Pagan Festivals: What Next?

This October, my Samhain month was book-ended with festivals! As a happy introvert Pagan, I am fine with online zoom meetings, workshops on my laptop, or cozy gatherings where I work, at Of Wand & Earth. As I am still promoting my book, Positive Pagan, I was kindly invited to both a day long event, and a multi-day gathering. Both were wonderful events, and gave me much food for thought.

Before I go further, let me state clearly that I am no expert or lifelong Pagan festival goer. You may have a different perspective, and I certainly welcome it. The purpose of this blog entry is to start a discussion on Pagan festivals: what next? Both events were lovely, well attended, and honestly, restored my faith in humanity. It was such a gift to be around like-minded people, those who inspire me, and those who make me want to learn more, more, more.

Yet, I also noticed that most of the work was done by older people, even older than me (and I am Mid-Century, as the saying goes). The multi-day event I attended was full of ritual, cozy meals, checking on people, vending and a huge organizational maze that was beautifully navigated. Yet the average age of those I saw doing the grunt work was in their 60s. Of course, people jumped in an helped, and I know this yearly festival is a labor of love, so it got me wondering: who will continue this work? Will the next generation pick up the baton? Will they start coming to organizational meetings to keep things going? Does anyone even care? Are we content to stay home and stay isolated, relying on others to do the work?

I mulled this over during our car ride home. At one point, as a beautiful ritual unfolded, I looked over at my partner and said happily, “These are my people!” and I meant it, sincerely. Even though I am a happy introvert, the sense of community and togetherness was palpable. The chance to be completely one’s self in like-minded groups is priceless. I have attended gatherings of all sizes, and the common denominator is usually a group of our wise elders, who are vibrant and capable, but what happens when they are not?

One day events seem more manageable, and I have a social media feed full of invites and notices to put on my calendar. Perhaps those will be the stop gap as the next group takes over. Yet even those are full of logistical challenges, and the most organized group would also no doubt find it daunting. Being purely online is not the answer, because that feeling, the one you get when you feel safe, seen and celebrated in a group of people standing shoulder to shoulder, is missing. Celebrating in community is a feeling like no other. I had missed it way more than I realized.

Then there is a safety issue, of those who see these events as threatening, and show up to cause havoc, and possibly harm. Will that discourage us? Will be circle our wagons and keep to ourselves and our communities? Will online groups and events be more effected if that happens?

Out there in the world of possibilities, I believe there is an answer. As always, we will evolve and adapt. The younger generations are full of creativity, enthusiasm and passion. Maybe they will create a new type of event that encompasses what we crave in Pagan gatherings. Or maybe not. After COVID, maybe online is an inevitability, to keep us all healthy and safe. Or maybe we circle the wagons, and continue to provide for our own local communities and continue onward that way.

What I got to see in those events, and in others I attended this year, is so much authenticity and pride. I am sure in the time we all weren’t together, and events were canceled or postponed, we dug down deep, and focused on our spiritual paths. It is my hope that this energy carries ever onward, because without it, the world will be dark and scary indeed.

Blessed Samhain to all! If you have ideas on the future of Pagan events, be sure to note them in the comments. It’s a discussion worth having, as we end this last celebration on the Wheel of the Year.