I recently discovered that there is a Wicca practitioner in my vicinity, and it has piqued my curiosity. Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that emerged in the mid-20th century. This practitioner, whom I have come to know, follows Wiccan beliefs and engages in various rituals and practices associated with the religion. What draws my attention is the emphasis on nature and its connection to spirituality. Wiccans revere the Earth and believe in its sacredness. They celebrate the cycles of nature, such as the solstices and equinoxes, and often perform rituals outdoors to connect with the natural world.
An compendium of one witch’s views on witchcraft and Wiccan philosophy and belief systems, ritual tools, historical precident, and more.
We are seekers, drawn together to form community and to help each other learn, explore, and develop our Earth-Centered and Pagan religious practices. Our mission is to enlighten and share our experiences and knowledge with the greater community, and to provide a welcoming home for Earth Centered and Unitarian Universalist centered practitioners alike.
They celebrate the cycles of nature, such as the solstices and equinoxes, and often perform rituals outdoors to connect with the natural world. This connection to nature resonates strongly with me, as I have always felt a deep connection with the Earth and find solace in its beauty and tranquility. Furthermore, Wicca has a strong focus on personal empowerment and individual spirituality.
Covenant of UU Pagans
Welcome! We are the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans at UUC Binghamton. We’re an open community for people interested in Earth Centered religions such as Paganism, Wicca, Reconstructionism, Heathenry, Shamanism, and African Diasporic traditions (just to name a few). Our mission is to enlighten and share our experiences and knowledge with the greater community, and to provide a welcoming home for Earth Centered and Unitarian Universalist centered practitioners alike. We welcome all who are interested in exploring an Earth Centered path, regardless of spiritual tradition, age, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
We always welcome new members, whether you’re an experienced Pagan practitioner or just interested in learning more about it.
What is Paganism?
Paganism is family of interrelated religious movements influenced by or claiming to be derived from the various historical pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe. While Pagan religious movements are diverse and share no single set of beliefs, practices, or texts, there are a number of commonalities that you’re likely to find. With some exceptions, Pagan religions tend to be…
- Non- or Pre-Abrahamic
- Place emphasis on self-responsibility and personal gnosis
- Polytheistic, believing in zero or more gods
- Attempt to reconstruct an actual or perceived pre-Christian religion
- Are “hands-on” spiritualities
Who are we?
Well, some of us are Pagans, some of us are Unitarian-Universalists, and many of us are both. We are seekers, drawn together to form community and to help each other learn, explore, and develop our Earth-Centered and Pagan religious practices. Specifically:
- We provide Earth-Centered and Pagan members of the UUCB with a space for communion, fellowship, ritual, and education.
- We provide the greater UUCB with education on Pagan and Earth-Centered paths, as well as opportunities to explore and to observe Pagan practices.
- We provide Earth-Centered and Pagan individuals in the Greater Binghamton, Tompkins, Tioga, Cortland, and Northeast Pennsylvania area with with a nondenominational, accepting, democratically-run worship circle, where they can explore and celebrate their religion with their children, other Pagans, and other Pagan families.
What is CUUPS?
CUUPS, or the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, is a multinational association of Unitarian Universalists who identify with the precepts of classical or contemporary Paganism. CUUPS members foster the development of “liturgical materials based on earth- and nature-centered religious and spiritual perspectives” as well as encourage “greater use of music, dance, visual arts, poetry, story, and creative ritual in Unitarian Universalist worship and celebration.” In short, CUUPS Continental (our parent organization) strives to provide the greater Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) with ideas on how to incorporate Pagan practices and principles into the broader UUA liturgy. It also aims to provide support for Pagan ministerial candidates within the UUA, and to help UU Pagans network with each other.
Recommended Reading
There are a number of fantastic resources available for learning about Paganism and the various Pagan traditions. Here at Binghamton CUUPS, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites to share with you.
Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions
Joyce and River Higgenbotham. Llewellyn, 2002.
An excellent introduction to Earth Centered religions and the Pagan community. Unlike most “introductory” books, this isn’t a guide onto any one tradition, but is instead an overview of the many different spiritualities and ethos in the larger Pagan community.
The Witch’s Guide to Life
Kala Trobe. Llewellyn, 2003.
An compendium of one witch’s views on witchcraft and Wiccan philosophy and belief systems, ritual tools, historical precident, and more.
