Paganism is a diverse and ancient religious and spiritual tradition that encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. It is often rooted in nature worship and the honoring of ancestral spirits and deities. For individuals who identify as pagans, finding a supportive community can be vital in deepening their spiritual practices and connecting with like-minded individuals. One way pagans come together is through pagan circles. Pagan circles are small, intimate gatherings of pagans who come together to worship, celebrate seasonal festivals, learn from each other, and experience spiritual growth. One of the advantages of pagan circles is their local nature.
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Contemporary Traditional Witchcraft
Stag and Oak Grove is the overarching entity for the outer court teaching and community circle for the Coven in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago. We have an eclectic mix of Wiccans, druid, neo-shamanic practitioners, Hoodoo practicioners, LHP devotees, pagan pantheists, and monotheistic spiritualists.
One of the advantages of pagan circles is their local nature. Unlike large, organized religious institutions, pagan circles are often smaller and more localized, making it easier for individuals to find a community near them. These circles can vary in size and structure, from a few individuals gathering in someone's home to larger groups meeting in outdoor spaces or rented venues.
Spiritual Groups or Like-Minded Individuals in Illinois
ARE YOU A SEEKER LOOKING FOR A COVEN, GROUP, MEET UP? WITCHES AND PAGANS DO NOT PROSELYTIZE SO IT'S UP TO THE SEEKER TO SEARCH, CONTACT AND FIND TEACHERS. THIS IS JUST A RESOURCE FOR YOU TO REACH OUT.
We are happy to present this page for covens, groups and organizations in the locations listed below. This information on these pages is presented as submitted, we do not know many of the groups that are represented here and only remove groups if serious verifiable allegations are brought to our attention. We encourage you to please use your discretion when meeting strangers, and due diligence in researching the tradition and reputation of the leaders. We suggest you read this BLOG post prior to meeting possible teachers, as well as the DISCLAIMER page.
Hail and welcome Witches, Pagans, Wiccans and Heathens to the Mandragora Magika home page for Illinois!
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
THE SHEKINAH TRIAD OF WICCA
CITY: Arlington Heights
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Kabalah/Pagan Way
CONTACT NAME: Shelynah, HPSTS
Teaching coven where both Priestess and Priest are legal clergy. We celebrate all moon and festivals.
BOLINGBROOK
OAKMOON COVEN
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Celtic Eclectic
CONTACT NAME: Jenna Morningshadow
We are a small group in the south-west Chicago suburbs. We are primarily a training coven with classes starting at Samhain. Please feel free to e-mail us with events and friendship as we like to network with our community! Blessed Be!
CHICAGO
KHEPERU EM INU: TEMPLE OF KEMETIC YOGA
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Ancient Egyptian
CONTACT NAME: Vincent
CONTACT: 773 544 9908
The temple of Kheperu em INU was founded i 1995 and is is dedicated to worship of the Goddess NUT consort of NU and to mastery of the ‘Khaibit’ or shadow self. Our chaotic tantric rites are timed to the movements of the dark moons and the lunar eclipse cycles. We are pagan mystics dedicated to free exercise of the law of unconditional love: To Encourage the Enlightenment, (Ashuui Tchaas) Nurture the Growth, (Ashui Uah) and Promote the Autonomy (Ashui Nef) of all Beings (em Kheperit).
STAG AND OAK GROVE
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Gardnerian/Alexandrian/NY Wica/Minoan Brotherhood
CONTACT NAME: Steven Bragg
Stag and Oak Grove is the overarching entity for the outer court teaching and community circle for the Coven in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago. The Coven is primarily traditional Gardnerian, but we also carry the Alexandrian, New York Wica Trad, and New York Welsh traditions, as well as the Minoan Brotherhood for men. Stag and Oak Grove is inclusive and leans heavily to the left. We look forward to hearing from any interested Seekers.
DECATUR
BROTHERS&SISTERS OF CRAFT (BASOC)
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: WitchCraft
CONTACT NAME: Trevor
Bringers Of Light.
ILLINOIS WITCHES
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Eclectic Pagan
CONTACT NAME: Victoria
A safe haven for all those on their magical paths!
