EarthRising
The oldest continually meeting earth-centered group in Virginia
Merry Meet!
The circle is open.
Blessed be!
Reference "EarthRising Events" below for onsite and/or virtual gathering specifics.
Please do not hesitate to contact EARTHRISING@UUFP.ORG with any questions.
The UUFP Google Calendar and Events Calendar are additional resources for all church activities.
When are the Rituals?
The eight annual Rituals will be held on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. in the UUFP sanctuary (see COVID info). If you are interested in helping with planning a ritual, you are welcome to join us at the Friday planning sessions that occur two weeks before each scheduled Ritual. (Reference the Ritual/Planning chart for at-a-glance dates for the year and our Events posts for specific descriptions about each upcoming Ritual.)
Who is Welcome?
Anyone with an open mind and an open heart and their loved ones. (Yes, children are welcome.)
What Should I Bring?
Feel free to bring a dish of your choosing to the potluck held after the ritual. To help people avoid potential allergens, please include a label (some available at UUFP) with ingredients.
Is Childcare Available?
Childcare can be made available to those who need it. Please let us know at least a week in advance.
Contact Us:
EarthRising Events
2023 Planning & Rituals
| EVENT | PLANNING | RITUAL |
| Imbolc: | 01/13/23 | 01/27/23 |
| Ostara: | 03/03/23 | 03/17/23 |
| Beltane: | 04/14/23 | 04/28/23 |
| Litha: | 06/02/23 | 06/16/23 |
| Lughnasadh: | 07/14/23 | 07/28/23 |
| Mabon: | 09/08/23 | 09/22/23 |
| Samhain: | 10/13/23 | 10/27/23 |
| Yule: | 12/01/23 | 12/15/23 |
Featured Fall Events
| EVENT | DATE – TIME | COORDINATOR |
| Centering & Grounding Workshop | 09/30/23 – 2:00 pm | Chessie Roberts |
| Solstice Light Labyrinth | 12/22/23 – 7:00 pm | Jeannine Christensen |
| Watch Night | 12/30/23 – 7:00 pm | LaChere Griffin |
Our Rituals usually include:
- Before the Ritual, gathering time begins at 7:00 p.m. in the UUFP common area (of the Sanctuary building). We sit in a Circle; each person introduces themselves, sometimes sharing feelings or impressions of the season or holiday. The Planners share info on the Ritual to come. There is often a brief meditation. Then we rise and walk to the Ritual space.
- Within the Ritual space, we walk in a line three times around the space to cast the circle. We call to each of the four directions for protection, wisdom and aid. At this point, the leaders begin the ritual. New rituals are created for each gathering.
- The Rituals usually end with a libation of non-alcoholic drink and a simple snack, usually fruit or baked goods. As we share this, we often exchange ideas, inspirations, or impressions received during Ritual time.
- After libation, we all rise, say Farewell to any entities we have invited in, as well as to each quarter. Then the circle is closed with a poem, reading, dancing and/or song.
- Time is provided for the Potluck Feast, social time and tidying up. We generally finish around 10:00 p.m.
Since a new Ritual is created for every Sabbat, only the planners will know in advance what will happen each time. We strive to keep our Rituals "family friendly," appropriate for all ages, non-violent, and welcoming.