Photo by Candlesprite
THE UK'S LARGEST PAGAN CAMP
1000 Pagans gather...
...And we're very Pagan! The focus of the camp is ritual, learning, sharing and celebration - if you want a boozy music festival, look elsewhere. That said, we have more talks, workshops and stuff to do than any other Pagan camp or conference, plus rituals, fire labyrinth, our famous wicker man, archery, cafe, hot tub, Vikings and entertainment.
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The Mercian Gathering Mission Statement:
- To honour the Old Gods
- To facilitate a sacred space for people of all paths to come together in a
spirit of fellowship, learning and fun
- To raise money for our chosen charities
The Mercian Gathering is a non-commercial venture created and organised by a working Hearth [the Hearth of Arianrhod] and staffed entirely by volunteers. No one, except our charities, makes a penny from the event - and we have raised over £17,000 since we started five years ago. We aim to provide the very best weekend we can dream up without asking you to fork out more than your ticket price. Everything is free on site, including healing sessions and archery [except the non-profit-cafe, which charges the minimum prices possible]. We do this because we love creating a space we can share with other Pagans in the spirit of honour, fun and fellowship.
Mercian 2010 General Information Tickets
2008 pics and comments 2007 pics and comments Mercian 2009 Forum Stuff you might like
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3rd, 4th, 5th September
Near Nuneaton, Warks, UK
6th Year!!!
Emma Restall Orr
Paganism - What's the Point?
Pagan Ethics Debate
Emma Restall Orr is the founder of the Druid Network, an animist, philosopher and poet.
Nigel Pennick
Straw Men
Nigel Pennick is a runemaster and the celebrated author of over fifty books on Paganism, folklore, the runes and sacred geometry
Pete Jennings
Pagan Ethics Debate- talk with Emma Restall-Orr and open discussion
plus
The Runes
Pete Jennings is an author and former president of the Pagan Federation
Peter Nash
Spells and How They Work - How to Get Better Results From Your Magic
Peter Nash was the last person to be initiated by Alex Sanders
Scott Jasper
Drumming workshop
- back by popular demand!
Kris Hughes
Celtic Druidic Shamanism.
Head of the Anglesey Druid Order
Kris follows the path of the Awenyddion, the inspired ones, those who shake and sway with the Awen.
Harmonia Saille
Hedge Riding
Elaine Mein
The Sacred Hare - myths and misconceptions
Jai Dunkin
Chakra workshop
David Benton
Walking Into the Light - Ancient Egyptian Religion
Pale Empress
Belly Dancing workshop
Stephanie's workshop is always one of the camp's highlights
Kim Huggens
The Necromantic Urge: Ancient Practices of Calling Up, Binding, and Sending Out the Dead
examining the Graeco-Roman methods that we have in surviving literature of how necromancy was used, what for, and some of the reflections on the nature of daimons and the dead. Also covered would be Graeco-Roman ideas of the afterlife and the Underworld.
Plus
Exploring Tarot Spreads Workshop
which will not only show people some easy to use spreads, but also give them the skills to create their own spreads for fun, for specific readings, and for others.
Pip MacFarlane and Samba Jude
Rhythms Workshop
2012 - The World is Coming to an End?
The Year 2012 has become the target of many frightening doomsday theories and the prediction of a cataclysmic event. All because some fans of the ancient Mayan civilisation tell us that a ‘Long Count’ ends. What does that mean? And then someone else said there was going to be a `Galactic Alignment`. Is this true? Well, no actually. Alison takes a look at all the hype and gossip from a sensible and informed point of view, explaining everything simply and clearly. By the time she has finished, you will be looking forward to the opportunity this special year offers. Alison is the author of 2 books and a well known radio and magazine astrologer. Her work can be found on www.midlandsschoolofastrology.co.uk
Graham Butcher
Early morning Stav sessions
plus
Megin Energy Workshop
"The Old Norse Term for the life force energy which the Chinese call Chi is
'Megin' as in 'Megingjoerd' or belt of strength which Thor wears. In this
workshop we will use the runic Galdre stances to show how you can become
aware of your own Megin. How to raise your energy levels, cleanse it and use
it for healing purposes. Also, how to become aware of the energy of others
and how to protect yourself from unwanted influences. A lot to pack into a
two hour workshop but if you come along with an open mind and a willingness
to put in some effort you should find this workshop a very interesting
experience."
