Central NY Pagan Pride Day

Yesterday Weretoad and I went to Central NY's Pagan Pride Day located at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, NY.  We had a lovely time.  In many ways, PPD has becoming a homecoming of sorts now that I'm living in Northern NY.  I love seeing so many of my old Pagan friends from Utica as well as my grovies who I only see for High Days.

I was really happy with the presentations by Patricia Lafayllve.  She gave an introductory lecture on Asatru and another on Freyja.  I learned a lot and later thanked her for her presentations.  The non-Pagan workshops were refreshing - especially since they focused on reconstructionist principals.  When I try to explain such things to most people, they look at me like I have three heads, so the education that was offered at this event was the best it's ever been.  Lafayllve's discussions on hard polytheism, blood magic/sacrifice, and UPG were a welcomed step in the right direction. Her humor, honesty, and open-mindedness made her approachable and fun to listen to.

Part of what I love about PPD is the shopping.  Having just got paid, I went to town.  Check it out!

I bought this beautiful tapestry featuring the tree of life as a Celtic knot.  Surrounding it are the salmon of knowledge, a crane, a fox/hound, and a horse.  I'm trying to figure out where to put it...  This will probably result in me moving some furniture...

This was apparently a big year in home decor for Weretoad and me.  We found a knight in shining armor to go along with our Medieval/Renaissance motif, a little plaque featuring Cú Chulainn, and a print of an ink greenman made by a local artist.  We also got a print of a goblin which is difficult to see in this photo...

I also purchased several ritual and wildcrafting supplies.  I had to get some incense ("sugar plum," a scent I just couldn't refuse, a spicy scent that reminded me of mulled cider for autumn and winter spellwork, and heather for general offerings).  I also found dragonsblood resin that I plan to use when I attempt making my own incense, and nettles for healing work.  There were representatives from a wolf and fox rehabilitation and education facility.  They were selling things to raise money for their cause - including small bags of wolf and fox fur!  Apparently the critters love to rub up against the fences and leave it there.  It's so soft...  I couldn't pass up humanely collected wolf and arctic fox fur!  I also grabbed a small oak branch with leaves and a couple rowan branches.  

( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )

Blessed Lughnasadh!

"Lugh" by Mickie Mueller

May your harvest be plentiful, your strength be true, and your company great!  

May the sun shine warm upon you and may your August be filled with joy!

Here, enjoy this lovely ditty by Omnia.  It should get you into the mood.

"Lughnasadh" by Omnia

Also, for your viewing and listening pleasure, a song from the infamous "Wicker Man."  Weretoad thinks it's strange that I find enjoyment from the movie, what with its murder and misrepresentation, but I do so love the music.  While listening to the latest edition of A Darker Shade of Pagan, I heard a familiar tune.  Where did I hear that before?  I googled the name and, sure enough, it was one of those lovely pieces from "The Wicker Man" - "Corn Rigs" by Magnet.

I will post later about my Lughnasadh, complete with photos of the Tailtiu doll.

( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )