The Starwood Festival is a seven-day New Ageneopagan and world music festival. It takes place every July in the United States. The Starwood Festival is a camping event which holds workshops on a variety of subjects.[1][2] There are also live musical performances, rituals, bonfires, multimediapresentations and social activities. It is a clothing optional event, and skyclad attendance is common.[3]
The event began as a weekend festival, and grew over the years to a seven-day event. Attendance has grown from 185 in the first year to peak at around 1800 people in 2002,[citation needed] and has stayed between 1500 and 1650 since 1999.[6] Since 1982, Starwood has been a clothing optional event, and skyclad attendance is common.[3]
There are classes on the drumming and dancing styles of Africa, South America, Ireland, the Middle East and elsewhere. All-night drummers' bonfires are held each night of the event in at least two locations: the "Paw Paw Patch" for larger drums such as djembes, and the "DidgeDome" for smaller drums such as bongos and tablas, accompanied by didgeridoos and quieter instruments. There are concerts held every lunchtime, dinnertime, and evening, and all-night multi-media enhanced parties in an inflatable structure called the "PufferDome" and in an adjacent area called the "G-Spot". Starwood provides child care and children's classes and programs in a playground area called "Kids' Village",[3] and a schedule of classes and activities for teenagers. There are several areas devoted to multi-cultural ceremonies and rituals, and a non-Native sweat lodge. Friday night features a multi-media presentation, (often including fireworks, lasers, fire dancing, and synchronized music), and on the final night a torchlight procession leads to a huge bonfire.
People
Starwood is attended by people of all ages. Followers of diverse beliefs attend Starwood. According to the event organizers, the festival is designed for members of all spiritual paths to share their customs and beliefs. Some specific groups whose members regularly appear at and attend Starwood include the Church of All Worlds (CAW),[3][8] the Church of the SubGenius,[9] the Neo-Druidic group Ar nDraiocht Fein (ADF),[10] and various Neopagan covens and organizations[4][11]
Gill, Michael (July 7, 2005). "Circle of Ash". Cleveland Free Times. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved February 11, 2012 – via Rosencomet.com.
Hopman, Ellen Evert (2016). A Legacy of Druids: Conversations with Druid Leaders of Britain, the USA and Canada, Past and Present. Moon Books. ISBN978-1785351358.
Nema (1995). Maat Magick: A Guide to Self-Initiation. Weiser Books. ISBN0-87728-827-5.
Pike, Sarah M. (2001). Earthly Bodies, Magical Selves: Contemporary Pagans and the Search for Community. University of California Press. ISBN978-0520220867.
Pike, Sarah (2006). New Age and Neopagan Religions in America. Columbia University Press. ISBN978-0-231-12403-4.
Rabinovitch, Shelley; Lewis, James (2002). The Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism. Citadel Press. ISBN0-8065-2406-5.