Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for the Week starting Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Pride and Prejudice, Brick Show 2012, Concert in the Redwood Grove, Stirring the Cauldron, Gaia Festival, Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival, Martinez Peddlers Faire, Earth Energy Walk, Charles Dickens' Picnic Dance, Community Seed’s Lughnasadh Ritual, Sergei Paradjanov, Blue Lotus Reiki Share, Full Moon Feast, Gaskell Ball, San Jose Renaissance Faire, Art and Soul Festival, Time Travel Weekends, Goddess Awakening, Goddess Camp, A Course In Modern Conjure, Beaver Festival, Fremont Festival of the Arts, Carnival of Stars, Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery History Tour, Lughnasadh Celebration, South Bay Pagan Salon
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Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen, adapted for the stage by Donald L. Hardy
presented by Butterfield 8
Wednesday-Sunday, August 1-5, Wednesday-Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 3:00PM
Playing through August 26
in two parts - see website for detailed schedule
Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax Street, Concord
$18
http://www.b8company.com/events.htm
Part 1: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/246153
Part 2: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/246157

“Join us once again for Jane Austen's enduring tale of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage among the landed gentry of early 19th century England, a show Charles Jarrett called ‘a melded work of translational genius.’ and ‘a stunning production.’

This revival of last year's world premiere four-act adaptation, created specifically for Butterfield 8, is once again presented in two parts. Based on audience feedback, there will be two opportunities to see the production as a double feature - both parts on the same day!

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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Brick Show 2012
Wednesday-Sunday, August 1-5, 1:00-8:00PM,
and every Wednesday-Sunday through September 2
Bay Area Family Church, 2305 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Leandro
$4 (ages 2 and under free)
http://www.playbuildingbricks.com

“An event for the whole family!

A miniland made out of LEGO.  From underwater to tall skyscrapers.  Prehistoric to Science Fiction.  There is something for everybody.

Get inspired by the LEGO exhibit, then put your own creativity to work with the available LEGO.  Take a picture of your creation to show your family and friends.  

Play LEGO games and compete with other visitors.  Challenge yourself to control LEGO NXT robots.”  
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Concert in the Redwood Grove
featuring Emily Jane White and Foxtails Brigade
Thursday, August 2, 5:30-7:30PM (and every Thursday through August 30)
“Doors” open at 5:00PM.  
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
Adults $15, Youth $5, under 5 Free
Please register online at the website below
for more information, e-mail garden@berkeley.edu
http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/whatsnew/redwoodGroveConcerts/index.shtml

“Join us this summer for a series of concerts in our beautiful Redwood Grove!

Dark and Pretty, Victorian neo-folk

Emily Jane White
Emily Jane White is a San Francisco based singer/songwriter who released her debut album in 2007. Influenced by American blues and folk music tradition. Her work shares some elements with folk music, but the term does not do justice to her ambitious songwriting and robust arrangements. White possesses a singular voice inspired by the raveled threads of the uncanny in American culture.

Foxtails Brigade
Foxtails Brigade is a San Francisco music collective headed by front-woman Laura Weinbach. They specialize in quiet, finger-picked guitar, ethereal vocals and simple violin and cello melodies. Their pretty melodies and flower-strewn stories are undercut with a sharp lyrical edge. As Laura switches from pitch-perfect vocals to turbulent rants and complex classical guitar riffs the promise of a darker side to the neo-Victorian image is exposed. Their haunting vocal sound, violin harmonies, fairy-tale lyrics and classical technique make Foxtails Brigade the perfect accompaniment for an evening in the Redwood Grove.

Ticket includes admission to the Garden before 5:00PM. BYO picnic and drinks welcome.”

Thanks to Pixie for letting me know about this event!
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Stirring the Cauldron: A Roundtable Discussion
with Elayne Lockhart
Friday, August 3, 7:00-8:30PM, and the first Friday of every month
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
Free
http://www.themysticdream.com
http://elaynelockhart.blogspot.com

“Join us on the first Friday of each month for a round table discussion. Each month a topic is selected in regards to paganism, witchcraft, or the esoteric arts. This is a moderated group; strong discussion is welcomed, however respect for diverse opinion and tolerance of other people's beliefs is a must.

Elayne Lockhart is a 4th generation witch living in the East Bay, where she works to educate the public on paganism and the esoteric arts. She has appeared in various live and print media regarding witchcraft and is the former moderator of Witchy Wednesdays. You can reach Elayne by phone at 925-935-3808, by e-mail at elaynelockhart@yahoo.com.”
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Gaia Festival
Friday-Sunday, August 3-5
Black Oak Ranch, 50350 Highway 101, Laytonville
See website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://www.thegaiafestival.com

“The Gaia Festival is a three-day music and sustainable-living fair, featuring world-class artists of many genres, with a positive message for our time.

More than a music festival, the Gaia Festival is serving a growing community of people who are coming together to create sustainable and resilient lifestyles, in our neighborhoods and around the world. It is a celebration of our interconnection to each other and to Mother Earth.

The Gaia Festival is an interactive forum for people and organizations to share ideas, information and inspiration. Through workshops and presentations we will host discussions on topics such as: permaculture, renewable energy, green building, communal living, environmental stewardship, human rights, healing arts, indigenous cultures, shamanism and spirituality.

Celebrating the bounty of Northern California, the Gaia Festival will offer great food and crafts, provided by local non-profits and artisans, featuring local, organic and sustainable products.
Five stages, four directions, three days, too much fun, one love.”
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Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival
with Festival Theatre Ensemble
Friday-Sunday, August 3-5, 8:00PM, playing through August 11
Oak Meadow Park, 220 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos
$22 Adults, $15 Seniors/Youth
http://www.festivaltheatreensemble.org
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/1758

“Fridays - Two Gentlemen of Verona
Boy meets girl, boy meets another girl, boy thinks he can get away with it.  In this delicious comedy, Shakespeare explores love Italian style.  FTE sets this tale of love in the Swingin' 60s. Lounge music, Italian suits, and mini-skirts included.

Saturdays - The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
Festival Theatre Ensemble takes great pride in bringing this powerful story of love, hate, loyalty and blood to our audiences, continuing our tradition of breathtaking swordplay and unforgettable performances.

Sundays - Alice in Wonderland
Can Alice keep her head through jousting knights, dueling twins, a monster in the forest and a mad, mad tea party?   Join us for this fast-paced romp through Wonderland that will excite young and old alike.

