2006 Photo Diary of the Original Metaphysical Gathering of the Tribes which was held April 27 thru 30 ` |
The Gathering was held at:
Elijah Clark State Park in Eastern Georgia
2959 McCormick Highway
Lincolnton, GA 30817
Located on the western shore of 70,000-acre Clarks Hill
Lake, this park is named for a frontiersman and Georgia war hero who led pioneers during
the Revolutionary War. A renovated and furnished log cabin museum displays furniture,
utensils and tools circa 1780 and is open for weekend tours April through November.
Visitors can also view the graves of Clark and his wife, Hannah. Anglers and boaters will
especially enjoy the park’s location on the largest man-made lake east of the
Mississippi River. Cottages are located on the lake’s edge, and the spacious
campground is nestled into the forest. There are 165 Campsites, 5 Picnic
Shelters, 2 Group Shelters and a
We loved this campground!!!! Bordered on one side by a lake, there are improved camp sites as well as RV hookups, Bath house, showers, ice, etc. This was a wonderful pagan community that demonstrated love and trust with Networking, Drumming, Music, Workshops, and a whole lot of Fun. The natural setting of the Lake was rich with ancient Native American energies that allowed us to renew our connection with the Mother! We welcomed over 110 Pagan and Earth Religion Practitioners some seekers and some High Priest and Elder.
Merry Meet! The 2006 Gathering provided us an opportunity to express our religious freedom of choice. We celebrated and honored the Old Ways of Spirit and Nature. Below is the summary of a TV interview held that weekend :
Lincolnton Wiccan festival stirs controversy
3:14 PM May 1, 2006
Kate Tillotson
A gathering of the tribes
was held this past weekend at Elijah Clark State Park.
More than 100 pagans arrived to celebrate...and some Christians protested the event.
You hear the word "witchcraft" and you think of a Hollywood film. Well, aside from nature and gods and goddesses, some pagans really do believe in and practice witchcraft...and that's not sitting well with some locals.
"Paganism incorporates a lot of different paths including witchcraft, druidery, you know, the Celtic paths," says Laura Wandrie, president of Pagans United.
Wandrie is concerned with the amount of discrimination her group has undergone since setting up camp in Lincolnton.
Local church groups have even lined the entrance with prayer messages. "They're going to hell...it's just that simple," says local Parrish Allen.
It's statements like this that led Pagans United to request extra security outside their site. Two officers stood guard, checking identification.
"The idea is they have requested privacy, and they as customers, we want to support them," says park manager Nelson Noble.
"This weekend is a first as far as any questions being asked about who we are," says pagan David Payne.
So just who are these over one hundred out-of-towners?
They say they're a group of family and friends practicing a federally recognized religion.
We checked it out and found no cauldrons...just crafts, music and conversation.
"I mean people are programmed. They're programmed from childhood to think that if it's not this way, it's wrong," Payne says.
"We have people fighting now," says Wandrie. "And they fight to give us the rights that we have. And we should be allowed to enjoy 'em."
Elijah Clark State Park was not the group's first choice, although it has worked out well for them. Their previous locations cancelled on them because of several neighbor complaints.
On the group's website it states they're hoping 2006 will be the beginning of a new era for pagan festivals.
To see the interview, go to: http://www.wrdw.com/news/headlines/2724126.html
The Gathering of the Tribes provided a common ground to appreciate the similarities between other paths and traditions. We shared the passion of our beliefs and what is sacred in our life, with others. Our Bardic and nightly Drum Circles provided a way to celebrate our coming together. We sang, danced, drummed, and felt the vibrations rising from the Earth with each beat of our hearts.
If you are already a child of the Gods - you should not miss the next gathering. If you are looking for your religious path, - you should come to the gathering. If you have been away from the peace of the arms of the Goddess - you should come to the gathering.
Maxine Sanders with her husband Alex Sanders were probably the most singly important founders of Wicca in the 60s besides Gerald Gardner.
Maxine was initiated into the Circle of Wicca in England in 1964 by the High Priest of that Coven - Alex Sanders, known throughout the world at that time as 'King of the Witches'. Maxine and Alex were Handfasted in 1965, and legally married in 1968.
The Sanders became household names during the sixties and seventies, almost single-handedly bringing Wicca, its practices and reality into the global consciousness.
It is widely acknowledged that the intense publicity surrounding the Sanders caused those with a leaning towards Paganism to break away from the bonds of mainstream religions. Despite the extreme interest by the paparazzi and legitimate news media, the many sincere Initiations performed in Maxine and Alex's Covensteads during and since that period, saw the inception of a lineage of Witchcraft that has since spread throughout the world.
Maxine is a highly respected Priestess of the Sacred Mysteries. She has encouraged, enabled and inspired students of the Priesthood to take on the conscious mantle of their spiritual potential. She believes the catalyst for that inspiration comes from the Cauldron of the Goddess in all its guises.
