2019 Autumn Equinox Festival | Pagan Pride Day
20th annual pagan pride day
September 21, 2019
The 20th annual Pagan Pride Day celebration will once again be held at Long Branch Park in Onondaga County.
The Central New York Pagan Pride Project’s Autumn Equinox Festival is organized around three goals:
Food Drive
A food drive (or other charitable activity) to share our abundant harvest with others in need, and to make a clear statement to those who have misconceptions about Paganism. We know that our ethics, based on concern for ecology, personal responsibility, and individual freedom, mean that we feel strongly called to actions of social responsibility. It is important for us to highlight our similarity to other religions in that regard.
Public Ritual
A public gathering where Pagans can network with each other and celebrate an Autumn Equinox ritual.
Press Releases
Press releases and media coverage of our events in order to present the truth about Paganism to our communities, refute common misconceptions, and draw political attention to Paganism in order to try to prevent legislative discrimination against Pagans.
Contact us at cnyppd@gmail.com for further information.
Admission is Free!
We do, however, request your donation of a non-perishable food item, which in turn will be donated to The Food Bank of Central New York.
Workshops
An informational talk for non Pagans and new Pagans outlining some of the differences (and similarities) between Neopagan spirituality and the more widely recognized Abrahamic religions. There will be some focus on the purpose of the PPD event and the fostering of interfaith tolerance. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and share ideas.
Hosted at the Moon Pavilion at Noon
What’s ancient is new again! With our interpretation of this dance form, we acknowledge and channel the divine feminine ~ we love to mesmerize! Join us after we perform for a mini bellydance lesson!
Hosted at the Star Pavilion at 3 pm
For pagans the Hindu concept of karma has a huge bearing with things such as rituals, land memories and more. Join author Madis Senner as he discusses his latest book Everything Has Karma: Learning to Embrace Our Interconnectedness. In a world where everything has karma we are affected by everyone and everything we come in with.
Madis Senner, is a former money manager turned author and seeker. He blogs for Life in the Finger Lakes. He writes about the environment, sacred sites, social issues and our Mother on his blog, https://motherearthprayers.blogspot.com
Hosted at the Star Pavilion at Noon
Need a reason to step away from your life for a bit? Try Forest Therapy!! Not only do you get to reconnect to Mother Nature but it is scientifically proven to lower stress, lower blood pressure, increase creativity and productivity. Join me and learn about the origins of forest therapy. I will guide you through the standard sequence and introduce you to sample immersions. We will share in a tea derived from local plants as an additional way of connecting to Mother Earth. All those willing to set aside their worries are welcome to join me and lose themselves in the marvels of the woods.
Alchemy is the art and science of transmutation. This workshop will present a general introduction to Western Hermetic Alchemy. This alchemy is based on Hermes Trismegistus and Hermetic Principles. The workshop will touch on the alchemist’s purpose and ultimate goal. We will be discussing a brief history, the different types of Alchemy, the stages and phases of Alchemy, the elements and symbolism of Alchemy. Come join us in a journey of the Great Work!
J. Sage Parkin is a graduate and an active member in the International Alchemy Guild. Her journey into Alchemy started in herbalism and aromatherapy. The desire to make a more “whole” medicine, along with the search for soul evolution, and more depth in magick, led to Alchemy and the Great Work.
Hosted at the Moon Pavilion at 10 am
The crystal grid workshop will give an in depth beginner’s overview of using crystal grids to manifest and send energies to fit your needs. We’ll discuss the stones used, different grid patterns, energy work, and how to use it all! This workshop is free to attend. Laurie’s handcrafted crystal grids will be available for purchase at PPD!
Meditations about Hobbits, the Dark Crystal, the Force, cats, and more? Yes please. Become the most mindful geek you can be with these live guided meditations based on sci-fi and fantasy themes. 
Sound can be an immensely powerful tool for magical work throughout the wide variety of paths we follow. In this workshop, we will explore the sounds we can make on micro and macro levels, delving into the nature of sound as fundamental frequency and overtones, and also covering some practical applications of our voices in magical work. We will walk through the basics of the musical harmonic series to understand the unique qualities of our own voices (and more), briefly cover healthy vocal technique and breath-work, and discuss how we can use this knowledge to enhance our vocalizing. Participants can learn how to do their own overtone singing, and utilize this new skill in simple group chanting.
