A Review of SpringBourne97

lanting the seed of Pagan Community was the theme for this fine event sponsored by The Pagan Community Council of Ohio Northwest Chapter. The event was a success also due to the good people of Camp Libby, a fine rustic camp, with modern facilities.

From the time we arrived at Camp Libby,the warmth of fellowship was felt immediately. We were greeted by two great gentlemen who welcomed us with big smiles, and strong backs(helping us unload, and set up).

Shortly there after, the rest of the PCCONW core group arrived. Though many had never met us in person, we were received as if we had been family all our lives.Many different people with similar beliefs, together for a weekend of sharing,learning,and celebrating was sure to make this a magical weekend.

The opening ritual, drew focus to the beginning of life, the warming of the soil,to plant the seed of our hopes, dreams, and community. It was very special to bring forth all goodness, and banish any evil, from this magic circle which was cast to encompass the entire camp.

A Bardic circle was held after the opening ritual to share in our experiences, laughter, songs, and beliefs. this was a truly special time. Many people from all walks of life made up this circle. All were very gifted people in their own way. Common bonds, common beliefs, similar paths, made this time enhance the magic within the circle.

The following day promised more fellowship, as well as education through several workshops, and discussions. Raven, the crone of the coven who would perform the main ritual, taught a workshop on wand making. Raven is a fabulous lady, highly educated, and very powerful, was very kind to share the secrets of this craft.

Lady Taliesen of House of Circe and Taliesen, Toledo, gave a splendid and thorough lecture in palmistry. She along with a truly remarkable woman( Circe) also merchanted SpringBourne.

A drumming workshop was held to teach a Santeria ritual by Jim Armstrong. Also artist Robin Wood attended to display some of her works. Later that evening,a gigantic pot luck dinner was held.Music followed the dinner, by Willowe and Taleisin.

n this evening of magick, a wiccan ritual to reinforce the theme of this fabulous weekend gathering was performed by Priestess, Lady Azurene,Crone, Lady Raven, and Coven, Lunar Stone Circle.

Prier to this ritual, the crone requested my presence to assist in this ritual. I was truly honored to be a part of the pre ritual preparations, and to drum for the opening of this ritual. The Priestess, Lady Azurene, a marvelous witch, and woman, proved how powerful she was during this ritual. During the summoning of deities to assist in our ritual, she raised the sword, and a bright blue light flowed from her arms, through her hands and projected through the sword. Maybe I was the only one blessed to see this, possibly others did also, but without doubt, high energy was produced, to seal our hopes within the seeds that lie on the altar.

During this ritual, the witches broom was passed around the circle. As the gathering chanted " Into the broom we cast our bane" any short comings, negativity, and past attributes, that the individual who held the broom, wanted to expel, was transferred into the broom. After the broom had made it's round, and collected all undesirables, it was handed to the guardian of the southern quadrant,(which represents fire) in which he cast the broom into the fire. At the moment of the kiss to symbolically seal the spell, the broom exploded in the fireplace.

Cakes and Ale were shared, and the circle was released, with a merry meet, merry part, and a merry meet again! I left this ritual with the promise of hope, the lack of a lot of negative characteristics I had held onto for too long, and many new life long friends. The seed had obviously been planted.

Following the ritual, my wife,a dear friend Linda,a new friend Jeff,and myself, drummed for dancing , merrymaking, and energy enhancement. The magick of the evening , friendships made, and renewed, and the seed of hope for tomorrow planted, gave promise to the strong foundation that was built here this weekend.

his morning started with a pancake breakfast sponsored by Ye Olde' General Store of the PCCO ,Columbus. Followed by an intense workshop on Tarot. Darilyn, a fabulous speaker, and powerful witch, took us on a journey into the Esoteric aspects of the Major Arcana cards.

Paula, a solitaire witch, was kind to host the closing ritual. She complimented the theme of this wonderful weekend with her magickal touch. The quarters were released, the circle of hope was sent to assist us in our journey. And with a merry part we say farewell.

This merry part , is something I had a very hard time with. I am a passionate man, with strong beliefs, and high hopes. The people I met during this weekend strengthened my conviction to my beliefs. And provided me with the energy, and fortitude to carry the message.

I would like to thank the following for making SpringBourne97 a wonderful success.

First, and foremost to Bobi, a beautiful woman, and powerful witch. Without your energy,strength, and hard work, SpringBourne would not have taken place.

Raven, you are a dear friend, a master of the craft, and one hell of a great woman, thanks be to the goddess for someone as special as you in our life.

Lunar Stone Circle, to all involved within this coven, I thank you for including me in your ritual. The power you all possess individually, as well as together is truly magical. I am honored to have been a part.

Elric & Laura, thanks so very much for your warmth and friendship, as well as your dedication to the PCCO.

And to everyone else, with teary eyes, we merry part, but with great anticipation to merry meet again!!