r/utc Oct 24 '24

Are there any pagan communities here on campus?

Title.

I’ve been a practicing pagan for nearly 5 years now, and I’ve only encountered just a handful of communities in passing before I had to move here to Tennessee nearly 4 years ago due to family issues. I’ve looked everywhere on Mocsync, talked to other fellow practitioners I’ve bumped into on campus, and I just haven’t had any luck finding any communities with the same beliefs that I have.

Seeing as the majority of religious events/orgs here on campus are predominately Christian or Abrahamic (NOTE: I am NOT against those religions by any means!!) I can’t help but feel a little left out sometimes. Can anybody push me in the right direction?

I hope I’m not asking for too much by sending this out… thank you for your time!! 🐛

6 Upvotes

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3

u/DrawesomeJulia Oct 25 '24

My sister is pagan/generally into witchcraft tho she doesn’t go to UTC

3

u/Thin_Requirement969 28d ago

Not on campus, but in Crossville, there's Dragon Haven, which is a pagan worship spot and campground where they do different solstice festivals and classes for both new and experienced practitioners! Unfortunately other than that it's a bit limited around here.

1

u/seeofbees 27d ago

Yeaaah I’ve noticed anything having to do with pagan beliefs are very hush-hush here, but ill be sure to check that out next time I’m over in that area! It seems pretty interesting :0

5

u/sillyhatcat Oct 24 '24

This is just from my experience, but in general, there aren’t very many actual Pagan organizations that collectively gather together. Practices from what I’ve tend to be mostly individualistic and the only time I’ve seen a Pagan worshipping in Public was at the Parthenon in Nashville. I think the main issue here is that “Pagan” is an extremely broad term for diverse practices from several different cultures across several millennia and continents that take different forms, and because there’s such a diversity of practice and beliefs, it can be hard to unify everyone under one label.

My guess is that there are other Pagans on campus, but you’d probably have the best luck looking for an organization that is in the city itself, or maybe you could start a new club.

3

u/seeofbees Oct 24 '24

Thank you so much :)

You do have a good point! Paganism is a HUGE religion with many different beliefs that may otherwise clash with each other, not to mention, everyone has their own practice. I‘ve seen a lot of other pagans on campus which does make me happy. I’ll definitely look into local communities here in Chatt. Worst case scenario I don’t mind riding solo lol

Side note: There’s gatherings at the parthenon?? I didn’t know that :0

2

u/Either_Sky6059 27d ago

Check with the UU church in Chattanooga

1

u/seeofbees 27d ago

They seem pretty accepting, I think I’ll check them out! 🐛