The sun was bright and warm upon us; however, I had to struggle to bite my tongue from saying, "Are we there yet?" No matter how fast we drove, occasionally losing members of our caravan for a mile or two, we just couldn't get there soon enough.
Thoughts and questions poured from us - the "Mysteries virgins" (and some Mysteriously virgin) - with ideas of what to expect. We had only been told that we should attend because it was a fantastic spiritual experience and had something to do with the Greek mysteries.
Where would we stay? Open dorms by the sea. What would we do? Volunteer time, attend classes, workshops, rituals, meet and network with other pagan people. So many visions popped into my head, and they ranged from something like Bumbershoot to a gathering of druids in the forest. I was completely unprepared for the sight that met my eyes when I got there. I heard comments as follows:
"Wow - oh, its so beautiful."
"Look at the colors, the beach... let's go down to the beach!"
"What a beautiful sight! You can see Mount Rainier!"
As we overcame our awe of the glistening waters and magnificent mountain terrain around us, we moved to join the opening circle, marveling at the cameraderie among those who welcomed us there. Registration was a little nerve-racking for a number of us and for the registration staff, neither knowing such a crowd would descend. But soon we were settled into our rooms, had our work assignments and maps and were anxious to go to dinner.
Upon arriving at the dining hall, we were instructed to do some creative activities to keep entertained while dinner was being prepared. Honestly, I wasn't in the mood, tired from the drive, exhausted from the day and long work-week; I just wanted to eat and then relax. Soon my grumpiness and weariness left me as I watched children and friends enjoying the activities, and before I knew it I had joined in. That was the last time I was in a bad mood for the rest of the weekend. Never before have I felt so comfortable, invigorated, happy and alive with a group of strangers, who quickly became friends.
Workshops and classes were held during the day with the actual authors like Blacksun and Amber K., even with Nancy Mostad, acquisitions manager of Llewellyn Publications. There were two hand-fastings, complete with cake and beautiful ceremonies.
Conversing with a variety of pagans in an open atmosphere without prejudice was a unique experience, with no judgment, just acceptance. The drumming circles were exhilarating; everyone seemed to really enjoy them:
"I didn't even know I had musical talent - but I started (drumming), and I really got into it, and it sounded good!"
"The time went so fast (at the drumming circle), it was late night before I knew it - and I wasn't even tired!"'
The rituals were uplifting, fun and great energy-raisers. Of course, because of the vows of secrecy, I can't tell you everything that happened. And I wouldn't want to risk damaging someone else's first Spring Mysteries event, but I can tell you that many events were so well-directed, organized and emotional that tears were seen on several faces in the audience. Not to say that we didn't have some faux pas - but what event doesn't?
The staff did an excellent job of holding things together in the face of fate's tricks; the thing that impressed me the most was that so many people volunteered their own time to help out and keep the ball going and work out the wrinkles.
Merchants brought valued and beautiful magickal goods to trade, share and sell. Volunteers helped out with the shrines, of which two were beautifully done: "Athena's" and "Brighit's fire," which we all carry in our hearts. Of course, some of the most passionate were Pan's and Aphrodite's spaces (giggle).
Overall, everyone was amazed about how much fun it was making new friends and seeing old, how much spiritual community they felt and how much they were dreading going home:
"It was easy to talk to everyone. I normally never talk in crowds or to people I don't know, and I was walking up to strangers and talking to them, naturally and comfortably."
"The sense of community within and among the different generations there has been great - from children to elders."
"The child care activities gave the kids something to go to and have fun at - now if they only had a nursery!"
"It's nonstop! Of all the things I do in the year - I never miss this!"
"Did everyone solve the riddle in the kitchen?"
"Oh, the beach, the moonlight on the water, the seals... the view...."
"Our group has the cleanest dorm...."
"What did I like best about it? Well, we cannot reveal."
"That's the point of Spring Mysteries - community!"'
"I never want to go home!"
"I haven't slept, and I have lots of energy."
"I'm Rowan K.W., and I got laid!"
"I don't want to return to the real world. All of us together, with so much energy, fun and community, has been so unreal!"
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