The Paint Branch Nature Spirituality Circle explores Earth-centered religions of various traditions. We celebrate the seasons and honor God-Goddess, conceived in a myriad of ways, in a multitude of forms, as matter and power, and within all and beyond all.
The Nature Spirituality Circle is inclusive of those who relate to the divine in Nature in a physical sense (e.g., as Mother Earth and Father Sky) and in an abstract sense (e.g., as Mother Nature and Father Time...or...Nature as the Ultimate Reality), as well as those who identify with the Nature-based Old Religions. You need not consider yourself to be "Pagan" to be at home in this Circle.
Nature Spirituality Circle members affirm all Unitarian Universalist Principles. Because it is a non-patriarchal eco-egalitarian circle, members especially affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person and have respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
The Nature Spirituality Circle draws on all Unitarian Universalist Sources. The Circle especially focuses on 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.
The Nature Spirituality Circle was formerly Paint Branch Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPs). The Circle changed its name in July 2003.
The Nature Spirituality Circle holds events -- generally a ritual or a drumming circle -- practically monthly. These events are held at members' homes or at the Church. The Circle also holds Enrichment Hour events on Sundays near the Sabbats (solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days). We hope to hold these events 4-8 times a year. The Circle also occasionally does group outings.
All rituals allow for participation of all attendees. The rituals may be scripted by the host, and parts assigned to attending Nature Spirituality Circle members. Or the rituals may be extemporaneous participatory rituals, in which all members contribute something of their own to the ritual. Or they may be a combination of both. Circle rituals are geared toward the needs and desires of Circle members. What rituals are held depends on the inspiration and willingness of a host to plan it.
Non-ritual events may include drumming circles; art as meditation circles; divination circles; book and philosophical discussions; movie nights; Nature walks or hikes; planting events; seed and plant exchanges; field trips to museums, theatres, or temples; and day-trips or camp-outs at local festivals. What events are held depends on the needs and desires of Circle members. It also depends on the inspiration and willingness of a host to plan it.
For example, the Nature Spirituality Circle has held Norse Feasts and Blots; Greek Offertory Rituals, Feasts, and Symposia; Egyptian Temple Rituals; Celtic/Wiccan Esbat Rituals; eclectic Drumming Circles; an Enrichment Hour Sabbat Plant Exchange; and an Enrichment Hour Sabbat Maypole Dance.
Nature Spirituality Circle rituals and other events generally include a pot-luck feast, so members should bring food or drink to the ritual or event.
To be a member of the Nature Spirituality Circle only requires you to want to be one. The Circle is open to both men and women of all ethical spiritual traditions. Those under age 18 are welcome to join with a parent.
While not being "closed", the Nature Spirituality Circle is not meant for those who don't want to establish an ongoing relationship with the Circle. This allows us to get to know each other better, work on personal issues, and explore spirituality in a safe environment.
The Nature Spirituality Circle is a leaderless group, is minimally structured, and requires a minimal commitment.
Any Circle member can host a ritual or event. The host plans and leads the ritual or event, and holds it either at their home or at the Church.
Circle members do not have to attend all rituals and events. Nor do they have to host any ritual or event if they don't want to.
All Nature Spirituality Circle events are posted on the Circle's main listserve: <PBUUC-NSC@yahoogroups.com>. This mailing list can be joined by sending a blank e-mail message to <PBUUC-NSC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com> with the word "subscribe" in the subject line. The Circle also has a listserve focused on the planning of Enrichment Hour Sabbat events: <PBUUC-NSC-EH@yahoogroups.com>. This mailing list can be joined by sending a blank e-mail message to <PBUUC-NSC-EH-subscribe@yahoogroups.com>.Currently, the contacts for the Nature Spirituality Circle are:
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