Summerfest!

We will celebrate Summerfest on Sunday, June 29th. We will meet at Guide Chandonn's at 2 PM to hold our annual meeting (usually very short) and celebrate the arrival of summer.

Our theme this year is change. This is a current buzzword in the political world, but its meaning goes far beyone this year's election. Nature changes every day - the seasons change, the weather changes, living things are born, mature, age, and die. We change our roles in the world - child to parent, fast food employee to business owner, single to married to single again... our possibilities, and the variety of life directions are endless.

If you need a more humble set of directions, namely those to the event, please contact Guide Chandonn. Our fests are pot luck and, while not required to attend, bringing food or beverages to share is always appreciated.

Blessed Be and Blessed DO

Time to Be More Specific

Many Christians I have met focus on "Being Good Christians". Others focus on "Not Being Bad" (herein lies a trap that snares self and others). Pagans, on the other hand, at least the ones who became Pagans on their own, often focus on "Being Pagan" or "Not Being Christian, like my ______" (if the latter sounds like the mindset of a fifteen-year-old, you're getting a good grasp on the behavior associated with it). Honestly, I don't know enough yet about Pagans raised as Pagans to make broad sweeping statements about them yet. :-D

While each of the viewpoints above may be a departure point for the spiritual seeker, it shouldn't be your stopping place. Following a bunch of rules written down in a book doesn't cut it, and neither do the number of pentagrams or goddess symbols you wear. Your spiritual 'designation' is a badge you wear, but it's not who you are. It's an adjective, not a noun.

Who are you, really, and what are you meant to do in this life? If you don't believe in 'destiny', then ask yourself: Who are you, and what do you want to accomplish in this life? Find or choose a goal and build towards it. You may already have a life goal (or itemized Bucket List). Select the most important, ennobling one in that case. Raise self-reliant, principled children. Help a friend get off meth. Provide basic needs for a family of strangers. Write a novel that makes people laugh. Find a new home, and truly make it yours. Enroll in that dance class you thought you were too old to take (and scream 'ageism' if you get flack).

You may wind up somewhere else, but I promise you will discover that you are more than a label.

Spring Celebration!

The altar was simply laid with the symbols of spring: hyacinths, which bloom early in the season, and strawberries, a spring fruit (at least here in Kentucky). We used sparkling cider as the ritual drink.

What celebration of Ostara would be complete without coloring some eggs? This year, we used the small eggs that Jordsvin's bantam hens lay. They were cute, and quite tasty afterwards in deviled form.

Photos from the retreat!

After a month of separation, it was good to see each other again at Blue Licks.

Some people came together, but pretended to be happy to see each other again anyway.

Hypatia led the retreat's ritual. As you can see, she was very particular about altar setup.



During the retreat, we had meditations, workshops, and some divinations for the new year. Here, Ken is asking Sophia what the Ten of Swords means. From the expression on his face, we suspect he already has an idea.

Chandonn braved the cold so we could have grilled hamburgers. Unfortunately, the chill affected his sense of direction.

At least, that's what he told us.

We were pleased that Karen could join us. She also brought dairy products, which we were equally pleased to have.

Prayer Retreat 2008

Our annual prayer retreat takes place this weekend. If you haven't been reading the listmail and want to attend, please contact Sophia X. Pharou for more information.

This retreat is the one we had to postpone last year due to a shortage of available cabins and PPD members being generally broke.