Arcadia 2021: Connecting and Reconnecting

Arcadia: An East Coast Camp OUT for Queer Pagan Men

"Those who dwell in Arcadia seek out that secret Eden because of its isolation from the troubled world and its safety from the arrogant demands of those who would deny freedom, curtail human action, and destroy innocence and love." - Byrne R.S. Fone

October 8-10, 2021

Theme: Connecting and Reconnecting

Theme includes:

• Reconnecting after Covid.
• Making personal connections in the real world and online.
• Connecting with your "tribe."
• Connecting with deities, spirits, and ancestors.

Patron Deity: This year we will honor the Greek god Hermes. Hermes was originally a phallic god. He is a god of boundaries, travel, communication, and thieves. Hermes is a trickster god and a psychopomp able to travel between this world and the Otherworld. Hermes is part of the homoerotic trinity of Eros, Hermes, and Heracles who together presided over homosexual relations. Hermes was honored in ancient Arcadia and Mount Cyllene in Arcadia is said to be one of his oldest temples and his birthplace.

What: A Queer-positive Pagan men's gathering open to men of all orientations, spiritual paths, and backgrounds.

When: October 8-10, 2021

Where: First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach, VA). Why the change?

Why: Because there's a need for such a gathering on the East Coast. The nearest Queer Pagan men's camping gathering is in Ohio.

Who: Anyone over 18 who identifies as Pagan or Earth-based spirituality who is also gay, bi, queer, or trans. We will not turn away any respectful seeker regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or spiritual path.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Schedule

 Friday

1pm and later – Staff and Guests check in, and set up camp

6pm – Dinner

7pm – Welcome talk: What is Arcadia all about?

7:30pm -- Opening Ritual

8pm – Ice breaker and Introductions around the campfire

9-10pm – Drum and Dance Circle

Saturday

8am – Breakfast

9am – Workshop: Reconnecting with your spirituality and life purpose

10am -- Workshop: Connecting with your spiritual and magickal guides

11am -- Morning Hike

12noon – Lunch and free time

2pm -- Discussion: Why is it so hard for Gay and Bi Pagan Men to Connect?

3pm -- Workshop: Connecting with the Greek God Hermes

4pm -- Activity: Carve your own Jack-o-Lantern.  Bring your own pumpkin(s) of any size.  Jack-o-Lanterns will help decorate for tonight's Samhain party.

5pm – Dinner

7pm – Rite of Hermes Ritual

8-10pm – Pan at the Disco: Samhain Masquerade /Costume Party

Sunday

8am -- Breakfast

9am – Closing ritual

10am -- Packing up camp

11am -- Lunch at Shorebreak Pizza for those who wish to stick around and socialize a bit longer