S.P.E.L.L. stands for Student Pagan’s Educating Leading and Learning, and it is now one of the newest organizations on campus. The group is still in the process of becoming an official Recognized Student Organization (RSO), however they have already been up-and-running with consistent meetings.

S.P.E.L.L. is rooted in Paganism, “a modern religious movement incorporating beliefs or practices from outside the main world religions.” However, Nox Garner, S.P.E.L.L. president and freshman forensic science major, emphasizes that all students are welcome to join.

“Paganism is a really diverse practice. It’s an umbrella term for religion… It’s a very self-identifying thing,” Garner said. With this in mind, the club’s executive board agreed not to enforce strict rules regarding who can join.

Peter Porrello, junior marine biology major and vice president of S.P.E.L.L. explained the umbrella term, saying, “The thing that connects them all is nature worship and usually they’re all polytheistic so there’s multiple gods” in reference to the cultures.

“If you have an interest in the various cultures and religions, or if you’re trying to find a community, this is the RSO to participate in,” said Porrello.

At meetings, participants can expect crafts and holiday rituals.

“We occasionally do rituals based off of the main holidays. I think we’ve done two in total, Both of them have been Celtic,” said Porrello.

Garner later said the group is interested in holding interfaith events with other religious RSOs, such as the Newman Club, Muslim Student Association or Hillel.
After joining the university community, Garner recognized a lack of representation for Paganism. “Coming to UNH, I saw there were other religious RSOs, so I reached out to the people I trusted,” said Garner. A space was created to value activism, education, compassion, community and spirituality.

“Our whole mission statement in the Constitution is fostering a sense of community and belonging within the paganism community at UNH,” said Garner.

S.P.E.L.L. meets regularly on Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm in Kaplan 203.