About Pagan Odyssey


Beltaine 2009 Maypole, photo by John


Beltaine: A Pagan Odyssey Festival 


"THE FESTIVAL THAT COMMUNITY BUILT"

Pagan Odyssey 2010 will be held April 29th-May 2nd at Schreiber’s Farm in Oxford, Connecticut. It is held on 400 private acres of scenic rural farmland and woodlands of the Naugatuck River Valley, just down the road from Southford Falls State Park. It as also conveniently located near a major highway, stores and ATMs within easy driving distance, and a quality hotel is less than 2 miles away. Camping is permitted, and encouraged so that attendees do not miss any part of the festival, which has been described by many as a true experience.

Beltaine: A Pagan Odyssey, is Connecticut’s oldest Pagan festival, and it is hosted by the Panthean Temple, which was founded in 1995. This festival is educational, spiritual and a chance to experience community at its finest. Although the event is hosted by the Panthean Temple, the festival is purely community driven; our guest speakers, volunteers and participants come from many local temples, organizations, and covens throughout Connecticut, the Northeast and beyond! We bring together people from many varying traditions within the Wiccan, Pagan, and Earth-Based spiritual communities. The community at large makes this huge festival possible for our small temple and your participation is welcomed.

Beltaine is a celebration the arrival of the summer months, also known as May Day. We celebrate with a bonfire, all night drumming, ceremonies and a Maypole dance. There will also be children’s activities, hay rides, fire spinning, vendors, readers and healers. Our special guest speaker for 2010 will be Z Budapest. There will be over 60 well-known teachers, leaders and elders in attendance for lectures, hands on workshops and classes. Concerts with a wide variety of music are also planned for 2010.

WE ARE LISTED IN
Dancing the Fire: A Guide to Neo-Pagan Festivals and Gatherings 

DON'T FORGET!
To bring a 30 ft ribbon for the Maypole (yes, our Maypoles are at least 20 feet tall!). Be sure to also bring masks, costumes and musical instruments for our Mummer's Parade! And as always of course, don't forget your DRUMS!

 WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
 After expenses, and a portion kept aside for next year's festival, all proceeds will go into our Land Fund. It is our hope that we can build  this festival into such a success that it will enable us to purchase land and a building. Please consider becoming a sponsor of our Beltaine Festival.

 PLEASE BRING ITEMS AND GIFT BASKETS FOR OUR LAND FUND RAFFLE!


 Drummers and musicians 2006

OUR EVENTS are as follows;

Thursday:
SITE UNOFFICIALLY OPENS AT NOON FOR SET-UP!  
No real events scheduled. Just a day to set up, enjoy each other's company and commune with nature. Unofficial Drum Circle around the fire in the evening. Merchants & Readers are expected to set up on Thursday. If you would like to come early, you are welcome to, but you will be required to volunteer as we set up for the festival.

THURSDAY NIGHT
Yes, we are going to have fun! Details TBA

Friday:
FESTIVAL OFFICIALLY BEGINS AT 9 AM!  
 Registration opens 9 am. Classes and workshops begin at 10:00 am
(Schedule the vacation time now!)
Merchants and readers will be available. 

Friday Afternoon: 
Concerts will begin at 11 am
Wolf lecture with Atka the Arctic Wolf and Josh at 1 pm


Fire raising ceremony 2009, photo by Jenna Greene

Friday Night: 
Concerts: Joseph Firecrow, Imakhu & Worldwind
We will be holding a special FIRE CIRCLE OPENING RITUAL opening with a kindling the central  bonfire. Afterwards there will be a  drumming circle lasting well into the wee hours.

 Saturday:  
Saturday Morning:
 There are various classes and workshops scheduled for today starting at 9 am. The drumming, vending, and reading will continue throughout the weekend.