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CAYA Sprouts Ostara Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 18
1:00PM
Berkeley - exact location given upon RSVP
Please RSVP to hvnwalker@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CAYA-Sprouts/95151727852?sk=wall
“At the Spring Equinox we welcome Ostara, the Queen of the Spring. The day and the night are equal and baby plants and animals are sprouting up everywhere. To celebrate the Spring we will have an Ostara Egg Hunt and make wishes for what we would like to be born in the Spring.
What to Bring: A snack to share with others.
Sprouts offers Sabbat rituals and social events that are specifically designed for children up to age ten. However, all self-identified families are welcome to attend.
Come and celebrate the Wheel of the Year with us!”
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CAYA East Bay Spring Equinox
Saturday, March 24
8:00PM (doors are locked once the circle is cast at 8:15)
BFUU Main Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$10 donation requested
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Grove of Hekate Women's Full Moon Circle
There is no Grove of Hekate in March. The next Grove of Hekate will be on Saturday, April 7.
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Grove of Artemis Women's Full Moon Circle
There is no Grove of Artemis in March. The next Grove of Artemis will be on Saturday, April 7.
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Brotherhood of the Moon Men's Full Moon Circle
There is no Brotherhood of the Moon in March. The next Brotherhood of the Moon will be on Saturday, April 7.
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for March 2012 and beyond - Mark Your Calendars!
Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for March 2012 and beyond - Mark Your Calendars!
Mark your calendars for:
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Fourth Annual Witches' Ball
A Benefit for The Pagan Alliance
Saturday, March 3, 3:00PM-Midnight
Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia
see Eventbrite page for admission details
http://witchesball2012.eventbrite.com
http://www.thepaganalliance.org
“Children's Afternoon 3:00-6:00PM:
Ostara Egg Hunt
Face Painting
Live Music and Dance
Druid Storytelling Pavilion
Snacks! Games! Fun! And More!
21+ 8:00PM to Midnight - photo ID required:
Sharon Knight Trio http://www.sharonknight.net
DJ Capt Kaoss
dj gravedigger
Aerial Dance by Lady Luck
Grateful Sirens Bellydancers
Drummers welcome!
Dance, Drink and Be Merry!
Free Bottled Water for Designated Drivers
All day:
Raffle prizes
Costume contest
Divinatory Readings all day and night
Vendors with Clothing, Amber, Jewelry, Art, Henna, Crochet, Pan horns, Masks etc!”
Presale Tickets available at :
The Sacred Well
536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
http://www.sacredwell.com
JoHanna White, President of the Pagan Alliance, says:
“If you are interested in volunteering please contact me privately!
Thanks, JoHanna johanna@thepaganalliance.org
Volunteer tarot readers, storytellers, face painters, door people and kid wranglers needed.”
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Bee Symposium
Saturday, March 10, 9:00AM-5:00PM
Sebastopol Veterans Building, 282 South High Street, Sebastopol
$35 in advance, $40 at the door
http://www.beekind.com/annualbeesymposium.html
http://www.panna.org
“Sixth Annual Bee Symposium - Small Scale Beekeeping
A Benefit for (PANNA) Pesticide Action Network of North America
The 2012 Bee Symposium is dedicated to the efforts of small-scale and local beekeepers.
The Annual Bee Symposium is sponsored by Beekind Honey Shop and Beekeeping Supply”
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Spring Silent Retreat
Sunday, March 18, 8:00AM-6:00PM
MA Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Road, Castro Valley, 510-537-9417
$45 if registered before March 10, $55 after, includes lunch, chai and snacks
http://bayarea.amma.org/events/special-events.html
“Spring Silent Retreat: Inner Darshan: A day to dive deep into your Self
Enjoy the beautiful Spring season in the green rolling hills of the M.A. Center! We hope you can join us for this day of silence, reflection and relaxation. The retreat will include Amrita Yoga Surya Namaskar*, chanting, bhajans (devotional singing), meditation and spiritual talks and stories of Amma. Weather permitting, we will also spend reflective time in the natural beauty of M.A. Center's gardens and woodlands. The retreat will be lead by Bri. Remadevi.
*Included in this retreat, Bri. Remadevi will teach the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) portion of Amrita Yoga. It integrates breathing and movement, with mantra infused into the breath. The form (or vinyasa) is simple enough to meet Amma's intent that almost all devotees be able to practice it.”
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CAYA’s Ball for the Bees
Saturday, March 31, 7:00-11:00PM
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3037562431
https://www.facebook.com/events/312492805476222
“Come As You Are Coven is proud to present The Ball for the Bees, a fundraiser to support local beekeepers and bee advocacy organizations. Honey bees are essential to our ecosystem and the sudden, unexplained disappearance of bees is an alarming warning bell to our society. We believe that with greater advocacy and local initiates, bee populations can be healthily restored and our mutual stewardship of the Earth’s resources can be brought back into balance. To that end, we are hosting this fundraiser.
The ball will be held at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists at 1924 Cedar Street in Berkeley. Begin the evening with a beginner lesson in rotary waltz taught by Persephone, then dance the night away! Enjoy a night of fun, fanciness (costumes admired but not required) and enchantment, all while benefitting efforts to support the bees and the development of sustainable resources for their care. There will be a raffle, tarot readers, light refreshments, and more.
7 pm: Vintage waltz lesson with vintage dance mistress Persephone
8 pm-11pm: Dancing and revelry
Light refreshments will be available
Cash bar with beer and wine
CAYA Coven’s current co-sponsors for this event are The Sacred Well, the Temple of Aphrodite and the Pagan Alliance.”
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San Jose Fantasy Festival
Saturday-Sunday, April 14-15, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Guadalupe River Park, 494 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose
Adults $10, ages 13-17, seniors and military $7, ages 6-12 $5, under 6 free
Parking $5.00 at HP Pavilion
http://www.sjfantasy.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“Attire yourself in your most beautiful princess or faerie finery, don your wings or pick up a wand, belt on a sword or pull on an eye patch, then gather your friends and family and cross the threshold of the San Jose Fantasy Festival where, on April 14-15, 2012, characters from folklore, fairy tales and fantasy will come alive to frolic for a magical spell of time.
The event is a family-friendly festival, a blending of historic fact, myth and popular fantasy. Find yourself a part of a wondrous gathering of knights and princesses, as they stand side-by-side with elves and fairies, on a weekend filled with performances to enchant children and grown-ups alike.
There are villains, heroes, music, dancing, singing, children’s crafts, wandering minstrels, and sword fighting. Be amazed by costumed characters portraying figures from the pages of your favorite fairytales, myths, and fantasy adventures. Visit the Princess' court; interact with the ogres and witches, fairies and pirates and bards telling stories of battles and adventures of the netherworld.
A wide variety of educational shows, performances and demonstrations are offered throughout the day as well as costume contests and games. Our artists and authors of the fantasy world are looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you in.
The San Jose Fantasy Festival is dedicated to the young at heart. Choose from among our amazing foods, peruse magical apparel, beautiful jewelry, mysterious masks, and handmade crafts. Take part in costume fashion shows, and be entertained by a myriad array of performers, musicians, storytellers, and wowed by exhibitions of fantastic creations leaping from storybook pages to reality in front of your eyes.
Support the Community! Bring a can of food and get $2.00 off adult admission.”
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Medieval Fantasy Festival
Saturday, April 28, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Downtown Vacaville, centering on Merchant, Main, and Parker Streets and Town Square
http://www.medievalfantasyfestival.com
“A Family Fair with a Celtic Flair. Fairies, wizards, dragons, elves, wee folk, and all other mythical beings are welcome. If you wish, come in costume as your favorite fantasy fiction character or as a traveler from the 6th through the 15th centuries.”
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Creating the Chalice: Imagination and Integrity in Goddess Studies
The Association for the Study of Women and Mythology’s Second Biennial National Conference
Friday-Saturday, May 11-12
Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf, 1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://womenandmythology.wordpress.com/2012/01/26/creating-the-chalice-the-2012-national-conference-program/
http://womenandmythology.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/matriarchal-studies-day-may-10-2012/
“Registration is now open for our 2012 National Conference, Creating the Chalice: Imagination and Integrity in Goddess Studies.
We are excited to present a rich and varied program this year. Some of our panel topics include:
Archaeomythology
Cultural Appropriation
Mother-Daughter Mythology
Place Wisdom
Young Adult Fiction
Methodologies
Womanism, Goddess Studies, and Women’s Spirituality
Visual Arts
Matriarchal Studies
Poetry
Publishing
Our keynote speakers are Miriam Robbins Dexter, Judy Grahn, and Ana Castillo. There will also be a special presentation by our 2012 Demeter Award winner, Charlene Spretnak. We will also have as a special panelist Dr. Heide Goertner-Abendroth, founder of Modern Matriarchal Studies. And we will present the winners of the Kore Award for Best Dissertation in Women and Mythology, and the Sarasvati Awards for Best Published Fiction and Non-fiction Books.
As in our past conference and symposia, we will feature selected films that are relevant to issues in women’s experiences, feminisms, and mythology. We will also include workshops that permit the integration of body-mind wisdom. We will again feature a lively networking luncheon, with opportunities to meet other participants to discuss such topics as academic careers, ritual, issues for graduate students, and the performing and visual arts. We will have a Book Fair and Marketplace for arts and crafts.
Friday evening’s entertainment is coordinated by faculty members from the California Institute of Integral Studies and the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology.
Remember that the Matriarchal Studies Day takes place in the same location, on May 10 - the day before our conference begins! We hope that you will be able to attend both events for a long weekend of stimulating and inspiring presentations.”
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11th Annual Pagan Festival and Parade
Theme: Paradigm Shift
Saturday, May 12, 10:30AM-5:30PM
Parade is at noon
Civic Center Park, 2151 Martin Luther King Jr. Way , Berkeley
Free
http://thepaganalliance.org
http://thepaganalliance.org/volunteer.asp
“Keeper of the Light 2012: T. Thorn Coyle
MCs: Shay Black and Dian Rowan
Music, Dance, Stage Performances, Speakers, Pagan Pride Parade in the streets of Berkeley, Speaker's Pavilion, Altars, Public Ritual, Vendors, Druid Story Telling Pavilion, Green Pavilion and Displays, Authors Circle, Arts and Crafts Pavilion, Info Booths and Program/Resource Guide.
Best Costume prizes for Youth and Adults! Best Float prize!
Visit the Pagan Market Place with over 40 vendors and numerous non-profits and organizations.
Beloved Dead Altar- Please bring copies of photos that will honor our loved ones that have crossed over.
Please bring canned/non-perishable goods for the Alameda County Food Bank. Bins located next to the Pagan Festival Info Booth.”
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Maker Faire
Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20
San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo
http://makerfaire.com
http://www.sanmateoexpo.org
“A two-day, family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement.”
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Redwood Men’s Center’s Annual Men’s Conference
Friday-Monday, May 25-28
Mendocino Woodlands Camp, 39350 Little Lake Road, Mendocino
see website for registration details
http://redwoodmen.org/wp/?page_id=6
http://www.mendocinowoodlands.org
“Welcoming and supportive of men of all ages, fifteen to a hundred, the Conference is very interactive and rich with dialogue. Personal stories are told; songs are sung; victories celebrated; grieving shared - all in a safe place full of honest talk and mutual respect. There is time to hear ancient tales, meet in small groups, engage in healing ritual, sing gloriously together, play together, converse over meals, and sit in the silence of the trees.
This conference is particularly helpful for any man wishing to move out of old patterns and wounds which have shaped his life and relationships. Men in transition or undergoing significant life-passages often find meaning, strength and comfort here. Many fathers bring their sons to have them welcomed into the community of men. And many men return each year for the ongoing celebration of brotherhood.”
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Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant
Saturday-Monday, May 26-28
Performing Arts Theater, El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Avenue, El Cerrito
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://www.bellydanceroftheyear.net
http://www.gildedserpent.com/articles27/azizabdoy.htm
http://www.gildedserpent.com/cms/2010/05/17/monica-sula/#axzz1Ok9cnYsm
“The Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant was founded by Sula Frick . When Sula passed away in 1978, her son asked Leea Aziz to continue producing BDOY, as it was Sula's proudest accomplishment. Now in it's 38th year, Leea has produced BDOY in Sula's honor since 1979.
At first, there was only one category for soloist and the event was held in very small venues. In 1979, the Troupe category was added at the request of Kattoura/Ginny. Later, the Grand Dancer category was added at the request of Halame, and, finally, the Duet Category was added. Several years ago, the Duet of the Year category was changed to Duo/Trio. In 2010, the BDOY Pageant Committee added Tribal Soloist and Tribal Ensemble categories, beginning in 2011, to represent the American Tribal and Tribal Fusion styles in the belly dance community.
BDOY is now an international event, and "Belly Dancer of the Year" is recognized as the premier title in belly dancing. It opens the door to teaching workshops, starring in performances, and DVD appearances. Previous winners include Aziza (2002), Judeen (1993), and Alexandra King (1988). The goal of BDOY is to give qualified dancers a fair and equal opportunity to exhibit their skills, as well as promote and elevate the art of belly dance and support its amazing community.”
