Monday nights at 7:00 pm at the Frederick UU building in Room 125. Each class meeting will also be on Zoom and recorded. The Zoom link will be included in your Eventbrite ticket confirmation email. Recommended donation is $2/class meeting or $50 for the whole course (there is a half price sliding scale option for folks who would have financial difficulty paying the full course fee). We will NOT take late joiners for this class, as Japanese is VERY different from English, and joining late would leave you behind.
Welsh Language Course Wednesdays at 7 PM starting February 8th At the UUCF and on Zoom
Croeso! to the Survival Welsh Language class! Welsh is a Celtic language spoken in the nations of Wales and Patagonia, and you’ll find it here and there anywhere Welsh people have been! Welsh is a living language. About 12% of the Welsh population speaks Welsh every day. In addition to the basics of the language, there will be a basic introduction to Welsh history and geography, to both traditional and modern cultural elements, and to some of the most quintessential Welsh literature and folklore, such as the Mabinogi, Hanes Taliesin, and the Welsh origins of King Arthur. These will help you place your language learning into a more holistic beginner’s understanding of Wales and the Welsh language. It will also tie in elements commonly referenced in Pagan, Druidic, and Witchcraft contexts.
This course assumes zero prior knowledge of Welsh language, history, geography, or culture.
There will be optional informal field trips/meet-ups at a Welsh language practice group in DC as well as a couple of Celtic culture festivals peppered throughout the course. (All field trips occur on Saturdays. Specific dates & locations will be in your course syllabus.)
We’ll be using the textbook Cwrs Mynediad: Fersiwn y De, Cwrs Dechreuol i Oedolion Sy’n Dysgu Cymraeg (A Beginners’ Course for Adults Learning Welsh: South Wales Version).
You should be able to find it online for around $16 used, or new for $30 or so. Just search for Cwrs Mynediad and make sure it’s the South Wales version.
This course meets Wednesday nights (Welsh Wednesdays!) at 7:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick building in Room 125. Each class meeting will also be on Zoom and recorded (the Zoom link will be in your Eventbrite course registration). Recommended donation is $2/class meeting or $40 for the whole course (there is a half price sliding scale option for folks who would have difficulty paying the full course fee). We will not take late joiners after Day 2 (15 February) because language classes build on one another, and joining too late can leave you behind. Email FCUUPS(at)gmail(dot)com for more information.
How did our ancestors seek knowledge from their departed loved ones, learn what to prepare for in the coming seasons, or gain advice on personal choices? They joined together in ritual with their community. They asked the Spaekona or Spaemadhr to come, receive their questions and return vision and wisdom. The rite drew the community together and connected the folk to the spirits, the land, and the mighty ones.
Join Becky Sheehan, Scott Mohnkern, and members of the Potomac Seidr Guild Öndvegisulur for a 6 week Beginning Spae/Seidhr Series at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick in Frederick, MD. This series will take place Saturdays February 11th, 18th, and 25th, and March 4th, 11th, and 18th from 1 to 5 PM.
This course teaches the basic skills to serve communities today as our ancestors practicing this art of old served. Spae Training is suited to individuals with spirit journey experience and a desire to serve their communities. This style of Spae, also known as Oracular Seidhr, is based on the method recovered from the lore and recreated by Diana Paxson. It was first practiced and further developed by Diana and other members of the Heathen Kindred and community Hrafnar in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
Class content will cover the history of Spae in lore and contemporary practice, the purposes of Spae in modern practice, skill-building discussions and exercises, rite structure discussion and design, and hands on experience of different roles within a Spae ritual.
Non-Heathens are welcome to attend. This style of Oracular Seidhr can be tailored to different spiritual paths and pantheons.
The Potomac Seidr Guild Öndvegisulur are the special guests of Frederick CUUPS.
