Central New York Groups and Organizations
2011 CNY Area Groups
Allee Shadow Tradition (ASTra)
This is a middle path tradition founded by John and Lillee Allee. It combines hermetics, spirituality and psychology with both right- and left-hand path beliefs. Because the couple themselves represent the dark and light side of the pagan movement, they advocate and teach education and tolerance for all religious beliefs, encourage free thought and individual responsibility. The courses and workshops offered are designed to deepen spirituality, heighten awareness of both sides of the divine and train ministers to lead in this new millennium. Classes are taught locally as well as online. Contact Lillee at LilleeAllee@aol.com
Blue Moon Circle
Eclectic Witchcraft coven. Current membership is closed, but we do sometime have open rituals by invitation only (and will consider new members after they have attended a year's worth of Sabbat rituals). Located outside of Oneonta, NY. Deborah Blake, HPS Contact: magicmysticminerva@yahoo.com.
Central New York Pagan Association (CNYPA)
The Central New York Pagan Association was founded in August, 1998 by several members of the local pagan community as an umbrella organization to serve the Central New York area as a database and contact point. Purpose: CNYPA will serve primarily as a database. A central database will help students to find teachers, pagans new to the area to find others, pagans to keep in touch with each other, and serve as a contact point for the media and other members of the public who need accurate information about paganry in Central New York. Membership in CNYPA is free. Mailing address CNYPA PO Box 15184 Syracuse, NY 13215-0184. Phone number: 315/469-1622. Secretary: Christine M Keenan.
CNY CUUPS
CNY Chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans: Pagans from the four Central New York UU congregations (First UU Society of Syracuse, May Memorial UU Society of Syracuse, First Universalist Church of Central Square, and the UU Society of Auburn) have joined together to form the Central New York chapter of the National CUUPS organization. Open rituals are held on or near the Sabbats at various locations, usually one of the churches. E-group: CNY-CUUPS@yahoogroups.com. Contact person: Laura Hudson (contact Laura at jfb523@gmail.com)CNY Pagan Teens
A Pagan teen youth group open to teens in grades 7-12. We meet twice a month at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Dewitt. We are sponsored by CNY CUUPS. For more information please feel free to e-mail us at cnypaganteens@gmail.comChurch of the Greenwood
Church of the Greenwood was formed in 2003 to parent the Central New York Pagan Pride Project and to provide trained clergy to perform rites of passage to pagans in the Central New York area. In the spring of 2006, Church of the Greenwood formed the New York State Pagan Prison Ministry, ministering to incarcerated pagans in state facilities. In that same year, the church extended its campus ministry efforts (see also SPIRAL) to include the coordination of student volunteer efforts in support of CNY PPD. For more information, contact us at churchofthegreenwood@gmail.com or at Church of the Greenwood, P.O. Box 5323, Syracuse, New York 13220
Circle of the Rising Phoenix
The Circle of the Rising Phoenix is an eclectic Wiccan coven. Embracing aspects of other traditions, which are meaningful to us, has helped us to continue to grow. Our coven has been in existence since 1994. The Phoenix, as our symbol, represents transformation, beauty and prosperity. We honor Goddess and God in their many aspects. We observe the turning of the Wheel of the Year, in honoring the cycles of the earth, by celebrating the Sabbats. We also gather at Esbats (dark and full moons), for the Lunar Mysteries. We strive always to live by the Wiccan Rede, and to work together in perfect love and perfect trust. We provide for one another a safe and loving community, as we strive for personal and spiritual growth, power and healing. Circle of the Rising Phoenix has been a member of the Covenant of the Goddess, (COG) since April of 1996. Clergy is available for Handfastings and Rites of Passage. Each year we teach the 13-week course, "The Philosophy, Magick & Ritual of Wicca. We support and encourage political, social and ecological awareness and action. At this time, the Circle of the Rising Phoenix is a closed coven, with an outer circle of friends and past students who join us for Sabbats. You may contact Terra at Terra@twcny.rr.com
Cosmic Stardust ~ Flame of the Phoenix
Cosmic Stardust ~ Flame of the Phoenix is a teaching coven created on the Dark Moon in May. The intention is to be a group of men and women, working and learning together, meeting for esbats for empowerment and healing, and Sabbats to honor Goddess and God. They are seeking like-minded, mature people with gentle spirits to work together in perfect love and perfect trust. The HPS is Paula (Zoe), who is a Reiki Master and practitioner of the Ancient Healing Arts, and she has been a witch since she was a child. Carole (Maya), is a witch, and the secretary, and has been learning and teaching for a few years. The group can be contacted at mayabucks@yahoo.com.
