Posts (page 2)
SPIRIT MAPPING is a divination tool. We use the labryinth to slow down and become receptive to what the spirits of the land, the ancestors and mysterious ones have to tell us. We use pictograhs and I'll go over some of the more common ones before we start. Typically we draw with colored chalk ; this time however we are going to use natural materials as our means of drawing. This has its own time frame. At the end we gater together and scribe.
ON LABYRINTHS (from Avant-Gardening.com):
A
labyrinth is an archetype (from the Latin: archetyp, meaning an
original pattern) with which we can have a direct experience. It is an
ancient symbol that relates to wholeness, combining the imagery of the
circle and the spiral, into a purposeful path.
We walk it. It is a metaphor of life's journey, a pattern that creates a symbolic space. Concentrating on the path is an 'action-meditation' allowing us to focus on the moment. At the center one reaches a place for reflection. It is also a mandala - a schematized representation of the cosmos characterized by a concentric organization of geometric shapes.
Labyrinths can be used to heighten awareness, encourage meditative states, and promote psychological and spiritual growth. To build a labyrinth is to create a meaningful space. To walk a labyrinth is to imbue it with value and meaning.
The more a labyrinth is used the more helpful it becomes as a
tool for personal transformation. Labyrinths can be used as a tool to
balance the right and left brain hemispheres - the intuitive and
rational. Going in one way activates one side of the brain, and going
back out activates the other.
The conference schedule is now up- I have emailed it to all registered participants.
NOTE: This schedule is subject to change.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE
Thursday 8/30
Early Arrivals- Check In 3pm
Friday 8/31
Check In 3 pm DINING HALL
Potluck Dinner 5:30pm DINING HALL
Opening Ritual & Performance 7pm CLASSROOM
Drumming by the campfire 9-? FIRE CIRCLE 1 (Rain location HEARTH ROOM)
SATURDAY 9/1
Breakfast 7:30am-9am DINING HALL
WORKSHOPS BEGIN 9am-1pm VARIOUS ROOMS
Lunch Break 1-2pm DINING HALL
Workshops Resume 2pm-5:30pm VARIOUS ROOMS
Potluck Dinner 6pm-7:30 DINING HALL
Ritual: Invoking the Muse & Concert 8-10pm CLASSROOM
Drumming/Chanting by the campfire 10pm-? FIRE CIRCLE 1 (Rain location HEARTH ROOM)
Sunday 9/2
Breakfast 7:30am-9am DINING HALL
WORKSHOPS BEGIN 9am-1pm VARIOUS ROOMS
Lunch Break 1-2pm DINING HALL
Workshops Resume 2pm-5:30pm VARIOUS ROOMS
Potluck Dinner 6pm-7:30 DINING HALL
Ritual: Integrating the Goddess 8-10pm LABYRINTH (rain location CLASSROOM)
Drumming/Chanting by the campfire 10pm-? FIRE CIRCLE 1 (Rain location- HEARTH ROOM)
Monday 9/3
Breakfast 7:30am-9am DINING HALL
Giveaway Blanket, Goodbyes & Final Networking 9am-11am CLASSROOM
Check Out 11:30am DINING HALL
SATURDAY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
BREAKFAST 7:30-9 DINING HALL
Rhythms of the Goddess: African Drumming Polyrhythms 9-10 CLASSROOM
Elemental Series: Altar Stones and MoonCatchers 9-11 ART ROOM
Old Country Faerie Magick 10:30-12 ART ROOM
Life Wheel & Spirit Stick 11-1 CLASSROOM
Elemental Series: AIR: Pranayama & Prayer Flags 12-1- ART ROOM
Henna Party & Mini-Tarot Sessions 11-1 (appointment required) HEARTH ROOM
LUNCH BREAK 1-2
Elemental Series: FIRE Firemaking 2-4 FIRE CIRCLE 1 (rain location-TBD)
Reclaiming the Crone 2-3:30 HEARTH ROOM
Huichol Fire Release Ceremony 4-5:30 FIRE CIRCLE 2 (rain location- HEARTH ROOM)
DINNER BREAK 6-7:30
Ritual followed by Concert 8-10 Ritual to Invoke the Muse Within and
performances by Kellianna, La Trinita Dei Priestess, Rev. Rachel, Rev.
