Choosing your Clan
Make sure that you read over all of the Clan descriptions carefully. There are many wonderful possibilities. On your registration form, you will need to list four Clans as possible choices for the weekend. We will try to give everyone their first or second choice, but it is important that you indicate four preferences since we assign the Clans primarily on a first-come first-served basis and some will fill up quickly.
Number your preferences from 1 to 4, with 1 being your first choice. Registration forms which are filled out incompletely will only delay processing time, making it less likely that first choices will be available.
So that Clan Leaders can best meet the needs of all of the members of their Clan, whatever their level of experience, we ask that everyone answer all of the questions on the registration form.
All of the Clans at Twilight Covening are designed to provide deep and fulfilling experiences. Some Clans, indicated with an asterisk (*), include work that relies on past experience or is especially challenging. If you would like to apply to join one of these Clans, please let us know why and include a description of your training, skills and practice with his kind of work in your application along with information about the kind of support system you have in place outside of Twilight Covening (coven, teacher, therapist, etc.). If you do not include all of this information, we cannot assign you to one of these Clans.
To fully complete the ritual of Twilight Covening, you should arrive by dinner time on Friday and must plan to stay on site until Monday afternoon so that you don't miss your Clan's final meeting or the closing circle.
Clan assignments will be finalized and mailed after the registration deadline of September 20. We will have a master list in the office; please call if you have not received your assignment by October 4.
Clans 2011
Catamount Clan
Solitary, keenly aware, and mobile, the catamount once ranged across our landscape, a silent predator without peer. As mountain lions, we will observe and learn about our surroundings, and use solitary shamanic exercises to open ourselves and experience being a part of nature in a real, not metaphorical, way. We will confront deep instinctive fears, spending most of our days outside away from paths and people, and sleeping one night in the leaves. Our exercises will range from the practical to the magical, sitting silently alone in the woods and building awareness of our inner selves and our place in the world. Practice in concealment and camouflage with natural materials will give us the opportunity to use our senses in new ways, both inward and outward. We will also learn the story of the land on which we live and how we are a part if it. People with health or mobility or physical touch issues should not apply for this clan. It is physically demanding, and we will get dirty and wet at times.
Carolyn Hawthorne, leader
Chrysalis Clan
The labyrinth is an ancient pattern that when used in a magical context can bring about profound transformation. Often times we pass through stages of transformation where we become "stuck" and need to reach deep within our selves to find the inspiration to move forward. Just as the caterpillar journeys to its own center and emerges transformed, this clan will use the labyrinth as a chrysalis to journey inward and emerge with new insight and wisdom to facilitate change. Using journaling, labyrinth construction and walking, meditation, movement and breathwork; we will journey to the stillness within and emerge with the tools we need to facilitate our own metamorphosis. This clan is for anyone feeling stuck, beginning a cycle of transformation or just wanting to work deeply with the labyrinth. The work will be physically active at times and we will spend most of our time outdoors. You do not need previous experience with the labyrinth to join this clan.
Chrysalis clan will share a cabin.
Tracy Andryc leader
Crow Clan *
Slough off your ego and join a murder of crows. Experience the magic of being the "unseen hands". Crow clan will work with maintaining heightened awareness in connection with others while facilitating ritual energy flow. We will use trust exercises and non-verbal communication to develop a focused but anonymous presence within ritual space, trancing in instead of trancing out. The Crows will provide support for the Fire releasing and Visioning rituals, and will share a sleeping space. Not recommended for persons with physical touch issues or mobility challenges.
Moira Ashleigh and Duncan Eagleson, leaders
Dragonfly Clan
Breath is spirit moving through our bodies. Bodies are the story tellers of our experiences and our hearts the keepers of our secrets. There are times when we are caught between the ebb and the flow, we are disconnected from our bodies, our lives, our hearts and from spirit. We are constantly striving to be better, to do more, to go farther, losing sight of the present moment. Through movement, breath, meditation and Sacred Circle Dance, we will clear a path to our heart's door, gently tug it open, journey deeply into ourselves and bathe in our own splendor. Be prepared to move, to breathe and to share your stories, to gently and intensely open your heart and experience the joy of being in your body exactly as you are right here, right now.