Produced by Festival Theatre Ensemble (FTE), the Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival has played to sold-out audiences since 2002. FTE, under the leadership of Artistic Director Bruce W. De Les Dernier, began touring classical theatre across northern California in 1994.

We invite you to join us as we play in the park after dark!”
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Martinez Peddlers Faire
Saturday, August 4, 8:00AM-4:00PM
Downtown Martinez, Alhambra Avenue at Marina Vista, Martinez
free admission
http://www.mainstreetmartinez.org/php/peddlersfaire.php

“Voted East Bay's Best Source for Old Treasures!

One of the largest outdoor antique shows in northern California, held on the streets of historic downtown Martinez. Get here early to get the first pick of that special item to add to your collection.

You will find plenty to choose from as dealers will be showing a huge variety of antiques and collectibles including glassware, porcelain, pottery, furniture, old advertising, toys, native American wares, paper items and much more.

While at the Faire, be sure to visit the 13 downtown Martinez Antique and Collectible stores. The 50 plus dealers in the stores will be bringing in new inventory for the Faire in preparation for the thousands of visitors on Faire day. In addition to the antiques and collectibles, there are over 50 arts and crafts vendors so there will be something for everyone at the show.

John Humphries, radio and TV collectibles talk show host, and the author of several books on collectibles, will again be on hand during the day to give evaluations of up to three carry-in items for a $5 donation to the Martinez Historic Society. John will be located at the information booth on the corner of Main and Ferry Streets from 8:00AM-4:00PM. John is always a popular feature at the Faire so be sure to get in line early and get a number. Bring in that old piece of pottery, glass, toy or other collectible but remember, no furniture, carry-in items only please.”
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Earth Energy Walk
with Community Seed
Saturday, August 4, 9:45AM-1:00PM (and first Saturday of every month)
Natural Bridges State Park, Swanton Boulevard and Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
see link below for directions to meeting place
http://www.communityseed.org/CS_-_Events/Energy_Walks/energy_walks.html
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541

“Join us on our monthly walks, and feel the power of the Earth.  
Walks are on the first Saturday of each month!

Gather at 9:45AM
Departure: 10:00AM
Return: around 1:00PM.

Details...
Our walk is usually about 2-3 hrs round trip with a stop for meditation half way in. We will walk rain or shine, however... if the forecast is very stormy, call ahead to verify. 831-469-0336
Before beginning our walk together, we will take a moment to center our minds and bodies. Once we are all fully present, we will begin our journey, all the while tuning in, listening, and absorbing the energies of the elements, plants, and animals. Halfway into our walk we will sit for meditation, a guided visualization, and to share food.

FOR ALL LOCATIONS Please bring:
Drinking water
A small snack
Hiking Shoes
Comfortable Clothes
Money for Parking (Several parks)
If the location is not listed... please call or email us.  831-469-0336, info@communityseed.org”
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Charles Dickens' Picnic Dance
presented by PEERS
Saturday, August 4,
Set-Up Time 10:00AM, Picnic Luncheon begins 11:00AM, Formal Dancing 1:00-4:00PM
Lincoln Park, 1450 High Street, Alameda, near the Rose Garden
Free
http://www.peers.org/dickenspicnic.html
http://www.well.com/user/cwj/bangersandmash

“Please join us for a lovely afternoon in the world of Charles Dickens and his characters in picturesque Lincoln Park, where we shall be holding PEERS’ annual Free Picnic & Dance in the Park.

Our guests are invited to bring their own period-style picnic lunch and to make their picnic site look as period as possible (Please note that the event is not a potluck. Our hard-working catering staff will be taking a well-deserved holiday!).

Suggested costume for the event is Victorian summer afternoon dress (1832-1870), but, as usual, costumes are admired, not required. But, whatever you wear, be certain to wear sturdy shoes that you can dance out-of-doors in.

To protect your complexion, hats or bonnets, parasols, and sunscreen are highly recommended, and you may even want to bring a shawl to protect you against the changeable climate of beautiful Alameda, the Bay Area's most Victorian city.

After the luncheon, the celebrated Dickens Fair band, Bangers and Mash , will play an afternoon of beautiful early to mid-Victorian dance music, including waltzes, polkas, schottisches, mazurka waltzes, country dances, and quadrilles (As usual, all set dances will be briefly taught or called). The enduringly popular Congress of Vienna, Bohemian National Polka, Lancers, and, of course, Sir Roger de Coverley will also be danced. This is a wonderful way to practice dancing for Dickens Fair and to meet many of the characters.

This event is a thank you to all of our devoted fans, and we will not be charging a fee for admission. Donations for our brilliant and hard-working musicians and for expenses will be gratefully accepted, however, both before and during the event.”
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Community Seed’s Lughnasadh Ritual
Saturday, August 4, 2:00PM
40 Thieves Picnic Area, De Laveaga Drive, 850 Branciforte Avenue, Santa Cruz
Suggested Donation $7-$13, no one turned away for lack of funds
http://www.communityseed.org/2012/07/lughanasadh-2012
http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/index.aspx?page=596

“Community Seed Presents Lughnasadh 2012
Featuring the debut of Angus as a High Priest!

Come walk the ancient path with us to a land far away, and yet as near as your own two feet.
The Road awaits

Bring a cushion or a camp chair
Circle trained children welcomed.
No pets, please, and no photography during the ritual. Thank you!

Potluck feast to follow the ritual.
Zodiac Potluck:
Earth signs - Salads
Air signs - Main dish
Fire signs - Desserts
Water signs - Drinks
No Alcohol - CS events are clean and sober

For more information please call (831) 469-0336 or email angus@communityseed.org
Are you ready to go where no CS ritual has gone before?”
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Sergei Paradjanov
film screening
Saturday, August 4, 5:00-7:00PM
Silk Road House, 1944 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-981-0700
http://www.silkroadhouse.org
http://www.parajanov.com/main.html

“This is our fifth and final screening of Sergei Paradjanov’s films and documentaries.
It will include:
Documentary: Sergei Paradjanov (24 min)
Interview with Svetlana Scherbatyuk, the wife of Sergei Paradjanov (26 min)
Documentary: Andrei Tarkovsky and Sergei Paradjanov – Islands (2003, 39 min)
Featurette: Songs - Dedicated to Sergei Paradjanov (1985, 8 min)
Production by the DVDs Kino International RUSCICO, 2007
Running time 97 minutes.