Rebekah Benner, Thoth Ganesh- CLASSROOM
Drumming & Chanting by the Fire- 10-? FIRE CIRCLE 1 (Rain location- HEARTH ROOM)
11pm ~ 7am QUIET HOURS BEGIN IN THE DORM ROOMS
SUNDAY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
BREAKFAST 7:30-9 DINING HALL
SpiritDance 9-10:30 CLASSROOM
Huichol Waterfall Journey 9-10:30 HEARTH ROOM
Goddess Banner Pilgrimage Procession of the Goddess Spirit Banners to
Thunder Rocks and a Long-Forgotten Roadside Spring 10:30-1 MEET AT
DINING HALL
Spirit Mapping 11-1 LABYRINTH (rain location- CLASSROOM)
LUNCH BREAK 1-2
Henna Party & Mini-Tarot Sessions! 2-4 (appointment required) HEARTH ROOM
Medicine Bags 2-3:30 ART ROOM
Bellydancing & Blood Stories 4-5:30 CLASSROOM
Taino Ti Tradition 4-5:30 WORKSHOP ROOM
BREAK 6-8
Labyrinth Ritual- 8-9 Integrating the Divine Feminine LABYRINTH (rain location- CLASROOM)
Drumming & Chanting by the Fire- 9-? FIRE CIRCLE 1 (Rain location- HEARTH ROOM)
11pm ~ 7am QUIET HOURS BEGIN IN THE DORM ROOMS
So, only 15 days left until we meet in the sacred forests of the
Enchanted Mountains! I am so looking forward to meeting each one of you.
I would like to take a moment to make a few announcements and answer a few "FAQ's" I've been receiving in my inbox.
Announcements:
REGISTRATION: If you haven't "Officially" registered to come to the event, I absolutely need to you to do this online as soon as humanly possible. Please go to http://soulpilgrim.wufoo.com/forms/enchanted-mountain-conference-registration/
WORKSHOPS ADDED: We've added quite a few new workshops, and will be posting the official conference schedule by Sunday night. To see what's been added and who's teaching, go to the BLOG at http://enchantedmountaingoddess.com. You can also register to receive any blog updates in your inbox.
EARLY ARRIVAL: We are welcoming early arrivals on Thursday starting at 3pm. If you'd like to come early, get settled and take advantage of the glorious surroundings of Allegany State Park, let me know. The cost is an additional $20 per person. Breakfast will definitely be included, but lunch & dinner are the same as the rest of the event- potluck.
GIVEAWAY BLANKET/COMMUNITY ALTAR: We will be featuring a "GiveAway Blanket" and also a Community Altar. Please keep in mind to bring something with you that you would like to bless someone with if you choose to take part in the GiveAway (happening Sunday afternoon). Also keep in mind something you'd like to place on the altar.
DRUMS: We will be doing a fair share of drumming at the conference- please try to bring your drum if you have one. We have a limited amount of drums to lend! If you have more than one, and feel comfortable with it, bring for a friend that is in need.
LIMITED SPACE: We only have about 3 rooms left! If anyone knows of someone who is thinking of coming- now would be the time to register.
ANSWERS TO FAQ's:
Q: What are the accomodations like?
A: From the BLOG:
"The accomodations are shared dormitory-style rooms. There are 20 rooms
in all, each with 5 beds (think in between a real bed & cot-
smaller but comfy). The dorms have electric, heat and mens & womens
bathrooms & showers. One building is wheelchair accessible.
The dorms are situated on the grounds of Camp Allegany, within a minute walk from the conference classrooms and workshop rooms, fire circle, labyrinth and vendor booths. It will be very easy to go back and forth from your room to your workshops, hiking, meals etc."
Q: Do I need to bring my own bedding?
A: Yes, bring your own pillows, blankets or sleeping bags.
Q: Where can I store/cook my meals?
