Pagan Pride in Rochester

As I've probably said before, I practically live for September and the Pagan Pride festivals around New York. Yesterday I attended the Rochester PPD and had an absolutely wonderful time. While it wasn't as great as years past, it was much improved over last year. This year was RPPD's 13th anniversary, which made it a very special occasion.

Vendors, food, workshops, and music were the highlights of the day. I had a few personal experiences that made the day exceptionally special.

My autographed book. :)
To Deanna- With Much Love, Dorothy Morrison

The first workshop was with Dorothy Morrison, author and this year's guest speaker. Her workshop was a guided walk through magical ethics, also titled "Does Uncle Fred Need a Good Killin'?"
     It was funny and thoughtful and really did make me take stock on just where I stand on my "magical morals." What is acceptable magic, and what is unethical? The lines are a lot less defined than I believed they were- not that there's anything wrong with that. Sometimes you need a good reality check!
     I also got one of my books signed by Dorothy!


The second workshop was on Spirit Guides and how to connect with them. I really didn't expect to get much from this one but sat in because I thought it was something my mom would like. It was interesting though, and I got a real treat at the end of it. The presenter, Tanya Canderlaria, did some personal readings and I was one of the lucky ones to get a reading.
     She said she saw a younger woman, between her 30's and 40's with long dark hair. She said she saw a lot of color, that the woman was sort of unconventional for her time. She said the woman liked what I'm doing- my bright colored hair and tattoos, and outgoing appearance. She said the woman was telling me I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be in life and not to worry.
     This was really cool. I think this woman Tanya saw was my grandmother whom I'd never known, but always wanted to. She died at the age of 36 when my mom was just a little girl. She had a lot of tattoos and I was told she was a rum runner when she was young- a very unconventional woman at that time! As I approach my 30's with no real career to speak of, no husband, and no children, I sometimes (half) jest that "I thought I'd be further along in life than this." Maybe Grandma Hazel is right- I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

After that, Witchdoctor Utu spoke on Voodoo- with limited wares as there were some border crossing issues with Canada. I attended his workshop last year and really enjoyed it. This year since there were some hang-ups with him and his drummers crossing the border, and the blessings they received along the way to get them back to Rochester, it was only appropriate to give thanks to Oshun for all her help. Some of us were encouraged to participate and indeed I did. This was my first Voodoo ritual!
     I can't say I know much about Voodoo but it was a VERY moving experience. Guided by Witchdoctor Utu and his drummers we first asked the blessing of Papa Legba to open the gates, both the gate to the bridge over the river (Oshun) and the gates within ourselves. Then we asked the blessing of Ogun, for protection and give us the courage to cross the gate, to ask Oshun for her blessings, and do the hard work that needs to be done to make that blessing come true. Then finally we entered the bridge and gave our offerings to Oshun, asking her blessings for various things. I will not say what blessings I asked beautiful Oshun for, but I hope she will give them! I feel her connection as I feel for the beautiful goddess, Hathor. Perhaps there is meaning in that.
     One thing I will say though... I can definitely understand how people will convulse or speak in tongues during rituals. I felt things I never felt before and it was beautiful. I don't think I'm dedicated enough to take on Voodoo as my path and give it the reverence it deserves, but there is something beautiful and uplifting about that path that I very much enjoy. I hope the Orishas and the Loa would not feel offended if I adopt some of the Voodoo practices into my own craft.

We wrapped up the day with some more shopping. My sister and I got our faces painted in the spirit of the day- me with the fiery colors of an Aries and her in the cool blues of Aquarius. I also made a new friend, Chelse. We learned we have so many common interests and even share our birthday! How neat is that!?

Witchy Sistas!
Danielle (Aquarius) and Me (Aries.)

I have definitely felt a renewal in my spirituality just from that one day, and am really looking forward to another dose next Saturday at the Syracuse event!