UU Pagans

Welcome!  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…

  1. Non- or Pre-Abrahamic
  2. Place emphasis on self-responsibility and personal gnosis
  3. Polytheistic, believing in zero or more gods
  4. Attempt to reconstruct an actual or perceived pre-Christian religion
  5. 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:

  1. We provide Earth-Centered and Pagan members of the UUCB with a space for communion, fellowship, ritual, and education.
  2. We provide the greater UUCB with education on Pagan and Earth-Centered paths, as well as opportunities to explore and to observe Pagan practices.
  3. 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.

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!