In Russian with English subtitles.

The screening will be introduced and commented on by Alma Kunanbaeva.

Silk Road House events are sponsored by the Silkroad Foundation.”
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Blue Lotus Reiki Share
Saturday, August 4, 5:00-7:00PM
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
Suggested donation of $5-$10 requested.  No one turned away for lack of funds.
http://www.themysticdream.com

“Reiki is a traditional form of energy healing. Come and experience a mini-spiritual healing session with local Reiki practitioners, or come and practice your own Reiki skills. Network with others in the area in an environment that is fun, safe, and uplifting, or just come to watch and learn about this powerful healing modality.

If you would like to benefit from the healing energy of our Reiki Share, but are not able to attend, you may ‘tune in’ to the Reiki that we are sending by observing the simple exercise here.“
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Full Moon Feast
at Three Stone Hearth
Saturday, August 4, 6:00PM
Exact location in berkeley area given upon registration
Adults $50, children un ten $10
https://store.threestonehearth.com/menus/233
http://www.symphonyofthesoil.com

“On Saturday, August 4, we will offer a multi-course, family-style meal with the following menu:

Wild Copper River Salmon and Fresh Local Corn Fritters, Cilantro Creme Fraiche on the side
Composed Salad of Heirloom Potatoes, Haricot Vert and Beets with California Mission Gold Olive Oil Aioli
Grassfed Beef Shortribs Braised with Red Wine and Herbes de Provence
Native Harvest Wild Rice with Shiitake and Crimini Mushrooms
Gigante Beans with Basil Chiffonade, Slow-Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic
Butter Lettuces and Bloomsdale Spinach with Maple Vinaigrette
Fig Leaf and Goat’s Milk Panna Cotta
Fresh Figs
Elderberry Honey Cooler

The meal will be followed by a clip from Deborah Koons Garcia’s new movie Symphony of the Soil and then a conversation with Deborah including audience questions.”
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Gaskell Ball
Saturday, August 4, 7:30PM
Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland
$20
http://www.gaskellball.com
http://www.scottish-rite.org
http://www.brassworksband.com

"Ye Gaskell Occasional Dance Society has been sponsoring Victorian Ballroom dances for over 20 years. We currently sponsor 6 balls a year at the Scottish Rite Temple in Oakland.
We have live music played by the Brassworks of San Francisco, a group of 5 brass horns and a
drummer led by Frank Davis. The dances feature Victorian Waltzes, Polkas, Schottisches, Mazurkas, and set dances such as the Sir Roger de Coverley and the Congress of Vienna.

The general format of the dance is three 40 minute and one 30 minute sessions of live music, with three 20 minute breaks. We also occasionally have other entertainment during the breaks such as Morris dancing. The first set starts at 8:30 PM, with the last set ending at Midnight. Starting at 7:45 PM is a dance workshop where members of the Society quickly cover the basics of waltzing, polkas and the schottische.

Of course, the usual 19th, 20th and 21st century formal wear is always welcome.

Dress is 19th, 20th, or 21st Century Formalwear
Admission may be refused for those inappropriately dressed.

Refreshments are potluck finger food with the Society providing both fruit punch and ice water.

Upcoming dates:
October 27, 2012
December 15, 2012"
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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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Art and Soul Festival
Saturday-Sunday, August 4-5, Saturday 2:00PM-Midnight, Sunday 12:00PM-6:00PM
downtown Oakland - see website for map
adults $15, seniors and youth 13-17 $8, under 12 free
(discounted tickets available in advance - see website)
http://www.artandsouloakland.com

“A symbol of downtown Oakland’s renaissance, Art and Soul is a great entertainment value that sizzles with two music-packed days featuring Jazz, Rock, Gospel, Latin, R&B, Acoustic and Blues performed by national recording artists and top local talent.

Youngsters will love the kid-friendly carnival rides, interactive art projects, face painting and roaming costumed characters.

Stroll through the Artisan Marketplace, sample exotic foods and tasty treats from a multicultural menu and view great art.

Art and Soul, the Bay Area’s coolest festival, has direct transit access and free parking for thousands of cars.”
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Time Travel Weekends
in Historic Old Sacramento
Saturday-Sunday, August 4-5, and every weekend through August 26
Historic Old Sacramento, 101 I Street, Sacramento
http://www.historicoldsac.org/programs/programs-street-theatre.asp

“Get ready to step back in time when the past mingles with the present once again in Old Sacramento! Visitors to Old Sacramento will enjoy lively and interactive street theatre as part of the hugely popular Time Travel Weekends that debuted last year to much applause. The streets of Old Sacramento will come alive with talented performers who put on spontaneous and elaborate skits and performances. Plus, visitors won’t want to miss the highly entertaining Old West stage shows happening daily including the much acclaimed Golden Melodeon Review in the Eagle Theatre.

As you stroll through Old Sacramento on weekends July through August, you might just chance upon historic re-enactments complete with wagons, wild characters with heroes and villains, children’s pioneer craft activities, historic gambling, bowling, juggling, singing, dancing and other forms of musical mastery, military encampments, mining camps, parades, historic events, medicine shows, Civil War cannon firings, and much, much more!”

A lot of the performers in this program are Renaissance Faire and/or Dickens Fair folk!

Director Robert Young, who may look familiar to you if you’ve ever met Mr. Dickens himself, or attended a Mysterium Om ritual at PantheaCon, says:
“THE CURTAIN'S GOING UP - on a new season of Time Travel Weekends in Sacramento City.  The very first melodrama to open the Eagle Theatre in 1849, 'The Bandit Chief', will be reborn on that stage every afternoon. An entertaining show of variety acts will also take stage - jugglers, Shakespearean actors, medicine show, can can, music hall and much more - concluding in the stirring pageant 'Triumph of Eureka'.  Mr. Mark Twain himself will hold forth with his droll humor and entertaining tales. The streets will be bustling with wagons, carriages, parades, music and lively characters.  Will you be there?”
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Goddess Awakening - Temple services for She of 10,000 Names
with Rabbit, Iris, and guest Priestesses
Sunday, August 5, 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.

