The March equinox pagan event is a celebration that aligns with the changing of the seasons. During this time, the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. This event is significant for pagans who follow earth-based spiritual practices, as it represents a balance between light and dark, day and night. Many pagan traditions view the equinox as a time of rebirth and new beginnings. It is seen as a time of fertility and growth, as the earth awakens from the cold winter months. Pagans often engage in rituals and ceremonies to honor the changing season and to connect with the natural world.

Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick

It all started in a Bay Shore basement. It was the mid-1960s, and Raymond Buckland, leader of what became known as the Long Island Coven, had been collecting historical witchcraft objects, oddities, and occult paraphernalia for years. He amassed hundreds of pieces, and with shelves bursting he eventually moved into larger quarters, opening the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magick.

Buckland was inspired by his mentor Gerald Gardner, and the gallery has many objects originally owned by the father of “Gardnerian” Wicca. Alongside are items from the Salem Witch Trials, Egyptian funerary figurines called “ushabtis,” and artifacts owned by magicians, astrologers, fortune tellers, and pagan community elders.

In addition to being a coven leader, Buckland was a busy writer and lecturer on the move, and his collection came along with him. Over the years it lived in New Hampshire, came through some legal disputes in New Orleans, and eventually ended up in storage in Columbus, Ohio. Now, with a new curator and small gallery to show it off, it has been reborn as the Buckland Gallery of Witchcraft and Magick.

Although space is limited, a large portion of the collection is on display. There’s even room for the Demon in a Box, captured by Buckland in the 1970s with the help of a ceremonial magician.

Know Before You Go

The museum is located about 10 minutes from downtown.

Parking behind the building and along the street. Photos are allowed (no flash) but the curator respectfully asks no video.

Check the museum's website for current opening times and tickets.

Witch's Hole Multiple Use Area

The 451-acre Witch's Hole Multiple Use Area and it's adjacent 140-acre parcel of forest preserve are accessed through neighboring Minnewaska State Park (leaves DEC website) via the Old Smiley Carriage Road, which is open to hiking and other non-motorized recreation.

Pagans often engage in rituals and ceremonies to honor the changing season and to connect with the natural world. One common pagan practice during the March equinox is the creation of an altar or sacred space. This can be done indoors or outdoors, and typically includes items such as fresh flowers, symbolic representations of the elements, and candles.

Featured Activities

Hiking

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

Witch's Hole Multiple UA features Old Smiley Carriage Road, which is an unmarked multi-use trail open to hiking and other non-motorized recreation. This trail winds across the southern portion of the unit and runs through the neighboring Minnewaska State Park (leaves DEC website) as well.

Primitive Camping

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

There are no designated campsites on this state forest however, at-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Hunting

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include small game (especially squirrels), turkey, deer, and bear.

Trapping

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include small game (especially squirrels), turkey, deer, and bear. There are trapping opportunities for wide‐ranging predator species such as fisher, bobcat, and coyote, but trappers won't find very many aquatic furbearers such as beaver or muskrat.

Cross-Country Skiing

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

Witch's Hole Multiple Use Area is open to cross-country skiing in the winter. There are no groomed or maintained trails, however cross-country skiing is permitted on all forest roads and hiking trails.

Snowshoeing

General information on snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

Witch's Hole Multiple Use Area is open to snowshoeing in the winter. There are no groomed or maintained trails, however snowshoeing is permitted on all forest roads and hiking trails.

Watchable Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state

A variety of wildlife can be found within the unit. In addition to the notable game species such as small game, turkey, deer, bear, fisher, bobcat, and coyote, various birds may be found. These include common raven, bald eagle, osprey, warblers, owls, flycatchers, hawks, and other songbirds, plus at-risk species such as peregrine falcon, Cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, and golden-winged warbler. Reptiles and amphibians that may be found include a variety of turtles, snakes, salamanders, frogs and toads, plus the at-risk timber rattlesnake, marbled salamander, Jefferson salamander, wood turtle and eastern box turtle.

