Mead, Myth & Music is a welcoming gathering of stories, songs, poetry, and shared traditions, hosted by Northern Pagan Church in collaboration with White Bear Meadery.
Throughout human history, people have gathered to share stories, sing songs, pass along wisdom, and enjoy one another’s company. These traditions connect us to those who came before us while creating new memories and relationships in the present.
Mead, Myth & Music continues this tradition in a relaxed, family-friendly setting where everyone has an opportunity to contribute, make a request, or simply listen.
You do not need to be Pagan, a member of Northern Pagan Church, or an experienced storyteller or musician to attend.
Connection comes before commitment.
What Is Mead, Myth & Music?
Mead, Myth & Music is an informal community gathering centered on sharing stories, music, and meaningful words.
Our evenings may include:
- Myths & Folklore: Traditional stories of gods, heroes, spirits, ancestors, and the world around us.
- Storytelling: Folktales, personal experiences, family stories, and stories passed down through generations.
- Music & Song: Traditional songs, community singing, original compositions, and acoustic music.
- Poetry & Spoken Word: Original poetry, meaningful readings, and works that invite reflection or conversation.
- Community & Conversation: Opportunities to connect with others, enjoy refreshments, and share in the experience.
There is no required theme or expectation of polished performance. Each gathering takes shape through the people who attend and what they choose to share.
Some evenings may be filled with laughter and music. Others may bring thoughtful stories, quiet reflection, or lively conversation.
All are welcome.
What to Expect
Our gatherings are relaxed, conversational, and shaped by those who attend.
Everyone will have at least one turn.
When your turn comes, you are welcome to:
- Contribute: Share a story, song, poem, reading, or other meaningful offering.
- Make a Request: Ask whether someone would like to share a particular story, song, or something related to a topic that interests you.
- Pass: Simply enjoy listening without contributing something of your own.
No one is required to perform, speak, or have anything prepared.
Depending on attendance and available time, we may have additional rounds so that people can share more than once.
You might hear an ancient myth retold in someone’s own words, a favorite poem, a family story, a traditional folk song, or an original piece of music.
Non-amplified musical instruments are welcome, and participants are encouraged to join in familiar songs when invited.
Listening is participating.
Rules & Expectations
Mead, Myth & Music is a space for sharing, not a competition, audition, or critique session.
We want everyone to feel comfortable participating regardless of their experience, confidence, or ability.
To help create that environment, we ask everyone to follow a few simple expectations.
Everyone Gets a Turn
Every participant will have an opportunity to contribute, make a request, or pass.
We ask everyone to respect the time available and allow others the opportunity to participate.
Additional rounds may be offered as time permits.
No Apologies
There is no need to apologize for your contribution.
You do not need to apologize for your singing voice, storytelling ability, nervousness, forgotten words, missed notes, or lack of experience.
We also encourage participants not to diminish their own contributions with comments about how poorly they believe they performed.
What you choose to share is welcome as it is.
No Criticism
We do not criticize or negatively evaluate the contributions of others, or our own.
This is not a workshop where performances are judged, corrected, or compared.
There is no expectation of perfection, and no need to explain why something could have been better.
Appreciation, encouragement, and gratitude are always welcome.
These expectations do not prevent anyone from respectfully raising a concern about safety, conduct, or material that may be harmful or inappropriate.
Respect the Shared Space
Please give each participant your attention and allow them to finish without unnecessary interruption.
Be mindful of conversations, noise, and distractions while someone is sharing.
Respect differences in spiritual traditions, cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and abilities.
We encourage participants to acknowledge the authors, musicians, storytellers, and traditions from which their material comes whenever possible.
What matters is not how polished a contribution may be, but the willingness to share it and the care with which we receive it.
Sharing Something of Your Own
Have a story, song, poem, or meaningful reading you would like to share?
We would love to hear it.
Contributions might include:
- A myth or folktale from a tradition you know
- A song you enjoy singing or playing
- An original story, poem, or musical composition
- A personal or family story
- A meaningful passage from a book
- A piece of local or community history
- A traditional story you have learned and would like to pass along
You are welcome to bring a non-amplified musical instrument.
