The Calendar has reached its end and January is here! This month sees a return to online-only activities due to the spread of the Omicron Coronavirus variant. Please join us as we stay connected and come together to honor the Earth, Gods, Ancestors, and Wheel of the Year.

Enter 2022 from a centered place of peace. Release the energies of the last year and set a harmonious tone for the year to come. Join us for a livestreamed ritual on Zoom. During this ritual, you will journey through the Elements, releasing the shadows of 2021 as you go. Elemental Guides will support you as you move into the energy of a new year. End your Purification journey with a time of meditation to receive any messages for the New Year.

Supply list:

~Box of tissues (just in case)
~One stone per participant
~A sprig of evergreen or other plant
~Incense & holder or scented object of your choice
~A feather, fan, or other wafting tool
~One candle in a holder
~Matches/Lighter
~A small piece of paper and pen for each participant
~A cauldron or other heatproof bowl
~A bowl of warm water and a hand towel
~Journaling supplies

Facebook event here. Zoom link here.

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Facebook event here.

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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.”

This month’s Earth Service will be facilitated by Ursa and Layla and will focus on intention work for the new calendar year. This month’s earth service meets on Zoom. Please email fcuups(at)gmail(dot)com for the Zoom link.

Recommended donation of $5.

To donate, visit http://www.frederickuu.org/about/Support_UUCF

Click: To Donate Click Here

Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FCUUPS” in the memo box.

Facebook event here.

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Join Heathen witch Ursa Sylvest for a devotional workshop dedicated to Hel, Norse goddess of death. This introduction to working with this far-sighted goddess will go over some of the basics from the Lore, a prayer bead/kennings recitation, and some shared stories of UPG. All are welcome.

This class will be on Zoom. Please email fcuups(at)gmail(dot)com for the Zoom link.

Recommended donation for class is $10. Please either bring cash or donate online. To make a donation for the class, go to: http://www.frederickuu.org/about/Support_UUCF

Click: To Donate Click Here

Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “Hel Workshop” in the memo box.

Facebook event here.

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MASQUERADE BALL TO BE RESCHEDULED TO SPRING, NEW DATE COMING SOON

In light of the rapid spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19, we have chosen to move the masquerade ball to a date between mid-March and mid-April. We are waiting on confirmation from a few different people and will announce the new date as soon as we’re finalized.

Ticket refunds can be requested at the Eventbrite ticketing page or by emailing FCUUPS(at)gmail(dot)com.

Thank you so much for your patience with us as we navigate the shifting ground of pandemic life.

Due to the rising rates of the Omicron variant, we are shifting our Purification Ritual to an online format.

Enter 2022 from a centered place of peace. Release the energies of the last year and set a harmonious tone for the year to come. Join us for a livestreamed ritual on Zoom. During this ritual, you will journey through the Elements, releasing the shadows of 2021 as you go. Elemental Guides will support you as you move into the energy of a new year. End your Purification journey with a time of meditation to receive any messages for the New Year.

Supply list:

~Box of tissues (just in case)
~One stone per participant
~A sprig of evergreen or other plant
~Incense & holder or scented object of your choice
~A feather, fan, or other wafting tool
~One candle in a holder
~Matches/Lighter
~A small piece of paper and pen for each participant
~A cauldron or other heatproof bowl
~A bowl of warm water and a hand towel
~Journaling supplies

Facebook event here. Zoom link here.

PLEASE SHARE. Due to organizer injury, our Yule ritual has been canceled. Our apologies for the late notice – injury was sustained while loading the car.

The 5th Midwinter Night’s Dream Masquerade Ball and Pagan Pride Day Fundraiser
Buy Tickets Here

Saturday, January 15th, 7 pm – 12 am (Snow date of January 22nd)

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 – Vendor information below
~Dancing to Music by The Dapper DJs
~Performance by Modern Belly Dance Troupe Amandari
~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

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Vaccine required, including a booster for anyone who is eligible*:

• If you received, Pfizer or Moderna, everyone age 18+ is eligible if 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.  
• If you received, Johnson & Johnson’s, everyone 18+ is eligible if 2 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination. 
• In either case, you can receive either of the COVID-19 boosters.
• By the date of the ball, you need to be at least two weeks after your booster shot, which is how long it takes to be fully effective, so be sure to get your booster shot before the end of December. 
• If you are eligible, you can schedule an appointment through marylandvax.org.  

