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, March 27, 2012

Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for April 2012 and beyond - Mark Your Calendars!

Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for April 2012 and beyond - Mark Your Calendars!

Mark your calendars for:
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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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The 9th Annual Renaissance Workshops and Symposium
Saturday-Sunday, May 4-5
Folsom City Lions Park, 403 Stafford Street, Folsom
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://www.rensymposium.com

“It’s time to come together to learn from each other and share ideas to help make for a better Renaissance Faire experience. To be held at the same park as the annual Folsom Renaissance Faire on May 4th-5th, a weekend long workshop and symposium geared toward faire participants, vendors, and playtrons. Basically for anyone interested in learning about fitting into the Renaissance atmosphere.”
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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
see Eventbrite page for registration details
http://makerfaire.com/bayarea/2012
http://makerfairebayarea.eventbrite.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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Annual Memorial Day Volunteer Work Weekend
at Feather River Camp
Friday-Monday, May 25-28
Feather River Camp, 5469 Oakland Camp Road, Quincy, CA, 530-283-2290
Payment is by volunteer work
http://www.featherrivercamp.com/programs.html

"Plan ahead to come to Feather River Camp over the Memorial Day weekend to help Friends of Feather River Camp prepare camp for its summer run. All work is by volunteers who are fed and given a tent to sleep in. Contact Sara Scheid to participate. campsincommon@comcast.net

There is a lot of raking and cleaning to do along with assorted other tasks. It is fun and a great way to visit the camp in spring when the water is usually higher and the wildflowers are abundant."
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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.

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.   
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, co-sponsored 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 writer’s 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
location in San Francisco to be announced
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 Weekend’s 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, contact 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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San Francisco Green Festival
Saturday-Sunday, November 10-11
SF Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th Street, San Francisco
http://www.greenfestivals.org/coming-soon#sanfrancisco

“This is the first and original ‘Party with a Purpose’; don't miss the celebration, education and rejuvenation, all yours for the taking at San Francisco Green Festival 2012. As a city winning awards for inspiring green living and alternative power programs, it's no surprise that San Francisco is the home of the original Green Festival. Celebrated in San Francisco since 2002, it is the largest Green Festival of the five cities. The San Francisco Green Festival captures the mood and festivities as a ‘Party with a Purpose.’ Expect both inspiring and pragmatic programming reflecting the Bay Area’s diversity of interests with over 125 informative workshops, sessions, demonstrations and talks. Great live music, all-weekend film installation, a fun and engaging Green Kids' Zone, mouthwatering vegan, raw and vegetarian food vendors, top local organic beer makers and wine vintners and the best responsible shopping found anywhere.”
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Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for the Week starting Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Sacred Feminine Yoga, A Joining of Rivers, Swap Meet and Social, VortexHealing Open Talk and Group Healing, Hot Greeks, Trees and Tree People, Introduction to Rune Reading, Vagabond Opera, The Hunger: Vampirates, The Tempest, Celebrating Historic Women of Oakland, Grail Goddesses Circles and the Sacred Feminine, Spring Fling at Filoli, Sonoma County Maker Kids Mini Maker Faire, Archery - Try It!, Making Sacred Masks, Invoking Sacred Sound, Spring Cleaning for the Spring Equinox, CAYA’s Ball for the Bees, CircleSinging Workshop, Earth Hour, Goddess Awakening, Saint Stupid’s Day Parade, The Witch's Garden, The Grieving Heart Still Sings, Drum Circle with Albert and Rabbit, Those Darned Court Cards, Three Inner Journeys, South Bay Pagan Salon, Holistic HoopDance, Spring into Elderflower
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Sacred Feminine Yoga
Wednesday, March 28, 11:00AM-12:30PM - final week
The Goddess Garden Sanctuary, 211 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael
$15 per session
for more information, please contact Le’ema Kathleen Graham
at leema@dancingpriestess.com or 415-479-3892
http://www.dancingpriestess.com

“Receive a gentle restorative yoga practice to renew yourself for spring!
Easy poses to rejuvenate you, eliminating stress and habitually held tension in the body.
Personal attention assured in the supportive environment of my elegant home temple.

