The Church of The Eternal Circle is a Celtic Wiccan fellowship in New Paltz, New York, and we have been holding teaching circles for the Sabbats and Esbats here in the Hudson Valley for more than twenty years. If you are looking for Wiccan or pagan community in Ulster County, start here: who we are, what happens at our circles and how to take the first step.
A church, a circle and a community
In March 2008 our circle was officially recognized as a church in New York State, and it has since gone on to achieve federal 501(c)(3) status. Underneath the paperwork we are a congregation of people who come together to honor the old gods, mark the turning of the seasons and learn the Craft. Some of us have practiced for decades; some are brand new. Our Priesthood grows from within the congregation through years of study and service, so the people leading circle once sat exactly where a newcomer sits now.
What is a Celtic Wiccan fellowship?
Wicca is a modern nature religion. It honors the Goddess and the God, works with the elements of earth, air, fire and water, and follows the sun and the moon through the year. Its ethics are summed up in the Wiccan Rede: an it harm none, do what ye will. The "an" means "if", and that small word asks a lot of us.
All of our gatherings are presented from a traditional Wiccan perspective and honor a Celtic pantheon. In practice, the myths, deities and seasonal customs we work with come from the Celtic-speaking lands, especially Wales and Ireland. At circle you will hear the Welsh names for the festivals: Alban Arthan for the winter solstice, Alban Eilir for the spring equinox, Calan Mai for May Day and Calan Gaeaf for the start of winter. Many of our moon circles carry the name of a tree as well. For the longer version, read our article What Is Celtic Wicca? Beliefs and Practices.
A fellowship is simply people walking a path together. Nobody has to have all the answers.
What happens at our circles
We gather for the eight Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year and for many Esbats, the circles held at the full and new moons. Every circle is a teaching circle, and each one follows the same basic shape:
- We smudge and bless everyone coming into the circle.
- We call the directions and cast the circle.
- We call the God and Goddess, then share the chalice and blade.
- Next comes the magick of the evening, which can be a craft, a teaching or a celebration.
- We have cakes and ale, give thanks and open the circle.
Sometimes we pass the talking stick or the drum, chant and sing. Circles begin promptly at 7pm and on occasion run as late as 10pm. Latecomers can't be admitted once we have begun, so give yourself a little time to spare. When the weather allows, some circles move outdoors.
Seats are limited, so please let us know before you come. The Our Circles page has the details of where we gather, how to reserve a seat and the house guidelines. Please read it before your first visit.
Who is welcome
Whether you are a "crusty old witch", a solitary looking for a group or completely new to the path, you are welcome in our circle. That includes solitaries who would like company at the Sabbats, people from other traditions (Gardnerian, eclectic, hedge) and people who are just curious.
No one under 18 may attend unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you are bringing a child, tell us when you reserve your seats, because some evenings include quiet meditations that aren't suitable for children.
Some of our congregation are in the "broom closet" because of their jobs, and they still deserve a safe place to worship. That is why photography is never permitted at circle.
How to take the first step
Becoming part of the CEC is refreshingly simple. As our Becoming A Member page puts it, it boils down to five words: turn up and get involved. There are no forms to fill out, no fees to pay and no ballots to decide whether you are a worthy member. If you're not sure where to begin:
- Read Who We Are & What We Do and Our Circles, so you know what to expect on the night.
- Introduce yourself on the Welcome Mat forum. Guest posting is switched on, so you can post under a name of your choosing or simply as Anonymous.
- Look at our Wheel of the Year 2026 dates to see which Sabbat or full moon is coming up next.
- Reserve your seat, and come along.
Part of the Hudson Valley pagan community
New Paltz sits in the Wallkill Valley below the long ridge of the Shawangunks, and it's hard to live here without paying attention to the land. The orchards blossom around Calan Mai and hang heavy with apples by Alban Elfed, and the ridge turns gold and red as Samhain approaches. Celtic Wicca is a religion of seasons and places, and this valley makes it easy to feel the Wheel turning.
People find their way to us from across Ulster County and the wider Hudson Valley, and through the forums from much further away, often after years of reading on their own. One recent hello from the Hudson Valley on the Welcome Mat came from someone who found us while looking for pagan groups near New Paltz. We are glad to be one part of the wider pagan community in this region, and we hope you will find friends here, whatever path you walk.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience?
No. Every circle is a teaching circle and the clergy guide everyone through each part of the ritual. For a head start, our article The Wheel of the Year: Sabbats Explained walks through the eight festivals we celebrate.
Is there a cost?
Becoming a member costs nothing: no forms, no fees and no ballots. The CEC is a 501(c)(3) church supported by the generosity of its community. If you have a question about a particular event, just ask when you reserve your seat.
Can I come if I'm not Wiccan?
Yes. Our circles are presented from a traditional Wiccan perspective, and we ask guests to follow the lead of the clergy and take part respectfully, but you don't have to call yourself Wiccan, or anything else, to stand in circle with us. Many people come to learn first and decide later what fits.
What should I wear or bring?
There is no dress code. Some people wear robes and some don't, but no sky-clads, please. You don't need any tools of your own; if a circle needs you to bring something small, like a candle or a crystal, we announce it ahead of time. Cell phones must be on silent, and smoking isn't allowed anywhere on the property.
Can I bring my children?
Children are normally welcome with a parent or guardian. Please let us know when you reserve, since some circles include quiet meditations that aren't suitable for young ones.
Can I take part online?
The CEC Forums are open to everyone, wherever you live, and you can join in without an account. Our circles moved to Zoom for a while during the pandemic years, but circle is at its best in person. If you can't get to New Paltz, ask on the forums whether a particular circle has an online option.
However you found us, merry meet. We hope to see you in circle soon.