Pagan Pride Day to be held in Oklahoma City

Part of the Pagan Pride Project

(Oklahoma City) Pagan Pride Day is scheduled for October 17 at the West Side Lion’s Club, 4135 NW 10th Street in Oklahoma City. The event opens at 10am to the public. Admission and parking are free.

Pagan Pride Day is a day to celebrate our spiritual paths with everyone. It is a day we come together as a community of Wiccans, Heathens, Witches, Light and Energy Workers, Druids, and many other paths to celebrate those things we have in common and to learn more from others. It is also a day that we can show the world that except for our spiritual paths, we are just like everyone else. We are teachers, bankers, barbers, doctors, clerks and factory workers, wives and husbands, mothers and fathers. We have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else - living in peace, raising healthy children, loving and being loved.

“PPD is a unique opportunity to see and experience the diversity that makes up the Pagan community in central Oklahoma. We work hard to offer a peek into a world shrouded by mystery and history, but also to connect-the-dots with other spiritual communities. We have a lot more in common than one would think,” said Emmah Eastwind, Local Coordinator of the Pagan Pride Project. “It's a family friendly environment, one that respects and honors all life paths as valid for different people at different levels of unfolding. There won't be any proselytizing or recruiting. This is a seasonal celebration and a cultural and educational event.”

What is a Pagan? Most Pagans consider it to mean “a spiritual path that does not worship a singular deity.” In common usage, it usually includes spiritual paths such as Native American, Asatru, Wicca, Druid and others. It is often used as a blanket term describing alternative religions.

What can attendees do during the Pagan Pride Day event? Entertainment includes drum circles, folk music, belly dancing and other live music. Other activities include three public rituals and classes on a variety of spiritual topics. The event also features a large children's area for crafts, stories, and singing. The vendors sell a myriad of objects: stones and crystals, embroidery, fine art, clothing and hand-crafted items. Tarot readings and spiritual guidance will also be available.

How much does it cost to attend? It is free to attend, but we ask that attendees bring a donation of non-perishable food for Other Options, Inc., pet food for The Bella Foundation or used prescription eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club. We will have collection boxes at the entrance.

How many people usually attend? Last year around 500 people attended; we expect more this year. This is the third year this group has organized the event under the auspices of the Pagan Project. It is held every year in the fall.

Who are we? We are the local chapter of the Pagan Pride Project, Inc., a non-profit organization. The organizers for this year’s Pagan Pride Day are individuals from our Pagan Community as well as several Pagan groups (Crescent Moon Collective, Silver Serpent Coven, OKC Witch Hat Society, Labyrinth Temple and Channing CUUPs). This is a collaborative effort by members of the Oklahoma Pagan Community.

What is it like to be Pagan? We often feel more connected to nature and to the sacred energies in it, including awareness and appreciation for the movement of the sun, moon and seasons.

Why is Pagan Pride Day held? To foster awareness and understanding of what it is to be Pagan and to give those who are contemplating following a Pagan path a safe place to learn and ask questions.

For more information: www.OKCPaganPrideDay.com or www.facebook.com/OKCPaganPrideDay.

The Gayly – October 9, 2015 @ 12:10pm.