A: Breakfast is provided, but to keep the cost very low we will be
eating lunch and dinner on our own. There is a LARGE commercial-sized
kitchen complete with a refrigerator ROOM. The stove has 8 burners and
3 ovens. There is a microwave and a commercial dishwasher. We are
enacting a "You Cook It, You Clean It" policy in the kitchen.
Tea will be available all day and night at no charge.
Q: Is the water drinkable?
A: Definitely- but I can't attest to the taste!
Q: Can I bring alcohol to the conference?
A: The conference is a substance-free space. This means no alcohol, no
smoking in the buildings or in any conference space where there may be
people, and absolutely no illegal drugs of any kind will be tolerated.
There will be an area to smoke outside each dormitory if you absolutely
cannot do without a ciggy.
Q: Is there a schedule posted anywhere?
A: Not yet. We ask for your patience- its for a good reason! We're
adding a few more workshops! You will receive an announcement with the
schedule attached Sunday August 19th. it will also be posted on the
blog.
Q: Can I bring a friend?
A: Definitely! Please tell them to regsiter at
www.enchantedgoddesscon.com and then email me to let me know you'd like
to bunk with them.
Q: Are men going to be at the conference?
A: Yes, men are completely welcome at the conference. We respect the
balance of men and women sharing in this sacred connection. There is a
Womon-Only dorm (if available).
Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes! There is an option to register your child on the registration
form from the website. Many of the workshops are child-friendly and we
honor children's presence at the conference... Again- please register
them and let me know that they're coming and staying with you.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Sorry, no. I'm not even bringing mine : (
OK! Now that the business is done, I'd like to welcome each one of you into the Enchanted Mountain Goddess Conference Tribe! If you haven't registered in our Tribe yet, its a great way to get to know one another before the event, network, set up rideshares and connect after the conference is over. There's a posting board, a photo gallery and much more. Head on over to http://tribes.tribe.net/enchantedmountaincon if you haven't yet!
More to come...
In Her Service with many blessings~
Stephanie Hamberger
Creatrix- The Enchanted Mountain Goddess Conference
On August 11th a profoundly amazing Womon crossed over to the
Summerlands...Shekhinah Mountainwater will be missed. I remember
speaking with her last year via email about coming out to the
conference. She had just begun her struggle with uterine cancer, which
eventually took her body from this world. She was excited at the idea
and we both held hope that she would be well enough to come out East
and share her Wisdom in the Enchanted Mountains. A loss to this world,
but a blessing to the next...
Her book "Ariadne's Thread" opened my eyes and heart to the Divine
Feminine during a time when all was new and amazing to me. Her songs
have woven themselves into many of my circles.
We are dedicating this year's Enchanted Mountain Goddess Conference to
Shekhinah Mountainwater. We will perform a labyrinth ritual on Saturday
night in her honor and sing her famous song "We Are the Weavers, We Are
the Web"...
Below, find her obituary and thoughts on death, in her own words.
Blessed Be~
Stephanie, Creatrix of the Enchanted Mountain Goddess Conference
Shekhinah Mountainwater... Faery Bard, Radical Muse, Foremother of the Womanspirit movement, Author of Ariadne's Thread, Priestess of Aphrodite... crossed into the arms of the Great Mother at 2:30 pm PST on Saturday, August 11, 2007.
Shekhinah was a beloved sister and a teacher to countless many. She dedicated her life to sharing and expressing the love of the Goddess in all ways. Her love and spirit will continue on in the hearts of those she touched... and beyond, for generations to come.
Shekhinah was diagnosed with cancer in December 2005. She fought like an Amazon, in an amazing dance with her cancer. Always sharing her experiences, she was a teacher throughout her death transition, and continues to be even now.
Her passing was quiet, peaceful, and even beautiful; with one last deep exhalation, her spirit crossed the veil. Thursday, August 9th, her sacred last rites were performed by Z Budapest... Shekhinah reminisced about this important, loving experience before falling into constant sleep. She was surrounded by sisters and her family at the time of her passing. She was honored with song, laughter, a few tears, the beautiful sent of roses, and lush robes... exactly what she always wished for the time of her crossing.