Sierra Fox, mezzo-soprano, is a nationally and internationally regarded soloist and ensemble singer with a background in interfaith outreach. Based in the Philadelphia area, she sings with a vast number of sacred and secular choirs, while also touring throughout the United States, Europe, and South America. Primarily interested in singing as a tool of unification, she has made a focus of music in the service of interconnectedness, bridging faith traditions, cultures, and otherwise distanced communities through song. She received her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance and Religion and Society from Syracuse University, followed by graduate study in Voice Performance at Temple University, and can be seen performing today as singer/percussionist for mythic folk band Soundweaver.
Hosted at the Star Pavilion at 2 pm
We’ll learn about your personal “gods” and how to work with them.
Hosted at the Star Pavilion at 11 am
Are you ready to embrace your heart connection?
Are you ready for personal empowerment?
Michelle J. Howe brings deeper insight, awareness and wisdom. She empowers you to embrace your inner compass and sensitivity to navigate beyond personal and interpersonal challenges. She shares healing vibrations and practical tools to light your way to soul connection. This engaging and interactive workshop guides you along the joyful path with self-love, trust and fulfillment.
MICHELLE J. HOWE is a powerful channel of high vibrational energies, an Evolutionary Guide, Awakening Speaker, and a Master Healer. She is also the founder of Empath Evolution and the curator of The Empath Evolution Community for individuals who are Highly Sensitive Feelers, Healers and Empaths.
Michelle’s mission is to awaken your sense of inner connection and deepens the trust you have in your own natural gifts and intuition. She offers training and healing vibrations through private sessions, organized live and virtual workshops, programs and events designed to expand your mind, nourish your soul, and share energy-smart wisdom. Michelle guides energetically sensitive souls along the Joyful Path to elevate their personal fulfillment at home, at work, and in their relationships.
Hosted at the Moon Pavilion at 3 pm
Are the earthen mounds at Long Branch Park the result of debris leftover from dredging? Or are they sacred mounds strategically placed over a part or our Mother that your guide calls Earth Chakras that regulate the flow of the Life Force/Orgone/Earth Prana? Join Earth Healer, Keeper(watches over a sacred site) and author Madis Senner, as we explore the mounds at Long Branch. The ability to sense and feel “Energy” is a plus. Please bring your dowsing rods—pendulums won’t cut it.
Muin Mound Grove, ADF would like to invite the public to experience a Druidic Worship Service. We will cover some basics such as the differences between Wicca and Druidry, the Three Kindreds, Fire Well and Tree, the importance of praise offerings, omens, and Blessings. We will teach a few of the chantsthat we use in service. We will discuss some of the history of the Bardic arts and how they still have their place today. The intention of this workshop is to give people a chance to ask questions and to participate in a service. Those who wish to do so will be able to take roles, as appropriate, within the
service.
Music & Entertainment
Let your spirit soar as your soul explores it’s primal roots. Join in the celebration of community as we echo the heartbeat of the Earth Mother.
At the Sun Pavilion at 4:00
Sierra and Cat come from vastly different musical bases to share the voice of spirit as it comes to them. Brought together originally as the voice and guitar for the Mythic Folk band Ashagal, Sound Weavers allows the two artists to step out of the limitations of genre and bring you the spirit music they both love. Ranging from folk, to contemporary, to experimental, the two give voice to the ephemeral and share their experience of spirit through song, be it songs of the gods themselves, or music inspired by the growth of their individual journeys.
At the Sun Pavilion at Noon
Cooking up 100% Epic, Original, Pristine Art Rock: Dulcet, then pounding; whirling, then startling; plaintive, then joyous; cacophonous, then blissfully harmonic.
At the Sun Pavilion at 3:00
A long-standing favorite, Father & Son strolling musicians who perform on a good many instruments for music of the Renaissance, Victorian, World Music, Celtic, Jazz Improv and more!
