This being my first year going to Summerstar, I was a little anxious to get to the site. However, I forgot about the fun labor of putting up the tent; fortunately, I didn't feel entirely inept, for others struggled with theirs also. Once set up, we were able to take a few moments in the shade and observe the quiet nature around us, before heading off to opening circle.
I was glad to see old and new faces as we danced asking for the Goddess's blessing. The opening ritual celebrated Lammas, ending in a somewhat chaotic spiral dance. The band, Loping Camel, did an excellent job of portraying the rhythm and beat of the nature around us. Their performance included ecstatic dance and several stories, including a dance of the elements, the story of a Japanese goddess and god and the story of a girl who fell in love with the moon.
Much of the rest of Summerstar was filled instead with sun worship, focusing on Lammas and appreciation of the harvest. Its main ritual was very elaborate, with formal callings for the elements; the ritualists danced their circle, inviting the audience to dance with them.
Summerstar also featured our own Olympic games - both physical and mental - and many interesting classes, on ecstatic dance, incense making and others. We shared water fights at the fountain, beautiful workmanship in the wares of the craftspeople and long cool nights under the white moon and clear sky.
With all these blessings of Her harvest, we were also blessed with one special gift from the Corn Mother, the birth on Sunday night of Beth Samarus, to the proud parents Wendy and Greg Gallacci - a true Lammas blessing.
I found Summerstar really relaxing, not the least for getting out in nature. The change of scenery and the pagan company helped me sort out problems that had been bugging me. I'm glad I went.
To those who enjoy camping under the stars, getting in touch with Mother Nature, greeting old and new friends, not to mention getting wet once in a while - this was a great celebration of pagan summer fun. (Inexpensive too; the cost was comparable to what I spend to go camping.) Next year, I plan to bring those 50 items I left behind! Hope to see you all then!
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