Dearest Shekhinah, may your spirit fly with the stars, into the arms of the Mother. May your spirit be healed and cleansed in Her cauldron; may you be comforted and rebirthed in Her womb. Our love flies with you, as our tears wet the sweet Earth. Forever shall you be loved and honored.
Syren and the Moonspells Community
Shekhinah Mountainwater - October 24, 1939 August 11, 2007
Copyright 2007- Syren of the Moonspells Community
ON DEATH~
""Death is simply a kind of birth to be midwifed as carefully and
lovingly as any other. The soul must be delivered, to emerge into the
next world. The realm of the dead, or the "other side" does not have to
be seen as a burning hell of torment or an end to being, but a
beautiful place of rest and learning, and preparation for the next
life. The more loving and accepting the myths of a culture are toward
death, the more respect is usually give to the crone, and to the female
in general. In our culture we have gone from images of the Last
Judgment, replete with sin, guilt, fear and torment, to images of
nothingness and cynical rejection of any spiritual hope of immortality.
In Greek mythology the land of the dear, known as Hades, is a shadow
place of ghostly souls, ruled first by Persephone, Queen of the Dear,
and later by Hades, the male god who raped and supplanted her. In
Egyptian Mythology, death is and elaborate ritual in which the soul
undergoes special rites of passage to reach the other side.
She/He must meet with Ma-at, a crone, who weights all the deeds of
life just lived. This is a far gentler and saner evaluation than the
Last Judgement theory. In Sally Gearhart's The Wanderground (which
can be seen as contemporary myth), one crone selects and prepares her
own dying ritual, and is attended and supported by her community. I
always hope, when it is my time to go, that someone who loves me
dearly will be holding me lovingly through my final moments, just as
we wish our mothers to hold us when we are born.""
excerpt from Ariadne's Thread, A Workbook Of Goddess Magic--Cycle 5,
The Crone Goddess. pgs 94 & 95 copyright Shekhinah Mountainwater
More about Shekhinah Mountainwater
Her website
Article on Shekhinah's life and death in the Santa Cruz Sentinel
It is my esteemed pleasure to announce that Lydia Ruyle's Goddess Icon
Spirit Banners will fly over the Enchanted Mountain Goddess Conference!
These banners are so special- they have flown over sacred sites all
over the world and have held watch at other events such as the
Glastonbury Goddess Conference (the one that started it ALL!) and even
our very own Gaia Festivals- both East and West Coast!
(www.gaiafestival.com).
ABOUT THE GODDESS ICON SPIRIT BANNERS
Goddess Icons / Spirit Banners are sacred images of the divine feminine from the many cultures of the world. Each image was created and revered at some time in human history.
The first banners in the series were for an exhibition in 1995 at the Celsus Library in Ephesus,Turkey where they flew for the month of July spreading their energies. Since then, the banners have blossomed from eighteen to over 150 today. I take the bannrs to sacred sites to empower, teach and share their stories around the globe in Australia, China, France, Germany, Greece, Malta, Finland, England, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Mexico, Canada, Peru, Russia,Turkey, Ghana, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, the U.S. and Hawaii.
The designs reflect the cultural image making traditions of time and place in
the world and in art history. They portrayimages of the divine feminine--the
Goddess. They can be grouped by time period; i.e.Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze
Age, Greco-Roman, Celtic, MesoAmerican;
by image, i.e. Great Mother, birthing, flowering, death, maiden, crone: or
by symbol, i.e. snakes, lions, shells, labyrinths.
ABOUT LYDIA RUYLE
Who is Lydia Ruyle also known as YA-YA?
" I am a 70 year old crone with much life experience, partner of Bob for 48 years, mother of three and grandmother of six, five girls and one boy. My oldest granddaughter, Mae Elizabeth Rukstalis, gave me the name YA-YA when she was learning her first words. It was hard for her to say Ly-di-a. It came out YA-YA.
I invite YOU to explore the divine feminine with art, stories, journeys, resources, and links.
