This year's Southwest Equinox Grove Gathering was deemed a rousing success by its participants. Although smaller attendance than last years, the workshops by Linda Costello, Gordon Cooper, and Kenneth Proefrock were both extremely educational and fun. I have also been told that my own workshop was well accepted.
Our hostess, Sandra Cauthron of Shanta Ista ULC, was fantastic and very gracious, a warm and open woman to say the least. The facilities at Shanta Ista's Sanctuary were fantastic, giving us plenty of choices for ritual space and workshop areas.
I will post a more detailed account of the weekend shortly, along with pictures.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
A bit about the Hosts;
Gordon Cooper began his study of natural sciences, nature spirituality and magic in 1976 while serving in the US Navy as Cryptology technician. In the early 1980's he began his study of the poetic traditions of Ireland and Wales and their contemporary applications, taking instruction and inspiration from a number of teachers and friends, most of them pat of the NECTW family of the Craft. Along that mist-wrapped variegated green road he became one of the founders of the Celtic Reconstructionist movement and a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, where he holds the distinction of being one of their Mt. Haemus scholars. Due to a growing awareness of the viability and elegance of the Fraternal/Sororal Lodge systems and the desire to explore North American spirit ecologies he joined AODA shortly after its re-emergence in 2004.
His formal degree work is in anthropology and Turkish language studies. He has attained the rank of 3rd dan in Hsin Lu Tong martial arts school and continues to learn and apply lessons from this discipline. Current projects include a book on Physical Culture ("Hermetic Tension") with another druid author. He is a licensed amateur radio operator and resides on the shores of the Puget Sound.
His formal degree work is in anthropology and Turkish language studies. He has attained the rank of 3rd dan in Hsin Lu Tong martial arts school and continues to learn and apply lessons from this discipline. Current projects include a book on Physical Culture ("Hermetic Tension") with another druid author. He is a licensed amateur radio operator and resides on the shores of the Puget Sound.
Rev. Linda Costello earned her clergy credentials from the Fellowship of Druidism in the Latter Age. Linda has been studying about the ancient Druids since 1991 when she discovered the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. In 2002, she joined ADF, and has been active in leadership for the past six years, including the founding of the Grove of the Rising Phoenix. She went on to become a member of AODA, and soon after, FoDLA. She is also a first degree initiate of RDNA.
Linda is dedicated to teaching others more about history, lore, and application of this interesting and colorful culture, and to that end, in 2007, she founded EarthLove Fellowship: A Grove of FoDLA, in Scottsdale, AZ, where she presents public ritual and classes.
In addition to her involvement with Druidism, Linda studied ceremonial magic for two decades with the Servants of the Light, a mystery school founded by Dion Fortune. She has also studied shamanism with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies.
Linda has worked in the field of accounting for 35 years, although her real love has been in psychology and teaching. She has an undergraduate degree in Financial Management, but her graduate degree is in Education and she also has completed a year of counseling/psychology at the graduate level. In addition, she completed the two year program at the Gestalt Institute of Phoenix, and has attended numerous workshops and courses sponsored by the Jung Institute of Boston as well as the Phoenix Friends of CG Jung. She currently works as a personal development coach, as well as co-owner and chief financial officer of a comic book store.
Kenneth Proefrock received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Since 1996, he has engaged in the private practice of Naturopathic Medicine and is the sole owner/formulator for Vital Force Naturopathic Compounding, providing consulting services and therapeutic compounds for other Naturopathic Physicians and their patients. Dr. Proefrock serves as Vice-President for the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners and is chairperson for the biochemistry portion of the Naturopathic Physician's Licensing Exam.
He is a member of the Council of Elders and current President of the Order of WhiteOak, a Celtic Reconstructionist Druid Order, and has been a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids since 1994, achieving the rank of Ovate in 2001. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), and an instructor in the Nature, Deity and Inspiration department of Cherry Hill Pagan Seminary. He is married and has five children.
Tully Reill started out on a Druid Path in the late 1980's as a solitary. In 2005 he joined the RDNA and founded Arizona's first RDNA Protogrove. In 2006 he joined the AODA, being appointed to the Grand Grove in 2008, currently holds the position of Grand Almoner, and chairs the AODA's Inmate Correspondence Program.