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Valhalla Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, June 2-3 and June 9-10,
10:00AM-6:00PM Saturdays, 10:00AM-5:00PM Sundays
Camp Richardson’s Wood, 1900 Jameson Beach Road, South Lake Tahoe
Adults $17, ages 13-17, seniors and military $12, ages 6-12 $7, under 6 free
http://www.valhallafaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“Get away from it all and lose yourself in the magic and merriment the Renaissance times. Rub elbows with nobility, pirates, barbarian and beautiful ladies, This year's Valhalla Renaissance Faire will feature four stages of continuous entertainment, Action packed shows, Music, Dancing, jesters, 900 costumed actors, Shakespearian vignettes, expertly staged battles, storytelling for children and adults, archery tournaments and much more. Shop over 100 merchants selling a wide array of arts and crafts, one of a kind jewelry items, woodcrafts, artwork, ceramics, clothing, historic weapons and leather goods. And to top it all off, a hard hitting joust. This is a place to be!”
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Harmony Festival
Friday-Sunday, June 10-12
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa
see website for detailed schedule and ticket information
http://www.harmonyfestival.com
“For 33 years, Harmony has been a leading-edge lifestyle festival that celebrates the latest trends in health, music, arts, ecology, and spirituality. Created and seasoned in the trend-setting North Bay Area, Harmony is the original festival to appeal to the green lifestyle market.”
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Fairy and Human Relations Congress
Communication and Co-Creation with Devas, Nature Spirits and the Faery Realms
Friday - Sunday, June 24-26
Skalitude Retreat, Twisp, Washington
See website for registration details. Register by March 15 for discounted rate.
http://www.fairycongress.com
http://www.skalitude.com
"The Fairy and Human Relations Congress affects the planet by joining with the nature, devic and other higher realms to bring more peace, love and understanding into the world. Our goal is not to escape the outer world but to positively affect it. At this time of multiple crises affecting humanity we feel it is very important to seek alliances with as many light forces as possible in other realms. Mother Earth and the fairy realms ARE big players in what is transpiring on the planet. Though many deny their existence, the numbers of people who are tuning into the spiritual realms and to the nature spirit/fairy/devic realms is increasing by leaps and bounds. The Congress is one of the vanguard events bringing these people together. We are not a frivolous event although we do have lots of fun and costume up. Our intent is communication and cooperation, not only for our personal selves, but for all of humanity. We are allying ourselves with Mother Earth and with the forces for peace and love on planet Earth.”
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ConjureCon
Friday-Sunday, July 27-29
The Serpent's Kiss, 2015 N Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://www.conjurecon.com
“The first ever ConjureCon will be held at Serpent's Kiss in Santa Cruz, California on July 27-29, 2012!
Building on the successes of the Folk Magic Festival in New Orleans in 2010 and 2011, your favorite conjurers are coming to Santa Cruz.
Organized by Susan Diamond, Orion Foxwood, Sindy Todo and Starr Casas, featuring special guest Cat Yronwode!”
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San Jose Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, August 4-5, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Guadalupe River Park, 494 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose
Adults $17, ages 13-17, seniors and military $12, ages 6-12 $7, under 6 free
Parking $5.00 at HP Pavilion
http://www.sanjosefaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“If you love Renaissance Faires, this full scale, interactive experience is not to be missed. San Jose Renaissance Faire offers you a chance to visit the days of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I!
See about 800 costumed performers bring Shakespeare’s England to life with parades, pageants, and fun townsfolke, offering continuous entertainment of spectacular variety spread throughout the village. You’ll enjoy musicians, jugglers, and the ribaldry of actors drawing you even deeper into the Renaissance.
Around 100 artisans display beautifully crafted masterpieces in the village, plenty of variety for even the most discerning shopper.
See brave and bold knights competing for the favor of the Her Majesty’s Court and for their lady’s affection during any one of two full-contact jousts held in the Queen’s Tiltyard each day!
Whether you thirst or hunger for a Turkey leg or a chocolate dipped strawberries on a stick, an amazing gourmet foods and a dozen delicious drinks will satisfy your taste buds to give them a try.
Support the Community! Bring a can of food and get $2.00 off adult admission!”
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WomenSpirit Elderflower Festival
Thursday-Sunday, August 9-12
Mendocino Woodlands, 39350 Little Lake Road, Mendocino
see website for registration details
http://www.elderflower.org
http://www.mendocinowoodlands.org
“The theme for 2012 is Sharing the Spirit
Elderflower Womenspirit is a women’s spirituality festival that takes place every August, in the Mendocino Woodlands of Northern California. Since 1988, women have gathered together to create this festival, to create a time and space for healing and growth, as well as a growing community of empowered women.
Elderflower Womenspirit gives you four days of rest and relaxation, camping in cabins or tents by a creek in a beautiful redwood forest. Enjoy gourmet catered meals, with vegetarian options. Camp amenities include hot showers!
Elderflower Womenspirit is a grassroots volunteer event. There are no paid staff, presenters or entertainers. It is a participatory spiritual experience; the rituals, workshops, entertainment and other activities are created by the women who attend. Every woman is encouraged to bring her own unique talents and contribute to the diversity of the festival by leading and participating in workshops, rituals and other activities.
Elderflower Womenspirit is a non-denominational gathering, women of any spiritual path are welcome to participate. We honor the Divine Feminine, however She chooses to manifest in our lives. Our rituals celebrate the Goddess and the sacredness of nature.
Elderflower Womenspirit workshops have included a wide range of topics: Drumming, songs and chants, movement and dance, crafts, writing, divination, ritual, herbal magic and medicine, tarot, psychic skills, astrology, Reiki, herbal medicine, bodywork, yoga, meditation, Goddess lore, various spiritual traditions, crystals, sexuality and gender issues, political topics.
Elderflower Womenspirit activities include hiking, sports, massage, an open air market, our Friday Night Performing Arts Show, 12 Step Meetings, Silent Auction and our Treasure Table.”
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Second Annual Conference on Earth-Based, Nature-Centered, Polytheistic and Indigenous Faiths
2012 Theme: Gender and Earth-Based Spiritualities
Presented by the Pagan Alliance
Saturday, September 8, 9:00AM-5:00PM (Special Mixer with the Presenters 6-8)
First Unitarian Universalist Church and Center, 1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco
see website below for ticket information
http://genderandpaganismconference.eventbrite.com/
http://thepaganalliance.org
http://circleofdionysos.org
http://www.solarcrosstemple.org
“The Pagan Alliance’s second annual on Earth-Based, Nature-Centered, Polytheistic and Indigenous Faiths, cosponsored by Circle of Dionysos, and Solar Cross Temple, in 2012 will examine the interrelationship of Earth-based spirituality and gender. Presentations, workshops and panels will address the Construct of Dualism, Transgender Issues, Men's Mysteries, Queer Mysteries, Womyn's Mysteries, Gender and Indigenous Beliefs, Gender in the Spiral of Life, Genderqueer Thealogy, Gender and Minority Faith Parenting.
The conference will include presenters who grapple with issues relating to gender in their academic scholarship, as well as those who are leaders within their spiritual communities.
We will also be including more breakout sessions where folks can discuss issues and actions to address them.
Speakers will include:
joi wolfwomyn of the Holy Order of the Epicene http://epiceneorder.org/site/en/
Lady Yeshe Rabbit of CAYA Coven http://www.cayacoven.org
T. Thorne Coyle http://www.thorncoyle.com
Derik Cowan and Dr. Hayden Reynolds of the Circle of Dionysos http://circleofdionysos.org
Work-Trade Available.
for more info please email:
JoHanna White, Pagan Alliance President at johanna@thepaganalliance.org”
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Ardenwood Shakespeare Festival and Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, September 15-16, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM
Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, Fremont
$17 for adults, $13 for seniors (62 and over), $8 for children and teens 4-17, under four free
http://www.ardenwoodfaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“Shakespeare's Muse Returns to Ardenwood Historic Farm
Experience a spectacle of fun and excitement!
The rising young star of London's theater scene, Will Shakespeare, faces a scourge like no other: a paralyzing bout of writers block while the great Elizabethan age of entertainment unfolds around him. Will is without inspiration on material. What Will needs is a muse and in an extraordinary town whilst on progress with Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, he finds himself surrounded by numerous quirky characters who draw him into an amazing, dramatic adventure of action and love. Their stories make their way into his plays and into our hearts. The theme of the Faire is Shakespeare's Muse.
Over September 15-16, 2012 Ardenwood Historic Farm will be transformed to a delightful Elizabethan town filled with myriad characters and vignettes resembling those of Shakespeare's plays we so dearly love. In addition, over 900 costumed entertainers and over 100 shopkeepers and artisans will add to the ambiance of the Faire.The Festival will be the ultimate Renaissance bash, a lively Dionysian party, where the guests enjoy turkey legs, exotic food, and drink as they banter with the myriad performers filling the streets. The event sports one-of-a-kind shows, music, and comedy.
The Joust!
The Weekends highlight will be a full contact joust. The onlookers will be astounded by the action of the hard-hitting jousting and the humorous interplay. Check out Imperial Knights!
Support the Community! Bring a can of food and get $2.00 off adult admission - limit one per customer.”
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Sacramento Pagan Pride Harvest Festival
Saturday-Sunday, September 22-23
Fair Oaks VFW Hall, 8990 Kruithof Way, Fair Oaks
Free
http://www.sacpaganpride.org
“Pagan Pride Day and Harvest Festival is place where magic is afoot, and fairies dance. It is where you can learn the ways of old or learn just enjoy life.
Pagan Pride Day and Harvest Festival goal is to educate the masses, those who are looking for fellowship, and bring the community together. And of course, this is all done with fun and mayhem.”
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Earth Medicine Alliance Annual Conference
Celebrating Ancestral Wisdom
Saturday-Sunday, October 20-21
San Francisco - exact location to be determined
http://www.earthmedicine.org/2012-conference
“Our 2012 conference will be the weekend of Oct 20-21st in San Francisco. We'll follow basically the same format as the previous two years. We are open to suggestions for presenters who have a solid background in ritual work with the ancestors and who are comfortable working in an interfaith/multi-cultural setting. We're looking forward to a great third annual conference and hope you can join us!”
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Folsom Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, October 20-21, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM
Folsom City Lions Park, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom
$14.00 adults, $9.00 students, seniors (55+) and children 6-12, under six free
http://www.folsomfaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“Experience the Magic and The Merriment of The Renaissance in Folsom!
The rising young star of London's theater scene, Will Shakespeare, faces a scourge like no other: a paralyzing bout of writers block while the great Elizabethan age of entertainment unfolds around him. Will is without inspiration on material. What Will needs is a muse and in an extraordinary town whilst on progress with Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, he finds himself surrounded by numerous quirky characters who draw him into an amazing, dramatic adventure of action and love. Their stories make their way into his plays and into our hearts. The theme of the Faire is Shakespeare's Muse.
Over October 20-21, the Folsom City Lions Park will be transformed to a delightful Elizabethan town filled with myriad characters and vignettes resembling those of Shakespeare's plays we so dearly love. In addition, over 900 costumed entertainers and over 100 shopkeepers and artisans will add to the ambiance of the Faire.The Festival will be the ultimate Renaissance bash, a lively Dionysian party, where the guests enjoy turkey legs, exotic food, and drink as they banter with the myriad performers filling the streets. The event sports one-of-a-kind shows, music, and comedy.
The Joust!
The Weekends highlight will be a full contact joust. Men and horse collide and do battle right before your eyes.Say hello to Imperial Knights!
Proceeds of the Faire, and from some of the booths, goes to benefit:
The Folsom CAVE Teen Centers
Located at each of the middle schools in Folsom, they provide over 700 students a week with a supervised drop-in after school program that is free to the participants.
The Friends of the Folsom Public Library
A nonprofit, volunteer orginization that supports the Folsom Library and literacy programs for adults and children in the Folsom area.
The Folsom Rotary Club.
Support the Community! Bring a can of food and get $2.00 off adult admission.”
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Sacred Forest Spiritual Retreat
with Mbali Creazzo and Mahealani Uchiyama
Saturday-Sunday, October 27-28
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland
for registration details, contct Iya Mahea at 510-827-3997 or iyamahea@thesacredforest.org
http://thesacredforest.org/events
“Mbali Creazzo - voice for the ancestors, Medicine Woman, Ceremonial and Ritual leader joins with Mahealani Uchiyama - priestess of Ifa, dancer and musician, in a unique and exciting collaboration that will draw from the healing wisdom of Africa, with dance, ritual drumming and song, and ceremony as we answer the earth’s call for us to reawaken ancient aspects of ourselves….
This date and location are confirmed. Please save and be on the look out for more details.”
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Mark your calendars for:
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Fourth Annual Witches' Ball
A Benefit for The Pagan Alliance
Saturday, March 3, 3:00PM-Midnight
Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia
see Eventbrite page for admission details
http://witchesball2012.eventbrite.com
http://www.thepaganalliance.org
“Children's Afternoon 3:00-6:00PM:
Ostara Egg Hunt
Face Painting
Live Music and Dance
Druid Storytelling Pavilion
Snacks! Games! Fun! And More!
21+ 8:00PM to Midnight - photo ID required:
Sharon Knight Trio http://www.sharonknight.net
DJ Capt Kaoss
dj gravedigger
Aerial Dance by Lady Luck
Grateful Sirens Bellydancers
Drummers welcome!
Dance, Drink and Be Merry!
Free Bottled Water for Designated Drivers
All day:
Raffle prizes
Costume contest
Divinatory Readings all day and night
Vendors with Clothing, Amber, Jewelry, Art, Henna, Crochet, Pan horns, Masks etc!”
