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{{Short description|American annual neopagan festival}}
{{cleanup-date|August 2006}}
{{Pp-semi-indef}}
'''The Starwood Festival''', or "Starwood", is a six-day festival presented by the ] LLC (ACE) along with many volunteers, usually during the third week of July (sometimes the fourth). It is a camping event, featuring over 150 classes on a variety of subjects ranging from magical, spiritual, and ] topics to politics, art & music, healing, and the environment. It has been held in several locations, but since 1990 it has taken place at a private campground near ].<ref name="krassner">] (2005). '''' in '']'', August 24, 2005 (web only).</ref>
{{Page numbers needed|date=March 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
] founder ] at Starwood (2007)]]


'''The Starwood Festival''' is a seven-day ] ] and ] 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.<ref name="Circle of Ash">{{harvp|Gill|2005}}</ref><ref name="Researchpubs.com">{{harvp|Vale|Sulak|2001}}</ref> There are also live musical performances, ]s, ]s, ] ]s and social activities. It is a ] event, and ] attendance is common.<ref name="krassner">{{harvp|Krassner|2005}}</ref>
There are usually around 1,500 attendees including staff, speakers and entertainers each year. Starwood serves the ] movement and several other communities as well, and provides a common ground for networking and interaction between these communities and their spokespeople. It recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2005.


== History ==
Thousands of people (some of them naked or ]) interested in alternative culture and spirituality converge to attend workshops and live musical performances, to sample the rituals and customs of a variety of cultures, to see the spectacle of a large ], to experience multi-media presentations, and to meet with new and old friends at various social events.<ref name="krassner" />
The Starwood Festival was founded in 1981 by the Chameleon Club, a recognized student organization at ], which later founded the ] (ACE). It has been operated by ACE since 1983 under its co-directors, Jeff Rosenbaum and Joe Rothenberg.<ref name="krassner"/> It featured entertainment, public ceremonies and rituals,{{sfnp|Nema|1995|p=200}} and classes on subjects such as ], ], Neopaganism, ], ], ], ], ], and ].{{sfnp|Pike|2006|pp=35–36}}


The first Starwood was held July 24–26, 1981 at Coopers Lake Campground, the same site as the ]'s ] in ]. From 1982 through 1985 it was held at Devil's Den Park in ], a former state park run by Whispering Winds ]. In 1986 and 1987 it was held at Bear Creek Amphitheatre (part of Bear Creek Resort Ranch ]) in ], and at Echo Hills Ski Resort in ] (on the ]) in 1988 and 1989. The event moved to Brushwood Folklore Center, a private campground in ].<ref name="Encyc of Mod Witchcraft">{{harvp|Rabinovitch|Lewis|2002|pp=309–310}}</ref> from 1990 through 2009. Since 2010, Starwood has been held at Wisteria Campground in ].{{sfnp|DeWitt|2012}}
==Scheduling==
There are several workshops going on at almost all times of the day, totaling over 150 1-1/4 hr slots in its schedule. Topics include alternative lifestyles, politics, pagan activism, consciousness-altering devices and substances, history, magic, folklore and more.


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|date=December 2023}} and has stayed between 1500 and 1650 since 1999.<ref name="Encyc of Mod Witchcraft"/> Since 1982, Starwood has been a ] event, and ] attendance is common.<ref name="krassner"/>
An all-night drummers’ ] is held every night in a structure of ]ic design called the Roundhouse. There are concerts held at lunchtime each day and every night, and midnight programming that includes public rituals from at least three different spiritual paths, and all-night parties in an inflatable structure called The PufferDome. Friday night features a multi-media presentation on Brushfire Island (often including fireworks, lasers, and synchronized music), and on the final night a torchlight procession leads to a huge fireworks-stuffed ] that can be seen from space that burns all night.


== Activities ==
There is drumming and dancing from Africa, the Middle-East and other locations, and multi-cultural presentations and classes of all sorts. Children and teens all have their own workshops and activities as well. Child-care, 12-Step meetings, 24-hour First Aid, and a radio station for information updates and entertainment are just a few of the services provided at Starwood.
Starwood offers approximately 150 ]s, on topics including ]s, ] & ] ], ] ], ] technologies and substances (such as ], ], ]s, ]ic and other ]), ] & movement systems, ], ], ], ] & ], ] and ] issues.<ref name="Researchpubs.com"/><ref name="Circle of Ash"/>


There are classes on the ] and ] styles of ], ], ], the ] 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 ]s, and the "DidgeDome" for smaller drums such as ] and ]s, accompanied by ]s 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 ] and children's classes and programs in a playground area called "Kids' Village",<ref name="krassner"/> and a schedule of classes and activities for teenagers. There are several areas devoted to multi-cultural ceremonies and rituals, and a non-Native ]. Friday night features a multi-media presentation, (often including ], ]s, ], and synchronized music), and on the final night a torchlight procession leads to a huge bonfire.
⚫ ==People==


