Florida Pagan Gathering 2009

Life changing events don't happen very often; however, the events that make positive impact, inspire, motivate and forge friendship and camaraderie happen with more regularity; therefore, they are largely over looked as mundanely unimportant and. After all, it is likely to happen again real soon. Why the fuss?

Florida Pagan Gathering was such an event for me; however, mundanely unimportant is an insult to the experience, the event, the coordinators and the people I met. I want to make a bit of a fuss because, not only did I have F – U – N, I found like minds, common ground and acceptance. As a new author, these things are not a matter of regular timing. In a world of neo-paganism where new authors struggle to get their voices heard, FPG took a chance, let me speak and in turn I received far more than I could have hoped for and I believe those I met got a new perspective and new ideas. That was my plan anyway. ;)

Margot Alder, Chas S. Clifton, T. Thorn Coyle and Gavin and Yvonne Frost were presenters, along with me – sans book. However, it wasn't these esteemed contemporaries that were the only ones to honor me with their presence, insight and excitement. It was all the others I met along the way. I hope my photo album will soon reflect pictures of the events and people that made FPG such a wonderful experience.

In the meantime, here is my extremely condensed version of events that were important to me.

Balaenor – Chauffeur, confident, fellow karaoke fanatic and master of music was my first exposure to FPG. He took a panicked first time presenter, feed her hot chocolate and calmed her down. I was grateful and relieved. He also exposed me to Black Moors Night (help me out I couldn't find a website for them!), a band my husband I know is going to love.

I arrived to goody bags, spaghetti and meatballs, Anne Marie and the rest of the staff all excited, eager, welcoming and loving. Well feed, I went to bed peacefully. The next morning I took pictures of the beautiful site and met some of the 100s of participants. Then eventually, took my most dangerous and expensive journey into Vendor Row. My chauffeurs are certainly lighter.

I gave my first class and had a warm and welcome reception, as I did for all my classes. I met lots of families interested in Family Coven, the idea and forth coming book (Llewellyn Worldwide Press, Ltd.). I found that the topic was extremely hot during the highlight of my visit, the Author's Panel.

The authors' panel hosted by T. Thorn Coyle was themed Paganism: Past, Present and Future. Considering the guests of Margot Alder, The Frosts and Chas S. Clifton (Author of her hidden children, a book about how witchcraft came from Britain to become Wicca in America), the topic could not have had a better panel. My perspective of what I believe the future of Wicca to look like – filled with Family Coven's celebrating a varied spirituality in their own homes before they even step foot into the larger community, allowed for a well rounded and timely discussion. One that you can catch on Thorn's podcast Elemental Castings sometime in the next month.

I got equal pleasure from singing with Thorn on one of her songs during her set when she opened for Spiral Rhythms. Thorn's new album with Sharon Knight, Songs for the Strengthening Sun , is out now and complements their other CD, Songs for the Waning Year. Spiral Rhythms is also offering a new release, We are Light.

I meet some special people while during my stay that I wanted to mention here. Of course, Baleanor was already mentioned and worth mentioning again! Between Baleanor and Thorn I have a list of new music to look up including: Bauhaus, Rasputina, Zoe Keating and Spiral Dance. Sherry was the reliable rock upon which I could quietly whisper a need and see it quickly tended to. The Candy Ritual wouldn't have succeeded without her. Ann Marie, Gold Leader One whose supportive and encouraging words are addicting so I miss then already. She certainly seemed the glue that kept it altogether.

I had my first experience with Guardians, lead at this event by Trauma, what can I say? A group of people who give freely of their time to protect, mend and heal those who come to events. Trauma - Beautiful. Efficient. Precise. Courageous. Understanding. Loving. Wonderful AND going to be at Pagan Spirit Gathering with my own personal rescuer - Raja! I am so relieved!!!!!

Outside all those faces without names who make FPG such a great success and all of whom I wish I could recall now, I met lots of people who were attending the event that struck a chord with me.

Starting with Forest and Joe Butera who finally contradicted a famous saying made to me once, "There are no greater mysteries. Stop looking for them!"

Their workshop on The Keys to the Mysteries was not only pleasurable and informative – it fed my soul and my soul was thirsty. These two wonderful men are certainly ones I hope to continue to discuss the esoteric mysteries and schools in the future with. Especially as I explore The Order of International Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain. Their Blue Moon Wiccan Tradition seemed like something that had I found, FWTI might never had come about. Good thing I only meet them last week! *grin*

I met Kharyssa, TeriCaye, Terry, Noel, Emily, Gina, Andrew, Gaylan, Jo, Amanda, Dustie, Michelle, Adam and Tabitha Little who gave me her Family Coven's motto, "Live in faith not fear." I am thinking of adopting it. Not to mention those who pre-ordered the book including Carrie, Oyliah, Angela and Amanada.

From there the names and faces blended and appeared before me time again. Each one displaying a unique love of Divinity and a willingness to provide for me…me!?! There was a Bale Fire to jump and intentional magic made. There was new friends and colleagues found.

There is also a burning desire to find my way back and bring with me my own Family Coven, do battle with Floridian sand and dance again around the sacred flames, seriously. If you have never been to FPG, it is worth the trip, time and effort and I can't thank the FPG staff and numerous individuals too many to name for the opportunity and blessings.