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.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Molly Blue Dawn's List of Events for the Week starting Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Women’s Sacred Circle, Wicca Wednesdays, Beginning Ritual Creation, Stirring the Cauldron, The Golden Rule, FIERCE PLAY, Wavy Gravy, Grey Ghost Paranormal Conference, Introduction to Beekeeping, Lighten Up About Growing Older!, Being-in-Dreaming, Community Seed Imbolc Ritual, The Black Middle Class: Social Mobility - and Vulnerability, Celebrate Candlemas and Groundhog Day at Isis Oasis, The Rivendell Revels: The Lord of the Rings Ball, CAYA’s Festival of Prophecy and Initiation - please note new time and location!, Tour of the Kitchen at Three Stone Hearth, Conscious Goddess: Temple Services, Conscious Goddess: Priestesshood in the New Age, Stories Along the Silk Road, Create Restore Build, A Course In Modern Conjure, A Night for Chris, South Bay Pagan Salon, Tibetan Butter Sculpture, Brigid Rite, Be Still My Heart
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Women’s Sacred Circle
with Soul Coach Lis-Lotte Mariscal
Wednesday, January 30, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Julie’s Coffee and Tea Garden, 1223 Park Street, Alameda, 510-865-2385
suggested donation: $25.  
Please RSVP to Lis-Lotte at 510-507-1907 or answers@lis-lotte.com
http://www.juliestea.com

“Let's gather in Sacred Circle over a Pot of Tea to talk about how Clutter Clearing - inner AND outer - truly can shift stagnant energies and create miracles in your life and relationships.

I am a certiļ¬ed Soul Coach and creator of sacred space. With my presence, playfulness, wisdom and love I gently and powerfully support Women to Step into the Light and dare to Trust, Live and Express their True Intuitive Wisdom Powers.  For the Healing of The Earth, Themselves and Their Relationships.

SHOW UP to gain a new sense of ‘Who You Truly Are’: YOU are SO MUCH MORE than your CLUTTER!

In this powerful ceremony you will Learn:
How Clutter Clearing can have a profound effect on you and your life.
How Inner Clutter is in the way of seeing yourself and others through loving eyes.
Simple tips to get started - without being overwhelmed.
To let go on a guided SOUL JOURNEY: Living Life Lightly.”
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Wicca Wednesdays
with Didi
Wednesday, January 30, 7:30-8:30PM,
and eight more Wednesdays through March 27
Serpent's Kiss, 2015 N Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, 831-423-5477
$28 per class module or $300 for the series ($65 savings with advance registration)
for more information or to register, please call 831-423-5477 or e-mail mail@serpents-kiss.com
http://www.serpents-kiss.com

“I am very excited to share my knowledge and experience with you.
The series is structured as a 13 week course, culminating with a Full Moon ritual on the 13th week.

Wicca 101 with Didi

Module 5: Magickal Tools and Altars - What are Magickal tools? How to consecrate and use them. Basic altar construction.

Module 6: What is Ritual? Creating your own ritual - intention and focus.

Module 7: Ritual Construction - creation and cleansing of sacred space, grounding and centering, circle casting, calling the quarters.

Module 8: Ritual Construction continued - calling/invoking Deity, raising energy and doing the work, cakes and ale, thanking and releasing Deity and the quarters, opening the circle.

Module 9: Connecting with Deity - a discussion about pantheons, honoring, invoking and working with Deity.

Module 10: The Wheel of the Year - Sabbats and Esbats

Module 11: Spellcasting - constructing intention, doing work on behalf of others, corresponding days, lunar influences.

Module 12: Circle Etiquette - Perfect Love and Perfect Trust - What it means to create Magick with others.

