How to Get Thousands Interested in Your Cause

By Lady Passion, High Priestess, Coven Oldenwilde,
Asheville, NC

Published January, 2007, in Oracle 20/20 Magazine

Cont'd from previous page ...

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Have backup plans for everything. For instance, pray that live musicians DO show up, but in case they don't, pre-burn CD music and have a skilled music-spinner play it on a boom-box, using amplifiers to increase the music's range. Perform weather-working spells in advance to ensure the best weather for outdoor gatherings (our mantra is "No wind, no rain, no cold, no snow, on Samhain"). Think of all conceivable problems and try to think of things you'd never even consider that could spell the ruin your gathering, or cause embarrassment. Then, devise contingency plans "just in case", and let everyone know in detail what to do in case such problems arise.

Insist on your rights if need be. Each state's different, but for instance, it's illegal to disrupt any religious rite in North Carolina, so we're prepared to press charges if someone makes verbal, "terroristic" threats at attendees. Police often give gatherings difficulty. They may claim they need to be there for "traffic control", "public safety", etc. Their mere presence often intimidates attendees. Fire departments can claim worry about your lighting. Have maps drawn up and be ready to reassure them so you don't have to pay for extras, like street closings, etc. You can head this off by eliciting gathering sponsors from area merchants, or even city Art Councils or Cultural Events committees, etc.

Have your own internal security armed with walkie-talkies. Deal with trustworthy folks and have them dressed like every else (no obvious "badges" etc.), roaming throughout the site, deftly, quietly handling any problems as they arise. Their purpose is to be so goodly, that no one ever knows there was any problem.

Keep up your strength. Eat early and often, feed your help, take Echinacea and slurp gallons of fruit juice throughout preparation time. If the weather's nippy, wear layers of clothes you can ad or discard as it gets cold or you sweat during the event. Dress for both comfort AND stunning beauty. Avoid high heels, instead, opt for flat boots with sole traction.

Protect your home. Everyone knows where you're going to be during your annual gathering, so wire your home for security or have someone man your house, with a cordless phone nearby to call 911 just in case.

Know when to stress, and when to revel in the gathering itself. Work hard, well, and fast during setup, then quit fussin' over minor details, change into what you're going to wear, and start enjoying the beauty of what you've so painstakingly created!

Welcome attendees. It's nice to be welcomed from the parking lot to the main gathering area. Torchlight on pathways, stick incense, props, and glow-sticks, etc. help set your gathering's theme mood.

Set a high tone for the event, and all will follow suit. If you're "in the zone" for all to see, no one will spoil your gathering by acting undignified. Your confidence in your ability to pull off the gathering with grace and aplomb will radiate and attendees will feel safe, expectant, and appreciative.

Use a wireless, headset mic. Do sound and equipment checks well in advance. When you're dealing with thousands, wireless mics help all hear you explain the meaning of the gathering, your cause's purpose, and your planned activities.

Wear clothing or a costume that makes you easily visible from far away. Glo-bracelets at the wrist and similar items make you, the gathering leader, stand out, and all attendees will know where they are in relation to you.

Keep 'em moving and mum's the word. Avoid long-winded opening ceremonies that leave attendees still, cold, or bored. This makes crowds frustrated and restive. We take only five minutes or so to explain the meaning of the Samhain and the rite's magical purpose. Then we get right to the dance or other plan that gets everyone moving, smiling, and immediately invested in ensuring the gathering's success.

Assume nothing. If a parent swears their kid is missing, don't panic and call 911 -- you WILL find them -- probably dancing or otherwise having the time of their lives!

Follow the money. If you put a donation bowl out, take steps to make sure no one runs off with it.

Delicate "take down" of props after the gathering is AS IMPORTANT as setting up fragile, packed props before the rite. Designate some people well in advance to do nothing but show up the next day to help you take down the props, or they will be hopelessly ruined and unusable next year.

Don't reinvent the wheel. Recycle all the props you can in creative ways, depending on the theme. Store stuff in large plastic bins, and collect donated items throughout the year to use when the time comes for the next year's gathering.

More of my tips and past Samhain Sabbats' info and pix are posted on my web site at: www.oldenwilde.org.

Lady Passion is an R.N. and international celebrity spokes-Witch who's appeared in TV series "Finding America" and shows "Extra!", and been featured in innumerable magazines "NewWitch", and radio shows (BBC London). Co-author of The Goodly Spellbook: Olde Spells for Modern Problems), she may be reached at: www.oldenwilde.org