New Year’s Day Visioning Ceremony, Exploratorium After Dark: Sharing, Celebrate White Buffalo Calf Woman and Honor the Call of the Peacekeeper, Stirring the Cauldron: A Roundtable Discussion, Downtown Benicia Ghost Walk, Epiphany Symposium, A Victorian Twelfth Night Ball, Boar's Head Festival and Mid-Winter Gala San Francisco, Winter Oral Traditions Salon, Boar's Head Festival and Mid-Winter Gala Palo Alto, Belly Dance Student Showcase, Intro to Sacred Geometry, NorCal Trans Partners Family and Friends Support Group, Awakening the Sacred Body
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New Year’s Day Visioning Ceremony
with Veenaa Saynana and Taya Shere
Wednesday, January 1, 4:00-6:00PM
East Bay Healing Collective, 1840 Alcatraz Avenue, Berkeley
Sliding scale $20-$25
“Come join us for a Visioning Ceremony on the first New Moon of 2014, where we will drum, chant, dance and create our deepest, wildest dreams for a sustainable collective vision for ourselves, humanity and Mother Earth. Participants will get to draw, collage and create their unique contributions in a humongous collective art piece.
There will be a sound activation with the specific intention of helping us to stay in balance, given that we'll continually need to adjust our center of gravity as we navigate the ongoing waves of change and ride them more effectively.
January 1st marks a SuperMoon, which is defined as a New Moon or Full Moon within 361,863 kilometers (224,851 miles) of our planet, as measured from the centers of the Moon and Earth.
Veenaa Saynana Laughing Dolphin is a creative powerhouse of shamanic magic, dance, prayerformance and ceremony. She is the author of Mary Magdalene Speaks: Gateway to Empowerment. She is well-known for her one-woman shows Spontaneous Combustion, performed in Eugene, OR and Kauai, HI, and Christmas Nipples, a Berkeley favorite. She has facilitated in centers in three continents, from Asia to Australia to North America. She does planetary healing at major sacred sites of the world. She is the founder of the AIYU Institute, which offers ongoing educational programs of spirituality and empowerment. Look out for her upcoming class on Sacred Burlesque: The Art of Prayerformance in early 2014.
Taya Shere plays passionately in the realms of transformative ritual and embodied vocalization. Taya co-founded and co-directs the Kohenet Hebrew Priestess Institute, a modern day mystery school and ritual arts training for women embracing the Goddess in a Jewish context. Her chant albums Torah Tantrika, Halleluyah All Night and Wild Earth Shebrew have been heralded as ‘cutting-edge mystic medicine music.’ She is co-author of The Hebrew Priestess (forthcoming, Ben Yehuda Press) and Siddur HaKohanot: A Hebrew Priestess Prayerbook.”
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Exploratorium After Dark: Sharing
Thursday, January 2, 6:00-10:00PM, and the first Thursday of each month
Exploratorium, Pier 15, San Francisco
$15, 18 and over
“After Dark: Sharing
While exiting a crowded bus, or waiting at a busy intersection, how do we know when to go? If we pass someone lying in the street, what judgments do we make?
Sharing isn't just about kids and toys - it's at the heart of some of the biggest problems facing all of us, and scientists and artists explore the way we share (or don’t) in intriguing ways. Tonight we highlight the Science of Sharing, a project funded by the National Science Foundation to create exhibits on competition, cooperation, and links between everyday interactions and larger issues such as arms races, ecosystem collapse, and climate change.
Share the experience: Bring something of personal value - that could fit inside your pocket—to trade at our Give and Take table. Or consider buying a ticket or drink for a stranger, so they may pay it forward to someone else.
Not a theater, cabaret, or gallery, Exploratorium's After Dark contains aspects of all three. Each evening showcases a different topic - from music to sex to electricity - but all include a cash bar and film screenings, plus an opportunity to play with our hundreds of hands-on exhibits.”
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Celebrate White Buffalo Calf Woman and Honor the Call of the Peacekeeper
Thursday, January 2, 7:30PM
Concord location, directions given upon RSVP
$15 newcomer discount, $35 one time exchange
This ritual is for cisgendered women.