Module 13: Esbat Ritual - Honoring the first Full Moon of spring.”
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Beginning Ritual Creation
with Lezlie Kinyon
Thursday, January 31, 7:00-9:00PM,
and three more Thursdays, February 7, 21, and 28
Garden Gate Center, 2911 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley
$5-$25 sliding scale per class, text $7
http://www.gardengatecreate.com (site plays music)
http://www.meetup.com/Wheel-of-the-Year/events/98051432/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1

“What makes ritual different in different religions, spiritual paths, and civic events?  How is a ritual created?  What are the kinds of rituals?
We will cover these questions and more once per week in a salon-style course looking at rituals of Familia, Thalia, and Rites-of-Passage.

Text: Elements of Beginning Ritual Construction by Blacksun of Elvenhearth (provided, please bring $7 to cover the cost of this text.)

We will cover: The differences between and uses for a ceremony, a service, and a ritual. The purpose of ritual; ritual use in personal, public, and ongoing circles; creating sacred space; our tools: making and acquiring, symbolic meanings and use; purpose, intent, and intentionality;  What is an altered state of consciousness? Guided meditation and guided fantasy and trance induction; music and dance; litanies, liturgies, spells, songs and chants; using all the senses: food, art, sound, scent, movement; raising, using and directing flow and energy; using folklore, folkways, myth, symbol, allegory, allusion and story.”
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Stirring the Cauldron: A Roundtable Discussion
with Elayne Lockhart
Friday, February 1, 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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The Golden Rule
film screening
Friday, February 1,  8:00PM
Isis Oasis Retreat Center, 20889 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville
free
http://www.isisoasis.org
http://www.tinapetrova.com

“Special free showing of The Golden Rule, a film by TIna Petrova, a Canadian Filmmaker. She will be hand to enlighten you.

This film was shown at the United Nations and is now to be in Geyserville at the Isis Oasis Theatre. Come and join us for this special offering.

Since we are having another film showing on February 2 along with dinner for just $20, you might wish to stay over at the Isis Oasis Lodge for just  $100 a night for a cozy room for two and enjoy the beautiful wine country along with these two films at the Isis Oasis Theatre.”
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FIERCE PLAY
presented by Ragged Wing Ensemble
Friday-Sunday, February 1-3, 7:00PM (2nd series)
Envision Academy, 1515 Webster Street, Oakland
$15-$30 sliding scale, available at the door
http://www.raggedwing.org/show/show_detail/26
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/319751

“Fierce Play
a series of original performances by members of the core ensemble

What makes a play FIERCE? Bursts of creative genius and wild exploration! Working at the collision of DARING and DISCIPLINE! PLAY, RIGOUR, MYSTERY and the spirit of YES!NOW!

The FIERCE PLAY Performance Series is an invitation to practice the power of GO. To bang the words: RAW and POLISHED together and make the sparks fly. This work raises the energy and creates crackling, electric performances. Members of Ragged Wing’s Core Company will lead the creation of FIERCE PLAYS in a condensed time-frame of fourteen days. Why work under the gun? It’s theatrical athleticism! The artists work at the edge of possibility and the wild mind alights! What holds it together? Our season theme: It’s About Time.

The FIERCE PLAY Performance Series is a giant LEAP into the creative YES. We’re taking it. Come with us.

Program 2:

Now! Now? Now.  
by Cecilia Palmtag
In an endless stream of Past and Future what is the window into experience? Now! Do your expectations meet up with Now? Structured episodically, this piece will examine the unique filter we each have that colors our world, and consider what experience would be like if we could step into Now.

In the Blink
by David Stein
When a young narcoleptic on her graduation day steps into a wrinkle in the fabric of space and time called the Blink, a stop gap world where time stands still, a father-daughter bond is put to the test, and very nature of reality is questioned.