He and his family currently reside near Winslow Arizona, enjoying the off-grid lifestyle on a ten acre ranch just outside of town.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Schedule of Events
Friday 10/2/09:
2:00pm-5:00pm_Arrival of guests and settle-in period
5:00pm-6:00pm_Grove Opening Ritual to begin the weekend's events
6:00pm-7:30pm_Dinner Break
7:30pm-???????_Social Mixer
Saturday 10/3/09:
10:00am-11:30am-Linda Costello's "The Sacred Center" Workshop
11:30am-11:45am-Break
11:45am-01:15pm-Gordon Cooper's "Closeted Spirits" Workshop
01:15pm-02:45pm-Lunch Break
02:45pm-03:45pm-Tully Reill's "Sustainable Living and More" Workshop
03:45pm-04:00pm-Break
04:00pm-05:30pm-Gordon Cooper's "Cycles and Seasons" Workshop
05:30pm-07:30pm-Dinner Break
07:30pm-????????-Social Mixer (musical entertainment TBA)
Sunday 10/4/09:
10:00am-11:30am-Kenneth Proefrock's "A Wildcrafted Druidry" Workshop
11:30am-11:45am-Break
11:45am-01:15pm-Linda Costello's "Lady of the Land" Workshop
01:15pm-02:45pm-Lunch Break
02:45pm-04:15pm-Gordon Cooper's "A Secret Lecture" Workshop
04:15pm-05:00pm-Break
05:00pm-06:00pm-Grove Closing Ritual
06:00pm-????????-Social Time, Clean-up, Pack-up and Farewells
2:00pm-5:00pm_Arrival of guests and settle-in period
5:00pm-6:00pm_Grove Opening Ritual to begin the weekend's events
6:00pm-7:30pm_Dinner Break
7:30pm-???????_Social Mixer
Saturday 10/3/09:
10:00am-11:30am-Linda Costello's "The Sacred Center" Workshop
11:30am-11:45am-Break
11:45am-01:15pm-Gordon Cooper's "Closeted Spirits" Workshop
01:15pm-02:45pm-Lunch Break
02:45pm-03:45pm-Tully Reill's "Sustainable Living and More" Workshop
03:45pm-04:00pm-Break
04:00pm-05:30pm-Gordon Cooper's "Cycles and Seasons" Workshop
05:30pm-07:30pm-Dinner Break
07:30pm-????????-Social Mixer (musical entertainment TBA)
Sunday 10/4/09:
10:00am-11:30am-Kenneth Proefrock's "A Wildcrafted Druidry" Workshop
11:30am-11:45am-Break
11:45am-01:15pm-Linda Costello's "Lady of the Land" Workshop
01:15pm-02:45pm-Lunch Break
02:45pm-04:15pm-Gordon Cooper's "A Secret Lecture" Workshop
04:15pm-05:00pm-Break
05:00pm-06:00pm-Grove Closing Ritual
06:00pm-????????-Social Time, Clean-up, Pack-up and Farewells
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Event Updates
Some updated information;
1) We do have an RSVP phone number available now. Please, if you are definitely going to be in attendance (and especially if you are going to be staying on-site) please let us know at;
623-977-0077 or you can e-mail me directly at myrddynemrys@gmail.com
We don't need detailed information about you, we merely need to know roughly how many people will be in attendance and who will be staying on site so adequate space can be provided.
2) There is a limited amount of space available for indoor sleeping at Shanta Ista in a sleepover-style (bedroll on the floor), so this will be on a first-come basis. There is camping available outside, but toilet facilities are inside, so a porta-potty is recommended (or jaunts inside when the need arises). For those not wishing to stay on-site, there is the Best Western Sawmill Inn nearby.
3) Shanta Ista has a strict DRUG -FREE policy, this will be enforced.
4) We will have access to the Retreat's full kitchen for all in attendance to use. For those not wanting to cook on-site, there are several small restaurants in town, reasonably priced and good food. We will not be doing communal meals as several in attendance have dietary restrictions. Plenty of meal breaks will be provided throughout the days.
5) Linda Costello of FoDLA joins us this year as co-hostess and will be holding a workshop. Subject matter will be announced in a future update.
1) We do have an RSVP phone number available now. Please, if you are definitely going to be in attendance (and especially if you are going to be staying on-site) please let us know at;
623-977-0077 or you can e-mail me directly at myrddynemrys@gmail.com
We don't need detailed information about you, we merely need to know roughly how many people will be in attendance and who will be staying on site so adequate space can be provided.
