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From Thursday of last week to Monday of this week, I was at Kaleidoscope Gathering, a paganpalooza fest in Ontario. This was my 4th time at a KG fest and, as someone else stated, I'm starting to see it as my "Sanctuary" time.
However, KG 2006 seemed a bit unbalanced this year. As with every KG I've attended, there was a night of extreme weather, but it occurred the night before I showed up. On Wednesday night, there was extreme rain and wind, and even a few tornadoes touched down about 30 minutes away. Everyone on site had to seek refuge in either the main house or the gazebo. For many, this was a bonding experience.
Then for those who turned up after the storm, it might have been more difficult for them to break into those groups. I don't think it was an overt thing, but as I spoke to many people, Friday was "off" for many people. The energy around the whole festival always seemed a bit "off".
But not enough to make the festival unpleasant and thoroughly rewarding. I led three workshops: 2 Warrior Circles (one for men, one for men/women) and a discussion entitled "Faith, Belief, and Knowledge". The discussion group was the most rewarding: it was animated and thought-provoking. One of the attendees took notes, so I'm hoping she'll send them to me. Of course, I participated in the Stag King competition again and I was pleased to see my friend Logan carry the prized antlers at the end.
I only attended a few workshops myself; it was mostly a relaxing fest with many days spent in the pond. I drummed, danced, made new friends, connected with old friends, comforted some, praised others, and told a few tales.
And by Monday, it was all over. I was ready to go home again, refreshed and inspired. Thanks to all of you who contributed to making my fest experience so rewarding. I'm already counting down to KG 2007.
However, KG 2006 seemed a bit unbalanced this year. As with every KG I've attended, there was a night of extreme weather, but it occurred the night before I showed up. On Wednesday night, there was extreme rain and wind, and even a few tornadoes touched down about 30 minutes away. Everyone on site had to seek refuge in either the main house or the gazebo. For many, this was a bonding experience.
Then for those who turned up after the storm, it might have been more difficult for them to break into those groups. I don't think it was an overt thing, but as I spoke to many people, Friday was "off" for many people. The energy around the whole festival always seemed a bit "off".
But not enough to make the festival unpleasant and thoroughly rewarding. I led three workshops: 2 Warrior Circles (one for men, one for men/women) and a discussion entitled "Faith, Belief, and Knowledge". The discussion group was the most rewarding: it was animated and thought-provoking. One of the attendees took notes, so I'm hoping she'll send them to me. Of course, I participated in the Stag King competition again and I was pleased to see my friend Logan carry the prized antlers at the end.
I only attended a few workshops myself; it was mostly a relaxing fest with many days spent in the pond. I drummed, danced, made new friends, connected with old friends, comforted some, praised others, and told a few tales.
And by Monday, it was all over. I was ready to go home again, refreshed and inspired. Thanks to all of you who contributed to making my fest experience so rewarding. I'm already counting down to KG 2007.