⚫ == People ==
At Starwood several different religions are represented, from ] to ], ] to ], and anyone with an open mind is welcome. All ages attend Starwood, and it has become the yearly vacation for some folks, with more than a generation growing up with Starwood as a part of their lives. The racial and cultural mix has become more diverse as the years progressed, as has the mix of singles and families. The event is designed for members of all spiritual orientations to share their customs and beliefs, hence neither proselytizing nor disrespect of the ways of others is tolerated. The intent is to create a community made up of very different people, all celebrating their diversity and the company of each other.
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 ] (CAW),<ref name="krassner"/>{{sfnp|Pike|2001|p=129}} the ],{{sfnp|Cusack|2010|p=106}} the Neo-Druidic group ] (ADF),{{sfnp|Hopman|2016|p={{pn|date=December 2023}}}} and various Neopagan ]s and organizations{{sfnp|Nema|1995|p=200}}{{sfnp|Adler|2006|page=}}


⚫ == References ==
Some specific groups that regularly attend Starwood include the ] (CAW), the ], several ] ], various ] and some ] sects. Also, those who frequent non-religious cultural events like ], ], Hempfests, and the ] (S.C.A.) events are often participants at Starwood.
{{Reflist|20em}}


===Works cited===
At Brushwood there are attendees called Seasonal Campers who often get the choice camping spots, as they have bought them for the summer.
* {{cite book |author-link=Margot Adler |last=Adler |first=Margot |year=2006 |title=] |publisher=Penguin Publishing Group |isbn=978-0143038191 }}
* {{cite book |last=Cusack |first=Carole M. |title=Invented Religions: Imagination, Fiction and Faith |year=2010 |publisher=] |isbn=978-0754667803}}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-37306-pagan_magickal-festi.html |title=Pagan/Magickal Festival Returns to Meigs This Week |first=David |last=DeWitt |work=The Athens News |date=July 11, 2012}}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.rosencomet.com/starwood/CircleofAsh/CircleofAsh.htm |title=Circle of Ash |first=Michael |last=Gill |work=Cleveland Free Times |date=July 7, 2005 |via=Rosencomet.com |access-date=2012-02-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309071155/http://www.rosencomet.com/starwood/CircleofAsh/CircleofAsh.htm |archive-date=2012-03-09}}
* {{cite book |last=Hopman |first=Ellen Evert|author-link=Ellen Evert Hopman |year=2016 |title=A Legacy of Druids: Conversations with Druid Leaders of Britain, the USA and Canada, Past and Present |publisher=Moon Books |isbn=978-1785351358}}
* {{cite web |author-link=Paul Krassner |last=Krassner |first=Paul |date=August 24, 2005 |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/life-among-neo-pagans/ |title=Life Among the Neopagans |website=The Nation |access-date=2023-03-17}}
*{{cite book |author-link=Nema Andahadna |author=Nema |year=1995 |title=Maat Magick: A Guide to Self-Initiation |publisher=Weiser Books |isbn=0-87728-827-5}}
⚫ * {{cite book |last=Pike |first=Sarah M. |author-link=Sarah M. Pike |year=2001 |title=Earthly Bodies, Magical Selves: Contemporary Pagans and the Search for Community |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0520220867}}
* {{cite book |last=Pike |first=Sarah |year=2006 |title=New Age and Neopagan Religions in America |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-12403-4}}
* {{cite book |last1=Rabinovitch |first1=Shelley |last2=Lewis |first2=James |title=The Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism |publisher=Citadel Press |year=2002 |isbn=0-8065-2406-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Vale |first1=V. |first2=John |last2=Sulak |year=2001 |title=Modern Pagans: an Investigation of Contemporary Ritual |chapter-url=http://www.researchpubs.com/books/mpex_jrosenbaum.php |chapter=Interview with Jeff Rosenbaum |place=San Francisco |publisher=Re/Search Publications |isbn=1-889307-10-6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819095038/http://www.researchpubs.com/books/mpex_jrosenbaum.php |archive-date=August 19, 2006 }}


⚫ == External links ==
There are also the fire-tenders called Woodbusters, who wear their trademark Red Suspenders, and both build the spectacular Saturday-night Bonfire and feed the Roundhouse and other ritual fires throughout the event.
* {{Official|starwoodfestival.com}}


]
The festival organizers identify themselves as a part of the Chameleon Club, which is the extended family group that created both the ] and its events, such as the ] and the ].
]

⚫ ]
==Featured Speakers==
]

⚫ ]
Past featured speakers include:<ref name="roster"> also </ref> ], Jim Alan, AmyLee, Gavin Bone, ], ], ], ], Shawna Carol (]), ], ], Priestess ], ], ], ], ], Jim Donovan, ], Skip Ellison, ], ], ], ], LaSara Firefox, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Charles Hayes, ], Mike Ingalls, ], Richard Kaczynski, Lansana Kouyate, ], ], ], ],<ref>Vale, V. and John Sulak (2001). ''Modern Pagans''. (). San Francisco: ] Publications. ISBN 1889307106</ref> ], Dr. Leisure (George Harker), Liafal, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], M. ], ], ], ], Lauren Raine, ], ], ], Rob Roy, Tannin Schwartzstein, ], ], Elie Sheva, ], Chas Smith, Abbie Spinner, ], ], ], ], Don Waterhawk, ], ], ], ]
]

