This schedule and descriptions are up to date as of Friday, July 12 for the 2024 Retreat.
The Mysteries
The Mysteries at Dragonfest are a way of ritually connecting with guides, spirits, the divine and fellow people who face similar daily concerns. In these rites, we honor both our individual differences and our commonalities in the lives we live as members of our respective genders/ gender identities. We do this through a variety of methods such as trance work, meditations, and/or magick workings, depending on the tradition or practice of the volunteer presenter. This year’s mysteries include:
Non-Binary/Gender Fluid/Lavender Mysteries presented by Siqua Asgaya Tierramar
Thursday, August 1, 7PM start Workshop C (Trance Circle)
This ritual celebrates the rich tapestry of gender identities, acknowledging and honoring the fluid nature of gender and the sacred presence within each person. It aims to recognize and appreciate the spectrum of gender identities that transcend traditional binary classifications, embracing the diversity and divinity of all individuals. Folx are asked to bring a notebook and pen, an object that represents who they are on their journey of gender, and an offering for the spirits (this could be a bite size piece of food, a libation, a pinch of corn meal or tobacco, a locket of hair, etc).
About the presenter: I am a queer, Two-Spirit person of color, embracing the tapestry of my Mestizo heritage through the practice of my family’s traditional magick alongside my ordained clergy role within the Correllian Tradition. I have a Master’s degree in Depth/Jungian Psychology which deeply informs my metaphysical practices and perspectives. I am versed in the arts of Reiki, herbalism, and alchemy. I have formally practiced the contemplative arts and meditation for 30 years.
Women’s Mysteries presented by Lydia
Thursday, August 1, 7PM start Workshop E (Freedom Circle)
Dragonfest’s Women’s Mysteries ritual is a safe space to honor the divine feminine, celebrate our identity as women and how that manifests in our lives, and support fellow women in our struggles and triumphs along their life’s journey. All women, womyn, and female/femme identifying individuals are welcome to lend their energy to this ceremony.
Men’s Mysteries presented by Hank and Aeneas
Thursday, August 1, 7PM start Pan’s Meadow (past the Labyrinth and Trance Circle)
Join us at Pan’s Meadow for an empowering journey of transformation guided by the ancient archetypes of King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover. Participants will engage in a profound rite of passage, reflecting on their commitments to maturity, responsibility, and balanced masculinity. Together, we will invoke the archetypal energies, create meaningful connections, and declare our intentions and purpose. Wear your tokens with pride as a symbol of your commitment to growth and transformation. Hail the Men!
All men and masculine-identifying persons are welcome. Given the location, it is recommended that all participants bring their own seat.
Life-Cycle Celebrations
Life-Cycle Rituals are available at Dragonfest for participants who wish to mark special turning points in their lives. These offerings, put on by volunteer presenters, allow participants the opportunity to recognize these changes in a ritual setting, but who haven’t had the opportunity to do so in their normal lives, or who have, but also wish to do so in a communal setting. Please note that many of these rituals require advanced contact with the presenters. This year’s Life-Cycle Rituals are:
Saging Ritual by Mark Lewis
Friday, August 2, 1PM-3PM Workshop C (Trance Circle)
Saging will be offered to anyone who identifies as male, and is interested in taking the role of a Sage. If you are interested, please contact Mark at aztecan57@gmail.com as soon as possible, though you will not be turned away if you are unable to reach out prior to Fest.
Croning Ritual presented by Mary Ann Bonetti and Judy Gardner
Friday, August 2, 3PM-5PM Camp Crone (in Starlight Meadow)
For all who are called to celebrate the Beauty of your aging and honor this special time in your life, join us. Trans and Nonbinary are welcome. Please join this Ritual if you are called to do so; however, you must have either: attended either the Croning Workshop or Trans Elder Workshop on Thursday, or spoken with us in advance of the ceremony. Thank you.
Other Rituals
Opening Ritual
Wednesday, July 31, 7PM start Main Circle (Heart of the Dragon)
Come lend your energy to marking the start of Dragonfest and create the sacred space that it takes place in! Created by our Ops Directors, this is a chance to kick off Fest in a ritual manner.
