I’ve completed another ‘series’ of watercolour paintings, this time depicting each of the Sabbats. They’re roughly based on the Sabbat cards from my oracle card deck, although rather more detailed!
Here are the first 4, plus the Wheel of the Year poster I also did;
1. Wheel of the Year
2. Beltaine
3. Imbolg
4. Litha
5. Mabon
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this post!
It was just… fantastic, and inspiring. Beautiful place, beautiful food, and, most of all, the most fantastic, intelligent, amazing and beautiful people. If any of the organisers happen upon this – thank you so much (and I’m sure this is speaking on behalf of all) for imagining, organising and holding such a brilliant event.
I finally got to meet other NeoPagans! And I was pretty damn impressed; everyone was so warm and welcoming, and the positive energy throughout the weekend was palpable. The Beltaine ritual itself was inspiring (and inspired), with energy raising via the spiral dance, and even a touch of comedy with the courtship of the Goddess. The maypole may not have been perfect, but it was beautiful nonetheless (and I’m so glad I danced it, it was an amazingly exhilarating experience).
The workshops also had a good balance between the Beltaine favourite (sex magick and associated crafts) and the more creative aspect of inspiration and abundance. I made a clay Goddess figure for my altar, I’ll post a picture of her later when I get time. Speaking of which, there were loads of people taking photographs, so I’m hoping plenty of those will surface on the Internet.
All in all, it was one of the most amazing things that I have ever experienced in my life, and I’m so completely glad that I went; and I’m grateful for the wonderful people that I met. It was refreshing to be able to just be with other people on the same wavelength (and they were a spiritual bunch indeed), in the quiet calm of the bush, weaving magick that will last us for the rest of the year.
I’ll definitely be attending any of their events in future (and I will be distinctly unhappy if university tries to thwart me in this), and so should all of you!
Last week, we put out a call to let the wider pagan community know that if
the Sydney Beltaine event did not get enough support numbers wise, we were
in danger of cancelling out the of the weekend entirely.Well, we’ve got some BRILLIANT news!
With some last minute bookings on Friday that literally *saved* us numbers
wise, and careful adjustments to our entertainment budget (ie we don’t have
a budget now and sorry to say that there will no longer be a live celtic
band performing) we’re now happy to announce that the event is still going
ahead!!!! Woo hooo!So, thank you to those in people in Sydney, Regional NSW and other States
around the country who are coming along to celebrate with us! Huzzah! Your
grass roots support means that we can still come together as a community and
celebrate Beltaine!How do I book in I hear you ask??? Go and have a look at our website which
has been updated with the new announcement and details of our limited
release day ticket option.*Sydney Betlaine 2008 Gathering*
17-19th October 2008Waterfall NSW
Bookings open until early October – dates to be confirmed….
An adults only (18yrs+) weekend gathering to celebrate Beltaine.
$140pp inc GST – includes all accommodation, catering and workshops &
rituals.Limited release of DAY TICKETS $70pp inc GST – Sat 18th Oct only – 8am to
midnight.As advertised in this current edition of Spellcraft (page 31) and thanks
again to all the groups and individuals who have passed on news of this
event – you’ve all been noted and thanked on our website, if I’ve missed
you, please give me a nudge and I’ll add you there! Thanks again!Bright Beltaine Blessings in advance,
Shannon
Woohoo! Thank you to all who helped support the event, and I’ll see you there!
Attention NSW Neo-Pagans! The good folks at Pagan Initiative are holding a celebratory gathering in Waterfall (beautiful national park location between Sydney and Wollongong) for Beltaine 2008, on the weekend of October 17th to 19th. However, they need more people to register in order for it to go ahead! So please, if you’re a member of the NeoPagan community in the area, give it some thought. They’ve lined up what looks to be a great weekend of workshops and ritual, take a look at the website and help make it happen!
(And yes, I have a vested interest – I’ve registered for what would be my first-ever NeoPagan event, I’d hate to see it get cancelled.)
Mile Beannachta!
