Theme: Connecting and Reconnecting
Theme includes:
- Reconnecting after Covid.
- Making personal connections in the real world and online.
- Connecting with your “tribe.”
- Connecting with deities, spirits, and ancestors.
Patron Deity: This year we will honor the Greek god Hermes. Hermes was originally a phallic god. He is a god of boundaries, travel, communication, and thieves. Hermes is a trickster god and a psychopomp able to travel between this world and the Otherworld. Hermes is part of the homoerotic trinity of Eros, Hermes, and Heracles who together presided over homosexual relations. Hermes was honored in ancient Arcadia and Mount Cyllene in Arcadia is said to be one of his oldest temples and his birthplace.
What: A Queer-positive Pagan men’s gathering open to men of all orientations, spiritual paths, and backgrounds.
When: October 8-10, 2021
Where: First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach, VA). Why the change?
Why: Because there’s a need for such a gathering on the East Coast. The nearest Queer Pagan men’s camping gathering is in Ohio.
Who: Anyone over 18 who identifies as Pagan or Earth-based spirituality who is also gay, bi, queer, or trans. We will not turn away any respectful seeker regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or spiritual path.
Schedule
Friday
1pm and later – Staff and Guests check in, and set up camp
6pm – Dinner
7pm – Welcome talk: What is Arcadia all about?
7:30pm — Opening Ritual
8pm – Ice breaker and Introductions around the campfire
9-10pm – Drum and Dance Circle
Saturday
8am – Breakfast
9am – Workshop: Reconnecting with your spirituality and life purpose
10am — Workshop: Connecting with your spiritual and magickal guides
11am — Morning Hike
12noon – Lunch and free time
2pm — Discussion: Why is it so hard for Gay and Bi Pagan Men to Connect?
3pm — Workshop: Connecting with the Greek God Hermes
4pm — Activity: Carve your own Jack-o-Lantern. Bring your own pumpkin(s) of any size. Jack-o-Lanterns will help decorate for tonight’s Samhain party.
5pm – Dinner
7pm – Rite of Hermes Ritual
8-10pm – Pan at the Disco: Samhain Masquerade /Costume Party
Sunday
8am — Breakfast
9am – Closing ritual
10am — Packing up camp
11am — Lunch at Shorebreak Pizza for those who wish to stick around and socialize a bit longer