Pagan Freedom Day 2009

feedback from PFDM coordinators

Nelspruit - Mpumalanga

REPORT BY MORGAUSE FONTELEVE

This year's was a small gathering of Pagans. But we came together for the correct reasons, I believe. Many took the day "off" to rest and go and spend sometime (inconspicuously) somewhere in Mother Nature, with their family members who are not Pagan, or who friends that do not walk this Path.

We, the die-hards, instead came together to enjoy the occasion, to give thanks for the Freedom we now enjoy, we came together for good company and not to make the mistake of ever taking any of it for granted.

A week from PFD some grave robberies took place in the village where we, Mpumalanga Pagans, normally gather to celebrate PFD out in the open air. We had planned to arrive in full Pagan regalia to enjoy the picnic, a day in the Sun and a drumming circle with song, distribute free Pagan literature, answer questions, sell and buy incense, Pagan trinkets, etc. The desecration of the graves and the fact that both the press and the locals in part suspected the local Pagan Community, the fact that forensics and the occult units were still investigating put a damper on the event. Sadly cancellations were made. Some became apprehensive and there was not enough time to make alternative arrangements that would have suited everybody. Nonetheless, we went ahead!

We came together because we are proudly Pagan. We came together because despite the adverse public climate, we are FREE to meet, to celebrate, to demonstrate that ours is a Religion of Free Men and Women! We stood proud, united under the PFD banner, under the rainbow of promise, and declared "WE ARE PAGANS!"

Our day was blessed by the Goddess! A magnificent rainbow announced PFD celebrations. Pagans began arriving, bearing "goodies" for the raffle and for the “swap table”, platters of food, fruit juices, scones, honeycomb, strawberry jam, ribbons and our "Proudly SA Pagan bracelets".

The event was opened with a Hymn to Minerva and Raphael's "blog" was read out to those present. The day at Covenstead Lunaguardia was then dedicated to Minerva, future patroness of this event in our Province.

One of our ladies, Clare, wove "Proudly SA Pagan Bracelets" out of two hues of purple and those present tied them on one another's wrists, making a pledge to look out for one another in the year to come and to wear our "colours" proudly all year round, answering those who ask of us why we wear the purple weave on our wrists. A true Pagan feast was enjoyed by all, followed by the PFD Raffle and the “Swap Table” Raffle. Binx Williams was the Winner of the PFD Mpumalanga Raffle. The prize, a bag of useful goodies, was kindly sponsored by The Purple Lizard in Pretoria. Our heartfelt thanks to Charmaine and Frans for their generous contribution.

Binx Williams (left)

The day’s celebrations continued with the viewing of three Power Point Presentations put together by Morgause and Aurelius.

PAGAN FREEDOM DAY 2009 - a PP presentation showing who and what Pagans in our province are. This is a perfect and touching piece of PR work that demonstrates that Pagans are ordinary people who have work, have families and are responsible citizens of our country.

ONENESS SUMMIT - a PP presentation showing the latest work done by the SAPC and SAPRA, with the assistance of CAM during the Global Spiritual Leader’s Award, hosted by the Humanities Team on 18 April 2009. The fact that three groups from different Pagan backgrounds could stand united to showcase Paganism at the Summit is proof that in our diversity, there is indeed UNITY.

WE ARE THE PEOPLE - a short PP presentation showing some of the newspaper cuttings of 2008/9 and photos of some of the leading figures in SA Paganism, with a comical twist at the end.

Johannesburg - Gauteng

REPORT BY JEAN STANTON

Pagan Freedom Day was well supported by The Dream Weaver Pagan Community and we hosted a broom making workshop. The feedback from all was along the lines of “Pagans are such awesome people and they sure know how to have good, clean fun”.

We picnicked in the warm summer sun and got to meet many like-minded people who soon became friends, exchanging email addresses and phone numbers. Those of our members who had not previously attended a PFD celebration were gob smacked to say the least and went home with less money than when they arrived thanks to the variety of esoteric goods for sale at the Gauteng event. There was much excitement when one of our members, Shane Smith, won a beautiful portable altar table made by Jennifer Lunn of Jen’s Cove.

