I am getting very excited about this year’s Hekate’s Sickle Festival! The theme is Awaken Avalon, and it is all about restoring the ideals of Camelot and Avalon into our world today.
Okay, at least a little of my excitement is because I helped to write the rituals for the festival. More of my excitement is about the fact that my favorite book in the whole world is The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. (Yes, I know that MZB is problematic. Notice I didn’t say she was my favorite author. I can divorce the work from the creator.)
Camelot
For many, Camelot evokes castles with round tables, knights in shining armor, chivalry, and romance. For others, it represents an idyllic time of peaceful and wise leadership. Others smile as they think of any one of the many parodies (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, anyone?). For me, Camelot is intimately connected with Avalon.
Avalon
Avalon is an enchanted place, now separated from the mundane world. It was where priestesses of the Goddess, as well as Druid priests, were trained in the mystic arts from a young age. As a teenager, I dreamed of making my way to the House of Maidens, and learning herblore, healing, and magic from the wise and powerful Priestesses of Avalon. Then I would shake myself out of my fantasy world, and get back to studying, telling myself that would never happen.
Then, in university, I had the chance to participate in a study abroad program in England. Although I spent most of my time in London, I did take the opportunity to travel to Glastonbury, the sacred site associated with Avalon. At Beltaine no less. Immersed in that highly charged spiritual environment, Goddess planted the seeds of what has become my life’s calling – becoming a Priestess was no longer so far-fetched a goal.
Dream come true
Fast forward many years, and I am now the Archpriestess of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church of Canada, an honor I still am in awe of. Now I am the teacher, guiding new students in the craft of the wise. My study may not have been as focused in time as my earlier fantasies had imagined, however, it has been no less intense.
Avalon and Glastonbury attached an anchor in my heart. Twenty-five years may have passed, but the memories are crystal clear. I hear the siren song of its magic, calling me even now. I long to return, and soak up the healing, rejuvenating energy once more. That pilgrimage is still some years off, yet the opportunity to experience the marvel of Avalon, and Camelot, is only a few weeks away.
I am extremely excited to share the power and majesty of Avalon and Camelot with our spiritual community at this year’s Hekate’s Sickle Festival. We get to meet Arthur and Guinevere, Lancelot and Morgaine (Morgan LeFay to some of you), as well as Merlin and the Lady of the Lake. They will share with us the ideals and virtues they represent, and share with us tools to bring both Camelot’s and Avalon’s magic and energy into our world today. Join us on a Grail Quest, join the Knights of the Round Table, and be initiated as a Priestx of Avalon.
Register for Hekate’s Sickle Festival: Awaken Avalon today! I hope to see you there.
Blessings,
Mary