Local Circles & Regional Community
The International Pagan Society envisions locally organized circles where practitioners may gather for learning, cultural exchange, mutual support, and responsible community stewardship. This framework is still in development, and IPS is not currently publishing a verified directory of affiliated local groups.
IPS does not currently operate an active global chapter directory, accredited chapters, regional coordinators, an affiliation system, a safeguarding office, a mentorship network, or an application system.No local groups have been independently verified or listed. Everything below describes a framework IPS is working toward.
A Directory in Development
IPS is developing standards for how future local circles may be described, reviewed, and listed. No public directory, accreditation process, affiliation application, or independently verified chapter registry is currently available.
Any future directory will be published only once appropriate review, privacy, and safeguarding standards are in place — not on a fixed timeline.
A Preview of How a Future Directory May Be Organized
This is a preview of how a future local-circles directory may eventually be organized and filtered. The controls below are disabled and are not connected to any records — no search or filtering is currently functional.
Preview only — not yet functional. No directory, database, or search results currently exist.
Possible Future Circle Formats
These are conceptual examples of how future local circles might be organized. They are not real, currently operating IPS chapters, and no locations, founding dates, membership counts, coordinators, or registrations are attached to them.
Local Learning Circle
Community-organized study, discussion, and cultural learning among practitioners in a shared area.
Conceptual ExampleSeasonal Gathering
Responsible gatherings centered on seasonal observance and shared learning.
Conceptual ExampleOnline Community Circle
Accessible virtual participation for people without a nearby gathering.
Conceptual ExamplePrinciples for Future Local Circles
These are proposed guiding principles for how future local circles might operate — subject to formal governance and policy development. They are not adopted bylaws, legal requirements, certification standards, accreditation rules, or enforcement mechanisms.
- Voluntary participation
- Respect for spiritual freedom
- Non-discrimination and pluralism
- Clear community boundaries
- Consent and personal autonomy
- Responsible safeguarding
- Respect for cultural sovereignty
- Transparent local leadership
- No coercive initiation or financial pressure
- Accessible ways to raise concerns once appropriate systems exist
Safety, Consent & Community Responsibility
Any future IPS-affiliated circle framework will require clear expectations concerning consent, personal autonomy, non-discrimination, financial transparency, privacy, youth safeguarding, and responsible ways to address concerns. Formal affiliation, reporting, investigation, and safeguarding procedures remain under development and will not be represented as operational until they have been formally adopted and resourced.
IPS is not an emergency-reporting service. If you or another person is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate local emergency services or relevant authorities.
Interested in Building Local Community?
IPS is developing guidance for people interested in organizing responsible local circles. Applications and formal affiliation are not currently open.
Help Build the Foundation for Future Local Circles
Your support helps IPS develop the standards, safeguards, and governance a responsible local-circles framework will require.