Beltane 2006

The anniversary of Alex’s death was spent in Georgia, Atlanta. Alex had always wanted to go to the States and my visit somehow seemed to bring his wish to completion.

I had received several warnings regarding the organiser of this particular Gathering of the Tribes and whilst these warnings left me feeling disconcerted; I have never been invited to America before and there was a feeling that it was important to accept the invitation. I am so pleased that I did, otherwise the meeting with some remarkable people would not have occurred and I am not a person who is easily influenced by tales of disrepute having been on the receiving end of these on many occasions.

What a pleasure and most certainly a privilege it was to keep company with and listen to Christopher Penzack’s lessons/workshop/ lectures; his humour is marvelously universal; and better still, funny.

*I was impressed and am of the opinion that the good teachers of the Craft have always been at their best when young was once again confirmed. *

Christopher is a vibrant man with vast knowledge and understanding of the mysteries. He has none of the pomposity which is so apparent in many public Craft speakers.

The site for the gathering was in the middle of the Bible Belt, it had been changed four times due to those who would not tolerate the likes of Witches and Pagans. Regardless of their demonstrations the law enforcement officers, who were charming and sympathetic, held their ground; we were in the main left undisturbed to enjoy the beautiful parklands and lakes where fish jumped and seemed to be in the air as much as the water. The weather was cooler than normal; it was suspected that the British weather had accompanied me.

The musicians were a group called ‘Moonstruck’ whose music was totally and wonderfully Pagan; they lifted the soul, thrilled and warmed the heart, and honoured the Old Ones. Bron Afon is still full of their sounds as I play their c.d.’s and no doubt will entertain summer guests with music that Gwyddion would have delighted in.

Due to the numerous changes of the venue, many of those who did manage to get to the site had travelled vast distances. Alas, there were several who couldn’t make it and I am sad to have missed them. This, I feel sure, will be rectified in the none too distant future.

Speaking to the Priests and Priestesses made me aware of the gentle strength which was so perceptible within the American pagan community that welcomed me; Thank you, Will, Elizabeth, Virginia, Faron, Judie, Misty, Brian, Lords and Ladies and all those who were so kind in their words, deeds and hearts.

Before my visit to the States I was unaware of the gusto with which Americans apply themselves to the development of the Craft and the worship of the ‘Old Ones’.

I have never truly been involved with the politics although in the 1960’s and ‘70’s I was rather caught up with the media in an attempt to reveal the beauty of the Craft in the hope that the then fear would be removed; I suppose this could be considered political but it did get in the way of the practise of my priestly duties.

Eventually, that kind of public work was undertaken by organizations such as the ‘Pagan Federation’ and other such public representatives, which grow and evolve according to the demands for their existence. The Americans’ way and attitude was refreshing; I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit and look forward with joyful anticipation to the next.