Moment to Moment
by Adam Sussman
A playwright, condemned to death by an authoritarian regime, tries to finish his play about a prose writer who is visited by murderous conspirators. A prose writer tries to finish a short story about a playwright condemned to death by an authoritarian regime, but is interrupted by visitors whom he fears want to kill him. A heady Moebius strip of a play inspired by a Borges story that tackles dreams, fate, time, and the limits of knowledge.”
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Wavy Gravy's Hippy Icon, Flower Geezer, and Temple of Accumulated Error
Friday-Sunday, February 1-3,
Friday 8:00PM, Saturday 5:00PM, Sunday 2:00PM
playing through February 10
The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street, San Francisco
$15-$35 sliding scale
http://www.themarsh.org/wavy_gravy.html
http://www.wavygravy.net
http://www.campwinnarainbow.org

“Wavy Gravy recounts his life and times, spilling proverbial beans. Not to be missed!
Best known to millions as the inspiration for a Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor ‘I am an activist clown and former frozen dessert,’ says Wavy - it is through his good work on behalf of the planet and its least fortunate residents that Wavy Gravy has achieved his own brand of sainthood.

His friend and satirist Paul Krassner has called him ‘the illegitimate son of Harpo Marx and Mother Teresa.’ Wavy says, ‘Some people tell me I'm a saint, I tell them I'm Saint Misbehavin'.’ (which is also the name of Michelle Estrick’s critically-acclaimed documentary on Wavy). All performances will benefit Seva Foundation and Camp Winnarainbow.”
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Grey Ghost Paranormal Conference
aboard the USS Hornet
Saturday, February 2, 9:00AM-3:00PM
USS Hornet Museum, 707 W Hornet Avenue, Pier 3, Alameda, 510-521-8448 xt282
see website for admission and schedule details
http://www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/mysteryovernight/#greyghost
http://www.alamedaparanormal.com
http://greyghostparacon2013-es2001.eventbrite.com

“This event marks the first time the USS Hornet Museum (in cooperation with Alameda Paranormal Researchers) will host a paranormal conference featuring some of the most well-respected names in the paranormal industry.

In addition to museum admission to the aircraft carrier and many different vendor booths and exhibits, the daytime events feature lectures by the following guest speakers:
The SyFy Channel’s Bill Murphy from Fact or Faked
The SyFy Channel’s Paul Bradford from Ghost Hunters International
Hornet’s own parapsychologist, Dr. Pamela Heath
YouTube web sensation Alejandro Dominguez, The Dead Explorer

After the daytime conference, all ticket holders will participate in a paranormal investigation of the USS Hornet.

All ticket proceeds will go directly to the Museum’s Education Department to fund transportation for schools that cannot afford to charter buses for their students to visit the ship.”
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Introduction to Beekeeping
with beekind
Saturday, February, 2, 12:30-3:30 PM
Sebastopol Subud Hall, 234 Hutchins Avenue, Sebastopol
free,  please RSVP
http://www.beekind.com/classes.html

“At beekind,  we beelieve that responsible beekeeping starts with educating yourself and others. We hope that offering free and low cost classes, and free year round support via phone, email and in our store, will help people do the best for their bees.”
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Lighten Up About Growing Older!
A Laughter Yoga Event with Annie Goglia and Amos Lans
Saturday, February 2, 1:00-4:00PM
Interplayce, 2273 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
Sliding scale $45-$70. please RSVP to Annie at 510-655-1433 by January 31
http://www.meetup.com/oaklandlaughterclub/events/98612412/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1
http://www.lifefire.com/laughteryoga.html
http://www.interplay.org/index.cfm/go/about:interplayce-oakland-ca

“Dear Laughter Lovers,

Be honest - don't most of us in middle age and older worry about about getting older? Will we be healthy? Attractive? Have enought money? Have a good quality of life?  I know I do!

Help is here! Join us for this playful workshop. You'll learn both fun and useful tools to help you embrace aging through:
Laughter Yoga
Deep breathing/meditation
Journaling
InterPlay
Authentic Movement
And more!

Led by
Annie Goglia, Laughter Yoga Teacher, InterPlay Leader, peer counselor
and Life Coach Amos Lans, teacher for 20 years, peer counselor, Laughter Yoga Leader

Snacks included!