This Clan will share a cabin
Karina Fireheart, leaders
Elephant Clan *
Known for their long memories and extraordinary intelligence and strength elephants have worked alongside the human species to support and sustain us. Using the elephant as a meditative tool and Ganesha as our mascot we probe the yogi is the question "what now?" This focus of this clan will help each individual begin to answer that question by overcoming obstacles, creating new beginnings and seva (service) to community. Through the use of Yoga Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathwork), mediation & chanting we will connect with the Sacred Earth, identify our unique vision and role in community. This is an advanced clan designed to push the participant to a deeper level of connection in his/her life. Members must have participated in Camel Clan in the past or have an existing personal yoga practice. We will practice everyday, work to design daily sustainable practices and root out sparks of real change within the individualâs life and their community
Amanda Brooks-Clemeno, Dave Whitaker, leaders
Forest Cat Clan
The Forest Cat slips easily between the world of the wild, and that of men, at home in a tree top, or a lap, never wasting energy on useless movements or sounds. The practice of RunValdr: the Way of Using Runes, gives us access to the powers of the ancient runes. With a drawn symbol or two we can heal, pass into other worlds, make magickal objects, and more. RunValdr does not claim to be safe; there are claws within the velvet paw. Traditionally, rune's were used to curse as well as to heal, and will do what they do without expending a whit more energy than needed. This clan will explore this system like the curious cat, and patiently practice, so that when we leave we may carry the power silently within us, ready to make whatever world we walk in our own.
Tchipakkan, leader
Golden Eagle Clan *
In this advanced clan, we will use the techniques of the shamanic journey to strengthen our relationships with our inner council of helpers and guides, expand our personal spiritual geographies, and discover new resources for growth, healing and transformation. In a safe and sacred circle we will enter trance with drum, rattle, and ritual, explore multiple levels of the shamanic universe and learn a variety of classic shamanic practices. Open to all who have been in the Eagle Clan or who indicate comparable experience on their application.
Jane LeCompte and Andrew Arthur, leaders
Gryphon Clan *
Explore the dark side of sensuality. As like attracts like sometimes you have to go to the darker depths to release, empower, or learn the hidden truths that lie within. The Gryphon clan explores the techniques of Dark Eros, utilizing guided meditation, breathing, and light S & M work to help you on a journey to find your winter work. The clan is designed to allow you the freedom to push your own boundaries in a safe, sane, consensual and nurturing environment. The clan is advanced, and those with issues with being touched, frank discussion of human sexuality and sensuality, might find the clan too challenging
Cerillian, leader with Suzanne Mancinelli
Ibis Clan
Ibises were sacred to the ancient Egyptians, who considered them a manifestation of Thoth, credited as the author of all works of, astronomy, astrology, the science of numbers, mathematics, geometry, land surveying, and sacred science. In this clan, we will create our own sacred site in relation to the surrounding landscape, infused with the basics of geometry, observational astronomy, and internal/personalized mythology, to assist in generating shifts of personal and group consciousness. We will work with the land itself, spending considerable time outside both day and night, with an all night vigil on Saturday.
This Clan will share a cabin.
Wolf Grathwohl, leader with Stephen Morely
Kodiak Clan
While Bear is often seen as Always available to help as needed, even the great bears take time to recover -- to hibernate and allow the Earth to deeply nourish their spirits. In the Kodiak Clan we will explore techniques to nourish our Work, practicing shape-shifting and deepening our relationship with stone, tree & water- allowing them to help us and those we serve. Then we will learn to be still, to "hibernate" psychically, allowing those elements to perceive for us. We will let the Earth support and restore us as fully as we support those we protect.
Rose Starwind, leader
Llama Clan
Magic lives in the fibers we wear, that cover us at night, that decorate our homes and wash our bodies. We will explore breathing magic into the fibers we spin and weave and the ways we can fill our fiber art with intention and meaning. We will use garter stitch to help deepen meditation, and create patterns from visions. We will use chant to fuel our lacework, and lacework to fuel our chanting. A basic facility with knitting or crochet is required. Please bring a drop spindle, or indicate on your application that you will send a materials fee of $20 upon acceptance and we will have one for you at Twilight Covening.
Katie Birdi, leader
Lynx Clan
Seeing the smallest motion and hearing what is hidden, the Lynx knows the feel of its environment and relies on all of its senses to hunt at night and to avoid danger. How actively do you pay attention to what all of your senses are telling you, especially the inner non-physical senses? Learn and practice tuning in to your inner psychic vision, while still being aware of the world around you. Learn when the voice in your head isn't your own thinking. Tell the difference between worrying and a gut feeling or intuition that is telling you something new. Generate energy with your hands and share it with others in the clan to learn how it flows and is shaped. We will spend part of our clan time walking around the woods and water.
Eric Arthen, leader
Mole Clan
Our culture urges you to "use your head" to navigate the world. Yet your body is your most powerful magical tool, both as an instrument of perception and as a conduit for directing energy. In this Clan, we will use breath, light movement, applied kinesiology and acupressure techniques to develop our body's sensitivity and channel energy through it.
