Here is a sampling of the excellent workshops and affinity groups offered this year at Rites of Spring, just to give you an idea of the variety. There are more than three times this many in the program book, along with rituals, performances and other community events.
Being One With the Soul of the Earth - Miriam Klamkin
Our ability to live in harmony with the other beings of the Earth depends on our awareness of ourselves as part of nature, not separate or independen t from it. We will spend time every day at one of the nature shrines that the Village Builders have created, engaged in practices that cultivate that awareness. We’ll meet daily at the Community Fire below the Dining Hall and proceed directly to our day’s destination.
How is Healing Each Other Healing the Earth? - Dawn Flatt
As healers, we dedicate our lives to assisting others in their healing process, and as pagans we dedicate ourselves to the earth and all of the beings with whom we share it. Are these two paths separate and distinct, and is it possible to walk both at the same time in a meaningful way? Or are they one and the same? This discussion is open to all healing paths- acupuncturists, massage therapists, nurses, doctors, those involved in caring for another, those who work to end violence, etc. Join us for a discussion as we attempt to answer the question: How is healing each other healing the earth?
The “Indians” of Old Europe - Andras Corban Arthen
In this workshop, Andras will explore some of the many similarities that existed between the cultural and spiritual practices of pre-Christian European peoples, and those of indigenous peoples of other continents . He will also discuss how the Christian-driven colonialism, which all-but- destroyed aboriginal civilizations around the world, was first (and longest) used to wipe out indigenous European societies. Finally, he will identify some examples of the indigenous European traditions that have survived into the present, and talk about the importance of those survivals in the context of the international interfaith movement.
The Spark of Intention: Fueling the Sacred Fire Circle - Lyra Hilliard and Brigid Murphy
The sacred fire circle at Rites of Spring is a long, rich tradition that reignites nightly with every fire. How do we as a community fuel the fire that has fueled us for so many years? In what specific ways can we step up, engage with, and participate in the creation of this intentional ritual? In this interactive workshop, we will deepen our understanding of the physical and energetic logistics that support this ritual, discuss the element of service as an expressive , creative act, and empower ourselves to engage with the fire circle in new ways.
Earth, Air, Fire, Water – What’s Your Temperament? Chris LaFond
Most of us are familiar with the four major elements that come mainly from Mediterran ean paganism and philosophy . But these elements are also the basic astrological building blocks in delineating an individual’s “temperament,” which determines personality and health prospects, as well as establishes a basis for predicting how someone will respond throughout their whole life to ongoing astrological influences . In this workshop, we’ll look at how these simple building blocks come together in a person’s astrologic al chart and how to do basic prediction with them. We will examine the charts of as many participants as possible in the time we have. If you have your chart, bring it; if you know your time and place of birth, I’ll provide your chart during the workshop. No prior astrological knowledge is necessary. Age 14+
Nature: It’s Not Just a Metaphor - Steve Trombulak and Rowan Hawthorne
Pagan practice is rich with reference to aspects of nature as metaphors for human characteristics and desired emotional traits. Yet deep paganism recognizes that nature is not just a metaphor but a set of living systems that we can enter into direct relationsh ip with. Through panel presentations and open discussion, we will explore the ways in which each of us can strengthen our connection s with nature while deepening our spiritual practice.
Tigress Affinity Group - ClearH20 LeStat
There are people who identify with the Mother, Maiden and Crone aspects of the Goddess. Some of us also relate to another aspect of the Goddess - that of the female Warrior. Being a Goddess Warrior means participat ing in your own process with integrity, courage and self knowledge. The energy behind this aspect often calls us to action somewhere in our lives. In this group, together, we'll explore, discover and further build our personal myths that go beyond the vague. Building upon our traditional male/ female roles; we'll create and identify aspects of rituals, chants and symbols that support and speak to our Warrior Goddess selves. We'll attempt to figure out how to support what our Warrior selves may be urging us to confront and change in ourselves, our lives and our communities.
Runes 1: The Elder Futhark, part one of a 4-part series on traditional runes - Jane Sibley, Ph.D
From the origin(s) of runes to the early Viking period, these characters have not only been used for mundane purposes (business correspond ance and shipping labels, indicating ownership of jewelry etc.) but also for magic. We will explore both angles in this class, as well as the origins and meanings of the individual runes themselves .
Animal Dream Circle - Juniper Talbot
How are the finned, feathered, furred, scaled and many-legged ones speaking to you through your dreams? It is often true that in the receptive state of sleep, the voices of the animals can best be heard. As Chief Dan George states: “If you talk to the animals, they will talk to you and you will know each other; if you do not…you will not know them… and you will fear them. What one fears, one destroys.” At this crucial time when so many species are winking out before our eyes, it is increasingly important that we talk and listen to the animals. Come and share your favorite animal dream (or dream-like animal encounter) and listen to the dreams of others as we appreciate together the animals that come to us in our sleep and the life energies they bring.