At the Sun Pavilion at 11:00
Rhiannon’s Lark will be joining us for this year’s Pagan Pride ❤️ Rhiannon’s Lark was created by Alyssa Yeager (sensual vocals, growly guitar, candy-coated ukulele) to express the reality of life as a geek, goddess, and girl. Alyssa is known for her “magickal, mystical storytelling”. She brings gaming, fantasy, morality, and t-rexes together into a show that will comfort your ears, get you laughing, and possibly even !gasp! make you think.
At the Sun Pavilion at 2:00
We are a group of Maidens, Mothers and Crones from CNY and The Mohawk Valley who enjoy dancing, smiling, having fun and making others happy.Fairy Hollow (Children's Activities)
10:00-10:45
Kids Ritual
Explains the general purpose of a ritual.
11:00-11:45
Story Telling
Children gather for a traditional storytelling.
12:00-12:45
Crystals 101 for Kids
Explains the importance of crystals and shows crystals strengths and properties.
2:00-2:45
Color Time!!
Chidren will have the chance to color in their own way whatever image they choose.
3:00-3:45
Trash Contest
2019 Event Sponsors
Bonfire ($200+)
Candle ($100+)
Spark ($50+)
AZ Stained Glass
Hill Woman
JD Jewelry
L3C Pottery
Tangled Mania Shoppe
Kindling ($10+)
Cauldron Creations
Crescent Moon Studio
Fire & Earth Reiki
Hathaway’s Elemental Light
Hubbard and Company Smithing
Mystic Chrysalis
Queenz Bazaar
Rev. Jeanne Carey
Rustic Roots Design LLC
The TePee
Vendors
A Touch of Glass and Then Some… Stained glass, heat bags, flags, bronze pendants, wood carvings, soap, incense, pins
Alzina’s Dezigns Calligraphics, embroidery, jewelry, assorted paper and fiber crafts
Around the World Imports Tapestries, clothes, gemstones, singing bowls, incense, and more
AZ Stained Glass LLC Stained glass
Blue Sky Creations Handmade pouches, shawls, spell kits, and so much more
Carvel Dewitt Ice cream
Cauldron Creations Candles, tinctures, jewelry, aroma therapy products, crystals
Country Bears & Crafts Goblets, cat toys, jewelry, jewelry boxes, walking sticks, art work, etc.
Crafta Sarnatura Nature and fantasy crafts; Reiki, health coaching
Crescent Moon Studio Handcrafted gemstone jewelry and metaphysical supplies and gifts
Dragon Moon Creations Art, jewelry and journals inspired by myth, magic and fantasy
Dreams of Yesteryear Dream catchers, charms, earrings
E & K Arts, Crafts & More Knitted and crocheted items, jewelry, live openings & Rada cutlery
Echoes of the Garden Herbs and essential oils, teas
Enchanted Cottage Apothecary Herb kits, teas, tinctures, essential oils, remedies, soaps, lotions, gifts and spiritual supplies
Fire & Earth Reiki Reiki masters/healers
Hathaway’s Elemental Light Hand made wire wrapped holistic jewelry, dowsing tools, essential oils and preps, feather pens, tumbled stones & other little goodies.
Hempworx CBD products
Highwinds Herbs Herbs, metaphysical products for all your magickal needs
Hill Woman Herbs, oils, incense, books, felted wool items
Hubbard and Company Smithing Hand forged goods, chainmail
Immortal Phoenix Tapestries, fair houses, books, crystals, candles, Tarot cards, runes, leather journals, bags, totes, incense, sage. Tarot readings, Akaska
JD Jewelry Jewelry, rune sets, tumbled stones, minerals, crystals
Julie’s Cauldron Spiritual tools and handcrafted gifts
Just a Couple of Witches A fun and random assortment of magically inspired goods and hand crafted items!
L3C Pottery Pottery for functional and spiritual use
Lavender Moon Spiritual Wellness Aura and Chakra photography, crystals, handmade items
Majicalities Cloaks, hats, pagan supplies
MB… Jewelry, dolls, apparel, novelty items
Micki’s Monster Shoppe Transformational face painting w/prosthetics, handcrafted toys and accessories w/fantasy theme
Moondancer Wares Magickal and mystical one of a kind creations! Altar cloths, home decor
Moon Spirit Flutes/Moon Spirit Arts Native American and Celtic flutes, drums, percussion instruments, handmade jewelry, art work, spirit drawings
Moonlit Alternatives Wood burning, glass etching, beaded t.o.l., bosoms, wands, handmade bags, cloaks, festival belts, etc.