]
==Featured entertainers==

Past featured entertainers, many of whom also offered classes, include:<ref name="roster" /> ], Todd Alan, Alma Melodiosa, ], Anima Mundi, ArcheDream, Armor & Sturtevant, Awen, ] & Drums of Passion, ], The Bardos, John Bassette, Michael Bettine, ] played in 1999,<ref></ref> Big Village Band, ]’s newly revived Oblivion Express played at the festival in 2006, Buddhahood, Burning Sage, Centrak Lasers, Chameleon, Changeling, Chaotic Good, ] & Beat the Donkey, ], Djoliba, Drumplay, Einstein’s Secret Orchestra, ], Felonious Bosch, ], Green Crown, Brian Henke, Incus, Janah, Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius, ],{{citation needed}} Kenny & Tziporah Klein, Kiva, Lia Fail, Life in Balance, Maggi, Pierce & E.J., ], ] & the Rainforest Band, ], ], Nada Brahma, No Reservations, One Hat Band, Oroboros, Paprika, Wynne Paris, Owain Phyffe, P.L.U.S. Band, The Prodigals, Raquy & the Cavemen, Real Magic, Rhythm Alive!, RhythmQuest, Rogue’s Cross, ], S.A.F.M.O.D., Jim Scott<ref name="roster" /> of ], Seeds of Time, Shaman, Ron Slabe, ] of ], Something Else Again, Sona, ], Tribe of Spirit, ] & Revelry, Jim Volk, The Working Theatre, Yokeshire.

==Notes==
<references />

⚫ ==References==
* ] in ''Paradigm Shift'', October 1998.
* Gill, Michael (2005). ''Circle of Ash'' in ''Cleveland Free Times'', July 7th, 2005 (Feature Article).
* Kates, Bill (1997). ''Best of the Fests: Starwood Festival'' in '']'', 1997.
⚫ * Pike, Sarah (2001). ''Earthly Bodies, Magical Selves: Contemporary Pagans and the Search for Community''. University of California Press. ISBN 0520220307
* Seachrist, Denise (2003). ''The Musical World of Halim El-Dabh''. Kent State University Press: World Musics Series. ISBN 0-87338-752-x

⚫ ==External links==
*

⚫ ]
]
⚫ ]

Latest revision as of 18:04, 7 October 2024

American annual neopagan festival

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Church of the SubGenius founder Ivan Stang at Starwood (2007)

The Starwood Festival is a seven-day New Age neopagan 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. There are also live musical performances, rituals, bonfires, multimedia presentations and social activities. It is a clothing optional event, and skyclad attendance is common.

History

The Starwood Festival was founded in 1981 by the Chameleon Club, a recognized student organization at Case Western Reserve University, which later founded the Association for Consciousness Exploration (ACE). It has been operated by ACE since 1983 under its co-directors, Jeff Rosenbaum and Joe Rothenberg. It featured entertainment, public ceremonies and rituals, and classes on subjects such as sensory isolation, Kirlian photography, Neopaganism, shamanism, Wicca, holistic health, tarot divination, Thelema, and past life regression.

The first Starwood was held July 24–26, 1981 at Coopers Lake Campground, the same site as the Society for Creative Anachronism's Pennsic War in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. From 1982 through 1985 it was held at Devil's Den Park in New Philadelphia, Ohio, a former state park run by Whispering Winds Nudist Camp. In 1986 and 1987 it was held at Bear Creek Amphitheatre (part of Bear Creek Resort Ranch KOA) in East Sparta, Ohio, and at Echo Hills Ski Resort in Logan, Ohio (on the Buckeye Trail) in 1988 and 1989. The event moved to Brushwood Folklore Center, a private campground in Sherman, New York. from 1990 through 2009. Since 2010, Starwood has been held at Wisteria Campground in Pomeroy, Ohio.

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, and has stayed between 1500 and 1650 since 1999. Since 1982, Starwood has been a clothing optional event, and skyclad attendance is common.

Activities

Starwood offers approximately 150 workshops, on topics including alternative lifestyles, political & spiritual activism, spiritual traditions, consciousness-altering technologies and substances (such as biofeedback, sensory-isolation, mind machines, entheogenic and other mind-altering substances), martial arts & movement systems, history, magic, folklore, art & music, metaphysics and environmental issues.

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", 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), the Church of the SubGenius, the Neo-Druidic group Ar nDraiocht Fein (ADF), and various Neopagan covens and organizations

References

  1. ^ Gill (2005)
  2. ^ Vale & Sulak (2001)
  3. ^ Krassner (2005)
  4. ^ Nema (1995), p. 200.
  5. Pike (2006), pp. 35–36.
  6. ^ Rabinovitch & Lewis (2002), pp. 309–310
  7. DeWitt (2012).
  8. Pike (2001), p. 129.
  9. Cusack (2010), p. 106.
  10. Hopman (2016), p. .
  11. Adler (2006), p. 585.

Works cited

External links

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