GRAYSLAKE
COVEN OF THE HEALING WELL
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Wicca/Living Tapestry Tradition
CONTACT NAME: Lady Autumn Kitsune
We are a teaching coven with an emphasis on training Clergy. We offer a degree-based program for beginners as well as those with experience looking for formal training. We place a strong emphasis on ethical practice and tolerance for other beliefs as well as personal choice and personal responsibility. Our goal is to be a spiritual family, as well as a place to learn, grow, and challenge ourselves. We honor and encourage diversity among our members.
As a group, we expect openness, trust, and integrity from our members. We desire commitment of time and reliability. We also expect you to have a good life/work balance and be willing to do the deep, personal work that is required for true growth.
We honor both the Goddess and God, as well as Androgyny and non-gendered aspects of deity. We are LGBTQ+ inclusive and expect anyone who joins us to be LGBTQ+ friendly as well. CHW is an adult coven; our members must be at least 21 years old.
We use a private interview process to meet with you and get to know you, and to let you get to know us. If we think you will be compatible with us, and you think you would like to work with us, there is then a "trial" period of candidacy lasting a minimum of one year and one day. We look forward to hearing from you. Blessed Be!
JOILET
TREIBH-NA-TINTEAN
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Eclectic
CONTACT NAME: Richard
Treibh na Tintean is a Celtic-Eclectic Pagan circle that celebrates as a spiritual outgrowth of, and using facilities owned by, the Universalist Unitarian Church of Joliet. This church is a Welcoming Congregation that respects and honors people of all races, nationalities, sexes, socio-economic classes, religions, ages, physical abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer folks. Many Treibh members are also church members. We are an Open Circle led by a Treibh council & governed by the Treibh na Tintean Agreements. By Air, Fire, Water, Earth & Spirit; by The Gods, Goddess, and Goddex: So Mote It Be!
KANKAKEE
COVEN OF THE MYSTIC
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Eclectic/All
CONTACT NAME: Alexis Blink
We are a coven local to the Kankakee area of Illinois. We celebrate all spiritual paths, and celebrate the sabbats according to the pagan calender, with select events/meet-ups in between.
PEORIA
ARTISAN MOON
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Celtic/Spiritual
CONTACT NAME: Alyssa
We are a newly flourishing group focused on education and helping others explore their path. Offering both beginner and advanced classes.
QUAD CITY
COVENANT OF BONE AND BRANCH
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Contemporary Traditional Witchcraft
CONTACT NAME: F.B.Nottson
Hail to you Seeker/s! Bone and Branch is a coven which lives and practices as a version of Contemporary Traditional Witchcraft. Our teachings largely come from our shared teacher, Steven Posch. And we are a Sibling coven to an older coven within the same tradition. Our traditions are strongly based in the land which we are nourished on, and steadily we keep one foot in the past, one in the future straddling the hedge of the modern. We recommend, before contacting us, you head over to Steven's Blog. https://witchesandpagans.com/pagan-culture-blogs/paganistan.html
Once there, we recommend you spend some time reading his varied entries. If what you read interests you. Then please do contact us, at the email above. May the Horned Rise to meet you.
RINGWOOD
DISCIPLES OF THE GROVE
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Open to earth based spiritualities
CONTACT NAME: Kerri
The Gathering Grove is a family friendly eclectic Pagan/Earth based spiritual group. Services offered include Sabbat Rituals, Full Moon Rituals and Dances, New Moon Rituals, Drum Circles, and Weddings. The Gathering Grove offers two outdoor ritual locations with ceremonial fire pits, The Spiral Labyrinth, a library, indoor ritual space, indoor meditation/yoga/sauna room, Maypole Commons with stage and area suitable for public performances. The Gathering Grove is a registered (501) (c) (3). Donations are tax deductible.