Mystic Chrysalis Crystals, company, comfort and change
Nook & Cranny Reading Room Psychic readings including Tarot, chakra, aura, mademade metaphysical gifts and spiritual supplies
One Cut at a Time Wooden scroll saw items
Pat’s Passions Asst. Diamond paintings, crocheted shawls and ponshos, crocheted barefoot sandals
Peggy Park Hand blown glass witch/faerie balls
Queenz Bazaar Tarot, pendulums, picture and medium readings, paintings, fairy jars
Rencraft Leather belts, pouches & tankard straps, jewelry, glassware, knives & daggers, drinking horns, calendars, mirrors, bags, tapestries, much more
Rev. Jeanne Carey
RJM Awakening Art Hand painted altars, crystal grids, sigils, God and Goddess paintings
Rustic Roots Design LLC Pyrography art, decor and gemstones, jewelry (all handmade)
Sacred Ember Metaphysical Tarot cards, books, crystals, tapestries, jewelry, & other metaphysical goods
Sacred Journey Ceramics Pottery, mvgs, goblets, sunfaces, faerie wall art, ceramic jewelry, witches, dragons, greenmen, Sacred Briar art, space eggs, more
Sage & Feathers Rune readings, palm readings, Wiccan Zines, runes, charm bags
Sage Creek Primitives Hand carved runes, wands, journals, tarot/oracle cards, herbs, metaphysical items, etc.
Spiral Consciousness Reiki & Golden Angelic healing sessions, sigils, intention bags
Stonebeach Creative Web & print graphic design services, booth signs and banners, marketing materials, pyrography, original art pieces.
Sue C Strings Handwoven jewelry, hand warmers, beaded hair combs
Sunshine Guidance Services Intuitive guidance services, medium, Tarot and angel care readings
Syracuse Cultural Workers T-shirts, pins, stickers, postcards, notecards, mugs, magnets, calendars, posters, bags
Tangled Mania Shoppe Hand dyed yard, hand knitted mittens & washclothes, shawls, necklace, Goddess dolls, shawls
The Coven of the Four Elements To talk about and introduce our Coven and sell crafts made by members – jewelry, brooms, sage bundles, etc.
The Stone Dragon Crystals, Reiki, Tarot, jewelry, books, essential oils, handmade soaps and lotions
The Tattooed Dragon Surreal, abstract fantasy art and more! Apparel with amazing unique designs.
The TePee Sage/sweetgrass, crystals, candles, clothing, drums, Tarot cards, gifts, drinking horns
The Witches Flea Handmade art, woodwork, tapestries, candles, windchimes, jewelry, dream catchers
The Wizard Within the Wood Handmade wood carvings, staffs, wands, wood spirits and pagan affiliated items
Veronica Falter Books Fantasy novels I have written
Wandering Woods Reiki Mini sessions of Reiki with optional crystal energy work and chakra balancing
Volunteers:
No event of this size could ever happen without the dedicated efforts of some truly wonderful volunteers. CNY Pagan Pride owes its very existence to the following folks…
Kurt Hohmann
Amy Armstrong
Andrew Ortiz
Barry Canning
Bill Canning
Caroline Lamie
Daniel Gardner
Dawn Esmerelda Buchanan
Eric Mena
Ginger Johnson
Jesseca Trainham
John Roll
Kaz White
Kelly Sheridan
Kristan Johnson-Thomas
Mary Hudson
Maxx MountainLion
Meg Ashwood
Michael Fochtman
Michelle McCann
Nick Abbott-Hook
Paul Davis
Rich McCann
Sam Hohmann
Savannah Blandino
Sue Brooks
Tim Nortz
Todd “The Toad” Johnson
Torie Evans
Donate:
CNY Pagan Pride Day / Autumn Equinox Festival is a mission of the Church of the Greenwood. You can help support CNYPPD by making a tax deductible contribution to the Church of the Greenwood.