The Meaning of Our Logo

The Cardiff University Pagan Society logo was created early in 2004, and not only appears on our website but also on society t-shirts, badges, and hopefully other merchandise in the future. The logo symbolizes both who we are, and what we aspire to be as a society.

The new, blooming rose entwined around the old, medieval-style goblet represents the union of old and new, of past and future: something that neo-Paganism does constantly.

The fact that the rose is in the process of opening suggests that C.U.P.S. is constantly evolving and opening to new things, growing instead of remaining stagnant. Stagnation inevitably leads to breakdown.

The rose itself is a powerful symbol. It encompasses the qualities of beauty and protection. As a group we accept our challenges and take them on - we don't just hide our heads in the sand or curl into a foetal position and weep. We bounce back, but we do so with grace and respect wherever possible. The rose's colour signifies life and activity - two things the Pagan Society thrives on.

The goblet, or cup, is not only a nod towards our acronym, but a reference to the feeling we wish to foster within the society: the feeling of joy, happiness, and inclusiveness. "Thy cup runneth over."

Our secondary logo, which also appears on our t-shirts, is a white tree - strong, upstanding for all to see. As a society we do not hide ourselves but instead stand tall and proud in our beliefs and activities.

The tree also stretches between heaven and earth, bridging the gap between the worlds. Our minds and spirits may soar above, constantly enquiring and exploring, but we always remain firmly grounded below, common sense and respect prevailing throughout. As Pagans we value both the material and the spiritual world equally, instead of focusing on one with detriment to the other.

The labyrinth in the centre of the tree shows that what you see on the outside is not everything, and further exploration is needed in order to fully understand. On the outside we are just a bunch of Pagans, hippies, New Agers, and occultists, but if you take the time to get to know us, we have a lot to offer.

Finally, the tree, its branches, and its leaves represent Paganism itself. The trunk of the tree is Paganism - the umbrella term that has many branches coming off it. These branches are the many different and diverse Pagan paths. And on those branches are leaves - the individual people on their paths.

The Cardiff University Pagan Society does not discriminate or exclude, especially not based on spiritual path or religion. We accept all paths, and all individual variations of those paths, and particularly revel in diversity - for within diversity is found the common thread of human existence and experience.