The Pagan Festival in Ohio is an annual celebration that brings together people from different pagan paths and traditions. This festival is held in a beautiful natural setting, allowing participants to connect with the elements and embrace their spiritual journey. The festival offers a wide range of workshops, rituals, and activities designed to promote personal growth and exploration of pagan beliefs. Attendees can attend workshops on various topics such as tarot reading, crystal healing, herbalism, and divination. Rituals are an integral part of the festival, allowing participants to connect with the divine, honor ancestors, and celebrate the cycles of nature. These rituals often involve dancing, chanting, drumming, and other forms of expressive arts.

Pagan Community Notes: Week of September 4, 2023

CLEVELAND – From August 18-20, 2023, the Pagan community of NE Ohio gathered for their 14th annual Pagan Pride celebration between Cleveland and Akron in the town of Bedford.

This year, Cleveland Pagan Pride was joined by well-known author and artist Laura Tempest Zakroff, musician Brian Hencke, and columnist Cheryl Costa as well as the Stone Creed Grove of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF). Zakroff told The Wild Hunt, “It was a fantastic event – very organized and dedicated folks who put it on – you could tell that through & through – great community feel and a lovely location. The overall reception was positive and very welcoming.”

Some Evangelical Christians, however, decided to “participate” in the festivities. While everyone is welcome at Pagan Pride events, their behavior at the event was not. They were offering “supernatural hugs” as an opening to proselytize.

Cheryl Fritz of Euclid, Ohio, runs Inside Out Training and Equipping School, “a school of supernatural ministry offering live online & offline classes globally.” Among the courses she offers include casting what appears to be time-stop magic (“Supernatural Time”) and clairvoyance (“Seeing in the Spirit”). She also hosts a YouTube channel that covers Christian supernatural topics such as “How to raise the Dead” and “modern day multiplication miracles” (Note: not related to arithmetic).

Fritz publically posted on Facebook her account of her and her friend, Noel’s, activity :

The game plan for tonight was to become portals for God’s presence to flow through. We set out to introduce the supernatural presence, power, and love of God to those who are pagans, witches, reiki masters, and others in the occult. Secondly, we wanted to do so in an “under the radar” type of way for two reasons (1) We wanted to go without getting kicked out. This is a harvest field and we want to be able to go back. (2) We wanted to build lasting connections that can lead to long-term discipleship opportunities. So anyway, here’s what happened. We held up signs that said “Supernatural Hugs.” Then when people approached us we explained that we were going to gently hug them for about a minute or two with an expectation that something positive and wonderful would happen. God showed up over and over again bringing healing, deliverance, prophetic words, words of knowledge and so much more.

Not only that, but we also explained that we teach classes pertaining to the supernatural and invited them to leave their contact information so we could reach out to them for training. Almost every single person gave us their contact info.

What sometimes happens is that well-intentioned people get lured into the dark side of the supernatural. After all, most Sunday morning services include speaking and more speaking and more speaking, with very little, if any, demonstration.

In response to that people sometimes get sucked into anything spiritual, even if it’s the wrong spirit. Introducing them to Jesus supernaturally is often step one in helping them to consider a different route. By making Jesus experiential it gives them an introductory lesson into how awesome He really is as well as how gracious, kind, and forgiving.

Now, before I reconnect with them I will ask God for a lengthy prophetic word for each one and be transparent about which team I’m actually on (Team Jesus), inviting them to take a closer look and have a second introduction to the Jesus they supernaturally met this evening. (Romans 10:14) How will they hear without a preacher…

Comments on her FB page heralded her as a hero. But one Christian noted “Being purposely sketchy and dishonest while trying to convert people to your religion is probably the worst thing you could do in the name of Christianity. This is complete disregard and disrespect of everyone’s humanity and personhood and freedom of choice. Not everyone wants to be Christian and that should be respected. Period.”

The commentator added “You’re shocked that people are unhappy a Christian is going out of their way to deceive people into joining their cult instead of respecting the fact that Christianity is readily available almost everywhere and if someone wanted to be Christian they would. You’re shocked that a hell doctrine spewing transphobic bigoted sexist Bible being forced onto people in a place that should be safe for lgbtq is upsetting people? Really?”