Presale Tickets available at :
The Sacred Well
536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
http://www.sacredwell.com
JoHanna White, President of the Pagan Alliance, says:
“If you are interested in volunteering please contact me privately!
Thanks, JoHanna johanna@thepaganalliance.org
Volunteer tarot readers, storytellers, face painters, door people and kid wranglers needed.”
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Bee Symposium
Saturday, March 10, 9:00AM-5:00PM
Sebastopol Veterans Building, 282 South High Street, Sebastopol
$35 in advance, $40 at the door
http://www.beekind.com/annualbeesymposium.html
http://www.panna.org
“Sixth Annual Bee Symposium - Small Scale Beekeeping
A Benefit for (PANNA) Pesticide Action Network of North America
The 2012 Bee Symposium is dedicated to the efforts of small-scale and local beekeepers.
The Annual Bee Symposium is sponsored by Beekind Honey Shop and Beekeeping Supply”
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Spring Silent Retreat
Sunday, March 18, 8:00AM-6:00PM
MA Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Road, Castro Valley, 510-537-9417
$45 if registered before March 10, $55 after, includes lunch, chai and snacks
http://bayarea.amma.org/events/special-events.html
“Spring Silent Retreat: Inner Darshan: A day to dive deep into your Self
Enjoy the beautiful Spring season in the green rolling hills of the M.A. Center! We hope you can join us for this day of silence, reflection and relaxation. The retreat will include Amrita Yoga Surya Namaskar*, chanting, bhajans (devotional singing), meditation and spiritual talks and stories of Amma. Weather permitting, we will also spend reflective time in the natural beauty of M.A. Center's gardens and woodlands. The retreat will be lead by Bri. Remadevi.
*Included in this retreat, Bri. Remadevi will teach the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) portion of Amrita Yoga. It integrates breathing and movement, with mantra infused into the breath. The form (or vinyasa) is simple enough to meet Amma's intent that almost all devotees be able to practice it.”
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CAYA’s Ball for the Bees
Saturday, March 31, 7:00-11:00PM
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3037562431
https://www.facebook.com/events/312492805476222
“Come As You Are Coven is proud to present The Ball for the Bees, a fundraiser to support local beekeepers and bee advocacy organizations. Honey bees are essential to our ecosystem and the sudden, unexplained disappearance of bees is an alarming warning bell to our society. We believe that with greater advocacy and local initiates, bee populations can be healthily restored and our mutual stewardship of the Earth’s resources can be brought back into balance. To that end, we are hosting this fundraiser.
The ball will be held at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists at 1924 Cedar Street in Berkeley. Begin the evening with a beginner lesson in rotary waltz taught by Persephone, then dance the night away! Enjoy a night of fun, fanciness (costumes admired but not required) and enchantment, all while benefitting efforts to support the bees and the development of sustainable resources for their care. There will be a raffle, tarot readers, light refreshments, and more.
7 pm: Vintage waltz lesson with vintage dance mistress Persephone
8 pm-11pm: Dancing and revelry
Light refreshments will be available
Cash bar with beer and wine
CAYA Coven’s current co-sponsors for this event are The Sacred Well, the Temple of Aphrodite and the Pagan Alliance.”
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San Jose Fantasy Festival
Saturday-Sunday, April 14-15, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Guadalupe River Park, 494 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose
Adults $10, ages 13-17, seniors and military $7, ages 6-12 $5, under 6 free
Parking $5.00 at HP Pavilion
http://www.sjfantasy.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“Attire yourself in your most beautiful princess or faerie finery, don your wings or pick up a wand, belt on a sword or pull on an eye patch, then gather your friends and family and cross the threshold of the San Jose Fantasy Festival where, on April 14-15, 2012, characters from folklore, fairy tales and fantasy will come alive to frolic for a magical spell of time.
The event is a family-friendly festival, a blending of historic fact, myth and popular fantasy. Find yourself a part of a wondrous gathering of knights and princesses, as they stand side-by-side with elves and fairies, on a weekend filled with performances to enchant children and grown-ups alike.
There are villains, heroes, music, dancing, singing, children’s crafts, wandering minstrels, and sword fighting. Be amazed by costumed characters portraying figures from the pages of your favorite fairytales, myths, and fantasy adventures. Visit the Princess' court; interact with the ogres and witches, fairies and pirates and bards telling stories of battles and adventures of the netherworld.
A wide variety of educational shows, performances and demonstrations are offered throughout the day as well as costume contests and games. Our artists and authors of the fantasy world are looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you in.
The San Jose Fantasy Festival is dedicated to the young at heart. Choose from among our amazing foods, peruse magical apparel, beautiful jewelry, mysterious masks, and handmade crafts. Take part in costume fashion shows, and be entertained by a myriad array of performers, musicians, storytellers, and wowed by exhibitions of fantastic creations leaping from storybook pages to reality in front of your eyes.
Support the Community! Bring a can of food and get $2.00 off adult admission.”
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Medieval Fantasy Festival
Saturday, April 28, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Downtown Vacaville, centering on Merchant, Main, and Parker Streets and Town Square
http://www.medievalfantasyfestival.com
“A Family Fair with a Celtic Flair. Fairies, wizards, dragons, elves, wee folk, and all other mythical beings are welcome. If you wish, come in costume as your favorite fantasy fiction character or as a traveler from the 6th through the 15th centuries.”
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Creating the Chalice: Imagination and Integrity in Goddess Studies
The Association for the Study of Women and Mythology’s Second Biennial National Conference
Friday-Saturday, May 11-12
Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf, 1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://womenandmythology.wordpress.com/2012/01/26/creating-the-chalice-the-2012-national-conference-program/
http://womenandmythology.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/matriarchal-studies-day-may-10-2012/
“Registration is now open for our 2012 National Conference, Creating the Chalice: Imagination and Integrity in Goddess Studies.
We are excited to present a rich and varied program this year. Some of our panel topics include:
Archaeomythology
Cultural Appropriation
Mother-Daughter Mythology
Place Wisdom
Young Adult Fiction
Methodologies
Womanism, Goddess Studies, and Women’s Spirituality
Visual Arts
Matriarchal Studies
Poetry
Publishing
Our keynote speakers are Miriam Robbins Dexter, Judy Grahn, and Ana Castillo. There will also be a special presentation by our 2012 Demeter Award winner, Charlene Spretnak. We will also have as a special panelist Dr. Heide Goertner-Abendroth, founder of Modern Matriarchal Studies. And we will present the winners of the Kore Award for Best Dissertation in Women and Mythology, and the Sarasvati Awards for Best Published Fiction and Non-fiction Books.
As in our past conference and symposia, we will feature selected films that are relevant to issues in women’s experiences, feminisms, and mythology. We will also include workshops that permit the integration of body-mind wisdom. We will again feature a lively networking luncheon, with opportunities to meet other participants to discuss such topics as academic careers, ritual, issues for graduate students, and the performing and visual arts. We will have a Book Fair and Marketplace for arts and crafts.
Friday evening’s entertainment is coordinated by faculty members from the California Institute of Integral Studies and the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology.
Remember that the Matriarchal Studies Day takes place in the same location, on May 10 - the day before our conference begins! We hope that you will be able to attend both events for a long weekend of stimulating and inspiring presentations.”
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11th Annual Pagan Festival and Parade
Theme: Paradigm Shift
Saturday, May 12, 10:30AM-5:30PM
Parade is at noon
Civic Center Park, 2151 Martin Luther King Jr. Way , Berkeley
Free
http://thepaganalliance.org
http://thepaganalliance.org/volunteer.asp
“Keeper of the Light 2012: T. Thorn Coyle
MCs: Shay Black and Dian Rowan
Music, Dance, Stage Performances, Speakers, Pagan Pride Parade in the streets of Berkeley, Speaker's Pavilion, Altars, Public Ritual, Vendors, Druid Story Telling Pavilion, Green Pavilion and Displays, Authors Circle, Arts and Crafts Pavilion, Info Booths and Program/Resource Guide.
Best Costume prizes for Youth and Adults! Best Float prize!
Visit the Pagan Market Place with over 40 vendors and numerous non-profits and organizations.
Beloved Dead Altar- Please bring copies of photos that will honor our loved ones that have crossed over.
Please bring canned/non-perishable goods for the Alameda County Food Bank. Bins located next to the Pagan Festival Info Booth.”
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Maker Faire
Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20
San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo
http://makerfaire.com
http://www.sanmateoexpo.org
“A two-day, family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement.”
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Redwood Men’s Center’s Annual Men’s Conference
Friday-Monday, May 25-28
Mendocino Woodlands Camp, 39350 Little Lake Road, Mendocino
see website for registration details
http://redwoodmen.org/wp/?page_id=6
http://www.mendocinowoodlands.org
“Welcoming and supportive of men of all ages, fifteen to a hundred, the Conference is very interactive and rich with dialogue. Personal stories are told; songs are sung; victories celebrated; grieving shared - all in a safe place full of honest talk and mutual respect. There is time to hear ancient tales, meet in small groups, engage in healing ritual, sing gloriously together, play together, converse over meals, and sit in the silence of the trees.
This conference is particularly helpful for any man wishing to move out of old patterns and wounds which have shaped his life and relationships. Men in transition or undergoing significant life-passages often find meaning, strength and comfort here. Many fathers bring their sons to have them welcomed into the community of men. And many men return each year for the ongoing celebration of brotherhood.”
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Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant
Saturday-Monday, May 26-28
Performing Arts Theater, El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Avenue, El Cerrito
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://www.bellydanceroftheyear.net
http://www.gildedserpent.com/articles27/azizabdoy.htm
http://www.gildedserpent.com/cms/2010/05/17/monica-sula/#axzz1Ok9cnYsm
“The Belly Dancer of the Year Pageant was founded by Sula Frick . When Sula passed away in 1978, her son asked Leea Aziz to continue producing BDOY, as it was Sula's proudest accomplishment. Now in it's 38th year, Leea has produced BDOY in Sula's honor since 1979.
At first, there was only one category for soloist and the event was held in very small venues. In 1979, the Troupe category was added at the request of Kattoura/Ginny. Later, the Grand Dancer category was added at the request of Halame, and, finally, the Duet Category was added. Several years ago, the Duet of the Year category was changed to Duo/Trio. In 2010, the BDOY Pageant Committee added Tribal Soloist and Tribal Ensemble categories, beginning in 2011, to represent the American Tribal and Tribal Fusion styles in the belly dance community.
BDOY is now an international event, and "Belly Dancer of the Year" is recognized as the premier title in belly dancing. It opens the door to teaching workshops, starring in performances, and DVD appearances. Previous winners include Aziza (2002), Judeen (1993), and Alexandra King (1988). The goal of BDOY is to give qualified dancers a fair and equal opportunity to exhibit their skills, as well as promote and elevate the art of belly dance and support its amazing community.”
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Valhalla Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, June 2-3 and June 9-10,
10:00AM-6:00PM Saturdays, 10:00AM-5:00PM Sundays
Camp Richardson’s Wood, 1900 Jameson Beach Road, South Lake Tahoe
Adults $17, ages 13-17, seniors and military $12, ages 6-12 $7, under 6 free
http://www.valhallafaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“Get away from it all and lose yourself in the magic and merriment the Renaissance times. Rub elbows with nobility, pirates, barbarian and beautiful ladies, This year's Valhalla Renaissance Faire will feature four stages of continuous entertainment, Action packed shows, Music, Dancing, jesters, 900 costumed actors, Shakespearian vignettes, expertly staged battles, storytelling for children and adults, archery tournaments and much more. Shop over 100 merchants selling a wide array of arts and crafts, one of a kind jewelry items, woodcrafts, artwork, ceramics, clothing, historic weapons and leather goods. And to top it all off, a hard hitting joust. This is a place to be!”
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Harmony Festival
Friday-Sunday, June 10-12
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa
see website for detailed schedule and ticket information
http://www.harmonyfestival.com
“For 33 years, Harmony has been a leading-edge lifestyle festival that celebrates the latest trends in health, music, arts, ecology, and spirituality. Created and seasoned in the trend-setting North Bay Area, Harmony is the original festival to appeal to the green lifestyle market.”
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Fairy and Human Relations Congress
Communication and Co-Creation with Devas, Nature Spirits and the Faery Realms
Friday - Sunday, June 24-26
Skalitude Retreat, Twisp, Washington
See website for registration details. Register by March 15 for discounted rate.
http://www.fairycongress.com
http://www.skalitude.com
"The Fairy and Human Relations Congress affects the planet by joining with the nature, devic and other higher realms to bring more peace, love and understanding into the world. Our goal is not to escape the outer world but to positively affect it. At this time of multiple crises affecting humanity we feel it is very important to seek alliances with as many light forces as possible in other realms. Mother Earth and the fairy realms ARE big players in what is transpiring on the planet. Though many deny their existence, the numbers of people who are tuning into the spiritual realms and to the nature spirit/fairy/devic realms is increasing by leaps and bounds. The Congress is one of the vanguard events bringing these people together. We are not a frivolous event although we do have lots of fun and costume up. Our intent is communication and cooperation, not only for our personal selves, but for all of humanity. We are allying ourselves with Mother Earth and with the forces for peace and love on planet Earth.”