2) There is a limited amount of space available for indoor sleeping at Shanta Ista in a sleepover-style (bedroll on the floor), so this will be on a first-come basis. There is camping available outside, but toilet facilities are inside, so a porta-potty is recommended (or jaunts inside when the need arises). For those not wishing to stay on-site, there is the Best Western Sawmill Inn nearby.
3) Shanta Ista has a strict DRUG -FREE policy, this will be enforced.
4) We will have access to the Retreat's full kitchen for all in attendance to use. For those not wanting to cook on-site, there are several small restaurants in town, reasonably priced and good food. We will not be doing communal meals as several in attendance have dietary restrictions. Plenty of meal breaks will be provided throughout the days.
5) Linda Costello of FoDLA joins us this year as co-hostess and will be holding a workshop. Subject matter will be announced in a future update.
Friday, June 26, 2009
UPCOMING-Southwest Druid's EGG 2009!!
Yes! We are going to be hosting a 2009 Equinox Grove Gathering.
Plans for this year's gathering are;
October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
To be held at Shanta Ista Spiritual Retreat in the beautiful Ponderosa Pines of Heber/Overgaard Arizona. Their website is http://www.shanta-ista-ulc.com/ so you can see the fabulous facilities we will have at our disposal. Our hostess, Reverend Sandra Cauthron is a wonderful person that I've known for several years now and she is very enthusiastic about our holding this year's event at her Sanctuary. Cost will be $20 per person, per day, including lodging in the Sanctuary's main building (depending on available space) or camping outside on the Sanctuary grounds, but not meals. We are discussing the possibility of one or two communal meals, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Tentative list of guest speaker's for the event are;
Gordon Cooper, AODA's Archdruid of Fire (confirmed for the event)
Dr. Kenneth Proefrock (confirmed for the event)
Tully Reill (that's me!), AODA's Grand Almoner (confirmed for the event)
Linda Costello of FoDLA (not confirmed at this time)
Updates forthcoming.
For more information, please contact me at myrddynemrys@gmail.com
Plans for this year's gathering are;
October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
To be held at Shanta Ista Spiritual Retreat in the beautiful Ponderosa Pines of Heber/Overgaard Arizona. Their website is http://www.shanta-ista-ulc.com/ so you can see the fabulous facilities we will have at our disposal. Our hostess, Reverend Sandra Cauthron is a wonderful person that I've known for several years now and she is very enthusiastic about our holding this year's event at her Sanctuary. Cost will be $20 per person, per day, including lodging in the Sanctuary's main building (depending on available space) or camping outside on the Sanctuary grounds, but not meals. We are discussing the possibility of one or two communal meals, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Tentative list of guest speaker's for the event are;
Gordon Cooper, AODA's Archdruid of Fire (confirmed for the event)
Dr. Kenneth Proefrock (confirmed for the event)
Tully Reill (that's me!), AODA's Grand Almoner (confirmed for the event)
Linda Costello of FoDLA (not confirmed at this time)
Updates forthcoming.
For more information, please contact me at myrddynemrys@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Photos II
L to R; Craig, Tully, Paul, Kenneth, and Gordon.
One of many wonderful conversations.
Paul Mitchell in concert saturday night
Kenneth's workshop on sunday.
Giving a gift of water back to the plant for its offering of itself.Event pictures
As close as I was going to get to of the snakes
Somewhat shows them in the triple spiral
Group shot of opening ritual
During Gordon's workshop
Our ADF Rising Phoenix friends
The weekend's proceedings
Despite slightly higher than projected and average temperatures, and a few “unique delays such as mating Diamondback Rattlesnakes (nope, not kidding), I believe we can call the first Southwestern Druid’s Equinox Grove Gathering a success. Much information was shared, many new friends were made, and copious amounts of fun were had by all.
In addition to our own AODA members present (Gordon, Kenneth, Craig, and I) there were members from several other Druid Organizations. A wonderful couple who is with OBOD came all the way from Idaho, The leader of the FoDLA Grove Earth Love Fellowship and her friend were present, as were some of the members of the ADF Rising Phoenix Grove and their Senior Druid.
Others who were present were a family that are Kenneth’s good friends, Kenneth’s wife (who was kind enough to do much running around town when needed) and my son Rob who aided me and took many wonderful photos which I will soon post here at the blog.
