Midwest Heathen Gatherings
Here in the Midwest,
we
understand the value of gathering
with each other face-to-face and building strong bonds of
friendship and cooperation between our kindreds and tribes. We
believe that these bonds will allow us to move forward as a region with
a unity of purpose, while still respecting each tribe's autonomy, ways,
and thew.
There are a number of regional gatherings here in the Midwest that allow our kindreds and tribes to gather in order to get to know each other better, communicate, collaborate, and build friendships and trust. Over the past few years, Heathen gatherings in the Midwest have been among the largest Heathen gatherings in the world.
And for those Heathens living in isolated areas, with no other Heathens around them, these regional gatherings are an excellent opportunity to meet and get to know other Heathens. On this page you'll find information regarding the following 2011 Midwest Heathen Gatherings...Ostara Celebration - April 8-10 in Oklahoma
Northern Folk Gathering - June 10-12 in Minnesota
Lighting Across the Plains - Sept 23-25 near Kansas City
Open Ostara
Gathering
On March 12-13, 2011 at Gaea Retreat near Kansas City, Heathens from across the Midwest will gather to celebrate the return of Spring, and warmth, and the coming fertility and productivity.
We've have a
faining, and a series of egg-contests (throwing, tossing,
rolling, finding, eating, etc.) to build Luck. There will be an
egg-hunt for the children. We'll have a large
pot-luck feast with a Symbel afterwards.
| There
is NO CHARGE for attending the gathering, but adults must pay
their fees to Camp Gaea. An adult day-pass is $5. An adult over-night
camping pass is $10. An adult cabin-spot is $15. The main dish
will be supplied by Jotun's Bane Kindred, but please bring a pot-luck
dish to share with everyone. For all the details click here, or visit the event's Facebook page. |
 |
Ostara
Celebraton 2011
On April 8-10, 2011 at Wister State
Park near the Heavener Runestone State Park in Oklahoma, like-minded
Heathens from across the Midwest will gather to Celebrate Osatra...
There will be camping, games and
activities for all ages, a mead tasting contest, egg decorating, viking
games, an egg hunt, egg toss, a visit to the Heavener Rune Stone, good
food, an auction, and raffles.
| Individual
Registration is $50 and Family Registration is $75 through March 25th,
if you are camping in the group area. If you intend to stay in a
hotel or a cabin outside the group area, you those costs are not
included and you must make your own arrangements. For all the details click here, or visit the event's Facebook page. |
 |
Northern
Folk Gathering
On June 10-12, 2011 at
the Norway Point Group Center at St. Croix State Park in
Minnesota Heathens from across the Midwest will gather as a Folk, and
also hold the Midwest Tribes "Chieftains Summit."
The event will feature
cabin-camping, a long hall, and great food. There will be a high
symbel, a Nerthus faining, Sommerwende faining, songs and stav with
Kari Tauring, workshops, and great food.
| Individual
Registration is $85 and Family Registration is $150 if you register
prior to the event. On-site registratons are $100 and $180
respectively. This includes your cabin and Friday Dinner,
Saturday Brunch, and Saturday Dinner. Bring an item to donate to
the auction. For all the details click here, or visit the event's Facebook page. |
 |
For
the third year in a row, Registration for Lightning Across the Plains
will cost only $40 for an Individual and $60 for a family (of up to
five). This includes all camping fees and dinner on both Friday
and Saturday night.
Lightning
Across the Plains
On September 23-25, 2011 at Gaea
Retreat near Kansas city, Heathen individuals, families, and kindreds
from across the Heartland will gather for the largest heathen gathering
in the world.
Lightning Across the Plains 2010 was attended by 240 people...170 adults and 70 children. There were heathens there representing at least 23 kindreds from across the Heartland. Minnesota to Texas. Utah to Indiana.
We have planned amazing craft and heathen workshops, religious activities including Fainings, a Folk Symbel, and High Symbel, viking games including the hammer toss, tug-of-war, and steal the wench, and children's activities throughout the weekend including the ever-popular children's sword battle and "Kill the Troll." The Regional Midwest Thing will be held at LATP for the second year. Kari Tauring will be teaching workshops and performing at the event. White Hart Forge has told us they are coming, and will likely be offering workshops as well. There will be vendors and a large heathen auction. For all the details click here, or visit the event's Facebook page.