Don Kavanagh
Morning Qi Gong Sessions
Dave the Flute
Music and flute-making workshops
John and Ann Harris
Palmistry Workshop
Nick Packam
Magical smith craft
plus
Ongoing forge skills workshop
Tim Goodwin
The Sky at Night - Recognising the Constellations etc
Jean Dark
Bookbinding
The Wise Woman
Herb talks and apocathary shop
Gary Brienholt
Bardic workshop
Chrissie Derbyshire
All the Better to Shock You With: The Secret History of Fairy Tales
We think we know fairy tales. They are nice stories with clear morals for small children - right? We are so familiar with the old tales that we can easily forget the child-eating hags, eye-gouging birds and corpse-strewn rooms that populate the fairy tale landscape. And these are just in the versions of the stories that have passed down to us. Look back in time and the tales become yet more bloody and risqué - indeed, for the most part, the older the recorded version of the tale, the more shocking. A glance into the history of these children's bedtime tales uncovers stories of cannibalism, dismemberment, incest, bestiality and necrophilia - more sex and violence than hearts and flowers, more Tarantino than Disney. The history of fairy tales is not for the faint-hearted, so make sure you have your wits about you next time you go into the woods...
Michael Eaton
Chanting Workshop
Cord Weaving Workshop
Gail Eaton and Natasha Kenyon
Shamanic Workshop
Kate and Corwen (Rigantona)
Seasonal songs workshop
Creating chants workshop
Drac Uber
Serving the Lwa: Working with the Spirits of Hatian Vodou
Drac Uber has been practicing this much misunderstood tradition for over a decade. In 2001 he travelled to Jacmel, in southern Haiti, to undergo Kanzo (initiation) with the Roots Without End Society and since then has held the rank of Houngan Sur Pwen (junior priest).
Laura Musgrave
Adult Hoop Workshop
Adult Yoga
Martin Evans
Ongoing Wand Making Workshop
Terry Mace
Peace Circles, Shamanic counselling and group therapy sessions
Gordon Rimes
Living in the Centre of Avebury Circle and being the Avebury Stag
Mick Summers
Sword Meditation Workshop
Ritual workshop and Sunday closing ritual
Join Mick for the Sunday morning workshop to formulate and later perform the closing ritual.
Sam Pearson
Meditation Workshop
Alex Fell-Bowers
Survival Skills
Grizzly Walkingthunder
Just confirmed- Grizzly will be with us again this year (hooray!), providing music in the evenings in the tipi
plus
Talk on the messages of the animals in dreams and waking state.
Shan Morgain
Circlework I Practicalities of Ritual
Circlework II Ritual for large groups & open air work towards the Closing Ritual on Sunday.
Shan pioneered open Paganism (House of the Goddess, Pagan Halloween)
now establishing House Morgain, a temple and retreat house.
Warwickshire Wildlife
Talk on the work of the sanctuary
The Warks Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the charities we raise money for with the Gathering.
Parent and Child Workshops
Laura Musgrave
Kid's Yoga
Frolicking Frog
Kid's Circus Skills
Alfie and Clare
Kid's Art Workshops
Paul Mason
Kid's Origami Workshop
Debra Parfrey
Kid's Glass Painting workshop
Gordon Rimes
Kid's Entertainer, One Man Band and Balloon Man!
Entertainment
Dragonfly Moon
Magical music
Damh the Bard
Who needs no introduction
Magicfolk produce a blend of traditional and contemporary folk, Celtic and rock music, writing original and alluring songs with mythological and mystic leanings. Using flute, fiddle, guitars, keyboards, bass, drums and rich vocal harmonies, their material ranges from ethereal magical ballads to stomping driving rock rhythms and fiddle-fuelled reels. “Genuinely something new for fans of esoteric folk, their lyrics sing of folklore and magic, evoking the mystery within the music." (Woven Wheat Whispers)
A bunch of Pagan bards who go around visiting prehistoric stone circles and sleeping in ancient burial tombs, banging on about mother earth and the veneration of nature. Originating from the British Anarcho punk scene, this is music for the love of it.
The Witchmen
Morris Side
They were brilliant last year, and we're chuffed to have them back!
The Northstow Mummers with Nigel Pennick
Vikings!
They have promised to keep us entertained in the arena and in the hot tub!