Music and Dance from Brittany, the Celtic region of Northern France - EJ Jones
In the old days when the Breton people built a house they would first invite everyone they knew to sing and dance on the spot where the foundation would be laid so the ground would be firmed up by all the stomping feet. These gatherings are called Night Fesivals or "Fest Noz" in the Breton language and remain an important part of modern Breton life even though they have lost their place in home construction. In Breton dancing the participants typically form a single chain which weaves back on itself in a spiral, circle or line. There are some couples dances which can be done in any combination of two people. The movements are simple and gentle enough to be picked up easily and performed for hours. This type of dancing does require some deliberate attention to moving with the group but the result can be a profound feeling of community and belonging.
Peace/ Earth/ Healing/ Sing - Sarah Stockwell Arthen
We will enter a musical realm in which it is possible to make change in the world and in ourselves. Join us for a meditative , nourishing and enlivening time singing simple songs and chants you can then share with your family and community. (Once and future Screech Owls from Twilight Covening, this is for you!) Many of the chants and songs are on EarthSpirit's MotherTong ue CD, "Weaving the Web of Life."
Sumbel Blot Ritual - Ulf
A Sumbel is a ritual practice of the Vikings and other Northern European Heathens which took the form of a ritualized series of toasts. Join Ulf and others from Hammer Kindred in a Sumbel to honor the gods and ancestors, express gratitude to the earth, and create a sense of frith (peace, plenty, and fellowship ).
Ritual Dance For The Web - Moira Ashleigh, Karina Fireheart and Juniper Talbot
This year as we prepare to weave our web of community, we will offer an opportunity to merge with the non-human beings with whom we share this land. Dancing an evocation of these entities will strengthen our knowledge of and connection to All Beings of the Earth. Join Moira, Karina and Juniper to be part of this dance ritual. We will meet on Thursday and on Friday to learn and create the dance. It is important to come to both sessions to be fully prepared for Saturday’s Web Ritual. You needn’t be an experienced dancer to join in – there are parts for all! Young children will have a special part of their own in the Web Ritual, so teens and adults only please. All genders welcome
Tantric Shamanism Breathwork Ceremony - Sylvia Brallier
Ecstasy is a divine gift that lifts us out of ordinary reality and into a direct experience of the sacred. The transformative fires of ecstasy burn away the blocked energy held in our shadow selves and transmute it into pure energy that may be used for the healing of our world and ourselves. This form of breath work is done within the context of a circle. This ceremony is a profound opportunity to drop away what has been binding you and move forward towards your bliss.
Sacred Journey of the Labyrinth Tracy Andryc and Julie Porter
The Labyrinth is an ancient blueprint leading us to divine inspiration, balance and wholeness. It is a point of focus, mirroring the journey of our lives with its twisting and turning roads leading to the sacred center. The labyrinth is a tool that can be used to re-integrate our scattered energies; mending our fragmented self and calming and soothing the mind for deeper spiritual focus. Join us to learn about, discuss and walk the labyrinth.
The Awakened Heart: The Practice of Loving Kindness (part 1 of 4) - Whispering Deer
The practice of loving kindness cultivates an openness of heart - a heart that is not afraid and one that does not demand any particular result. It encourages the heart to remain open rather than to shut down in the face of pain and suffering - to remain at ease under all conditions . Loving-kindness cultivates a sense of good heartednes s towards ourselves which then radiates outward engendering generosity and care for others' happiness and well being. Come and join us in experiencing a love that has no preference and is unbound.
Encountering the Faery Fire - Orion Foxwood
There is a “wild force” which animates the natural world and gives it vitality and living presence. In Faery Seership, we call this the “wild force” or “faery fire.” It is a rhythmic vital force that penetrates and integrates the entire natural world. It is the great initiatory of vision and magical potency for the magic worker and healer that is called to move from the contrived supremacy of human consciousness to the living and actual potency of the natural world and its ensouling presence. In this workshop, Orion and Brigh will discuss the nature of this fire and work with us in attuning to its presence.
Woodland Adventures (family program) - Dana Rudikoff
Each morning, families and children of all ages are invited to renew and deepen our connection s with ourselves, others and the Earth through exploratio n of the natural wonders that surround us. We will gather in the Dining Hall at 9:30am, so bring your outdoor weather- appropriate clothes to breakfast, along with binoculars, magnifying lenses, and field guides! Children under 10 years old must be accompanie d by an adult, and please be prepared to carry or “wear” non- walking children, as our journeys will not be stroller- accessible .
In The Beginning (drumming for teens) - Rob Wandell
Join Primal Beat Founder Rob Wandell for an introducti on to the drum. We'll discuss a brief history, ways to plug in to the magickal space of Drum Circle, learn the basics of drumming and leave with a few traditional and not so traditional rhythms to share the next time you get the urge to jump into the fray. Drumming is for all ages, but this particular workshop is geared towards 8-15 year old drummers. |