Of course, we cannot forget our friend from the UK, Paul Mitchell, who provided wonderful music for our entertainment and gave us such an insight from the British perspective of many of our conversations throughout the weekend. His comments added another wonderful layer of information to things.
Our total count for attendees was right about two dozen, I feel a wonderful turnout for this first time event that did overlap so many other group’s previous engagements.
Adjusting our plans to suit the weather (HOT!) and the arrival of attendees, Gordon, Kenneth and I elected to hold the “official” Opening Ritual on Saturday instead of Friday evening. Instead, it became a wonderful mix of discussions on a wide variety of topics and viewpoints followed by some traditional Folk Songs by Paul.
Saturday brought us quite the surprise, as those of us that were camping awoke to find two Diamondback Rattlesnakes mating in the Ramada we were using. Three hours later we were convinced that snakes are not in need of Viagra. One of the attendees was able to get a picture of the two actually forming a triple spiral with their bodies. As soon as she e-mails me that picture, I’ll post it here on the blog. This was felt by all to actually be a “good omen”. Craig even compared the scene to the “Druid Animal Oracle” deck he had with him...picture perfect as they say.
Due to last minute computer problems, Gordon, Kenneth, and Paul arrived back at the camp late in the morning. Kenneth’s wonderful wife began her quest to get some of Gordon’s workshop material printed, which turned out to be quite the daunting task. With the late start, and the day only getting warmer, the three of us elected to forego the opening ritual we had planned (a wonderful Mistletoe Rite written by my friend Finegas...which the three of us were looking forward to...followed by an AODA Grove Opening). Instead, we opted to go with the Druid Revival tradition of Calling Peace to the Quarters. By Gordon’s suggestion and mutual consent between the three of us, we did state during the Call for Peace that “there was not peace in the east” (due to the war) and that “the work for this was ongoing”.
Gordon Cooper’s workshop...WOW...how can I sum this up in just a few words!? Such wonderful information and to see how the threads of 18th and 19th Century ideas, spirituality, and thought are so deeply woven into and influential in our modern practices in ways that are so plain but just not visible at the casual glance. There was even a group participation of a ritual reading which Gordon had redacted in the style of The Chicago New Thought Golden Dawn. It was so very moving and you could just about taste the energy in the air from it after our reading.
That night came Paul Mitchell’s concert. “English Pagan Satirical Folk Musician” is a formal way to say that this is a wonderfully genuine person with a beautiful gift for music, who has a splendid sense of humor and wraps it all together. The easiest way I can describe his music (and him) is direct you to his web page; http://www.myspace.com/pagansatire especially the tune “A far better Pagan...”. We have found out, though, that for some reason scorpions are attracted to the hats of English Pagan Satirical Folk Musicians (just like with the snakes, not kidding, three of them tried to go home with him).
Sunday morning brought us no copulating snakes, but definite warm temperatures. A he stated in a AODA Yahoo Group post, Craig had to take his leave of us that morning. He was certainly missed.
The good Dr. Kenneth Proefrock’s workshop on Local Herbalism was wonderful and informative. The way the information provided was blended with examples of his own family’s practices and spirituality was beautiful. The discussions on “connection with the Divine” were quite moving and tied in seamlessly with many connecting themes in Gordon’s workshop the previous day.
As many of us had quite a long drive ahead of us, we elected to close this wonderful gathering at that point. Gordon and I “concluded the work” to the quarters (again saying that work in the east was ongoing). Gordon made an open request for anyone who may have a request or offering for the good of the Grove or the Earth. Many wonderful suggestions and requests were made by all, including peace, prosperity, health, and safe travel. All swore their faithful service to the Earth Our Home and Mother upon the bared blade. One could feel all the energy that we had raised over the wonderful weekend returning to the ground as would water after a soothing rain shower as I led us all sun-wise from our circle of friends.
Yet before everyone departed, I asked Gordon to tell us the Revival Druidry Parable of Mortimer. The weekend would just have not been complete without an Ogham-laden Penguin sighting in the desert southwest...
As I had told everyone during our discussions on Friday night;
“This is what I envision Druids doing, be it Ancient Druids from across the Celtic Lands or our Druid Revival Forbearers. We are ‘engaging’ ourselves in Druidry...sharing information, discussing problems, working out solutions and enjoying each other’s company throughout the process. We’re doing work together that knows no boundaries, for our families, for the environment, for the future. This is what Modern Druids do...”