Ginger Stormwalker Marshall witnessed the events. Stormwalker is a priestess of Isis ordained in the Society of Aset Rising; a chaplain in the Sunflower Sisterhood of the Paratheo-Anametamystikhood of Eris Esoteric; and an elder holding the Keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

She contacted The Wild Hunt and directed us to a commentary she shared on The Buckeye Flame, an LGBTQ+ news source for Ohio. Stormwalker wrote “It gets worse. Fritz brags she always sneaks into events, dramatically calling it going “under the radar.” She claims she’d have been thrown out of Pagan Pride if we caught her. It was totally made up, for drama.”

Stormwalker cautioned the community to be wary at future Pagan events. “I am angry. She is skilled in deception, but as a community elder, a priestess and a leader at Pagan Pride, I should have asked questions. Instead, I was distracted by the hundred other things that go with working a big event. Never again,” she wrote.

Stormwalker added “I am angry because Fritz and her followers used predatory lies and invaded a sacred space of joy and celebration. Their actions were and are inexcusable.”

The July 2023 just-shy-of-full Super Moon over TWH headquarters in Miami

TWH — Jupiter entered retrograde began yesterday, September 4, 2023, and will continue retrograde motion until December 30, 2023.

Jupiter retrograde is an astronomical event that occurs when the planet Jupiter appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth.

Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of grandeur and brilliance and its retrograde motion is often interpreted as a period for self-reflection and introspection, encouraging individuals to examine their beliefs, values, and philosophical perspectives and challenge the personal truths that fulfill our paths.

Jupiter retrograde is also associated with expansion, growth, and abundance. It could be a time to review and revise your goals, especially those related to education, travel, and personal development. Jupiter retrograde also offers spiritual opportunities to reconnect with the past. This may manifest as rekindling old friendships, revisiting past educational pursuits, or reconsidering opportunities you previously passed on.

Jupiter takes an entire year to transit a constellation. It is currently in Taurus. The combination asks us to appreciate the finer things in life but remain practical. It also reminds us to consider our financial future with practicality, patience, and values.

Do you have news to share with our community? Elevations? Events? Let us know at [email protected].

It’s getting close to Mabon and we must ask again for support from our community. Your financial gifts keep The Wild Hunt running. Without you, we don’t exist.

If you are able to make a donation or a recurring contribution, here are two ways to do so. Using Flipcause, through our fiscal sponsor, Independent Arts and Media, for tax-deductible donations:

and for those who may not want or can use or apply for a US tax-deduction tax deduction, through our Patreon

As always, thank you for your support of The Wild Hunt!

Happening This Weekend:

Twin Cities Pagan Pride will once again hold its Pagan Pride event at Minnehaha Falls Park, 4801 South Minnehaha Park Dr, Minneapolis, MN on September 09, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Minneapolis, MN, August 8, 2023– Pagan Pride is a free fall event, open to the public, that offers education about Paganism to the larger community. In keeping with Pagan Pride International’s guidelines, Twin Cities Pagan Pride has offered a fall event since 1998 that includes workshops, rituals, discussions, entertainment, vendors/community groups and a food drive. We’re excited to announce that our 2023 event will again focus on public education in an outdoor site that has tons of walkthrough traffic.

Highlights

• Workshops, entertainment, and rituals
• Programming and performers that will focus on education and enrichment
• Entertainment Stage featuring local musicians
• Children’s Activity Tent featuring fun activities and face painting
• 75 vendors selling Pagan and non-Pagan wares (jewelry, herbs, hand-made goods, books, and more) and local community groups raising awareness about their organizations or causes
• Attendees will be encouraged to provide donations to our food shelf partner, Groveland Emergency Food Shelf

Announcements & Upcoming Gatherings:

Ogden Pagan Pride Day will be held on September 23, 2023, and celebrates the 23rd year of the Pagan Pride Project. It’s also the day of the autumn equinox! The Ogden Pagan Pride event is to be held at Monroe Park, 850 Monroe Blvd, Ogden Utah. It will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with local entertainment, vendors, two rituals, and lots of workshops. They wrote, “Let’s conjure up a day filled with workshops, rituals, and enchanting activities that celebrate Pagan Pride and unity!” Event information and updates are available on the Events website.

Western MA Pagan Pride Day is one of many Pagan Pride Day events that take place worldwide. As a nonprofit organization, we strive to establish awareness of earth-centered spiritual traditions in our local communities. People of all faiths (or none) and walks of life are invited to join us on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. There is no admission fee to the event, however, we ask that you bring a cash donation for our charity drive. We will be collecting cash donations for our favorite charity, the Northampton Survival Center. You can come expecting to find information about paganism in many of its forms, experience an open harvest ritual, musical entertainment, workshops (classes), and many vendors for a fun, family-friendly community-driven event. There are several restaurants and cafes in the area, so plan to come and stay a while! Updates are also available on their Facebook and Instagram sites.