Theme for August 5: The Goddess of Protection”
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Goddess Camp
with Ariella Moon
Sunday, August 5, 2:00-4:00PM,
and three more Sundays, August 12, 19 and 28
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
$175 for all four classes, or just $45 per session
http://www.themysticdream.com
http://www.ariellamoon.com

“Powerful personal transformation unfolds when you tune into the specific energies of the Elemental Goddesses. In turn, we’ll work with Air, Fire, Water, and Earth Goddesses. Through ritual, guided imagery, and magic, participants will discover which element blocks their goals, how to attract the elements they need to embrace, and which Goddesses can best help them on their journey.

Ariella Moon, author of Spell Check, Crone Lessons, and Fear, Faith, and Protection, is a Reiki Master and Shaman. She helps adults and children release stress, manage pain, clear embedded woundings, and transform their lives. Her articles on Women's Spirituality appear in Crone Magazine and SageWoman. An in demand healer, teacher, and spiritual counselor, Ariella has a private shamanic healing practice in Lafayette, California.”
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A Course In Modern Conjure
with Chas Bogan
Sunday, August 5, 3:00-6:00PM, and the first Sunday of every month
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
$30 per session
This year-long series began in June.
http://www.themysticdream.com
http://themysticdream.com/chas

“Learn new and traditional practices for American folk magic, known also as Hoodoo, Rootwork, Hedge Witchery and Conjure.

You may attend individual classes if you are interested only in a given topic. A Certificate in Modern Conjure available for students who attend at least ten classes and complete all exams.

Discussions and training will include the following topics:
Conjuring energy and spirits from herbs, stones, minerals, and animal curios.
Working with the ancestors and the use of graveyard dirt and bone curios.
Techniques and uses for psalms, seals and personal sigils.
Formularies and hands on instruction on concocting oils, powders, baths and other magical apothecaries.

This class plots a course intended to help you evolve as a Rootworker, covering history, spiritual cleansing, psychic development, the arts of hexing and healing, building relationships with the divine world around us, and much more.

For this class we will examine how to conjure the power found in herbs. As a foundation for making our own apothecary products throughout the class we will work with herbal allies to create an herb blend used for money drawing. We will approach this work according to the Doctrine of Signatures and shamanic exploration of the spirits within herbs. We will also examine various other methods traditionally used for money drawing.

Chas Bogan is an artist and mystic, having studied and practiced many diverse forms of metaphysics for the past 25 years. That experience is reflected in his art, which ranges from the design of unique divination tools to various other forms of sacred expression. His shamanic talents have lead him to create various collections of spiritual supplies crafted for Modern Conjure Brand, such as baths; oils; powders; waters; and more. He is available for consultations and spiritual work by appointment Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; during which he may be serving my clients in my capacity as a Reiki Master Teacher; Rootworker; Tarot Reader; Conjure Doctor. He teaches various magical arts including the Feri Tradition of which he is an initiate.”
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Beaver Festival
Saturday, August 4, 11:00AM-4:00PM
Beaver Park, 495 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez
Free
http://www.martinezbeavers.org

"Learn how the beavers in Martinez have improved the watershed and re-energized the community. Find out about simple tools that can manage beaver behavior, and see first hand how beaver-created wetlands improve populations of fish, birds and wildlife. Live music, children's activities, and guided beaver tours make this an event for the whole family, and one you definitely won't want to miss! Ride Amtrak directly to the festival. Have dinner in town and come back in the evening to see the beavers for yourself. We promise you'll have a 'dam' good time!"
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Fremont Festival of the Arts
Saturday-Sunday, August 4-5, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Paseo Padre Parkway and Capital Avenue, Fremont
Free
http://www.fremontfestival.net

“The Fremont Festival of the Arts is celebrating 28 years of fun in the sun! The Fremont Festival of the Arts is the largest free street festival west of the Mississippi River.

Cool things about the Fremont Festival:
Kid City: great family fun!
Music: Always free, always groovy
Artists: Unique handcrafted items
Gourmet Marketplace: Fabulous food to take home
The Wine Garden presented by GROCO: The Festival's hidden gem
Business Alley: An outdoor trade show featuring Fremont Chamber members
Food: Yummy festival food
Wine, Beer, Margaritas”
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Carnival of Stars
World Dance and Arts Festival
Saturday-Sunday, August 4-5, 10:00AM-10:00PM\
Richmond Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
Adults $15, children under 12 $6
http://www.carnivalofstars.com/home.htm
http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=425

Two days of belly dance performances, workshops, vendors and other wonderful things!
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Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery History Tour
Saturday, August 6, 10:00AM, 10:20AM, 10:40AM, 11:00AM
tours start at Franklin Gate, 1600 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa
Free
For additional information, please call 707-543-3292
http://www.srcity.org/ruralcemetery

“Learn about the lives of Santa Rosa's early citizens.

Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery was established as the result of an accident. In November of 1854 a young father, who had arrived from Missouri only a matter of weeks before, drowned in a pond near the center of town. He was buried on land that was part of a Mexican grant given to one of the earliest settlers of Santa Rosa, Doña Maria Ignacia Lopez de Carrillo. Soon other families needed burial places, and the area became an unofficial cemetery. In 1867 the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery Association was formed and burial plots in the 17-acre site were formally offered for sale.

Sales of plots continued through 1930, through records of these transactions have been lost. During this period of 70-plus years, parts of the land were sold off, and three separate but adjacent cemeteries were established: the Stanley, Moke, and Fulkerson Cemeteries. Today the four cemeteries combined are owned by the City of Santa Rosa and known collectively as Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery. The only burials permitted today are those of descendants of families who held deeds to cemetery plots. The total number of burials is over 5200.

Neglect and vandalism took their toll on the cemetery through years of unclear ownership and sporadic maintenance. A Restoration Committee organized by dedicated volunteers in 1994 and operating under the aegis of the City of Recreation and Parks Department has made great strides in repairing damage, clearing overgrowth, and planning for permanent maintenance. In 1997, the City of Santa Rosa awarded Historical Landmark status to the Rural Cemetery.

Docent-led tours during the summer months acquaint visitors with the history of the town and the many town pioneers who are buried here. Lamplight Tours, conducted in September as fund-raising events, present dramatic vignettes from the lives of the famous and not-so-famous people buried in the Rural Cemetery.”
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Lughnasadh Celebration
Presented by The Fellowship of the Spiral Path’s Gateway Circle
in association with Labyrinth Circle
Please note special time - Tuesday, August 7, 7:00-9:00PM (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=285&date=20120807

“The doors will be open at 5:30PM to help set up altars, make your Lammas boats from barley straw and create quarter callings. Ritual starts 7:00PM. Bring potluck snacks and desserts and your musical instruments. Dress festively. There will also be a special blessing for the people in the regions that have been devastated by fire with words written by Lezlie Kinyon and Mary Miller, music by Lauren Renee Hotchkiss and Lisa Maren Stein. Pass this announcement on to one and all: this event is open and let's fill that old Fellowship Hall!