I would like to sincerely thank everyone that attended. I am deeply honored to have met you all and feel privileged to call you all friends.
In addition to our own AODA members present (Gordon, Kenneth, Craig, and I) there were members from several other Druid Organizations. A wonderful couple who is with OBOD came all the way from Idaho, The leader of the FoDLA Grove Earth Love Fellowship and her friend were present, as were some of the members of the ADF Rising Phoenix Grove and their Senior Druid.
Others who were present were a family that are Kenneth’s good friends, Kenneth’s wife (who was kind enough to do much running around town when needed) and my son Rob who aided me and took many wonderful photos which I will soon post here at the blog.
Of course, we cannot forget our friend from the UK, Paul Mitchell, who provided wonderful music for our entertainment and gave us such an insight from the British perspective of many of our conversations throughout the weekend. His comments added another wonderful layer of information to things.
Our total count for attendees was right about two dozen, I feel a wonderful turnout for this first time event that did overlap so many other group’s previous engagements.
Adjusting our plans to suit the weather (HOT!) and the arrival of attendees, Gordon, Kenneth and I elected to hold the “official” Opening Ritual on Saturday instead of Friday evening. Instead, it became a wonderful mix of discussions on a wide variety of topics and viewpoints followed by some traditional Folk Songs by Paul.
Saturday brought us quite the surprise, as those of us that were camping awoke to find two Diamondback Rattlesnakes mating in the Ramada we were using. Three hours later we were convinced that snakes are not in need of Viagra. One of the attendees was able to get a picture of the two actually forming a triple spiral with their bodies. As soon as she e-mails me that picture, I’ll post it here on the blog. This was felt by all to actually be a “good omen”. Craig even compared the scene to the “Druid Animal Oracle” deck he had with him...picture perfect as they say.
Due to last minute computer problems, Gordon, Kenneth, and Paul arrived back at the camp late in the morning. Kenneth’s wonderful wife began her quest to get some of Gordon’s workshop material printed, which turned out to be quite the daunting task. With the late start, and the day only getting warmer, the three of us elected to forego the opening ritual we had planned (a wonderful Mistletoe Rite written by my friend Finegas...which the three of us were looking forward to...followed by an AODA Grove Opening). Instead, we opted to go with the Druid Revival tradition of Calling Peace to the Quarters. By Gordon’s suggestion and mutual consent between the three of us, we did state during the Call for Peace that “there was not peace in the east” (due to the war) and that “the work for this was ongoing”.
Gordon Cooper’s workshop...WOW...how can I sum this up in just a few words!? Such wonderful information and to see how the threads of 18th and 19th Century ideas, spirituality, and thought are so deeply woven into and influential in our modern practices in ways that are so plain but just not visible at the casual glance. There was even a group participation of a ritual reading which Gordon had redacted in the style of The Chicago New Thought Golden Dawn. It was so very moving and you could just about taste the energy in the air from it after our reading.
That night came Paul Mitchell’s concert. “English Pagan Satirical Folk Musician” is a formal way to say that this is a wonderfully genuine person with a beautiful gift for music, who has a splendid sense of humor and wraps it all together. The easiest way I can describe his music (and him) is direct you to his web page; http://www.myspace.com/pagansatire especially the tune “A far better Pagan...”. We have found out, though, that for some reason scorpions are attracted to the hats of English Pagan Satirical Folk Musicians (just like with the snakes, not kidding, three of them tried to go home with him).
Sunday morning brought us no copulating snakes, but definite warm temperatures. A he stated in a AODA Yahoo Group post, Craig had to take his leave of us that morning. He was certainly missed.
The good Dr. Kenneth Proefrock’s workshop on Local Herbalism was wonderful and informative. The way the information provided was blended with examples of his own family’s practices and spirituality was beautiful. The discussions on “connection with the Divine” were quite moving and tied in seamlessly with many connecting themes in Gordon’s workshop the previous day.
As many of us had quite a long drive ahead of us, we elected to close this wonderful gathering at that point. Gordon and I “concluded the work” to the quarters (again saying that work in the east was ongoing). Gordon made an open request for anyone who may have a request or offering for the good of the Grove or the Earth. Many wonderful suggestions and requests were made by all, including peace, prosperity, health, and safe travel. All swore their faithful service to the Earth Our Home and Mother upon the bared blade. One could feel all the energy that we had raised over the wonderful weekend returning to the ground as would water after a soothing rain shower as I led us all sun-wise from our circle of friends.