URBANA
DISCIPLES OF THE GROVE
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Eclectic
CONTACT NAME: Cj
So, we're a small coven built of quality members. We follow no specific path, other than that of seeking knowledge. We have an eclectic mix of Wiccans, druid, neo-shamanic practitioners, Hoodoo practicioners, LHP devotees, pagan pantheists, and monotheistic spiritualists. What we all share in common, is a insatiable hunger for knowledge, mutual respect, and a tight-knit family-like environment.
If you're seriously dedicated to pursuing knowledge of the craft regardless of path, and want to dedicate time and energy to both your own personal growth, and that of the group, please get in contact with us for more info!
We do have a local meeting group, but we are admittedly mostly online. This way, we stay open to anyone worldwide with a good internet connection, Facebook, and a strong desire to grow in their own path.
WAUKEGAN
ANCIENT OAK SEED GROUP
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: OBOD Druidry
CONTACT NAME: Ogion
Looking for people to celebrate the wheel of the year, study and other activities, in the OBOD tradition.
WESTVILLE
MYSTICS OF THE GOLDEN AGE SANGHA
TRADITION OR SPIRITUAL PATH: Hindu/eclectic
CONTACT NAME: Adi
Brand New spiritual group in Vermilion county IL. Founder has 15 years experience in a Hindu/Sanatana Dharma lineage, with some experience and interest in Taoism, Western Magick and Chaos Magick. Whatever your spiritual background or interest, if you have a sincere interest in spiritual growth and making high quality spiritual friends contact Adi for more info. Thanks
CONTACT NAME: Trevor
Many times, pagan circles operate on a rotating basis, with different members taking turns hosting and organizing gatherings. The main idea is that pagan circles provide a supportive and local community for individuals practicing pagan traditions. By joining a pagan circle, individuals can find others who share their beliefs and practices, allowing for a deeper exploration and understanding of their spirituality. The intimate nature of pagan circles also fosters a sense of connection and camaraderie, providing a space where individuals can openly share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another. If you are interested in finding pagan circles near you, there are several ways to start your search. One option is to reach out to local pagan shops, metaphysical bookstores, or spiritual centers and inquire about any pagan circles or groups that may be active in your area. These establishments often have bulletin boards or online directories where local pagan groups advertise their gatherings. Alternatively, you can also search online for pagan forums, social media groups, or websites that list pagan circles by location. By doing some research and reaching out to local pagan communities, you can easily connect with a supportive and like-minded group in your area. In summary, pagan circles provide a valuable and localized community for individuals practicing pagan traditions. They offer a space for worship, celebration, learning, and spiritual growth in an open and accepting environment. If you are interested in finding pagan circles near you, consider reaching out to local pagan shops, metaphysical bookstores, or spiritual centers, or searching online for directories and forums. By connecting with a pagan circle, you can deepen your spiritual practices and find support in your pagan journey..
Reviews for "Pagan Circles and Ancestor Worship: Honoring the Wisdom of the Past"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was very disappointed with the Pagan circles near me. The group did not provide the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that I was expecting. Instead, I found myself surrounded by judgmental and closed-minded individuals who were quick to dismiss anyone with different beliefs or practices. As a newcomer to Paganism, I was hoping to connect with like-minded individuals and learn more about the craft, but I left feeling discouraged and alienated. I would not recommend this group to anyone seeking a supportive and accepting community.
2. Mark - 2 stars
I attended a Pagan circle near me out of curiosity, but I was not impressed. The organizers lacked organization and the event felt unstructured. It seemed like there was no clear focus or purpose, and participants were simply going through the motions without any true intention or meaning. It was disappointing to see such a lack of dedication and commitment to the Pagan path. Additionally, I found the conversations rather superficial and lacking depth. Overall, I did not feel inspired or connected to the group, and I will not be returning.
3. Jessica - 1 star
I had high hopes for the Pagan circle near me, but unfortunately, it was a complete letdown. The members were unwelcoming and seemed more interested in promoting their own egos than fostering a genuine sense of community. There was no effort made to provide any educational or informative content during the gatherings, and it felt more like a social gathering than a spiritual practice. The lack of structure and focus made it difficult to connect with others on a deeper level. I left feeling unsatisfied and disheartened. I would not recommend this group to anyone seeking a meaningful Pagan experience.