June 24-26, 2005, Boone Fork Campground
I do love going to Pagan gatherings; especially those held in the woods. It’s great to be able to be around a group of people that walk similar Paths. Most have variations of their very own, but we all have a common ground for discussions and sharing. I was privileged to call the East Element at the Opening Ritual, then release it at the closing.
“Spirit of Air,
Guardian of the Eastern Watchtower,
Bless us with Your speed,
Intelligence and clarity;
We greet You.”
Then I got to sweep the circle for cleansing and protection with a small sacred broom they had:
“Sweep, sweep, sweep this place
By Powers of Air,
I cleanse and protect this Space.”
The other Directions and the Goddess and God were called for the weekend, then we each lit a candle and threw it into the fire, introducing ourselves and saying what we were bringing to the gathering. Then we ate and fellowshipped, drumming late into the night.
The next day was full of Workshops. We meditated by drawing a human figure, representing ourselves, and surrounding it with symbols of protection and good fortune in a Workshop by Mommalioness. Georgia gave one about Egyptian Spirituality where we learned about the gods and goddesses, as well as the hierarchy, of Egyptians deities, and Derwin gave one about Ritual Construction, emphasizing that we should create Rituals in the way we feel is right instead of following a cookbook. We learned about Creating a Magickal Garden, with Juli, and there were landscape plans that were simple enough that I might even be able to follow. In the evening Mommalioness led a past life journey.
I presented my Workshop; photos are below.
“Dinner with Four Goddesses”
Through journeys, quotes and discussions we will explore four of the aggressive Goddesses I am familiar with: Sekhmet, Egyptian lion-headed warrior goddess; Pele, Hawaiian volcano goddess of both destruction and creation; Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt and protector of women and beasts; and my personal goddess Kali, Indian Goddess who brings Sacred Chaos. During our time together we will learn about the characteristics of these goddesses, how comparable themes reach across cultures and manifest in similar forms, make sacrifices to these Divinities and accept their gifts to us. Come with an open mind; leave your burdens, take away strength and a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the great Sacred Web.
Feedback from participants…
“It was awesome; I felt so much…” “The guided meditation worked…” “Good set up…” “Enjoyed the hands on activities…” “EVERYTHING was good…” “The drumming and visualization were good…” “Great organization of materials…” “Very effective presenter…” “I really liked the mixture of meditation and hands on activity…” “Wonderful timing…” “I enjoyed the entire thing—creative and keeps attention…” “I especially enjoyed journing again…” “Nice presentation…” “It helped me see a lot of things about myself…” “The drumming was good and the transitions were smooth…” “I was impressed by the presenter…” “Moved along at a nice pace…”
The Litha Ritual was facilitated by Mommalioness. As people came into the circle I touched their lips and said:
“Let your lips always speak the truth.”
Then I acknowledged East during the Ritual:
“Hail, winged ones of the East, bringers of dawn;
Bring us thoughts that soar among the birds,
Skies swept clean by the winds of insight.
Hail and welcome, So Mote It Be!”
The wheel that the men tied their ribbons onto and circled the fire with was so beautiful; we watched it burn and felt the energy released into the world. When the women circled with candles, looking into the men’s eyes to show them the love of the Goddess, I felt myself connecting with each one. It was a very good Ritual.
“Farewell, powers of the East!
Go in peace to your high realms.
Hail and Farewell.”
Then the Feast! A potluck where folks brought tons of all sorts of different foods and we sat around and ate and laughed and told stories and relaxed. I finally found a place where my mead was appreciated—took two big bottles, left with two empty bottles. And I donated two bottles and a sample 4 pack for the raffle that will go towards PWW and the High Country PPD; they earned $37.00.
We had a casual roundtable the following morning about what Paganism means to us individually. We got briefly off on a tangent about Christians we had met that had interacted with us with respect and tolerance. The raffle came next; I got the junk wind chime, incense made by Teresa and a beautiful necklace made by Richard.
I was honored to thank and release the East at the Closing Ritual, where we each had a cup of water and poured it onto the balefire, saying what we were taking with us from the weekend.
“Spirit of Air,
Guardian of the Eastern Watchtower,
Giver of speed, intelligence and clarity;
Our thanks and blessings,
Depart in peace!”
For more photos of this gathering, go to https://www.angelfire.com/nc/gryphon/PWW2005.html