Acceptable proof is:
• A photograph on a device or paper of your vaccination card
• For those states that provide them, an app that shows vaccination status or vaccine passport
You will be turned away if you do not verify that you are vaccinated.

MASKS required when not eating or drinking

• Neck gaiters are not sufficient. 
• Actual face masks are required that fully cover the mouth and nose.
• KN95 masks are strongly encouraged

CONSENT: Ask permission before physically touching another person, shaking hands, hugging, etc. 

Tickets (only 200 available total):

$40 til January 1st
$50 at the door if any remain

Purchase Tickets Here.

Need overnight accommodations?  Here’s a map of the local hotels.

2022 Winter Faerie Market

Vendor spaces are 8 ‘x 8’ and there are only 8 vendor spots available. Each space costs $55. If you are interested in vending, please email frederickpaganpride(at)gmail(dot)com with the email subject line ‘Midwinter Ball Vendor.’

Unclaimed Treasures is a unique collection of wearable art and decor, specializing in resin-sealed bone jewelry, electroformed jewelry, and preserved oddities and specimens.

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Raven’s Own Take the quirky, the spiritual, the kinky, and the beautiful. Throw it in a pot, mix it together, and you have a hint of what we offer at Raven’s Own. From jewelry to japery, from tools to tomfoolery, you’ll find it here! Selling handmade jewelry, curios, and divination tools made of chain maille, polymer clay, and more. Offering readings from our in-house divination system, the Kahina Stones.

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The Golden Rose Cakery is a locally owned bakery right in beautiful Frederick MD. Servicing the local Frederick area, as well as the surrounding 30 mile radius, we offer home baked goods made in small batches with great care using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Be sure to inquire about custom orders, which can be picked up or delivered to suit your needs, and let us make your next celebration extra special!

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The Enlightened Souls. If you are looking for the unique, The Enlightened Souls has something for you. From our handmade copper and sterling silver jewelry sourced from a small woman owned business, to our unique crystals we have procured from around the world, we are convinced you will find what you are looking for at our shop. Additionally we have handmade walking sticks and fairy wands, unique housewares, incense and herbs available.

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We at Tempered Raven believe a custom blade is more than a pretty display piece – it is a tool. Each piece we craft, regardless if hand-crafted or hand-forged, serves a purpose for its owner and much like any other tool, whether practical or ceremonial, it should be reliable and long lasting; an heirloom passed from one generation to the next. This is why we pour our sweat and tears (and sometimes blood) into each blade until they are hardened and tempered for use and abuse. Just because our blades are tools, doesn’t mean they should not look beautiful, which is why we focus our attention on details like handle material, pins, stippling, or the trueness of each blade. Only by remaining dedicated to the purpose of each piece do we remain true to our craft.

December is here and Yuletide events are on tap! This month contains a fusion of in person and streaming programming as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Please join us as we stay connected and come together to honor the Earth, Gods, Ancestors, and Wheel of the Year.

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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.”

Masks are required, worn correctly over both nose and mouth, for individuals over 2 years of age. Recommended donation of $5.

To donate, please either bring cash or visit http://www.frederickuu.org/about/Support_UUCF

Click: To Donate Click Here

Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “FCUUPS” in the memo box.

Facebook event here.

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Come in your comfiest PJs for a night of winter fun for the family! We’ll craft some Yule inspired gifts and ornaments. Please bring a cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper for each person who wants to make a craft.

While we craft we’ll learn about Yule and how it’s celebrated. Then to end the night, we’ll read a story and enjoy some hot cocoa so bring something cozy to cuddle with. This is a family event so grown ups are encouraged to stay. Don’t have a kiddo but like to craft and hear stories? No kiddo required, come join us! Please RSVP to Renee at Naewimer(at)gmail(dot)com for supply purchasing.

