Articles — festivals

What's in your chalice? Ceremonial drinks for every season

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

What's in your chalice? Ceremonial drinks for every season

Passing the cup is a time-honored rite that's part of many a Pagan gathering. The act of blessing and sharing a beverage is certainly more important than what's in the vessel—but that doesn't mean the contents should be overlooked entirely. Celebrating with a seasonal beverage is a great way to honor the turning of the Wheel. If you've been filling your ritual chalice with boxed wine and Sprite since the beginning of time...well, read on. The suggestions in this article are based on traditional correspondences. Of course, what fruits and vegetables are in season depends on your climate and location....

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How to use songs and chants in Pagan ritual

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

How to use songs and chants in Pagan ritual

Group singing can truly elevate a public ritual--raising energy, setting the mood, and bringing people together in a profound way. But it can also be a major pitfall. Most people get nervous about singing in public, and a bad musical number can wreck an otherwise well-planned ritual. The decision to include music in your Pagan ritual is a great gamble—the risks are real, but the payoff can be worth it. The seven tips in this article will help you maximize participation and impact when presenting music as part of your open rituals. Keep it simple. Don’t overestimate the ability of...

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DFW Pagan Unity Festival 2015

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

DFW Pagan Unity Festival 2015

We were thrilled to take part in this year's Pagan Unity Festival.  (Dallas didn't have an "official" Pagan Pride Day in 2015.) 400+ Dallas area Pagans and friends attended the free outdoor festival.  Beautiful weather and tons of activities and vendors made it a day to remember.  See you in 2016! I was peddling lots of awesome wares, including my new lathe-turned wands, leather journals, painted signs, jewelry and pendulums.  It was my first time bringing the whole shebang.  We had a canopy, three tables, and enough merchandise to fill a 10x10 space and boy, was I exhausted.  But it...

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What to bring to a Pagan festival: Your other packing list

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

What to bring to a Pagan festival: Your other packing list

From late Spring to Fall, Pagan camping season is in full swing. It's a time to meet up with old friends, share music and ritual, and enjoy some time with Nature. If you're like us, annual campouts with kindred souls may just be the highlight of the year! Any gathering is better when you're well-prepared. Once you've made your list of basic camping gear (bedding, sunscreen, etc.), here's a few more ideas to make your trip a memorable one: Food or drink to share.  Nothing breaks the ice like breaking bread! The ancient ritual of sharing with strangers is dear...

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