Coven of the DragonMoon
We are a private teaching coven. Membership is by the following levels: Associates, Dedicants and Initiates. Associate membership is for those who wish to celebrate the Sabbats and Esbats, but not study for elevation within the coven. We have two separate levels of written curriculum - a basic 101 course for our Associate members and our Dedicant level studies to prepare for possible elevation to Initiate status within the coven. We focus primarily on the Celtic pantheon, but also explore other paths. We strive for a balance in all things and encourage personal development in both the mundane and spiritual life. If you would like to explore our coven, please contact us at covenofthedragonmoon@gmail.com.
Coven of the Mystic Moon
We are a group of many different backgrounds. We have a commonality because of our spirituality. We continue to evolve through learning and sharing. We don’t consider ourselves a closed group. However, most people have attended a Wicca 101 class before working with the group. We will be starting a new Wicca 101 class in mid-September at the Mystic Side Gift & Book Store in North Syracuse. Several members of our coven will be teaching various area of the course. Space is limited and we may need to add additional classes to accommodate all those interested. We will run only one class at a time and additional classes will need to wait to a later date. Stop in to the Mystic Side to sign in to express your interest in the class.
Family Circle
We are an open family based coven and we welcome families of all traditions. We meet monthly for the full moon as well as for all Sabbats. For more information please contact Chrissy LaVine Rowancrann@gmail.com
Grove of the Golden Horse
The Grove of the Golden Horse (Garrán an Eich Órbhuí) is a gathering of like-minded individuals focused on Irish Druid Tradition. Our mission is to follow and to share the path of the Druids in a manner appropriate to our time and to our individual beliefs in order to better the expression and experience of our dignity and that of all people. We are a Chartered Grove with the international Druid order known as The Henge of Keltria. As such, we follow Keltrian ritual in our celebrations of the High Feasts and other rites. Our Grove's central location is in Chittenango, NY, but our members hail from all over NY State.
In order to achieve our purpose, the members of The Grove of the Golden Horse strive toward the following goals:
1.- to implement the bylaws and rituals of a Keltrian Grove;
2. - to study the history and culture of the ancient Druids and Celts;
3.- to constantly strive toward our human potential in all its facets, and to assist one another in this task.
Inquiries may be sent by email to topazowl@twcny.rr.com.
Healing Lance Coven
Healing Lance Coven is a small private teaching coven located just south of Syracuse. Although we are a private coven, we accept new students and members once every quarter. Membership is by the following levels: Associate Members, Dedicants and Initiates. We are an eclectic coven that practices primarily in a Wiccan-based format with our focus on the Celtic pantheon. Our focus is primarily on healing - healing of ourselves and the land around us. Our HPS, WolfSinger, is legally ordained and a 3rd degree Usui Reiki Master. Other members are involved in various fields such as standard medicine, herbal medicine and environmental conservation. Our students follow a set curriculum that starts with basics such as history and ethics, followed by training in grounding, shielding, energy work, visualization techniques and ritual design. For further information, contact Lady WolfSinger at ladywolfsinger@healinglancecoven.com
Mohawk Valley Pagan Network (MVPN)
We are a loosely-knit group of Pagans and Witches from the Greater Utica-Rome Area and Southern Herkimer County. Although we walk solitary paths most of the year, we are joined together by a common desire for a local Pagan community. Collectively we represent several different paths and varying levels of familiarity with Paganism in general. We presently hold combined workshop/ business meetings once a month in Utica that are open to all who wish to participate. We host open sabbat celebrations throughout the year, as well as closed esbat celebrations. Group members individually offer formal training, both through one-on-one teaching and classes composed of 5-8 students. MVPN members also organize a Utica-based ADF study group and a Spiral Scouts circle. For details on future events, check the calendar on our website, join our MSN group, or better yet, come to a meeting sometime! Contact Katrina at imagickat@hotmail.com.
Muin Mound Grove
Muin Mound Grove, ADF is an open Druid group which has been chartered since June of 1991. Muin (pronounced moon) is a Gaelic word meaning Vine, which grows plentifully in this area. Mound honors the burial mounds recognized in many cultures to celebrate the Ancestors. Celebratory rituals of Indo-European origin (mainly Celtic and Norse) are held on or near the eight Great Days in a country setting near Bridgeport NY on land owned by Skip & Sharon Ellison. Chartered with the national Druid organization, Ar nDraiocht Fein, the group promotes scholarly excellence and personal development through study courses, guilds, community service, networking, fellowship, and active participation in ritual. Contact the Grove at 315-656-8681, check out their website at MuinMound.org, or explore ADF at ADF.org. Contact Skip at sellison@twcny.rr.com.
