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| I began attending the Elderflower Womenspirit
Festival in 2002, and have only missed one year since. I knew the
first time I attended that it would become a personal tradition for me.
The new sisters I have met and the spiritual support and growth I experience
through this community are all now part of the very foundation of my life.
The festival itself is my "spiritual battery recharge" for the year; some
of those years were so difficult, I burst into tears driving across the
bridge into the campground, knowing I had arrived at a place where I would
be loved, nurtured, and strengthened. Being a part of this special
sisterhood through the years has greatly helped me find and hold onto my
confidence and power. My first year, I could not imagine myself performing
in the Friday night talent show, or being a leader in this group of amazing
women. Today, I lead an improv theater workshop every year, which
develops a skit for the Friday night show. I am also part of the
"Core", helping to guide us into the future. Loving sisters have supported
me in discovering myself as a writer and an artist.
I have so many "favorite memories" from my years
attending. An impromptu tree drumming session during a hike in the
redwoods, singing Moondance arm in arm under the light of the full moon,
discussions in the dining hall that left my stomach hurting from laughter!
Elderflower Womenspirit is a gift I love to share, with other lovely and
powerful women.
Maeryn - has attended for 6 years |
I am a very busy nurse with a tiny support system.
Elderflower carries me for weeks. Anyone attending can structure
their time with workshops, or relax and just walk the creek. I have
been attending for about 10 years. I keep returning because it's
a great vacation with good food -- total respite -- connections with nature
and humans. Elderflower has opened my mind and heart and continues
to do so.
My favorite Elderflower memory is walking the
woods with an infant to give Mom a rest. Also, the talent show skits
are priceless.
Lynn - has attended for 10 years |
| I love the women, the spirituality, the redwoods,
the food! I re-charge my batteries for the year. I find people
with similar values. It helps my daughter. She is surrounded
by incredible women for 4 days. Full Moon under the redwoods.
Doing Closing Ritual. Beautiful.
Grace - has attended for 4 years |
Can't imagine life without my Elderflower friends.
Gave me healing, the confidence to teach and practice herbalism,
showed me my healing path, supported me during my marriage breakup, and
generally turned a shy introverted low self esteem person into the woman
I am today.
Favorite memories: Priestessing, 1999;
washing dishes (early on); teaching my first workshop; meeting friends
every year; bodywork; croning; hugs; running down a hill to hug Lisa; learning
hard, but useful lessons.
Glenda - has attended for 15 years |
I found Elderflower through a flyer posted at
Whole Foods. My first year was 2002 (but I skipped a year) So this
is my 6th Elderflower. I come back for the sense of community, because
I love my elderflower sisters and want to see them. And for the workshops.
Also seeing the many ways larger rituals are planned and carried out is
very edumacational! Elderflower has changed my life by the women
I've met here, and the relationships we've formed. Also the women
I've brought here have found the same, and attending Elderflower together
has brought a precious new dimension to our relationships. Also,
Reiki found me at Elderflower in 2006 and has helped transform my life
in ways I couldn't have imagined!
It's impossible for me to pick a 'favorite'
memory of Elderflower, but having my 'family coven' (mother in law and
sister in law) here with me has been priceless. The ravens that bless
us with their voices and timing (they always show up at the right times)
are the coolest."
Nora - has attended for 6 years |
Elderflower gives me many new positive facets
on which I can/do 'rebuild' my life (following my husband's death and,
recently, my remaining sister's death). Elderflower has given me
purpose, direction and confidence... three major foundational blocks that
were stripped away from me.
All years have furnished me with special moments
but this year I achieved my Reiki I attunement with Connie, and my initial
experiences have already proven to be life changing! Meeting my sisters,
one at a time, is my collective favorite memory. Blessed Be!
Judy - has attended for 3 years |
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