Among Maxine's students and Initiates are those who have written authoritative books and informative works on Modern Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism, Gods and Goddesses, Seasonal rituals, Sabbats, Ceremonial magic, and etc.
Several of Maxine's pupils have become accomplished teachers of esoteric knowledge and work internationally. However, most follow the traditional path and pass on the Sacred Mysteries within the hidden Inner realms of the Temples of the Goddess. This includes Janet and Stewart Farrar authors of many famous books on Witchcraft. Maxine initiated Stewart Farrar on the 21 February 1970.
While training with the Sanders' coven, Stewart met Janet Owen, another initiate who would later become his wife. Stewart and Janet working together earned their second degree later in 1970. At which time they decided to leave Alex and Maxine's coven go out on their own. They left and founded their own coven during the Yule festivities of 1970. On the 24th April 1971, they were granted with their third degree and became independent.
Today, Maxine practices the Art Magical and celebrates Craft rituals either in the mountains or in her stone cottage, Bron Afon. But, her vocation as a Priestess includes counseling those who are in need of kindness, truth and hope and is often approached by those in the Craft who are not too proud to test the strength of the shoulders of those who have gone before.
Let us honor this High Priestess who has given us so much and was responsible for Stewart and Janet Farrar and the many other craft authors and high priest/esses bringing Witchcraft and Wicca into the mainstream of consciousness.
Christopher Penczak
Christopher is the author of City Magick (Samuel Weiser, 2001), Spirit Allies (Samuel Weiser, 2002), The Inner Temple of Witchcraft (Llewellyn
2002), Gay Witchcraft: Empowering the Tribe (Weiser Books, 2003), The Outer Temple of
Witchcraft (Llewellyn 2004), The
Witch's Shield: Protection Magick and Psychic Self Defense,
and Magick of Reiki: Focused Energy for Healing, Ritual
and Spiritual Development. In 2002, City Magick won
Best Magic book from the Convention of Visionary Retailers. In 2003, he won the same award
for The Inner Temple of Witchcraft. Christopher is an eclectic witch, healer and
teacher in the New England area.
While in college, a long time friend and teacher introduced Christopher to the
principles of Witchcraft, meditation and spell work. At first he was skeptical, but his
experience with a healing spell at a full Moon ritual was enough to convince him that
there was truth to these ideas and he sought to understand more. He took classes with
Laurie Cabot, in her Witchcraft As A Science tradition. He was fascinated with the science
and philosophy of her teaching, grounding witchcraft in sound thinking and personal
experience. A psychic healing experience left him with a sense of empowerment and
spiritual connection. After this initial training, he studied with an assortment of
witches, shamans, yogis, psychic readers and healers in the New England area, developing
an eclectic path of personal witchcraft. He later focused on the healing arts, completing
training as a Reiki Master (Teacher) in the Usui-Tibetan and Shamballa traditions and
certification as a flower essence consultant.
After graduation from college, he soon found himself leading meditations and ritual
groups for friends seeking to know more about the Craft. During his time in the
Boston area, Christopher experimented with the ideas he later wrote about in his book City
Magick: Urban Rituals, Spells and Shamanism.
Although having no real interest in teaching formally, Christopher received a message
during a meditation in 1998 to start teaching more and begin writing. Thinking it was his
imagination, Christopher ignored it, saying to himself and the universe, "I'm too
busy with my music career. If you want me to teach, give me the time." The next week
he was laid off from his job and had plenty of time. Soon he was asked to present
workshops at local new age stores and centers. Christopher's practice focuses on
introspection, encouraging others to find their own path and create their own traditions
while having a solid foundation in the art, science and spirituality of witchcraft.
Currently Christopher continues to write books and articles while holding a teaching
and healing practice in New Hampshire, where he lives with his husband, science
fiction/fantasy author Stephen Kenson.
Rhuddlwm Gawr
Rhuddlwm Gawr is an author
of twenty + books including The Quest, The Way, The Word,
Celtic Crystal Magick Vol 1 & 2, and A Welsh Herbal, Rhuddlwm is devoting
substantial time and effort to writing additional books as well as reprinting his existing
titles. He is schooled in ancient Welsh magickal practices, has lectured at
conferences, is published in several journals, and will be teaching classes in several
metaphysical subjects.
Rhuddlwm Gawr is knowledgeable of ancient Celtic mystery religions; including Welsh Traditions of Paganism, Witchcraft and Druidism. He has a AA degree in Electronics from Capital Engineering Institute, Washington, DC; he has a BLA degree from the University of Georgia in Environmental Design with a minor in Ecology; and he has a DD (Doctor of Divinity) degree.