Le'ema Kathleen Graham is a visionary sacred dancer, ordained temple priestess, yogini and master teacher with over 30 years experience in the field of Somatics. Her work is featured in the book Sacred Woman, Sacred Dance. Her memoir Dancing the Inner Serpent: Memoirs of a Suburban Snake Priestess received a rave review in Conscious Dancer magazine. Her Snake Yoga: Sacred Feminine Wisdom instructional DVD was highlighted in the What's Hot section of Yoga Magazine.”
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A Joining of Rivers
Thursday, March 29, reception 5:00PM, presentation 6:00-7:30PM
International Museum of Women, 235 Montgomery Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco
donation $5-$15 sliding scale, no one turned away through lack of funds
please RSVP at the website below
http://ajoiningofrivers.eventbrite.com
http://www.aawaa.net/events/index.php
http://www.imow.org/home/index

“A Joining of Rivers  
A project inspired by the song Yemaya Assesu, who is regarded in Cuban and African cultures as the Mother of Oceans and protector of children. The project involves a group of women writers/performers whose work evokes spirituality and resonates the image of Mother, Ocean, and Protector of Children .The song celebrates the moment where the rivers meet the ocean. Each artist is a separate river, joining together to meet the sea - the great ocean, the source - and rejoicing in the common spirit of strength and protection of the earth and the children.”
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Swap Meet and Social
a South Bay Pagan Meetup Event
Thursday, March 29, 7:00PM
Hobee's Restaurant, 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
$1 donation requested
http://www.meetup.com/magickal-374/events/58176312/?a=ea1_evn&rv=ea1
http://www.hobees.com/paloalto.html

Event organizer Valerie Voigt says:
“Spring cleaning time is here! A lot of us are ready to clean out our closets and find hand-me-arounds to re-use or re-purpose.

The back room at our usual Hobees is available on the this upcoming Thursday, so I've grabbed it.

So bring things you want to give away - those things that you don't have any use for, but they're cool and/or special, and you want them to go to a good home. You can get rid of that old tie-died ritual robe, and maybe find some nifty thing you never knew you needed. Leftover items will be donated to charity. $1 donation requested, to help cover the costs of running this website; no one turned away for lack of funds. Hope to see you there!”
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VortexHealing Open Talk and Group Healing
with Dragonfly Adularia H.P
Thursday, March 29, 7:30-8:30PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
Donations gratefully accepted
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
http://www.arunabliss.com
http://www.vortexhealing.org

“Dragonfly, a VortexHealing Wizard and Priest of the Temple of Isis, offers a fascinating look into VortexHealing, a divine healing art that works directly through consciousness and with energetics to help release the deepest issues we hold as humans beings. He will share some of the Magic of this Awaking Lineage and offer a 45 minute healing so you can experience this powerful healing art and utilize its energy to address specific issues.”
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Hot Greeks: The Cockettes Musical
Thursday-Saturday, March 29-31, 8:00PM, plays through May 5
The Hypnodrome, 575 10th Street, San Francisco
$30-$35
http://thrillpeddlers.com/hot-greeks-the-cockettes-musical
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/225549

“Thrillpeddlers are proud to announce our Spring Season 2012 production of Hot Greeks, A New Full-Length, Fully Restored Version of The Cockettes’ 1972 Musical Extravaganza, an original musical by Martin Worman and Scrumbly Koldewyn. This is the 40th Anniversary of the original production. Originally produced as a Nocturnal Dream Show and performed in 1972 at midnight at the Palace Theatre in Chinatown in SF, Hot Greeks was the fabled and fabulous Cockettes’ only other scripted book musical besides Pearls Over Shanghai. The Cockettes were a gender-bending theatrical troupe who not only originated these two shows, but also exerted a profound influence on the culture of our times, from the phenomenon of midnight movies to glitter rock stars and their outrageous fashions. In 2010 The Thrillpeddlers mounted a condensed 70-minute version of Hot Greeks and it was an instant, sold-out hit. This new 2012 production expands the show to a full-length version and restores 3 songs from the original 1972 production.