Masks are required, worn correctly over both nose and mouth, for individuals over 2 years of age. Facebook event here.

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Join Frederick CUUPS for an open, family-friendly Yule Ritual and Used Magickal Gift Exchange.

This year’s ritual begins at 7 PM. We will each be crafting an object to hold the light of the sun safely within our homes til the end of winter. Many supplies will be provided, but if you have ribbon, greenery, or other supplies you’d like to donate, feel free to bring them with you.

Altars (with attendants) for the sun deities of different pantheons will be nearby. After creating your sun emblem, you can take it to any (or all!) of the altars of your choosing for a blessing.

For the Used Magickal Gift exchange, many of us own a previously-loved but now underused magickal tool. This holiday season, Frederick CUUPS would like to invite you to participate in a Magickal Gift Exchange that helps our treasures find new owners. To participate, bring your wrapped previously-owned magickal tool (no books please, physical items only – no services) with you to the ritual. There will be tables set up in the Atrium at the UUCF. Please tell the attendant whether your gift should go onto the $10 – $30 value or over $30 value table. Drop off your present and pick a new-to-you present up from the same table you contributed to before you go. Please feel welcome to include a note with your gift if you’d like the next owner to know anything about the magickal tool inside the wrapping (origin, history, etc). If your magickal tool is specific to one particular Path in paganism, please label it so it goes to a fitting home (i.e. deity figurines, divinatory tools that are Path-specific.) If you have any questions, please email fcuups@gmail.com

We will also have a Free To A Good Home table available. Any objects placed there must be collected by their owners if they are not claimed.

$5 recommended donation. Facebook event here.

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Enter 2022 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 5 to 8 pm in the Sanctuary of the UUCF. Please arrive by 7:30 PM at the latest.

Attendees are invited to move through the Elements, releasing the shadows of 2021 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 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 5 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. This ritual is held in silence and includes written prompts. As a result, we recommend this ritual for ages 12 and up.

Masks are required, worn correctly over both nose and mouth, for all attendees.

Recommended donation of $5. Facebook event here.

After a very busy October, November is a little quieter at Frederick CUUPS. This month contains a fusion of in person and streaming programming as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Please join us as we stay connected and come together to honor the Earth, Gods, Ancestors, and Wheel of the Year.

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In person classes for November: November 2nd, November 9th, November 30th

Zoom classes for November: November 5th, November 12th, November 26th (Thanksgiving Recovery Class)

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Join scholar and all-things-Celtic enthusiast Jack for an Introduction to Celtic Polytheism! Don’t know exactly what a Celt is? Are you still pronouncing it “Sell-tick”? Don’t know where to start or what’s misinformation? Do you know your Gaels from your Gauls? This is a four class series designed to introduce you to the Celtic gods and the ways people worship and work with them. For both the absolute beginner and the long-time Celtic pagan alike. Facebook event here.

This class will be presented on Zoom. Please email FCUUPS@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Recommended donation for each class is $10. To make a donation for the class, go to: http://www.frederickuu.org/about/Support_UUCF

Click: To Donate Click Here

Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment. Type in your donation amount, then write “Celtic Workshop” in the memo box.

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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.”

This month’s Earth Service will be on Zoom. Please email fcuups@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Recommended donation of $5. Facebook event here.

The Wheel turns and October is upon us! This month contains a fusion of in person and streaming programming as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Please join us as we stay connected and come together to honor the Earth, Gods, Ancestors, and Wheel of the Year.

Come together with community, connect with the rhythm and learn some new grooves with percussionist Strix from Kindred Crow. A drum circle is a celebration of life, community, and music-making in the moment. Please bring hand drums, shakers and other hand percussion. A few small hand drums will be available if you do not have your own.

Dancers welcome, fire spinning welcome if you bring your own Safety.

Mask Guidelines: if you are vaccinated and we are outdoors, you can wear a mask or not as you like. If you are not vaccinated you must wear a mask. All people over age 2 must be masked when inside the building. Facebook event here.

