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Workshops and Rituals at
Elderflower Womenspirit 2012
The theme for 2012 is
Sharing the Spirit
The workshops listed here are from
2011
The theme for 2011 was
Building
a Diverse Community
Workshops are listed alphabetically and
are subject to change at any time.
Bead Exchange
This Year Phyllis will be facilitating a Bead
Exchange.
How it works - Bring approximately 80 beads,
that represent you, in a baggie with your name on it. Phyllis will
collect them and divide them among those participating in the bead exchange.
At the end of the festival you will receive a bead from everyone who participated
as well as any of your beads that were left over. Then you can take
these beads home with you and make yourself a little something that reminds
you of the friends that you made, and those you reconnected with, at the
Festival.
We will be having a softball game so bring your
gloves,
Alice will bring the bats and balls, thanks
and enjoy!
Amazon - Part 1 - Way of the Amazon Warrior:
Self Defense. Every Amazon needs to know how to defend herself first and
foremost, not just physically but psychically as well. This is a gift to
ourselves, as well as to our Sisters. This first workshop is required for
those moving on to the Amazon Ritual, who have not gone through the rite
of passage before. All women and Amazons are encouraged to come to the
Self Defense workshop, renew your skills, learn new ones, or women who
would like to learn and sharpen basic physical and psychic self defense
skills. We will stretch, work on blocks, punches, possibly kicks restraining
holds, get out of grabs, hit the bag to feel our physical power and get
in touch with our bodies. At the end we will do a protective visualization.
The workshop is open to all women, not
just Amazons.
* Please feel free to bring a power object,
crystal, labryis, etc. that you'd like to put on the altar, as well as
an offering from yourself (poem, story, offering, etc.). Dress comfortably
so you can move. Amazon Self Defense workshop is REQUIRED for those new
to the Amazon rites of Passage, and this workshop is required for all who
want to participate in Amazon parts in the Main Ritual because the latter
half of the workshop we will be rehearsing the Amazon parts of the Main
Ritual. Also feel free to bring rhythm makers or instruments to the ritual,
and open to your most powerful free, wild Self!
There will be a 15 minute break and then we
will move on to Part 2 |
Artemis |
Amazon - Part 2 - Amazon Rite of Passage/Ritual
for Amazon Warriors, Amazon Drummers, Amazon Priestesses and Wild womyn
Amazons fit prominently into the Main Ritual
this year! We take up our space and we will be leading the Main Ritual!
There are some years we have been forgotten about but not this year! This
workshop has two aspects to it: learning our Amazon herstory and sharing
our Amazon mysteries and honoring Amazons of the Past, Present and Future.
From there, once we complete the rite of passage, we will move onto the
powerful parts needed by Amazons to fulfill the Main Ritual. It is
all about Claiming Our Power, the gift we give to the Elderflower Sisterhood,
and also the gift of OUR Sisterhood, as women loving womyn, who put women,
women's mysteries and Mother Earth first and foremost. Whether you love
women sexually, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually on any or all
of those levels, this is what brings our fierce and gentle Amazon Sisterhood
together throughout time and space! We put our full energy into the empowerment
of womonkind without compromise, as well as for ourselves as we weave the
Sisterhood together! |
Artemis |
Broom Decorating
In this workshop we will be decorating your
broom so that it better fits you. We will decorate our brooms with
cloth, shells, paint and gems to make your broom wonderful! So bring
your brooms and I will have decorating supplies for you to use. When
they are completed we will charge them, making our brooms even more magical!
No experience needed, so don't worry, just relax and have fun!
* Please bring your own broom to decorate |
Coco |
Clean and Sober 12 Step Meetings
There will be daily 12 Step meetings in the
mornings. Feel free to bring a snack and eat at the meeting. |
Alice |
Collage Workshop - Just Have Fun
Empower your most creative self! Come and utilize
a diverse collection of artistic materials to create a fun collage on the
medium of your choice. Foam board, wooden boxes, picture frames,
gourds and more will be transformed by gluing a variety of materials such
as cut-out artistic images, stickers, beads, stones, shells, paint, glitter,
feathers, seed pods, etc. Chat, chant, tell stories and sing as you produce
your special mistress piece empowered with the energy of FUN. |
Judith and Francesca |
Crone Gathering
Open to all initiated Elderflower Crones, attendance
is recommended. Topics will include what services Crones wish to
offer the EWF community, and what role we wish to play at EWF rituals during
the festival. |
Willowbrook |
Crone Pre Ritual Preparation
This is an essential step toward Cronehood.
