Turning the Wheel with COVES
Do you resonate with the Earth-based traditions that UU promotes? Did you know that 2U has had a pagan ministry that celebrates those traditions since 2013? Let us RE-introduce ourselves, The Covenant of Earth and Sky (COVES). We have been a CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) Chapter since 2015 and celebrate the Pagan Wheel of the Year in Ritual. There are eight Sabbats on the wheel, including those with which many are familiar; Autumnal Equinox (Mabon), Winter Solstice (Yule), Spring Equinox (Ostara) and Summer Solstice (Litha).
COVES rituals are a safe place to gather and hear about the connection between the energies of nature, the elements and spiritual recognition of Pagan figures. Paganism is a broad umbrella and our ministry recognizes the many pathways that are represented. This can include traditions from Celtic lore, Eastern and Western Europe, Heathenry, Norse lore, Druidism and more. We are an eclectic group and welcome any who are interested to join in presenting these pantheons in Ritual. We form a circle around a central altar where the directions are represented as well as the elements of the season. After our Rituals, we gather for community time to talk and socialize. Our circle is open to the 2U congregation as well as pagans in the Chicagoland area.
We are excited to return to in person Rituals after a long 5-year existence exclusively online to honor the accessibility needs of our community. As the construction at 2U nears completion, we invite all to come celebrate the Earth-based Pagan traditions that we so cherish. We welcome those from any spiritual path who are curious, ready to celebrate in our sacred circle, and honor the Earth-based traditions that we offer. We honor Pagan traditions from around the world, so each of our rituals has a different focus. Our rituals may include stories and interactive elements for participants, live or recorded music, chanting together and raising the energy of the community.
Our online platform will not disappear! Over the years, we have fostered an online open spirit circle to those who live near or far, or cannot join in person due to medical or personal circumstances. Therefore, all will have the option to join COVES in person at 2U on a particular date, or online on a different date. Samhain happens at the end of October. It is one of the most powerful spokes on the Wheel of the Year representing the 3rd Harvest, a time where we honor our Ancestors including those of blood, those of community, or those of animal companions. It is a time of reflection as we enter the darker part of the year that envelopes us with lessons and guidance from various Goddesses and Gods in the Pagan pantheons. Our online Ritual will happen Thursday, October 30th at 7:00pm. Our in-person ritual will be on November 2nd in the 2U Sanctuary. Doors will open at 4pm and the Ritual will begin at 4:30pm. Postings for each event will include the Zoom link and further details. We have a core group who present the ritual and always welcome those who would like to have a voice and be part of the presentations.
We hope to see you at a future ritual with COVES. After Samhain, is Yule also known as Winter Solstice. This is our most popular ritual and we anticipate a grand celebration this year. We welcome you to find our postings in the 2U Anvil monthly newsletter and our Facebook page. Please reach out with questions and interest to covenantearthsky@secondunitarian.org. Our two co-leaders are Shauna Womeldorff and Janice Stashwick.