If you have been to this ritual in years past, you know that we make small boats. This year, we need some dried flowers, several bundles of dried wheat, rye, oats, and, especially, barley. If anyone can pick some up and bring it to the ritual for boat making purposes, it will be accepted with much gratitude.

Because John Barleycorn plays a central part in the ritual, men are especially invited.

Who should come? This ritual is for dreamers, dancers, poets, and for laughter and love as we journey through the year and celebrate the First Harvest.

Because it is the Feast of the First Harvest, great cooks and farmers are most welcome too!

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, August 7, 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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Have a Stirring, Soulful Week!

Molly Blue Dawn

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

Mark your calendars for:
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Gaia Festival
Friday-Sunday, August 3-5
Black Oak Ranch, 50350 Highway 101, Laytonville
See website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://www.thegaiafestival.com

“The Gaia Festival is a three-day music and sustainable-living fair, featuring world-class artists of many genres, with a positive message for our time.

More than a music festival, the Gaia Festival is serving a growing community of people who are coming together to create sustainable and resilient lifestyles, in our neighborhoods and around the world. It is a celebration of our interconnection to each other and to Mother Earth.

The Gaia Festival is an interactive forum for people and organizations to share ideas, information and inspiration. Through workshops and presentations we will host discussions on topics such as: permaculture, renewable energy, green building, communal living, environmental stewardship, human rights, healing arts, indigenous cultures, shamanism and spirituality.

Celebrating the bounty of Northern California, the Gaia Festival will offer great food and crafts, provided by local non-profits and artisans, featuring local, organic and sustainable products.
Five stages, four directions, three days, too much fun, one love.”
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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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Bay Area Tarot Symposium
Saturday-Sunday, August 25-26
Golden Gateway Holiday Inn, 1500 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
see website for detailed schedule and registration information
http://www.dodivination.com
http://www.facebook.com/SFBATS

“The first, the original, the only... There is NOTHING like a BATS!

Two days of Tarot-drenched fun and frolic including workshops, presentations, readings in the Pagan Science Reading Room, fabulous schmoozery, and the legendary Tarot Bazaar, featuring Tarot Garden (your source for all things Tarot) and the Millard Fillmore Memorial Spiritualist Temple Garage Sale (the retail arm of the DoD)
Plus! the Raffle of Fabulous Prizes!

The BATS in the Belfry Magickal, Mystical Mixer on Saturday night will feature the Michael Kenny jazz combo and special guest performers.

SF BATS is held at San Francisco's Golden Gateway Holiday Inn.  The location sets you in the middle of the City by the Bay with every imaginable delight to eat, drink and experience right outside the door, including cable cars!”
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Pagan Fest of the First Harvest
Saturday-Sunday, August 25-26, 10:00AM-6:00PM
Tuscan Village at Terrrill Cellars Winery, 16175 Main Street, Lower Lake
$5
http://www.facebook.com/TuscanVillage
http://www.terrillcellars.com/shops.asp

“Not your mother's pagan festival... Pagan Fest of the First Harvest!

Starting 10:00 am on August 25th and 26th, 2012 the Tuscan Village/ Terrill Cellars Winery will be the site of the Pagan Fest of the First Harvest, a trans-pagan gathering to usher in the Samhain season. Wiccans, Druids, Witches, Warlocks, Native American Spiritualists and heathens of all stripes are welcome to attend. There will be food, drink, music (from Celtic, to Goth, to Heavy Metal!), entertainment (belly-dancers), a ‘Left-Hand Lounge’, vendors, speakers (Neo-pagan and fiction author Diana Paxson!) and after-dark, RITUAL CIRCLES! We also have camping for covens!  The cost... a simple $5 donation per person (per day if camping)! Send all inquires regarding vending, entertainment, and so on to: paganfest11@yahoo.com. We'd love to hear from you!”
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Northern California Women's Herbal Symposium
Session 2: Friday - Monday, August 31-September 3
Black Oak Ranch, 50350 Highway 101, Laytonville
see website for detailed schedule and registration details
http://www.womensherbalsymposium.org/pages/symposium.html

“PlantWomen gather! The Tribe comes together!

Now, two times a year, women from many backgrounds of life gather together in great celebration for four full days of inspiring Herbal and Sustainability classes, gourmet vegetarian meals, talented campfire capers, amazing handcrafted marketplace items, Rites-of-Passage Ceremonies, powerful campfire drumming and dancing, refreshing swimming hole dips, and conversations with remarkable and inspiring women!

We meet together under the ancient oaks, douglas firs, and bay trees of Northern California. Our main gathering area is encircled by sixteen tipis with a large firepit in the center. All classes are held sitting on the ground under these majestic trees, or under shade tarps that we have set-up. At night we camp together, either in the tipis or in tents that we each bring.

During the days we are a gathering of women and children studying, teaching, learning, networking, and talking about plants, healing, and healthy lifestyles. When the sun goes down we become a playful and celebratory group, chatting, chanting, singing, showing off our talents, drumming and dancing into the night around the campfire.

We are a group of 350-400 women and children and we gather to learn from each other, to nurture and nourish each other, to take a break from our daily lives, to regenerate, refresh, dance, frolic, talk plants, and most of all, to have a REALLY GOOD THYME together!

Each session is a separate event. Do join us for one or both sessions!”
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Gold Rush Days
Friday-Monday, August 31-September 3, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Historic Old Sacramento, 101 I Street, Sacramento
Free
http://www.sacramentogoldrushdays.com

“Hitch up the team to your buckboard and come on down! Bring the young'uns and the in-laws, the neighbors and the new folk just off the stage from Back East.  Heck, bring your sweetheart along for a thrill… During Labor Day Weekend in Old Sacramento you’ll find yourself transported back to the days of Gold and Glory, when California was a brand-new state with brand-new ideas. Join in the truly old-time fun in the world of Yesterday!

