Category: Happenings

Green Phallus tours TC Pagan Pride – Photo Essay

The Green Phallus toured Twin Cities Pagan Pride on Saturday.  The story of his  origins may be found here. He touched many people, was rejected by some, caused some to drop to the ground in awe, and offered his experience to those who opened themselves to the Green Phallus.

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Jill - “ One wonders if one is worthy to embrace the Green Phallus, but I do so with no regret. I like the realistic testicals, one is slightly larger than the other. I like it around my neck , it feels sweaty yet cosy.”

Green Phallus at his country estate :

The Green Phallus welcomes companionship at the Minnesota Ren Fair, and friendship on facebook, where any comments can be directed regarding his TCPP visit.

Nels Linde

Labyrinth, a walking prayer at TC Pagan Pride – Interview

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Labyrinths

Paul Eaves, and often Teri Starnes, are found creating, tending, and dismantling outdoor labyrinths around the Twin Cities. I talked to Paul at TC Pagan Pride on Saturday.

How long have you been making labyrinths?

The Farm in the City Labyrinth, Concordia College

Nine years, well actually it started way back in 2000 with a kids group, and we created a labyrinth at a university as part of a summer gardening program. It was there for two years, and then the university decided they wanted to build a library on top of it. While I was bust traveling around the world, a group of volunteers dug up all the plants and moved them to the other side of the university. Now it is a perennial flower garden labyrinth. Continue reading →

Sacred Path Center Update – Governance/Financial Reports and History

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The Twin Cities Pagan community center,  Sacred Paths Center, updated its website with a historical narrative and links to governance and preliminary internal audit documents. As part of the SPC’s commitment to ‘transparency‘, the narrative is a frank statement describing events that have led to the present state of affairs within the SPC. 

Sacred Paths Center (SPC), the Pagan community center in Paganistan whose recent financial troubles, successful fundraising effort,  ‘indefinite’ closing for audit, and subsequent reopening made national news, is in the news again.  Yesterday, they released the findings from their governance audit and  noted a failure to meet duties required of Minnesota non-profit corporations, by board members.  The report went on to include suggestions to resolve the problems listed through a clear declaration of duties and Board education.

SPC also posted a historical narrative describing the confusion of the interpretation of the roles of Executive Director and Governing Board.  It states:  Continue reading →

Local Pagan Performs at Fringe Festival

Twin Cities storyteller Michael Merriam, photo vie Michael's fb page

Michael Merriam was waiting to see if he would make the cut to be in the Minnesota Fringe Festival.  Then he was officially waiting when he was placed on the wait list for performers.  Then he got the word, he’s in, and festival goers have five opportunities to hear his storytelling performance.

There are fantastic stories in the spaces between realities. Storyteller Michael Merriam will reveal a mythic world hidden under the one we perceive, and you will see your Twin Cities in a wondrous new light.

Some of the stories you will hear from Michael:

Follow a blind, middle aged magician as she tries to protect a new friend and potential lover from her half-fae brother.
Hear the happy tale of a snarky Goth-girl, a snarly Unseelie, a dead body, and the Mississippi River.
Encounter a soul-devouring monster running afoul of the eccentric patrons of an all-night diner.

Darkly Through the Light Waters: Twin Cities Tales
A MN Fringe Festival storytelling performance by Michael Merriam

Five One-Hour Performances to Choose From:
Saturday, 8/6 @ 1:00 p.m.
Monday, 8/8 @ 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, 8/11 @ 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8/13 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, 8/14 @ 2:30 p.m.

Single adult tickets are $12
+ $4 festival admission button.

More info and to buy tickets at the Fringe show page.

Largest Upper Midwest Pagan Festival opens in 10 days! – Interview

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Sacred Harvest Festival (SHF), located in southern Minnesota near Albert Lea, opens Saturday, August 6th, The last day to register online  and before gate rates is Sunday, July 31st.  I had the chance to interview Bress Nicneven, festival site director and board member of Harmony Tribe , the event’s sponsor.

Why do people continue to return to Sacred Harvest Festival?

SHF has gained a national reputation for quality and timely speakers and musicians. Celia’s video for the song ‘ Symbol’ was filmed at SHF, before the Pentacle Quest  became a household Pagan word. It is known for having a defined theme each year, and presenting profound rituals and speakers that all build on that theme for a complete experience. One of the few festivals that does this each year. In stressful financial times, this festival offers the cheapest per day rates of any festival in the country for the quality of the programming and activities.

It is a really reasonable family vacation for Pagans. It is an upper Midwest tradition, going on 14 years. SHF is really a place for everybody. There is a Kid’s cauldron, operated by parents and volunteers, that keeps kids happy all week. Families get the time and space to worship together as a family. They get time together and also adults have time for individual experiences. It is really strengthening for both families, individuals, and our community relationships. We have a great location in a shady oak grove with easy access from Des Moines, Madison, and the Twin Cities.

What is this year’s theme about?

Forest Family, Roots and Branches Intertwined  is our theme this year. It encompasses the roots of the Tribe itself, the thousands of people who have grown this festival over the years. We come each year to celebrate at this magical grove, and this year we specifically want to connect with the marvelous shady and protective trees there. Trees are an appropriate symbol of how we are also all connected, and essentially like the forest that we camp under. Like the burr oaks, we are still growing, and changing, and each season together we reach out within the festival and our home communities to integrate our spiritual experience back into our foundation, our roots. Continue reading →