Flower Frenzy with Tanna Lewark and Janie Felix
Thursday, August 1, 10AM-12PM Workshop E (Freedom Circle)
This is a time-honored, all female, or identifying as female, ritual. It is based on the Mayan Spiritual Healing Tradition and is the high light of the year for many of us. Since it is a waning moon, you will need to prepare your intention to wash out what no longer serves you, making room for what you want to bring into your life. Please come, prepared with a bucket, basin or some water container to mix your bath in. Bring any flowers, herbs, oils, etc. to add and to share with your bath. It is a skyclad ritual and is warded by faithful guardians on all sides. If you are uncomfortable being skyclad, you may choose a bathing suit or underwear. Any Maidens preparing for the Moon Rite Ritual that evening are encouraged to attend along with their female sponsor or parent. Be sure to bring a towel, a chair if you desire and your spiritual self with your intentions for the ritual set in your mind.
Ancestor Ritual presented by the Order of the Cauldron of the Sage
Thursday, August 1, 1PM-3PM Workshop E (Freedom Circle)
The ancestor ritual will be a time to remember and honor those who have journeyed to the Summerland. There are different types of ancestors. There are our blood ancestors, who are the people from whom we directly descend. There are archetypal ancestors, who represent the place that our clan and family came from. And, there are some who are spiritual ancestors, those who we may not be tied to by blood or marriage, but who we claim as family nonetheless. We invite all who wish to gather to remember, to share and shine a light on someone they held dear. Conducted by Mark Lewis and Janie Felix, High Priest and High Priestess of the Order of the Cauldron of the Sage.
ADF Lughnasadh presented by Silver Branch, Golden Horn
Thursday, August 1, 3PM start Workshop E (Freedom Circle)
The Silver Branch, Golden Horn grove welcomes you to join them in the celebration of Lughnasadh.
Multiple Drawing Down
Friday, August 2, ~5PM start Workshop C (Trance Circle, the Labyrinth & Pan’s Meadow)
The Drawing Down of the Moon is one of our most Sacred Mystery Rites. Our High Priestesses or High Priests become a Vessel for the God and the Goddess. The Vessel invokes the Goddess or the God directly into themselves. If you would like to volunteer to be a vessel, walker, or have any questions, please email our Events staff at events@dragonfest.org. Set-up is Friday 10AM- 3PM; please coordinate with Janie Felix or Vanth Angeles.
Druid Peace Ceremony (pending)
Saturday, August 3, 1PM start Main Circle (Heart of the Dragon)
“We live in a time that appears to be full of darkness. The darkness of hate, fear and oppression. The darkness of believing there is only one way, them and us.”
Witness the ritual written by Crann Na Cailli Druid Grove to embody peace. Any and all are welcome to join in the performance of the ritual as a script will be provided; if you have them, please wear your cloak and bring your staff.
Main Ritual presented by the Order of the Cauldron of the Sage
Saturday, August 3, 7PM start Main Circle (Heart of the Dragon)
The Order of the Cauldron of the Sage invites you to join in their ritual this year. The crux is the celebration of The/Our Mother. It will encompass the varied forms of Mother and will be a celebration of all those aspects.
Closing Ritual presented by TeenFest
Sunday, August 4, 10AM start Main Circle (Heart of the Dragon)
Created and performed by Dragonfest’s teens during Teenfest, the sacred boundary that was made during Opening Ritual to hold Dragonfest’s energies will be released. Come lend your energy and support the Teens as they lead!
Giving Tree with Vanth Angeles
Sunday, August 4, After Closing Ritual (~11AM) The Tree Across the Road from Merchant’s Row
As we prepare to leave Dragonfest, join in a ritual of gratitude and of guidance. Sometimes, in order to be able to receive, we must be willing to let go. Be open and prepared to accept that which spirit says you now need. You can bring a magical tool that you no longer use, a craft, a book or other things you think need to be given. Please also remember only to receive one item as we want to be sure all who give also receive. Thank you!