In Hot Greeks, college rhythm meets the Peloponnesian War as Athens University takes on Sparta State for their annual pigskin showdown. This musical, loosely based on Aristophanes’ Lysistrata features the Tri Thigh Sorority girls and their hunky footballer sweethearts jiving to the big-band hit parade sounds of the 1940s. The kids sing and dance through the ruins of ancient Greece, on their way to consult the Oracle of Delphi in their pursuit of victory on the gridiron. Dancing columns, vestal virgins, country cousins, and even a pig, all join Lysistrata on her journey to save the day for the Gods and Greece.”
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Trees and Tree People: Greening Ourselves, Saving the Planet
with Jean Shinoda Bolen
Friday, March 30, 7:00-9:00PM
California Institute of Integral Studies, 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco, 415-575-6100
$18
http://www.ciis.edu/News_and_Events/Event_Calendar/Bolen_SP12_(lec).html
http://www.jeanbolen.com

“The learning experience that led to this talk and Jean Shinoda Bolen's latest book, Like a Tree: How Trees, Women, and Tree People Can Save the Planet, began when a huge, beautiful tree in front of her house was cut down through a vote by a homeowner's association. The tree came down while she was at the United Nations, where in a conversation about her unsuccessful effort to save the tree, Gloria Steinem remarked; "Remember Jean, you are a writer, and a writer has the last word." That there is a difference between "tree people" and "not-tree people" was a beginning insight. Her words will lead us from knowledge of what trees are and what they do, to the symbolic, sacred meaning, soulfulness, and wisdom of trees. She invites us to be mystical activists, visionary activists, and sacred-feminine feminists - to heed a call that touches heart and soul.

Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD, is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, and an internationally known author and speaker. She is the author of The Tao of Psychology, Goddesses in Everywoman, Gods in Everyman, Ring of Power, Crossing to Avalon, Close to the Bone, The Millionth Circle, Goddesses in Older Women, Crones Don't Whine, Urgent Message from Mother, and Like a Tree. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a former clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.”
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Introduction to Rune Reading
with Allie Thompson-Ray
Friday, March 30, 7:30-9:30PM
Ancient Ways, 4075 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, 510-653-3244
$5-$10 sliding scale
http://ancientways.com/Newsletter/CALSpring612.pdf

“Come and spend an evening learning about one of the oldest forms of divination. Runes are an alphabet used by the Ancient Norse, and have their own magical associations. In this class we will explore two reading methods, layout and casting. You do not need to have your own set of runes, or know what they mean to participate, but do bring a notebook and pen in case you wish to take notes. A handout with the runes and their meanings will be provided.”
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Vagabond Opera
featuring El Radio Fantastique
and The Sansa and Shiri Show
Friday, March 30, 8:00PM
Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
http://www.ashkenaz.com/2011/sidepages/march12/f5.html
http://vagabondopera.com
http://elradiofantastique.com
http://thesansaandshirishow.com

“Vagabond Opera returns to Ashkenaz in a full-immersion evening of Bohemian cabaret, joined by two other acts who understand that music is inseparable from a theatrical, cabaret setting: El Radio Fantastique and the Sansa and Shiri Show. Expect everything from wheezing accordions to bombastic tympani!