Please RSVP to 925-787-9247 or Leilani@DaughtersoftheGoddess.com
“Her very presence demanded respect from the moment that She appeared to the Lakota Sioux some 13,000 years ago. It was two young hunting scouts who were first blessed by Her presence. For many years, there had been great loss of life among the Lakota resulting from famine and land disputes with other Native American peoples. The scouts were searching for buffalo when they saw a figure coming toward them in the distance. Some versions of this story say that it was a White Buffalo Calf that walked toward the men and that the calf changed into a young Indian girl before their eyes. Other stories say that as the two scouts climbed a hill and came to the top, they were surprised to see a beautiful and mysterious woman stranger climbing up toward them on the other side, carrying a bundle on Her back.
One scout filled with folly thought that he would seduce White Buffalo Calf Woman and went to put his hands upon Her. She turned him to dust at Her feet. The other young man, who had felt Her power from the moment he saw Her, was scared at this sight and turned to run away. But the Goddess called to him and told him to amass his people in the Great Tipi and that She would come to them and present them with an important gift.
White Buffalo Calf Woman sang as She walked to the Great Tipi the following morning,
‘With visible breath, I am walking,
Toward this Nation, I walk,
And my voice is heard as I walk.
With visible breath, I am walking,
With this red pipe, I walk.’
Indeed She gifted the Lakota Sioux with the great gift of the peace pipe and taught them of the Seven Sacred Ceremonies. Of the pipe She said, ‘I have seen your tears. I know that you have always tried to do what is right, so I give you this pipe. Pray with it, and you will see your prayers rise up with the smoke, and you will know that I hear you. The pipe will join nations and families together in love and peace, and so from today, your people and my Buffalo Nation will be one family.’
- Adapted from Paul Goble.
This Ritual is a call to service for each of us and for the world to get onto the critical path of peace! What is the next step on your spiritual journey and how are you willing to protect the path of beauty? Many of us have taken an oath at the altar of White Buffalo Calf Woman to be Peacekeepers and at this Ritual, we invite and encourage you to do the same. As we open up the new year, we will examine our intentions for making the most of 2014, for digging deeper, for looking at Sisterhood and how we can develop all of these things to their greatest potential and for the greatest good of all. What guidance would you like to ask from the White Buffalo Calf Woman, from the land, and from the buffalo?
If you are interested in participating in a ritual or celebration, please help out by doing the following:
Please bring a snack to share (if possible, food of the culture we are celebrating), washable eating utensils (bowl, cup, plate, utensils, etc. In honor of Mother Earth, we do not provide disposable items), a candle (for safety reasons, we highly recommend a candle in a glass container, often called a novena), and pillow or chair to sit on to all rituals. For more information about our rituals please visit our FAQ page.
Please see our current series schedule and check the web page for the specific ritual to see what items to bring and how to prepare yourself. Please take the time to read this, especially if you are a newcomer. New information is added from time to time so even if you feel you have already seen this, it is important to check back in every now and then.”
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Stirring the Cauldron: A Roundtable Discussion
with Elayne Lockhart
Friday, January 3, 7:00-8:30PM, and the first Friday of every month
The Mystic Dream, 1437 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925-933-2342
Free
“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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Downtown Benicia Ghost Walk
Friday, January 3, 8:00PM, and the first and third Friday of each month
meet at 90 First Street, Benicia
$25, reservations required.
Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by adult.
For more information, please call 707-745-9791
“Paranormal history of Downtown Benicia are revealed on this exciting, interactive and fun Ghost Walk led by paranormal investigator Devin Sisk. Each tour is limited to 20 people and lasts approximately 2 hours, depending on what entity you encounter along the way! Walking shoes and flashlight recommended. No children under ten years of age permitted on tours. Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by adult. $25 per person. Prepaid reservations required by calling 707-745-9791.”