Exploring the Pagan Path: Wisdom From the Elders
Kristin Madden. New Page Books, 2005.
An anthology of essays on topics related Pagan religion, written by respected Pagan elders. The authors’ backgrounds and experiences encompass various Pagan traditions including Witchcraft, Druidry, Norse paths, Shamanism, and more.
Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner
Scott Cunningham. Llewellyn, 1989.
The classic introduction to solitary Wicca, and one of the most well written introductions on the market.
Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft
Raymond Buckland. Llewellyn, 2002.
Sometimes known as “Uncle Bucky’s Big Blue Book”. This is a self-directed introduction in Gardinarian-derived Wicca, written by Gardinarian elder Raymond Buckland. Includes details on history, ritual, and even the construction of ritual tools and garments.
Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen
Scott Cunningham. Llewellyn, 2002.
Virtually any item in your pantry can be used for personal transformation. From artichokes to kidney beans to grape jelly, food contains specific magical energies you can harness for positive results. This encyclopedia of food magic offers twenty-seven of Scott Cunningham’s favorite recipes. Magical menus for more than ten desired goals including love, protection, health, money, and psychic awareness are provided as well.
Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
Scott Cunningham. Llewellyn, 2000.
Expanded and revised on the 15th anniversary of original publication, this book describes the magical properties and folklore of over 400 herbs. It also includes a folk name cross-reference as well as lists of herbs based on their magical powers, their genders, their planetary rulers, and more. This book is considered a classic, and is probably consulted more than any other book on this subject. If you want to learn the secrets of magical herbs, this book is a must!
Kristin Madden. New Page Books, 2005.
Practitioners believe in the concept of personal responsibility, as well as the rule of "harm none." This means that they strive to live harmoniously with others and do not engage in any practices that may cause harm or manipulate others. The emphasis on personal growth and spiritual development is something that I find admirable and inspiring. I have had the opportunity to witness some of the rituals and practices performed by this Wicca practitioner, and I am amazed by the level of dedication and intentionality that goes into each act. From casting spells to divination practices, everything is carefully planned and executed with reverence. It is evident that this person takes their beliefs seriously and finds deep meaning in their spiritual practices. In conclusion, discovering a Wicca practitioner in my vicinity has sparked my curiosity and fascination. The emphasis on nature and personal spirituality, as well as the dedication to rituals and practices, draws me in. While I may not personally practice Wicca, I deeply respect and appreciate the beliefs and values associated with this religion. It serves as a reminder of the vast diversity of spiritual practices and the importance of tolerance and open-mindedness..
Reviews for "The Healing Arts of Wicca: How Local Practitioners Are Using Their Craft for Well-being"
1. John - 2/5: I was really disappointed with my experience with the Wicca practitioner in my vicinity. I went into the session with an open mind but found her to be quite unprofessional. She seemed disorganized and lacked any sort of structure or plan for our session. Furthermore, I didn't feel like she properly explained the rituals or their significance, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected. Overall, I expected more from a Wicca practitioner and wouldn't recommend her to others.
2. Sarah - 1/5: My encounter with the Wicca practitioner in my area was nothing short of a disaster. She was extremely flaky and often canceled or rescheduled our sessions last minute. When I did manage to have a session with her, she seemed disinterested and unconcerned about my spiritual journey. It was evident that she lacked the knowledge and experience to guide me effectively. I felt cheated and let down by her services, and I certainly won't be seeking her assistance again.
3. Emma - 2/5: While the Wicca practitioner in my vicinity had good intentions, I found her approach to be quite superficial and generic. She didn't take the time to understand my individual needs and instead relied on a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Additionally, her explanations were vague and lacked depth, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and doubtful. I believe that a true Wicca practitioner should provide personalized and insightful guidance, which was lacking in this case. I would recommend looking for someone with more experience and expertise in the field.
4. Michael - 2/5: I had high hopes for the Wicca practitioner in my vicinity, but unfortunately, she didn't meet my expectations. She seemed to be more focused on selling products and promoting her own brand rather than providing genuine spiritual guidance. I felt pressured into purchasing various items during our sessions, which made me skeptical of her intentions. Moreover, the advice she offered felt generic and lacked substance. Overall, I felt like my experience with her was more of a sales pitch than a spiritual journey.