Clans 2008
All of the Clans at Twilight Covening are designed to provide deep and fulfilling
experiences. An asterisk (*) indicates a Clan which requires an application for
admission. These Clans are more likely to induce intense responses.
If you would like to apply to join one of these Clans, please include in your
statement a description of your training, your skills and practice with these
kind of encounters and a description of the kind of support system you have in
place outside of Twilight Covening (coven, therapist, teacher, etc.).
Bison Clan
Many of us want to manifest a change in our lives. Bison is a totem animal for "manifestation by right actions and right prayer". THis Clan will begin with a questing for purpose and direction. We will then begin to work, in sacred space, to create a personal collage which will hold our intention. There will be our talismans for the
winter as we bring into our lives those things that we have chosen to focus on, whether on a physical, spiritual and/or mental plane. Come prepared to be an artist of the heart -- open to the messages you receive to create that which feeds you deepest.
Jennifer Bennett, leader
Camel Clan
Named for the intense backbending asana in yoga and for the animal that can at times be an entire eco system within itself, this year Camel Clan will focus on asana practice that opens the hips and shoulders. Poses will be held longer while we turn inward and cultivate our galaxy within. Without open shoulders and hips depression can take over. With open hips and shoulders we can fully create and love. Drawing from nature and cultivating deep breathe, this clan will be physically active each clan time. While the clan is open to everyone, even those with physical challenges, you should expect to sweat through physical activity. (To help the Clan run smoothly,please indicate your physical strengths and weaknesses on your application form as well as your experience with meditation.)
Amanda Brooks, leader
Chameleon Clan
Chameleons change their color as part of their survival strategy, often when stressed or afraid. Humans do so as well; we present one "face" at work, another to our parents, and still others to lovers, or neighbors. We are capable of a seemingly endless number of facets that are connected to our core. This clan is about taking this well established ability in a whole new direction; it will be about loosening our carefully constructed shapes and stepping into others, about guising as opposed to acting or dressing up. Tarot techniques and exercises will be a significant part of our practice. No Tarot experience is needed, though some practice with developing objectivity in self- awareness will be helpful.
Susan Curweitz Arthen, leader
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.
Rowan and Carolyn Hawthorne, leaders
Condor Clan
The Condor was seen by the Pueblo Indians as a sign of purification, while the Greeks considered vultures (a close cousin to the Condor) as a symbol of transformation. The Condor, resourceful and patient, has the ability to stay focused on its goal despite outside influences that try to distract it. Condor can see beyond earthly laws or limitations and reach the strengths necessary for life enrichment. This clan will use various meditation techniques accompanied by writing and other creative outlets, for reflection and inward journeying while releasing expectations. We will have a period of time observing a "noble silence" and will practice silent meditations, mirror gazing, walking meditations using a conscious breath and journaling. Our work will culminate in the creation of a personal expression of our own experiences. This clan offers transformative tools that you can use for your solitary work through the winter.
Darrell Moore, 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
Eagle Clan
In the Eagle Clan, we will explore ways of shaping our lives to live our hearts‚ desires. Entering trance with drum, rattle, and ritual, we will use shamanic techniques of vision crafting, empowerment, and manifestation to affirm our true dreams, then learn how to bring them into being in this reality through the support of a personal inner council convened in the unseen realm. In a safe and sacred circle, we will connect with our core sources of inspiration to energize positive change in our lives and our communities. You are invited to bring drums, rattles, feathers, sacred objects for the altar, and a pen and notebook or journal.
Jane LeCompte and Andrew Arthur, leaders
Fox Clan
What can you see in the dark? What can you hear in the silence? Shutting off the everyday senses sharpens the more subtle ones. In this Clan we will bypass our usual routes to information -- chiefly sight and sound -- and work to access that other awareness.
Miriam Klamkin, leader
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
Heron Clan
green leaves and needles
with intertwined roots
on one boulder
With intense awareness and patience, the Great Heron snatches what it needs from the water. There are beautiful, poignant, humorous and magical moments around us every day. Unfortunately, we often barely notice and soon forget many of them. We will hunt for such moments in the woods, by the pond, alone and among people. Then we will capture their essence by writing short poems, especially Haiku, developing skills for what can become a profound ongoing practice. You do not need any experience with poetry.
