Wiccan/Pagan presence at Burning Man

[ShadowCat]

I just was introduced to Wicca about a week ago. No joke. Starving for knowledge. I'm an ardent "Burner" who spends a lot of time at Temple at Burning Man. Is there a Wiccan/Pagan presence on the Playa? How do I find you?

[Firebird]

The orignal burns were essentially a Summer Solstice ritual.
Seems strange you have yet to bump into someone there. How long have you been attending?
There are definitely people from all walks of life who attend, though it appears most are pagan if not at least pagan friendly.
contact me before this years event and I could try to hook you up with some of my former covenmates who are well ensconsed at the burn.
bb, Firebird

[ShadowCat]

Thank you so much for the reply. I'm solitary, even as a Burner, so it's entirely possible I've bumped into a few Wicca/Pagan spirits and the timing wasn't right to connect. I intend to have grown enough spiritually by this year's Burn to conduct at least one ritual at Temple. There will be 2 remembrances that will be solitary, but I'd like to be part of something with at least one or two other people.

I posted this same question in the Burning Man counterpart to EUTM. I received one promising reply, but at this point, I'm eager to meet as many Wiccan/Pagans as I can and learn which path is right for me.

The man in my life is very supportive of my new spiritual journey. When I jokingly referred to him as my darling little Warlock, my sweet Buddhist gave the deepest belly laugh I've heard from him in a long time. (Yes, I know the term Warlock term isn't used much, but another dear friend used to say "Go for the joke. Apologize later." I couldn't resist.)

[RosieMoonflower]

I attend several music festivals in the South every year and have been able to meet a few pagans over the years. It's difficult because when you meet someone new, you don't usually open with, "so what religion are you?" My mother always said you don't talk about religion or politics in company, and she's right, its not polite. But, if you notice any tools or symbols, it's totally okay to ask I think. Some people will bring sage to cleanse their camping area. You might notice someone with crystals or wearing a pentagram. Burning man may have more of a spiritual aspect of it over all compared to the festivals I'm talking about, so it may be easier to strick up a spiritual conversation. The venders are also a good source of knowledge I've found. I've send lots of venders who sell crystals. Striking up a convo with them about what they are selling is easy.

I hope you're able to find some like minded people this year. You're very lucky the man in your life is so agreeable, especially with you following a pagan path. Not all are so lucky. I've seen many posts here about people with partners who are uncomfortable with it. Even myself, my fiancé and I are basically pagans (with Christian backgrounds) because we make up our own spiritually and don't follow one religion specifically. But, my fiancé is uncomfortable with the term Pagan. Why? Many reasons, but the biggest is that his mother is a southern baptist who would never accept that term and make a big deal out of it. So we remain "undefined" if you will, to keep the peace. Good luck on your journey!

Rosie

[ness]

I know there are some camps for massages (HeeBeeGeeBee Healers and there might be others) and few pagans I have met at burning man used to work there. Maybe try visiting those camps and talk to people who work there and see if you share something common.
The energy at burning man causes most of us to feel close to the nature and sense magick that we all feel a little pagan and spiritual over there

[ShadowCat]

My apologies to all for the late reply. I'm not online much with my current schedule, and I can't figure out how to get this site to work on my phone.

I hadn't thought about talking to vendors, probably because I ignore them. LOL They're not allowed at any sanctioned event, and I've always thought they violated the spirit of an event - even an unsanctioned one. I will open my eyes better.

I know of HeeBeeGeeBees, and I will look them up at this year's Burn. I also recently learned that Beaver Dome may be Pagan friendly and possibly Barbie Death Camp and Wine Bistro. There have to be more. I just need to learn how to open dialogue.

There's nothing like getting completely away from commercialism and live self reliant in that kind of brutal environment to get close to the earth. Serious spiritual energy. There are a LOT of people who avoid Temple entirely because they can't handle the power of the place. I just drink it in.

Thanks again to all for the replies.