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In person classes for October: October 5th, October 19th, October 26th

Zoom classes for October: October 1st, October 15th, October 22nd, October 29th

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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.”

Although we had hoped to return to in-person Earth Services, the rise of the Delta variant has caused us to reconsider. This month’s Earth Service will be on Zoom. Here’s the Zoom link. If it asks for a passcode, please use: 536567.

Recommended donation of $5. Facebook event here.

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Join Frederick CUUPS for an open outdoor Samhain Ritual! Samhain falls at the time of year when the light noticeably fades. We honor death as a part of the sacred circle of life and honor our loved ones who have crossed the Veil.

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 group ritual structure. Your journey will take you around the grounds of the UUCF. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes – the path will be uneven in places. We will hold the space open from 7:30 to 9 pm, and you should expect to spend somewhere between a half hour to an hour on your journey. Please arrive no later than 8:30 to begin your journey.

Participants each need to bring one small bag with them – a drawstring fabric pouch large enough to hold a handful of coins is recommended.

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.

Traditional dress for Samhain is harvest colors or dark colors (mourning dress).

Recommended donation is $5. Facebook event here.

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Lughnasadh season is here and late summer offers some wonderful gatherings and events! August contains a fusion of in person and streaming programming as we transition back to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick. Please join us as we stay connected and come together to honor the Earth, Gods, Ancestors, and Wheel of the Year.

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Taiko drumming is a Japanese drumming art form. Frederick CUUPS is so grateful to have received a donation of taiko drums for the use of the community. These drums will be available at drum circles and events in the future. Please join us to learn how to play them! These classes are on different days to allow the most people to take advantage of the training. There are 9 spaces available in each workshop. Please preregister to reserve your spot. Rhythmic, driving, and fun! Drums and Bachi (sticks) will be supplied. Come and play the BIG drum. Adults and Youth welcome.

This class takes place outdoors and masks are optional outside. However, masks are required in order to be inside the building. Please bring one with you in case you need to use the facilities.

A Japanese chronicle completed in 720 C.E., relates that the ravages of Su-sa-no-wo-no Mi-ko-to (the storm god) once upset his elder sister Ama-te-ra-su Omi-ka-mi (the sun goddess) so much that she fled to a cave and, rolled a boulder over its entrance, and vowed never to show herself again. The world fell into an endless night. The 800 gods of heaven and earth gathered at the cave’s mouth and begged her to come out again, to no avail. Finally, the goddess Ame-no U-zu-me (goddess of mirth and revelry) jumped onto the head of an empty sake barrel and began a wild and furious dance. The pounding of her feet made such a lively rhythm that the other gods began to dance and sing as well. Their merry-making became so raucous that Ama-te-ra-su peeped out to see what was happening, caught sight of her beautiful reflection in a mirror, and came out of the cave. The pounding rhythm of Ame-no- U-zu-me’s feet became the origin of taiko.

The Village extends as far as the drums can be heard. Come and extend the border! Sign up here.

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Come together with community, connect with the rhythm and learn some new grooves with percussionist Strix from Kindred Crow. A drum circle is a celebration of life, community, and music-making in the moment. Please bring hand drums, shakers and other hand percussion. A few small hand drums will be available if you do not have your own. If you love the chants you hear at Frederick CUUPS events, this is a great opportunity to learn a few of those as well – we’ll probably do two or three later in the circle. Dancers welcome, fire spinning welcome if you bring your own Safety. This event will hopefully take place outdoors and masks are optional outside. However, masks are required in order to be inside the building. Please bring one with you in case you need to use the facilities or if we need to move the drum circle indoors due to weather concerns.

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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.” This service will be led by Raven. Although we had hoped to return to in-person Earth Services, the rise of the Delta variant has caused us to reconsider. This month’s Earth Service will be on Zoom. Please email us for the link. Facebook event here.

