We Gathered in Appalachia

Cord cutting, a Maypole and throwing fears into the fire.

This past weekend, we gathered in Appalachia.

The weather was beautiful, the forest was lush, and the birdsong was loud. We began on a Thursday with an evening meet-and-greet, saying hello to our new friends. We didn’t know then that in four days’ time we would be bearing our souls to each other through tears, but that is how it went. That is how all these gatherings go, it seems. We didn’t know then how much we all needed each other; a circle was cast, and we were all in it together.

In the mornings, we woke early for breakfast and tea before setting off on three individual readings we received during our stay. Our stars aligned and were explained with Astrology, our cards were read with Tarot, and our unwanted burdens were set down in a private cord-cutting ritual.

Following our sessions, we came together again in workshop. We built a community altar, offering blessings and Beltane fire. We crafted sigils and carved them into candles, spoke of Walpurgisnacht and the gathering of witches. We infused our magic into ritual oils that we carried with us when we parted.

At night, we dressed and went to an old haunted Manor for dinner. We drank wine under a 120-year-old crystal chandelier, sat in circle next to a grand marble fireplace, and connected with the friends and spirits sitting with us. We grew closer to each other while growing closer to ourselves.

And so the weekend went; arriving on Sunday in a whirlwind of magic. It was here on the day of Helios, as he pulled his chariot above us, that we truly embraced the sabbat with a wrapping of the Maypole. Bright strands of ribbon dangled, and we each took up our favorite color. Dressed in white and wearing flower crowns we created together that morning, we set out to weave our way through each other, creating a web of energy that was full of laughter, music, and whimsy.

And then came the final circle and the letting go of what no longer served us. Through tears and laughter, hugs and held hands, we told each other our deepest fears. Then we gathered them together and threw them in the fire, whispering “so mote it be.”

The circle was closed. Until we meet again.

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A special thank you to the witches and friends who helped make this magical weekend happen: Danielle, Kate Belew , Caitlyn Ann Holowaty-Barone , Kristin Lisenby , Jess Odle, Ariel Halka, @magickwithmaria. We are grateful for this coven.