Yet before everyone departed, I asked Gordon to tell us the Revival Druidry Parable of Mortimer. The weekend would just have not been complete without an Ogham-laden Penguin sighting in the desert southwest...
As I had told everyone during our discussions on Friday night;
“This is what I envision Druids doing, be it Ancient Druids from across the Celtic Lands or our Druid Revival Forbearers. We are ‘engaging’ ourselves in Druidry...sharing information, discussing problems, working out solutions and enjoying each other’s company throughout the process. We’re doing work together that knows no boundaries, for our families, for the environment, for the future. This is what Modern Druids do...”
I would like to sincerely thank everyone that attended. I am deeply honored to have met you all and feel privileged to call you all friends.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wonderful weekend!
Just a quick note right now, as I will post a more detailed account of our wonderful weekend later.
I wanted to thank all those that attended, and meeting all of you was fantastic! New friends are always a welcome blessing.
The weather certainly was a factor and we are already discussing holding next year's gathering in a cooler climate and scheduling it to try and avoid overlaps with other events.
Again, thank you to all those that were in attendance!
Blessings of the season!
I wanted to thank all those that attended, and meeting all of you was fantastic! New friends are always a welcome blessing.
The weather certainly was a factor and we are already discussing holding next year's gathering in a cooler climate and scheduling it to try and avoid overlaps with other events.
Again, thank you to all those that were in attendance!
Blessings of the season!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
All is go for this weekend!
Temperatures for the weekend are projected to be 100 for a high and 75 for a low. Winds will be slight, around 5-10mph.
Remember, arrival time is between 2-5pm on friday. Our "offical" start will be at 5pm friday with our opening ritual.
We are eagerly looking forward to seeing our freinds, both old and new, this weekend!
P.S.!!!
Don't forget your sunscreen and plenty of liquids...or your eagerness to just have fun!
Remember, arrival time is between 2-5pm on friday. Our "offical" start will be at 5pm friday with our opening ritual.
We are eagerly looking forward to seeing our freinds, both old and new, this weekend!
P.S.!!!
Don't forget your sunscreen and plenty of liquids...or your eagerness to just have fun!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Additional Information and Reminders
I have been speaking with Deedra Brown, the Senior Druid of the ADF Grove of the Rising Phoenix. She and some of her grove members will be in attendance. The Grove of the Rising Phoenix will have an information booth set up.
There will also be a communal Information Table set up for any other Group or Organization who wishes to use it.
(the coordinators of this event do reserve the right to disallow any material that they deem offensive or that is not fitting with the event's theme, which is "cooperation between varied spiritual practices")
*REMINDER*
Bring plenty of liquids to keep yourself hydrated! Although temperatures have cooled off some as we get closer to fall in the Desert Southwest, it will still be hot and sunny!
*REMINDER*
Food is a "bring your own" situation.
*REMINDER*
No glass containers (per park regulations).
We will naturally be following the "Pack it in and pack it out" rule. Whatever trash we make, we will be taking care of ourselves. Let's make this whole event as "Low Impact" on the Earth as we can!
*REMINDER*
The Day-Use Fee for the Park is $6 per vehicle, and the Overnight Camping Fee is $12 per vehicle. These are paid to the Park at the entrance. Those attending this event are responsible for their own Park Fees.
**NOTICE**
If there are any Groups that will be in attendance and wish to utilize the 2 to 3 hour block of time alloted on Sunday the 21st to perform a Ritual or Working, please contact either Tully or Kenneth (the event coordinators) at the event no later than Paul Mitchell's concert on Saturday, or via e-mail ( myrddynemrys@gmail.com ) prior to 9/18/08. This event is focused on cooperation between our various groups, and we would love to see other rituals performed. This will naturally be a "fist come, first up" situation.
There will also be a communal Information Table set up for any other Group or Organization who wishes to use it.
(the coordinators of this event do reserve the right to disallow any material that they deem offensive or that is not fitting with the event's theme, which is "cooperation between varied spiritual practices")
*REMINDER*
Bring plenty of liquids to keep yourself hydrated! Although temperatures have cooled off some as we get closer to fall in the Desert Southwest, it will still be hot and sunny!
*REMINDER*
Food is a "bring your own" situation.
*REMINDER*
No glass containers (per park regulations).