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Epiphany Symposium
with Lady Loreon Vigne
Friday-Sunday, January 3-5
Isis Oasis Sanctuary, 20889 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville, 707-857-4747
$250 includes meals and accommodation
To RSVP, please call Loreon at 707-857-4747
“Celebrate your epiphanies… for surely you have experienced some but have never analyzed those magic moments that suddenly come to you in a flash!
These should never be forgotten and this is your chance to share your personal epiphany with others in a unique way.
This is also a perfect time to examine your New Years Revelations… a new way to make resolutions and by this method help create changes in your life for the better. Bring a Journal with you and expect to have a wonderful and meaningful way to start the New Year.
Delicious Vegetarian Meals will be provided throughout this three-day retreat. Two overnights, Six meals and all Epiphany events, only $250.”
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A Victorian Twelfth Night Ball
presented by PEERS
Saturday, January 4,
Doors Open 6:45PM, Dance Lesson: 7:00PM, Dancing Begins: 8:00PM
Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda
$20
“Dance, sing, and play at the season's loveliest old-fashioned holiday party hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Bangers and Mash, the Bay Area's most irresistible country dance band, will play a variety of Viennese and rotary waltzes, polkas, mazurka waltzes, schottisches, the Lancers, reels, and other set dances popular in the early and mid-19th century. As usual, all set dances will be taught or called and partners are not required. Indeed, introductions to partners will be cheerfully provided!
Suggested costume is evening or day dress from 1837 through 1870 (the heyday of Dickens' literary career), any class. Modern evening dress is, as always, a completely acceptable substitute for period costume, and there is no dress code for the evening. Ladies, if you're wearing a ball gown or evening gown, please be sure to bring a wrap since the ballroom will be cold before the dancing starts. Once we start dancing, the ballroom warms up beautifully!
Intermission entertainment includes an interactive performance by the Peerless Music Hall and a special performance by our guest of honour, Mr. Charles Dickens. As usual, there will be other special guests at the ball, including a number of Mr. Dickens' most popular characters.
The event also features a no-host (cash) bar, a light Olde English snack buffet, and a sing-along Hallelujah Chorus!“
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Boar's Head Festival and Mid-Winter Gala
Saturday, January 4, 7:00PM
Seventh Avenue Performances, 1329 Seventh Avenue, San Francisco
$40
“Don’t miss our most popular event of every season with this grand celebration of Twelfth Night and Mid-Winter presided over by her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I!
The evening begins with a silent auction accompanied by the most delicious appetizers in the shire washed down with mead and wine and continues with an invitation from her Majesty to a musical celebration at her court, conducted by Assistant Music Director Katherine McKee.
This festive end to the Yuletide season - The Boar’s Head - is the world’s oldest continuously celebrated Yuletide feast. Legend has it that a scholar was studying a book of Aristotle whilst walking through the forest on his way to Midnight Mass. Suddenly, he was confronted by an angry wild boar. Having no other weapon, the resourceful Oxonian rammed his metal-bound philosophy book down the throat of the charging animal, whereupon the brute choked to death. That night the boar's head, finely dressed and garnished, was borne in procession to the dining room, accompanied by carolers singing ‘in honor of the King of bliss.’ We continue this 650 year old tradition with the music and dance of Medieval through Contemporary England, as well as a mysterious, magical guest or two to complete the evening’s entertainment. Our program includes abundant opportunities for you to sing along, and after the concert you’ll enjoy a traditional feast featuring wassail, king’s cake and, meat and vegetable pies.”
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Winter Oral Traditions Salon
with Barry and Maya Spector
Saturday, January 4, 7:00PM
private home, 685 1/2 Fairmount Avenue, Oakland
Donations accepted
Reservation required, please e-mail shmoover@comcast.net
For more information, please call 650-327-5493
“An evening of poetry and storytelling told by YOU. Bring musical instruments, stories, poems, songs, tall tales, insults, boasts and toasts LEARNED BY HEART! No one is required to perform. Please join us even if you don’t care to recite anything. Together let’s make a brief community dedicated to the love of the spoken word.”
