What is CUUPS?

Welcome! If you find your spiritual home in the rhythms of nature, the turning of the seasons, or the ancient wisdom of Earth-centered traditions, you belong here.

The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) is an independent, continental affiliate organization of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Founded in 1986, CUUPS serves as a vibrant, welcoming network for Pagan-identified Unitarian Universalists, Wiccans, Heathens, Animists, Druids, Shamans, and all those who practice nature-based spiritualities.

The Connection: Why Paganism and UU Fit Together

Many people are surprised to learn how deeply intertwined Paganism and Unitarian Universalism truly are. Our shared community thrives because the core values of both paths mirror each other beautifully.

In fact, Unitarian Universalism explicitly draws inspiration from six foundational sources of wisdom. The sixth source is our guiding light:

“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.”

By blending the freedom, reason, and social justice focus of Unitarian Universalism with a deep honoring of the sacred natural world, CUUPS offers a space where you can explore esoteric traditions, celebrate the divine in nature, and remain part of a progressive, inclusive religious community.

Core Pillars of Earth-Centered Faith

While individual beliefs are free and varied, CUUPS communities are generally united by several core concepts:

• The Interconnected Web: A profound respect for the interdependent web of all existence. We believe humanity is a part of nature, not its master.
• Continuous Revelation: The belief that divine truth is not locked in a single ancient book, but is constantly revealed through science, nature, intuition, and lived experience.
• Deeds Over Creeds: A shared commitment to environmental justice, sustainable living, and actively protecting our planet.

What We Celebrate: The Wheel of the Year

For many CUUPS members, spiritual practice revolves around the Wheel of the Year—the regular cycle of the seasons, solstices, and equinoxes. These eight seasonal festivals (called Sabbats) are an opportunity to pause, observe the changing earth, and align our inner lives with the natural rhythms around us.

Festival (Sabbat)	Approximate Date	Spiritual Focus
Yule (Winter Solstice)	December 21–22	Rebirth of the sun, finding hope in the darkness, and deep reflection.
Imbolc	February 1–2	First quiet signs of spring, purification, and the quickening of new life.
Ostara (Vernal Equinox)	March 21–22	Perfect balance of light and dark, renewal, and fresh beginnings.
Beltane	May 1	Celebration of passion, vitality, blooming nature, and sacred fire.
Litha (Summer Solstice)	June 21–22	Peak of the sun’s power, abundance, and celebrating the light.
Lammas / Lughnasadh	August 1	The first harvest, giving thanks for the earth’s bounty, and early autumn.
Mabon (Autumnal Equinox)	September 21–22	Second harvest, taking stock, and preparing for the darker half of the year.
Samhain	October 31	Honoring ancestors, parting the veil, and celebrating the spiritual New Year.

Come As You Are

Whether you are a solitary practitioner looking for a broader community, a lifelong Unitarian Universalist wanting to explore nature-based rituals, or completely new to both paths, you are warmly invited to join the circle.