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Hitting the Road for Pagan Gatherings
As a Pagan and a great proponent of traveling, there are few things better than hitting the road to a Pagan gathering.
Fortunately for us in the Midwest, there are quite a few of these taking place throughout the course of the year so, if we
can't make one, we can always try to make another.
These multi-day gatherings bring together Pagans of all paths, and vendors from cities far and wide, giving Pagans a selection of ritual tools, clothing, crystals, statuary, etc., unrivaled by local stores. Artists and publishers often show up, too, providing opportunities for Pagans to learn about the latest newsletters and magazines, or find a cool Goddess print for their ritual space, a unique necklace or a handmade chalice.
Many of the vendors - for those who cannot attend - have websites to make their wares available on-line. Some of these (present at February's Convocation in Troy, Michigan) are:
Midnight Muse - Cincinnati, Ohio
Earth Wisdom Music, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Wizard's Emporium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Raven's Hoard Studio, Toronto, Ontario
Other events in the Midwest - besides Convocation each February - are the Pagan Expo (Chicago) in May, and Pan Pagan Fest in August (Northwest Indiana). All these offer classes/seminars/workshops for attendees. Networking, feasting, camping, auctions, are all part of the events. The variety keeps things interesting, and worth a few hours' drive.
Problems sometimes arise, though, with such gatherings. The price to attend can prove beyond a Pagan's means. It must be remembered: the whole purpose of gathering is to bring as many Pagans together as possible, not just those with a financial surplus. Sometimes the Pagans with the emptiest wallets can benefit the most from such gatherings, just from the interaction. They might learn of new job opportunities, or realize one of their hidden talents could blossom into a craft they could themselves offer at a future event. The sponsoring organization should design their gathering so their expenses are covered, but not focus on making an exorbitant amount of money. If this means selecting a different venue, it might be wise to investigate all possibilities before agreeing to use the same space each year. If the cost of the space is going to raise the cost of attendance, it might be wisest to move the event.
Communications can also prove difficult. The websites of the sponsoring organizations are sometimes not kept up to date. The contact information is not current, or replies to inquiries are not handled in a timely manner (if at all). This makes planning attendance (especially if one is traveling a good distance) somewhat tenuous. It cannot be assumed, just because the event is held annually, the old information holds true, and people remember the who, what, where and when.
Overall, a well planned, well executed and affordable Pagan event can be a real treat. The current schedule has them spaced far enough apart through the year to make attendance at each one not the least bit redundant. As it is, many Pagans plan their vacation time around such gatherings. For those who cannot get away, there are also the one-day events, such as the regional Pagan Pride Day celebrations in September, Invocation (Chicago) in October, or the Witches' Balls celebrating Samhain.
The groups sponsoring these events should be lauded for their efforts, and helped in whatever way possible by members and outside volunteers. The more, the merrier, as the saying goes, and the better the event in the long run, for all Pagans.
- Quill
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