I stand on the other end of a bridge that spans a brief divide. Beneath my feet, under the wooden planks, there rushes a cool stream that will, some time down the way, empty into the large saline sea we Utahns lovingly call The Great Salt Lake. The bubbling laughter of the rapid, pregnant water adds its voice to the throaty calls of countless birds, chirping insects and him.

He is Parker Torrence, pagan author, web master, father and husband. Today, he wears another guise and speaks to me now as the High Priest and founder of the DraigeSidh Tradition—of Bivium Draco Draconum Tor, the group running this aptly named Wyrd Day in the Park; Aspen Grove’s Public Summer Solstice Sabbat offering.

“Close your eyes,” he says to me, his very presence filled with a confidence I wished I felt. He is the Guardian; to get to him, I had to cross the river. To move on, I have to change.

I close my eyes and follow his instructions: breathe in, breathe out. He guides me through a brief but powerful visualization that opens my Chakras and can be found in his book Sea, Land Sky: A dragon magick grimoire. When the visualization comes to a close, I am bidden to open my eyes once more.

Parker holds in his hand a pine cone. “An offering,” he says, “for the Forest King.” Before letting me go, he adds, “Remember, it’s the journey that is important.”

Bearing his words in mind, it was in a state of introspection that I wandered down the meandering path, a ribbon of black carved through the wooded area of Murray Park, heading toward the heartbeat rhythm of a drum in the distance; heading toward my Fate.

The stir of magic fills the air, a popping, crackling surge at the base of my skull and warm, fluidity that caresses my skin, leaving goose-bumps in its wake. My feet move of their own accord: right foot, left foot. Ever forward, ever journeying.

I am pointed by the drummer, who never missed a beat, to a sheltered copse on the edge of the bank. There, nearly invisible among the leaves and branches, sits the stout figure of the Forest King, who seems almost as surprised to see me as I was to see Him. Kneeling, I present my offering, wondering for the space of a heartbeat what would happen if He rejected the pine cone in my hand.

Fortunately, He accepted my gift and placed into my outstretched palm a red stone. I rise, thanking him, and turn back to the path. Across the way, three covered shelters wait: the dwelling place of the Three Fates.

Each person that walked down that path that day; each person that gave a gift to the Forest King and received a stone in turn, made a visit to one of the Three Sisters. Everyone that gave payment—their stone—received a message meant only for them, given by the Fate that had guided them unseen along the path, called out to them in whispered hushes to visit one of the three shelters where Fate patiently waited.

A Wyrd Day in the Park indeed!

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When: July 5th 2009 … Noon to 4ish, ritual to start around 1:30

Where: Murray City Park at Pavilion Number One (in the same area that Pagan Pride Day is held). For a map, visit www.saltlakeppd.org and click on "location map".

What to wear: Ritual garb is encouraged, comfortable clothes and sensible walking shoes are required.

What to bring: There will be a Community Pot Luck after the ritual, please bring a dish, and your own mess kit (plate, cup, napkin & utensils). See also “Pagan Swap Meet” below!.

Please Note: Draig Sidhe is for the most part a family friendly environment. This ritual will be a bit on the long side, and is introspective. As such very young children may become a distraction to others. Please respect everyone’s right to enjoy the ritual. For this event we ask that you leave your pets at home.

Pagan Swap Meet:

The idea is simple: “bring something, take something!”

What types of things to bring: candles, incense, used books, wish boxes, stones, crystals, etc. Any odd thing you think someone else could use. Vendors are welcome to attach their cards to any item they put into the swap! For more information or questions visit: groups.yahoo.com/group/aspengroveutah

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(Screenplay by Rospo Pallenberg and John Boorman ...
Adapted from "Le Morte D'Arthur" by Rospo Pallenberg)

EXT. FOREST AND ELSEWHERE - DAY AND NIGHT

MERLIN: "The dragon! There..."
A deep cleft at the edge of the forest, where far below lava boils with a phosphorescence that lights up a great cloud, billowing upward.

MERLIN: "Coiled in the unfathomed depths, it emerges..."
Merlin points to the sky where roiling clouds appear to be unfurling of immeasurable wings.

MERLIN: "...It unfolds itself in the storm clouds..."
A terrific wave batters a coastline, spray shooting up, and as the wave recedes it exposes dark rocks and deep crevices.

MERLIN: "...it washes its mane sparkling white in the blackness of seething whirlpools..."
Merlin spins Arthur around, and they are transported into a storm swept forest. Lightning strikes
.
MERLIN: "...its claws are the forks of lightning... its scales glisten in the bark of trees..."
The trees shine with wetness, as a great wind tosses their crowns, the branches groaning against each other.

MERLIN: "...its voice is heard in the hurricane..."
Arthur is awestruck.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

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