“Potomac Seidr Guild Öndvegisúlur is dedicated to serving our community through rituals that connect us to the ancestors, spirits, and gods. We are heathens, pagans, polytheists, and witches who practice oracular seidr work rooted in heathen tradition. Everyone who is seeking a spiritual connection to the gods and community is welcome to attend our rituals. We denounce racism and white supremacy, and we are LGBT and queer welcoming. We stand with Declaration 127; expressions of racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, abuse, and other forms of oppression are not welcome in our space.”
Earth Centered Spirituality Service Sunday, February 12th, 12 PM At the UUCF
Join members of the Frederick CUUPS community for our monthly Earth Centered Spirituality Service. This time provides an opportunity to focus on the Sixth Source of Unitarian Universalism: “Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.”
Recommended donation of $5. Please either bring cash to the Earth Service or donate online.
Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FCUUPS” in the memo box
Reclaiming the Gift of Sacred Movement Second Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM At the UUCF
Join Renee for a deep dive into learning to love and appreciate what our changing bodies can do. The Sacred Movement series meets the second Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM.
Welcoming to all, focused on the differently-abled, aging, or traumatized body. We’ll start with a discussion of how to get out of the boxes we paint ourselves into, remove the ideas of what a dancer or sacred movement “should” look like and discuss the power movement has for healing and energy building. The second half of the class we’ll put that into practice as we experiment with movement and what that looks and feels like for us as individuals.
Renee was once a classically trained dancer with dreams of choreographing on Broadway. Several disabling events compounded to remove that dream and leave her with a body she no longer loved or recognized. After leaving an abusive marriage, she started to feel drawn back to her love of dance but felt she no longer could move in the way she once did. Experimentation in what she could do led to relearning, reclaiming and loving her body for all it has done for her. Unfortunately she quickly learned that yoga and dance classes in the area that advertised “being for everyone” did not mean her. She then made it her mission to become RYT certified in trauma-informed yoga for disabilities. She combines her knowledge of dance with her certification in yoga to create a unique and confidence building experience that truly is for EVERY body.
$10 Recommended Donation
Shadow Work Circle Second Tuesday of the month at 7 PM At the UUCF
Join Renee and others who are doing their own Shadow Work in a safe space for sharing and learning from each other. The Shadow Work Circle meets once a month in a facilitated but not heavily structured meeting. Come prepared to discuss your own work or just to listen and be in community.
Recommended donation of $5/session.
Stitch-N-Witch: Crafting and Conversation Mondays from 5 – 7 2/20, 3/20, 4/17 At the UUCF
Grab your yarn and knitting needles, your crochet hooks or embroidery, your paints or markers or WHATEVER you like to craft with and join the Stitch-n-Witch. Hosted by Eira at the UUCF, this group meets monthly for crafting and conversation.
Got some crafting supplies you know you’re not going to use? The Stitch-n-Witch also offers space for craft supply swapping.
Recommended donation of $5.
Chair and Accessible Yoga Thursdays at 2 PM Starting 2/23 At the UUCF Chapel
Join us for chair and adaptive yoga that is truly accessible to every body. Open to teens and adults that are looking to grow a yoga and meditation practice but find traditional classes uncomfortable or out of reach. Variations will be offered from the mat or a chair to allow you to gain the most from your practice. This is a great class for those recovering from an injury or seeking to improve balance, strength and flexibility. Some blocks, straps and mats will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them. Nae is certified in adaptive and trauma informed yoga and has completed her 200hr RYT certification.
With a full weekend of rituals and services behind us, and the Masquerade Ball on the horizon, we’re canceling the Legends Lodge to give our Do-ers a little more recuperation time 🙂
New Year’s Day Purification Ritual Sunday, January 1st, 6 – 8 PM At the UUCF
Enter 2023 from a centered place of peace. Release the energies of the last year, and set a harmonious tone for the year to come. Sacred Space will be held from 6 to 8 pm in the Sanctuary of the UUCF.
Attendees are invited to move through the Elements, releasing the shadows of 2022 as they go. Elemental Guides will be available at each Quarter to offer a way to move into the energy of a new year. End your Purification journey with a time of reflection and meditation to receive any messages for the new year.
