FAQ: General
In traditional Wiccian/neo-pagan traditions, the Sabbats are eight holy days designated by the cycle of the Sun. These “Great Days” are somewhat “fixed” in the calendar year in that they are astronomical events and deemed as auspicious for working rituals and linking personal energies to the Land, to each other, and to the Gods and spirits.
By holding our events after these holidays (during a Sabbat’s “season”) we recognize the influence of that Sabbat and its energies upon our celebrations while also acknowledging that our rituals and events are not exactly one-for-one comparisons with the traditional holidays. Additionally, for those members and seekers who are part of another tradition or group, this arrangement allows them to be present and active within both organizations.
Because our celebrations are not directly connected to the usual Neopagan holidays, we chose to give them new names that better reflect our experiences of the holiday’s energies. These holidays celebrate the life cycle of the Phoenix, the aspect of the Queer Divine being honored, and our own queer experiences of those mysteries.
Additionally, we have named our holidays to better reflect us culturally. Our tradition may be rooted in many cultures but it is flowering in our own, queer lives. The usual holiday names are rooted in Celtic/Northern European cultures that our tradition doesn't singly identify with. The names of our celebrations are part of a conscious effort to avoid falling into nominally Eurocentric tradition.
Most of our membership is concentrated around either of our Temples in Chicago or Seattle.
If you are outside of those areas, you may look into Radical Faerie gatherings or similar groups. If you know of other queer pagans in your area and would like some direction on how to start a group practice, contact us!
We're actively trying to increase our virtual offerings as well! Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming virtual meet-ups, workshops, and rituals.
The Fellowship is an emergent tradition that seeks to combine ancient and modern practices and thought into a framework that speaks to the needs and experiences of the queer community. While certain aspects and concepts within our work (The Three Primes, the Labyrinth, and the Phoenix) have primeval and historical roots, the Fellowship as a whole makes no claim to any ancient lineage.
Some members are practicing neo-pagans from a variety of traditions. There are also members and seekers who in their personal lives ascribe to Abrahamic or other world faiths. Nothing in the Fellowship requires our participants to renounce or abandon their own beliefs or practices. Since our celebrations don’t tend to coincide with other Neopagan observances, we don’t usually force members to choose between commitments.
No. Members and seekers at our events come together for spiritual teaching and experience. We also offer fellowship and some social time – particularly before and after our public rituals. We offer a place to meet others that you may not encounter otherwise. But the goal is not about dating or sexual encounters.
This is not to say that dating and sexual partnering doesn’t happen outside of our events – it does and we don’t have any rules against it. But it is not the purpose of the gatherings or the Fellowship.
Not necessarily. While social engagement is part of what we do, we are primarily a religious organization. You will probably meet some people at Fellowship events that are not like people you would meet in other contexts. Some of them will be free-spirited and quick to encourage and show affection. You may find people who you share common interests with. But remember that here, just like anywhere else, friendship is a process, not a promise. Friendship outside of Fellowship events may or may not happen.
We don't have a dedicated space; this can change from one event to the next. Please see the specific event page for location details.
Yes and, possibly, no.
Maintaining membership doesn't require that you live any particular distance from a Temple. That said, the Rite of Passage that is required for membership can't be done long-distance or virtually; the ritual must be done in person.
FAQ: Ritual
In traditional Wiccian/neo-pagan traditions, the Sabbats are eight holy days designated by the cycle of the Sun. These “Great Days” are somewhat “fixed” in the calendar year in that they are astronomical events and deemed as auspicious for working rituals and linking personal energies to the Land, to each other, and to the Gods and spirits.
By holding our events after these holidays (during a Sabbat’s “season”) we recognize the influence of that Sabbat and its energies upon our celebrations while also acknowledging that our rituals and events are not exactly one-for-one comparisons with the traditional holidays. Additionally, for those members and seekers who are part of another tradition or group, this arrangement allows them to be present and active within both organizations.
We take the health and safety of our event participants very seriously and hold the following expectations for our participants. Any person compromising these precautions will be asked to leave.
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Face masks are required at all times during our indoor events.
There will be no exceptions to this requirement. Any person who removes their mask in common space will be asked to leave.
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At this time we ask that only vaccinated individuals attend our indoor events.
Chicago: We will be requiring proof of vaccination. You may either bring your vaccination card or a picture of your card for admittance into the ritual space.
Seattle: We will not be requiring proof of vaccination. For the health and safety of everyone concerned, please do not attend if you have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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Potlucks after ritual are suspended until further notice.
Eating in community requires a distinct lack of face masks, and for that reason we will not be hosting indoor potlucks at this time. We look forward to when that can change, and will hopefully bring potlucks back for any outdoor events going forward.
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Sharing of food during the ritual itself is also postponed until further notice.
During our usual holiday rituals there is a chance to share small pieces of food as an unusual type of communion and celebration, but this is temporarily suspended for the safety of everyone involved.
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Social distancing will NOT be required, but we explicitly empower attendees to communicate their boundaries as appropriate.
Given our expectations of both vaccinations and face masks, we will NOT be expecting social distancing. Our rituals will continue as normal, with participants typically gathered in a circle, close enough to hold hands.
We will have badges available to all attendees that will help indicate if they would prefer to social distance.
Our rituals are open to members of the LGBTQ community aged 18 and over. Some of our rituals, however, are open to anyone over 18 regardless of gender or orientation. Check the information on an individual event to be certain.
The ritual content and form may vary, but the typical ritual will involve some representation of the Fellowship’s cosmology, including key symbols and stories, as well as a message from the deity of the season. The rituals often involve chanting and free-form celebratory dance. Rituals are typically followed by a potluck feast and social time.
The dress code is always whatever makes you feel sacred/holy/sexy/powerful. Some attendees will be in full ritual garb, some will be in street clothes. Both expressions are completely appropriate. We do, however, require dress of some sort – our rituals are never skyclad.
We are dedicated to working to make our events accessible to anyone wishing to attend. Making sure that our spaces are wheelchair accessible and that we have a quiet space for all who need it are always priorities, but we’d like to hear from you about other aspects of accessibility that are important for your experience. Please don’t be afraid to e-mail us at info@fellowshipofthephoenix.org to discuss how we can accommodate specific needs.
For those with fragrance sensitivities: Please be aware that all of our rituals involve the use of both smudge smoke and incense, and sometimes the use of essential oil blends. You may always decline being smudged or anointed with oil, but please be aware that these things will be used in the space.
We also use clear labeling on all of our potluck foods to denote common allergens or triggers.
We do not use or allow alcohol or any other controlled substances at our events.