Feature photo by Matthew Olson
Story by Matthew Olson
Each year in Nashville, a joyous festival draws in spiritual seekers to experience the rich cultural traditions of the pagan community.
Saturday was Nashville Pagan Pride Day, a day to encourage the celebration of pagan culture and beliefs. The event isn’t just for the pagan community — it attracts a diverse crowd interested in learning about pagan practices. Attendees can also enjoy a festival atmosphere enhanced by food trucks, vendor booths and live music performances. S.J. Tucker, Louis Garou, Krista Chapman Green and Zaliana performed at this year’s festival. Pagan practitioners also presented traditional rituals.
“So they get a chance to learn a little bit about us,” the event organizer Lucy Jameson said. “So we’re not so frightening, you know? Witches and hats and things like (that).”
Nashville Pagan Pride has grown organically since its inaugural event in 2003. In 2012, Jameson took over as organizer with Mary Hoff as co-coordinator. The festival moved to the cooperative land of Wave Country and Two Rivers Skatepark, an expansion that allowed the event’s attendance to grow. Organizers estimate attendance usually ranges from 1,500-2,000 people.
The Unitarian Universalist Church allowed the festival to use its property in the early years and continues to support the event. The collaborative efforts of the organizers have contributed significantly to the festival’s success. Additionally, they have cultivated an inclusive environment over the years.
Vendors work together to create an environment where pagans can gather freely without fear of harassment or harm.
“It feels very safe,” Nick Young said. “Because you see people that you’re like, ‘Oh yeah, I’d vibe with them,’ and vice versa.”
Young’s Riddle Top Curio Shop debuted at the festival this year. The shop specializes in Appalachian folk magic crafts. Young aims to spread information about regional folk practices. Much of this knowledge is passed down orally rather than in writing, Young said.
A key part of his approach is creating DIY kits to encourage hands-on magic, as traditional Appalachian practices often involve using readily available materials. He includes detailed information about the uses of herbs and other items in his crafts.
Young is particularly interested in bone magic and geomancy, having developed a practice using deer tips to improve intuition. One practice of Appalachian folklore that Young shares centers around using iron, especially horseshoes, for protection.
The Hoodoo Belle booth sold Southern conjure and bulk magic items. They offered various products to help address different life situations and problems and gave tarot card readings. Hoodoo Belle goes beyond traditional tarot readings with an interest in geeks. Trading cards like Pokemon, Star Trek, Star Wars or World of Warcraft replace a 72-card tarot deck. The readings tap into events from the TV series or game associated with each card deck.
Overall, Nashville Pagan Pride Day has become a significant annual celebration, showcasing the pagan culture and providing a platform for education, community, and shared experiences.
Matthew Olson is a reporter for MTSU Sidelines.
To contact the Lifestyles Editor, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
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