Yesterday afternoon Tom and I took a trip to Milwaukee to meet the May Queen. She is on her way out east for college and was hopscotching across the country meeting CAW folks. CAW in CA has developed a ritual cycle related to their climate involving the May Queen and May King chosen at Beltane through the May games, and the Rain King and Queen who take over from the May royalty at Samhain. They are looked at as holding an aspect of the magickal energy of CAW, and as such, have an important role.
Dragon Family hosted the potluck for the area CAW folks. It was nice to see Perimage, (from Chicago) again. I first met him this year at Grow Closer and it was a delight to meet another of my Internest nesties. Unfortunately his allergies triggered his asthma and he had to leave early. It was a small group this time but that allowed us to talk and share in a way that is hard to do in a larger group. Anne, our charming May Queen, also asked us what was the most important area for CAW to be working on now. Several of us felt that the nests need more support and strengthening. It is wonderful to see her taking on the role of meeting, and learning about the far flung members. I believe her visits will help to strengthen the sense of belonging and connection for us all.
I always enjoy these events to meet CAW folks from far away for the first time. It is a bit of an adventure. We are so alike and yet so different in the various regions. We share important values but have many idiosyncratic ways of expressing them. I always learn something new. And it is also a special pleasure to reconnect with those I have met but only see occasionally. I missed those who couldn't make it. This is my tribe and everyone in it a precious part of the collective us.
Copyright © 2000 Kyril Oakwind