Vagabond Opera has performed all over the United States and Europe. The Portland, Oregon, septet is described by the Washington Post as ‘a band of ceaseless charisma, boundless energy, impeccable musicianship and more than a little touch of both the naughty and exotic.’ It delivers passionate offerings of Bohemian cabaret, Paris hot jazz, gutbucket swing, tangos, Ukrainian folk-punk ballads, klezmer, and vigorous originals, meeting in a world of riverboat gambling queens, Turkish belly dancers, and the enigmatic Marlene Dietrich. Add to that elements of Kurt Weill, Duke Ellington and Edith Piaf with absurdist flair, theatrics, and an old-world mood, Vagabond Opera presents the new wave of opera - lusty voices singing in 13 languages and presenting a cabaret of rich musical phrasing, sparkling lyrics, and indomitable stage presence, all played with exuberance, skill, and a gritty Vagabond edge. They perform songs from their recent CD, Sing for Your Lives, and newer, as-yet-unrecorded fare. Created in 2002 by operatic tenor-composer-accordionist  Eric Stern, the band features cellist-soprano singer Ashia Grzesik, cellist Skip vonKuske, bassist Jason Flores, drummer-percussionist-composer Mark Burdon, tenor saxophonist-vocalist (and a bunch of other instruments) Robin Jackson, plus Dr. Xander Gerrymander, best described as the guy who does everything else.”
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The Hunger: Vampirates
a fundraiser for the Pagan Alliance
Friday, March 30, 9:30PM-2:30AM
Cat Club, 1190 Folsom Street, San Francisco
$10 in advance, $30 VIP Booty
at the door - $13 Vamped/Dark Pirate/Goth, $20 in street clothes
21+
http://www.facebook.com/events/349685398384194/
http://vampirates2012.eventbrite.com
http://thepaganalliance.org
http://www.sfcatclub.com

“The Hunger
VAMPIRATES! High Seas Blood Bath
Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bucket of Blood!

DJ Slaveboy, DJ Glamtasm, DJ Digital Druid, DJ gravedigger, DJ Capt Kaoss and more
spin on two dance floors
goth : industrial : new wave : dark wave : garage

Featuring:
Lord of the Fangs - http://www.lordofthefangs.com

Vlad's Deep Sea Dungeon with Maestro Sefanos
http://www.stefanosandchey.com

Vampirate Wench Dancers
Tarot Readings
Mermaid Oracle
Costume Contest with Prizes
Raffle
And other Wickedly Dark Proprietors”
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The Tempest
adapted for Butterfield 8 by Maureen-Theresa Williams
Friday-Sunday, March 30-April 1, Friday and Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 3:00PM
playing through April 7
Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax Street, Concord
$18
http://www.b8company.com/events.htm
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/224055

“Shakespeare's tale of betrayal, justice, and magic, adapted for Butterfield 8 by Maureen-Theresa Williams and directed by company Artistic Director John Butterfield.

Believed by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone, The Tempest is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, lives with his daughter Miranda. When those responsible for Prospero's exile pass nearby on a ship bound from Tunis, Prospero conjures up a storm to force them onto the island. There, his machinations try to bring about the restoration of his lost title and status while revealing the plots conspired against him.

The cast features Donald L. Hardy as Prospero, Becky Potter as Miranda, and Alexander Murphy as Ariel, the island spirit who assists Prospero with his plans.  Also in the cast are Nathalie Archangel, John Butterfield, Beth Chastain, Terry Downward, David Hardie, Edwin Peabody, Molly Kate Taylor, Daniela Quinones, and Maureen-Theresa Williams. Liz Martin, resident costume designer for Butterfield 8 (Hamlet, Lady Windermere's Fan, Pride and Prejudice) provides the fantastical costumes.

The Mission of Butterfield 8 Theatre Company is to provide audiences a fresh take on classic plays, and foster the creation of new works.

Our Vision is to present audiences with examples of both ends of the theatrical spectrum: new productions of classic works, focusing in particular on text-driven plays (such as the works of Shakespeare), and new works devised by the company or written by local playwrights.  Our work often examines perceptions of gender, both within the context of the play and the larger context of society as a whole.  We strive to create an immersive environment, believing the audience’s experience starts when they buy the ticket, and shouldn't end when they leave the theatre. We honor that the audience has come for a live theatre experience to engage with a story or an idea; to be taken on a journey. This is our responsibility, and our craft.”
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Celebrating Historic Women of Oakland
Saturday, March 31, 10:00AM-12:00PM
Bender Room, Carnegie Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland
free and open to all
http://www.waterfrontaction.org/power
http://www.mills.edu

“We invite you to come celebrate famous Oakland Women on the beautiful Mills College Campus.

Program Highlights:

Alecia A. DeCoudreaux, Mills College President, (invited) offering a welcome and introduction to Mills College.

