10 am: Opening Ritual (description TBA)

11 am: Honoring Vesta from Ancient Rome to Today with Rose

Vesta is the Roman goddess of the hearth and home, she played a central role in Roman society both at home and at large. Will cover the importance of the hearth as a concept in society, family, and a modern witchy house and this goddess’s centrality to life in Ancient Rome. Will also cover the history of Vestal worship. To close with ways to honor Vesta in modern context.

12 PM: Pagan Paths Roundtable with representatives from the FCUUPS Community

Join representatives from different Pagan traditions and religions for a roundtable discussion.

12 PM: Fighting Dragons and Nazis with Eric

Our ancestors understood that Dragons were sometimes emblems of Greed (Misers) that refused to support their community and our very recent ancestors all worked together to defeat the Nazis. Can we do anything BUT honor their memory and take Inspiration from their courage? This ritual will honor these truths and find our courage to follow in their footsteps. There will be toasts and declarations in the fashion of Heathen traditions, nonalcoholic and alcoholic options will be available for toasting.

1 PM: Introduction to Healing Crystals with Starfire

Crystals (and stones) are used as sacred magical tools which can be used to help in healing, spells, rituals, or making charms. Crystals are an easy, accessible, and fun way to enhance your practice. In this workshop we will cover the basics of healing crystals, clearing and charging your crystals for use, safety concerns, magical/divination practices, and some correspondences. We will have short exercises during this workshop.

2 pm: Main Ritual (description TBA)

3 PM: Create Your Own Candle Story with Tara 

Tara M. Clapper (TaraTheBard) will guide you to discern your own story–that part of yourself you wish to empower through story and ritual practice–and to create and decorate a chime candle for reflection and personal ritual. Instead of carving into the candles, we will use wax candle write-on tools. Paper and pens will also be available, but please feel free to bring your own, as well as any candle purchased from the friendly vendors at the event. Children are welcome to participate with an adult to help them. (We will not be carving or lighting candles.) Recommended age 8 and above.

3 PM: Drum Circle

Join members of Kindred Crow for a drum circle! Bring your favorite hand percussion or borrow some of ours and join in the celebration. Dancers and Fire Spinners welcome, Fire Spinners but must bring their own Safety.

4 PM: FCUUPS 101 with representatives of the FCUUPS community

Are you curious about Frederick CUUPS, or interested in attending an event but not sure which one to start with? Join FCUUPS Board Members other members of the community for a crash course on all things FCUUPS. This workshop is a great way to feel more grounded in exploring our community. Learn what different events and gatherings FCUUPS offers, what some hallmarks of our events are, and how to get more involved if you’re interested in doing so.

4 PM: Hearth of Hestia: A Hellenic Ritual for Community and Resilience

Join the Potomac Valley Palladium, a local inclusive Hellenic Polytheist group, for a ritual in honor of Hestia and the bonds of community between all of us. Inspired by the ancient idea of the hearth of Hestia— the eternal flame of community and hospitality that never dies— participants will symbolically link their own hearths by contributing an item from their homes to create a community altar. The items will then be blessed and returned, so that everyone can carry the resilient light that we’ve raised home with them. Participants of all ages, paths, and walks of life are welcome to join us, regardless of whether or not they are able to bring an item for the altar. 

5 PM: Closing Ritual (description TBA)