He has a ninth level initiation from the Welsh pagan religion of Dynion Mwyn and is an elder of both Y Tylwyth Teg and Dynion Mwyn. Through living the teachings of the Ancient Celts he has accomplished many of his life goals and continually creates new ones. He is an author of over 23 books on Welsh paganism and has presented workshops on Welsh Mysteries since 1966.
Laura Wandrie
Laura Wandrie is the Founder/President of
Pagans United, Wisconsin State Chair for Pagan Unity Campaign, Editor of the New Age
Journal Online, CEO of New Moon Productions, a website design, hosting/marketing firm, New
Age Travel Consultant for RMC Travel Company & Pagan Cruises Inc., Martial Artist,
Teacher, Air Force Veteran, and Celtic Priestess/Clergy.
Laura has been proud member of the Pagan Community for the last 20 years, spending a great deal of her time as an activist for Environmental and Religious Freedom Issues. A natural Intuitive and healer, she will be providing information on Politics and Paganism, Yoga, Martial Arts, Ethics, Meditation, and Witchcraft.
Part Cherokee and Irish, she has spent her life studying many different cultures and religions, Laura believes that there is not one just one correct way to the great spirit, but rather many; each with their own truths. Simply because something is different does not make it wrong ... just different. Each person must be free to explore and practice that which they believe to be the correct path (As long as it harms none) for themselves without ridicule or fear.
"As a members of the Pagan Community, we must learn to put aside our differences and join together to in order to promote true Religious Freedom and to share in our duty as the guardians of Mother Earth. How can we ask others to be tolerant of our paths if we cannot get along? We live in unstable times and it's well past time to set aside the ego's and the judgments and stand together for the benefit of us all and the world we live in." - Laura Wandrie
From Marak:
Hope all of you had a wonderful Beltaine weekend. Mine was full from
Thursday thru Sunday. I was blessed to have been able to attend The Gathering of the
Tribes. It was good to meet new friends and see the friends of old. Alot was accomplished
this weekend and I can't wait till next year. Mike and I was able to meet and sit in one
of
Christopher Penczak's classes(plenty of pics taken). We met Maxine Sanders and took more
pics. It was good to see Anissa again, and always a pleasure to sit and listen to
Moonstruck. I am looking forward to seeing Steve again soon. There was so much that went
on that I can't even begin to try and fit it all here, so until next time.
May Odin and Frigga bless you always,
Marak
Chris Penczak and Marak |
 Marak and Maxine Sanders |
|
Bill,
I had an amazing time. My feet hurt, I walked around too much bare footed and Scott is fixing me dinner. I hope eventually the idea of an elder sets in with Andrew. I'm sure your daughter will wish she had been there as well. I was personally delighted to have an opportunity to dance the May Pole again. (I've never done that in the dark). We'll talk soon. Thanks for everything. I know you'll sleep well tonight.
Regards,
Kimberli
 Lord Senthor of Moon Struck
|
Maxine Sanders H.P. and Elder |
From Virginia Villareal: I would like to share some of the wonderful experiences that I had at the gathering. First of all I would like to say thank you to my teacher, my friend, my sister, laura who made my initiation a beautiful memory in my life. i love you, girl. and i would also like to say thanks to my brother, keith for making my initiation a memory that i will never forget. you two are the most wonderful people i have met and i am so blessed to have you in my life. second of all i would like to say thanks to Summer, Lori, Kathryn, and the other lady that gave me the yellow robe for being part of my initiation. i am very happy with the initiation. i am truely blessed. and i am thrilled that i got to meet you all. i am sorry that i didnt get a chance to talk to most of u a little longer but with the trip being so long and my truck breaking and being on the side of the road for about 14 hours and taking care of theressa's medications, i was lucky i was awake and not a zommbie the whole time. i would have loved to just sit and talk to you guys but i guess we all had other things to do too. maybe next time it wont be so hectic for any of us. i also want to thank Christopher and Maxine for the wonderful talks and for being so down to earth with us. i enjoyed talking to them on a one to one basis as well. the ritual, saturday night was wonderful. and although there werent enough drumming done at the gathering it was an experience to say the least. These were the highlights of the festival for me. Virginia |
Cynthia and Chris Penczak |
|
From Sandra Hurne:
I just want to say: Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
I agree with you. It was wonderful, and I am glad that I did not have to miss a minute of it! I met so many wonderful people, and learned so much! I enjoyed both Maxine and Chris, and feel privledged to have met them and heard them speak. Thank you for arranging for them to be there. Every workshop that I was able to attend was wonderful. Looks like I can't think of anything negative to say, doesn't it!?! (Except that it had to end, perhaps...)
It was such a positive experience that I will be putting in for vacation time AS SOON as you let us know what next Gathering's dates are!
Blessed Be!