Miriam Klamkin, leader
Monkey Clan
Rhythm is a gateway to magical transformation, both as a foundation for personal work and as a tool for creating sacred space between the worlds for group ritual. This clan will share skills and develop techniques for creating strong rhythmic/musical containers for magical work. Our focus is both the strengthening of our personal relationship with rhythm, and the service of percussion to our greater community, providing a framework for deep work.
Mark Girard, Morwen Two Feathers, leaders
Moth Clan
Whereas butterflies bring the energy of the sun into our lives, Moths bring the energy of the moon. Moths are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings and have the ability to adapt to these changes. Moth asks you to pay attention to how sensitive you are, or are not, to the world around you. In Moth Clan the Work will be inspired by the Bodhisattva tradition, focusing on compassion, gratitude, and manifestation and how these can be used to guide and focus energy work. Gentle movement will be incorporated daily. We will engage in various breathing, meditative, and journeywork methods. Participants should be able to stand or sit comfortably for at least one hour.
Moths will cabin together.
Kelley, leader
Ptarmigan Clan
The acrid smoke arising from a small forge and the sound of a smith's hammer beating on orange-hot iron waft through the fall air, as the members of Ptarmigan Clan explore ritual smith-craft, including hands-on work at the anvil. We will explore the transformative power of fire and the process of change through the influence of one's will, Voyaging to the hammer's beat, and following the path of the Cosmic Smith. We will kindle sacred/New Fire not only for our Clan use, but also for the Community. Northern European forge-craft traditions and magic will be a part of this weekend, and this clan is open to all. Handicap-accessible.
Jane Sibley, leader, with Ed (Happy Cat) Wilson
Raccoon Clan
In the culture that we live in, masks are ever-present as we offer ourselves to the world in the ways that we are expected to appear. In this Clan we will take back the power of the mask by creating and using physical masks in several different ways. We will relinquish the energies that disguise us, find ways to strengthen and focus our will, and, through making plaster face masks, go deep within and be still while we create a visual reminder of how we can put our true selves out into the world.
Susan Curewitz Arthen, leader
Red Dragon Clan
The red dragon is the symbol of the Cymry, the people of Wales, and stands guard over the mysteries of these ancient Celts. Using shape-shifting techniques known to this earth-honoring pagan tradition, we will dance the dragonâs path toward trance and vision. We will move through transformative postures drawn from spirit animal energies revealed through ancient Welsh mythology, loosening our shape and becoming more attuned to All-That-Is. Through this work, Clan members will slough off the old and worn-out aspects of their being and prepare themselves for renewal and transformation.
Juniper Talbot, leader
Red Worm Clan
The Red Wriggler or Eisenia Fetida is the principle species utilized in vermicomposting and Icon for the 6th Principle of Permaculture Design. To truly honor the earth as sacred we need to match our reverence for the spirits of nature with practical action to minimize our impact on the world around us. Permaculture is a design framework based on observation of natural systems in order to implement sustainable initiatives. In addition to surveying the essential elements of Permaculture we will spend time attuning with and observing nature while contemplating strategies to implement in our daily lives and committing to them in ritual space
This Clan will share a cabin .
Martin Bridge, leader
Salmon Clan
In Irish legend, Salmon brought the gift of wisdom to humanity from the well at the heart of the world. It is a shaman's calling to return to this well of wisdom again and again to learn, to see, to discover, and then to carry its wisdom back into the waking world. Join us as we follow the shaman's path and explore the power of dreams and visions, of challenging the preconceptions that hold us in place, and of opening to the power within. We will seek to bring insight and positive transformation to something in our own lives though discussion, exercises, and journey work.
Ken Seier, leader
Whippoorwill Clan
The Whippoorwill is a nocturnal bird that lays its eggs according to lunar cycles so that it can feed its young. The magic of the Moon, Planets, and Stars has fascinated humanity since its very beginnings. This clan focuses on the creation of Talismans to connect with those energies and use them for magic or devotional purposes (or both). Using simple techniques that are easily learned, we will make and consecrate Talismans and learn how to make more for your personal work. No previous experience is necessary for this clan.
Chris LaFond, leader
Clan Leader Information
* Indicates a Clan which requires an application for admission. These Clans require past training are more likely to induce intense experiences that may trigger fear, vulnerability or other unexpected responses. If you would like to apply to join one of these Clans, please write a paragraph about why you are interested in this Clan at this time and include in your statement a description of your training, your skills and practice with this kind of work and a description of the kind of support system you have in place outside of Twilight Covening (coven, teacher, therapist, etc.).
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