The Pagan Picnic

12 years ago, a little coven had a picnic at Tower Grove Park. They brought friends and food, and had a lot of fun. They had a small ritual around a big tree. They raised a lot of energy and offered it to the land, and it was good.

It was so good, in fact; that they did it again the next year. They invited more people to their picnic. They spent months going out of their way to find solitary pagans and small covens. They invited all to bring a dish, bring a friend, and spread the word; and it was good.

It was so good, in fact; that they did it for a third year. Hundreds of pagans came. People from different traditions held discussion groups that were open to anyone. They came and they shared and they learned.
A council was formed to manage the picnic and other community-building events. They called it C.A.S.T., and it was (mostly) good.

By the fourth year, the little picnic had evolved into a 2 day event. Thousands came to network and share. They brought cans for a local food bank. They held weddings and rituals and people in funny clothes. They talked, and laughed, and realized that they were not alone. And, oh; it was so good.

People came from other states. Reporters came and took pictures for their newspapers. Church groups came and stood on the sidewalk -amazed. A few walked around and asked questions, and it was good.

This year, the big tree was struck by lightning and fell; but the picnic went on. No reporters came. The pagan picnic isn't news anymore. No church groups came. The pagans aren't amazing anymore.

And you know what? It's good.