Annalee Allen, Oakland historian, speaking on these historic Oakland women:
Delilah Beasley, Ina Coolbrith, Julia Morgan, Aurelia Reinhardt, Gertrude Stein

Mills Professor from Women's Studies Program presenting the history of women's studies.

Molly Murphy McGregor, president and founder of the National Women's History Project, and the importance of oral history projects.

Isadora Duncan as a famous Oakland Woman, performed by Lois Flood.

Belva Davis, special guest and award recipient.”
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Grail, Goddesses, Circles, and the Sacred Feminine
with Jean Shinoda Bolen
Saturday, March 31, 10:00AM-5:00PM
California Institute of Integral Studies, 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco, 415-575-6100
$150
http://www.ciis.edu/News_and_Events/Event_Calendar/Bolen_SP12_%28wk%29.html
http://www.jeanbolen.com

“The grail and goddesses are archetypes, symbols with depth and meaning. In this workshop, Jean Shinoda Bolen will bring us into the legendary, mythic, and spiritual realm of the sacred feminine. Cut off from sources of meaning, without a connection to the feminine principle, the Tao or the Self, the inner landscape of men and women becomes a wasteland. The wounded Fisher King, the abduction of Persephone, and Siddhartha's quest are metaphors for depression and alienation and the loss of creativity, spontaneity, and love. We will listen to Dr. Bolen tell stories, and participate in a guided meditation and a circle with a sacred center. This workshop will provide opportunities to be in touch with inner sources of wisdom and compassionate action, and encourage the formation of circles that can nourish and support who we are and what we are here for-as spiritual beings on a human path.

Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD, is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, and an internationally known author and speaker. She is the author of The Tao of Psychology, Goddesses in Everywoman, Gods in Everyman, Ring of Power, Crossing to Avalon, Close to the Bone, The Millionth Circle, Goddesses in Older Women, Crones Don't Whine, Urgent Message from Mother, and Like a Tree. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a former clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.”
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Spring Fling at Filoli
Saturday, March 31, 10:00AM-3:30PM
Filoli Center, 86 Canada Road, Woodside
Adults $25, children 5-17 $5, 4 and younger free
reservations can be made at the website below:
http://www.filoli.org/special-events-and-exhibits/spring-fling.html

“Springtime has begun at Filoli and the Gardens are starting to come alive: buds opening, flowers blooming and fragrance in the air.
Please join us for the day - take a stroll on the paths and enjoy a riot of color with hundreds of tulips, beautiful camellias and sweet–smelling magnolias. Every plant will delight the senses.

Bring the Entire Family for Fun
The Bubblesmith is back to amuse young and old alike. The Fortis Agility Sports Training Group will put their adorable, talented dogs through their paces on the north side of the House. Nearby, we’ll have alpacas for viewing and a miniature horse for petting. Puppies in training to become Guide Dogs for the Blind will also return.

In the Front Courtyard, children can have their face painted or try their creativity at the craft tables. Inside the House, you will be amazed by the stunning floral displays created by Filoli volunteers. In the Ballroom, Heather Rodgers will perform magic and Nick Barone will fascinate the audience with a puppet show.
In the Garden Shop Courtyard, you will be able to sample Filoli products (honey, herb mixes and vinegars) as well as other tasty treats. The Filoli staff has gathered an assortment of goodies and treasures in the Garden Shop. Freshly-made popcorn is complimentary; lemonade, cookies and other beverages will be for sale.
For your musical pleasure, the Shorebirds Band will entertain near the Sunken Garden and Joe’s Jazz Ensemble will perform at the Tennis Court while you relax and enjoy your boxed lunches. Please note: the boxed lunches must be ordered and purchased by 4:00 pm on Monday, March 26. The Filoli Café is another option for lunch with a selection of choices to tempt the taste buds.
Garden Docents will be on hand to answer questions about the plants, trees and flowers planted on the grounds. Or, you may opt to learn about the Gentleme’s Orchard by visiting the Information Table that will be located inside the Visitor and Education Center. During Spring Fling, you will have a rare opportunity for a behind–the–scenes peek at the Filoli Greenhouses. Children can try their green thumbs by potting a spring plant in a pot, that they decorate to take home. In the Visitor and Education Center, view Filoli’s 14th annual Botanical Art exhibit.