I am an artist /scholar who has been pursuing Goddess research for
several decades with my mind, body and spirit. As an artist, I create
icons, sacred images of the divine feminine from the many cultures of
the world. Since 1995, the icons have become spirit banners which fly
around the globe weaving the sacred energies of the divine feminine.
How did I find the Goddess ? The Ancient Mothers gave me many wake-up calls. They asked me to listen, see, touch, learn, laugh, cry and share with art, stories and sacred places of Mother Earth.
Twenty years ago, I began collecting images of women from art history which I teach at the University of Northern Colorado. I put the images in my art and in 1987, Better Homes & Goddesses was born for National Women's History Month. The Goddesses now number in the hundreds.
In 1993, I invited other women to travel to sacred places with
Goddess Tours in England, Wales & Cornwall. Since then, over two
hundred have joined me in Britain, Turkey, France, Germany, Greece,
Italy, Sicily, Malta, the Czech Republic, Russia, Mexico, Peru, the
Himalayas, Hawaii and southwestern U.S. On the journeys, we sing,
dance, play and learn about the Goddess from very special wise women
and each other. The journeys are soul journeys. They are about finding
the divine feminine within and without in the culture of the particular
pilgrimage.
"Herstory of the Goddess" is a course I teach at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. In the course, the students learn about the Goddesses of the world, create their own sacred language, ritual, do creative projects and write their own myths.
In my teaching, travels, exhibitions and activities, I meet thousands
of people interested in the Divine Feminine. The Ancient Mothers have
called me to weave a web to bring about a greater consciousness of the
divine in each human and nature, the oneness of ALL. I call the ALL the
Goddess with a Billion Names, Faces & Places. We are ALL one."
YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT LYDIA'S AMAZING WORK BY GOING TO HER WEBSITE WWW.LYDIARUYLE.COM
We're proud to announce that Thoth Ganesh will be playing at the Enchanted Mountain Goddess Conference!
Thoth Ganesh has been playing music for over 30 years to the delight of audiences young and old alike. He sings and plays guitar, and in the studio he also plays Saxaphone, Keyboards, Harmonica, Drums and the Tin Whistle. He is the Lead Singer for the Toronto based rock-band "Faded Jeans", and also has a solo musical path performing and recording songs for Pagan audiences. Thoth Ganesh has recently played the Bardic events at the Winterstar, Wiccanfest and Starwood festivals.
Thoth Ganesh
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/GTA_Pagan_Network/
http://www.geocities.com/thoth_ganesh/thoth_ganesh.html
Check out his song "As One"
Make Your Own Medicine Bag
-a magickal crafting workshop, with Sunnie Willow
Need a place to carry your most sacred objects? . A medicine bag is like your spiritual power pack. It is a place to carry your most sacred power objects. And just think of just how special this bag will be when you make it yourself. In this workshop, each person will make their own small buckskin pouch with drawstring, feathers and beads that is just the right size to wear around your neck and hang about your heart chakra. In this workshop you will also learn a little bit about the history and use of medicine bags. Not only will you learn to make your own genuine buckskin medicine bag, but also cleanse and consecrate them for your own spiritual use. All buckskin, beads and feathers are included in this workshop. - $8 materials fee
SpiritDance
Join us for this amazing opportunity to reconnect with your source through the timeless healing practice of shamanic dance. During this practice, participants are encouraged to use a blindfold while using movement to express and explore their inner experience. The blindfold helps ease feelings of self-consciousness and promotes a sense of disorientation. Disorientation helps dancers explore life from a fresh perspective. It is an opportunity to be truly present to what is and to connect with your true essence. Workshop facilitators help ensure a safe space for participants to move freely during this process.
Shakti Healing
Sundari uses breath, sound, body awareness, imagery and energy healing in her sessions to help free energy blockages and restore natural vitality and balance to the mind, body and spirit. Her intuitive gifts and gentle presence provide a safe place for self-discovery. Sundari is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), with over 20 years of practice as a yogini, and is trained in yoga therapy, breathwork, hypnotherapy and EMDR.
