Pagan Pride in the park

By Chris Carpenter

It’s a beautiful weekend to go to Gooseberry Park in South Moorhead. That’s because on Saturday, Sept. 19, Pagan Pride Day festivities will be held at Gooseberry.

As you enter the park, you’ll see a normal gathering of people, similar to a street fair.

There will be rows of tables where you begin discovering a different path than the one you have followed before. Tables covered with soaps, herbs or, on occasion, an interesting array of crystals. You’ll come across a free spirit giving tarot card readings, and further down you’ll see, no, hear a group of people sitting in a circle, drums in hand, beating a rhythm which creates an earthy atmosphere.

As you check out the tables, you’ll realize not only are the products offered interesting, but the people too are something to be explored and discovered, each with a different philosophy and lifestyle. Perhaps you’ll see a young woman bearing many rings, dangling earrings and jangling bracelets, dancing to the drums. Perhaps you’ll see a burly man, bearing a long beard, who reminds you of a Viking warrior sitting on furs. As seemingly different as these people are, they are friends in their uniqueness. They’ll have a common thread holding them together on this day: pride in their paganism.

Pagan Pride is sponsored by the Lake Agassiz Regional Pagan Community. It is intended to cast aside the misconceptions of what paganism isn’t and introduce the community to what paganism is.

Paganism is not a religion of its own, but by definition the following of beliefs different than Judeo-Christian teachings. Among mainstream pagan beliefs are Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism. Many pagans explore facets of shamanism and druidism. Others follow Odinism, Greek and Roman myths, and a common following at this gathering is Wicca.

There will be vendors selling everything from common household products — soaps, lotions and jewelry — to esoteric items such as herbal solutions, crystals and books on many beliefs. There will be a panel discussing different belief systems, drumming circles and, rumor has it, belly dancing. For those not attending, there will be a live podcast broadcasting for your pleasure. The host, Thomas Punton, will be interviewing individuals on their beliefs and experience as pagans.

IF YOU GO:

F-M Pagan Pride Day

Gooseberry Park, 100 22nd Ave S, Moorhead

Sat, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m.