Family Wiccan Traditions International, Inc.

I have been to several festivals and thought I knew how it would be.  It was what I expected and much more.  The experience was greatly enhanced by meeting (in person) the people I had only talked to on the phone or at best an occasional Skype talk.  This was also in  hotel which is so much better that sleeping in a tent, which is my usual sleeping arrangements.  I shared space and fellowship with the Family of the Rising Phoenix and other FWTI people.  That made it very special as we all got to know each other a lot better.  We all brought some food to share and by doing so we were able to avoid the very expensive hotel restaurant.  And, we did order pizza to be delivered to our rooms on two of the nights.

In addition to all else that was going on, it was an honor to be able to assist with the first degree initiation of one of our own.  It had to be modified a litle as we were not allowed to have lit candles in the hotel.  However, that was not a problem.  I have subsequently purchased some battery operated tea candles and plan to maintain them as part of my travel altar.  Congratulations Jenna.

This year the theme was “Back to basics”.  The event was well attended and we (Pagans and Witches) took over the entire Doubletree Hotel in San Jose, California.  If the event keeps growing, and I hear it grows each year, they will need to seek a bigger venue.  Some participants stayed at other hotels as the Doubletree rooms were booked early.  Thanks to Crystal, we were able to stay where the event was being held and didn’t need to ferry back and forth between hotels.  The only down side was the elevators that seemed to have amind of there own.  They probably weren’t Pagan elevators.

It was a little overwhelming when I looked at the schedule of events as there were so many things happening at the same time.  When there are ten offerings at once I was able to eliminate some right away as not for me.  Once I got it down to two or three, it became a challenge to decide what I would enjoy more.  I believe I made good choices for the most part and it was usually easy to switch to another workshop if I had not chosen wisely.  The rituals were also part of the scheduled events and at times I chose a ritual over a different even.  The rituals were awesome as was the drumming circle I attended.  With events starting at 9 am and the last one ending at 12:30 am in made for ;long days and short nights.  Of course, I didn’t go there to sleep anyway.

The highlight events for me were The God Within, facilitated by the CAYA Brotherhood of the Moon (at late night all male ritual) and Meeting the Dark man at the Crossroads by Orion Foxwood.   There were other fun things, like the dances and concerts.  Skinny White Chick was exceptional as usual.  The the participants at the dances were entertaining to say the least.  I also attended Absinthe Cocktails:Mixing it up with Le Fae Verte.  That was very adult (they checked Ids at the door) and also a real blast.

I am hoping to be able to attend again next year and hope that more of the FWTI people can also attend.  I believe it is a great experience and everyone should attend at least once.  I do know that it is better to take a direct flight and eat the extra expense than to change airlines in Los Angeles.  I’m not saying any more about that, except “Don’t Do It”.   Enough said.  See you there next year.

Blessed Be,

Cheiron