At a time when many Pagans have been honoring what and who has gone before and new changes to come, other Pagans made the choice to also honor what we have in the Now: Our freedom. On Sunday, October 30, 2011, around 55 Pagans and supporters converged on Lafayette Square Park in Washington, DC to honor our freedom to worship as we choose. On that day, we were all first and foremost Americans.The ceremony, organized by Katrina Messenger and Caroline Kenner of Washington DC--with the help of many, many others--aimed to honor the Feminine Divine, specifically in relation to DC. The day opened with welcome messages and opening prayers by Messenger, Kenner, and others. The Ancestors and the Goddess, Inanna were welcomed in.
Throughout the ceremony, a variety of Goddesses were called, each prayer accompanied by a song. Goddesses honored included Columbia, Durga, Athena, Freya, Shekinah, Ma'at, Hecate, and a host of others. Non-Pagan participants added prayers of their own, as well. Every aspect of the ceremony worked harmoniously with every other aspect, and the energy was empowering, positive, and quite palpable. Passers by stopped and watched respectfully, and some appeared to even appreciate and enjoy the music.
After the prayers had been sung and shared, participants performed a Spiral Dance, which wound tighter and tighter toward the center, until the energy that had been building all day was released with chants and cheers, going off to do the good work intended.
The ceremony was closed out, and participants stayed on to drum, dance, and socialize. Kenner shared a prayer and a story about Enheduanna, the first poet and priestess known by name to history. She is considered to be the primary role model to many modern priestesses.
It was a peaceful, positive day, and though it will take some time to see how things unfold, the Ritual made it clear that Pagans are not looking to usurp anything or anybody, but only to heal current harms, protect our religious freedom, and live in peace with others.
(Photo Credits: Michael Reeder)
It sounds as if it was a powerful event. Thank you for this firsthand report!
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