Deadlines loom for Paganicon

Although Pagan festivals are nothing new to the Twin Cities area, an indoor convention with soft beds, flushing toilets, and central air and heating is.  Paganicon, a three day Pagan convention, starts March 25th.  There are some deadlines coming up that Con organizers would like the community to know about.

Pre-registration for Paganicon ends March 4th.  You can register on-line here.  Once this date passes, you will need to register at the door on March 25th at a higher rate.  Pre-registration is encouraged as there is a cap on attendance.  On;y 250 people can attend this first Paganicon.

If you are planning on staying at the host hotel and wish to take advantage of the special room block rate, you need to make your reservations by March 4th.  More information on hotel reservations can be found here.

The last deadline that Paganicon organizers want you to be aware of is the deadline to request advertising in the program book or
to sponsor Paganicon. This deadline is the same date as the other three, March 4th.

Paganicon organizers say they’ve received more programming submissions then they could find slots for, the vendor area is completely reserved, and several great entertainment acts are scheduled.  If you would like to look at the interactive schedule you can do so here.

What: Paganicon
Where: Doubletree Park Place in St. Louis Park, MN
When: March 25-27
Web: http://tcpaganpride.org/paganicon/

Sacred Temple Violated in Wisconsin – Editorial

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I am a resident of Wisconsin, have been for 35 years now. I am 230 miles from the state capitol building in Madison, but I have spent a lot of time there. I used to exhibit at Art on the Square, and found it a magnificent place to find cool summer comfort and relief, and explore the history of my adopted state.

This building is an inspirational symbol,  is  a National Historic Landmark since 2001, and  has been systematically restored to its 1917 appearance over the last thirty years, inside and out. It is such a source of pride in WI, that a 1990 state law prevents any building within one mile of the capitol from being taller than the base of the columns surrounding and supporting its dome. It can be seen for many miles. Continue reading →

Sacred Paths Center Reopens Today

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Just two days after having their front door smashed and boarded up due to a break in, Sacred Paths Center reopened today at 11am.  The community center was closed on Monday and Tuesday to replace the front door, repair the damage caused during the break in, and to clean up the fingerprinting dust used by police.

Sacred Paths Center issued this statement Tuesday evening, “We believe that one of the people who broke into the SPC last night may have been injured in doing so. We would like to ask anyone doing healing circles to please include this person in your prayers and thoughts. We sincerely hope that they find a more peaceful and healthy path.”

 

Sacred Spaces – Celtic Temple: Funding

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Many Pagan groups share the dream of building some type of sacred space. A temple, a community center, a permanent altar. It remains a dream because they lack the information, skills, and experience to bring it into reality. Yet other groups have accomplished what can seem, at times, impossible. They have learned how to raise funds, deal with city inspectors, and overcome challenges that stymie most groups who attempt these ambitious projects. In this series, PNC talks with groups who have successfully created their own Sacred Spaces.

In part one of our interview  Temple of the River Priest, Drew Jacob, discussed why his group decided to build a dedicated temple and how they ensured their building would be in compliance with city regulations. In part two, Mr. Jacob talked the challenges they faced and went into detail about temple construction.  Part three, we get into funding.  Mr. Jacob notes the attitudes that exist within the Pagan community about money and fundraising and gives tips on how your groups can raise the funds needed for your project.

The Sacred Spaces series continues next week with interviews from Sacred Paths Center, the only Pagan community center currently operating in the United States.

Pantheacon Thoughts: Walking Your Talk

This years Pantheacon, in San Jose, Ca. had a thought provoking theme, “Walking Your Talk”. Rhetorically asked was, “What are we doing individually and as groups to take our vision of Earth Centered Spiritually out into the world?”. As Pagan sub-culture develops in communities like Paganistan, we may find ourselves asking the same question.

I asked nine attendees,  mostly presenters and authors, but also a couple involved partic ipants the same three questions hoping to get at the essence of west coast thought on the matter.  You may find their answers not far from yours!

Victoria Slind-flor (right) dressed for Poma Gira Devotional, Nels and Judith Olson(left)

1) What does ‘Walking your Talk’ (WYT) look like to you?

2) What aspect of WYT is most important for Pagans bring to their relations in the mainstream community?

3) What area of accountability in WYT do Pagans most lack, or is your biggest complaint in Pagans WYT?


Victoria Slind-flor – Victoria is a Dianic crone Witch and Artist. She is a journalist and teaches at Cherry Hill Pagan Seminary, and is a member of The Pagan Alliance.  She is known to many in Paganistan from a 2005  SHF guest appearance. Continue reading →