Contact Annie to register and pay: 510-655-1433 or email me through Meetup.

Look forward to laughing with you soon!
Warmly, Annie and Amos”
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Being-in-Dreaming
facilitated by Meredith Sabini and Richard Russo
Saturday, February 2, 2:00-4:00PM, and each month, typically first Sundays
The Dream Institute of Northern California, 1672 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-845-1767
$20
http://dream-institute.org/calendar.html#bedream

“Being-in-Dreaming adapts our Culture Dreaming process for a contemplative group experience. We envision this as the next step in the evolution of the Culture Dreaming sessions we’ve conducted here for the past eight years. Being-in-Dreaming approaches dream sharing as a spiritual practice. It will begin with a light trance to open dreamspace; participants then may tell dreams that come to them when so moved. Our hope is that the emergent energy field of the group will enhance each person’s experience of interiority for a deeper connection with others, with the sacred, with life.

Being-in-Dreaming is an immersion process, and the discussion that follows the dream sharing will be non-interpretive, akin to the creation of a group collage. Each meeting will include dream re-entry for meditation on selected images. We consider Being-in-Dreaming to be an experiment, opening the way to a more soulful use of the Culture Dreaming method. We hope you will join us.”
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Community Seed Imbolc Ritual
Saturday, February 2, gather at 2:00PM, Ritual begins at 3:00PM
Santa Cruz Masonic Temple, 828 N Branciforte, Santa Cruz
suggested donation of $7-$15, no one turned away for lack of funds
http://www.communityseed.org/2012/08/lughanasadh-2012

“Enter the Circle of Healing and Reawaken your Inner Flame

Potluck to follow after the ritual. Please bring a dish to share and label the ingredients.
Earth signs - Greens, Air Signs - Main Dish Meat,
Fire Signs - Main Dish Vegetable, Water Signs - Dessert
Drinks will be provided

This is a child friendly event.  All CS events are Clean and Sober.”
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The Black Middle Class: Social Mobility - and Vulnerability
A Black History Month Program of the Hayward Area Historical Society
Saturday, February 2, 5:00PM
Palma Ceia Baptist Church, 28605 Ruus Road, Hayward
free
http://www.haywardareahistory.org/events/view/172-the_black_middle_class_social_mobility_-_and_vulnerability

“The American middle class is in peril, particularly the African-American middle class.  Join CSUEB professor Benjamin P. Bowser in our 4th Annual Black History Month program, as he examines the historic context for this situation, and outlines the issues, threats and questions surrounding a new, still developing middle class, and the role African-Americans will play.”
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Celebrate Candlemas and Groundhog Day at Isis Oasis
Saturday, February 2, dinner at 6:30PM, presentation at 7:30PM
Isis Oasis Retreat Center, 20889 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville
$20 includes both dinner and presentation
RSVP to 707-320- 3609 or isis@isisoasis.org
http://www.isisoasis.org
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-Earth-Structures/103593556355630
http://www.damanhur.org

“Miguel Elliott of Living Earth Structures and on staff at Isis Oasis, has just returned from visiting the incredibly inspiring Damanhur community/eco-village in Northern Italy.   He was there as an ambassador of Isis Oasis to learn more about how this community of about 1000 citizens operates and to help finish building an earthen house in one of the properties at Damanhur, called Dendera ( ‘City of Woman’ in Egyptian)  He will be sharing stories from his recent experience, and will describe the social structure, traditions and philosophies from Damanhur.  

6:30PM: Italian Style Dinner- Lasagna, Salad and Vino
7:30PM: Miguel's Presentation/Movie about Damanhur!

Cost for dinner and presentation: $20 donation
Please RSVP so we know how much lasagna to make!
Call (707) 320- 3609 or email isis@isisoasis.org

Arrangements can be made to sleep in the lodge as well for a discounted rate.  The hot tub will be available for use as well.”

