I just got home from an amazing weekend campout, Pagans on the Rock here on Vancouver Island; this was my first time attending, though it has been happening for 5 years. I was really impressed with the way it was organized with numerous activities for children and adults; everything from laughter therapy to kite making, a scavenger hunt to Live Action Role Play. There was the Untalented Talent Show, story sharing around the fire, the necessary marshmallow roasting for adults and little ones, singing lots of bawdy songs, especially by the Arrogant Worms. We had a belly dancer, poi spinners and a fire spinner, and though we didn’t see it with our eyes the video shows green orbs dancing along with the fire dance! The lights aren’t in the right position to be reflections or camera distortion, so it seems the nature spirits joined us too!
It was really cool to see the tent city of Pagan friendly folk take shape; and I participated in making the Aphrodite & Pan shrine, the temple where adults enjoy acts of love and pleasure. It was really beautiful with tapestries and blankets, the altar had Pan and Aphrodite statues, flameless candles, and we sent the children on a mission to collect plant materials for decoration, they did a great job! I was really impressed with the way the whole community looked after the kids too; parents and childless folk kept an eye on the young ones, helping as needed and joining in games and other scheduled activities for the kids. There were a number of workshops offered and no expectations of attendance, a totally “Do as you Will” weekend -sweet! There was a schedule more of an info board really, we lived on Pagan Standard Time, or- it happens when the previous event is over, the only exception was the main ritual.
The weekend began with an opening circle, the elements, God and Goddess were invited, we created a sphere around the park from land to sky to protect, bless and contain energy that was raised. The Arch High Priestess and Priest of ATC Canada put on the main ritual where we did a working around transformation and creating what you desire to happen in your life. There was lots of bonding and camaraderie among the campers; many of us only connect during rituals or events, when there isn’t time to socialise. It was really enjoyable to share conversation, space and energy with like minded people and to deepen the bonds that already exist and create new ones. I liked listening to other people’s journeys of how they came to be Pagan and what it meant in their world. It felt like my heart had found its home during the weekend; it was just so refreshing to be with people who have similar values, who didn’t think it was strange to meditate under a tree or have experiences that could be labelled as psychiatric issues in the “real” world.
I was really touched by the spirit of cooperation and community; if you needed a hand someone would offer or hook you up with someone else who could. There was always a communal pot of hot water warming on the fire for making tea, coffee and hot chocolate, and the water carted in was openly shared, not hoarded. The event organizers even brought two fifty gallon drums of water, and all the equipment needed to set up a dishwashing area with hot water for common use. The last night there was an amazing potluck, folks made chili, casseroles, meat dishes, stew, spaghetti and potatoes over the fire (from scratch) they made couscous, chopped salads and fruits and made wraps. I have seen less at a regular indoor potluck!
As the weekend drew to a close we also had an ending circle, when the Goddess, God, Elements, earth energies, the land, organizers and participants were thanked and blessed. We unwound the sphere, grounded its energy and our own, and within 5 minutes the thunderhead clouds began rolling in! Some folks said it was good timing, some felt there was no coincidence that the circle had been opened and the weather descended, either way it was magic! It’s potent to have 50+ Pagan folk gathered in any place! 
It’s been a transition back to mundane life after the weekend! I enjoy my home yet something feels like its missing. While I was working today I realized that I filter so much of my true self (the barefoot pagan woman) because of the nature of my work, and it just feels so restrictive after the freedom of the weekend. What I chose to transform in the ritual is the way I financially support my earth altar/physical life, and I see today’s feelings and awareness are a reflection of that path. I know I have the support of my spiritual brothers and sisters to create change, even though it is a bit scary!
We need more Pagan gatherings and connections, so many of us are hidden or were in the past, yet we exist in every area. The joy and relief of finding a page, group or website for local folks who have similar values and beliefs is a powerful energy. You may have to be the one who steps up and creates the platform, the one to do the initial reaching out; I know the Gods will bless your efforts. If you choose this role, do things in a way that feel safe for you, and for the other folks who are waiting to connect. Keep things simple and casual, meet in a public place for coffee, go for a walk in the park, plan a picnic or movie night, decide if you want to keep connected or not. Share your knowledge and love of Paganism, and before you know it you could find you have been transformed from a solitary practitioner to being part of a village!
Abundant Blessings
Dawne
