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The KwaZulu-Natal Pagan Freedom Day celebrations went very well, and thanks must go to all who participated. One of the outstanding characteristics of this year's celebration was that it attracted quite a lot of folk who had never been exposed to Paganism before, but who were "regulars" at the Drum and Bell. Thanks must go to Chris Martin for creating and printing infosheets for Pagans and Non-Pagans, which were very informative. The planning of Pagan Freedom Day this year was done by a much smaller committee consisting of Fey Fand, Chris Martin, Carole De Bruin and Jan Botha, and with the help of Dion van Huyysteen (who was our official photographer) we managed to get the banners up and everything ready to go by 10am. Thanks must also go to Jackie, Wayne and Candice of the Drum and Bell for allowing us to use their venue and for being so co-operative with our requests.
The day began with a brief welcoming by Fey, followed by a talk on Pagan Handfastings by Chris Martin. The Coastal Horse Care Unit also came along and gave us valuable information on how to assist them in their quest to save mistreated horses. Nikoh Thakarsee, who has been hand blending beautiful incenses for 15 years, held a well attended workshop in the demonstration area, and Pam Du Toit gave a talk about Reiki. As the Knights of Camelot donned their medieval armour for their weaponry demonstration, a few drops of rain began to fall, but they still managed to give an exciting example of sword play to a fascinated crowd.
Food and drink was available from the bar, and Chris Martin also organised vegetarian Indian food to be available for vegans and vegetarians from Johnnie's Rotis. There were 13 craft stalls and Shaz must be thanked for helping with the wishing tree - she says some of the children's wishes were really sweet and they all wanted to be sure they spelled the wishes on their ribbons correctly! Other stall holders were a tarot reader, a teacup reader, a Reiki practitioner, Tribal Trading, Arapaho Dreamcatchers, as well as incense, crystals, ritual clothing etc.
Very few children arrived in fancy dress for the competition, so it was decided that they should sing, and hearts were very moved by innocent and beautiful voices. Robyn Fivaz was the first prizewinner with her amazing voice. The best dressed witch had some amazing entries and the final decision was not easy, but the prize went to Indigo for her colourful outfit and hair. The best dressed witch prize, as usual, was worth winning, including a wand, a picture ball, a jasper pendant, a pendulum, a smudge stick and a guided meditation CD. The raffle in aid of Domestic Animal Rescue sold 45 tickets at R10 each and prizes were donated as follows: white satin cloak, kiddies cot blankets and wall hanging from Carole De Bruin; Bundle of SA Music CD's from Shawn Whesling (who was also our Sound Engineer); a box of products to cleanse and protect sacred space from Nikoh Thakarsee; and a Guided Meditation CD from Fey Fand. R450 was raised and given to Mel for Domestic Animal Rescue - thanks to all who participated.
Dave Nicoll entertained us with his poetry, spoken in his Scottish accent and focusing on environmental matters and Mother Earth, who really raised the energy. By the time the raffle draw was over the weather had turned and an icy wind had picked up, so the crowd adjourned into the pub, where we were entertained by lead guitarist Paul Arthur from Mother, Nature, Sun; lead guitarist Bruce Smith from the Last Addiction Band, and US United - drummers Dave Nicoll, Gary and Helga, all of whom volunteered and all of whom amazed us with their talents. The part continued on late into the evening. Much positive feedback has been received, and the Drum and Bell Management have indicated an interest in hosting this event for us next year, by which time they shall have space for a Circle as well.
A few regular attendees did not turn up due to the gloomy weather, but we made lots of new friends and new contacts, and look forward to a bigger, better Pagan Freedom Day in 2012!!! Thanks and Bright Blessings to all who helped and joined in the fun!!!
To view pics of Pagan Freedom Day 2011, go to https://picasaweb.google.com/coolmac/PaganFreedomDay2011#