Rune Reading

Wwe invite you to step into the mystic past with our Traditional Rune Reading, a practice steeped in the lore and wisdom of the ancient Norse and Germanic peoples. Here, amidst the vibrant tapestry of medieval life, you can experience one of the oldest forms of divination known to humanity, offering insights, guidance, and perhaps a touch of the magical.

The Essence of Runes: Runes are not just letters but symbols charged with meaning, each one connected to the myths, deities, and natural forces of the ancient world. The Elder Futhark, the oldest runic alphabet, consists of 24 runes, each with its own name, symbolism, and story. At our Faire, we use these runes in their most traditional form, crafted from wood or stone, to provide an authentic experience.

The Setting: Our rune reading takes place in a secluded nook, perhaps under the shade of an ancient oak or within a tent adorned with symbols of Norse mythology. The atmosphere is set with the soft light of candles or the flicker of a small fire, evoking the mystic ambiance of a Viking seer’s den. Here, the hustle of the Faire fades into the background, allowing the whispers of the past to come to the fore.

The Process:

Preparation: The experience begins with a moment of calm. The rune reader, often dressed in attire reminiscent of a Norse wise woman or man, will explain the significance of the runes, preparing you for the reading with a brief meditation or invocation to the gods of old for clarity.
Casting the Runes: You’ll be invited to ask a question or focus on a situation seeking guidance. The runes are then cast from a pouch onto a special cloth or directly onto the earth, a method chosen for its connection to the natural world. There are several ways to cast:
- Single Rune: For straightforward questions or daily guidance.
- Three Rune Spread: Often interpreted as past, present, and future, or situation, challenge, and advice.
- More Complex Spreads: For deeper inquiries, using five, seven, or even all 24 runes for a comprehensive reading.
Interpretation: Each rune’s position relative to others provides layers of meaning. The reader deciphers these symbols, considering not only the traditional meanings but also the energies present in the moment. They might speak of Fehu, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, or Algiz, representing protection and connection to one’s higher self.
Reflection: After the reading, there’s time for reflection and questions, allowing you to absorb the wisdom or perhaps ask for further clarification. The reader might offer suggestions for rituals or meditations to align with the runes’ messages.

Authenticity and Education: Our rune readers are not just performers but scholars of this ancient art, keen on sharing the cultural and historical significance of runic divination. They might discuss the saga of Odin’s sacrifice to gain knowledge of the runes or how runes were used in daily life for protection, healing, or prophecy.

The Experience: A rune reading at our Renaissance Faire is more than fortune-telling; it’s an immersive journey into the spiritual practices of our ancestors. Whether you’re seeking guidance or simply curious about the mystical side of the Renaissance, this experience promises to connect you with the wisdom of the ages, offering a moment of introspection in the midst of our bustling Faire.

Traditional Hair Braiding

At our Renaissance Faire, experience the artistry of our Traditional Medieval Hair Braider, where the magic of yesteryears comes alive through the intricate weaving of hair. Nestled among the stalls of artisans and the clamor of medieval life, our braider’s station is a sanctuary of beauty and tradition, inviting all who pass by to step back in time.

The Art: Our skilled braider, dressed in authentic medieval garb, specializes in the hairstyles that graced the heads of noblewomen, peasants, and even warriors of the Middle Ages. From the simple plaits of the common folk to the elaborate braids adorned with ribbons, beads, or flowers for the highborn, this artisan brings history to life with every twist and turn of the hair.

The Experience:

Personal Consultation: Begin with a discussion of your desired look, whether you wish for the practicality of a Viking braid, the elegance of a crown braid, or the whimsy of fairy locks. Our braider will match your hair type and length with the appropriate style.
Authentic Techniques: Using only tools and materials that would have been available in medieval times, like wooden combs, bone pins, and natural fibers, you’ll receive a hairstyle that’s both historically accurate and stunningly beautiful.
Educational Insight: As your hair is transformed, our braider will share tales and facts about medieval hair care, the significance of certain styles, and how they denoted status or served as practical solutions in a time without modern conveniences.
Photo Opportunity: Once your hair is braided, you’re invited to pose with medieval props or in front of our period-accurate backdrops, capturing your transformation into a figure from history.

This service isn’t just about beauty; it’s about connecting with the past in a tactile, personal way. Whether you’re looking to complete your Renaissance attire or seeking a unique experience, our Traditional Medieval Hair Braider promises a journey through time, one braid at a time.