Sandra Hurne
Maxine Sanders with Lady Rhiannon and Coven from Michigan |
|
Lord Rhuddlwm with Lady Rhiannon |
Maxine giving Lecture to audience of 70+ participants |
|
|
|
Lori (DM rep from Pennsylvania) and Maxine |
|
? |
|
|
|
Maxine and Lady Rhiannon |
Maxine and ?
|
Lake Clark Hill (Fantastic Gathering Location) |
Cynthia and Maxine |
Sponsors Were:
Camelot Press Group, Inc. a non-profit organization,
incorporated in the state of Georgia publishes Metaphysical Books and sponsors Gatherings
and Festivals in Georgia and in other locations around the U.S.
Religious Freedom
Coalition of the Southeast. is a non-denominational
organization which welcomes all religions in a spirit of freedom of religion.
Pagans United founded by Laura Wandrie, promotes freedom of,
and tolerance for, all religions, but particularly paganism, through education, increased
awareness, and activism. Their efforts are conducted within a framework that at all times
honors Mother Earth and promotes harmony in the Universe. Several
members from Pagans United will be present at their booth to answer questions and meet
with others. Their homepage is at http://www.pagansunited.com.
The Celtic Church of Dynion Mwyn, Inc. is of the Welsh tradition. Classes are held in the USA and United Kingdom. Their homepage is at: http://www.dynionmwyn.com/dynionmwyn/dynionmwyn23.html
Association of Cymry Wiccae, Inc. a non-profit religious organization in the U.S., charters churches and provides a non-profit umbrella for Welsh and Celtic Earth religion churches. Their homepage is at: http://www.dynionmwyn.com/association/cymry.html
The South Eastern Pagan Alliance (SEPA) are Covens and Groves of Wiccans and Other Earth Religion groups who reside in the Southeastern Community and wish to work toward unifying behind common beliefs and solving common concerns of our community. The Southeastern Pagan Alliance was formed for the purposes of enabling networking among Southeastern Pagans; providing outreach to the broader Pagan Community; providing educational materials on Paganism for Southeastern Pagan congregations and the general public; promoting Pagan and Christian dialogue; encouraging the development of theological and liturgical materials based on earth and nature centered religious and spiritual perspectives; encouraging greater use of music, dance, visual arts, poetry, story, and creative ritual in Pagan worship and celebration; providing support for identified Pagan religious professionals and ministerial students; and fostering healing relationships with our Mother the Earth and all her children. Their Homepage is at: http://www.dynionmwyn.com/sepa.html
AND OTHERS.
MoonStruck
Lord Senthor and Moonstruck will
be handling the music for the Gathering of the Tribes 2006. Their participation
in the 2005 Gathering was much appreciated and greatly enjoyed!!! Lord Senthor's
drum work is amazing. He plays a mean voodoo rhythm which has to be
experienced. When Moonstruck started out playing music at Sabbats and
different gatherings, there were very few songs dedicated to the God and Goddess, Father
Sun and Mother Earth and the Nature Spirits. So they began writing and collecting songs.
Their songs found a home in all earth religions and many of them became classics. Visit
their web page HERE
Moonstruck's sound is more authentic than polished, deeply heartfelt and never formulaic. From their tuneful original compositions like "The Burning" and the title tracks, to the haunting chants derived from actual Pagan rituals, these albums provide an enjoyable glimpse into an alternative music scene that may possibly be new age's next big genre.
From a Review in New Age Voice MagazineShining Wheel Pagan Chorus
Shining Wheel Pagan Chorus
has been performing publicly for 2 years while they've simultaneously been in the studio
making a CD.
They had no idea what they were getting themselves into when the High Priestess said
"Hey , let's get together and co-create a chant CD!"
"Our chants are all original works and are easy to sing along with to raise energy
during rituals. Besides, they're fun!!!"
Founded in 1994, Shining Wheel is an eclectic American Wiccan coven located in Clearwater,
Florida. Our members include midwives, real estate brokers, investment counselors,
paramedics, programmers, musicians, and massage therapists, to name a few. Many of us
teach Craft related classes in the community, and we provide open public rituals
periodically during the year. http://shiningwheel.org
Shining Wheel Pagan Chorus
is: Crystal Belden, Lisa Fetter, Chance Gray, Dian Gorsira aka Nahani, Jillian, Jamie
Kiefner, Brian Morse, Andrew Newlove, Lori Newlove, Amy Otero, Brian Seachrist, Charles
Simmons, Susan Simmons, Vicki, Kathi Wahls, Leah Wall and Scott Wall
Editor, Newage Journal Online
Go to www.cdbaby.com/shiningwheel
Camelot Press Group, P.O. Box 673206, Marietta, GA 30006-0036 e-mail - Click Here Phone: Camelot at e-mail for phone number
There have been |
 |
Copyright © 2006 by Gathering of
the Tribes, Inc. All rights reserved. |