This ritual is an opportunity to move through Sacred Space. As such, there is no set start and finish time–it does not have a formal ritual structure. Your journey will be self-guided. We will hold the space open from 6 to 8 pm, and you should expect to spend somewhere between a half hour to an hour on your journey.
Please remember that this is a very popular ritual. There is a single path to follow, so at ‘peak’ times (generally around 7 pm), there can be a line. Please plan to arrive early or after the ‘peak’ and please be patient with the process of the people around you.
All are welcome to attend. Silence is held for the duration of the ritual, so please use your judgement about appropriateness for children. Child care is available, and will conclude at 8 pm, so please make sure to arrive by 7 at the very latest if you wish to use it.
Masks are recommended for this ritual – current disease transmission rates in our region are very high.
January Indoor Full Moon Labyrinth Walk Friday, January 6th, 7 PM At the UUCF
Come enjoy the beauty and peace of the Labyrinth by the light of the full moon! The labyrinth will be illuminated from 7 – 9 pm. Everyone is welcome. During the cooler months, we take our Labyrinth practice indoors, and will be walking the Rainbow Seed Labyrinth, a canvas Classical-pattern Labyrinth. Please remember clean socks or slippers to walk the Labyrinth in. If you haven’t walked a Labyrinth before, there is no ceremony or ritual. A Labyrinth Walk is safe, open Sacred Space for personal exploration. Please plan to arrive by 7:30 pm to allow enough time for your walk. For an in-depth article on Labyrinths and what to expect at one of our open walks, visit this link.
Divination practice is welcome – please feel free to bring your preferred divinatory tool (runes, tarot, ogham, etc) to practice/trade readings. The FCUUPS Library will be open for browsing.
Recommended donation of $5. Please help support Labyrinth Walks at the UUCF. Facebook event here.
January Earth Centered Spirituality Service Sunday, January 8th, 12 PM At the UUCF
Join members of the Frederick CUUPS community for our monthly Earth Centered Spirituality Service. This time provides an opportunity to focus on the Sixth Source of Unitarian Universalism: “Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.” Recommended donation of $5. Please either bring cash to the Earth Service or donate online.
Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FCUUPS” in the memo box. Facebook event here.
Reclaiming the Gift of Sacred Movement Second Sunday of the Month at 1:30 PM At the UUCF with Renee Skipper
Join Renee for a deep dive into learning to love and appreciate what our changing bodies can do. The Sacred Movement series meets the second Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM.
Welcoming to all, focused on the differently-abled, aging, or traumatized body. We’ll start with a discussion of how to get out of the boxes we paint ourselves into, remove the ideas of what a dancer or sacred movement “should” look like and discuss the power movement has for healing and energy building. The second half of the class we’ll put that into practice as we experiment with movement and what that looks and feels like for us as individuals.
Renee was once a classically trained dancer with dreams of choreographing on Broadway. Several disabling events compounded to remove that dream and leave her with a body she no longer loved or recognized. After leaving an abusive marriage, she started to feel drawn back to her love of dance but felt she no longer could move in the way she once did. Experimentation in what she could do led to relearning, reclaiming and loving her body for all it has done for her. Unfortunately she quickly learned that yoga and dance classes in the area that advertised “being for everyone” did not mean her. She then made it her mission to become RYT certified in trauma-informed yoga for disabilities. She combines her knowledge of dance with her certification in yoga to create a unique and confidence building experience that truly is for EVERY body.
Vision Board Party Sunday, January 8th, 2:30 PM At the UUCF Chapel
Join Sage for a new year’s Vision Board Party! A vision board is a collage of images, pictures, and affirmations of one’s dreams and desires, designed to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. The image objects are arranged in a way to help you manifest your goals or vision. You create a board out of craft items, magazine clippings, and other miscellaneous items. At the end of the activity, it may feel like magic.
We will go over the steps to creating the vision board. Then we will create the board using magazine clippings, or the images that people wish to bring. After the work is done we will cast a spell to help solidify our goals/desires for the new year.