The Renaissance Is A Time Of Extraordinary Offerings

Here is a long quote that reflects on the kinds of personal services one might have experienced during the Renaissance, drawn from historical accounts and literature:

“In the Renaissance, a time when beauty was not just admired but meticulously crafted, personal services were both an art and a necessity. One could visit the barber-surgeon, a versatile figure who was as likely to trim your beard as to let your blood for health. Bathhouses, though less common than in some earlier periods, still existed in cities like Florence, where one could indulge in the luxury of public bathing, often accompanied by massages with aromatic oils. For those of higher status, the services of a personal barber were commonplace, ensuring one’s hair and beard were styled in the latest fashion, perhaps even adorned with gold threads or pearls for special occasions.

The art of perfumery flourished, and apothecaries or perfumers would craft personalized scents, mixing essences with alchemical precision to fit one’s personality or to mask the less pleasant odors of the time. Tailors and seamstresses offered bespoke clothing, transforming the wearer into a walking piece of art with intricate embroidery, velvet, and silk, tailored to fit the exact measurements of the individual.

For women, or indeed anyone of means, there were specialists in hair care, braiding hair into elaborate styles that could take hours to create, often interweaving with ribbons or jewels. These hairstylists were akin to modern hairdressers, yet their art was part of a broader cultural display of wealth and status.

Moreover, there were those who practiced the art of physiognomy or chiromancy, reading one’s character from facial features or palm lines, offering insights into one’s fate or health. Such services were not merely for vanity but were seen as integral to maintaining one’s health, appearance, and social standing in an era where such attributes were closely linked to one’s place in society.

Thus, the Renaissance was a period where personal services were not just about cleanliness or appearance but were intertwined with the culture’s understanding of health, beauty, and the human condition.”

~ “The Book of the Courtier”, Baldassare Castiglione

Goblin Trainin’

Welcome to Goblin School at our Renaissance Faire, where mischief and magic meet education in the most unusual way. Here, young scoundrels can embrace their inner goblin for a day of fun, learning, and perhaps a bit of mayhem.

The Setting: Goblin School is set in a rustic, overgrown part of the faire, where makeshift huts and a tangle of vines create the perfect goblin lair. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of cackles, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional clatter of mismatched cookware.

The Curriculum:

Goblin Speak: Learn the rough, guttural language of goblins, including how to sound convincingly mischievous or scheming.
Sneaky Skills: Master the art of sneaking, hiding, and ambushing. We’ll teach you how to move silently through the underbrush or how to blend into the shadows.
Practical Pranking: From harmless tricks to elaborate schemes, we’ll explore the fine art of pranking. There will be workshops on making simple traps, disguises, and understanding the psychology behind a good prank.
Goblin Crafts: Turn trash into treasure with lessons on creating goblin gear from found objects. Think of it as alchemy but with less gold and more… creativity.
Mischief Making: Classes on how to sow just the right amount of chaos, teaching the balance between fun and folly.

The Experience: Participants will dress up in goblin attire, complete with pointy ears and ragged clothing, fully immersing themselves in goblin culture. The day ends with a ‘Goblin Graduation’ where each student receives a badge of mischief, marking their new status as an honorary member of the goblin tribe.

Come to Goblin School, where learning is as wild and unpredictable as the creatures themselves.

Princess Etiquette School

At our Renaissance Faire, join the magical journey of our Princess Etiquette Classes, where young maidens can learn the charm and decorum of medieval nobility.

The Setting: Set within the enchanting walls of our castle-like venue, surrounded by the beauty of nature, these classes will transport you to a time of chivalry and grace.

The Lessons:

Graceful Movement: Learn how to walk, sit, and curtsy with the elegance of a princess. We’ll practice until these movements feel natural.
Proper Speech: Master the art of speaking like nobility, with lessons on clear pronunciation and engaging conversation, preparing you for royal discourse.
Dining Etiquette: Discover the intricacies of eating like royalty, from the correct use of utensils to the graceful handling of a goblet, culminating in a mock banquet.
Dance: Step into the world of medieval dance, learning dances like the pavane, enhancing your poise and social grace.
Crafts: Engage in noble pastimes, such as embroidery or the art of illumination, giving you a taste of a princess’s daily life.
Dress and Appearance: Learn about medieval fashion, including how to wear and style hair in ways that would befit a royal lady. There will be a fun dress-up part where you can try on period clothing.

The Experience: Each class is a blend of fun and learning, ending with a small ceremony where each participant receives a token of their new noble status, celebrating their transformation into a princess.

Join us to live out a day in the life of medieval royalty, where every lesson is a step closer to your own fairytale ending.

Quoits

Gather ’round, ye merry folk, for at our Renaissance Faire, we’ve brought back the ancient game of Quoits, a pastime that would have been familiar to knights, peasants, and nobles alike in days of yore. Quoits, or as some might call it, the game of iron rings, harkens back to a time when skill and a steady hand were valued in the village square or castle courtyard.

