Held April 9 through April 12, this was the thirteenth year the Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC) sponsored this annual event. For me, it was my fifth year in attendance since 1988. A weekend-long event, the mysteries festival is a recreation of the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries held in Greece around 4000 years ago. An opportunity to share in a series of ritual dramas and initiatory experiences to mark the event.
For me, magickal ritual and extensive ritual drama, like this, can contribute meaning to our lives by offering a metaphor for our use. Through the metaphor, we are able to view the universe in new ways and to grow by connecting to the natural forces which shape our world. Coming back to the festival grounds is like a homecoming, but each time it is changed, I am changed, everything is changed. This year, I made the journey with a wonderful group of friends; last year, I explored the mysteries alone. What seemed like a conflicting difference revealed itself as just another part of the same thing. We live our lives in a spiral.
Not only were there new faces performing the rituals, but this year I noticed many changes to the actual content of the drama. This year's ritual was more raw, more exposed than in previous years. For me, I saw how personal struggles for growth can lead us to clash with those around us, especially with those whom we love. I saw, also, how we can come into our life's purpose and have personal fulfillment when we are able to make difficult choices -- importantly, by making choices that not only serve others, but also reserve time for ourselves as well.
The actual substance of the ritual is held in secret. What is revealed must be experienced first-hand to be fully appreciated. Much of what I saw was conflict and impasse, but it was also all part of a stated plan. It was like how all of the life on Earth can appear to be in competition, yet together it creates the synergy that is Gaia herself.
Overall, the weather was fine, although somewhat inclement the night of the Greater Mysteries. As a result, I did not feel that, at the beginning of the ritual, the group was brought into a trance state/sacred space as effectively as in previous years. Once started, however, I think all were almost shocked at the cleverness of some of the surprises.
The ATC has ironed out many of the logistical challenges in accommodating such a large crowd. I heard estimates of close to 300 people. I think someone lost count at 113 participants for the skyclad ritual. There was good food (provided you were not a vegetarian -- editor), although not quite as plentiful as in the previous year.
The shrines were well-utilized. The festival participants were given an opportunity to directly interact, one on one, with the priestesses and priests carrying the goddess- and god-forms at their respective shrines. I also took time for some personal workings in the shrines to Hecate and Hermes, and, ah yes, the Aphrodite shrine as well.
This year, like every year, the mysteries festival has been an opportunity to meet with and directly commune with the eternal divine in the universe. The action never stopped for me this year. I was in trance or in ritual, I think, the whole time, only on different levels. Late one night, after the skyclad ritual and another private ritual, I finally took some time for myself. As I walked out in the open field, the moon was high above me like a jewel in a crown. I saw the trees of the forest before me, and I saw the deer right about me, eating quietly. In that moment, I connected. Everything about me was joined in a great symphony: the grass, the dirt, the clouds, the full moon's light and even me. I was between earth and sky. I was touched. I was changed. The wheel had turned and I along with it, coming back anew.
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