Gary Brienholt
The Green Bard
Kate and Corwen
(Rigantona)- fabulous music and intriguing instruments
Salsa Drummers
Plus
Rituals
With Anna Franklin and the Hearth of Arianrhod
Fire Labyrinth
Wicker Man
Archery
Free Healing Tent
Late Night Hot Tub
Wood-fired Showers
Low-price, non-profit Cafe
Nice toilet block in the main field, disabled loo and portaloos in the camping field
ALSO OF INTEREST
Susan Paramor
Tibetan Singing Bowl and Crystal Bowl Therapy
There is a charge for this therapy as it is not provided by the Gathering £5 per hour for an individual or £2 per group member
Friday 6pm Crystal Bowl therapy
Saturday 11 am and 2 pm crystal bowl therapy
Sunday 11 am and 2 pm Tibetan singing bowl therapy
Please bring a pillow and mat to lie on
Mercian 2010 General Information Tickets
2008 pics and comments 2007 pics and comments Mercian 2009 Forum Stuff you might like
Anna Franklin Hearth of Arianrhod Silver Wheel Annuals Lear Books Hwicce Bowmen
Tickets include camping (you bring the tent), all talks, workshops, entertainment etc. etc.
SOLD OUT
If you have missed out try the forum for people selling unwanted tickets.
Be sure to follow Salane's advice for buying safely and don't pay more than the cover price.
Tickets will be dispatched from March onwards...be patient, it takes Sue time to work through them.
You will have them by August but it is unlikely you will get them immediately.
Adult £42 Sold Out 4.5.10
Child 6-16 £15 Sold Out 4.5.10
Under 6's free [10p handling charge] Sold Out 4.5.10
Caravan or Large Camper Van pass £5 Sold Out 30.12.09
We have limited space for caravans and large camper vans and a pass must be obtained. NB. Camper vans (but not caravans) of VW or transit size (nothing larger) may camp on the Camping Field with no camper pass at their own risk - it may be harder for heavier vehicles to get out in case of exceptional rains and mud.
Stalls Sold Out 30.9.09
Sorry - all the stalls have sold out. All traders must have public liability insurance. There will be no stalls in the Camping Field.
Tickets will be dispatched from March onwards...be patient, it takes Sue time to work through them.
You will have them by August but it is unlikely you will get them quickly.
2011 Tickets On Sale 15.9.10
Including stalls - first come, first served
Tickets include all camping with your tent (you bring the tent), talks, workshops, entertainment etc. etc. You will be sent an pack with a location map and other information you should read carefully.
LOST TICKETS- We begin sending out tickets in March. All tickets will have been sent out by 5th August. If your tickets have not arrived, please phone us to let us know by then. If you have not let us know seven days before the Gathering we cannot replace the tickets or refund the money. If you have lost your tickets after they have arrived, we charge a £5 replacement fee per ticket. No entrance on the gate without a valid ticket. Phone 07855 378515 [March 1st to September 1st only]
NO REFUNDS IF YOU CANCEL FOR WHATEVER REASON. By the time of the camp the money will have been spent on the facilities or donated to charity. You can sell your spare tickets on the forum. In the unlikely event of the Gathering being cancelled all money will be refunded or credited for a later event if you prefer.
Tickets will be dispatched from March onwards...be patient, it takes Sue time to work through them.
You will have them by August but it is unlikely you will get them immediately.
Mercian 2010 General Information Tickets
2008 pics and comments 2007 pics and comments Mercian 2009 Forum Stuff you might like!
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Anna Franklin Hearth of Arianrhod Silver Wheel Annuals Lear Books Hwicce Bowmen
[Please read before you email to ask questions that are already answered here]
VENUE - secret except from ticket holders. It is on a farm near Nuneaton, Warks, UK.
OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES - opens 10.30 am on Friday and closes at 8 pm on Sunday. No extra camping Thursday or Sunday night.
Tickets include all camping with your tent (you bring the tent), talks, workshops, entertainment etc. etc. Tickets will be dispatched from March onwards...be patient, it takes Sue time to work through them. You will have them by August but it is unlikely you will get them immediately. Ticket enquiries.
CHARITY - Any profit we make at the Gathering is donated to charity.
CAMP ETHOS - the focus of this camp is spiritual exploration. It is not a music festival and there is no beer tent. Please don't bring large amounts of alcohol on site.