Directions

The most direct route to Witch's Hole State Forest is along the Old Smiley Carriage Road which begins at the Berme Road Town Park in Ellenville, NY. The old road will take you through the southern portion of Minnewaska State Park (leaves DEC website) before entering Witch's Hole MUA. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules of Minnewaska State Park (leaves DEC website) due to the fact that they may differ slightly with DEC State Land Regulations.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Witch's Hole Multiple Use Area must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Snowmobiling, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules of Minnewaska State Park (leaves DEC website) as they may differ with DEC State Land Regulations.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed the Shawangunk Ridge Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF, 10MB) which describes the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions about this UMP, please email us at [email protected] .

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Minnewaska State Park
• Shawangunk Ridge State Forest
• Roosa Gap State Forest
• Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest
• Vernooy Kill State Forest
• Sundown Wild Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Ellenville and Kerhonkson.
• Lodging and dining opportunities along with food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Naponoch, Ellenville, and Kerhokson.

Ulster County Tourism can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.

What Are Witches’ Marks?

Witches’ marks - ritual protection symbols or apotropaic marks - have been found in many historic places, from medieval churches and houses, to barns, and caves.

The word 'apotropaic' comes from the Greek word for averting evil. The marks were usually scribed onto stone or woodwork near a building’s entrance points, particularly doorways, windows and fireplaces, to protect inhabitants and visitors from witches and evil spirits.

They date back to times when belief in witchcraft and the supernatural was widespread. Magical symbols and ritual objects were a common part of life from around the 16th to the early 19th century.

The altar serves as a focal point for meditation, reflection, and offering gratitude for the abundance of the earth. Some pagan traditions also participate in a ritual called "spring cleaning" during the equinox. This involves physically cleaning and decluttering one's living space, as well as energetically clearing out any stagnant or negative energy. It is believed that by cleansing the physical and energetic environment, one can make room for new growth and positive energy to flow in. Additionally, pagans may engage in activities such as planting seeds or tending to a garden, as a way to symbolize the growth and renewal associated with the equinox. This can be done individually or as a community, fostering a sense of unity and connection. Overall, the March equinox pagan event is a time for pagans to celebrate the changing of the seasons and to reconnect with the rhythms of nature. It is a time of balance, growth, and new beginnings. Through rituals, ceremonies, and acts of gratitude, pagans honor the earth and seek to harmonize their own lives with the cycles of the natural world..

Reviews for "The Sacred Feminine and the March Equinox: Pagan Symbols and Rituals"

1. Karen - 1 star: I attended the March equinox pagan event with high hopes, but I was thoroughly disappointed. The event lacked organization and seemed thrown together at the last minute. The workshops were poorly planned, with disorganized speakers who were ill-prepared. The atmosphere was chaotic and it was difficult to engage in any meaningful discussions or activities. Overall, the event felt like a waste of time and money. I would not recommend it to anyone.

2. John - 2 stars: While I appreciate the effort put into organizing the March equinox pagan event, I found it to be too focused on commercial aspects rather than spiritual significance. The event was overcrowded, which made it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the rituals and ceremonies. Additionally, there was a lack of diversity in the workshops and presentations, which limited the overall experience. It seemed more like a market fair with various vendors rather than a sacred gathering. I left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed.

3. Sarah - 1 star: The March equinox pagan event was a complete disappointment. The advertised lineup of presenters and performers was misleading, as many of them canceled last minute, leaving the event lacking in substance. The venue was cramped and uncomfortable, and the organizers did not adequately address the issue. The workshops were scattered and poorly timed, making it difficult to attend the ones I was most interested in. Overall, it felt like a disorganized and chaotic event that did not live up to its promises. I would not attend again.

4. Ryan - 2 stars: The March equinox pagan event had potential, but it fell short in execution. The workshops and rituals were not well-planned or thought out, resulting in a lack of meaningful experiences. The event lacked a clear sense of direction and purpose, leaving attendees feeling confused and disconnected. Additionally, the organizers seemed unprepared to handle the large crowd, leading to long wait times and disorganization. While there were some enjoyable moments, overall, it was not a satisfying experience.

5. Emily - 1 star: I had high hopes for the March equinox pagan event, but I was sorely disappointed. The event was poorly organized, with long lines and disorganized workshops. The venue was overcrowded and did not provide adequate space for the number of attendees. The whole experience felt rushed and lacking in depth. The advertised spiritual connection and celebration of the equinox were overshadowed by the chaotic and underwhelming atmosphere. I would not recommend this event to anyone seeking a meaningful pagan experience.

The March Equinox: Pagan Perspectives on Balance and Harmony