If you have never been to a faerie gathering before you may be wondering just what exactly happens. Each gathering is unique and a creation of the individuals that are there and so the particular activities and experiences can vary from one gathering to the next.
That said there are things that are quite likely to happen and a core ethos that exists in everything Faerie related:
Queer Space – a gathering is a place where people of differing ages, races, body sizes and shapes, sexualities and asexualities, genders and non-genders, magical, spiritual and religious beliefs all come together. This fluidity and diversity can be liberating as it allows you to be the “true you” but can also seem strange and intimidating to some that have never been in this sort of space before. If you are new to faeries/queer/lgbt groups you might want to have a chat with one of the organisers first to really get a feel for if this is for you. Of course, if your heart is crying yes, yes, yes then listen to that!
Co-creation – radical faeries have a great phrase of “if you see something that needs doing, best way is to do it”! Although there are always a team of people helping bring the gathering to fruition beforehand, each event happens because of the people that come to it. Everyone chips in to help in whatever way they can through helping to prepare meals, washing dishes, setting tables, sweeping up, chopping wood, creating workshops, holding heart circles, taking part in entertaining others, participating and supporting activities etc. There is no obligation for you to do any particular thing, but participation and involvement are a gathering in many ways.
Food – we eat meals together which are vegetarian with vegan options and are prepared in the kitchens by anyone that wants to help out (if no one does, we all go hungry but it hasn’t happened yet!) You can be the head chef for a meal or help out by chopping the vegetables etc
Heart circles –The special environment of a gathering allows for multiple heart circles that are often free from some of the time constraints of heart circles that happen away for the event and so can lead to incredibly profound openness (you can read more about heart circles here…)
Workshops & activities – people bring an amazing mix that can include rituals, dancing, drumming, theatricality, music, art, sexuality, sensuality, card games, rumpuses, fancy dress and dresses, silence, solitude, serenity, chaos, noise, drama and more! Remember, if you bring it, it will (most likely) happen!
Conduct – a gathering aims to be an inclusive space and also a safe and supporting space. Occasionally those three don’t quite fit together and in those rare times, the organisers may highlight to individuals/groups how their behaviour could be causing some conflict and ultimately may ask someone to leave if that is felt it protects the overall gathering.
Support – a gathering is not a group counselling session. The wide mix of people and activities means you may decide to try new things or take risks/push boundaries. As a participant you should assume responsibility for your own personal, emotional, physical and sexual safety and should exercise due care and understand and accept this. That said, there are heart circles, understanding fairies, hugs and waiting organisers around to help you in many ways with support and love.
Details for bank transfers are given out after booking.
Paying by cash at the gathering is fine too. Albion Faeries operate a NOTAFLOF policy – No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds.
Albion Faerie gatherings are non-profit making and any additional donations will be gratefully appreciated.
If you would like to be involved with the planning and faerienisation of a gathering please get in touch!
Queer Earth Resistance School: Seeding Gathering
April 11th – April 18th at Anybody’s Barn in Worcestershire.
Faerinized by Carnelian & Greenheart. There are 15 places available.
The Call: Calling fairy community builders, abolitionists, radical permaculturists, warriors in the class war, and those who are searching for a deeper community rooted in climate repair. To those who have passion for reimagining collective care, community, responsibility, for decolonising our planet and ourselves. To those with a passion for the collective over the pursuit of the self in the age of Aquarius.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL INFORMATION AND BOOKING DETAILS
Beltane Gathering – Paddington Farm, Glastonbury
7-17th May (10 nights)
Calling faeries, queer spirits, gay witches, faggot farmers, drag druids, walkers between worlds, Ritual queens, tricksters, heart circlers, faerie newbies, wild womxn, hippies, new age enbies, pagans, lesbian lightworkers, femmes, activists, transgender priestesses, ecofeminists, genderqueers, shapeshifters… and whoever else you are!
We gather around Beltane to co-create in nature at the height of spring. We have the use of a beautiful meadow for camping, a farmhouse for indoor accommodation, workshop spaces, a small woodland and two fire pits, and a large kitchen.We wish to create a safer space together to open our hearts, feel connected to each other and the land and love around us. The gathering is intended as a journey best experienced for the duration so we ask that people come for the full ten days wherever possible.
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 8TH
READ THE FULL CAL HERE: Beltane 2024- Spring Love Awakening Gathering | Radical Faeries of Albion (albionfaeries.org.uk)
Summer Transcendence 2024 – Summer Solstice Gathering – “ABUNDANCE!”
YHA Minehead, Somerset 14th – 23rd June 2024
Come transgender spirits, gender non conforming bodies, intersex inspirers, non-binary beings, a-gender wonders, queer women warriors, questioning cuties. It is our time to drop the masks we wear and blossom together.
When caught in the fray of society’s appropriation of our identities, we need to make space where we can feel free in the truth of our own skin, souls and honour the honesty of our hearts calling.
FULL CALL AND INFORMATION HERE
RADICAL FAERIES @ QUEER SPIRIT FESTIVAL
15-19 August, Bridwell Park, Devon – Rad Fae from Albion and other parts of the globe will be creating, playing and loving at the 5th Queer Spirit Festival, where hundreds of magical, spiritual queers will be gathering to celebrate life, love, nature, community, creativity, spirit!
READ MORE HERE: Exploring LGBTQI+ music, spirituality, sexuality, healing & personal growth – Queer Spirit
Autumn Gatherings at Featherstone Castle
There are 2 gatherings at Featherstone this autumn:
Radical Love Gathering October 1st-10th
Samhain Gathering October 15th-24th
checkout the Featherstone page for more information.
Imbolc Gathering – Glastonbury
27th Jan to 5th Feb 2025
Hold the date!