More than 200 tons of dirt will pave the streets of Old Sacramento as this annual festival "turns back the clock," transforming Sacramento's historic district into a scene straight out of the 1850s. Hundreds of costumed performers take on the roles of celebrities, personalities and just plain folks, bringing history to life while bluegrass pickers and old-timey Musicians perform on several stages, evoking the vivid tunes of the times.

Featuring Dancers, Street Dramas, Wagon Rides, Gold Panning, Period Artifacts, Storytelling, Craft Making, Embarcadero Tent City, Period Musicians, Horse-Drawn Carriages and much more!”
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Capitola Begonia Festival
Friday-Monday, August 31-September 3
the beautiful seaside Village of Capitola, near Santa Cruz
http://www.begoniafestival.com

"The homespun Capitola Begonia Festival has its roots in the moist, cool coastal climate of Santa Cruz County, California, which is eminently hospitable to the tuberous begonia. Major begonia growers were located in Capitola and Santa Cruz in the mid-20th Century, and a festival in late summer--when the begonias are in spectacular bloom--was a natural way to extend the late-summer coastal tourist season.

The 'Pacific Begonia', as it is known, was hybridized in Capitola. At the turn of the Century, the Brown family immigrated to Capitola. They tried for years to develop some sort of sustainable agriculture to assure their survival in this sparsely populated, primarily tourist area called 'Camp Capitol'. Obtaining Begonia bulbs from Germany, who bragged of 'the best flowers', and Begonia tubers from Belgium, who claimed 'the strongest tubers', the Browns cross-bred the 2 varieties, and developed the Pacific Begonia. From the 1930's to the 1970's, approx 90% of the worlds Begonias came from the Brown Bulb Ranch in Capitola.

Peggy Matthews was a local resident who taught swimming. She staged the Capitola Water Follies every fall, to showcase her swimmers. Peggy couldn't help but notice all the Begonia flowers going to waste on the Brown Bulb Ranch (where the Capitola Mall is today). Of course, she was not aware that the growers had no interest whatsoever in the flowers; they were propagating bulbs. The death of the flowers signified that it was time to dig up the bulbs and send them to market. Begonias are not a 'cut flower'.

So, in 1951, Peggy was given permission to pick as many flowers as she wanted. That year the Capitola Water Follies featured paddleboards decorated with Begonias, and that is basically how the Begonia Festival got its start. The next year was the first year of actual 'floats', and even though the real "Capitola Begonia Festival' was not official until 1954, we have always used 1952 as the starting date. Today, the Begonia fields are in Marina, which is Monterey County, and the Golden State Bulb Growers Association maintains a very large area of many types of bulbs. There are 43 acres dedicated to Begonias, over 3 million blooms, come late summer. A spectacular sight!!!"
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Scottish Highland Games
Saturday-Sunday, September 1-2
Pleasanton Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton
see website for schedule and ticket details
http://www.caledonian.org/games.html

Taber tossing!  Bagpipes!  Whiskey!  Kilts!
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King's Mountain Art Fair
Saturday-Monday, September 1-3, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Kings Mountain Community Center, 13889 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside (on the Peninsula)
http://www.kingsmountainartfair.org

"The Kings Mountain Art Fair is an annual event, held every Labor Day weekend. The Art Fair benefits the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade and other community activities, including the Kings Mountain Elementary School, and is staffed completely by volunteers from the local community.

Known for its stunning location among the redwoods and for its unique and varied artists (selected by jury), the Kings Mountain Art Fair celebrates over 40 years of art and ambiance. Come visit!

Fair admission and parking are free."
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Oakland Pride
Sunday, September 2, 11:00AM-7:00PM
19th Street and Franklin Street, Oakland
see website for detailed map and schedule
$10 General Admission, $5 Seniors over 65/Youth under 12
http://www.oaklandpride.org

“Oakland Pride exploded onto the pride scene in 2010 with a first year event so large and fabulous that it has been branded Northern California’s second largest pride. 2012 marks the 3rd year of Oakland’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride celebration and we have gone the extra mile to ensure there is something for everyone. In additional to four stages featuring a diverse lineup of over 75 wonderful artists, Oakland Pride will host pavilions for seniors, HIV/AIDS Health, and the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Community. Our Family Coalition, Children’s Fairyland and The Oakland Public Library have teamed up to host a fun-filled Family Garden with live entertainment and interactive activities for children of all ages. With all of this plus almost 200 vendors and exhibitors providing a wide variety of food, merchandise, and information. Oakland Pride is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Come celebrate a proud day on the sunny side of the Bay!!”
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Goddess Festival
Friday-Sunday, September 7-9
Redwood Forest in Santa Cruz area
see website for detailed registration information
http://goddess-festival.com

“Goddess Festival 2012 - Women and Trees

Please join us for Z Budapest’s women-only Goddess Festival 2012!Women are gathering again in the Redwood Forest of the Northern California Santa Cruz Mountains, September 7th-9th.
Entertainment will include a wide array of Goddess music and musical performances. We will have rituals lead by Z Budapest happening every day.

We have two days of powerfully sacred workshops lead by some of the most spiritually focused women of our times. We have ordination rituals. Initiation rituals. Musical Goddess sing-a-longs! Drum-a-longs! And a swimming pool for the heat of the day! Endless forests to explore as you commune with the ancient Redwoods! All of Nature is just a step outside your cabin door… and wonderful Sisters to share the whole experience with.

All meals are prepared for us. There is no work duty. No food to cook. No dishes to do. The Camp’s staff does it all for us.

This year’s presenters include:
Susun Weed
Diana Paxson
Max Dashu
M. Flora Peterson

You can attend the workshops, listen to music, you can shop with the vendors, you can walk amongst the redwoods or you can rest. What you do when is up to you.
At night we light a huge bonfire in the center of our sacred ritual space deep in the heart of the redwood forest and then, we gather round. We sing. We dance. We worship the Goddess. We recognize the goddess in each other. We celebrate life!”
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Second Annual Conference on Earth-Based, Nature-Centered, Polytheistic and Indigenous Faiths - cancelled for 2012
http://thepaganalliance.org

There will be no Conference this year, as not enough presenters or attendees have shown interest.
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Lamplight Tours of Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery
Friday-Saturday, September 14-15,
7:30PM, 7:50PM, 8:10PM, 8:30PM, 8:50PM, 9:10PM, 9:30PM, 9:50PM
Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, 1600 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa
$30
For additional information, please call 707-543-3292
Space is limited, please pre-register - see website below:
http://www.srcity.org/ruralcemetery

“Walk at night through Santa Rosa’s oldest cemetery to see and hear all new dramatic portrayals of some of our city’s early settlers. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight.

Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery was established as the result of an accident. In November of 1854 a young father, who had arrived from Missouri only a matter of weeks before, drowned in a pond near the center of town. He was buried on land that was part of a Mexican grant given to one of the earliest settlers of Santa Rosa, Dona Maria Ignacia Lopez de Carrillo. Soon other families needed burial places, and the area became an unofficial cemetery. In 1867 the Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery Association was formed and burial plots in the 17-acre site were formally offered for sale.

Sales of plots continued through 1930, through records of these transactions have been lost. During this period of 70-plus years, parts of the land were sold off, and three separate but adjacent cemeteries were established: the Stanley, Moke, and Fulkerson Cemeteries. Today the four cemeteries combined are owned by the City of Santa Rosa and known collectively as Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery. The only burials permitted today are those of descendants of families who held deeds to cemetery plots. The total number of burials is over 5200.

Neglect and vandalism took their toll on the cemetery through years of unclear ownership and sporadic maintenance. A Restoration Committee organized by dedicated volunteers in 1994 and operating under the aegis of the City of Recreation and Parks Department has made great strides in repairing damage, clearing overgrowth, and planning for permanent maintenance. In 1997, the City of Santa Rosa awarded Historical Landmark status to the Rural Cemetery.

Docent-led tours during the summer months acquaint visitors with the history of the town and the many town pioneers who are buried here. Lamplight Tours, conducted in September as fund-raising events, present dramatic vignettes from the lives of the famous and not-so-famous people buried in the Rural Cemetery.”
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Ardenwood Shakespeare Festival and Renaissance Faire - cancelled for this year
http://www.ardenwoodfaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com

There will be no Ardenwood Faire for 2012, as Ardenwod Historic Farm has had to cancel events due to lack of funds.  Check the Renaissance Productions website for more great events happening in Northern California.
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Katmandu Fall Festival
Saturday-Sunday, September 15-16, 11:00AM-5:00PM
Veterans Memorial Hall, 126 First Street West, Sonoma
$10 suggested donation
http://www.childrensmedaid.org/katmandu-festival

“The Katmandu Festival is a celebration of the diverse cultures of Nepal, Tibet and India featuring Himalayan cuisine, music and lively dance performances. Festival-goers shop in a colorful marketplace with jewelry, clothing, art, antiques and crafts for sale; enjoy mouth-watering momos and other traditional fresh-cooked foods; and relax with yoga classes and healing arts demonstrations. A photo gallery displays the unique places and faces of Nepal, home to Mount Everest.

A silent auction and hourly raffles will be held for fine dining, weekend getaways and other prizes from some of the Sonoma Wine Country’s best venues. All proceeds from the event benefit Children’s Medical Aid Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing corrective surgery for Nepalese children with birth defects, and building medical clinics to serve impoverished families in rural areas of Nepal.

For more information about the Festival, including exhibitor and volunteer info, please contact Children’s Medical Aid Foundation at (707) 938-1807.”
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Casa de Fruta Renaissance Faire
Saturdays-Sundays, September 15-October 14, 10:00AM-6:00PM
10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy 152, Gate 6, Hollister (south of Gilroy)
$25 Adults, Children under 12 Free!  Parking $5
Discounted tickets available through the website
http://www.norcalrenfaire.org

This is the big one!  Check the website for details about theme weekends and Saturday evening concerts so you can choose which day to go!
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Nature and Soul Retreat for Autumn Equinox
with Jan Edl Stein, MFT
Friday, September 21, 9:30AM-4:00PM
Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center, 1601 Shoreline Highway, Muir Beach, 415-383-3134
$118 early registration up to two weeks before the event, $140 within two weeks of the event
http://www.holosinstitute.net/nature-soul-day-retreat.htm
http://www.holosinstitute.net/people/Jan.htm
http://www.sfzc.org/ggf

“Nature and Soul: A day of retreat where nature mirrors our inner landscape

This seasonally offered retreat is a day of renewal and rediscovery, as we open ourselves to the land around us in addition to the landscapes within us.  This is a deeply experiential daylong retreat for restoration of health, psyche and spirit, offering a renewal of the soul's intention and a re-connection with the elements of nature that support us.  We will slow down and take in the beauty that surrounds us and let nature reflect the shapes and patterns that are held in the psyche.

The day is a combination of indoor experiences that involves guided meditation and inner journey process and outdoor, land-based contemplative practices. The experience as a whole is an embodied example of eco-therapy.  Each retreat day reflects themes of the season in the meditations, journeys and our approach to the elements we discover in nature.
No previous experience is necessary.

The retreat takes place in the beautiful setting of Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center, with its splendid coastal range flora, meandering gardens, Japanese architecture, and easy walk to the beach.  An organic, vegetarian lunch (included in registration fee)  is offered to the group in the dining hall.  Retreat fees include lunch and refreshments.

Details on how to prepare for the day an a confirmation of registration will be sent one week before the event.

Retreat leader, Jan Edl Stein MFT, is the director of Holos Institute and a licensed psychotherapist with many years of experience in guiding people into deep explorations in their own psyche as they open to deeper levels of perception in the natural world.

Autumn Equinox: Harvesting creations and turning inward. This will be a day to reflect upon all you have created in your inner and outer worlds and a preparation for releasing.”
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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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Birthing Your Soul’s Calling
A Three-Day Initiatory Journey Into A Greater Than Imagined Life
with Devaa Haley Mitchell and Elayne Kalila Doughty
Friday-Monday, September 28-October 1
Earth Rise Retreat Center at IONS, 101 San Antonio Road, Petaluma
see website for registration information
women only
http://soulfulwomen.com/Retreats

“You’re a soulful woman. You’re self-aware, motivated, talented, and you’ve been successful in many undertakings and important projects. And yet…

You sense even greater possibilities for your life. You yearn to move beyond a vanilla life that is working ‘fine’ to a life that is filled with passion and greater meaning. You want to touch people and be the brightest light you can be. And you’re willing to die to an old way of being so that something new and much more soul aligned can be born.

