SWEETWOOD TEMENOS
  • The Five Values of Sweetwood
  • Our Story
  • Covid-19
    • Calendar of Events
  • FAQ
  • Member's Blogs and Journals
  • Gallery
  • Contact

Freedom Festival another comment 

8/7/2012

0 Comments

 
Mary Siegle
Aug 7 

It was possibly the hottest Freedom Festival we've had. Whew! On the bright side, though, we didn't have to contend with storms, mud, wet tents etc. And the insect population was down as a consequence of the dry weather. The only dampness was the sweat from the heat.

On the drive up to SweetWood on the fourth I was feeling discouraged because the number of registered participants was very small for the second year in a row. And some of the people who usually are there wouldn't be this year because of the extreme heat, health concerns, or other commitments. Among those were some of my dearest long-time friends from Minneapolis -- Martin and Magenta, and Rosa and Ben.

Kyril also wasn't able to make it this year and I was bummed about all of that. But I discovered that, while small registration numbers are not good financially, they can make Freedom Festival a very intimate and relaxed experience. Because of the heat and the small numbers, there was a very flexible attitude toward the schedule of workshops. A few planned activities were skipped with no regrets because, quite frankly, it was much better sitting around in the shade of the shelter just talking. I didn't have the energy to run myself ragged. 

For me, one of the highlights of Freedom Festival this year was the ritual on Friday night centered on envisioning, and raising energy to manifest, paradise on earth. We each spoke our vision and added herbs to the water in the cauldron as we spoke. Then, each chanting a word or phrase, we directed energy to the water. Lovely ritual. I took some pictures afterward of the cauldron and altar and have posted them.

There were other highlights as well. After the main ritual on Saturday night, watching the fire spinners practice their art was awe-inspiring. It more than made up for not having fireworks. But the best part of the festival was, as usual, the person-to-person connections. Every year I look forward to reconnecting with those who I only see once a year. I also love meeting new people. Despite the small attendance, this year was no exception.

Thanks to all who were there, for helping to re-charge my batteries. Every year I look forward to seeing friends I only see there once a year -- also meeting new people I've never met before. A particular treat -- Julie B. was there. 


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    January 2016
    October 2014
    July 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    July 2013
    June 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    December 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    December 2010
    February 2010
    November 2009
    July 2009
    May 2009
    April 2009
    March 2009
    February 2009
    December 2008
    October 2008
    September 2008
    August 2008
    May 2008
    March 2008
    February 2008
    January 2008
    October 2007
    July 2007
    February 2007
    December 2006
    October 2006
    July 2006
    May 2006
    April 2006
    February 2006
    January 2006
    December 2005
    November 2005
    October 2005
    March 2005
    July 2004
    July 2003
    February 2003
    December 2002
    October 2002
    September 2002
    July 2002

    Categories

    All
    A Meditation For The Fall Equinox
    A Poem
    April Rains Brings A Sunday Walk
    A Winter’s Day And A Priest
    A Winters Vision
    Beltaine
    Earth Day
    Earthkeepers Autumn Gathering
    February New Moon Mediation On Self Knowledge
    First Fruits Harvest Celebration And Ritual 2008
    Freedom Fest
    Imbolc
    Inspiration By Brigit An Invocation
    I Stand Naked As A Witness
    Mabon
    March New Moon Meditation On Deep Friendship
    Morning LIbation
    Morning Thoughts
    October New Moon 2005
    On Self Knowledge And Its Value
    Ostara
    Pagan Pride
    Poetry
    Positive Self Regard And Social Responsibility
    Positive Sexuality
    Regarding Sweetwood Marriage
    Samhain
    Spring Equinox
    Summer Solstice Celebration 2013
    Sweetwood Fall Equinox Celebration
    Sweetwood Labor Day Camp And Drum Weekend
    Sweetwood Temenos Drum And Camp Labor Day Gathering
    The Tree Of Life: A Dream Of An Organic Myth Of The Cosmos
    To A Friend Some History And Back Ground
    Trees Of Life
    WINTER And The Element Of Earth
    Yule

    RSS Feed