Please bring a posterboard or other canvas that you’d like to use as well as any images you’d like to include. If you have magazines, glue, and scissors to contribute to the party, that would be wonderful as well.
The event will conclude with an optional divinatory reading. If you’d like to participate in that part, please bring your Tarot or Oracle deck, Runes or other divinatory tool.
January Open Blót (Heathen Ceremony) Sunday, January 8th, 6 PM At the UUCF
Join Elk Ridge Kindred for a blót (pronounced blōt), which is a traditional way of toasting and honoring Deity and our ancestors. Elk Ridge Kindred is a small local group who practice the Norse traditions of Heathenry. While open to the public, blóts require supplies, so we are asking that people make reservations by emailing ElkRidgeKindred(at)gmail(dot)com if you wish to attend. Please bring your own horn or ritual cup, donations of mead/other libations are welcome. Due to current transmission rates, masks are recommended for this ceremony.
Our January blót is in honor of Sunna, Norse goddess of the Sun.
Elk Ridge Kindred practices #inclusiveheathenry and seeks to foster openness and inclusivity both individually and through our religious practices. Facebook event here. Donation Yoga for Advancing Beginners Mondays at 1 PM, resuming January 9th At the UUCF
One of the best ways we can stay resilient and healthy is to exercise and cultivate mindfulness. These donation classes with E-RYT 200 Irene Glasse are open to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks past their last vaccination/booster). At this time, masks are optional. An Advancing Beginners class is most accessible to people who have some basic familiarity with yoga and are able to comfortably take low lunge (lunge with one foot forward and the back knee touching the mat), tabletop, warrior two and other foundational yoga poses. Previous classes can be viewed here.
Goal Setting and Planning Series Mondays at 7 PM: January 9th, 16th, and 23rd On Zoom
Learn how to dream big and make it happen. Join Nae for a three session goal setting and planning series!
We’ll discuss how to set goals and then break them down into achievable chunks.
Workshop topics include: ~ Creating a vision of things you want to achieve, create or bring to your life ~ Learning how to break those things into smaller actionable steps ~ Creating a planner that breaks your goals into Quarter, Month, Week and Day
This workshop is great for any type of goal setting. We can adjust it for financial, career, spiritual, family, household, education, mental and/or physical health, etc. Whatever your goals are, this workshop will help you get your big ideas out of the dream space and set them on the road to reality. We’ll also follow up at the end of the quarter to see how you’re doing, look at what worked and what didn’t, and then how to plan for the next quarter based on what you discovered and accomplished in the first quarter.
This workshop will be on Zoom. Please email fcuups(at)gmail(dot)com for the Zoom link. Facebook event here.
Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FC – goals” in the memo box.
Shadow Work Circle with Renee Skipper The 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM: 11/8, 12/13, 1/10 in the UUCFChapel
Join Renee and others who are doing their own Shadow Work this winter in a safe space for sharing and learning from each other. We will meet once a month over the dark time of the year in a facilitated but not heavily structured meeting. Come prepared to discuss your own work or just to listen and be in community.
If you are new to shadow work and would like to learn more, Renee is also offering a 2 part beginners workshop on November 9 & 16 at The Center. Sound. Mind. Body. in Frederick. Information on the workshop is available on Renee’s website Wellnessreforged.com.
Latin I Language Course Tuesdays at 7 PM from January 17th to April 11th On Zoom
Salvete! Latin: the language of the Romans and spread throughout the ancient world. Yet it was still used in the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and well into modern times. The book we are using is “Lingua Latina per se Illustrata: Pars I Familia Romana,” which is entirely in Latin and uses the natural method of learning vocabulary and grammar through context. It encourages learning Latin as a living language rather than throwing complex texts at you. This course assumes no previous knowledge of Latin, but welcomes those who want a refresher.
Meeting Brigid Workshop Wednesday, January 18th, 7 PM At the UUCF and on Zoom
As we approach Imolg, join resident Celtic scholar Jack in a workshop designed to introduce you to the goddess Brigid, goddess of poetry, forge, and healing– among other things. Bring a candle and a lighter if you can.