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ConjureCon
Friday-Sunday, July 27-29
The Serpent's Kiss, 2015 N Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://www.conjurecon.com
“The first ever ConjureCon will be held at Serpent's Kiss in Santa Cruz, California on July 27-29, 2012!
Building on the successes of the Folk Magic Festival in New Orleans in 2010 and 2011, your favorite conjurers are coming to Santa Cruz.
Organized by Susan Diamond, Orion Foxwood, Sindy Todo and Starr Casas, featuring special guest Cat Yronwode!”
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San Jose Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, August 4-5, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Guadalupe River Park, 494 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose
Adults $17, ages 13-17, seniors and military $12, ages 6-12 $7, under 6 free
Parking $5.00 at HP Pavilion
http://www.sanjosefaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“If you love Renaissance Faires, this full scale, interactive experience is not to be missed. San Jose Renaissance Faire offers you a chance to visit the days of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I!
See about 800 costumed performers bring Shakespeare’s England to life with parades, pageants, and fun townsfolke, offering continuous entertainment of spectacular variety spread throughout the village. You’ll enjoy musicians, jugglers, and the ribaldry of actors drawing you even deeper into the Renaissance.
Around 100 artisans display beautifully crafted masterpieces in the village, plenty of variety for even the most discerning shopper.
See brave and bold knights competing for the favor of the Her Majesty’s Court and for their lady’s affection during any one of two full-contact jousts held in the Queen’s Tiltyard each day!
Whether you thirst or hunger for a Turkey leg or a chocolate dipped strawberries on a stick, an amazing gourmet foods and a dozen delicious drinks will satisfy your taste buds to give them a try.
Support the Community! Bring a can of food and get $2.00 off adult admission!”
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WomenSpirit Elderflower Festival
Thursday-Sunday, August 9-12
Mendocino Woodlands, 39350 Little Lake Road, Mendocino
see website for registration details
http://www.elderflower.org
http://www.mendocinowoodlands.org
“The theme for 2012 is Sharing the Spirit
Elderflower Womenspirit is a women’s spirituality festival that takes place every August, in the Mendocino Woodlands of Northern California. Since 1988, women have gathered together to create this festival, to create a time and space for healing and growth, as well as a growing community of empowered women.
Elderflower Womenspirit gives you four days of rest and relaxation, camping in cabins or tents by a creek in a beautiful redwood forest. Enjoy gourmet catered meals, with vegetarian options. Camp amenities include hot showers!
Elderflower Womenspirit is a grassroots volunteer event. There are no paid staff, presenters or entertainers. It is a participatory spiritual experience; the rituals, workshops, entertainment and other activities are created by the women who attend. Every woman is encouraged to bring her own unique talents and contribute to the diversity of the festival by leading and participating in workshops, rituals and other activities.
Elderflower Womenspirit is a non-denominational gathering, women of any spiritual path are welcome to participate. We honor the Divine Feminine, however She chooses to manifest in our lives. Our rituals celebrate the Goddess and the sacredness of nature.
Elderflower Womenspirit workshops have included a wide range of topics: Drumming, songs and chants, movement and dance, crafts, writing, divination, ritual, herbal magic and medicine, tarot, psychic skills, astrology, Reiki, herbal medicine, bodywork, yoga, meditation, Goddess lore, various spiritual traditions, crystals, sexuality and gender issues, political topics.
Elderflower Womenspirit activities include hiking, sports, massage, an open air market, our Friday Night Performing Arts Show, 12 Step Meetings, Silent Auction and our Treasure Table.”
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Second Annual Conference on Earth-Based, Nature-Centered, Polytheistic and Indigenous Faiths
2012 Theme: Gender and Earth-Based Spiritualities
Presented by the Pagan Alliance
Saturday, September 8, 9:00AM-5:00PM (Special Mixer with the Presenters 6-8)
First Unitarian Universalist Church and Center, 1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco
see website below for ticket information
http://genderandpaganismconference.eventbrite.com/
http://thepaganalliance.org
http://circleofdionysos.org
http://www.solarcrosstemple.org
“The Pagan Alliance’s second annual on Earth-Based, Nature-Centered, Polytheistic and Indigenous Faiths, cosponsored by Circle of Dionysos, and Solar Cross Temple, in 2012 will examine the interrelationship of Earth-based spirituality and gender. Presentations, workshops and panels will address the Construct of Dualism, Transgender Issues, Men's Mysteries, Queer Mysteries, Womyn's Mysteries, Gender and Indigenous Beliefs, Gender in the Spiral of Life, Genderqueer Thealogy, Gender and Minority Faith Parenting.
The conference will include presenters who grapple with issues relating to gender in their academic scholarship, as well as those who are leaders within their spiritual communities.
We will also be including more breakout sessions where folks can discuss issues and actions to address them.
Speakers will include:
joi wolfwomyn of the Holy Order of the Epicene http://epiceneorder.org/site/en/
Lady Yeshe Rabbit of CAYA Coven http://www.cayacoven.org
T. Thorne Coyle http://www.thorncoyle.com
Derik Cowan and Dr. Hayden Reynolds of the Circle of Dionysos http://circleofdionysos.org
Work-Trade Available.
for more info please email:
JoHanna White, Pagan Alliance President at johanna@thepaganalliance.org”
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Ardenwood Shakespeare Festival and Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, September 15-16, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM
Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, Fremont
$17 for adults, $13 for seniors (62 and over), $8 for children and teens 4-17, under four free
http://www.ardenwoodfaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“Shakespeare's Muse Returns to Ardenwood Historic Farm
Experience a spectacle of fun and excitement!
The rising young star of London's theater scene, Will Shakespeare, faces a scourge like no other: a paralyzing bout of writers block while the great Elizabethan age of entertainment unfolds around him. Will is without inspiration on material. What Will needs is a muse and in an extraordinary town whilst on progress with Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, he finds himself surrounded by numerous quirky characters who draw him into an amazing, dramatic adventure of action and love. Their stories make their way into his plays and into our hearts. The theme of the Faire is Shakespeare's Muse.
Over September 15-16, 2012 Ardenwood Historic Farm will be transformed to a delightful Elizabethan town filled with myriad characters and vignettes resembling those of Shakespeare's plays we so dearly love. In addition, over 900 costumed entertainers and over 100 shopkeepers and artisans will add to the ambiance of the Faire.The Festival will be the ultimate Renaissance bash, a lively Dionysian party, where the guests enjoy turkey legs, exotic food, and drink as they banter with the myriad performers filling the streets. The event sports one-of-a-kind shows, music, and comedy.
The Joust!
The Weekends highlight will be a full contact joust. The onlookers will be astounded by the action of the hard-hitting jousting and the humorous interplay. Check out Imperial Knights!
Support the Community! Bring a can of food and get $2.00 off adult admission - limit one per customer.”
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Sacramento Pagan Pride Harvest Festival
Saturday-Sunday, September 22-23
Fair Oaks VFW Hall, 8990 Kruithof Way, Fair Oaks
Free
http://www.sacpaganpride.org
“Pagan Pride Day and Harvest Festival is place where magic is afoot, and fairies dance. It is where you can learn the ways of old or learn just enjoy life.
Pagan Pride Day and Harvest Festival goal is to educate the masses, those who are looking for fellowship, and bring the community together. And of course, this is all done with fun and mayhem.”
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Earth Medicine Alliance Annual Conference
Celebrating Ancestral Wisdom
Saturday-Sunday, October 20-21
San Francisco - exact location to be determined
http://www.earthmedicine.org/2012-conference
“Our 2012 conference will be the weekend of Oct 20-21st in San Francisco. We'll follow basically the same format as the previous two years. We are open to suggestions for presenters who have a solid background in ritual work with the ancestors and who are comfortable working in an interfaith/multi-cultural setting. We're looking forward to a great third annual conference and hope you can join us!”
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Folsom Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, October 20-21, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM
Folsom City Lions Park, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom
$14.00 adults, $9.00 students, seniors (55+) and children 6-12, under six free
http://www.folsomfaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com
“Experience the Magic and The Merriment of The Renaissance in Folsom!
The rising young star of London's theater scene, Will Shakespeare, faces a scourge like no other: a paralyzing bout of writers block while the great Elizabethan age of entertainment unfolds around him. Will is without inspiration on material. What Will needs is a muse and in an extraordinary town whilst on progress with Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, he finds himself surrounded by numerous quirky characters who draw him into an amazing, dramatic adventure of action and love. Their stories make their way into his plays and into our hearts. The theme of the Faire is Shakespeare's Muse.
Over October 20-21, the Folsom City Lions Park will be transformed to a delightful Elizabethan town filled with myriad characters and vignettes resembling those of Shakespeare's plays we so dearly love. In addition, over 900 costumed entertainers and over 100 shopkeepers and artisans will add to the ambiance of the Faire.The Festival will be the ultimate Renaissance bash, a lively Dionysian party, where the guests enjoy turkey legs, exotic food, and drink as they banter with the myriad performers filling the streets. The event sports one-of-a-kind shows, music, and comedy.
The Joust!
The Weekends highlight will be a full contact joust. Men and horse collide and do battle right before your eyes.Say hello to Imperial Knights!
Proceeds of the Faire, and from some of the booths, goes to benefit:
The Folsom CAVE Teen Centers
Located at each of the middle schools in Folsom, they provide over 700 students a week with a supervised drop-in after school program that is free to the participants.
The Friends of the Folsom Public Library
A nonprofit, volunteer orginization that supports the Folsom Library and literacy programs for adults and children in the Folsom area.
The Folsom Rotary Club.
Support the Community! Bring a can of food and get $2.00 off adult admission.”
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Sacred Forest Spiritual Retreat
with Mbali Creazzo and Mahealani Uchiyama
Saturday-Sunday, October 27-28
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland
for registration details, contct Iya Mahea at 510-827-3997 or iyamahea@thesacredforest.org
http://thesacredforest.org/events
“Mbali Creazzo - voice for the ancestors, Medicine Woman, Ceremonial and Ritual leader joins with Mahealani Uchiyama - priestess of Ifa, dancer and musician, in a unique and exciting collaboration that will draw from the healing wisdom of Africa, with dance, ritual drumming and song, and ceremony as we answer the earth’s call for us to reawaken ancient aspects of ourselves….
This date and location are confirmed. Please save and be on the look out for more details.”
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Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for the Week starting Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Dances of Shakti, Group Vortex Healing, World Book Day, astrobarry’s Astrology Salon, Party Like a Rockstar, A Night of Prophesies and Creation Stories, Red Tent Evening, Steven Halpern, Earth Energy Walk, Spirituality and Men, Gather the Women, The Art and Craft of Natural Dyes, Witches' Ball, Film Noir Ball, Living Fully: Finding Joy in Every Breath, Soapmaking Basics, Circle of Wise Women, Goddess Awakening, The Witch's Garden, Awakening the Animistic Imagination, Mahealani Uchiyama, Drum Circle with Albert and Rabbit, Kwan Yin Devotional, South Bay Pagan Salon, CAYA’s Ball for the Bees
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Dances of Shakti
A Facilitated Dance Journey of Empowerment for Women
with Veenaa Saynana ‘Laughing Dolphin’
Wednesday, February 29, 7:00-9:00PM, and three more Wednesdays through March 21
Seventh Heaven Yoga Body Awareness Center, 2820 Seventh Street, Berkeley
$230 for the whole series, drop-in price $25
please register in advance at website below
Women only
for more information, contact Veenaa Saynana at veenaasaynana@gmail.com
http://www.aiyuinstitute.com/shakti-project
“Dances of Shakti include improvisation, dance, and authentic movement and opens doorways into the realms of endless possibilities. We start off with a theme that everyone is invited to explore and delve deeper if they choose. Each class starts with a short warm-up that includes breathing and gentle yoga stretches. The pace then picks up with up-tempo music. Each participant is encouraged to move at her own pace. A safe container is provided for each woman to explore her creative expression of her sensuality and sexuality, thereby allowing for her full expression of her feminine self. Participants will be guided to explore the creativity and wisdom within their bodies through facilitated paired dancing and group work that may include improvisation and authentic movement.
The class ends with a meditative piece which may include deep journeying, visualization, sound healing and more.
Highlights:
Provide an avenue for women to heal their femininity
Provide a safe container for women to express their sensuality freely
To help women get in touch with the wisdom of their bodies and their intuitive gifts
To teach powerful yet easy to learn tools to build confidence, self-esteem and trust”
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Group Vortex Healing
with Dragonfly
Wednesday, February 29, 7:00PM
Body Energy Center, 2939 Summit Street, Suite 301, Oakland, 510-467-8841
$20
Please RSVP to Dragonfly at 510-467-8841 or Exlibrys13@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/events/307516889303639/
http://www.arunabliss.com
http://www.vortexhealing.com
Dragonfly says:
“Blessings beloved,
This week at ArunaBliss, we will be nurturing our spirit with the angels. An Angelic Heart group healing bridges you deeply into the angelic realm, allowing an angel help to facilitate the session. During the healing, you will feel, sense, see, know angels communicating with you in the way that is most helpful in unfolding your natural gifts. Angelic presence will infuse your system to create new energy and clarity.
Old emotional patterns and blocks will fall away to open the way for new possibilities and the joy of creation to unfold. It is through inner improvement that we are able to cultivate the skills, wisdom and knowledge that will aid us in creating the Age of Light upon the Earth.
