What do you wish for?

Do you base our choices on what you want, or what you think you're supposed to want? Let yourself feel what you feel and want what you want, THEN engage your mind in the process. The best wishes are born from your heart.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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!
______________________________________

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.”
______________________________________

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
______________________________________

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.”
______________________________________

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.”
______________________________________

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!”
______________________________________

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.”
______________________________________

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!”
______________________________________

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.”
______________________________________

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!”
______________________________________

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
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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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