Formed in 1993, The Circle of Gaia Dreaming is an open group of people who come together to celebrate a spirituality centered in the earth traditions. Some folks might consider themselves Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, Unitarian Universalists (UUs), Voudoun, Druids, ceremonial magicians, or even secular humanists, agnostics and atheists.

The experience level of individuals widely varies. Some people feel that they are following a solitary path, but come to The Circle of Gaia Dreaming for community and fellowship. Some people are new to Paganism or Wicca and come to Gaia Dreaming primarily for learning more about this spiritual path. Some folks simply want to celebrate their connection with nature. We even have some members who are part of covens, but come to Gaia Dreaming as part of their outreach to the greater community. For others, this is their first experience with Pagan spirituality.

Although our individual practices may differ and our experiences may vary, we unite in the understanding that we are all interconnected. The spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Our Events
Our events are open to anyone who is interested. We try to provide a safe space and a meaningful experience for those who join us. No one is forced to participate in any type of event in which they feel uncomfortable. Additionally, we hold individuals responsible for their conduct within a meeting or ritual, so inappropriate behavior is not accepted.

Classes and Workshops
Classes and workshops are scheduled based on the interests of the group and the availability of a qualified facilitator. We are always interested in exploring new ideas and topics. We enjoy learning from one another and the community it builds. If you are interested in a workshop, please join and write to the e-mail list. For more information on currently scheduled workshops, please go to the calendar page.

Rituals/Services
For more information on rituals, please go to our ritual page.

What Does It Cost?
For the most part, all of our events are free. We gladly accept donations to help cover the ongoing costs for ritual expenditures. The two main exceptions are our “make it and take it” workshops which have fees associated with them to cover our costs. We aren’t here to make a profit.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens
Our group is affiliated with The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens. As part of our "give back" to the UUFA community, we run UU adult curriculums, organize and hold Sunday morning services at the church, and take care of the fellowship's wood pile. (There is a fabulous fireplace in the church!)

Circle of Gaia Dreaming covenants to affirm and promote the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Assoication namely:

· the inherent worth and dignity of every person;
· justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
· acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregation;
· a free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
· the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large;
· the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
· respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

CUUPS, Inc.
We used to be affiliated with CUUPS, Inc., (our original name being Athens Area CUUPS) but have since let that affiliation lapse. We may reaffiliate sometime in the future.

 

The Circle of Gaia Dreaming exists for the purposes of promoting the practice and understanding of Pagan and Earth-centered spirituality within the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, enabling networking among self-identified Pagan Unitarian Universalists, providing the outreach of Unitarian Universalism to the broader Pagan community, providing educational materials and classes on Paganism and Earth-centered spirituality for the UUFA and for the general public, promoting interfaith dialogue, developing and sharing theological and liturgical materials based on Pagan and Earth-centered religious and spiritual perspectives, providing a safe space for gathering and for spiritual expression, and fostering healing relationships with the Earth and all of the Earth's children.