Q. What is ESA?

A. ESA is the anachronism for "Earth Spirit Alliance Inc."   ESA is a Texas Not for Profit Corporation registered with the State Attorney Generals Office of the State of Texas.

Q. What is it that ESA does as a Non-Profit Corporation?

A. As a Non-Profit Corporation, ESA has many options as to what missions it chooses to pursue. However part of our main focus is promoting Earth Based Religions and Spirituality through our festivals and events.  Another mission of the organization is the promotion, education and propagation in the use of Earth Friendly products, practices and technologies; our goal is the integration of these into our everyday, modern life as a normal practice.  A third branch of our mission is to promote, encourage and facilitate intentional communities following our philosophy of Earth Friendly practices, and spirituality;  a growing trend in today's America amongst many like minded individuals.

 Q. How did ESA get started?

A. ESA started in 2003.  ESA is the concept and inspiration of Lugal, Seneca, and Joy G, the organization's present sitting Executive Board of Directors, and its initial founding members.   It began after much discussion, thought, research, and soul searching among the three present Directors.  In addition, the Directors avidly sought the advice, and feedback of their concept from spiritual family members.  It took several months of planning from time of concept to the application process to form the organization.

Q. Why did you start ESA?

A. The Founders started ESA in a response to meet their personal spiritual/philosophical needs, and those of their extended spiritual family.  The Founders perceived a need for an alternative kind of Pagan Spiritual organization other than those already existent within Texas.  They also formed the organization in response to requests from spiritual family members who were no longer satisfied with the shallow, "frat boy" partying type of pagan festival, and toxic pagan political environments which have unfortunately prevailed recently in some areas from within the pagan community.  Upon deep reflection,  they realized  there was a desperate need within the greater pagan community for an organization containing a greater element of spiritual depth,  a mission with real life applications, and a compete absence of internal politics.  With these needs in mind, the Founders began Earth Spirit Alliance.  They based their ideal model on five basic ideals:

These five ideals, are incorporated into each mission area ESA pursues.

Q. Does ESA own Dragonwylde Ranch?

A.  No, ESA does not own Dragonwylde Ranch.  The Ranch is owned by two of our Founders, Lugal, and his wife Joy.  They have graciously allowed ESA to make a home on their property.  Ranch operation and management are separate from ESA operation and management.  A few members of ESA belong to the ranch management staff, however, that arrangement is a private one between the owners and those members.  Because of the owners kindness in allowing ESA to use the land, ESA often enters into joint maintenance/improvement activities on a volunteer basis with Dragonwylde Ranch management.

Q. So, do I have to be pagan to be a member?

A.  No, you do not have to be pagan to be a member.  All you have to do is be tolerant of the ways of others, respectful, and have reverence for the Earth.  We encourage and welcome all those of positive religious paths and philosophies to become members.

Q. Are we allowed to party and have fun at events?

A. You bet!  The only difference is we at ESA don't feel the party should take precedence over the spirituality of the occasion.  To that effect, we work hard to ensure there are holiday specific rituals open to our entire festival community.

Q. What is ESA's policy on illegal substances?

A. ESA complies fully with the laws of Texas, and the United States.  Illegal substances are forbidden at any ESA festival, event, or activity,  or within the confines and premises of Dragon Wylde Ranch.  Discovery of illegal substances will result in the authorities being notified, expulsion from the festival/event premises, and suspension of membership in ESA.

Q. What is ESA's policy on sexual harassment?

 A.  Sexual harassment of either sex is not tolerated by ESA, or at any ESA event or activity.  Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to, unwanted sexual attention, sexual comments, or innuendo, stalking type of behavior, or forced sexual acts in any form.

Q.  "I heard through the grapevine that ESA doesn't allow all night drumming at your events, is this true?"

A.  You know, we wonder how these rumors get started...No, it is not true.  Drumming is an integral part of spirituality for many of our members, to this end we do not curtail or limit drumming at events.

Q. So, what is all that stuff about "self-responsibility" that I read in the Newcomer's Guide?  What does it mean?

A.  Its pretty simple really.  What we mean and expect in ESA by self responsibility is that a person is responsible for their own actions, decisions, choices and good time, at all times- no one else is.  We are defined by our choices; ESA is confident in its member's ability to make positive ones.  ESA does not regulate good behavior, or a good time for its members.  We take it for granted our adult members are responsible adults.

 

Q.  What does the "pack it in-pack it out" policy mean?

A.  This policy means whatever material goods you bring into festival will leave with you, especially your camp garbage.  We do not have professional clean up staff, and all festival participants are expected to leave their areas as clean and free of garbage and micro trash as it was when they arrived.  This includes cigarette butts.  We no not throw them on the ground, this is disrespectful of Mother Earth, and is unsightly besides.  We recommend you use portable altoid tins, or other small receptacles for your cigarette butts.  Failing a tin, we recommend you field strip your cigarettes (after extinguishing them), and place the filters within your pocket for later disposal in your camp garbage.

Q.  Is there potable water at Dragon Wylde Ranch?

A. Yes, Dragonwylde has the convenience of city treated and purified water available.

Q.  Will we be able to take a hot shower?

A. YES!! Dragonwylde has fully functioning propane heated hotwater, which provided ample hot water at festivals past.

Q.  Do I have to be a member prior to coming to festival?

A.  No,  many people become members upon their first arrival to festival,  usually when they are accompanying friends or significant others.  Some have heard about us through various places and are curious to find out us. 

Q.  Is the admission price the same at the gate as it is online?

A.  There is an additional five dollar fee at the gate.    ESA is doing its best to hold the line on high festival prices by doing things in the most efficient, cost effect manner possible. However, when our overhead goes up, we must pass that along to the membership in order to keep the organization solvent.  Each entry fee constitutes a donation for the organization.  Every dollar donated to ESA is spent for ESA's benefit.