In the late 1600s, witches were burned at the stake and hanged from gibbets around the world. But next month, witches and pagans will gather in Carlsbad for the county's first Pagan Pride Day.

Similar to the way other groups hold "pride" events as rallying points, pagans are encouraged to celebrate their spirituality as a cohesive community and promote understanding and acceptance of their beliefs with the public.

"Pagan Pride Day is important so that pagans know they're accepted in the community," said Yvette Nickerson, a Camp Pendleton member of the Networking North County Coastal Pagans.

Stephanie Sullivan of Carlsbad started the local pagan group, which now numbers 75, in October 2002. Sullivan is also head organizer of the upcoming Pagan Pride Day, a free festival from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 20 in Holiday Park in Carlsbad.

More than 100 attendees are expected for the first-ever event, according to Brian Ewing, Western Region Coordinator of Pagan Pride Day. The Los Angeles group started out with a humble 125 in attendance its first year, but in this, its fifth year, they expect to top 1,000, according to Ewing.

"For some people this will be their first time ever learning about paganism," Sullivan said. "Anyone who follows an Earth-based spirituality would feel comfortable in our circle."

Pagans often face discrimination and condemnation in the community, according to National Pagan Pride organizers based in Indiana.

"We try to dispel the misinformation of the old myths," said Cindy, who asked to withhold her last name. She's a Vista resident known as "Otter" among Wiccan friends.

One such myth is that pagans worship Satan. But Satan is a Christian construct. Since pagans don't believe in the Christian concept of God, they don't believe in the Devil either, according to Sullivan.

Paganism draws from old folk traditions, and is a very inclusive religion, said Sullivan.

"We don't really like intolerance," she said. "Only those who don't have open minds are asked to leave."

Paganism is an umbrella term that includes Wiccans, Celtic Druids, and Shamans, just as Christianity includes Catholics and Protestants.

However, pagans are polytheistic, meaning they believe in multiple gods and goddesses.

"We don't say that there is one way. Everyone's viewpoint is equally valid," Sullivan said.

Many, like Randy, a Camp Pendleton Marine who asked that his last name not be used, are drawn to paganism because of its openness.

"There's no figurehead up there telling you what to do," said the 21-year-old, who said he has studied the religion since he was 13. Randy first read the Bible, then studied Buddhism and Islam before finding paganism.

"It's the one that appealed to me the most," he said. "And faith is the most important thing in the world."

Randy, originally from Arkansas, served in combat in the war on Iraq. He said he finds other Marines understanding of his religious choice. "They respect my opinion because they respect me," he said.

Pagans come in all shapes and sizes, just like other religions, said Sullivan. "You'll find Republican, conservative pagans are just as common as liberal Democrats," she said.

Although their celebrations are joyous and often chaotic, according to members, symbolism remains a focal point.

"Everything is done with a purpose," said Judith Pico of Vista.

Pico, who led a recent Lugnasadh (summer harvest ritual) on Aug. 3 with NNCCP members at Guajome Park in Vista, will head the Mabon (Thanksgiving ritual) on Pagan Pride Day.

At Lugnasadh, a ritual circle's boundaries on the open field were outlined with wheat and the four directional points of North, East, South and West were marked with symbols.

In the north corner, representing "earth," sat apples, potatoes, patchouli incense and the color green; while in the east corner were feathers, nuts, seeds, Jasmine incense, and the color yellow, representing "air. In the south corner, chile peppers, a clay chimney, cedarwood incense, and the color red represented the "fire" of the South; and cantaloupe, watermelon, sandalwood incense, and the color blue represented "water" in the west corner.

The altar in the middle of the circle showed the balance of life among the four directions, including seashells symbolizing water. "Because all life came from the ocean," said Pico.

Before beginning the ceremony, pagans were anointed with oil and the circle was cleansed with incense and a sword display to rid the space of any bad energy.

Upon entering the circle, they walked one-by-one clockwise, as if building waves in a pool of water. Priestesses Pico and Otter led the group in sung prayers and readings to the deities.

A similar harvest ritual will be performed at Pagan Pride Day, as an offering of thanksgiving.

Wiccans believe that whatever you do (thoughts, wishes and actions), will come back threefold, according to Otter. Witches show reverence to nature and don't believe in working a spell against someone else's will.

"It shouldn't be used to hurt anyone or for self interest," Otter explained.

Pagan gatherings differ from formal religious ceremonies in many ways, especially the social aspects. Children run around in gleeful chaos and adults are encouraged to mingle.

"Paganism is not all dour and stern," said Randy.

Several of NNCC's pagans plan to volunteer at Pagan Pride Day. Since giving back to the community is an important part of Pagan Pride Day, Sullivan said, canned food will be collected at the event and donated to the San Diego Food Bank.

Despite the support of National Pagan Pride, organizers still need local help. Pagan-friendly organizations, including environmental and vegetarian groups, and individual volunteers, are invited to present workshop ideas, perform their art, help with children's activities, and donate goods and services as door prizes.

If interested, contact Stephanie Sullivan at delairen@yahoo.com or (760) 583-6906.