Please make your reservations as soon as possible because space is limited.

Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is an historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century. Whether enjoying its beauty or pursuing its educational opportunities, we invite you to explore this cherished community resource.”
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Sonoma County Maker Kids Mini Maker Faire
Saturday, March 31, 11:00AM-3:00PM
Sonoma Country Day School, 4400 Day School Place, Santa Rosa
free
http://makerfairesonomakids.wordpress.com

“Kids and adults of all ages are invited to attend the 3rd annual Sonoma County Maker Kids Mini Maker Faire being held at Sonoma Country Day School in Santa Rosa on Saturday, March 31st. What’s a Maker Kids Mini Maker Faire you ask? It’s a free, youth-oriented DIY (Do-It-Yourself) event intended to promote young people’s interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math–the so-called STEAM careers. Middle and high school Makers (and some specially invited adult Makers) are scheduled to show off their inventions including robotics, rockets, digital video, crafts, food, music and more at this fun, FREE event.”
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Archery - Try It!
Saturday, March 31, sessions at 11:30AM and 12:30PM
Sienna Ranch, 3232 Deer Hill Road, Lafayette
$20, all equipment provided
ages 8 - Adult
pre-registration required
http://www.siennaranch.net/Archery.html

“Children have FUN doing archery.  Additionally, archery has proven to increase attention, self-confidence, self-control, listening skills, and ability to follow directions.   

Archery is a sport where children can experience complete acceptance, feel safe, and receive reward and recognition.  Archery is not only a life-long skill, but a wholesome activity which can be enjoyed by anyone.   Many families are discovering archery as a quality way to spend time together.

Try-it! Days
Come to any of our one-time Try-It! classes.  Try-It! classes are $20- all equipment provided.  Maximum of 8 archers at a time on Try-It! Days.

Next Try-It! Day:
April 7th, 2:00 or 3:00”
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Making Sacred Masks
Saturday, March 31, 1:00-6:00PM
Terra's Temple, 654 Oakland Avenue, Oakland
$85 - RSVP required, spaces are limited
Please call 510-779-2842, or emailnkoethnermft@yahoo.com
http://www.express-explore-expand.com/workshops.html
http://www.terrastemple.com

“Making Sacred Masks   
Connect with your Soul and to keep your New Year's resolutions active
What wants to be released?  What wants to emerge?

The Year of the Dragon (beginning January 23, 2012) is asking us to fully step into our creative, vibrant, dynamic selves by letting go of fears and fully claiming our power as the unique beings we are!

Making masks is an ancient tradition practiced in many indigenous cultures.  Masks invite us to enter an altered state of consciousness and invite universal energies to be expressed through us, allowing new or split-part of ourselves to be embodied.  Rather than wearing masks we can hide behind, we are creating images of what we want to become.  The masks become allies of our journey through life, helping us to embody our true selves.

In this workshop we will be using guided meditation, movement, writing, poetry and music to enter a space in  which we can be guided by our intuition to create a mask of our face with  plaster to release what is no longer needed and set intentions for the year to  come.   

Using mask-making techniques, you will create a replica of your own face to decorate and explore.  What will your mask reveal to you?  What lost parts or new energies might emerge? What will the mask reveal about who you are in yourself today?  What new energies do you want to bring into your life?

Come explore and be surprised. No prior mask-making experience needed.  Supplies are provided - bring your own to add to the creation of the mask.

