Chic and I arrived in San Jose, California on Thursday,
February 16 for Pantheacon
2012, the premier occult, pagan, and esoteric convention in the U.S. The
theme for the event this year was "Unity in Diversity." This was our first
year attending Pantheacon, but it will certainly not be our last. It was a
fabulous event where we were able to reconnect with old friends and make new
ones.
In addition to ourselves, presenters included Selena Fox,
Weiser Books, Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, Starhawk, Ellen Evert Hopman, Mary Greer,
Patrick McCollum, Jason Newcomb, Steve Blamires, Luisah Teish, Max Dashu,
Michael Smith, Athena Wallender, Amber K and Azrael Arynn K, Sabina Magliocco,
Rachel Pollack, Sam Webster, Lon Milo DuQuette, T. Thorn Coyle, Margot Adler,
Carl Neal, Tony Mierzwicki, Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor, Orion Foxwood,
Penczak, Brandy Williams, Skye Alexander, R. J. Stewart, Diana Paxson, Don
Frew, Melanie Marquis, Sylvia Braillier, Llewellyn Publications, Gus diZerega, Kenny
Klein, Z Budapest, Lupa, James Wanless, and Donald Michael Kraig.
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| With Elysia Gallo, Llewellyn Senior Acquisitions Editor for magical books |
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| Chic with Poke Runyon (Thank you for finding my laser pointer!) |
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| Action shot with Rachel Pollack |
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| Chic's Lecture on Israel Regardie |
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| With Chic and Lon |
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| With Chic, Lon DuQuette, Sam Webster, and Joe Max |
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| Don and Holly Kraig |
(Don Kraig's review of Pantheacon 2012 is posted on the Llewellyn
blog.)
On Friday we perused the Vendor Room and saw more magical
jewelry, clothing, and ritual items than you could shake a wand at. Later that
evening we represented our slide-lecture on "The Rosicrucian Vault: A Compendium
of the Universal Unity." Like all of our lectures, it was very well
attended (with 100+ people in the audience). After the lecture, the Open Source Order of the Golden Dawn
graciously held a reception for us in their suite. I brought several copies of
my new book with me ("The
Book of the Concourse of the Watchtowers") and these were quickly
snatched up, making me wish I had brought more.
Saturday afternoon we presented a slide-lecture on "Drawing
Forth the Light: Creating Magical Talismans" which also discussed the
creation of Planetary Squares and Sigils. Later we attended an exclusive
Llewellyn party/author Meet and Greet. That evening we attended a lecture by
Donald Michael Kraig on "Why the LBRP Matters." Like all of Don's
lectures, it was informative and entertaining.
Sunday morning we were invited to sit on the dais as honored
guests and participate in a public performance of a Golden Dawn Prosperity
Ritual by the Open Source Order. All attendees received a talisman consecrated
by the ceremony. It was a potent event. After the ritual we returned to the
Vendor room for a book signing, followed by tarot readings at the Ancient Ways booth.
In the afternoon we attended a concert, "The Provisions
Tour" by Lon Milo DuQuette, which was held in the night-club of the hotel.
It was not to be missed!
Sunday evening Chic gave his lecture on "Israel
Regardie: Man and Magician." It brought back fond memories for several of
us who knew "Francis."
I must say, the hospitality suites were very hospitable, the
sheer variety of magical regalia worn was incredible, the ribbons were a hoot, and
everyone we met was great.
By Monday it was time to leave. We were exhausted, but it
was a good kind of exhaustion. Many thanks to Glenn Turner for running such an
incredible convention. And thanks again to our friends who made us feel right
at home.
We look forward to Pantheacon 2013!
UPDATE: Pantheacon Reviews:
Llewellyn blog
How's That for Esoteric!
The Emerald Tablet
UPDATE: Pantheacon Reviews:
Llewellyn blog
How's That for Esoteric!
The Emerald Tablet
