Circles in the Woods · CUUPS Tampa · Est. 1992
Earth-centered spirituality, community, and learning in Tampa Bay.
We host family-friendly Full Moon rituals, sabbat celebrations, and educational opportunities — united in community with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa (UUCT), serving the wider Pagan community.
July 2026 Update
New council elected, summer events ahead, and ways to support our community.
Key updates & what's ahead
Annual council elections were held at the June 7 meeting. The new council will assume office in September. Thank you to everyone who participated!
The council has streamlined its structure, converting the Vice Chair role into an additional At Large seat — giving more community members the opportunity to serve.
"Rooted in the Earth, Aligned with the Principles" — Delivered by the CUUPS Council at 10:30 AM. Exploring how earth-based traditions align with the 7 UU Principles.
We're working on recording our rituals so the community can revisit them. Stay tuned for updates!
Reserve your spot at upcoming workshops on our Eventbrite page.
The Summer 2026 newsletter is now available — packed with community news, events, feast menus, and more.
Read the Summer newsletter →- •Fall 2026: Submissions by September 24 · Posts October 1
- •Winter 2027: Submissions by December 25 · Posts January 1
All community submissions must be approved by council before publishing.
We're well on our way to meeting our annual pledge goal. Thank you to everyone who has contributed this year!
Look for updated QR code signs at upcoming gatherings to make giving even easier.
Our average attendance this year is up from last year. Thank you for showing up, bringing friends, and making our circle stronger!
Events
We gather for ritual, learning, and community connection at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa.
🌞 July Events
Lughnasadh Full Moon celebration, a CUUPS-led UU church service, and more!
"Rooted in the Earth, Aligned with the Principles" — Delivered by the CUUPS Council. Exploring how earth-based traditions align with the 7 UU Principles. All are welcome!
Noon – 1 PM — Business & Planning Meeting
First Harvest · Gratitude · Abundance
6:00 PM — Ritual Bath Salts Workshop
7:00 PM — Saging
7:30 PM — Ritual begins
Potluck feasting & fellowship after the ritual. Bring a dish to share!
By the Kitchen Witches · Vegetarian, soy-free & gluten-free friendly
- 🍒Cherry Vanilla Syrup — Love, divination & joy
- 🫐Blackberry Mint Syrup — Healing, prosperity & protection
- 🥥Pineapple Coconut Syrup — Purification & protection
- 🍲Tomato & Okra Gumbo — Love, prosperity & luck
- 🍉Watermelon Salad w/ Mint & Lime — Healing & peace
🌿 Fall Market · September 19, 2026
Market in the Woods
Vendors · Workshops · Drumming Circle · 9 AM – 5 PM · UUCT Tampa
🍽️ Help Support Our Kitchen
Our kitchen supports potlucks, rituals, and community events. We operate solely on donations — every contribution makes a difference!
All are welcome, all voices matter, and all are heard.
- ✓Only active council members in good standing and in attendance may vote in elections.
Email your letter to cuups@uutampa.org
New council takes over in September
Not a member yet? Want to make your vote count? Ask us how to join!
Join at cuups.org. We can help sponsor members — ask us how!
Coming Up
- ✓May 30: Blue Moon Public Ritual — “Second Chance” 🌕 All ages, free! Workshop 6PM, Ritual 7:30PM, Feasting 8:30PM. Wear something fun from your closet — give it a second chance!
- ✓June 7: Council Meeting + 2026–2027 Council Elections (Noon) — All are welcome, all voices matter, and all are heard. Official voting open to active council members in good standing and in attendance.
- ✓June 27: SOC Dedication Ceremony (Faery Wreaths 6PM, Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM) — ✨ Special Dedication Ceremony with Gluten-Free Spaghetti & Meat Sauce + potluck sides, desserts & drinks
- ✓July 12: CUUPS-Led UU Church Service @ 10:30 AM — "Rooted in the Earth, Aligned with the Principles" — Delivered by the CUUPS Council + Business & Planning Meeting (Noon – 1PM)
- ✓July 25: Full Moon — Lughnasadh · W.I.T.C.H. (Bath Salts Workshop 6PM, Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM) — First Harvest · Gratitude · Abundance
- ✓August 9: Business & Planning Meeting (Noon – 1PM)
- ✓August 29: Full Moon — Heathen Full Moon (Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM) · Workshop: Brigid: Goddess, Saint, Lwa; Tending Your Eternal Flame
- ✓September 13: Business & Planning Meeting (Noon – 1PM)
- ✓September 19: Market & Drumming Circle — Workshops, vendors, drum circle!
- ✓September 26: Full Moon — Exordium (Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM)
- ✓October 11: Business & Planning Meeting (Noon – 1PM)
- ✓October 24: Full Moon — W.I.T.C.H. (Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM)
- ✓November 1: Day of the Dead Dinner (6:30 PM)
- ✓November 15: Business & Planning Meeting (Noon – 1PM)
- ✓November 21: Full Moon — Earthbound (Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM)
- ✓December 12: Witches Ball / Yule Ball — TENTATIVE (Details TBD)
- ✓December 13: Business & Planning Meeting (Noon – 1PM)
- ✓December 19: Full Moon — CUUPs & SOC (Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM)
The Winter 2027 schedule will be announced after the new council takes office in September 2026. Stay tuned!