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Boar's Head Festival and Mid-Winter Gala
Sunday, January 5, 3:30PM
First Lutheran Church of Palo Alto, 600 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto
$40
“Don’t miss our most popular event of every season with this grand celebration of Twelfth Night and Mid-Winter presided over by her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I!
The evening begins with a silent auction accompanied by the most delicious appetizers in the shire washed down with mead and wine and continues with an invitation from her Majesty to a musical celebration at her court, conducted by Assistant Music Director Katherine McKee.
This festive end to the Yuletide season - The Boar’s Head - is the world’s oldest continuously celebrated Yuletide feast. Legend has it that a scholar was studying a book of Aristotle whilst walking through the forest on his way to Midnight Mass. Suddenly, he was confronted by an angry wild boar. Having no other weapon, the resourceful Oxonian rammed his metal-bound philosophy book down the throat of the charging animal, whereupon the brute choked to death. That night the boar's head, finely dressed and garnished, was borne in procession to the dining room, accompanied by carolers singing ‘in honor of the King of bliss.’ We continue this 650 year old tradition with the music and dance of Medieval through Contemporary England, as well as a mysterious, magical guest or two to complete the evening’s entertainment. Our program includes abundant opportunities for you to sing along, and after the concert you’ll enjoy a traditional feast featuring wassail, king’s cake and, meat and vegetable pies.”
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Belly Dance Student Showcase
Sunday, January 5, 6:00PM, and the first Sunday of each month
Suhaila Salimpour Studio, 425 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, 510-527-2400
Free
“Join us the first Sunday of every month at Suhaila’s studio for an evening of live music and belly dance. Free to the public.
Suhaila Salimpour is a highly acclaimed performer, teacher, and choreographer of belly dance. Schooled from an early age in jazz, tap and ballet, Suhaila began integrating her extensive classical training with the Middle Eastern dance passed on by her mother, Jamila Salimpour. The result was a true artistic breakthrough: a revolutionary foundational technique that has brought the art of Belly Dance to a new level.
The Suhaila Salimpour Format and School of Belly Dance enjoy worldwide success. Dancers who train with The Salimpours quickly realize Suhaila's method of teaching allows them to excel in their art beyond any other training they have received.”
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Intro to Sacred Geometry
Monday, January 6, 7:00-9:00PM
Center for Sacred Studies, 13550 Church Street, Guerneville
$5-$10 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds
“Topics:
The Flower of Life
Metatron’s Cube
The Platonic Solids
The Power of Mandala
Mandala Making”
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NorCal Trans Partners, Family and Friends Support Group
Monday, January 6, 7:30-9:00PM, and the first Monday of each month
Billy DeFrank LGBT Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, 408-293-3040
“Having a family member, child, spouse, partner, or other loved one go through transition can be difficult and comes with a unique set of challenges that most folks don't really comprehend. Come join the Northern California Trans Partners and Family support group at the DeFrank Center the first Monday of each month from 7:30-9:00PM.
To communicate between meetings, we also have a Facebook page and a Yahoo mailing list.”
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Awakening the Sacred Body
with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Part five of a five part series
Wednesday, January 8, 7:30-9:00PM - final session
Sacred Stream Center, 2149 Byron Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
$20 in advance, $25 at the door (may sell out)
For more information, please e-mail info@sacredstream.org
“Join Bon Buddhist meditation master, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, in the practice of meditation and reflection. Through bringing together the focus of the mind, breath, and physical movements, you will be taught simple and powerful exercises to open your body and release the obstacles that obscure you from recognizing the unbounded space within. Discover inner refuge and the gifts of spaciousness, awareness, and warmth that bring healing and benefit not only to you but also to your relationships with others and the greater world.
This is a five-part series that takes place on September 26, October 29, November 13, December 11 and January 8. You can take one class or all five. Each class is a discrete set of teachings and it is not required that you take the classes in any particular order. This series takes place at the Sacred Stream Center in Berkeley. Funds go to the Tibetan Children's School, part of TANC (Tibetan Association of Northern California).”
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Have a Week of Visions and Epiphanies!
Molly Blue Dawn
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