You do not need to memorize your contribution. Reading from a book, printed page, or personal notes is perfectly welcome.
If you are uncertain whether something would be appropriate to share, please contact Northern Pagan Church before the gathering.
Keeping Traditions Alive
Stories and songs have always been part of how communities preserve their history, share their values, and pass knowledge between generations.
Some traditions have been preserved in books and recordings. Others have survived because people continued telling the stories and singing the songs.
Mead, Myth & Music provides a place for these traditions to remain living practices rather than simply records of the past.
We welcome both traditional material and new creative work. The stories and songs we create today may become the traditions shared by future generations.
We encourage participants to honor the people and communities from whom their material comes, including acknowledging authors, storytellers, musicians, and cultural traditions whenever possible.
Preservation is not only about remembering what came before us. It is also about continuing to create something worth passing along.
Who Is Welcome?
Everyone is welcome at Mead, Myth & Music.
Our gatherings are family-friendly and open to people from a wide variety of spiritual, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
You do not need to:
- Be Pagan or follow any particular spiritual tradition
- Be a member of Northern Pagan Church
- Know anything about mythology or folklore
- Sing, play an instrument, or tell stories
- Purchase or consume alcohol
Children and families are welcome. We enjoy creating opportunities for people of different generations to share stories and experiences.
Parents and guardians remain responsible for supervising their children.
Whether you have been involved in Pagan communities for decades or are simply curious about the gathering, there is a place for you here.
Our Hosts: White Bear Meadery
Mead, Myth & Music is hosted in collaboration with White Bear Meadery, located at:
1320 County Rd D Cir
Maplewood, MN 55109
Mead is a fermented beverage traditionally made from honey, with a history stretching across many cultures and centuries. It provides a fitting setting for an evening of stories, songs, and community.
We are grateful to White Bear Meadery for welcoming this gathering and helping us create a space where people can come together.
Purchasing a beverage is not required to attend.
For those who are able and interested, supporting the meadery through purchases is a wonderful way to thank our hosts.
Alcohol consumption is entirely optional, and all participants are expected to follow the meadery’s policies and applicable laws.
Attending In Person or Remotely
In Person
Join us at White Bear Meadery in Maplewood, Minnesota.
You are welcome to arrive, settle in, meet others, and enjoy the gathering at your own pace.
Our gathering space has a capacity of approximately 20 people. Space is limited, so we encourage those planning to attend in person to check the current event listing for any additional attendance information.
No membership, performance experience, or alcohol purchase is required.
Remote Attendance
For those unable to attend in person due to disability, accessibility needs, or distance, a link may be provided for remote participation.
To help protect the gathering from disruptions and preserve a welcoming environment for everyone, remote access information is not posted publicly.
If you would like to participate remotely, please contact Northern Pagan Church in advance to inquire about access.
Our goal is to make remote participation meaningful, with opportunities to contribute stories, songs, and conversation rather than simply observe.
Remote participation may depend on the technology and arrangements available for a particular gathering.
When We Gather
Mead, Myth & Music is held periodically throughout the year.
Dates, times, and participation information are published on the Northern Pagan Church events calendar.
Please consult the calendar before attending, as event details may change.
Supporting Mead, Myth & Music
Mead, Myth & Music is part of Northern Pagan Church’s commitment to building community, encouraging creativity, and keeping traditions alive.
There is no admission charge or membership requirement.
If you enjoy these gatherings and would like to support their continuation, you are welcome to make an optional donation to Northern Pagan Church.
Your support helps with event coordination, educational resources, accessibility, and the continued development of community programming.
No one is expected to donate in order to participate.
Staying Connected
Mead, Myth & Music is one of several opportunities to connect with Northern Pagan Church.
We also host weekly Sunday Circle discussions, seasonal gatherings, educational programs, and other community events.
Whether you join us for a single evening or become a regular participant, we hope you find something meaningful in the experience.
A Final Invitation
Bring a story.
Bring a song.
Bring a poem, a memory, or a little curiosity.
Or simply bring yourself.
There is room at the table, and we would be glad to have you join us.