Miguel Elliott says:
“I have just returned from the incredible Damanhur community in Italy, which is famous for its underground temples, considered the 8th wonder of the world.  It is a truly inspirational experiment of over 1000 people all  living together practicing  creative ways of communication and functioning.

I was working on finishing an earthbag/super adobe cob house.  The house had salad growing on the roof, which I would graze on daily, and had a view of the Alps from the upstairs round window.  
I hope you can come see the film and learn more about Damanhur, which serves as a model for self-reliance and sustainability.”
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The Rivendell Revels: The Lord of the Rings Ball
presented by PEERS
Saturday, February 2,
Doors Open 6:45PM, Dance Lesson: 7:00PM, Dancing Begins: 8:00PM
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo, 100 N Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo
$20
http://www.peers.org/rivendell.html
http://www.flowinglass.com/avalon

“Elves, wizards, hobbits, dwarves, and humans alike are welcome at Lord Elrond's grand ball at Rivendell in our tribute to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings with glorious dance music - some of it Tolkien-inspired - by Celtic Fusion and Renaissance rock band Avalon Rising.

Dance waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, reels, set dances, and country dances, and such favourite Middle Earth dances as The Congress of Rivendell Waltz, The Merry Old Inn (Bilbo's Polka), Gandalf's Spiral Dance, and Sir Bard de Coverley. Some of the dances will be highly choreographed and will be taught and called at the ball, but others are open to improvisation and creativity. Avalon Rising's dance music varies from extremely elegant to wildly abandoned and is irresistibly danceable!

If you need a brush-up on your Middle Earth dance style, there will be a pre-ball dance class at 7:00PM. Formal dancing begins at 8:00PM.

Suggested attire is Medieval, Renaissance, Middle-Eastern, or even Victorian costume (for those of you who favor Hobbit style), and, of course, fantasy costumes inspired by The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are admired but not required. Modern evening dress is perfectly acceptable and there is no dress code for the ball. If you are planning to dance, please do plan to wear shoes or boots that you can actually dance comfortably in (and that includes Hobbits. We'd seriously advise against dancing barefoot at such a popular event!). For everyone's safety, including the wearers, weapons should, of course, be peace-bonded.

For costume inspiration and as background information for the ball, we suggest Peter Jackson's The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Rivendell punch and a light Elvish snack buffet will be served and Lord Elrond graciously welcomes your potluck contributions to his table. Even the resources of the Last Homely House,
the gifts of our co-hostess Lady Galadriel, and the magic of Gandalf can be strained by a well-attended ball!”
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CAYA’s Festival of Prophecy and Initiation - please note new time and location!
Saturday, February 2, 7:30PM, (doors are locked once the circle is cast at 7:45PM)
Home of Truth Spiritual Center, 1300 Grand Street, Alameda
$10 donation requested
http://cayacoven.org
http://thehomeoftruth.org

“Come join us in a new year and in our new space! CAYA Coven is happy to begin 2013 with our new relationship with The Home of Truth Spiritual Center in Alameda!

Please join us as we honor the Triple Goddess Brighde, Lady of Inspiration and Poetry, Lady of Transformation and Flame, Lady of Healing and Water. We will honor Her with story and song, and we welcome Her blessings.  We will invite her wisdom and prophecy for the community as a whole, and for each of us in our own lives. May Brighde's potions heal us! May the heat of Brighde's forge transform us! May Brighde's words inspire us!

This ritual marks the formal Dedication of our Aspirant class; talented and focused practitioners now completing their year of study.  We are also proud to be Initiating our next group who have felt the call to serve this community on the path of Wildflower Priest/esshood. Expect to see these new faces in our rituals and events throughout the year. Join us for a celebration of the new growth to come!

Please feel free to bring drums, rattles, shakers, and anything you wish to charge on the altar.  Clearly labelled contributions to our cakes and ale offerings are also welcome.