Mystic Circle
Mystic Circle traces its roots back to Beltane 1999, when we were founded as CNY Circle. Very much an "un-coven", we are a group of pagans who follow very individual spiritual paths, but who continuously learn from one another and celebrate our common ground together. At times eclectic and at times chaotic, we learn and grow, individually and as a group, encouraging and supporting each other while constantly stretching our spiritual boundaries. We come together for celebration, for healing, and to learn from one another. Many of us are active in the local and wider pagan community, helping to sponsor Pagan Pride Day and other events. While Mystic Circle is a closed group, you can contact us via email at grunherz63@yahoo.com.
Northcountry Wiccan and Pagan Alliance (NWPA)
Moontide Arts will be hosting a new group at The Paddock Arcade, in Watertown, NY, for like minded adults (21 and over, please) that study or practice Wicca or any similar type of Alternative, Pagan Spirituality. Please email Victoria, of Moontide Arts, at owner@moontide.net with your interest, and as soon as enough individuals indicate interest, we'll plan the first meeting. We're currently thinking that the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month will be the meeting days. Activities and such will be decided by the group, though Victoria has many ideas that will make the NWPA worthwhile and interesting.
Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A.
Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. is a group of Witches, Wiccans and Pagans who have collectively come together to: promote a positive image of Pagans, Witches and Wiccans; educate the public about Paganism, Witchcraft and Wiccans; help others network within the NYS pagan communities by listing events/classes/businesses/workshops on our website; promote harmony and unity within our communities; and foster religious tolerance, and respect. Our membership is comprised of solitaries, those who are members of other covens, groups and organizations, as well as pagan-friendly businesses. NEC holds open Sabbat rituals, Wicca 101 classes, publishes a quarterly on-line newsletter, etc. We are a member-driven group, not a coven. NEC is headquartered in Rochester, New York and has been open for membership since 2001. Visit our website at www.necofwicca.org.
Othala Grove
Othala Grove Spiritual Center is a gathering place for people of all spiritual and religious paths and traditions to join together in unity for learning, sharing ideas, healing of individuals and the Pagan/Alternative Religions Community as a whole. Located in Shortsville, NY, Othala Grove offers a wide variety of services to members of our local area that include, but are not limited to: Child Blessings/Wiccanings, Coming of Age Celebrations, Handfastings/Marriages, Crossing Over/Funerals, Spiritual Counseling, Celebrations of the Wheel of the Year and Moon Phases, as well as classes and workshops on a variety of topics of interest to Pagans and spiritually open-minded people of all paths. Our Yahoo group can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/othalagrove. For more information, contact Myriah Dragonthorne at othalagrove@yahoo.com.
Pagan Alliance of Nurses (PAN)
Since the spring of 2002, The Pagan Alliance of Nurses has brought together Pagan health care workers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for the purposes of education, support, exchange of information, political action, and healing. PAN currently has close to 500 members that enjoy a lively email forum. Membership is open to Pagan nurses, nursing students, and direct patient care givers worldwide. To learn more about PAN , please visit our website at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PaganAllianceofNurses/
Together We Are Strong!
Peace Dreamers Earthen Circles
Not a Coven, just community, Earthen Circles provide solitaries and independent practitioners, as well as those new to the magickal path, opportunities for fellowship, celebration, learning, sharing and community. We celebrate the Great Days, Full and New Moons, Dark Moons and Rites of Passages as need directs. All who come in the Spirit of Celebration, Healing and Peace are welcome, and all paths are respected. Contact peacedreamers@peacedreamers.com. Calendar listed at www.peacedreamers.com.
RavenMyst Circle
The RavenMyst Circle was born at Yule 2001 and follows the path of traditional Wicca. There are six covens in the Tradition in three different states; three of them in Central New York. We recognize that every Witch is equal in the eyes of our Gods. We see the Gods both as real individuals and as parts of a greater whole. We celebrate the Wheel of the Year and the Esbats. RavenMyst is a 5-tier tradition consisting of Dedicant, First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree and Elder levels. All members enter at the Dedicant level; and all covens share curriculum, circle casts, quarter calls, totems, Dedication and Elevation rituals. Each coven is autonomous, under the direction of their High Priestess and/or High Priest. For more information please contact the High Priestesses of the covens located in New York.
Coven of the Redtail Hawk is officiated by LadyHawke the Mythmaker and is closed to new members.
Coven of the Heron near Ithaca is officiated by Lady Blaze, Gail Wood, at (607) 838-3542 or darkmoonwitch@earthlink.net P.O. Box 15, McLean, NY 13102.