Sandra is a gifted clairvoyant offering emotional healing through messages that comfort, inspire and empower others to access their own “inner healer.” She and her husband Ed own Balanced Body, a healing center located in Williamsville, where they offer private sessions and workshops educating the public about holistic health. Sandra is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Reiki Master/Teacher.
Both Sundari & Sandra will be offering private sessions at the conference.
As part of your conference registration you are entitled to schedule a free 10-minute tarot reading with one of our healers or diviners. Amy Koban of Amy K.'s Mystic Boutique in Lewiston, NY will be reading the cards for us!
Amy Koban is a 2nd Degree Priestess in the Cabot/Science Tradition of Salem MA. She has been a student & practitioner of the Tarot since 1990. Having been a student of psychology as well, she combines problem solving skills, intuition and spirituality to form a new perspective on your life and it's journeys. As owner and teacher at Amy K's Mystick Boutique in historic Lewiston NY, she has been instructing students in Wicca, Astrology, Spellwork and Tarot since 2002. Amy has been a member of the Wiccan community since 1991, studying and practicing as a solitary witch. She has studied under the Rev. High Priestess Laurie Cabot in Salem MA, becoming skilled at integrating brain wave cycles with problem solving, inner vision and the application of correct energies. She has since on to study energy work, magick & spiritualism with the guidance of authors Breid Foxsong & Ray Buckland. Her career expanded in 2005 teaching at the world renown Spiritualist Assembly of Lilydale NY. Amy is now dedicated to helping and healing others of many beliefs and backgrounds, dispelling misinformation about Witchcraft and promoting peace and tolerance for all.In Nov. 2002 Amy opened Amy K's Mystick Boutique in historic Lewiston NY. Here she continues the tradition of Tarot with integrity while perfecting her own personal reading style. Sharing the knowledge gained over the years, she encourages others to share, exchange & gather their own as well. There are always a variety of workshops, classes & gatherings to choose from.
From The Visioning Workshops by Lisa Margaret
The Life Wheel Process is a tool for life assessment.
As part of the journey toward awakening our true soul-being, we need to
clean the cobwebs-the emotional and physical blocks that stand in our
way blocking our path. As the clutter of life piles up it creates
blocks in our ability to hear true divine guidance. In order to awaken
the light parts of our divine selves, we need to let go of what is not
serving us for our highest good.
For those of us who are healers and light workers clearing ourselves
regularly opens the path of our authentic soul life purpose.
We are at the beginning of the new feminine century, because of this,
there is resistance. Not only does the feminine spirit carry the crimes
and abuse from our past lives into this life, but we also carry the
fear and dominant male consciousness of the planet. When the feminine
once again can open up and take her stand among the male energies of
this planet, side by side in compete unison, we will see peace.
In order to do this we must face the fact, that women hold the key for
the world to be able to heal. It is our power that we need to embrace.
In order to do this fully, we need to heal the past, we need to unleash
what binds us and keeps us hiding.
Like many women, I was burned at the stake for being a spiritual
healer-a witch, in one of my past lives. This and other past life fears
have stood in my way and kept me from shining my light. Knowing how
much we are needed to heal the planet, I have made the choice today to
heal my life completely. With this decision, I have not only been
healing from my past but I have awakened the goddess divine within me.
With The Life Wheel Assessment, we will look at every area of our lives
to praise what is working, and to discover what is off balance. We will
then journal to find solutions on how to change or heal the parts or
our life needs our attention. To complete this process we will then
design a Spirit Stick with beads, yarn, feathers that will symbolize
our new life. This is a native ritual that inspires change and help
from our spiritual helpers. When we are finished we will hold a
ceremonial prayer, place our spirit sticks in a place that will catch
the morning sun. It is said that the morning sun will then take your
prayers to the creator.
You are more then welcome to bring spiral notebooks-journals, beads,
yarns, whatever you have to decorate your spirit stick and/or to share
with others.
I will provide the materials I have with some loose paper for journaling.
Lisa Margaret
Certified Life Coach
Spiritual Counselor & Healer
It is my life purpose to guide and inspire hope
To enlighten and help heal
To empower women so that they can stand up
and Shine their Light,
So then, they can heal their own families,
Their communities, and ultimately the world.