For public transportation users, the 51A bus drops you off at the corner of Santa Clara and Grand for a very, very quick walk to the Sanctuary. BART to Fruitvale and a bike make a great combination. Folks are also welcome to post and coordinate ride shares via the CAYA Coven Chat group, which can be joined here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAYAChat
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Tour of the Kitchen at Three Stone Hearth
Sunday, February 3, 10:00-11:00AM
Three Stone Hearth, 1581 University Avenue, Berkeley
RSVP to 510-981-1334 or info@threestonehearth.com
http://www.threestonehearth.com/news/upcoming-educational-opportunities

“Join us in the kitchen for a one hour tour with Cofounder Jessica Prentice. Learn about the history and see how the beehive works.

Jessica Prentice, a cofounder of Three Stone Hearth, has been studying traditional diets for over a decade.  She is the author of Full Moon Feast: Food and the Hunger for Connection and co-creator of the Local Foods Wheel.

Three Stone Hearth is pioneering a new business model: a community-supported, worker-owned cooperative, and a teaching kitchen all in one.

Our Mission: We heal our community, our planet, and ourselves by building a sustainable model for community scale food preparation and processing that honors culinary traditions and provides nutrient dense foods for local households and beyond.

Our work is grounded in shared values of sustainability, community, and health.

Inspired by diverse cuisines, our weekly menus are prepared using the nourishing traditions approach to ensure maximum digestibility and nutrient absorption.”
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Conscious Goddess: Temple services for She of 10,000 Names
(formerly Goddess Awakening)
with Rabbit, Iris, and guest Priestesses
Sunday, February 3, 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 our spiritual circle for an empowering start to your day, bringing alive the wisdom of the Goddess within!

We are a holy community of sacred sisters, encouraging one another through our challenges and celebrating our triumphs.”
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Conscious Goddess: Priestesshood in the New Age
series of Sunday afternoon classes
Sunday, February 3, 12:30-2:00PM, and ten more Sundays
The Sacred Well, 536 Grand Avenue, Oakland, 510-444-9355
$35 per class
Women only
http://www.sacredwell.com/classes-events

“This class also has a free Temple Service, open to all women, from 11:00AM-12:00PM on the days above. Come just for the Temple, or stay and take the class!

Conscious Goddess is a monthly class for women who feel the power of the Goddess surging through their lives, for women who know themselves to be ready to live, breathe, and dance the Goddess Incarnate, with a creative eye toward sharing their unique gifts with their loved ones and the world. This class is especially suited for mothers, artists, and professional women who wish to experience and exude Goddess energy at a more profound and life-changing level.”
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Stories Along the Silk Road
with Kira Van Deusen
Sunday, February 3, 1:00-3:00PM
Silk Road House, 1944 University Avenue, Berkeley, 510-981-0700
free, donations welcome
http://www.silkroadhouse.org
http://www.kiravan.com

“Stories along the Silk Road with Canadian storyteller/researcher Kira Van Deusen
The man who learned the languages of the animals and birds

Kira Van Deusen is a professional storyteller and cellist based in Vancouver. For more than twenty years she has delighted listeners in Canada, the US and Europe with adventures in worlds we do not see with the eye, accompanied by her evocative music. From 1992-2005 she traveled frequently in Siberia and the Russian Far East recording tales from elders. She became fascinated by the revival of shamanism going on in those years, and by the ways oral storytelling and shamanic practice intersect and yet remain distinct. She has written several books on these subjects. For the last few years she has immersed herself in Persian culture and visited Iran is studying Farsi and learning stories.  

