Frederick Pagan Pride was our first time back vending at a pagan festival, and like Mystic South in July, it was just amazing to be back in community, seeing friends and acquaintances and friendly new faces, and thinking of those who couldn’t be there that day. (Raven’s Own, we missed you both dearly!) We were so busy that I didn’t make it to any classes (which is both disappointing and also good for our income), and I also neglected to take a single photo! (Oops!)
It was such a whirlwind, particularly for me as a reader, as it seemed I was the only tarot reader there! Normally there are 3-5 readers at an event and I’ll do 3 or 4 readings, usually one of those for someone I already know. This time, however, I did 8, and about half of those in a two-hour window following the main ritual, which meant much faster transition times than I’m used to. I do most of my readings as emailed pdfs, and doing that many in person on a single day made my head spin a little! It’s good practice grounding & centering and releasing a client’s energy, though, and every time I have a challenge as a reader, I grow a little.
We sold quite a bit of jewelry as well, mostly stock that I made in 2019, when I thought for sure I’d be vending again soon. What a weird few years it has been! We also sold quite a few pendulums, enough that I’m glad I replenished my stock beforehand! I had hoped we’d have enough stock on hand that I wouldn’t have to put in another order before NoVA Pagan Pride Day (which I expected would be a smaller crowd), but that one has now been canceled, so I guess we’re abruptly done vending for the year, as well. (Hopefully that one pans out for next year!)
Also for next year, we’ve been invited to vend at Free Spirit Gathering in Maryland in August, and I’m going to go back to really making sure to stay on top of workshop and vending application deadlines for a variety of nearby events throughout the year. As a reminder, though, divination and jewelry is always available through the shop (and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, please send an email; I don’t have the pendulums all photographed yet), and we do reiki and other energy healing modalities in person in our home office, in person traveling to you (for a small additional fee), or remotely (for returning clients only).