For the session, establish a clear intention in your heart of what you would like to ask from the divine and stay with that intention throughout the healing. Angels were created solely to serve the divine and are empowered by the divine to work directly in the manifest world. Angels come to deliver messages and guidance, to act as protectors, to bring hope, to give relief from adversity, to strengthen and support.”
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World Book Day
Thursday, March 1
http://www.worldbookday.com
“World Book Day is a celebration! It’s a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) it’s a celebration of reading. In fact, it’s the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world.”
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astrobarry’s Astrology Salon
Thursday, March 1, 7:30-9:30PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$20 suggested donation
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
http://www.astrobarry.com
“Join a lively astrology discussion led by astrobarry in this informal interactive group experience. Topics covered in each Astrology Salon will vary, based on who attends and what's going on in the sky. The Salon is intended to provide burgeoning astrologers with a chance to practice their chart interpretation skills in a safe, fun environment. Attendees should have a good working knowledge of the astrological language. Please bring 5-10 copies of any astrology chart you'd like us to discuss (free charts available at http://www.astro.com ).”
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Party Like a Rockstar
Friday, March 2, 6:00-8:00PM (and the first Friday of every month)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Free
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
http://oaklandartmurmur.org/about
“Hey, fans of Oakland Art Murmur!
Come on down to The Sacred Well before or after you head out to stroll the galleries. We'll be breaking open a couple bottles of Two Buck Chuck and answering your questions about crystals for healing, personal growth, and spiritual support. Fun, free, and casual!”
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A Night of Prophesies and Creation Stories
with Lakota Elder Woableza
Friday, March 2, 6:30PM
Ohlone Herbal Center, 1250 Addison Street, Suite 113, Berkeley
Suggested loving donation sliding scale: $10-25, no one turned away for lack of funds
https://www.facebook.com/events/187449484698009/#%21/events/187449484698009/
http://www.nativeland.org/raft/woableza.html
http://www.ohlonecenter.org
“We invite all to share in a wonderful evening with Lakota elder and great storyteller Woableza as he shares this rare and special evening of Prophesies and Creation Stories from the Lakota perspective: A New Mother Earth. The Re-creation Stories of the 4 Worlds; A Time to Reactivate is Upon Us!
Woableza says: ‘I have gathered many Creation Stories of Life and There were 4 Worlds on Mother Earth... By retelling of these to the generation of today... and by following the ancestors paths, we shall have a way - Into The Future!’
Woableza was a presenter at the Native American star knowledge conferences since the late 90s. He traveled throughout the US and Mexico with Chief Standing Elk.”
Thanks to Gina for letting me know about this event!
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Red Tent Evening
Friday, March 2, 7:00-9:30PM (please note time change)
The Red Tent, 15495 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite C, Los Gatos, 408-365-4905
$10-$15, complimentary entrance for young ladies menstruating-17 years old
(please note requested contribution change)
Please RSVP/register at the website below
http://theredtent.net/red_tent_events?eventId=431650&EventViewMode=EventDetails
“Women: Mothers, daughters (menstruating), grandmothers, sisters, aunts and female friends come together to share their power, love, courage, understanding, support and wisdom with one another.
Listen... receive... come to share from your heart
Food offerings brought to share are welcomed and encouraged
Wear your favorite shade of RED
Red Tents are an old ritual honoring a time of transformation or transition in a woman's life...please join us for this amazing evening at The Red Tent in Los Gatos.
The well of power and wisdom is rich and deep...come and drink from it...we look forward to sharing this evening with you.”
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Steven Halpern in concert
featuring Rasamayi and Paradiso
presented by East West Bookstore
Friday, March 2, 8:00PM
Ananda Temple, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
$20 in advance by March 1, $30 on the day
http://www.eastwest.com/steven-halpern-rasamayi-and-paradiso-concert
http://www.stevenhalpern.com
http://www.5thelementmusic.com
http://www.anandapaloalto.org
“What happens when a pioneering icon of sound healing joins forces with two emerging visionaries? Healing music magic! East West is proud to present this unprecedented collaboration of East West favorites and bestsellers, which promises to be one of the highlights of the year. Steven Halpern will debut his latest releases, including Billboard charting DEEP THETA, and award-winning, international radio chart-topping sound healers Paradiso and Rasamayi will use didgeridoo and gem-infused crystal bowls to create a spiritually-infused soundfield that will leave you feeling uplifted and at peace. Please note alternate venue to accommodate demand; this concert is a likely sell out, so buy your tickets today!”
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Earth Energy Walk
with Community Seed
Saturday, March 3, 9:45AM-1:00PM (and first Saturday of every month)
Quail Hollow Ranch, 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton
see link below for directions to meeting place
http://www.communityseed.org/CS_-_Events/Energy_Walks/energy_walks.html
http://www.communityseed.org/CS_-_Events/Energy_Walks/energy_walks.html#QuailHollow
http://www.scparks.com/quail_hollow.html
“Join us on our monthly walks, and feel the power of the Earth.
Walks are on the first Saturday of each month!
Gather at 9:45AM
Departure: 10:00AM
Return: around 1:00PM.
Details...
Our walk is usually about 2-3 hrs round trip with a stop for meditation half way in. We will walk rain or shine, however... if the forecast is very stormy, call ahead to verify. 831-469-0336
Before beginning our walk together, we will take a moment to center our minds and bodies. Once we are all fully present, we will begin our journey, all the while tuning in, listening, and absorbing the energies of the elements, plants, and animals. Halfway into our walk we will sit for meditation, a guided visualization, and to share food.
FOR ALL LOCATIONS Please bring:
Drinking water
A small snack
Hiking Shoes
Comfortable Clothes
Money for Parking (Several parks)
If the location is not listed... please call or email us. 831-469-0336, info@communityseed.org”
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Spirituality and Men
half-day retreat with Chief Phillip Scott
Saturday, March 3, 10:00AM-3:00PM
Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Novato, 415-884-2314
donations accepted
please register at the website below:
http://www.anubhutiretreatcenter.org/Events.html/Events/Retreats.html
http://www.ancestralvoice.org
“Living Fearlessly - Path of the Awakened Warrior
Ancestral Voice is a center of healing and learning devoted to the preservation, application and respectful dissemination of shamanic and Indigenous lifeways. Drawing upon Native wisdom and practices, seekers learn and discover ways to live Intentfully, with Awareness, Passion and Freedom. Chief Phillip Scott will share his journey and conduct a ceremony.
Guest Facilitator: Phillip Scott, of Western Band Tsalagi (Cherokee) Ancestry, has walked the Native path for over thirty years, learning from traditional Medicine/Holy people, tribal Spiritual leaders, shamans and elders from various cultures. Sundancing for the past twenty consecutive years, he is a ceremonial Chief in the Lakota tradition, entrusted with sharing Indigenous wisdom and traditional healing practices with the contemporary world. In addition to directing and teaching the programs at Ancestral Voice - Center for Indigenous Lifeways, which he founded in 1994 in Northern California, he maintains a private healing practice, performs ceremonies, lectures, conducts intensives and leads pilgrimages worldwide.
Spirituality and Men is a self-development forum for men aiming to explore the spirit of man through informative dialogue, honest interaction and the silence of meditation. They are run by men for men of all backgrounds who are interested in exploring their inner spirit.
These circles meet quarterly and provide men a safe and harmonious opportunity for discussing and sharing ideas and feelings around a variety of topics relevant to the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. The meetings feature guest speakers followed by an interactive workshop which includes readings, music, silent reflection and guided meditation.
Includes wholesome and delicious vegetarian lunch
All workshops and retreats at Anubhuti are made possible by the generosity and contributions of the participants.”
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Gather the Women
Saturday, March 3, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Cotati Veterans Memorial Hall, 8505 Park Avenue, Cotati
$25 plus a potluck dish
for more information, please contact Donna Ahlstrand at GWTnorthbay@comcast.net
http://lightpages.net/lp/eventdetail.cfm?event=3705&login=463121
“Northern California Gather The Women Global Matrix - The Story Is Change
Our March 3 gathering in Cotati is part of an international web of memorable events and gatherings, which we will honor and acknowledge. These events include: the UN non- governmental organization Commission on the Status of Women (NGO CSW) Forum being held in New York from February 26 through March 9, the 101st anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8, the 10th anniversary of the formation of the Gather the Women Global Matrix Steering Committee of 12 bold and daring women, Women's History Month activities, and the centennial year of women being allowed to vote in California (voted into law 10/10/1911).
Drumming, Singing, Dancing, Community, Celebration, Food, Auction, Opportunity Drawing, Networking Tables plus 4 great speakers: Rev. Ann Keeler Evans, Stargazer Li, Jeane Slone and Diana Ruiz. Let's celebrate together.”
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The Art and Craft of Natural Dyes
with Rebecca Burgess
part of the Re-Skilling Workshop series
Saturday, March 3, 10:00AM-4:00PM, and Part Two on April 7
Commonweal Garden at the Regenerative Design Institute, Bolinas
$175
see website for directions, detailed schedule, what to bring, and registration information
http://regenerativedesign.org/natural-dyes
http://regenerativedesign.org/rebecca-burgess
http://www.regenerativedesign.org/re-skilling-series
“If you love the look and feel of naturally dyed fabrics, and want to learn how to make your own creations at home, this series is for you! Join master dyer and author of Harvesting Color, Rebecca Burgess, for this hands on 2-part series that will take you step by step through the process of natural dyeing and printing. You'll leave with the knowledge to make long lasting, eco-friendly fabrics for yourself, friends and family.
Step 1: Making Dyes from Scratch (March 3)
Walk through one of California’s gorgeous intact native landscapes and learn to identify and sustainably harvest native and naturalized species from the bio-diverse grounds of the Regenerative Design Institute. Take part in the step-by-step process of preparing fabric for dye, and learn how to create a dye vat with local materials. We will prepare three dye vats of various color, and prepare the fabric with mordant (a binding agent).
Step 2: Dipping and Printing (April 7)
Your prepared fabrics will be immersed in your our homemade dyes - followed by the process of embellishment, utilizing the art of natural printmaking. Students will learn to carve stamps with chosen imagery, and use this stamp to adorn their fabrics with natural inks. Learn to make your inks from the remnants of pomegranate and windfalls from the black oak.
What is Re-Skilling?
Our ancestors, perhaps only a few generations back, were able to make what they needed for daily life or trade for what they needed with a skilled neighbor.
In this modern culture, most of us have lost the skills of basic craftsmanship. As we transition away from global consumerism and towards localized, earth-friendly economies, we need to reclaim these skills for ourselves and for our community.
Many of us have already started to re-skill around food - growing fresh vegetables in the backyard or cultivating a plot at a local community garden. This self-sustaining practice is deeply satisfying, and in the Bay Area there is a vibrant local economy around food that supports local farmers, garden teachers, restaurants, and burgeoning new vegetable landscaping businesses.
The Re-Skilling Series at RDI was inspired by our greater community's interest in learning more craftsmanship skills. Beyond growing our own vegetables, we can start re-skilling around food preservation, clothing, personal care products, furniture, and other needs of daily life.
Re-skilling requires that we connect more deeply to the natural world. It involves cultivating (or foraging) plants for basketry, building materials, medicine, general body care, dyes, food and clothing. It invites us into a closer relationship with domestic and wild animals, and asks that we pay more attention to the changing of the seasons and the cycles of the natural world. It also fosters a deeper gratitude for all that nature continues to provide us.
Re-skilling is happening all over the world - especially within communities engaged in the Transition Town movement. Now is the time to reclaim these basic skills of local craftsmanship! We believe that joy of reclaiming these skills will increase our self-sufficiency and meet the growing needs for a local, regenerative economy.”
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Fourth Annual Witches' Ball
A Benefit for The Pagan Alliance
Saturday, March 3, 3:00PM-Midnight
Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia
see Eventbrite page for admission details
http://witchesball2012.eventbrite.com
http://www.thepaganalliance.org
“Children's Afternoon 3:00-6:00PM:
Ostara Egg Hunt
Face Painting
Live Music and Dance
Druid Storytelling Pavilion
Snacks! Games! Fun! And More!
21+ 8:00PM to Midnight - photo ID required:
Sharon Knight Trio http://www.sharonknight.net
DJ Capt Kaoss
dj gravedigger
Aerial Dance by Lady Luck
Grateful Sirens Bellydancers
Drummers welcome!
Dance, Drink and Be Merry!
Free Bottled Water for Designated Drivers
All day:
Raffle prizes
Costume contest
Divinatory Readings all day and night
Vendors with Clothing, Amber, Jewelry, Art, Henna, Crochet, Pan horns, Masks etc!”
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Film Noir Ball
presented by PEERS
Saturday, March 3, Doors Open 6:45PM, Dance Lesson: 7:00PM, Dancing
Begins: 8:00PM
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo, 100 N Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo
$20
http://www.peers.org/noir.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Swingtime/117504906524
“Private eyes, hired guns, sinister collectors, femme fatales, chorus girls, classy dames with a secret, and even innocent bystanders are invited to an evening of vintage ballroom and Swing dancing at the Noir Club.
Sara and Swingtime plays hot Swing, cool blues, and romantic ballroom standards in our tribute to the Film Noir classics of the 1940’s and 50’s. Dance everything from elegant waltzes, tangos and foxtrots to the hottest Swing and Latin dance tunes played by one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s classiest and most danceable Swing bands.