In ancient times people and animals are said to have understood each other’s speech. Some still do!  Our guest will tell two versions - one from south Siberia and the other from Persia. Both are lively and thought-provoking. The two versions (and others that you may bring!) also have many details in common. All of which reflects the complexities of the Silk Road. In the words of the snake, ‘One who knows many languages does not find it easy to live!’ We can discuss differences that arise between shamanic and Islamic cultures, between hunting and agricultural societies, between a gift from a multi-colored flying snake and one from the wise Solomon.”   
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Create, Restore, Build
A Samavesha Community Program ‘Art In Nature’ Event
In Partnership With Redwood Regional Park
Sunday, February 3, 1:00-4:00PM
The Create-With-Nature Pathway
in Redwood Regional Park, 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland
free public event, limited to 25 participants, RSVP required, please see below
http://naturesculpture.com/allages/rrp2013/rrp2013.html
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4220084386
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood
http://www.samavesha.org

“Join us for a multifaceted creative event along the Create-With-Nature Pathway in Oakland's Redwood Regional Park. Choose (and flow) among three activities: creating ephemeral art with nature, planting native plants, and securing the tree limbs to define the pathway border. The Create-With-Nature Pathway is an ongoing participatory public art project with a purpose: running over 150 yards through a redwood grove, the pathway borders are designated spaces for the public to make ephemeral creations using sticks, redwood needles, pine cones, and more. The border edges, made from large tree limbs, in turn serve to protect the ongoing effort to restore the vegetation under the redwoods with indigenous ferns and other native plants.”
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A Course In Modern Conjure
with Chas Bogan
Sunday, February 3, 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.

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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A Night for Chris
a celebration of the life of Chris Caswell
Monday, February 4, 8:00PM, doors open at 7:00PM
Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley, 510-644-2020
$24.50 advance, $26.50 at door
http://www.thefreight.org/concert-chris-caswell
http://www.caswellharps.com/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/user/clarsar

“Join us tonight for a celebration to honor Chris Caswell, who recently passed away. A masterful maker and player of the Celtic harp, rapturous performer, charming storyteller, expert musicologist, and extraordinary individual, Chris played a huge role in the Celtic Renaissance as a member of Robin Williamson and his Merry Band in the 1970s and Caswell Carnahan in the 80s, and has built more than 1,000 harps for musicians around the world.

Our host tonight is Danny Carnahan, who partnered with Chris in Caswell Carnahan and currently plays in Wake the Dead, the world’s first Celtic all-star Grateful Dead jam band.  Danny will play solo as well as in tandem with some of his current band mates, covering more than 30 years of musical highlights.

Golden Bough, featuring Margie Butler, Kathy Sierra, and Paul Espinoza, will play from their vast repertoire of haunting ballads, beautiful airs, and lively songs drawn from the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, French Brittany, and Spanish Galicia.

Oak, Ash, and Thorn, the legendary a capella trio with Doug Olsen, Tom Wagner, and Dave Swan, first shared a bill with Caswell Carnahan 32 years ago.

Kevin Carr of Wake the Dead, Hillbillies from Mars, and several other musical assemblages, performs with his motley band of Galician bagpipers.

Shira Kammen and Nada Lewis, from Panacea, use traditional instruments from the Balkans and the Middle East to create a wildly playful musical fusion.

San Francisco’s Steve Baughman is a dynamite guitarist inspired by Celtic and Appalachian traditions. Tonight Steve joins forces with his Farewell to the House chorale.

Philip Gelb plays shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. He began studying the instrument in 1990 and has recorded more than a dozen albums.

Celia Ramsay, a warm and witty singer with a passion for Scottish ballads, joins harpist and singer Patrice Haan of Leftover Dreams for a musical collaboration sure to tug at the heartstrings.

Marla Fibish, Susan Spurlock, and Peter Heelan, on mandolins and uilleann pipes, play Irish traditional music with imagination and flair.