Any woman 56 years or older who wishes to be Crones at Elderflower should
attend this workshop. There will be a discussion of what being a
Crone means to us and guidance provided to new crones to prepare for the
Croning Ritual. Existing Crones are encouraged to attend and share
their wisdom and their reasons for becoming Crones. |
Willowbrook |
Croning Ritual
As is traditional, the Crones will gather in
front of the dining hall and travel together to the Fire Circle for our
ritual and dark, secret revelry. |
Willowbrook |
The Dark Goddess Workshop
In this introductory workshop, you'll taste
the mystery that the Dark Goddess offers, learning her five-fold nature
and some of the ways to approach Her in both ritual and everyday life.
Known as Oya, Hecate, Freya, Kali, Lillith, and many other names, She is
a revealer of Truth and Reality. Are you ready to answer Her call?
* Bring items to help create a community Dark
Goddess altar. |
Chandra |
Daughters of the Dark Mother
Conjurers, Root women, Vodou Queens, and Hoodoo
Mamas, women healers of Africa and the Diaspora have been known by many
names. The Dark Mother is the first Mother, rooted in Africa: the cradle
of life and we are all descendants of the Dark Mother. Join The Iseum of
Black Isis in song, dance and ritual in honor and celebration of these
ancestral mothers of the spirit. Szmeralda will lead, with her sacred
tambourine, beautiful, ecstatic chants and songs as we pour libations for
powerful ancestresses and the Dark mother in her many names. |
Szmeralda |
Dreams
Do Dreams have meaning in our waking lives?
Dreams are part of our lives as much as food and drink. Most of us
don't get enough opportunity to share our dreams with others. During
this workshop, we will hear the dreams of others and ourselves and learn
some ways of finding an answer to your questions. Bring at least
one dream to share in the workshop, a notebook and something to write with.
* It will be offered twice and limited to 4
women per workshop. Sign-up sheet will be available. |
Nancy |
Esoteric Meanings of the Directions
This workshop will introduce you to the Esoteric
correspondences for the Directions we use in our sacred circles and on
our altars. Understanding the hidden meanings behind the directions can
help you to work more powerful magic. Why is the East Air and the West
Water? How can we evoke the power of the directions to strengthen our candle
spells and everyday magic? How does all of this relate to the Tree of Life?
If time allows, I will describe how the Tree
of Life relates to the Tarot, as a path to follow moment by moment in life.
Naomi will relate teachings gleaned from 25
years of study in a Western Mystical tradition.
This is a presentation and discussion workshop.
* You may want to have pen and paper to take notes. |
Naomi |
Goddess Bowls
Come create a Goddess bowl! We will construct
a bowl using a paper mache technique and pictures of Goddesses or other
objects that delight you. You will have over 200 pictures to choose from
or you can bring copies of your favorite pictures of things or people to
incorporate into the bowl. These pictures should be no larger than 1" to
1 1/2".
Sample Goddess Bowl
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Phyllis |
Infuse your Work with Magic
This workshop is specifically for women who
have their own business or want to start their own business. We all deserve
to be successful. Let's use all the tools we have to create thriving businesses.
That means using both professional and magical skills. In this workshop
we will learn . . . What kind of goals to set for yourself and your business,
how to set goals and how to magically charge your goals. |
Suzanne |
Intention Bracelets
Magick is the power to change our consciousness
at will. Intention is the energy by which we act upon magick - intentions
of strength, power, healing, love, friendship, etc. What intentions
do you want to bring into fruition in your life? Come join
us as we weave our energy and intentions into bracelets that you can carry
away with you to use in your magical workings. |
Lizzie and Tina |
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Kali Maa: Unfolding the Dark Goddess Mystery
in Flesh and Spirit
In this sequel to the introductory Dark Goddess
workshop, we'll take the path offered by Hindu Goddess Kali and explore
Her teachings through practice and devotion. Come learn of Her spiritual
technologies, sing Her praises, chant Sanskrit syllables and offer your
heart to the transformational process She inspires.
* Bring instruments and items to add to our
Dark Goddess community altar. |
Chandra |
Main Ritual Coordination Workshop (Part 1)
We will introduce the theme and outline of the
Main Ritual for those who would like to actively participate in it, or
have been chosen for a particular role. We encourage Wildwomyn and Amazons,
Amazon Maidens, Mothers, Crones, the Fire keeper, Guardians, Energy Workers,
Priestesses, Drummers, Dancers, Singers as well as others, to come to this
workshop with your enthusiasm and inspiration. We will need assistants
to help prepare the ritual space and assist in various capacities throughout
the ritual, both sacred and mundane. This is a time for creativity and
fluidity, exchanging knowledge as well as choosing a choice position that
is calling to you. We will also begin to coalesce ritually together as
a unit of Priestesses with a short meditation/visualization/ritual at the
end, and a grounding at the beginning.
