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.
May 2026 Update
Quick council notes, deadlines, and what's coming up next.
Key updates & next steps
Great news! We've brought in over $2,000 so far this year and are well on our way to achieving our annual goal — and we're only at the midpoint of the year!
Online payments are working; next step is adding a QR code to the Moneta basket.
Ritual presenters: please send in your written ritual. If nothing is received by the end of June, SOC will prepare a ritual in the presenter's place for July.
Join us for a CUUPs-led UU Service on July 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM titled “Rooted in the Earth, Aligned with the Principles.” Council members will each share their perspective on how earth-based spiritual traditions align with the seven UU Principles, plus a guided meditation. Full details will be in the order of service.
We're reaching out for community input and volunteers. If you've got something to share, we want your help.
- May (Blue Moon): Cleansing with the Moon lecture
- June: Fairy rings
- July: Bath salts
- Aug: Brigid: Goddess, Saint, Lwa; Tending Your Eternal Flame
- Sept: Herbalism around the grounds
- Oct: Wheel of the Year collage
- Nov: Wire wrapping
- Dec: Sigil cookies
- Jan: Poppets
We're collecting seasonal recipes, crafts, and informational content. A monthly council article + committee updates are also in the works.
Due date: the date of the next month's meeting.
Note: CUUPS National contributions deadline was missed this month.
Details TBD
Wicca 101 is being rebranded as Paganism 101. Council teams are working on class material, which will be presented at the June meeting. Stay tuned for dates!
Events
We gather for ritual, learning, and community connection at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa.
🌕 May Full Moons
Two Full Moon rituals in May — plus an amulet-making workshop!
Open to all! Come share your ideas and stay connected.
We are hosting a Blue Moon public ritual on Saturday, May 30th. All ages, free to attend.
Wear something fun from your closet that you haven't gotten to wear again, or at all. Give it a second chance — and give yourself one too. Start anew and reaffirm your intentions with the Blue Moon.
Our workshops vary month to month, are fit for all ages, and are free of charge. All supplies are donated to us or come out of our own pocket. We just truly love being able to give back to community with our time and effort, and spread knowledge to help others around us grow — to help our community grow. 🖤
RSVP so we can be better prepared for supplies needed! 🖤
Hope to see you all there! 🖤🖤🖤
Prepared by the CIW-CUUPS Kitchen Witches
- 🍑Peach Ginger Syrup
- 🍉Watermelon Rose Syrup
- 🌿Lime Basil Syrup
- 🌟Summer Squash Casserole
- 🌟Blueberry Crisp
🌞 June Events
Wrapping up spring with a group outing, council elections, and a special SOC ceremony.
Group trip to Summer Magick Fest in Orlando! A fun day out with the CIW-CUUPS community. Details to come.
Open to all. This is the meeting where we vote for the 2026–2027 Council — all are welcome, all voices matter, and all are heard.
Voting eligibility: Only active council members in good standing and in attendance may vote in elections.
Sage cleansing at 7pm, ceremony at 7:30pm. Hosted by SOC — details to be announced. All are welcome!
Explore the magic and folklore of fairy rings in this hands-on, enchanting workshop before the June Full Moon ritual!
A special meal to honor the dedication ceremony ✨
- 🍝Gluten-Free Spaghetti & Meat Sauce
- 🥘Potluck Style — Bring a side, dessert, or drink to share!
- ✨This is a dedication ceremony — a special occasion deserving a special meal shared by all.
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 2026
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
- ✓April 4: Full Moon — Wicca 101 Ostara Ritual (Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM) ✓ 51 attended, 26 at workshop!
- ✓April 18: Memorial Garden Work Day — Council project: memorial stones, garden cleanup
- ✓April 26: Council Business Meeting (Noon – 1PM) — Rescheduled from May 3rd
- ✓May 2: Full Moon — Exordium & The Alpha Circle (Talisman Craft 6PM, Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM) ✓ 51 at ritual, 37 at workshop!
- ✓May 17: Council Meeting (Noon) — Open to all!
- ✓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 13: Group Outing — Summer Magick Fest in Orlando
- ✓June 27: SOC Elevation Ceremony (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" — Council members explore how earth-based traditions align with the 7 UU Principles + Business & Planning Meeting (Noon – 1PM)
- ✓July 25: Full Moon — W.I.T.C.H. (Sage 7PM, Ritual 7:30PM) · Workshop: Bath Salts
- ✓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!
- ⏳Picture Day — Council only. Date TBD.
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. Paganism 101 coming in January and June. 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.
Supports the Facilitator, helps committees stay unblocked, and steps in when the Facilitator is unavailable.
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 (May 2, 2026).
Important: Please include your CUUPs National Member ID # in your letter of intent.
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 2026–2027 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 outline at least one month before the event for council review. This helps us coordinate and support you. Email outlines to cuups@uutampa.org.
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.