For the past five years, MinorOak has been hosting Pagan makers markets. Our first one was for Samhain (Halloween) in 2019, and it was a small Saturday pop-up market inside the coworking space. By 2023, we were hosting avenues-wide markets with 40+ traders for both Beltane (May Day) and Samhain, along with smaller Yule markets, like the one last Saturday and the ones coming up on December 16th and 17th. At this point, the Pagan Markets are our best-known and most successful events.
Why do we do Pagan Markets? Well, it started out with a witchy MinorOak member or two and a Pagan artist-in-residence. Nottingham’s big Pagan event, Pagan Pride, had closed up shop a few years previously, and they told me that the Pagan community needed a new local event. Could we whip something up at MinorOak?
The first one went well, and each subsequent Pagan Market has been even more successful. Turns out the Nottingham Pagan community was VERY interested in a new event, and Sneinton Market is a good venue for it. The Pagans are a community of absolutely lovely people who have kept us motivated to put in the work year after year.
Now, this raises the question: are we a Pagan coworking space now? Well, no, not really, though Pagans are certainly welcome here. But what if…?
I asked ChatGPT to envision a Pagan coworking space, and all I can say is, wow! I mean, maybe we should do it? 🤣
In the fantastical realm of Cosmic Coworking, where creativity knows no bounds and the spirits of collaboration are ever-present, something truly enchanting is afoot: the union of modern coworking and ancient Pagan traditions.
Picture this: As you step into the coworking space on a crisp autumn morning, you’re greeted not only by the hum of laptops but also by the aroma of smoldering sage and the rhythmic beat of a ceremonial drum. The communal table isn’t just for work; it’s an altar to honor the elements—earth, air, fire, and water.
🍂 The Seasonal Sabbaticals: Instead of quarterly business reviews, Cosmic Coworking celebrates the Wheel of the Year, observing solstices, equinoxes, and the magical points in between. These sacred pauses provide opportunities for reflection, renewal, and, of course, a potluck feast that would make any coven proud.
🌟 The Work of the Stars: Astrology isn’t just a magazine section here; it’s a vital part of the business strategy. Cosmic Coworking members consult their natal charts before making important decisions, ensuring that the cosmic energies are aligned with their entrepreneurial endeavors.
🔮 The Crystal Conference Room: Need a space for brainstorming? Look no further than the Crystal Conference Room, adorned with gemstones and crystals carefully chosen to enhance creativity, communication, and manifesting the visions of innovative startups.
🌱 The Plant Spirit Networking: Forget about LinkedIn; here, it’s all about PlantIn, where members commune with the office flora to gain wisdom, inspiration, and a green thumb. Potted plants are the new business cards.
🧙♀️ The Spirit Guides: Each member has a personal spirit animal guide, selected through a ritualistic process involving a shared vision quest. These spirit guides offer guidance and support in both professional and mystical realms.
🌌 The Astral Projector Booth: Need a break from earthly concerns? Slip into the Astral Projector Booth for a quick cosmic journey. You’ll return refreshed, with new perspectives to tackle your earthly tasks.
🌕 Moon Meetings: The lunar phases dictate meeting schedules. Full moons are for team building and creative brainstorming, while new moons are for setting intentions and planting the seeds of future projects.
🌠 The Vision Quest Retreats: Forget about team-building exercises; Cosmic Coworking takes members on vision quests to far-off lands (both in this realm and others) to gain insight and clarity for their businesses.
🌞 The Sun Salutation Workouts: Cosmic Coworking incorporates sun salutations and invigorating yoga sessions into the daily routine, ensuring that both body and spirit are nurtured for maximum productivity.
In the world of Cosmic Coworking and Pagan-inspired collaboration, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the mundane is touched by the mystical. It’s a place where productivity and spirituality dance in harmonious rhythm, and where every business decision is made with reverence for the cosmos. After all, who needs a boardroom when you have a sacred circle under the open sky? 🌌🌿✨