Eric Leventhal Arthen, 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, leader
Moose Clan
Welcome to the world of Northern European folk, "magic," and herbal medicine. In this clan, we will learn about some of the techniques, charms, and materials used in traditional healing, as well as participating in the hands-on preparation of various salves, ointments, potions, and teas. We plan to have a "weed walk" in which we gather fresh medicinal herbs for use in our preparations, as well as embarking on trance Voyaging. Traditional Anglo-Saxon and Norse healing spellcraft will be presented, as well as brewing herbcraft. (Note that we will not be actually brewing any alcoholic beverages in this clan.) We encourage motility-impaired or otherwise-abled folks to join us. Please bring your own folding chair for the cabin.
Jane Sibley and Kevin Hall. leaders
Nightingale Clan
Music is a powerful vehicle for many of us to express deep parts of ourselves, both with and without the use of words. But how often are we truly expressing what we want to communicate in our music? Do we have the freedom to really let our musical selves
be heard? In this clan we will explore our ability to communicate with musical instruments what we often can't communicate through words alone, or would prefer not to. We will push ourselves, both individually and as a group, to create music that comes from our center, and in doing so, recreate that center anew. In this clan, we will focus on non-verbal expression. Clan members should have at least basic skills on a melodic, portable instrument (professional expertise not at all necessary!). This is not the most appropriate clan for those seeking to work on their self-expression through the drum.
Chris LaFond, Katie Birdi, Leaders
Reindeer Clan
Immersing ourselves in the old ways of the Norse, we will learn the traditional lore of the runes, create personal talismans using bind-runes and symbols, work with the three elements of the northern world, trance journey and shape shift with the shaman¢s drum, and share the rich poetic history and mythology in the Norse story-telling tradition as we enter the dark time of the year. Clan members are invited to share a cabin to enhance immersion in our traditional culture.
Ulf and Starwind, leaders
Spider Clan *
Throughout many cultures, the Spider appears in creation myths, a creature able to spin essence into form and then consume it again. She is the totem of artists and diviners, swinging like a pendulum from her thread - - a silvery strand that resembles the shaman's cord for traveling between the worlds. She connects past and future. She has many eyes for deep seeing, and an acute sensitivity for vibrations on the web. The mandala of her web becomes a staging point for the transfer of energies of life to death and death to life as it serves as both trap and nursery. The Spider clan will explore integrating visual artwork into Magic and Ritual. We will observe, feel, interpret and create as a process of weaving energies and intentions into physical images, symbols and forms.
Martin Bridge, Kaye Hughes Kittredge, leaders
White Hart Clan
To the Celts, the White Hart indicates the presence of the Otherworld. The quest for the White Hart is the quest for the entrance to Annwn - the Welsh Underworld. In this Clan we will follow the White Hart into the depths of the invisible realms where we will find ourselves transformed. Experiencing ancient Celtic shape-shifting and trance techniques will allow us to extend ourselves and our awareness beyond the bounds of our known senses. We will also learn to interact with Spirits of Place as portals for shape-shifting and Otherworld experiences. By following the music of the Silver Branch and working with Coelbren (ancient Celtic tree magic) to dismember and re-member ourselves, a deeper relationship with All That Is will be discovered. This clan will spend much of its time outdoors.
Juniper Talbot, leader
Wolf Clan *
Explore the dynamic nature of the wolf pack! We are individuals yet we are a community. We will be building on our awareness of the tensions and conflicts between those positions through focused energy work and exploration of the physical and energetic edges all around us. Using physical contact, trance dance, breath work and an all-night outdoor vigil we will work with our fears and strengths and develop tools to aid in times of conflict. Join us to hunt the edges for symbols to carry us into our winter work. The Clan is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical touch issues. Even though we will sometimes be dealing with aggressive energies, this will not include physical combat. This Clan will share a cabin.
Tracy Andryk, Jason Sykes, leaders
Clan Leader Information
* Indicates a Clan which requires an application for
admission. These Clans are more likely to induce intense emotional or psychic
experiences that may trigger fear, vulnerability or other unexpected responses.
If you would like to apply to join one of these Clans, please include in your
statement a description of your training, your skills and practice with these
kind of encounters and a description of the kind of support system you have in
place outside of Twilight Covening (coven, therapist, teacher etc.).
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