The Wild Hunt (https://wildhunt.org/tag/recovery)
Hurricane Helene devastated the Appalachian region, sparking reports of Christian groups proselytizing while providing aid to Pagans and LGBTQ2SI+ individuals seeking safe help in the their recovery.
This is a month into the aftermath, and I still do not have a full picture of what is happening in all the areas devastated by Helene. I do not think it is possible to live on the ground, function day to day, and zoom out far enough to see the entirety of the scene. For me, there is no visual concept of whole, although my heart and spirit feel it.
Sean McShee looks at Paganism and the 12-step program process that supports individuals in recovery.
For those who participate in one or more festivals during the warm weather, it’s an opportunity to let down some personal guards and be temporarily freed from the pressures of the overculture. Festivals are often the only way for many Pagans, Heathens and Polytheists to worship in groups, learn from respected authors and elders, and compare notes with co-religionists. Within these spaces, they can recharge their spiritual batteries and become inspired to deepen religious practice. Joy and revelry are also not at all uncommon. As such, festivals represent a mixed blessing for would-be participants who struggle with a substance abuse problems, or those wishing to continue a recovery process without backsliding.