Topic: Life
Since the ugliness began several months ago over the announcement that the Pagan Spirit Gathering would no longer be held at Wisteria during the Summer Solstice, I have remained relatively quiet about the situation (some might even say uncharacteristically quiet). But now, I feel I must have a say in order to finally put all the negativity and pain behind me and move on to Camp Zoe with a heart and a soul that is ready to celebrate with my Pagan brothers and sisters. A cleansing, as it were.
I think that some people have the delusion that Pagans are nothing more than harmless happy shiny hippies who just like to frolic naked around bonfires deep in the woods. The truth is that being a Pagan is far more complex and has a variety of different meanings depending on who you talk to. I call myself a Wittan (Weedan) far more often than I call myself a 'Pagan' but I embrace both because I am both.
I believe that most Pagans are of what I call a "tribal" mind, meaning that though we may not all follow identical religiosity we embrace one another in our belief that nature is sacred. It is nature itself that binds us to one another in a very real sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. If one of us hurts than all of us hurt.
That being said, however, I also realize that above our individual spirituality and our individual aspirations that sometimes the mundane weaknesses of being human often get in the way of things. Spite and jealousy to name only a few.
In truth, I don't know how all this unfortunate business got started although I think its clear by all accounts that trouble had been brewing for some time between Circle and Wisteria. I remember remarking to my friend Pele this past gathering that there was something wrong, I could just feel it. Everything was out of balance. He too felt it as I did. I don't think either one of us could even fathom how out of balance things really were.
Within just a few short months came the announcement, the Pagan Spirit Gathering would no longer be held at Wisteria. As if this news wasn't difficult enough to absorb, there was this adolescent attitude of the Wisterians, a sort of "Nyah! Nyah! Nyah!" in the face of those of us that had to pay a pretty penny for the past five years so they could have that nice new stage for their outdoor concert area (instead of much needed shower and toilet facilities)... but, I digress.
I've done a great deal of soul searching over the past several months since this announcement was made in October. About where I stand, about loyalty and about kinship and I believe I am finally standing on more solid ground... or as solid as it can be for an air sign with strong influences of fire (okay, Pagans will get this bit of humor :P)
Yes, Wisteria was beautiful. But the reason it was beautiful was because of the color and vitality we gave to the land... not the other way around. It came from the rhythms of our drums, the songs in our voices, every embrace we gave to one another with unselfish desire, and every ounce of love we feel for one another even after the solstice fades. The magic is in the land because we make it.
This celebration, the Pagan Spirit Gathering, is more than just a welcoming of the Summer Solstice. It's a family reunion. A chance for those of us who are apart for a year to return to one another, to share laughter, tears, and bask in the blessings of having one another as part of our lives.
If the Wisterians could not see how important this event was to those of us who embrace our tribe so lovingly then we never belonged there to start with. I finally see that now.
So, this June 2009, I will attend the Pagan Spirit Gathering with new ground beneath my feet but the same sky above me among the same people whom I have loved what seems like a lifetime; Scotty, Pele, Jase, Luno, Erick, Monica, Utu, Dawn, Caitlin, Paul, Dan, and Tereesa. There would be no 'Spirit' in the Gathering for me without these very special people.
One final word about Wisteria and the Wisterians and then I will not speak of either again. Nevermind the titles we as individuals cling to; Pagan, Wiccan, Druid, Enviromentalist, Naturist, lets shed those for just a moment and get down to the bare basic... Human. As human beings saddled with the same weaknesses and foibles as we all share. What joy, even in the short term, can there be in kicking a fellow human being when they are down? From my point of view those of us who are supporters of Circle were treated with complete contempt and disregard by some of the Wisterians. The slew of taunting and snotty postings on Circle associated lists by a select number of Wisterians in response to the initial reaction of the announcement of the dissolvement was then and now, to me, unforgivable. I guess you could say that I'm a soft gooey Pagan on the outside, but still hard jaw-breaking Irish in the center. Wisterians? As my Grandpa used to say "Be careful what bridges you burn, you can't climb over ashes." Because, though the cries have hushed and we are all moving forward, the damage has been done and cannot be undone. To you and your land I bid thee farewell now and forever with no regret.
Now, back to my wooziness and fighting off this flu that has me bed ridden. But hey, at least I'm on a brand new mattress. So every cloud does have a soft pillowy silver lining :)
Brightest Blessings.