Spiral Web is a group of Fellowship members and friends who want to explore earth-centered spirituality in a nurturing community. Organized in 1998, Spiral Web became an official CUUPS Chapter in 2000.
What is CUUPS?
CUUPS is the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. It is an affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and a not-for-profit organization. Part of CUUPS’ purpose is to promote the practice and understanding of Pagan and Earth-Centered Spirituality and create for opportunities Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists to network. For more information on CUUPS, visit their website at cuups.org.
What is Paganism?
The origin of the word pagan is Latin, from the time of Rome’s occupation of England. Meaning “of the country,” it was used to infer that rural populations were ignorant and unsophisticated.
Over time, pagan has acquired more negative connotations. Its use can evoke strongly prejudicial associations. Despite this, a growing spiritual movement seeks to reclaim the word and redefine our relationship with the earth.
What is Neo-Paganism?
This spiritual movement is sometimes referred to as “neo-paganism.” Within neo-paganism, there are many paths, as varied as the individual spiritual paths found in any UU congregation. So, defining paganism is as challenging as defining Unitarian Universalism. However, we could generalize the basic pagan path as one which leads to a greater understanding of and feeling of connection to the natural world.
How do Unitarian Universalism and Paganism fit together?
Unitarian Universalism and Paganism are a good fit. The seven principles and the sources of Unitarian Universalism underscore basic pagan tenets. For example:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person: Many pagans believe in the immanence of the sacred. Therefore, every person is sacred.
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, or which we are a part: Our very name, Spiral Web, is a reflection of the importance of this principle. Indeed, it is the very heart of most pagan belief systems.
- Direct experience of that transcending mystery & wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openessof to the forces which create and uphold life.
- 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.