Lehigh Valley Pagan Pride Day will take place on September 30, 2022. They wrote “Our event is Lehigh Valley Pagan Pride Day in Easton Pennsylvania. There will be vendors of all kinds, classes, and food. We also have guest speakers who are authors.”

Event information and updates are available on their website.

Washington State’s Pagan Pride Day is Sept 30/Oct 1, 2023, at the LaQuinta in Tacoma, WA.

This is our 17 th year, and after two years of broadcasting online events with some of the most respected names in the Pagan community, we are back in person! Please join us and the many vendors, readers, and a fantastic lineup of presenters.

Special guest presenters include @ThatWitchLife podcast, who will record an episode for their internationally-known weekly podcast. The show is hosted by Kanani Soleil, Courtney Weber, and Hilary Whitmore and focuses on living as a Witch or Magickal person today.

We are delighted to have Brittany Jones, a presidential candidate for the US 2024 election. Brittany Jones is an unaffiliated candidate for the 2024 presidential elections. She is taking the knowledge she has learned from her campaign and helping educate people across the United States about how elections work. She has been a practicing Pagan, primarily doing dream work, for the last ten years. She also practices candle magic and energy manipulation. Please visit her website to learn more. Puget Sound Pagan Pride has invited other presidential candidates in the spirit of openness and fairness to all. Organizers said they also need volunteers. Contact them for details.

Earthspirit Community announced dates and open registration for Twilight Covening, a continuous 3-day ritual from October 6-9, 2023 that holds and shapes an institute of Earth spirituality and a time to develop our collective wisdom in a shared sacred space as we move into the dark time of the year.

Each year since 1986, members of the EarthSpirit Community gather deep into ourselves and into communion with this time of year and with all of Nature. We explore the depths of a range of spiritual practices, learn new skills together and experience the joy and power of a living community ritual. We invite you to join us.

The rituals include Releasing Fire Ritual on Friday night, Rituals for Dreaming, Healing and Trance on Saturday night, A Visioning Ritual on Sunday night, and Four “Attunements” each day which marks the solar quarters of the day.

Many participants have found that Twilight Covening provides a model for maintaining an earth-centered practice on a daily basis and is a wonderful opportunity for developing strong and lasting connections with others on a similar path.

They note that Twilight Covening is a demanding physical experience. The schedule is intense, the terrain rugged, the weather unpredictable and the facilities limited in creature comforts.

The Michigan Witches Ball 2023 has announced dates! It will be held on October 28, 2023, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, Warren, Michigan, USA.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of enchantment and mystery? Look no further than the highly anticipated Michigan Witches Ball, where magic comes alive and dreams become reality. This extraordinary event is not to be missed, as it promises an unforgettable evening filled with spellbinding music, captivating people, and a bewitching atmosphere that will leave you mesmerized.

Step into a Realm of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Prepare to be transported to a realm where witches and wizards roam freely. The Michigan Witches Ball is a celebration of all things mystical and supernatural, where attendees can embrace their inner magic and indulge in an evening of pure enchantment.

Indulge in Delectable Delights
No magical evening would be complete without delectable treats to tantalize your taste buds. The Michigan Witches Ball offers a wide array of culinary delights that are sure to satisfy. Savor mouthwatering food. Indulge in desserts. And of course, no witch’s gathering would be complete without a selection of potions and elixirs to quench your thirst at the open bar.

Dress to Impress in Your Finest Witch Attire

The Michigan Witches Ball is the perfect occasion to unleash your inner witch or warlock. Embrace the opportunity to dress up in your most extravagant and spellbinding attire. From elegant witches’ gowns adorned with intricate lace and velvet, to dapper warlock suits complete with top hats and canes, let your imagination run wild.

Meet and Support Michigan Pagan Charities

Be dazzled by the shining stars that are the volunteers who staff Pagans In Need food pantry, Wolf Run Wildlife Spiritual Sanctuary, and the Michigan Pagan Scholarship. Chat with these magical altruists adept at the conjuring of compassion.

Tickets and information about the Michigan Witches Ball are available on their website via Eventbrite

If you have an announcement to share with the community, send it to The Wild Hunt at [email protected]

Positively Noteworthy

Pagan festival ohio

The Wellspring Festival is the longest-running festival for Stone Creed Grove’s parent organization Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship. Since its start in the 1990’s, it has served as a regular gathering for druid teaching, organizing, and connecting. With ritual, music, formal workshops, and lots of informal chatting, we seek to deepen our religious practices and leave renewed and energized for the work of Our Own Druidry.