Coven of the Nightingale in Munnsville is officiated by Lady Songbird at ladysongbird2007@yahoo.com
Scarlet & Amethyst Temple & Tradition
We are a Goddess-centered women's mysteries tradition and temple located in the beautiful Mid-Hudson Valley Area of New York. We offer rituals, ceremonies, classes/workshops, services and Priestess training. Find out more about us at http://www.ScarletandAmethyst.com
SoulSeekers; Freedom Speaks
We are called The SoulSeekers:Freedom Speaks and are from Saratoga Springs, New York and surrounding areas. We have been in existence for three years now and most of us have been on the path for decades. We are an eclectic group that ranges any where from Shamanism, Faery Wicca, Earth based and anything else in between. We don't go by any degrees or doctrines for we believe that you either are a witch or you are not; that is for you and your gods to decide. If you are interested in contacting us for further details, please write to me at Sleepingmoon7@yahoo.com.
SPIRAL – Syracuse University: Student Pagan Information, Relations, and Learning
Syracuse University’s SPIRAL is a place for pagans of all paths to turn to for information as well as a place of community. SPIRAL is a fully recognized religious organization through Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University and was created in the spirit of diversity, tolerance, education, and enlightenment for all people. There are no experts but there are those willing to listen to those with questions in an effort to help dispel the myths regarding pagans that breed intolerance and hatred. SPIRAL is open to all members of the University community who wish to participate and aid in reaching this goal. Celebration of the Great Days are held as open ritual, weekly meetings are held on Mondays at 7:00 pm in the Strates Room of Hendricks Chapel during the academic year, and all participate as both teachers and students. An email list for staff, students, faculty and friends of the above has been created for dialog and exchange of philosophies and ideas. Currently, we are working on a formal student pagan organization on campus to fulfill the specific needs of students. In the meantime if anyone wishes to gain more information regarding this organization or how to join the email list they can contact Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University or Mary Hudson at mkhudson@syr.edu.
Tylluan
Tylluan, subtitled "the Trillium Circle," is a small, independent, and private coven. Founded in 1979, its purpose is to meet the changing religious needs of our members. Our structure is anarchistic, our style eclectic. Beginning as Celtic-eclectic, we have added Native American touches, and become more "eclectic" as time goes on. Our search for wisdom continues. Tylluan is a very closely knit group, and we are not seeking new members. We may be contacted at: Tylluan PO Box 15184 Syracuse, NY 13215-0184. Contact Chris Keenan, see CNYPA above
Web Path Center, Inc.
The Web PATH, Inc. is a not for profit 501(c)(3) corporation for religious purposes. We are a service based organization which also provides: Teaching, Spiritual Healing, Divination, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Networking, and Ritual. Offering training in healing, Wicca, shamanism, ritual, and psychic skills, among other topics. The Web conducts ritual celebrations of the full moon and the 8 Sabbats with open circles, Annual Dinner, and quarterly Mystic Faires set up as Web fundraising offering readings, healings and a vendors alley. Rituals and certain other events at The Web are free of charge. All Web Classes are offered at a modest materials fee of $5 and shared food unless they are announced fundraisers. This is The Web’s way of sharing the wealth of knowledge in the community. Newsletters are available free via internet or $5 per year for snail-mail. You can contact us through our group list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/webpathcenter or by telephone: 315-594-9586 The Web seeks to help define a pagan culture for the 21st century. The most important thing anybody can do to assist us in that is show up. This is a collective group effort in which each person is vital to the synergy that spins the Web. Blessings and wisdom! Contact Dorothy at dot4643@yahoo.com.
Willow Hill Circle
Located in Herkimer, Willow Hill provide a haven for individuals seeking to explore the Wiccan way. Here, seekers may choose to dedicate to God/dess through the Coven of the Crow. After a year and a day of service to the Gods and Coven of the Crow and the completion of their assigned challenges and studies, Dedicants may Initiate to their First Degree. If they so choose, they may continue their studies and earn their Second and Third Degrees. We do provide the opportunity to continue on for their certification and ordination of clergy, and encourage students to hive off and form their own covens once achieving their Third Degree.
Willow Hill Grove offers periodic study group gatherings, and circles of worship, where we explore basic fundamentals of Wicca. The students of Willow Hill Circle (namely Coven of the Crow members) follow a curriculum focusing on traditional ritual structure, God and Goddess, the Wheel of the Year, Esbats, Sabbats, energy, meditation and healing.
Our members are focused on furthering their individual spiritual paths, while at the same time seeking to educate the public on Paganism and Wicca as an alternative to more traditional spiritual paths. For more information, please write Lady Awen or Lord Teiwaz at willowhillcircle@yahoo.com