Gorton Pagan Moot: Beltane

Gorton Pagan Moot was established in 2017 by a group of local residents who saw that there was a large Pagan community in and around Gorton with no place to meet and get together. Initially based in Debdale Park, the moot recently made the move to the Monastery and are loving their new home!

What happens at a Pagan moot?

Paganism is often a very misunderstood religion. In fact there are those in the Pagan community that would argue it isn’t a religion at all but more a way of life. Pagans follow the cycles of nature and the moon, the seasons, and celebrate eight festivals, known as sabbats, throughout the year. The moot meets around the time of these sabbats, with the next one being held on 5th May, 2024 for Beltane.

What is Beltane?

Beltane is traditionally celebrated on the 1st May, officially marks the start of the summer and is one of the oldest festivals celebrated in the Pagan calendar. It was the time when the cattle were put out to pasture, but primarily it is a fertility festival. There were also rituals to protect crops, dairy products and people, and to encourage growth. A time for celebration of the abundance to come, the festival is laced with joyous anticipation. The sun is almost at it’s height in the sky, the weather is usually good, flowers are blooming and crops beginning to grow. Fertility rituals such as Maypole dancing cling on to this day.

For the Beltane Moot there is a very special guest speaker: Rob Burrows from Stockport Pagan Moot.

Who can come?

This is a family friendly gathering and all are welcome. It’s free to attend, although donations to the Monastery are always very much appreciated.

There’s always lots of laughter and everyone is welcome to come along.

No need to book, just turn up on the day.

1.30-3.30pm

Find Gorton Pagan Moot on Facebook or email vicki.kennedy.gorton@gmail.com for more information.

Directions to the Monastery here.