For those of you wanting to brush up on your vintage Fox Trot and East Coast Swing skills, there will be a pre-ball dance workshop at 7pm.
Suggested costume is evening dress of the 1930’s, 40’s or 50’s or modern evening dress, ideally in black, white or shades of gray in honor of the great black and white classics of the Film Noir genre; however, this is by no means a requirement: Colors are welcome and costumes are admired but not required for the ball.”
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Living Fully: Finding Joy in Every Breath
with Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche
Saturday, March 3, 7:30PM
East West Bookstore, 324 Castro Street, Mountain View, 650-988-9800 or 800-909-6161
Free but call to reserve a seat 650-988-9800 or 800-909-6161
http://www.eastwest.com/march_events#3a
http://shyalparinpoche.org/index.php
“We all aspire to live fully, but how do we fulfill our deepest aspirations? In his characteristically direct and engaging style, renowned Tibetan Buddhist lama, Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche will reveal priceless jewels of wisdom from his new book Living Fully: Finding Joy in Every Breath. Rinpoche beckons us home to our true nature. At peace with ourselves and at ease with the world, we will discover how to make the most of every moment. A delightful evening for all!”
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Soapmaking Basics
with Allysyn Kiplinger
part of the Re-Skilling Workshop series
Sunday, March 4, 9:30AM-5:00PM
Commonweal Garden at the Regenerative Design Institute, Bolinas
$95
see website for directions, detailed schedule, what to bring, and registration information
http://regenerativedesign.org/courses-events/re-skilling-soapmaking-basics
http://www.regenerativedesign.org/re-skilling-series
“In this hands-on, fully engaged class you will make five pounds of vegetarian soap from scratch, using the traditional cold process method and a special zipper recipe of coconut and California Olive Oil. This simple, but specially developed recipe is easily adaptable to your family's needs back at home. We have a treasure trove of tools, molds, toys, herbs, flowers, grains, books, and others soap samples to inspire your creativity and thus customize your work.
The class includes a discussion of chemistry, safety, recipe adaptations, French milling, glycerine soap, fillers, and superfatting. We will also focus on ecological and bioregional issues of home, small scale and local production for community health and vitality.
All participants will leave with the know-how to make their own soaps at home, as well as a 5-pound batch of hand-crafted soap to take home.
What is Re-Skilling?
Our ancestors, perhaps only a few generations back, were able to make what they needed for daily life or trade for what they needed with a skilled neighbor.
In this modern culture, most of us have lost the skills of basic craftsmanship. As we transition away from global consumerism and towards localized, earth-friendly economies, we need to reclaim these skills for ourselves and for our community.
Many of us have already started to re-skill around food - growing fresh vegetables in the backyard or cultivating a plot at a local community garden. This self-sustaining practice is deeply satisfying, and in the Bay Area there is a vibrant local economy around food that supports local farmers, garden teachers, restaurants, and burgeoning new vegetable landscaping businesses.
The Re-Skilling Series at RDI was inspired by our greater community's interest in learning more craftsmanship skills. Beyond growing our own vegetables, we can start re-skilling around food preservation, clothing, personal care products, furniture, and other needs of daily life.
Re-skilling requires that we connect more deeply to the natural world. It involves cultivating (or foraging) plants for basketry, building materials, medicine, general body care, dyes, food and clothing. It invites us into a closer relationship with domestic and wild animals, and asks that we pay more attention to the changing of the seasons and the cycles of the natural world. It also fosters a deeper gratitude for all that nature continues to provide us.
Re-skilling is happening all over the world - especially within communities engaged in the Transition Town movement. Now is the time to reclaim these basic skills of local craftsmanship! We believe that joy of reclaiming these skills will increase our self-sufficiency and meet the growing needs for a local, regenerative economy.”
______________________________________
Circle of Wise Women: Staying Present in the Palace of Possibilities
half-day retreat with Susan Kirsch
Sunday, March 4, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Novato, 415-884-2314
donations accepted
please register at the website below:
http://www.anubhutiretreatcenter.org/Events.html/Events/Retreats.html
http://www.susankirsch.com
“In a world in which we find ourselves breathless, this is an invitation to be inspired, to breathe in knowledge and to develop a very personal daily practice into your soul. Discover a simple practice of transformation in daily life with a deeply-sourced soul, Susan Kirsch. We will listen to her personal journey and learn how to write poetry gathered through all senses with reverence to the nature of others and the Sacred in Nature. We will resonate with a deep knowing that the only way to counterbalance the realities of the world is with love, empathy, generosity and care.
Facilitator: Susan Kirsch, author of Simply Go*d: Praise Poems Celebrating the Divine in Daily Life, describes a morning practice that richly awakens body, mind and spirit. It culminates with a two-part journal entry including a visual image on the right side of the page and a praise poem on the left. When she’s not writing or gardening, Susan consults with nonprofit organizations around issues of fundraising and strategic planning. She has raised funds for education, housing, water, and mental health, among other needs. Susan is an advisor for the Social Justice Center of Marin, former board member of the Marin Interfaith Council, and president of her neighborhood association.
We invite all women to participate in Circle of Wise Women. We meet once every quarter with a different guest facilitator covering various spiritual themes.
Includes wholesome and delicious vegetarian lunch.
All workshops and retreats at Anubhuti are made possible by the generosity and contributions of the participants. Please check with our staff for details.”
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Goddess Awakening - Temple services for She of 10,000 Names
with Rabbit, Iris, and guest Priestesses
Sunday, March 4, 11:00AM-12:00PM, (and the first Sunday of every month)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
Women only
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
"Women! Join Rabbit and Iris as they share myths that explore and validate the many different experiences of womanhood, from the precious to the painful and back. We all find a Mother, Healer, and Queen in the Goddess, and She can help us honor the lessons of our own experiences.”
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The Witch's Garden
with Rabbit
Sunday, March 4, 3:00-5:00PM, (and the first Sunday of every month)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 for any individual class
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
“The Witch's Garden is a 12-month series of classes for the budding herbalist. If you have been studying or practicing on your own, or if you are curious and seeking to deepen your knowledge of how to use herbs magically and for personal healing, this class is for you!
Each session is a fun, casual, interactive, hands-on lesson in one facet of practical and magical herbalism. As a general rule, please wear clothes that you can get dirty in as we play with the plants and make our potions!”
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Awakening the Animistic Imagination
with Cyndera Quackenbush
Sundayday, March 4, 3:00-6:00PM
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
$45
http://dream-institute.org
http://www.examiner.com/dream-research-in-san-francisco/the-dreamers-of-san-francisco-series-cyndera-quackenbush-is-living-the-labyrynth
“Animism, from Latin anima, or soul, sees the world as sentient and alive. In this workshop, billion-year-old stones from Death Valley are the basis for activating the imagination. The shapes, figures, and landscapes on the stones function like a Rorschach to evoke powerful stories. Participants will select a stone that calls to them, then meditate on it in silence until a story emerges. In sharing these tales, we will consider them waking dreams inspired by the anima mundi, or soul of the world. We will move from our individual tales to deep eco-collective questions of how tending these emergent themes can bridge the gap between modern civilization and our very ancient planet. Those who have participated in this unique workshop have found it to be personally moving and inspiring.”
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Mahealani Uchiyama
in concert
Sunday, March 4, 8:00PM
Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley
$12
http://thesacredforest.org/events
http://www.ashkenaz.com/2011/sidepages/march12/sun2n.html
“Join Hawai’i Music Award Winner Mahealani Uchiyama for an enchanting and lively evening of dance and music at Ashkenaz! With Ashley Wai’olu Moore, Hugh Humphrey, Aaron Sencil, and the dancers and drummers of Halau Ka Ua Tuahine.”
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Drum Circle with Albert and Rabbit
Tuesday, March 6, 6:00-8:00PM, and every month, typically first Tuesdays
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
“Join Albert and Rabbit for a drum circle at The Sacred Well. Bring your drums, rattles, bells, etc. From month to month we'll be exploring different rhythms, practicing techniques such as drumming and singing at the same time, developing our own drum language, and doing shamanic journey together.”
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Kwan Yin Devotional
Presented by The Fellowship of the Spiral Path’s Gateway Circle
Tuesday, March 6, 7:30-9:00PM (and the first Tuesday of every month)
BFUU Main Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
Donations gratefully accepted
http://www.thespiralpath.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=278&date=20120306
“Kwan Yin has shown herself by many faces to literally billions of people around the world. While she was first known in China as a male bodhisattva, over the years, her depictions in Chinese ritual and art shifted from male, through epicene, to clearly female, and as a female her veneration spread like wildfire throughout southern and eastern Asia and eventually, to the New World with legions of Chinese immigrants. Wherever her veneration has spread, in turn there are stories of her direct interaction and communication with any who call on her in their need, even taking the form of other humans to do so.
While she is primarily associated with Buddhism, her veneration is hardly limited to Buddhists. While not a goddess according to her native tradition, she is well known as a Goddess of Mercy. When Christianity was outlawed in Japan and punishable by death, it was under her gown that secret Christians could cloak their veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Today to neo-Pagans, she is a being of great power and boundless compassion, looked to for healing and deliverance of all sorts, a universal savior unencumbered by whatever baggage we may have from the gods and savior(s) we grew up with [if any]. It is said she will appear in any form necessary to speak the words that will lead to your enlightenment, and that so great is her compassion that she stands just this side of selfishness, inviting all others to pass before her.
In return, she asks for nothing, because she herself is free from all desires.
Done by Diana Paxson [and possibly Lorrie Wood]. Various stories of the fismonger, the prostitute and the princess. An opportunity to experience the bodhisattva for yourself.
This ritual will involve sandalwood Incense, lit candles, chanting, a high probability of possessory trance
Participants are suggested to wear white and dress modestly, but will be warmly welcomed however they are dressed.
Participants are suggested to abstain from having eaten meat or drinking alcohol on the day of this event, but will be warmly welcomed whatever they have consumed.
The ritual will start as close to 7:30 PM as possible. Please be prompt.
All are welcome to this open public outreach circle sponsored by the Fellowship of the Spiral Path.”
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South Bay Pagan Salon
Tuesday, March 6, 7:30PM (and the first and third Tuesday of every month)
Cafe at Books, Inc, 301 Castro Street, Mountain View
for more information, contact Jason Mankey at panmankey@gmail.com
Jason says:
“We'd like to formally invite you to join us the first and third Tuesdays of every month for the South Bay Pagan Salon. The SBPS is a discussion and networking group, dedicated to talking about "Pagan Things" and networking in the Bay Area. Generally we'll start each meeting with a specific topic to get the discussion rolling along, but after we get started it'll be rather open ended with the participants dictating where the discussion will go.
We hope you'll join us.
No donations required, heck, if you show up I just might buy you a cup of coffee.
If you've got questions, I might have answers. Email me (Jason) at panmankey@gmail.com”
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CAYA’s Ball for the Bees
Saturday, March 31, 7:00-11:00PM
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3037562431
https://www.facebook.com/events/312492805476222
“Come As You Are Coven is proud to present The Ball for the Bees, a fundraiser to support local beekeepers and bee advocacy organizations. Honey bees are essential to our ecosystem and the sudden, unexplained disappearance of bees is an alarming warning bell to our society. We believe that with greater advocacy and local initiates, bee populations can be healthily restored and our mutual stewardship of the Earth’s resources can be brought back into balance. To that end, we are hosting this fundraiser.
The ball will be held at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists at 1924 Cedar Street in Berkeley. Begin the evening with a beginner lesson in rotary waltz taught by Persephone, then dance the night away! Enjoy a night of fun, fanciness (costumes admired but not required) and enchantment, all while benefitting efforts to support the bees and the development of sustainable resources for their care. There will be a raffle, tarot readers, light refreshments, and more.
7 pm: Vintage waltz lesson with vintage dance mistress Persephone
8 pm-11pm: Dancing and revelry
Light refreshments will be available
Cash bar with beer and wine
CAYA Coven’s current co-sponsors for this event are The Sacred Well, the Temple of Aphrodite and the Pagan Alliance.”
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Have a Bookish, Imaginative, Awakened Week!
Molly Blue Dawn
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Dances of Shakti
A Facilitated Dance Journey of Empowerment for Women
with Veenaa Saynana ‘Laughing Dolphin’
Wednesday, February 29, 7:00-9:00PM, and three more Wednesdays through March 21
Seventh Heaven Yoga Body Awareness Center, 2820 Seventh Street, Berkeley
$230 for the whole series, drop-in price $25
please register in advance at website below
Women only
for more information, contact Veenaa Saynana at veenaasaynana@gmail.com
http://www.aiyuinstitute.com/shakti-project
“Dances of Shakti include improvisation, dance, and authentic movement and opens doorways into the realms of endless possibilities. We start off with a theme that everyone is invited to explore and delve deeper if they choose. Each class starts with a short warm-up that includes breathing and gentle yoga stretches. The pace then picks up with up-tempo music. Each participant is encouraged to move at her own pace. A safe container is provided for each woman to explore her creative expression of her sensuality and sexuality, thereby allowing for her full expression of her feminine self. Participants will be guided to explore the creativity and wisdom within their bodies through facilitated paired dancing and group work that may include improvisation and authentic movement.
The class ends with a meditative piece which may include deep journeying, visualization, sound healing and more.