It’s a chance to be part of an unforgettable evening, with an all star lineup honoring a true Celtic bard.”
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South Bay Pagan Salon
Tuesday, February 5, 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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Mindfulness of Arts: Traditional Tibetan Butter Sculpture
Tuesday, February 5, 7:30PM,
and three more Tuesdays, February 12, 19, and 26
East West Bookstore, 324 Castro Street, Mountain View
one class $20 + $5 materials fee, All four classes: $70 + $20 materials fee
Space limited to 10 participants. To reserve tickets, please call 650-988-9800
http://www.eastwest.com/2013_east_west_events_february#5
http://www.lobsang.org

“Join us this month to learn the sacred art of traditional Tibetan butter sculpture. Each class will begin with a short meditation, and include techniques for forming the various auspicious symbols of this artform, each of which has its own philosophical and spiritual meanings. Along the way, you'll be guided in how to apply these meanings and teachings in your daily life. Please note that the sculptures must be created under cold water, so you will need to be comfortable having your hands in cold water for much of the class. The sculptures will last for many years if preserved at room temperature and kept out of direct sun.

This first class will be an introduction to butter sculpture, and how to apply mindfulness to art. Instructor Lobsang T. Phartsang is a former Tibetan Buddhist monk who has studied Buddhism for over 25 years. He is the founder and president of Tibetan Living Communities (TLC), USA.”
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Brigid Rite
Presented by The Fellowship of the Spiral Path’s Gateway Circle  
Thursday, February 7, 7:30-9:00PM  
BFUU Main Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley
$5 donations requested, no one turned away for lack of funds
http://www.thespiralpath.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=318&date=20130207

“This is the celebration of Brigid, Irish Goddess of Poetry, Smithcraft, Inspiration and Healing will be the first in the ritual season of the Maiden. Experience the power of Brigid as we invoke Her and pledge to ourselves and those around us the good changes we will bring into our lives by our actions. The fertility of spring reminds us that we make what comes forth come to us, and we are made to come to the Earth to allow this cycle to be complete. In this ritual, we are blessed by water drawn from Chalice Well.

You may bring a candle to light from the flame of Brigid's eternal flame at Kildare.  Objects may be charged on the altar during the rite. Wheelchair accessible (let us know if you need someone to hold the door for you.) Family and child-friendly. Incense will be used in this ritual, unless requested in advance.

A small donation ($5.00+) is humbly requested to attend this ritual and receive the Blessings of Brigid to defray the costs of renting the hall, although NO ONE will be turned away for lack of funds.”
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Be Still My Heart
A Julie's House Concert and Tasting event!
Friday, February 8, 7:30PM
Julie's Coffee and Tea Garden, 1223 Park Street, Alameda, 510-865-2385
$10 at the door (price of refreshments not included)  
http://www.juliestea.com
http://www.sylviaherold.com

“Join us for an evening of sensual tastes and heart-warming sounds featuring live music and a special tasting menu hand selected by Julie to warm your heart and stir your soul.

Our new season of House Concerts kicks off with a tasting event for lovers of lush ballads, artisan wine, cheese, and chocolate!   

The Music: Chuck & Sylvia
For this sumptuous, romantic affair, singer-guitarist Sylvia Herold digs deep into her treasure trove of swing-era favorites for lush ballads, songs of romance and rare
gems that will warm your heart and make you smile. Chuck Ervin adds jazz-inflected accompaniment on upright bass.

The Menu:
A selection of small plates featuring artisan cheeses, savory pies, lush chocolates and honey drizzled decadance. Pairing options include wine, beer, tea, lambic or sparkling sangria. Savory and sweet plate prices will range from $6-$12, Choose a variety to share with friends and lovers. Our regular menu items will not be available.

Price:
$10.00 - at the door (price of refreshments not included)   
$8.00 - ($2 Early Bird discount) for reservations made at Julie's by February 6th.  
Limited seating available - stop by Julie's as soon as possible to reserve your space.

Our new House Concerts are geared for your optimal listening pleasure. The cafe will be closed to the general public. We offer a seating time with limited, intimate seating, lowered lights, and table service before the concert and during the break.

We are proud to bring top-notch local and touring performers to an appreciative and respectful audience and we're ecstatic to hear artists say that Julie's is their favorite place to play! We hope you'll join us as we celebrate our new live music season :)”
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Have a Stirring, Golden, Dreamy Week!

Molly Blue Dawn