Merry Part
/Throughout the past few weeks, I’ve yammered on about how the brunt of mainstream knowledge on Paganism is dubious at best. This week, I will continue to do so– but with a twist!
This time around I’d like to tackle how Paganism might be perceived as some distant, secretive club, when we’d really love anyone interested to come give our faith a try. But instead of just taking my less-than–authoritative word on it, I think this is something best experienced first hand. As such, I’m dedicating this post to some of the festival and ritual spaces I’ve come to know and love.
One common ritual ground is Vincent Massey Park, home to a lovely forest clearing with a fire pit and sturdy benches perfect for potlucks. Even if you’re not interested in the Pagan experience, the park is a great place to have a picnic or go hiking surrounded by nature.
Close to Eganville, Ontario lies Raven’s Knoll, a campground dedicated to the yearly Kaleidoscope Gathering. I’ve been going to this festival longer than any others – however, these days it’s a bit too large for my socially awkward tastes. But if you enjoy big parties, the Knoll is a great place to start your Pagan education.
And dearest of all to my heart is Whispering Pines Campground in Curran, Ontario, previous host to Kaleidoscope Gathering and now home to Music in the Pines, a fantastic celebration of arts and spirituality. There have I spent many days hearing Bardic tales, and sleeping bag-occupied nights hearing the distant pounding of drums.
These are just some of the places I have been to so far, however. There are plenty of other fine Pagan gathering places all across Ontario and far beyond, and I’m sure each and every one of them would be an equally good starting place for any interested in this religious path; one far less terrifying than our numerous societal myths would suggest.
Take care now, my fair readers. There is nothing more I can teach, and yet so much to learn.
As it is said in my faith;
Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again.
Cover by Leahm Chenry
Nathan Mulcahy
Is a student in the 2013 Professional Writing program at Algonquin College, and a proud lord within the Principality of Sealand. He has a passion for editing, and assisted with The Secret Promise: Return of the Wishing Star by Kristin Groulx and his sister Daphney Beaulieu.