Highlights:
Provide an avenue for women to heal their femininity
Provide a safe container for women to express their sensuality freely
To help women get in touch with the wisdom of their bodies and their intuitive gifts
To teach powerful yet easy to learn tools to build confidence, self-esteem and trust”
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Group Vortex Healing
with Dragonfly
Wednesday, February 29, 7:00PM
Body Energy Center, 2939 Summit Street, Suite 301, Oakland, 510-467-8841
$20
Please RSVP to Dragonfly at 510-467-8841 or Exlibrys13@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/events/307516889303639/
http://www.arunabliss.com
http://www.vortexhealing.com
Dragonfly says:
“Blessings beloved,
This week at ArunaBliss, we will be nurturing our spirit with the angels. An Angelic Heart group healing bridges you deeply into the angelic realm, allowing an angel help to facilitate the session. During the healing, you will feel, sense, see, know angels communicating with you in the way that is most helpful in unfolding your natural gifts. Angelic presence will infuse your system to create new energy and clarity.
Old emotional patterns and blocks will fall away to open the way for new possibilities and the joy of creation to unfold. It is through inner improvement that we are able to cultivate the skills, wisdom and knowledge that will aid us in creating the Age of Light upon the Earth.
For the session, establish a clear intention in your heart of what you would like to ask from the divine and stay with that intention throughout the healing. Angels were created solely to serve the divine and are empowered by the divine to work directly in the manifest world. Angels come to deliver messages and guidance, to act as protectors, to bring hope, to give relief from adversity, to strengthen and support.”
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World Book Day
Thursday, March 1
http://www.worldbookday.com
“World Book Day is a celebration! It’s a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) it’s a celebration of reading. In fact, it’s the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world.”
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astrobarry’s Astrology Salon
Thursday, March 1, 7:30-9:30PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$20 suggested donation
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
http://www.astrobarry.com
“Join a lively astrology discussion led by astrobarry in this informal interactive group experience. Topics covered in each Astrology Salon will vary, based on who attends and what's going on in the sky. The Salon is intended to provide burgeoning astrologers with a chance to practice their chart interpretation skills in a safe, fun environment. Attendees should have a good working knowledge of the astrological language. Please bring 5-10 copies of any astrology chart you'd like us to discuss (free charts available at http://www.astro.com ).”
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Party Like a Rockstar
Friday, March 2, 6:00-8:00PM (and the first Friday of every month)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Free
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
http://oaklandartmurmur.org/about
“Hey, fans of Oakland Art Murmur!
Come on down to The Sacred Well before or after you head out to stroll the galleries. We'll be breaking open a couple bottles of Two Buck Chuck and answering your questions about crystals for healing, personal growth, and spiritual support. Fun, free, and casual!”
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A Night of Prophesies and Creation Stories
with Lakota Elder Woableza
Friday, March 2, 6:30PM
Ohlone Herbal Center, 1250 Addison Street, Suite 113, Berkeley
Suggested loving donation sliding scale: $10-25, no one turned away for lack of funds
https://www.facebook.com/events/187449484698009/#%21/events/187449484698009/
http://www.nativeland.org/raft/woableza.html
http://www.ohlonecenter.org
“We invite all to share in a wonderful evening with Lakota elder and great storyteller Woableza as he shares this rare and special evening of Prophesies and Creation Stories from the Lakota perspective: A New Mother Earth. The Re-creation Stories of the 4 Worlds; A Time to Reactivate is Upon Us!
Woableza says: ‘I have gathered many Creation Stories of Life and There were 4 Worlds on Mother Earth... By retelling of these to the generation of today... and by following the ancestors paths, we shall have a way - Into The Future!’
Woableza was a presenter at the Native American star knowledge conferences since the late 90s. He traveled throughout the US and Mexico with Chief Standing Elk.”
Thanks to Gina for letting me know about this event!
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Red Tent Evening
Friday, March 2, 7:00-9:30PM (please note time change)
The Red Tent, 15495 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite C, Los Gatos, 408-365-4905
$10-$15, complimentary entrance for young ladies menstruating-17 years old
(please note requested contribution change)
Please RSVP/register at the website below
http://theredtent.net/red_tent_events?eventId=431650&EventViewMode=EventDetails
“Women: Mothers, daughters (menstruating), grandmothers, sisters, aunts and female friends come together to share their power, love, courage, understanding, support and wisdom with one another.
Listen... receive... come to share from your heart
Food offerings brought to share are welcomed and encouraged
Wear your favorite shade of RED
Red Tents are an old ritual honoring a time of transformation or transition in a woman's life...please join us for this amazing evening at The Red Tent in Los Gatos.
The well of power and wisdom is rich and deep...come and drink from it...we look forward to sharing this evening with you.”
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Steven Halpern in concert
featuring Rasamayi and Paradiso
presented by East West Bookstore
Friday, March 2, 8:00PM
Ananda Temple, 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
$20 in advance by March 1, $30 on the day
http://www.eastwest.com/steven-halpern-rasamayi-and-paradiso-concert
http://www.stevenhalpern.com
http://www.5thelementmusic.com
http://www.anandapaloalto.org
“What happens when a pioneering icon of sound healing joins forces with two emerging visionaries? Healing music magic! East West is proud to present this unprecedented collaboration of East West favorites and bestsellers, which promises to be one of the highlights of the year. Steven Halpern will debut his latest releases, including Billboard charting DEEP THETA, and award-winning, international radio chart-topping sound healers Paradiso and Rasamayi will use didgeridoo and gem-infused crystal bowls to create a spiritually-infused soundfield that will leave you feeling uplifted and at peace. Please note alternate venue to accommodate demand; this concert is a likely sell out, so buy your tickets today!”
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Earth Energy Walk
with Community Seed
Saturday, March 3, 9:45AM-1:00PM (and first Saturday of every month)
Quail Hollow Ranch, 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton
see link below for directions to meeting place
http://www.communityseed.org/CS_-_Events/Energy_Walks/energy_walks.html
http://www.communityseed.org/CS_-_Events/Energy_Walks/energy_walks.html#QuailHollow
http://www.scparks.com/quail_hollow.html
“Join us on our monthly walks, and feel the power of the Earth.
Walks are on the first Saturday of each month!
Gather at 9:45AM
Departure: 10:00AM
Return: around 1:00PM.
Details...
Our walk is usually about 2-3 hrs round trip with a stop for meditation half way in. We will walk rain or shine, however... if the forecast is very stormy, call ahead to verify. 831-469-0336
Before beginning our walk together, we will take a moment to center our minds and bodies. Once we are all fully present, we will begin our journey, all the while tuning in, listening, and absorbing the energies of the elements, plants, and animals. Halfway into our walk we will sit for meditation, a guided visualization, and to share food.
FOR ALL LOCATIONS Please bring:
Drinking water
A small snack
Hiking Shoes
Comfortable Clothes
Money for Parking (Several parks)
If the location is not listed... please call or email us. 831-469-0336, info@communityseed.org”
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Spirituality and Men
half-day retreat with Chief Phillip Scott
Saturday, March 3, 10:00AM-3:00PM
Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Novato, 415-884-2314
donations accepted
please register at the website below:
http://www.anubhutiretreatcenter.org/Events.html/Events/Retreats.html
http://www.ancestralvoice.org
“Living Fearlessly - Path of the Awakened Warrior
Ancestral Voice is a center of healing and learning devoted to the preservation, application and respectful dissemination of shamanic and Indigenous lifeways. Drawing upon Native wisdom and practices, seekers learn and discover ways to live Intentfully, with Awareness, Passion and Freedom. Chief Phillip Scott will share his journey and conduct a ceremony.
Guest Facilitator: Phillip Scott, of Western Band Tsalagi (Cherokee) Ancestry, has walked the Native path for over thirty years, learning from traditional Medicine/Holy people, tribal Spiritual leaders, shamans and elders from various cultures. Sundancing for the past twenty consecutive years, he is a ceremonial Chief in the Lakota tradition, entrusted with sharing Indigenous wisdom and traditional healing practices with the contemporary world. In addition to directing and teaching the programs at Ancestral Voice - Center for Indigenous Lifeways, which he founded in 1994 in Northern California, he maintains a private healing practice, performs ceremonies, lectures, conducts intensives and leads pilgrimages worldwide.
Spirituality and Men is a self-development forum for men aiming to explore the spirit of man through informative dialogue, honest interaction and the silence of meditation. They are run by men for men of all backgrounds who are interested in exploring their inner spirit.
These circles meet quarterly and provide men a safe and harmonious opportunity for discussing and sharing ideas and feelings around a variety of topics relevant to the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. The meetings feature guest speakers followed by an interactive workshop which includes readings, music, silent reflection and guided meditation.
Includes wholesome and delicious vegetarian lunch
All workshops and retreats at Anubhuti are made possible by the generosity and contributions of the participants.”
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Gather the Women
Saturday, March 3, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Cotati Veterans Memorial Hall, 8505 Park Avenue, Cotati
$25 plus a potluck dish
for more information, please contact Donna Ahlstrand at GWTnorthbay@comcast.net
http://lightpages.net/lp/eventdetail.cfm?event=3705&login=463121
“Northern California Gather The Women Global Matrix - The Story Is Change
Our March 3 gathering in Cotati is part of an international web of memorable events and gatherings, which we will honor and acknowledge. These events include: the UN non- governmental organization Commission on the Status of Women (NGO CSW) Forum being held in New York from February 26 through March 9, the 101st anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8, the 10th anniversary of the formation of the Gather the Women Global Matrix Steering Committee of 12 bold and daring women, Women's History Month activities, and the centennial year of women being allowed to vote in California (voted into law 10/10/1911).
Drumming, Singing, Dancing, Community, Celebration, Food, Auction, Opportunity Drawing, Networking Tables plus 4 great speakers: Rev. Ann Keeler Evans, Stargazer Li, Jeane Slone and Diana Ruiz. Let's celebrate together.”
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The Art and Craft of Natural Dyes
with Rebecca Burgess
part of the Re-Skilling Workshop series
Saturday, March 3, 10:00AM-4:00PM, and Part Two on April 7
Commonweal Garden at the Regenerative Design Institute, Bolinas
$175
see website for directions, detailed schedule, what to bring, and registration information
http://regenerativedesign.org/natural-dyes
http://regenerativedesign.org/rebecca-burgess
http://www.regenerativedesign.org/re-skilling-series
“If you love the look and feel of naturally dyed fabrics, and want to learn how to make your own creations at home, this series is for you! Join master dyer and author of Harvesting Color, Rebecca Burgess, for this hands on 2-part series that will take you step by step through the process of natural dyeing and printing. You'll leave with the knowledge to make long lasting, eco-friendly fabrics for yourself, friends and family.
Step 1: Making Dyes from Scratch (March 3)
Walk through one of California’s gorgeous intact native landscapes and learn to identify and sustainably harvest native and naturalized species from the bio-diverse grounds of the Regenerative Design Institute. Take part in the step-by-step process of preparing fabric for dye, and learn how to create a dye vat with local materials. We will prepare three dye vats of various color, and prepare the fabric with mordant (a binding agent).
Step 2: Dipping and Printing (April 7)
Your prepared fabrics will be immersed in your our homemade dyes - followed by the process of embellishment, utilizing the art of natural printmaking. Students will learn to carve stamps with chosen imagery, and use this stamp to adorn their fabrics with natural inks. Learn to make your inks from the remnants of pomegranate and windfalls from the black oak.
What is Re-Skilling?
Our ancestors, perhaps only a few generations back, were able to make what they needed for daily life or trade for what they needed with a skilled neighbor.
In this modern culture, most of us have lost the skills of basic craftsmanship. As we transition away from global consumerism and towards localized, earth-friendly economies, we need to reclaim these skills for ourselves and for our community.
Many of us have already started to re-skill around food - growing fresh vegetables in the backyard or cultivating a plot at a local community garden. This self-sustaining practice is deeply satisfying, and in the Bay Area there is a vibrant local economy around food that supports local farmers, garden teachers, restaurants, and burgeoning new vegetable landscaping businesses.
The Re-Skilling Series at RDI was inspired by our greater community's interest in learning more craftsmanship skills. Beyond growing our own vegetables, we can start re-skilling around food preservation, clothing, personal care products, furniture, and other needs of daily life.
Re-skilling requires that we connect more deeply to the natural world. It involves cultivating (or foraging) plants for basketry, building materials, medicine, general body care, dyes, food and clothing. It invites us into a closer relationship with domestic and wild animals, and asks that we pay more attention to the changing of the seasons and the cycles of the natural world. It also fosters a deeper gratitude for all that nature continues to provide us.
Re-skilling is happening all over the world - especially within communities engaged in the Transition Town movement. Now is the time to reclaim these basic skills of local craftsmanship! We believe that joy of reclaiming these skills will increase our self-sufficiency and meet the growing needs for a local, regenerative economy.”
______________________________________
Fourth Annual Witches' Ball
A Benefit for The Pagan Alliance
Saturday, March 3, 3:00PM-Midnight
Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia
see Eventbrite page for admission details
http://witchesball2012.eventbrite.com
http://www.thepaganalliance.org
“Children's Afternoon 3:00-6:00PM:
Ostara Egg Hunt
Face Painting
Live Music and Dance
Druid Storytelling Pavilion
Snacks! Games! Fun! And More!
21+ 8:00PM to Midnight - photo ID required:
Sharon Knight Trio http://www.sharonknight.net
DJ Capt Kaoss
dj gravedigger
Aerial Dance by Lady Luck
Grateful Sirens Bellydancers
Drummers welcome!