If you would like to have an active part in
the Main Ritual please attend both Main Ritual workshops. This includes
those calling Directions and the Drummers. Thursday's workshop will have
more fluidity and ability to actively participate in the ritual as well
as make suggestions or clarify the theme. All who already have an assigned
position are asked to attend both workshops. Saturday's workshop will contain
the final details necessary to clarify all responsibilities and ensure
the ritual's energetic and cohesive success.
* All who have a part in the main ritual MUST
ATTEND the Saturday workshop, part 2, listed below. |
Artemis |
Main Ritual Coordination Workshop (Part 2)
For all those who have a concrete role in the
Main Ritual, whether it be as a Drummer or Priestess, which includes those
calling Directions, Singer or Dancer, particular Amazon role (which will
be revealed in first Ritual coordination meeting as well as Amazon workshops),
and Maiden, or any other role Sacred or mundane. You are REQUIRED to attend
this workshop so we can finalize all the themes, responsibilities and coordinate
energetically with one another to pull off a successful and powerful ritual.
We will do grounding, meditation and coming together as a Sisterhood of
Priestesses in this ritual for the Elderflower community. The theme of
this ritual is 'Claiming Your Power' and it will be a more shamanic, primal
organic ritual with the Drummers and Amazons having a large part, and each
aspect of Goddess as well. I would like this to be a cohesive and empowering
ritual for all the women of Elderflower as well as for all those who have
chosen to volunteer their time and energy for this ritual. The Goddess
blesses her womyn!
* For all those participating in an active Priestess
or volunteer role or part in the Main Ritual. Refer to part 1 workshop
description above. |
Artemis |
Mask Making for Magic and Joy
It's Fun, it's beautiful, it's ritual. Make
a mask that you can wear in ritual or for fun. The theme for this
workshop is both crafty and witchy. We will talk about the magic
of the mask as we make them and at the end of the workshop we will empower
our masks. This workshop comes from MoonRaven to her Elderflower sisters
through Suzanne and Bear. We will provide the mask forms, silk flowers
and feathers.
* Participants may bring their own special feathers,
beads or adornments if they wish.
Workshop is limited to 16 participants due to
the cost of supplies and our ability to provide instructions.
Donations for elaborate materials would be accepted
and appreciated.
Check out the pictures of some masks below.
You could create a mask like these, for yourself,
the only restriction is your imagination! |
Bear and Suzanne |
Samples of Masks from this workshop!
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Mother Treasure Map Workshop
We will honor the stage of Mother, in the Maiden,
Mother, Crone cycle. You do not have to have a child to be a mother, we
can be mothering our pets, art, projects, business' etc. In this workshop
we will create treasure maps, to envision how we want to embody this stage
of our lives. |
Grace |
Mother Ritual
In this second workshop we will perform a ritual
charging our treasure maps and life visions. |
Grace |
Nature Walk
This year, instead of a Foot Massage, I will
lead a walk mostly based on the path brochure from Mendocino Woodlands.
We will relax and explore the beauty of the redwoods. Everyone can
bring their interest or information to share. |
Marie |
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The Not Ready For Sublime Time Players Mythology
Theater Workshop
In this workshop, creative and zany women join
forces to pull off Elderflower's ultimate “You Had to Be There” moment.
Myths, stories and random musings are transformed into a humorous skit,
to be performed during the Friday Night Talent Show. No theatrical
experiences or talent necessary.
This workshop has become a tradition at the
festival. Aside from providing a good laugh, it benefits women in a variety
of ways. New sisters at the festival often participate, getting to know
and creating bonds with each other. It brings women together that otherwise
aren't close or familiar to each other. Some women are shy, and this workshop
encourages them to "come out of their shell". It's also a great exercise
in spur of the moment creativity and improvisation.
* Bring paper, pen/pencil, and ideas.
Caffeine buzz optional but highly recommended. |
Maeryn |
Open Drumming and Ritual Drumming
Larissa has studied West African, Congolesse
and Afro Cuban rhythms since 1995 with many teachers including Mabiba Baegne,
Ubaka Hill, Yona Flemming, Stori Davis and Alfia Walking Tree. Her
Drum medicine includes performance, teaching, accompanying dance classes,
supporting women's rituals and co-creating healing circles. At Elderflower
(EWF) Larissa offers all level drum classes covering basic technique and
rhythms for accompanying ritual. Create drum magic to support and
transform the Main Ritual. Playful Spirits, Song lovers and Dancing feet
are also welcome.