This workshop will be presented in person at the UUCF and concurrently on Zoom. Please email fcuups(at)gmail(dot)com for the Zoom link.
Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FC – Brigid” in the memo box. Facebook event here.
Blackfeather Mystery School: Raven Training Third and Fourth Thursdays At the UUCF, Fourth Thursdays on Zoom
Blackfeather Mystery School is a full-spectrum training in Empowered Witchcraft developed by mystic witch Irene Glasse and spiritworker Caine Dreamwalker. The 2022 in-person series is Raven level, an advanced training. Prerequisites include experience journeying and cultivating spirit allies, a good understanding of the fundamentals of witchcraft and experience with spellcraft, and a willingness to practice class content outside the classroom.
Raven training is focused specifically on developing healing skills including soul retrieval and extractions; clergy work including ritual arts, conflict resolution, and pastoral counseling; advanced divination and more.
To sign up, please subscribe to the mailing list at this form.
This is the inaugural run of this training level, so it is donation-based. Recommended donation of $10/session. Blackfeather Mystery School meets in person at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick on the third Thursday of the month and on Zoom the fourth Thursday of the month at 7 PM starting in September of 2022. This series is drop-in-able for advanced practitioners interested in a particular area of study.
The 2023 Masquerade Ball is now SOLD OUT. There will be no door sales. Refunds for existing tickets are possible til January 20th through Eventbrite.
Join Frederick CUUPS for a Masquerade Ball as we dance into the night with the Winter Court of Faerie, rulers of the dark season! Please come in a wintry costume as we revel and celebrate the darkest time of the year with the Good Folk of the Winter Court.
Attractions include:
~Winter Faery Market
~Dancing to Music by The Dapper DJs
~Performance by Amandari Dance Company
~Costume Contest: Best Group, best Unseelie Court faery, best Seelie Court faery, best Winter Faery, best Couple
Faery and Fantasy Attire, Masks or Elaborate Makeup Encouraged
7 pm – 12 am, 21+, BYOB
No entry after 10 pm
We will be offering a table again for a Boozy Drinks Potluck. This was a big hit last year. Please only frequent the Potluck table if you brought a drink to share.
Crystals 101 Workshop Sunday, January 29th, 12:30 PM At the UUCF and on Zoom
Crystals have been used and appreciated throughout all cultures, religions, and empires. Crystals (and stones) are used as sacred magical tools which can be used to help in healing, spells, rituals or making charms.
Crystals are an easy, accessible, and fun way to enhance your magical practice. We will cover the basics of healing crystals (types, shapes, selecting, and clearing/charging). Then we will cover using your crystal for different magical/deviation practices. Finally, we will cover a few crystal correspondences (there are many). There will be short optional exercises during the workshop.
This workshop will be led by Sage Moon. Recommended donation of $5. Please email FCUUPS(at)gmail(dot)com for the Zoom link. Facebook event here.
Chants and Information for our open Yule Ritual on Saturday, December 17th, at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick.
Things to bring:
Hand drums if you’d like to support the drum bench
Masks are recommended for this ritual
A cup and something you’d like to drink
Warm layers for the Yule log portion of the ritual (outdoors).
Optional activity/item: A wrapped used magical item for the gift exchange. No books or services – physical items only. There are two categories with tables for each: $10 – $30 value, and over $30 value. There is also a free-to-a-good-home table. If you place an item on the free table and it is still there when you leave, you *must* take it with you.
Tonight’s Legends Lodge (Saturday, December 3rd) at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick has been cancelled due to organizer illness (mask up, y’all – there are a lot of cold/flu viruses floating around). Our next Legends Lodge is Friday, January 13th.
) and games. We will all eat together. After the potluck, the children will move to their own space with childcare provided by donation. They are welcome to bring their own games to share and come in their PJs for a fun night with friends.
frederickcuups.com 