tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542831147822060737.post462432985049908432..comments2022-01-14T18:08:21.692+11:00Comments on Mount Franklin Annual Pagan Gathering: THE HISTORY OF THE MT FRANKLIN ANNUAL PAGAN GATHERINGAnkh af na Khonsuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01509158121612120859noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542831147822060737.post-1580726084008162812010-10-04T23:11:08.973+11:002010-10-04T23:11:08.973+11:00Thank you for sharing your memories of your visits...Thank you for sharing your memories of your visits to the mount.Mt Franklin Annual Pagan Gatheringhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03427533198037564983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542831147822060737.post-30232770422264246582010-10-04T20:04:48.065+11:002010-10-04T20:04:48.065+11:00I first attended Mount Franklin Annual Pagan Gathe...I first attended Mount Franklin Annual Pagan Gathering, I think back in 1990 or perhaps '91. I was pretty young then and kept to myself, exploring a world that was both familiar and intriguing. I remember that first time going alone and sleeping in my car not knowing anyone. The memory is beautiful of that first weekend, sunshine through the array of beautiful trees, the smell of spring. The colour and magic of so many people all coming together to just celebrate and 'be'. Corporate facades gone, parents faces probably stressed at any other time now relaxed and happy. And a warmth that I don't believe has ever been replicated elsewhere amongst gatherers. I do remember seeing it advertised initially in Margot Adler's "Drawing Down The Moon" and has been advertised in every edition since as I recall. This was where I first met members of my original working group, and formed a great friendship with many many people. I did not know Linda and Michel terribly well at that point only that they had paved the way for the gathering since its conception. I was quietly very thankful to them for that. Over subsequent years they became very good friends, generous and giving, like so many people are and have been. If you have ever been to the Mount for Beltaine, you'll know exactly of what I speak. Strangers sharing food and water for those ill prepared. Handing out doona's and pillows for those bone wrenchingly cold nights in the crater! One year, this writer enjoyed far too much red wine and tripped over face planting in spectacular fashion! Far too inebriated to move, a kind person came and assisted me to get up (after falling over me) and led me back to a warm fire and yet more wine....never give in (and thanks Michel) :P Over the years I have experienced a diverse array of rituals from differing practitioners and run them myself. Beltane up at the Mount had always been the most fantastic weekend you could plot on your calendar. I hope that readers of this blog will appreciate its unique place in paganism in Australia and the huge volume of love and work that has gone into to helping sustain a sacred space and a weekend haven for us all to enjoy and feel blessed by the spirits, ancestors and our Gods. It forms a unique and crucial part of my own Craft history and journey. I hope to see it continue without destructive elements for those who have the eyes to see it become a part of their journey too....nigheanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02409511528456770651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6542831147822060737.post-66095622831621788322010-10-04T12:21:42.200+11:002010-10-04T12:21:42.200+11:00Guess that breakdown was 'meant to be' ......Guess that breakdown was 'meant to be' ... and how fortunate for all us pagans!crazyjane13https://www.blogger.com/profile/08025971545805390457noreply@blogger.com