Our Quoits pits are set within the verdant fields, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of faire life, where the clank of metal rings hitting the target echoes the sounds of medieval merriment. Here, the rules are simple yet challenging: cast your quoit, a hoop of metal or rope, towards the peg or stake planted firmly in the ground. The aim is to encircle the peg or come as close as possible, much like the strategic games of old where precision was key to victory.

Participants, whether they be squires or ladies, take turns, each throw measured by the crowd’s cheers or the occasional jest. The game fosters a spirit of competition wrapped in camaraderie, as players from all walks of life, dressed in their finest medieval garb, step up to challenge each other. There’s an art to the toss; some throw with a gentle underhand, whispering a prayer to the winds, while others might opt for a more forceful overhand, hoping to claim the peg with might and main.

Victory in Quoits isn’t just about the score but about the tales spun around the game. Who will be this day’s champion? Will it be the blacksmith with his iron-forged aim or the nimble-fingered bard with a song for every throw? Come, test your mettle at Quoits, where every toss is a dance between skill and fortune, in true Renaissance spirit.

Knightly Training Camp

Welcome to the Knight’s Training Camp at our Renaissance Faire, where every child can live out their dreams of chivalry and valor! Our camp is designed for young squires, ages 6-12, eager to learn the art of knighthood. Over the course of the day, participants will engage in a series of medieval-inspired activities that blend fun with learning.

The adventure begins with a solemn knighting ceremony, where each child receives their own wooden sword and shield, symbolizing their commitment to honor and bravery. They’ll then dive into swordplay lessons, learning basic combat techniques from our expert instructors, ensuring safety and fun are paramount.

Next, they’ll navigate an obstacle course designed like a medieval castle, testing their agility, strength, and teamwork as they scale walls, dodge through moats, and capture the flag in a strategic game.

Then we’ll learn about chivalry and the traditions of fairness and nobility!

We’ll conclude with a grand tournament where our young knights showcase their skills in friendly competitions, earning accolades for bravery, sportsmanship, and skill. This camp isn’t just about medieval fun; it’s about fostering values like respect, courage, and friendship. Join us for a day where legends are born!

The Dancing Witches

“The witches’ dance was a spectacle of shadows and light, a celebration of the night where each step was a spell, each turn a connection to the ancient powers of the earth. They danced not just with their feet but with their souls, weaving magic into the very air, turning the dark into something sacred, something alive.”
-Charles DeLint

Come and behold the dance of Witches! Watch them circle, spin, dance, and cackle! Perhaps you might even decide to join their ranks!

When Witches dance, the Wise tremble!

Witches of all ages are invited to come and join the terpsichorean pursuit!

Fairy Festival Evening

Friday night is “Fairy Night,” transforming the event into a magical realm where the lines between myth and reality blur. As twilight descends, the faire grounds will be bathed in a soft glow from lanterns and fireflies, casting an ethereal light that beckons all to a night of enchantment. The air will be thick with the scent of wildflowers and the distant sound of whimsical melodies played on lutes and flutes, creating an ambiance where fairies are not just guests but the very essence of the night.

Imagine the scene: the market stalls, usually bustling with daytime trade, now decked with gossamer wings, shimmering dust, and fairy lights. Performers, adorned in delicate costumes with wings that flutter in the breeze, will weave through the crowd, engaging in playful mischief or sharing ancient tales of the fae. The main stage will host a grand ball, where the music invites everyone to dance under the stars, perhaps even catching a glimpse of a real fairy or two among the revelers.

Children (and the young at heart) can participate in a scavenger hunt for fairy treasures hidden around the faire, with clues leading them to learn about different fairy folk from various cultures. Workshops will teach the art of making fairy wands, crafting your own wings, or learning the secret language of flowers said to be beloved by fairies.

As the night deepens, a grand parade will commence, led by the Fairy Queen, with performers, musicians, and visitors alike joining in a procession that celebrates the magic of the night. This Fairy Night at your Renaissance Faire promises not just entertainment but an immersive experience into a world where magic is palpable, and everyone can be part of the fairy tale.

Osno, the Jockey of Discs

Osno has travelled all about this fair country creating music and making heads nod. Now, he comes to us, to bring us music and the Muse!

Osno, the time-travelling jockey of discs, is an enigmatic figure whose existence blurs the line between myth and reality. Known for spinning records across different eras, Osno’s adventures are whispered about in the annals of music history. With a mystical turntable that can traverse time, he plays tunes from the future and past, influencing music trends before they’re born. His performances are legendary, often appearing at pivotal musical moments to introduce a song or style that would define an epoch. His true identity remains a mystery, with some speculating he’s a guardian of music’s timeline, ensuring its authentic evolution.