But you’re hesitant, maybe even afraid, to venture into this unknown territory. You don’t know how to move beyond your comfort zone - especially since you haven’t been taught how to navigate the terrain, and you haven’t been given a map for where you’re going.
We truly understand. We were once there ourselves.

Together we will stretch our collective mind out of its slumbering predictability and help you invite in miracles for your personal story - and for our planet as a whole.

As our world is also preparing for a major shift, we see a deep need for what we call ‘planetary soulful midwives’ who can skillfully help hospice out a dying world and usher in the new. These midwives are needed for the larger collective birth process that’s underway. But they are also needed to help each of us to find our own unique piece in this bigger puzzle.

These soul midwives are among us. In fact, we (Devaa and Elayne) know that playing this role is part of our sacred function in this lifetime. You may be a soul midwife yourself.

And as midwives, we are here to show you a way through and provide you with a safe container in which to birth the bigger story of your life-and your soul’s true calling.

We are calling you to imagine beyond the confines of what you think is possible and stand in the truth of YOUR MAGNIFICENCE. Join us, and we will lift you into your greater than imagined life!”
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Earth Medicine Alliance Annual Conference
Celebrating Ancestral Wisdom
Saturday-Sunday, October 20-21  
First Unitarian Universalist Center, 1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco
see Brown Paper Tickets link for registration details
http://www.earthmedicine.org/2012-conference
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/234237

“Our 2012 conference will be the weekend of Oct 20-21st in San Francisco.  We'll follow basically the same format as the previous two years.  We are open to suggestions for presenters who have a solid background in ritual work with the ancestors and who are comfortable working in an interfaith/multi-cultural setting.  We're looking forward to a great third annual conference and hope you can join us!”
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Folsom Renaissance Faire
Saturday-Sunday, October 20-21, Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM
Folsom City Lions Park, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom
$14.00 adults, $9.00 students, seniors (55+) and children 6-12, under six free
http://www.folsomfaire.com
http://www.renaissanceproductions.com

“Experience the Magic and The Merriment of The Renaissance in Folsom!

The rising young star of London's theater scene, Will Shakespeare, faces a scourge like no other: a paralyzing bout of writers block while the great Elizabethan age of entertainment unfolds around him. Will is without inspiration on material. What Will needs is a muse and in an extraordinary town whilst on progress with Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, he finds himself surrounded by numerous quirky characters who draw him into an amazing, dramatic adventure of action and love. Their stories make their way into his plays and into our hearts. The theme of the Faire is Shakespeare's Muse.

Over October 20-21, the Folsom City Lions Park will be transformed to a delightful Elizabethan town filled with myriad characters and vignettes resembling those of Shakespeare's plays we so dearly love. In addition, over 900 costumed entertainers and over 100 shopkeepers and artisans will add to the ambiance of the Faire.The Festival will be the ultimate Renaissance bash, a lively Dionysian party, where the guests enjoy turkey legs, exotic food, and drink as they banter with the myriad performers filling the streets. The event sports one-of-a-kind shows, music, and comedy.

The Joust!
The Weekends highlight will be a full contact joust. Men and horse collide and do battle right before your eyes.Say hello to Imperial Knights!

Proceeds of the Faire, and from some of the booths, goes to benefit:

The Folsom CAVE Teen Centers
Located at each of the middle schools in Folsom, they provide over 700 students a week with a supervised drop-in after school program that is free to the participants.

The Friends of the Folsom Public Library
A nonprofit, volunteer organization 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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Living In The Wisdom Of Ancestral Healing
A Sacred Gathering For Women Of All Ages
with Mbali Creazzo and Mahealani Uchiyama
Saturday-Sunday, October 27-28, 9:30AM-6:00PM
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland
$200
for more information, contact Iya Mahea at 510-827-3997 or iyamahea@thesacredforest.org
http://thesacredforest.org/events
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/258773
http://www.ourdivinemedicine.com

“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…

In a safe space, of mutual consent we will:
Reconnect to the wisdom of the Ancestors
Gain insight into the transformational life force of Fire
Understand Water as an agent of healing, reconciliation and empowerment
Through community, drumming, movement and ritual we will reawaken the ancient aspects of ourselves
There will be an opportunity to browse our open market filled with a rich and diverse selection of ceremonial jewelry, traditional crafts and music.

What to bring:
Bring Percussion instruments, Rattles, drums.  1 Red and 1 Blue candle.  Photos of Ancestors (or a red stone). Waters from a natural source (Optional). Lunch for both days, and water.
(Light snacks such as tea and coffee will be provided.)

What to wear:
Loose casual clothing”
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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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Nature and Soul Retreat for Winter Solstice
with Jan Edl Stein, MFT
Friday, December 21, 9:30AM-4:00PM
Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center, 1601 Shoreline Highway, Muir Beach, 415-383-3134
$118 early registration up to two weeks before the event, $140 within two weeks of the event
http://www.holosinstitute.net/nature-soul-day-retreat.htm
http://www.holosinstitute.net/people/Jan.htm
http://www.sfzc.org/ggf

“Nature and Soul: A day of retreat where nature mirrors our inner landscape

This seasonally offered retreat is a day of renewal and rediscovery, as we open ourselves to the land around us in addition to the landscapes within us.  This is a deeply experiential daylong retreat for restoration of health, psyche and spirit, offering a renewal of the soul's intention and a re-connection with the elements of nature that support us.  We will slow down and take in the beauty that surrounds us and let nature reflect the shapes and patterns that are held in the psyche.

The day is a combination of indoor experiences that involves guided meditation and inner journey process and outdoor, land-based contemplative practices. The experience as a whole is an embodied example of eco-therapy.  Each retreat day reflects themes of the season in the meditations, journeys and our approach to the elements we discover in nature.
No previous experience is necessary.

The retreat takes place in the beautiful setting of Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center, with its splendid coastal range flora, meandering gardens, Japanese architecture, and easy walk to the beach.  An organic, vegetarian lunch (included in registration fee)  is offered to the group in the dining hall.  Retreat fees include lunch and refreshments.

Details on how to prepare for the day an a confirmation of registration will be sent one week before the event.

Retreat leader, Jan Edl Stein MFT, is the director of Holos Institute and a licensed psychotherapist with many years of experience in guiding people into deep explorations in their own psyche as they open to deeper levels of perception in the natural world.

Winter Solstice: Honoring the still point within and finding ease with darkness. In this darkest day of the year, we will seek out a place of wisdom that resides in stillness and shadow.”
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