* Bring your rattles, bells, frame and hand
drums or borrow mine. |
Larissa |
Oya Dark Mother
Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Tornados
create: sudden change, devastation, ruin and loss. How many
of us are feeling that in our personal day to day lives? Are we "mirroring"
the universe or is the universe "mirroring" the energy that we are give
off? This is the energy attributed to Oya. She is the "Mother
of Change". We sometimes wonder when she comes into our lives, "Why
me? What did I do to deserve this?" Instead we should ask,
"Why have I been blessed with this gift?" "How do I work to make this transformation
as easy and painless as possible?"
Come with me and meet the "Dark Mother" and
find out what she has in store for you as we begin to head into the dark.
Learn to face your fear with Oya by your side knowing that you will always
make it to the other side as long as your learn the fine art of "listening"
to her call. |
Luna |
Reclaiming the Rosary
Have you ever been in a relationship that you
felt ended badly, and you couldn't let go of? Do you feel that past
relationships keep you from finding the happiness your heart and soul seeks
and you crave? How do you find the strength to forgive yourself and
all those involved without assigning blame or dishing out judgment?
Come with me and let us take a look at an old
talisman from a not so friendly source. The Rosary is a tool Catholics
use to pray to the Blessed Mother, the Goddess of Us All. Imagine
Mary Magdalene infusing the words to help lighten our hearts, souls and
spirits to be free of anger, pain and stagnation. Allow Mary Magdalene
to help you reconnect to your core and reclaim your true self leaving baggage
and anger behind.
*Please bring a rosary if you have one, I have
some to share. |
Luna |
Sacred Symbols Quilt
This year we will celebrate our sacredness through
symbols. We will create quilt squares that will come together to
become a quilted work of art, sharing the sacred symbols our Elderflower
sisters use to express and empower their spirits. The completed quilt
will be on display at the next Elderflower Womenspirit Festival.
Come to the opening workshop for some brief
instructions and then take your time decorating your quilt square throughout
the festival. All can participate - no talent or skill necessary.
Come with a symbol in mind or explore some materials and discover a symbol
that resonates for you.
* If you wish to bring a symbol for tracing
please make sure that it is NOT bigger than 5 inches square. |
Tina |
Sankofa Life Path
Make a Sankofa! This is an idea of the
Asanti people of Ghana to take from the past what is good and bring it
into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent
use of knowledge.
Find your heart's desire and encourage it to
fly free to manifest itself. We will have a short meditation, then drawing,
both literally and figuratively, from your experience to direct your life
path. A simple concept and drawing, but it can be very meaningful. |
Dianna |
Shamanic Journey Circle
Shamans are the healers, psychologists and story
keepers of their communities. Within the context of a sacred circle, we
will journey to the sound of the drum. The steady beat of the drum induces
a special state of consciousness, which allows each participant to travel
to non ordinary reality where you can access information unavailable to
you in "normal", waking reality. For those new to Shamanic practice, you
may meet your power animal for the first time or meet a new power animal.
* Bring: something to lay on and cover yourself
for warmth, an eye cover, if you wish it, and a frame drum or rattle to
help raise energy for the journey. I will request assistance in gathering
wood for the fire.
Recommended reading: The Way of the Shaman
by Michael Harner. |
Naomi |
Sing Your Heart Out
Join us as we sing chants, rounds and songs
honoring ourselves and the Goddess. We'll sing your favorites, learn a
few new ones and share what we know.
* Bring your recording device if you like. I'll
bring handouts. |
Vicki |
Tarot for Self Development
Deepen your understanding of the Tarot, and
yourself, by dialoging with and even becoming the card! We will focus
on using our intuition to choose a card deliberately, rather than drawing
them randomly as in traditional Tarot spreads. We will use several
techniques to explore ourselves and issues that concern us. Knowledge
of Tarot is useful but not required.
* Bring your own deck, if you have one, but
I will have loaners for those who do not. Bring something to write
on and with. |
Lisa |
Tools for Manifesting -Tools of the Craft
Bear currently teaches manifesting to individuals
and groups. She has been active in the Pagan community for over 20 years
and has held Moon circles and been a co-creator of many open public circles.
In this workshop we will be discussing and answering
your questions about the elements of ritual.
What makes it magical? What raises energy? What
creates a group mind? How to set and hold intention? What is intention
different from goal? Manifesting in an everyday way, how does that
work? What elements are the same? What's different? Do you have a day practice
of magic, can we deepen our magic?
Some experience with magic helpful. we will
be exploring elements of ritual and magic.
* Please bring pencil and paper if you want
to take notes. |
Bear |
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