| DVPN's Summer Social |
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| Written by Morgan Lee Beard | |
| Monday, 18 September 2006 | |
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This year's Summer Social was blessed with a beautiful sunny -- if very hot -- day in a brand-new location, Ft. Washington State Park. We had a pavilion reserved at the Flourtown Day Use Area, which is a bit away from the rest of the park, but there was plenty of space in the pavilion and picnic tables in the surrounding area to spread out. Several local artists set up exhibits of their art, including Jon (Tempest) and Brenda Miller, who brought Pagan-themed wreaths and rune stones; Wendy Sheridan and her beautiful quilted squares; a hooked rug from Irene Reinke; and Kanntara's colorful dyed textiles. In addition, Reiki practitioner Michael B. did energy work, while his lovely wife Siog did tarot readings. Later in the afternoon, Raffaella set up a demonstration of Viking wire weaving, with enough wire to share for the people who wanted to give it a try. The day kicked off with a lovely opening ritual by the Red Crescent Path Coven celebrating unity in the community. The main working was a bit of knot magic, in which red, white, and black cords, braided together, were passed around for everyone to tie a knot and add their energy. After a break for lunch, the classes started. Karen McFadden of Sacred Crossroads taught a class on building effective ritual, including techniques for raising energy. Not too far away, professional dog trainer Carol Minnich -- accompanied by her four-legged assistants Thor and Pepper -- gave attendees some hints on how to be a dog whisperer. At one point the dogs howled, trying to rival the chanting in the ritual class! DVPN President Franklin Evans gave participants instruction in how to dance the Spiral Dance, which came in handy during closing ritual. Meanwhile, Judy started off a three-part series of magick classes courtesy of the Thelesis Oasis of the O.T.O. Her class was on Self-Transformational Magick, followed by a discussion of Thelema by SororML, followed by a discussion of the OTO and what it does by Brother Howard. Meanwhile, local author Jason Miller (Inominandum) conducted a class on magickal self-defense, including reversals and counter-spells. The day finished up with a wonderful closing ritual put on by the Sacred Crossroads coven. The theme of the ritual was also unity of the community and support of DVPN. After some energy raising, including dancing and chanting, the members of the DVPN board came forward and each planted a hibiscus seed in a cauldron in the center. (The seeds later sprouted and are doing very well.) The ritual ended with drumming and energy release, and everyone wended their way home. All in all, it was a great event. We had a little bit of trouble with the park rangers during the afternoon, who made us put away our literature table -- and people who brought tents had to take them down -- because we were Òproselytizing. For that reason, I wouldn't recommend Ft. Washington State Park for other Pagan events, but fortunately it didn't put too much of a damper on things. I'd like to thank all the members of the Membership Committee for their help in setting things up; the Red Crescent Path Coven and Sacred Crossroads for two fantastic rituals; and all the exhibiting artists and instructors for their contributions. And, of course, to everyone who came -- it was wonderful to meet you, and I hope to see you again!             |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 18 September 2006 ) |
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