Nicki Koethner is a Multimedia Artist, Expressive Arts, Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in spirituality, creativity, sexuality, attachment, trauma and parenting.  She is a modern-day mystic who facilitates expressive arts experiences for people to connect with their souls.  She has given Expressive Arts workshops and performances in the US and internationally.  She is the Executive Co-Chair of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and is on the Board of Body Tales.”
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Invoking Sacred Sound
with Jason Norris
Saturday, March 31, workshop 3:00-4:30PM, drum circle 5:00-6:00PM
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
workshop $30, drum circle $10
http://dream-institute.org
http://www.luciddrum.com

“For millennia, sound vibration has been utilized as a means to help clarify intention, address emotional and psycho-spiritual needs, connect with the divine, and invoke embodied change. We will begin by discussing ancient spiritual practices such as Vedic chanting and West African drumming. We will then examine contemporary approaches and the science behind frequency resonance and rhythm entrainment - two ways in which we embody sound. Experiential exercises, focused around vocalizing, visualizing, deep listening, and moving, will be presented throughout the workshop. An optional drum circle will be our closing, with instruments provided.

Jason K. Norris, MA, is a life-long musician, researching the psycho-spiritual effects of rhythm and sound within cross-cultural spiritual traditions as a doctoral student with CIIS. He holds an MA in Consciousness Studies and a graduate certificate in Dream Studies from JFKU. Jason regularly facilitates drum circles, sound healing sessions, and has led dream theatre performance troupes, along with performing at the Great American Music Hall and the de Young Museum. His recent article, The Power of Sound to Heal, published by the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) in Fall 2011, is available, along with more information, at his website.”
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Spring Cleaning for the Spring Equinox
a South Bay Pagan Meetup Event
Saturday, March 31, 5:00PM
private home in San Jose
RSVP on Meetup site for address
http://www.meetup.com/magickal-374/events/58184812/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1

Event organizer La StregaManea Trinacria says:
“Hello to all,
It is that time of the year to do some Spring cleaning. And what better why to get things started, than to meetup to share favorite recipes for homemade cleaning products, incenses, blessings and cleansing spells. Do you have an excess of herbs and would like to share? Are you in need of finding somewhere that carries the herbs you need? Do you have an success story to share or do you need help finding what spells/herbs will work for what you need? We welcome you to come and share!
This is an open public event for any who wish to share, learn or meet new people.

Blessings to all!”
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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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CircleSinging Workshop
with DJ Hamouris
Saturday, March 31, 7:30-9:00PM
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$10 - $20 Sliding Scale
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events
http://www.djhamouris.com

“CircleSinging can be described lots of ways: vocal improvisation, vocal jamming, add-a-part/change-a-part, vocal orchestra, voicestra, a drum circle for singers, or just plain ‘make it up’ singing. Starting with simple vocal warm-ups Deborah will begin creating improvised choral parts for all. Once there's a groove going, singers are invited into the middle of the circle to solo or just experience the sound from the center of the community of voices. It is not unusual to find yourself moving to the groove, too. CircleSinging is highly participatory and a ‘mistake-free zone’ - fun for everybody.”
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Earth Hour
Saturday, March 31, 8:30-9:30PM
http://www.earthhour.org

People all over the world will be showing their concern for conserving energy resources by switching off the lights from 8:30-9:30PM, their own local time.  It’s a great excuse to light some candles!
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Goddess Awakening - Temple services for She of 10,000 Names
with Rabbit, Iris, and guest Priestesses
Sunday, April 1, 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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Saint Stupid’s Day Parade
Sunday, April 1, 12:00PM
parade starts at Transamerica Pyramid at the corner of Montgomery and Clay,
ends at Joe DiMaggio North Beach Playground, 651 Lombard Street, San Francisco
free
http://www.saintstupid.com/event.html

Check the website for somewhat more incoherent details...
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The Witch's Garden
with Rabbit
Sunday, April 1, 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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The Grieving Heart Still Sings
with Betsy Rose
Sunday, April 1, 7:00PM
private home in Berkeley
Donations gratefully accepted.  
For more information or to RSVP, please contact betsy@betsyrosemusic.org
http://www.betsyrosemusic.org/events

“An intimate evening of song, reflections, and story sharing on the transformative power of loss and grief.  Your own stories and experience are invited - there will be time for sharing.”
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Drum Circle with Albert and Rabbit
Tuesday, April 3, 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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Those Darned Court Cards
with Thalassa
Tuesday, April 3, 7:00-8:30PM
Ancient Ways, 4075 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, 510-653-3244
$15
http://ancientways.com/Newsletter/CALSpring612.pdf
http://www.dodivination.com/about_us

“The enigmatic cards of the Tarot Court are often difficult to grasp. This class will address - with a fresh, new approach - the many ways to use the Court cards in readings, meditations, magic and more.

