Untamed Fest is happening and I am so excited. June 3rd – 5th has been circled on my calendar since February and my ticket has already been purchased. I count the days down with each warming day as new buds appear through the dirt, and on the tree branches. And the excitement continues to build in my thoughts until the day I enter the festival gates.
Every day in my minds’ eye I reimagine the scenery as I make the trek up the mountain road. I am surrounded by beautiful remote natural settings of mountains and forests. I can feel the warm spring sunshine on my skin. Such a setting is what makes the festival experience so special to me and other pagans. We can feel our connection to Mother Earth getting stronger, our connection to the community growing. All our senses are awakened.
The many ways a festival transforms me and the whole community into a whole new world is very powerful. I forget the outside world, the hustle and bustle, and my daily stresses, for I know that when I return I will be better equipped to handle it. Rejuvenated by the rituals and workshops, awakened, and nourished.
The people make this scene what it is. I’m excited to see friends I have not seen in two years. Conversations come easy at festivals. When you spend time with others who feel as good as you do, and are like-minded, you also end up making new friends. I will leave a better person than when I came.
The whole experience from beginning to end stays with me. People at festivals care for each other and respect one another. The children witness people greeting, welcoming, embracing and communicating with each other. That is a valuable lesson in itself.
I love seeing people freely express themselves in attire, as no one judges. I love seeing others connect with their deities and become enlightened and enthused. This is the awesome pagan community I have come to love to be a part of.
And the drumming…when you feel the beat pulsating through your body, you experience a type of spiritual highness that is shared by everyone around you. The crackling of the fire, The smell of burning wood. The crispness of the night air.
And then I remember all of the preparations that it takes to create that amazing community event. All of the planning, the packing and the list making. I am inspired to do the work that needs to be done, knowing that we co-create this festival together. Together, we will be up on that mountain looking at the stars and feeling that connection.
Till then, Blessed Be.
Lyn McKensie
this sounds wonderful
can you join us?