Who We Are

Keepers of the Holly Chalice is the founding coven of the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel and an initiatory Wiccan community serving Cecil and Harford Counties and the surrounding region. With roots in a study group formed in 1983, Keepers was formally founded in 1984, and the Assembly later grew from its work into an incorporated Wiccan tradition. Today, the Assembly includes fourteen covens spanning Southern Delaware, Northern New Jersey, and the Washington, D.C. region.

Our tradition blends Wiccan practice with the Western Mystery Tradition, emphasizing spiritual growth, magical practice, scholarship, community, and service. As a hierarchical teaching tradition, we provide structured study and initiatory training while honoring the dignity, identity, and spiritual path of each person.

We welcome adults of all identities, backgrounds, orientations, and lived experiences to attend our public rituals, workshops, classes, and social gatherings. Our activities primarily take place in Cecil and Harford Counties, Maryland.

Why A Holly Chalice?

After much group discussion and visioning, we agreed that the ideas of nurturance, creativity and foresight (among others) were important to us and that a chalice was a good symbol for these qualities. Holly was chosen for its strength, protective qualities and Saturn associations. The Chalice itself was consecrated in 1986 when the Full Sun of the Summer Solstice conjoined with a Full Moon. It was reconsecrated in 1996 when a silver lining was created for the Chalice. All magical groups or traditions create a group mind — an energy pattern that overlights the individuals and the group. The more coherent this pattern is, the more effective a group’s workings and actions will be. Using a physical focus, such as the Holly Chalice, speeds the establishment of such an energy pattern and helps to maintain its integrity.

Our Sigil

The KHC sigil echoes the shape of a chalice raised to catch the light. It is also a symbol of the Middle Pillar of the Tree of Life in Qabala.

Our Practice

Our tradition blends Wiccan practice with the Western Mystery Tradition. Our work draws inspiration from mythic lore, astrology, Qabala, ritual arts, the cycles of nature, European folk traditions, and direct experience of the Divine.

We approach magick as both a spiritual practice and a means of transformation. Members are encouraged to develop knowledge, discernment, personal responsibility, practical magical skills, and meaningful relationships with the sacred.

Our year is shaped by the eight Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year, along with other rituals, classes, workings, and community observances.

Membership

Membership in Keepers requires a six-month getting-acquainted period, a letter of intent, and the consent of the current members.

Why should you join Keepers of the Holly Chalice? The most important reason is that you support the mission and vision of the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel (http://www.sacredwheel.org/about-us.html). The work of the Assembly is to re-enchant the world. The implications of this are broad and deep, and not everyone will be willing to commit to this vision.

Keepers hosts many open events throughout the year, and we love sharing our Circle with the broader community. It’s not necessary to be a member to attend the open events. You can start by contacting us and requesting to be added to our mailing list. You’ll then receive notice as soon as we add an event to our website. If, after attending a few of our events, you are intrigued by our mission, let’s have a talk. Ask the coven leadership, and we’ll be happy to talk at length about your interests and goals as a witch.

Our Public Work

As a service to the wider community, Keepers offers public rituals, workshops, classes, social gatherings, and other opportunities to learn and celebrate together. Learn more about our events.

You do not need to be a member or seek initiation to attend our public events. Event descriptions will identify whether a gathering is open to everyone, requires advance registration, or has other participation guidelines.

About the Donation Basket

When you attend an event hosted by Keepers of the Holly Chalice or our parent organization, The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel, you will often notice a bowl or basket set out for donations. Because we are run strictly on a volunteer basis, all funds for our events come from our members and from our guests who wish to make a contribution. Your donations are always welcome and never compulsory. These donations are used for event supplies, website maintenance, and hospitality expenses. We make no expectations for first-time visitors.