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Join us for an Introduction to Paganism and Wicca 101 with Alythia of the Ash! This series runs Monday nights at 7 PM from August 16th – October 18th (skipping October 11th). Email fcuups(at)gmail(dot)com for the Zoom link.This series is for seekers who are new to paganism and/or witchcraft or who are looking for more formal instruction after a period of self-directed learning. The goal of the class is for each student to leave with a foundational understanding of the origins of modern Paganism, some of the most common belief structures and observances within the movement, and some basic understanding of what it means to be a witch, and some of the basics of the craft. We will be including a unit on ethics and etiquette. Gain the tools and understanding that will allow you to take your next steps on your spiritual path with greater confidence and insight.

Topics included are:
~Introductions, Defnitions, History and Traditions: Where did all this come from?

~The “Theology” of paganism, such as it is

~Deity: gods and goddesses, pantheons and mythos

~Outside influences and adjacent practices

~Observances and Holidays — Sabbats, esbats and rites of passage

~Etiquette and Ethics, Respect and Responsibility

~Tools — what they are, how to use them, where to get them

~Elements and Foundations of ritual construction

~ Practical Meditation

The class format will be oriented as much to discussion as to lecture. Even teachers have something to learn. We will operate with some basic guiding principles, including the “Rule of 100” — nothing is 100 percent true for 100 percent of pagans 100 percent of the time. We promote inclusive pagan practice that believes all people regardless of race, gender, immigration status or sexual orientation belong in every aspect of pagan practice. Deity takes form in everyone’s image, and belongs to everyone. We acknowledge that as is true in nearly all movements, our history is peopled with leaders who abused their power even as they built traditions. We will not hide or sugarcoat instances where our legacy as a movement has been less than positive.

Recommended donation of $10/session. To make a donation for the class, go to: http://www.frederickuu.org/about/Support_UUCF

Click: To Donate Click Here

Scroll down to Adult Spiritual Enrichment.

Type in your donation amount, then write “Wicca 101” in the memo box.

Alythia of the Ash has been a pagan and witch for more than a decade and a tarot reader for more than 30 years. She keeps a blog on Medium at https://medium.com/@AlythiaOfTheAsh. She has taught classes at Sacred Circle bookstore and Fertile Ground Gathering and regularly teaches introductory classes on behalf of the Church of the Knotted Ash. She is a High Priestess of the Second Degree in the Knotted Ash tradition, which celebrates both Celtic and Norse Pantheons. She lives in Virginia with assorted cats and plants and other living creatures. Facebook event here.

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Our August (gods willing and the creek don’t rise) outdoor Labyrinth walk is Friday, August 20th, 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. Remember to wear clothes you can get dirty in and sunblock/bug spray if you need it This event takes place outdoors and masks are optional outside. However, masks are required in order to be inside the building. Please bring one with you 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. 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. Facebook event here.

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Come enjoy the beauty and peace of the Labyrinth by the light of the full moon! This will be an outdoor, drumming walk. The event will be canceled in the event of rain. This event takes place outdoors and masks are optional outside. However, masks are required in order to be inside the building. Please bring one with you. 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 9 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.

Tarot decks from our Library will be available for browsing and use, and divination swaps for those who would like to practice are welcome. Recommended donation of $5. Please help support Labyrinth Walks at the UUCF. Facebook event here.

This video teaches the chants and gives information about our Lughnasadh Service on Sunday, July 25th, at 10:30 AM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick. This service will also be streamed on Zoom. Visit www.FrederickUU.org for the Zoom link.

The refrain from Lughnasadh by Kindred Crow:

And the sun shines

And the sun shines

And the sun shines

And the sun shines

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Hoof and Horn by Ian Corrigan

Hoof and Horn, Hoof and Horn

All that dies shall be reborn

Corn and Grain, Corn and Grain

All that falls shall rise again

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We are One (artist unknown – please email us if you know)

We are one, We are one

We are one, We are one

Under the infinite sun

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Opening Up by Rainbow Songs

We are opening up to the sweet surrender

Of the luminous love-light of the one

We are opening up to the sweet surrender

Of the luminous love-light of the one

We are opening, We are opening

We are opening, We are opening

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As per CDC guidelines, if you attend the service in person and are vaccinated, masking is optional. If you are unvaccinated, you must wear a mask.