Portraits from Major Arcana 2021
Major Arcana
What a name for an event! Being a total nerd for high fantasy literature and all things pagan, I was instantly curious. Run by Live Beyond Limit (website) it looked and sounded like it would be right up my alley. I also really appreciate their approach to wellness:
“We are on a mission to help people LIVE and THRIVE through all circumstances of life, through highly skilled and Effective movement and lifestyle coaching and classes based in yoga, aerial, Holistic wellness”
I wanted to get involved in the event, so I contacted Kate and offered my services as an event photographer. She told me that she already had one, but I could go as a vendor. I jumped at the opportunity - I would set up a photobooth.
What are Pagan Portraits?
I knew I wanted to do something that was in the spirit of the event, but with my twist on it, too. And so Pagan Portraits was born. But what does that mean?
It means that I will lead you through a guided portrait session, that will leave you feeling confident in yourself and connected to your ancestors. Scowl, growl, or grin, it's up to you - no judgment here! Plus, we'll make some exceptional photos!
Erin and her daughters are aerial silk artists.
Some people view paganism as evil or dirty, but it's the most natural kind of worship someone can do. Paganism is a catch-all term for any non-Abrahamic religion. They're often polytheistic and focus primarily on ancestor worship and the use of avatars or statues to depict aspects of human nature for us to consider as well as natural phenomenons or nature spirits.
Some examples of pagan belief systems are ancient like Shintoism, Hinduism, and the beliefs of the Aboriginal Australians. Some newer, mainly reconstructed forms you may be familiar with are Asatru, Wicca, Norse Heathenism, or Kemetism.
One of the most significant aspects you'll notice about pagan belief systems is that they accept almost anyone into their fold and typically don't try to force their beliefs onto others. Since there's such a strong link to the ancestors (historical and divine) in all of them, I feel it's more welcoming and a better journey for us to take together under the welcoming banner of being Pagan.
Some of my favourite portraits I captured that day:
photos from the event
