Goddess Fair
"Blessed be." Have you ever heard that phrase? It’s a common end-greeting used by Wiccans/witches. I heard it Saturday morning at a craft fair up in Sebastopol, CA. A friend and I drove up to visit the Goddess Craft Fair, an annual event. The Winter Solstice is coming up soon, a time when lots of activity seems to brew in the pagan world.
When we entered the Sebastopol Community Center, where the event was held, things were just getting started. About 40 women were holding hands in a large circle around the room. An Israeli
woman was up on the stage, giving an opening prayer. At first she just shared a few words about the community and sisterhood and positive energy of the gathering. Then she began to pray in Hebrew, invoking the air, water, fire and earth (at least that’s what she said; I don’t speak the language). Hebrew has a dramatic and intense sound, and she raised her voice and enunciated the words with passion. When she finished, she said "Blessed be." Then several women made a yipping noise, or a little "whoo" exclamation. Everyone seemed happy, although my hand was a little sweaty!
A few other observations, with no analysis or commentary on my part ….
…Most of the attendees were women, as you can imagine.
…Almost all of the women, either vendors or attendees, wore no makeup. The clothing, however, was rich in color, fabric, and style. Almost Renaissance in feel.
…Altars had been constructed and were distributed throughout the building. One had a mermaid theme, with shells and a mermaid figure. The main stage was covered in beautiful fabrics, and embellished down front with giant crystal balls, goddess figurines, large geodes lined with crystals, candles and flowers.
…Several tarot card readers and other divination types offered their services.
…The crafts were generally very lovely and well made. The artwork offered was definitely edgy, though, at least to my eyes. One large painting that looked quite scary was a painting of a nude young woman, standing. Behind her was a wolf standing upright (a werewolf, I suppose), with his paw on her shoulder. It had a menacing feel to it. I’m used to wolves in sheep’s clothing, but this wolf didn’t bother with a disguise.
…One last observation: much goddess imagery portrays an angry goddess, or at the very least a very distant, reserved, unemotional one. At the back of the main stage was a huge painting of a Hindu-type goddess with multiple arms. She was blue, with a very stern face. Not the face of a loving, welcoming Mother Nature type. That’s the type of goddess that would, I think, be more attractive. Curious, that.
My book, Unmasking the Goddess (note: working title, may not stick) went to committee last week and was accepted by the publisher. It’s slated for release in Spring of 2008. Check back in the weeks ahead as I continue to research, think, write, dialogue, and blog on the topic of goddess spirituality from a Christian woman’s point of view.
Here’s an alternative to "blessed be": May you be blessed today with a hunger and thirst for the name above all names.
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SUSY FLORY is a writer, speaker, and journalist who inspires and challenges women to embrace a life of passion, boldness, & adventure. In your own unique way, YOU can change the world, starting in your own backyard. 
How about, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope according to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
In that context, blessed be! :~)