Customer Reviews

Dancing the Fire: A Guide to Neo-Pagan Festivals and Gatherings

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Marian presents a well-rounded, comprehensive book for the new Gatherer as well as the old. She gives equal weight to all aspects of a Pagan Festival, from the newest attendee, the lecturer, or to the organizer.

Although many of her points are what one might call "common sense", she thoughtfully points out that common sense may not be so common. Ms. Singer takes the would-be Gatherer through what to expect at a festival and what to bring. More importantly she includes the what-not-to do and bring things as well. Her readers are gently led to choose a Gather that will be most enjoyable for them. She also discusses the mechanics of creating your own Gather; the joys and pitfalls of being a festival organizer are both considered.

Ms. Singer speaks from her own experience of being a speaker/attendee of over 200 gathers. She shares some of the more humorous events of her travels, some of which make you shake your head in wonder at the audacity of some folks. She includes numerous spells and charms meant to enhance your travel and festival experience. The spells are set out in boxes throughout the text, making them easy to find for future reference after the reader has digested the main text of each chapter.

The second half of the book contains an abridged listing of events and gatherings in the continental US and Canada. Each listing contains contact information, approximate timing of the event, facilities, service, amenities, (including wheelchair accessibility and the availability of interpretation for the deaf), and attendance costs, plus some listings have short descriptive paragraphs describing additional details.

This is where I feel a very strongly written book was somewhat weakened. I realize that trying to provide a comprehensive list of all the possible events that happen in our community is literally impossible. No one could hope to list anywhere near all the events. The author does refer readers to witchvox.com, an on-line resource for the Pagan community that has numerous listings. I found the information in the book lacking an important item. The length of each event. As an experienced event attendee, I know an event can last anywhere from a single afternoon to several weeks. Many events happen to fall on different dates each year but their duration tends to be consistent. Another minor point that could be added to the listings is whether a site is alcohol-free or not.

This is an excellent book and an easy read.

W. Lyon Martin Author/Illustrator of "An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child"

With the Festival season coming up on us, this book is a handbook on what to expect and how to handle neo-pagan festivals. Ms. Singer outlines some very appropriate information and gives us some timeless advice on what pagan festivals are all about and everything you may want to know about them.

The book is divided into two sections, but the introduction should not be overlooked. This section contains Festival FAQ's which are priceless in their good, solid information and practical advices. The part one section then covers "Everything Else You Need to Know About Festivals: and part two covers "Major American and Canadian Festivals". There are some well deserved Acknowledgments and a good "Authors Note to Gathering Facilitators and My Readers", as well as an index for quick reference.

But to get into the "meat and potatoes" part of the book, first read the Introduction. This is a well thought and put together section, in FAQ (frequently asked questions) format that asks just about every question you can think of regarding new-pagan festivals, and a few you didn't think to ask. The answers are thorough, and very "on the mark. If you find yourself asking about whether you should attend a festival, medical issues, what about clothing optional or what if I see something that should not be going on, the answers are here. Questions about what a festival is, what do I need, work passes and "Pagan Standard Time" are all here. The author is very complete in her FAQ's and my hat is off to her research and the care she put into this section. Her advices are excellent and should be repeated to many groups before starting a festival.

In part two "Everything Else You Need to Know About Festivals" she covers anything else that may have been left out in the Introduction, and expands on other items covered in the FAQ. Which festival should I choose and why, what should I pack, what should I wear and what can I eat? What workshop should I attend, what vendors are the best, what about evening entertainment? While Ms. Singer does not tell you where to go and what to do, she does offer information to help you make intelligent choices about events, vendors and workshops that might be of interest to you personally.

She also gives safety protocols, discusses what safety and protection steps should be in place at a festival you choose to attend and how to handle any medical or safety issues you personally need. And she offers the best advice anyone could possibly give you regarding going to festivals: Do research (check) on the festival, ask questions and get reviews and recommendations from others to help you understand what the event is about and whether it is the right event for you. If you don't like camping, then maybe a hotel event is for you. If you don't like cooking, find an event that offers meals, or has food available within a short distance from the event. Ms. Singer wants you to make sure the event fits you, your personal needs, and your lifestyle preferences so that you will have the best time possible and a fulfilling experience to take away from the event.

The second part of the book is actual festival listings, by state and providence. She has done much research on these events, listing websites, actual location, and contact person if available. She lists available transportation, what the facilities are like and any special accommodations if available. She also lists costs.

These are not recommendations. While many of the "big name" events are listed, again she recommends that you "Check" the event before you decide on going.

The only issue I have here is that events come and go. Costs go up. Free events do not always remain free. This list, while extensive and containing some annual events information that have been held for years, it also is only going to be as accurate as the year it was printed. The printing date of 2005 will assure that many of the festivals listed will actually be occurring this year and the information is correct. However, having presented at many events, I know that cancellations happen, sometimes happening very close to the event date. Remember Ms. Singers word of wisdom - "Check" everything first.

As a little addition to the material presented, there are little spells included in the book to help you through an event. From "protective amulets" to "Dowsing for Dollars", the author offers some practical, if not amusing spells for the magical festival attendee. I enjoyed this bit of spellworking, and thought it a nice addition to the book.

A good section and one which I thought should be handed out to every festival attendee is the "Festival Etiquette and Safety" section. Wonderful words of advice, some very practical safety instructions, and some very well thought out points on "Festival Etiquette" that should be mandatory reading.

Overall this is a really good book that should be in everyone's backpack or suitcase. The material covered is just full of ideas and advices that should be repeated over and over.

If you are looking at attending your first festival, or are a regular festival goer, this book should be the one book you pick up. This is a first rate handbook on neo-pagan festivals and events. boudica

This was a pretty great book. I haven't been to a festival yet (I live in South Dakota), but it's something I really want to do.

The author gave some good advice about so many ares like:
-Respecting other's privacy
-If you sign up for something, be there on time
-Info about cothing optinl
-Info about brining kids and pets
-what you may need to pack in general

The other section lists some festivals, and how to find more if these are no longer running.

There's also info about having a festival of your own.

Singer writes in a way like you're etting advice from a friend. She uses clear and conscice language, and was a pleasure to read.

I give this a B+.

I agree with both the previous reviewers. While there is a limit to what anyone can present in this limited format, this is really wondderful for participants and staff alike for any neopagan festival. Those who believe they're called to festival facilitation would do well to read how much of a life commitment this takes. Those who want to simply meet others, can look to discover what events really tug at the spirit-strings and have topics that support the soul. As the years go on it will become outdated but Singer has strongly encouraged double checking and using online resources to try and allay that problem.