Bring a deck, if you have one. All levels of interest and experience are welcome.

Visit www.dodivination.com for more information or to preregister.”
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Three Inner Journeys
Presented by The Fellowship of the Spiral Path’s Gateway Circle  
Tuesday, April 3, 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=2&date=20120403

“Join us as we journey within for Three Inner Journeys facilitated by Lupa with chants by Vicki.

We will explore our inner landscape journeying for self-healing and protection.  Meet your chakras, inner healing guide and animal helper.

We’ll also learn to use chants for grounding and centering.

Questions?  E-mail Lupa - lupamoon13@yahoo.com

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, April 3, 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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Holistic HoopDance
Four Week Class Series
Wednesday, April 4, 7:00-8:30PM, and four more Wednesdays through April 25
Music and Movement Room, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 Depot Street, Sebastopol
$120 for all four classes - please register in advance at the website
http://holistichooping.com/content/hoop-classes

“This all-levels class series was created to offer something for everyone!  No matter where you are on your hoop journey, you will walk away feeling successful and satisfied!  Come play with us, for four weeks of dynamic movement, joyful experiences and smiles!

Class 1: Grounding - foundation skills for beginners; lower body, floor work, Earth-bound Chakra focus for more experienced hoopers.

Class 2: Centering - core/on the body/ chest for beginners; 2nd current, reversals, rolls and Heart Chakra focus for experienced hoopers.

Class 3: Ascending - neck/off body/ tosses for beginners; jump throughs, plane changes, transitions and Heaven-bound Chakra focus for experienced hoopers.

Class 4: Integrating - exploring different combinations, finding, embracing and integrating your own 'flow'.

Each class will also include a HoopYoga warm-up session.

Hoops will be provided for use in class, or you may purchase one there.

Please bring:
-water to drink
-comfortable non-slip clothes to wear (no silk, satin, etc.)
-comfortable shoes if you choose to wear them
-and, if you have one - your HOOP!

The Teacher:
Kandice Korves-Kaus has been sharing the art of hoopdance for ten years; teaching and performing internationally, nationally and locally in Northern California, where she resides with her husband and partner Andrew Kaus.

Her distinctive style of teaching blends hoopdance physics and a spiritual/metaphysical philosophy into what has been dubbed Holistic Hoopology.

She and/or her Holistic Hooping team has taught at events such as the New Living Expo's Movement Playground (facilitated by Conscious Dancer Magazine), the Sacred Circularities Hoopdance Retreat in Bali, and their own Holistic Hoopdance Retreat at the famous Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health on the east coast!”
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Spring into Elderflower
Sunday, April 8, 11:00AM-10:00PM, ritual starts at 7:00PM
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street , Oakland
all day $15, evening ritual only $10
http://www.elderflower.org/SIE.html
http://humanisthall.net

Artemis Passionfire, Coordinator for Spring into Elderflower, says:
“Thanks for announcing Spring Into Elderflower, an event all the women in your groups are welcome to attend.

The theme will be: Amazons, Maidens and Wildwomyn Bring in the Spring.  There will also be acknowledgement of Crones in the ritual, and if there are womyn you know that would like to vend (especially) or do workshops(we're starting to get full, but will try to accommodate) we will be having both workshops and vending going on. Max Dashu will also be doing a slide presentation, and there will be other workshops too.”

“A taste of the 2012 Elderflower Womenspirit Festival

Enjoy a day of food, workshops, entertainment, craftswomen vendors, drumming circle, building community and an evening ritual.

Please bring a potluck dish to share.  There will be soup to share.”

Women who would like to vend or do a presentation at this event can contact Artemis Passionfire at FeistyAmazon@hotmail.com  Attn: Artemis/Spring Into Elderflower.
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Have a Foolishly Wise, Spring-In-Your-Step Week!

Molly Blue Dawn