SUNDAY MARKET - if you only have a few crafts etc to sell, we are bringing back the Sunday Market on Sunday afternoon in the marquee. You can bring in a blanket or pasting table and set up for free.
CHILDREN - Are very welcome. We run workshops and entertainment especially for children.
WHAT TO BRING - tent , sleeping bag, torch, cooking equipment, food, fresh clothes, plus ritual garments if you wish, a notebook and some money to purchase goodies from the stalls and cafe, any medication you are taking, along with personal toiletries.
PARKING Cars can be parked on site next to your tent. If you are planning to come in daily, you must park on site, and not down the road in any farm gateways.
TALKS AND WORKSHOPS - Workshops start at 2 pm Friday till 7 pm Sunday. The day’s events are displayed on a board in the information tent and in the marquee.
NO DOGS- People smuggling dogs or other animals on site will be asked to leave immediately and their money will not be refunded.
RUBBISH - Please take all your rubbish away for recycling.
NOISE - 11 pm curfew for drumming, and we ask you to keep the noise down after midnight.
FIRES - Sorry, no personal fires; do not dig pits. Barbecues and fireboxes are okay.
TOILETS - There will be portaloos in the camping field and a really nice toilet block in the Events Field where you will probably be spending most of your time. There will be a disabled portaloo on site- if you are disabled you can camp near it, so please mention this to the camping marshals on arrival.
CAFÉ - The café provides light meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, a barbecue in the evenings, snacks and drinks. It is not a commercial venture; we run it ourselves. Any profit it does make is donated to charity. It is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers who do their best - sometimes in difficult circumstances - so please treat them with consideration.
PICK UP SERVICE - There will be a free pick up service from Nuneaton train station on the hour from 11 am till 7.00 pm on the Friday. A return service from the camp to the station will operate Sunday - book your return lifts at the Information Tent. NB Our volunteer cars do not have child seats fitted. If you need one you will have to bring it with you.
FIRST AID - please enquire at the Information Tent, which will be manned during the day, or otherwise at the Dagda tent on the gate or see Don at the showers.
RITUALS - The rituals of the camp honour the Old Gods, the season and the spirits of the land. A ritual is designed to transform the individual that takes part in it. Remember that you only get out of a ritual what you put in; don’t just be a spectator, but join in. The opening ritual is provided by the Hearth of Arianrhod. We activate the labyrinth and invite the Gods and spirits of place to join us in our celebration of the harvest, and ask them to help us in our learning experience during the weekend. You will be invited to decorate the wicker man with your offerings and prayers during the course of Saturday. On Saturday night we flame the labyrinth and travel through it as an act of purification. This is followed by a procession to the wicker man when we burn him and send him to the Gods with our prayers and offerings for the coming year. [If you do fire poi, fire staffs, fire juggling etc. please bring your stuff and help lead the procession.] The closing ritual is thrown open to our visitors to formulate during a Sunday morning workshop, and then perform, so please get involved in that.
BY PURCHASING A TICKET YOU AGREE TO ABIDE BY THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Tickets include all camping with tent (you bring the tent), talks, workshops, entertainment etc. etc.
Mercian 2010 General Information Tickets
2008 pics and comments 2007 pics and comments Mercian 2009 Forum Stuff you might like!
Contact Us
Phone: 07855 378515 [1st March to September 1st only, and when Sue is not at work, in the bath or asleep...]
Email: Salane64@hotmail.com
Write: The Mercian Gathering, Sue Lane, 48 Oaston Rd, Nuneaton, Warks, CV11 6JZ.
General Enquiries
merciangathering@aol.com (check the info is not already on this page under General Information)
Or write to: The Mercian Gathering, Anna Franklin, Windrush House, High Tor West, Earl Shilton, Leics, LE9 7DN, UK
Share your experiences, arrange car shares or ask questions of the other attendees and organisers on the Forum
Wicker Man Postcards by Paul Mason
A6, blank back
10 x postcards £2.50 UK only
Lughnasa By Anna Franklin & Paul Mason
RRP £12.95 our price £10
Contains Mercian Rituals and Anna's Charge of the Dark God
UK orders only
Mercian 2010 General Information Tickets
2008 pics and comments 2007 pics and comments Mercian 2009 Forum Postcards
Anna Franklin Hearth of Arianrhod Silver Wheel Annuals Lear Books Hwicce Bowmen