Held at Tredara Hearth, 2451 Bennett Rd Madison, Ohio, 44057

Tredara is a 22-acre facility owned and operated by druids of Stone Creed Grove. It features multiple nemetons, an Ancestor Mound, a shrine to the Nature Spirits, and many other sacred spots. Overnight camping on-site is common, but there are also hotels 10 minutes away. A farm stand, grocery and fast-food options are also nearby.

Highlights of this event include:

• ADF Annual Meeting
• Triannual Grand Symbel and ADF Archdruid renewal
• Devotional ritual to Cernunnos led by featured presenter John Beckett
• A featured performance by The Mickey’s, an Irish folk-rock band including ADF Bard Laureate Dave “Thexalon” Kleinschmidt
• Performances by our fine ADF bards
• 3 full days of classes, workshops, and rituals

These rituals often involve dancing, chanting, drumming, and other forms of expressive arts. In addition to workshops and rituals, the Pagan Festival in Ohio also provides a vendor marketplace where attendees can purchase handmade crafts, ritual tools, and other pagan supplies. This marketplace serves as a hub for connecting with like-minded individuals and supporting the pagan community.

Featured Presenters

John Beckett

John Beckett is an ADF member, a Druid of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD), and a longtime leader in the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS), and probably best known for his writing at his Patheos blog Under the Ancient Oaks and teaching at undertheancientoaks.com. He has written two books, Paganism in Depth: A Polytheist Approach, and The Path of Paganism: An Experience-Based Guide to Modern Pagan Practice. John will be joining us here in Ohio.

Diana Paxson

Diana Paxson is a leading figure in modern anti-racist Norse paganism, and played a critical role in the founding of The Troth where she is currently an honored Elder. She provided valuable practical assistance in helping ADF get started, and has been a lifetime member of ADF ever since. She has written a wide variety of feminist fantasy fiction in addition to her books on Norse paganism, including Essential Ásatrú, Taking Up the Runes, and recently Odin: Ecstasy, Runes and Norse Magic. She joins us at Wellspring for a virtually-presented workshop.

Morgan Daimler

Morgan Daimler is a prolific author on Celtic and polytheist paganism who has published 14 books in the Pagan Portals series, with a specialty in the Irish practices around fairies. They are fluent in many older forms of Irish, and among their publications is a side-by-side translation of Irish myths entitled The Treasure of the Tuatha De Danann. Morgan returns to Wellspring for a virtually-presented workshop.

The festival also offers opportunities for networking and socializing, with nightly bonfires, live music performances, and potluck dinners. These activities create a sense of community and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. Overall, the Pagan Festival in Ohio provides a space for pagan practitioners to come together, learn, celebrate, and connect with nature and spirituality. It is a transformative experience that allows individuals to deepen their understanding of themselves and their spiritual path..

Reviews for "The Role of Music and Art in Ohio's Pagan Festivals"

1. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who attended the Pagan Festival Ohio, I was extremely disappointed with the overall experience. Firstly, the organization was chaotic, with long lines and confusing directions. Secondly, there was a lack of variety in the activities and workshops offered, making the event feel repetitive and monotonous. Lastly, the vendors at the festival were overpriced, with little variety in their merchandise. Overall, I would not recommend attending this festival if you're looking for an engaging and fulfilling Pagan experience.

2. Jason - 1 star - I cannot express how unsatisfied I was with the Pagan Festival Ohio. The event lacked organization and cohesion, with poorly scheduled workshops and constant changes to the program. The performances were lackluster and seemed amateurish, leaving much to be desired. Additionally, the facilities were not well-maintained, with dirty restrooms and an overall unkempt appearance. Save your money and find a different Pagan festival to attend, as this one is not worth it.

3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Pagan Festival Ohio, but unfortunately, it fell short in many aspects. The workshops were poorly structured and lacked depth, leaving me wanting more information and meaningful discussions. The overall atmosphere of the festival felt commercialized, with a focus on selling merchandise rather than celebrating Pagan traditions and connecting with like-minded individuals. Additionally, the food options were limited and overpriced, adding to the disappointment of the event. Overall, I would not recommend attending this festival if you're looking for an authentic and enriching Pagan experience.

Celebrating the Divine Feminine at Ohio's Pagan Festivals