- ⏳Paganism 101 — Class series in development. Council teams are fleshing out material. Stay tuned for dates!
The full year of dates and details lives on the CUUPS Calendar.
Regular Gatherings
Special rituals throughout the year. All public events are family-friendly.
Education offerings vary by season. Extra classes sprinkled in as decided by council.
Ritual Playlist
Watch recordings from our Full Moon rituals and community gatherings.
🎥 CIW-CUUPS Tampa Ritual Playlist — browse through our recorded rituals and celebrations.
Community Outreach
CIW-CUUPS Tampa stays connected to the wider Pagan community through outreach events, gatherings, and group outings.
Members of CIW-CUUPS attend the Witches Tea Party at The Witches Portal as schedules allow. It's a great way to connect with the broader Pagan community in the Tampa Bay area.
The council has agreed to plan a Saturday day trip to FPG 2027, held in May. More details will be shared as the event approaches. A fun opportunity to experience one of Florida's largest Pagan festivals together!
Our Outreach Committee promotes CIW-CUUPS by attending community events, distributing flyers at local metaphysical shops and coffee shops, and connecting through social media and word of mouth. If you know of an event where we should have a presence, let us know!
What to expect
New to CUUPS or new to Pagan practice? You're welcome here. We'll explain what's happening as we go.
- ✓Arrive a little early if you can (it helps with parking and settling in).
- ✓If you're bringing kids, they're welcome to participate quietly with family.
- ✓Donations are appreciated but never required.
- ✓If you need accessibility support, email us ahead of time.
All ages are welcome. Public-facing events are kept PG / family-friendly unless clearly labeled otherwise.
Announcements, introductions, casting the circle, the ritual, cakes and ale, singing/feasting, then cleanup together.
No special clothing required. If you like, bring a dish to share at feasting.
We aim to create a safe space for spiritual growth. Ask before touching people or their tools, and follow facilitator guidance.
Guardians are present at events to support a calm, respectful environment and to help with any issues.
Get involved
Whether you're curious, returning after time away, or ready to dive in, there's a place for you here.
Join us for our monthly esbat. Sage cleansing begins at 7pm, ritual at 7:30pm. No experience necessary. We explain as we go.
See the calendar >Help with setup, greeting, kitchen duties, cleanup, or guardian roles. Even 15 minutes makes a difference.
Email us >CIW-CUUPS sponsors affiliated pagan study groups. Wicca 101 is a 6-week curriculum offered periodically by Sacred Oaks Circle.
Ask about classes >All are welcome, all voices matter, and all are heard. Official voting is open to CUUPS National Members — want to make your vote count? Membership starts at $25/year (1 yr), $60 (3 yr), or $400 (lifetime).
Join CUUPS National >We keep this plain-language on purpose. If you're unsure what's a good fit, email us and we'll help you find a role that matches your skills and capacity.
Leads council meetings, coordinates ritual and event scheduling, and serves as the main liaison between CUUPS and UUCT.
Tracks donations and expenses, maintains financial records, and reports on budget and pledge progress.
Records meeting minutes, tracks attendance, and helps maintain council documentation.
Manages public communications (website, announcements, newsletters, and social updates) and keeps key info current.
Support projects and committees as needed; take on special initiatives and help represent community needs.
To be considered for council elections, please have your letter of intent in by the May Full Moon each year.
Important: Please include your CUUPs National Member ID # in your letter of intent.
Elections are held at the June Council Meeting, and the new council takes over in September.
Email: cuups@uutampa.org
Not sure what to include? Here's a simple template to get you started. Copy, fill in, and email to cuups@uutampa.org.
Subject: Letter of Intent — [Your Name]
Dear CIW-CUUPS Council,
I am writing to express my interest in running for the position of [Role Name] on the CIW-CUUPS Council.
About me: [A few sentences about yourself — how long you've been part of CIW-CUUPS, what drew you to the community, and any relevant experience or skills you bring.]
Why this role: [Why are you interested in this position? What do you hope to contribute?]
Membership status: I am a current member in good standing with CUUPs National [and UUCT, if applying for an executive position].
CUUPs National Member ID #: [Your Member ID Number]
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to serving our community.
Blessed be,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
If you're leading or co-leading a ritual, please submit your written outline at least two months before the event for council review. This helps us coordinate and support you. Email outlines to cuups@uutampa.org.
The Winter 2027 schedule will be announced after the new council takes office in September 2026. Stay tuned!
Donations help cover ritual supplies, event costs, and community outreach. We're a volunteer-run chapter, and every contribution matters.
Suggestion Box
Have a suggestion, complaint, or request? We want to hear from you. Your feedback helps us grow and serve our community better.
Contact us
Have a question about our events, accessibility, or how to get started? We'd love to hear from you.