The global pandemic has groups of all kinds figuring out how to get together virtually. From business meetings to family gatherings, coffee klatches to spiritual celebrations, we’ve all been Zooming, WebExing, Hanging Out, and learning any number of newfangled technology just to be able to spend some quality face time with one another.
The Emerald Coast Pagan Community, a group of pagans in Panama City, FL, has been getting together regularly online for full moon and festival gatherings since the pandemic forced a majority of us to sequester ourselves. The September full moon celebration was no different. What was different? The encompassing subject—Dragon Con.
Prior to the celebration, the host asked for attendees to choose a character from a favorite fandom. Each attendee who participated by choosing a character was asked to participate throughout the celebration.
After calling the quarters, the host started by expertly walking the attendees through the Peachtree Center Marta Station. She injected the attendees by asking what cosplays they were wearing that were associated with their chosen character. Moving further into the narrative, she walked us to the Peachtree Center Food Court where each attendee described their lunch for the day.
Next, the host lead attendees through the throngs of Deadpools and Spidermen to the Sheraton to pick up badges. Once everyone was official, the attendees virtually visited each host hotel and even stopped by the Drumming Circle to take part in a little rhythmic interlude. Those who took part as their favorite characters were asked to share what they saw, what they purchased at the vendor tables, and other little tidbits that make attending Dragon Con IRL the highlight of the year for many people.
Since Dragon Con is virtual this year, having an opportunity to get together with like-minded people to enjoy a quasi guided meditation through a favorite event was great fun. The only bittersweet aspect was, after each stage of the journey, attendees were reminded that the press of the crowd, the knowledge from the panelists, and the gathering of tens of thousands of friends was, in fact, just a dream.