Dream Weavers

Our mission as Dream Weavers is to give back to the community and we have pledged to support various animal welfare societies on the East Rand. All ritual fees include a tin or bag of cat or dog food, and a blanket. We are proud to be Pagan and even prouder to say “donated by Pagans”.

Cape Town - Western Cape

REPORT BY RAENE PACKERY

After two months of solid organizing, the day was upon us and the organizers were really keen to be there with bells on. The weather was awesome; we were blessed with a cool windless day (which is really unusual for out on the west coast). Overall, everything fell into place. We had some problems with the DJ cancelling on the last minute and the back up system having problems and of course the issue of a couple of stalls not pitching but it was a very successful day and most of the stall holders did really well for themselves.

A couple of local groups were represented and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to catch up with each other again. Individuals representing Sacred Grove, CAM, Way of the Rede, Clan of Kheper Temple and Witches Unite were all there in what appeared to be an effortless attempt to get along and have a great time and network. In fact, everyone that was there seemed to be having a good time. The food was good and we were even lucky enough to have small bar on the day, with beers, wine, cider and cooldrink. The kids had a blast and everyone found a spot and enjoyed the festivities. We had a beautiful sunset and there was a really good turn out for the drumming circle, which went on until closing. The spirit and unity among those that were there was evident.

Correllian Nativist Tradition

As you can see by some of the photos HERE, there was a lot going on and the attendance seemed better than last year. I’d like to thank everyone that joined us on the day; in general, there was a really good vibe and I know that in our own way, we are doing our bit for the Pagan community. Next year, our fair will be even bigger and better so as we put PFD09 to bed, we anticipate an amazing event and encourage all local Pagan organizations, groups and individuals to get on board and come join in the fun.

Thanks again to the organizing committee for all your hard work and monetary contributions and a BIG thank you to ALL the stall holders – we hope to see you again next year!

Garden Route - southern Cape

REPORT BY DAMON LEFF

Garden Route Pagans gathered in the Woodville indigenous Forest to celebrate liberty and equality. Young and old shared in story-telling, poetry reading, laughter and magic. We were joined by two forest dwellers...

... a Cape Robin (whom we named Liberty) and a small-spotted Genet (whom we named Equality).

Durban - Kwazulu-Natal

REPORT BY FEY FAND

KwaZulu-Natal celebrated a very successful Pagan Freedom Day this year. It was organized by the Celestine Circle and held in the beautiful Valley of 1000 Hills, at the Hacienda Pub & Grub, which has park-like gardens and a very cosy bar. Stallholders included soul portraits, organic food and products, tarot readers, Gypsy-Pixie, sales of ritual wear, and many others. Enthusiastically attended by over 100 folk, the bar also offered food and drink for sale.

A highlight of the day was an Earth Healing Circle led by Fey Fand. Many non-Pagans observed Circle and were newly informed about what it is that we do. The decision to hold a public Circle was to inform those who may have had misconceptions about the practice of Paganism and it served it’s purpose as well as giving those who participated a strong sense of unity.

Info packs were handed out at the door. Entrance was free of charge and money collected from stallholders went to the Animal Action Rescue Group. We also enjoyed a tribal dancing performance by Kalaya Dance Group and the Hillcrest Shotokan Dojo gave a demo on self defense. The children participated in a fancy dress competition and all won prizes. The Meditators, who opened for Linton Kwezi Johnson in Durban, delighted everyone with their reggae performance and were followed by a new band Toi Toi Toy, and the Rolling Thunder Review.

Celestine Circle

Celebrations went on late into the night and it was a very joyful occasion, with many folk meeting up again after a long time, so bonds were renewed and ties strengthened. Drummers and fire dancers formed their own circle at the bottom of the meadow. Thanks must go to Krista, Casey, Tracey, John D, Jade, Philip and everyone else who assisted in so many ways. We look forward to 2010’s PFD being even bigger and better, and have started a fund to raise money towards this!!!