See Llewellyn Authors in February and March
While summertime is the busy season for outdoor Pagan festivals and gatherings, it’s indoor Pagan conventions that dominate the calendar in February and March. Here is a quick run-down on upcoming events PantheaCon, Convocation, and Paganicon, and which Llewellyn authors you’ll be able to see there.
PANTHEACON: February 15-18, 2013
The grande dame of indoor Pagan conventions, PantheaCon is held over President’s Day weekend every year and attracts more than 2,000 guests annually. This year Llewellyn will have a table just outside the vendor room for author signings and giveaways, so come by and visit us! I will also be chairing two panels; one on community (Friday afternoon) and one on publishing (Sunday morning). But the main attraction is the overwhelming amount of programming, rituals, and concerts. Llewellyn authors attending include: Amber K and Azrael Arynn K, Carl Neal, Chic and Tabatha Cicero, Christopher Penczak, Donald Michael Kraig, Kenny Klein, Lon Milo DuQuette, Lupa, Mary K Greer, Melanie Marquis, River Higginbotham, Ruth Barrett, Stephanie Woodfield, Mambo Chita Tann, Tess Whitehurst, Thea Sabin, Ed Fitch, and Rachel Pollack. And since I’m in a whirlwind of packing and prepping right now, I might actually be missing some!
CONVOCATION: February 21-24, 2013
Convocation is an excellent event held just outside of Detroit, Michigan every year. Now in its 19th year, the con is smaller than PantheaCon but still large enough to support over 100 classes and rituals, a full vendor room and art room, and “the largest indoor Drum Circle in the Midwest.” Llewellyn authors Ellen Dugan, Christopher Penczak, and Raven Kaldera are guests of honor this year; and Llewellyn authors Andrieh Vitimus and Michelle Belanger are also presenting.
PAGANICON: March 15-17, 2013
Paganicon is still a baby con; this will be its third year. Held in Minneapolis, it is still a relatively quiet and intimate convention, although there is nothing quiet about the ball held on Saturday night! With a focus on “local talent” Paganicon has only had one or two guests of honor from out of town each year so far: first was John Michael Greer, last year was Christopher Penczak and musician S.J. Tucker, and this year the guests are Brandy Williams (Llewellyn author) and Orion Foxwood (non-Llewellyn author). This year Paganicon will be introducing a curated art show for the first time. Full disclosure: Llewellyn is a major sponsor of this con, and I am on its board of directors. (Yay, me!)
So if you prefer hot showers to shared facilities, a soft hotel bed to a sleeping bag in a tent, and carpeting and chairs to bug bites and sunburn — or you’re suffering from cabin fever after a long, cooped-up winter — a hotel convention might be right for you! It’s a great way to connect with the community and continue your magical, thealogical, or philosophical education.