Dance, Drink and Be Merry!
Free Bottled Water for Designated Drivers
All day:
Raffle prizes
Costume contest
Divinatory Readings all day and night
Vendors with Clothing, Amber, Jewelry, Art, Henna, Crochet, Pan horns, Masks etc!”
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Film Noir Ball
presented by PEERS
Saturday, March 3, Doors Open 6:45PM, Dance Lesson: 7:00PM, Dancing
Begins: 8:00PM
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo, 100 N Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo
$20
http://www.peers.org/noir.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Swingtime/117504906524
“Private eyes, hired guns, sinister collectors, femme fatales, chorus girls, classy dames with a secret, and even innocent bystanders are invited to an evening of vintage ballroom and Swing dancing at the Noir Club.
Sara and Swingtime plays hot Swing, cool blues, and romantic ballroom standards in our tribute to the Film Noir classics of the 1940’s and 50’s. Dance everything from elegant waltzes, tangos and foxtrots to the hottest Swing and Latin dance tunes played by one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s classiest and most danceable Swing bands.
For those of you wanting to brush up on your vintage Fox Trot and East Coast Swing skills, there will be a pre-ball dance workshop at 7pm.
Suggested costume is evening dress of the 1930’s, 40’s or 50’s or modern evening dress, ideally in black, white or shades of gray in honor of the great black and white classics of the Film Noir genre; however, this is by no means a requirement: Colors are welcome and costumes are admired but not required for the ball.”
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Living Fully: Finding Joy in Every Breath
with Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche
Saturday, March 3, 7:30PM
East West Bookstore, 324 Castro Street, Mountain View, 650-988-9800 or 800-909-6161
Free but call to reserve a seat 650-988-9800 or 800-909-6161
http://www.eastwest.com/march_events#3a
http://shyalparinpoche.org/index.php
“We all aspire to live fully, but how do we fulfill our deepest aspirations? In his characteristically direct and engaging style, renowned Tibetan Buddhist lama, Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche will reveal priceless jewels of wisdom from his new book Living Fully: Finding Joy in Every Breath. Rinpoche beckons us home to our true nature. At peace with ourselves and at ease with the world, we will discover how to make the most of every moment. A delightful evening for all!”
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Soapmaking Basics
with Allysyn Kiplinger
part of the Re-Skilling Workshop series
Sunday, March 4, 9:30AM-5:00PM
Commonweal Garden at the Regenerative Design Institute, Bolinas
$95
see website for directions, detailed schedule, what to bring, and registration information
http://regenerativedesign.org/courses-events/re-skilling-soapmaking-basics
http://www.regenerativedesign.org/re-skilling-series
“In this hands-on, fully engaged class you will make five pounds of vegetarian soap from scratch, using the traditional cold process method and a special zipper recipe of coconut and California Olive Oil. This simple, but specially developed recipe is easily adaptable to your family's needs back at home. We have a treasure trove of tools, molds, toys, herbs, flowers, grains, books, and others soap samples to inspire your creativity and thus customize your work.
The class includes a discussion of chemistry, safety, recipe adaptations, French milling, glycerine soap, fillers, and superfatting. We will also focus on ecological and bioregional issues of home, small scale and local production for community health and vitality.
All participants will leave with the know-how to make their own soaps at home, as well as a 5-pound batch of hand-crafted soap to take home.
What is Re-Skilling?
Our ancestors, perhaps only a few generations back, were able to make what they needed for daily life or trade for what they needed with a skilled neighbor.
In this modern culture, most of us have lost the skills of basic craftsmanship. As we transition away from global consumerism and towards localized, earth-friendly economies, we need to reclaim these skills for ourselves and for our community.
Many of us have already started to re-skill around food - growing fresh vegetables in the backyard or cultivating a plot at a local community garden. This self-sustaining practice is deeply satisfying, and in the Bay Area there is a vibrant local economy around food that supports local farmers, garden teachers, restaurants, and burgeoning new vegetable landscaping businesses.
The Re-Skilling Series at RDI was inspired by our greater community's interest in learning more craftsmanship skills. Beyond growing our own vegetables, we can start re-skilling around food preservation, clothing, personal care products, furniture, and other needs of daily life.
Re-skilling requires that we connect more deeply to the natural world. It involves cultivating (or foraging) plants for basketry, building materials, medicine, general body care, dyes, food and clothing. It invites us into a closer relationship with domestic and wild animals, and asks that we pay more attention to the changing of the seasons and the cycles of the natural world. It also fosters a deeper gratitude for all that nature continues to provide us.
Re-skilling is happening all over the world - especially within communities engaged in the Transition Town movement. Now is the time to reclaim these basic skills of local craftsmanship! We believe that joy of reclaiming these skills will increase our self-sufficiency and meet the growing needs for a local, regenerative economy.”
______________________________________
Circle of Wise Women: Staying Present in the Palace of Possibilities
half-day retreat with Susan Kirsch
Sunday, March 4, 10:00AM-4:00PM
Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Novato, 415-884-2314
donations accepted
please register at the website below:
http://www.anubhutiretreatcenter.org/Events.html/Events/Retreats.html
http://www.susankirsch.com
“In a world in which we find ourselves breathless, this is an invitation to be inspired, to breathe in knowledge and to develop a very personal daily practice into your soul. Discover a simple practice of transformation in daily life with a deeply-sourced soul, Susan Kirsch. We will listen to her personal journey and learn how to write poetry gathered through all senses with reverence to the nature of others and the Sacred in Nature. We will resonate with a deep knowing that the only way to counterbalance the realities of the world is with love, empathy, generosity and care.
Facilitator: Susan Kirsch, author of Simply Go*d: Praise Poems Celebrating the Divine in Daily Life, describes a morning practice that richly awakens body, mind and spirit. It culminates with a two-part journal entry including a visual image on the right side of the page and a praise poem on the left. When she’s not writing or gardening, Susan consults with nonprofit organizations around issues of fundraising and strategic planning. She has raised funds for education, housing, water, and mental health, among other needs. Susan is an advisor for the Social Justice Center of Marin, former board member of the Marin Interfaith Council, and president of her neighborhood association.
We invite all women to participate in Circle of Wise Women. We meet once every quarter with a different guest facilitator covering various spiritual themes.
Includes wholesome and delicious vegetarian lunch.
All workshops and retreats at Anubhuti are made possible by the generosity and contributions of the participants. Please check with our staff for details.”
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Goddess Awakening - Temple services for She of 10,000 Names
with Rabbit, Iris, and guest Priestesses
Sunday, March 4, 11:00AM-12:00PM, (and the first Sunday of every month)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
Women only
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
"Women! Join Rabbit and Iris as they share myths that explore and validate the many different experiences of womanhood, from the precious to the painful and back. We all find a Mother, Healer, and Queen in the Goddess, and She can help us honor the lessons of our own experiences.”
______________________________________
The Witch's Garden
with Rabbit
Sunday, March 4, 3:00-5:00PM, (and the first Sunday of every month)
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 for any individual class
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
“The Witch's Garden is a 12-month series of classes for the budding herbalist. If you have been studying or practicing on your own, or if you are curious and seeking to deepen your knowledge of how to use herbs magically and for personal healing, this class is for you!
Each session is a fun, casual, interactive, hands-on lesson in one facet of practical and magical herbalism. As a general rule, please wear clothes that you can get dirty in as we play with the plants and make our potions!”
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Awakening the Animistic Imagination
with Cyndera Quackenbush
Sundayday, March 4, 3:00-6:00PM
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
$45
http://dream-institute.org
http://www.examiner.com/dream-research-in-san-francisco/the-dreamers-of-san-francisco-series-cyndera-quackenbush-is-living-the-labyrynth
“Animism, from Latin anima, or soul, sees the world as sentient and alive. In this workshop, billion-year-old stones from Death Valley are the basis for activating the imagination. The shapes, figures, and landscapes on the stones function like a Rorschach to evoke powerful stories. Participants will select a stone that calls to them, then meditate on it in silence until a story emerges. In sharing these tales, we will consider them waking dreams inspired by the anima mundi, or soul of the world. We will move from our individual tales to deep eco-collective questions of how tending these emergent themes can bridge the gap between modern civilization and our very ancient planet. Those who have participated in this unique workshop have found it to be personally moving and inspiring.”
______________________________________
Mahealani Uchiyama
in concert
Sunday, March 4, 8:00PM
Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley
$12
http://thesacredforest.org/events
http://www.ashkenaz.com/2011/sidepages/march12/sun2n.html
“Join Hawai’i Music Award Winner Mahealani Uchiyama for an enchanting and lively evening of dance and music at Ashkenaz! With Ashley Wai’olu Moore, Hugh Humphrey, Aaron Sencil, and the dancers and drummers of Halau Ka Ua Tuahine.”
______________________________________
Drum Circle with Albert and Rabbit
Tuesday, March 6, 6:00-8:00PM, and every month, typically first Tuesdays
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
“Join Albert and Rabbit for a drum circle at The Sacred Well. Bring your drums, rattles, bells, etc. From month to month we'll be exploring different rhythms, practicing techniques such as drumming and singing at the same time, developing our own drum language, and doing shamanic journey together.”
______________________________________
Kwan Yin Devotional
Presented by The Fellowship of the Spiral Path’s Gateway Circle
Tuesday, March 6, 7:30-9:00PM (and the first Tuesday of every month)
BFUU Main Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
Donations gratefully accepted
http://www.thespiralpath.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=278&date=20120306
“Kwan Yin has shown herself by many faces to literally billions of people around the world. While she was first known in China as a male bodhisattva, over the years, her depictions in Chinese ritual and art shifted from male, through epicene, to clearly female, and as a female her veneration spread like wildfire throughout southern and eastern Asia and eventually, to the New World with legions of Chinese immigrants. Wherever her veneration has spread, in turn there are stories of her direct interaction and communication with any who call on her in their need, even taking the form of other humans to do so.
While she is primarily associated with Buddhism, her veneration is hardly limited to Buddhists. While not a goddess according to her native tradition, she is well known as a Goddess of Mercy. When Christianity was outlawed in Japan and punishable by death, it was under her gown that secret Christians could cloak their veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Today to neo-Pagans, she is a being of great power and boundless compassion, looked to for healing and deliverance of all sorts, a universal savior unencumbered by whatever baggage we may have from the gods and savior(s) we grew up with [if any]. It is said she will appear in any form necessary to speak the words that will lead to your enlightenment, and that so great is her compassion that she stands just this side of selfishness, inviting all others to pass before her.
In return, she asks for nothing, because she herself is free from all desires.
Done by Diana Paxson [and possibly Lorrie Wood]. Various stories of the fismonger, the prostitute and the princess. An opportunity to experience the bodhisattva for yourself.
This ritual will involve sandalwood Incense, lit candles, chanting, a high probability of possessory trance
Participants are suggested to wear white and dress modestly, but will be warmly welcomed however they are dressed.
Participants are suggested to abstain from having eaten meat or drinking alcohol on the day of this event, but will be warmly welcomed whatever they have consumed.
The ritual will start as close to 7:30 PM as possible. Please be prompt.
All are welcome to this open public outreach circle sponsored by the Fellowship of the Spiral Path.”
______________________________________
South Bay Pagan Salon
Tuesday, March 6, 7:30PM (and the first and third Tuesday of every month)
Cafe at Books, Inc, 301 Castro Street, Mountain View
for more information, contact Jason Mankey at panmankey@gmail.com
Jason says:
“We'd like to formally invite you to join us the first and third Tuesdays of every month for the South Bay Pagan Salon. The SBPS is a discussion and networking group, dedicated to talking about "Pagan Things" and networking in the Bay Area. Generally we'll start each meeting with a specific topic to get the discussion rolling along, but after we get started it'll be rather open ended with the participants dictating where the discussion will go.
We hope you'll join us.
No donations required, heck, if you show up I just might buy you a cup of coffee.
If you've got questions, I might have answers. Email me (Jason) at panmankey@gmail.com”
______________________________________
CAYA’s Ball for the Bees
Saturday, March 31, 7:00-11:00PM
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3037562431
https://www.facebook.com/events/312492805476222
“Come As You Are Coven is proud to present The Ball for the Bees, a fundraiser to support local beekeepers and bee advocacy organizations. Honey bees are essential to our ecosystem and the sudden, unexplained disappearance of bees is an alarming warning bell to our society. We believe that with greater advocacy and local initiates, bee populations can be healthily restored and our mutual stewardship of the Earth’s resources can be brought back into balance. To that end, we are hosting this fundraiser.
The ball will be held at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists at 1924 Cedar Street in Berkeley. Begin the evening with a beginner lesson in rotary waltz taught by Persephone, then dance the night away! Enjoy a night of fun, fanciness (costumes admired but not required) and enchantment, all while benefitting efforts to support the bees and the development of sustainable resources for their care. There will be a raffle, tarot readers, light refreshments, and more.
7 pm: Vintage waltz lesson with vintage dance mistress Persephone
8 pm-11pm: Dancing and revelry
Light refreshments will be available
Cash bar with beer and wine
CAYA Coven’s current co-sponsors for this event are The Sacred Well, the Temple of Aphrodite and the Pagan Alliance.”
______________________________________
Have a Bookish, Imaginative, Awakened Week!
Molly Blue Dawn
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