What is Paganism About? Our History Paganism itself is an umbrella term that Turning Circle has been meeting since covers a number of religious groups that Autumn 2004 and provides free, open may share some themes in common: events in the central Maryland area. We • Honoring the Earth and its web of life are not a coven, but are instead an open • Seeing the divine as made up of multi- community of practitioners from diverse Turning Circle ple deities such as a pantheon of gods, Pagan paths. Since we are member-led, An Eclectic or as duotheistic (god and goddess, Lord and our members follow a variety of spir- Pagan/Wiccan and Lady — typically found in Wiccan itual paths, our meetings may include Fellowship theology). anything from a Wiccan ritual, to a Bud- • Finding that individual practice and dhist meditation, to a Druid high rite, to experience tend to be more important a Drum Circle in sacred space. We are 2020 Guide that following written doctrine or official always learning and exploring. If it hon- holy leaders. ors nature, you’re likely to see it here! • Believing that people are able to do magic or consciousness shifting in order Our Leadership to change themselves and the world Our Coordinators and Officers are friend- around them. ly, approachable, and willing to answer your questions. Another way of understanding Paganism is that it can be both panentheistic (the Phoenix—Coordinator idea that the divine is found both with- Indigo—Coordinator and Web Designer out) and animistic (the idea that all Sajana—Coordinator things have a spirit). Paganism is a grass- Selene—Scribe and Pursewarden roots movement that has no single doc- Valentine—Bard Serving the Pagan and Wiccan Com- trine or set of practices that all Pagans munity since 2004, Turning Circle is share in common. an affiliate of the Unitarian Universal- Turning Circle Modern Pagans may draw inspiration ist Congregation of Columbia. We are Owen Brown Interfaith Center from Native American beliefs, pre- an open, welcoming fellowship. Turn- 7246 Cradlerock Way Christian European religions, ceremonial Columbia, MD 21044 ing Circle generally meets on two Fri- groups , 19th century spiritualism, an- days each month and is conveniently thropology, world myths, and the natural Phone: 443-374-8633 located at the Owen Brown Interfaith world around us. web: http://www.turningcircle.org E-mail: [email protected] Center in Columbia, MD. Follow us out on Facebook! Turning Circle FAQs Turning Circle 2020 Calendar Q: Is Turning Circle a coven? January 3rd: White Elephant Gift Exchange A: No. We are an Open Circle. We are inclusive of the whole spectrum of Pagan faiths (including Wicca) but January 17th: Chinese New Year Cerebration we are not exclusively Wiccan. Unlike a coven, members have freedom to join or leave as their needs February 7th: Imbolc High Rite change. We don’t require oaths of loyalty or secrecy. No one is beholden to the leadership. We are a February 21st New Moon Ritual fellowship of friends and equals. March 6th: Buddhist Healing Meditation Q: Must I be a member of Turning Circle to attend Turning Circle events? How can I become a member? March 20th: Ostara High Rite A: All are welcome at Turning Circle! Non-members are April 3rd: Hawthorn Tree Esbat welcome at all events listed on our calendar. Visitors are welcome. The simply-curious are welcome. The April 17th: Waning Moon Ritual primary difference between a member and non- member is that members may vote on policy changes, May 1st: Beltane High Rite vote in planning meetings, and may vote for changes in leadership when applicable. If you want to become a May 15th: Waning Moon Ritual What are the main Pagan Holidays? member, it’s pretty easy. You must attend three gatherings in a six month period, be a active There are a lot of varieties of Pagan June 5th: American Gods Ritual practices. But, as example, the list of participant, show an interest in joining, and be voted in. There is a suggested annual donation of $10 for being June 19th: Litha High Rite holidays in Wicca and Druidism that a voting member ($15 for couples and families). are tied to the cycle of the Sun are: However, we can waive that fee for reasons of financial July 17th: Mesopotamian Ritual hardship.

July 31st: Lammas High Rite • Samhain—October 31st Q: Are Pagan children welcome? A: Of course they are! Several members bring their August 14th: Pagan Book Talk • Yule—December 21st children to our rites and services. Just remember, • Imbolc—February 1st however, that we don't have a separate activity August 28th: Waxing Moon Ritual program for children. • Ostara—March 21st September 11th: Drumming for Peace • Beltane—May 1st Q: Is Turning Circle welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community? September 25th: Mabon High Rite • Litha—June 21st A: Absolutely! So is our parent organization (the UUCC). • Lammas—August 1st Additionally, we have LGBTQ+ representation at the October 16th: Honoring Departed Animal Coordinator rank. • Mabon—September 21st Companions Q: What should I bring? Is there a dress code? October 30th: Samhain High Rite Some Pagan practitioners might also A: It’s optional, but feel free to bring a snack or dish of food to share. We typically have a social hour after our November 6th: Ganesha Ritual have slightly different dates as well. services where members and visitors chat and eat. Since Turning Circle meets on Friday Some of our members are vegetarians. Most of our November 20th: Waxing Moon Ritual members are pretty informal. Some wear cloaks and nights, we tend to choose the Friday capes while others wear regular casual attire. You can December 4th: Dionysian Theater Festival that is closest to the liturgical date. bring your wand/Athame if that works for you, or not if you don't want to. Check out our website or Facebook December 18th: Yule High Rite Q: When do you meet? page for the latest information on meetup times. We typically meet twice per month, on Fridays, at 7:30PM at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center. This We typically meet at 7:30PM on Fridays and rituals usually brochure lists the 2020 dates. When in doubt, however, start at 7:45PM and end around 9:00PM. you can also consult our web page, Facebook page, or