We will naturally be following the "Pack it in and pack it out" rule. Whatever trash we make, we will be taking care of ourselves. Let's make this whole event as "Low Impact" on the Earth as we can!
*REMINDER*
The Day-Use Fee for the Park is $6 per vehicle, and the Overnight Camping Fee is $12 per vehicle. These are paid to the Park at the entrance. Those attending this event are responsible for their own Park Fees.
**NOTICE**
If there are any Groups that will be in attendance and wish to utilize the 2 to 3 hour block of time alloted on Sunday the 21st to perform a Ritual or Working, please contact either Tully or Kenneth (the event coordinators) at the event no later than Paul Mitchell's concert on Saturday, or via e-mail ( myrddynemrys@gmail.com ) prior to 9/18/08. This event is focused on cooperation between our various groups, and we would love to see other rituals performed. This will naturally be a "fist come, first up" situation.
Archdruid Gordon Cooper's Workshop, Saturday the 20th
Here is a more detailed outline of Archdruid Cooper’s workshop for those who will be attending.
The workshop will begin at 9 am and each session will run approximately forty minutes to one hour in length.
There will be handouts and CD’s for the participants.
SESSION ONE; begins with a classical, actual 19th century séance for those who choose to participate.
Entering The Silence, The Concentration and then, The Meditation (message) will be staged in proper sequence with explanations, a history from Alchemy to Mesmer, to A.J. Davis, et al. (I assume that most of the attendees can already meditate. Should this not be the case, this session might run a bit longer.)
SESSION TWO; continues with the ways that Spiritualism and kindred movements interacted with the rapidly changing Victorian technologies and their paradigms. Victorian Arts, recreations, and Sciences consume the bulk of this time slot. Period directions for a magic mirror will be shared.
SESSION THREE; will be devoted to the flaws found in Spiritualism, and the fixes will be explored. This transitions into "New Thought" by 1880, and a host of other disciplines variously grouped as Magnetic Healing, Mesmeric Healing, Absent Healing, etc. The Framework of the New Thought Universe will be detailed as this is the structure that the US Golden Dawn was built around. You could indeed call this "The Only Course in Magnetic Healing You Will Ever Want".
SESSION FOUR; is devoted entirely to "Tool Set Delsarte". The history, practical metaphysical and esoteric applications and psychology of Delsartism will be explored. Applications and practical demonstrations will be a major focus of the last third or so of this hour. I will share some of the Delsarte work I have developed, always open to change, improvement, further exploration.
FIVE ***LUNCHBREAK***
SESSION SIX;-for lack of a better way to group all of this, #6 is about the "Ecologies of Spirits" paradigm that I have been exploring on the Gnostic Druid list, and elsewhere. It will include a discussion of Kropotkin's Mutualism and its direct descendant, the Mutualism of modern ecological systems.
SESSION SEVEN; (A short session) will close with a dramatic performance reading of my 2.1 redaction of the "Bornless One" Ritual. This will cover some of the possibilities inherent in the writings of Atkinson and others in the US Magical community. This continues from "Ecologies of Spirits". This hour will firmly grab and hold onto the "Third Rail" of 19th Century Esotericism, revealing some surprising ideas that were in common circulation 100+ years ago. Later in this session, I will be talking about the many sorts of beings who traditionally play one or more roles in the religions of many native groups who have retained large bits of their tradition, including the Koreans, some Siberian groups, etc., and relating them to the Western traditions as applied and lived today. "Malkuth-Challenged Relatives" will end this series proper.
SESSION EIGHT; (give or take) will be the “Secret Lecture”, given time and interest.
The workshop will begin at 9 am and each session will run approximately forty minutes to one hour in length.
There will be handouts and CD’s for the participants.
SESSION ONE; begins with a classical, actual 19th century séance for those who choose to participate.
Entering The Silence, The Concentration and then, The Meditation (message) will be staged in proper sequence with explanations, a history from Alchemy to Mesmer, to A.J. Davis, et al. (I assume that most of the attendees can already meditate. Should this not be the case, this session might run a bit longer.)
SESSION TWO; continues with the ways that Spiritualism and kindred movements interacted with the rapidly changing Victorian technologies and their paradigms. Victorian Arts, recreations, and Sciences consume the bulk of this time slot. Period directions for a magic mirror will be shared.
SESSION THREE; will be devoted to the flaws found in Spiritualism, and the fixes will be explored. This transitions into "New Thought" by 1880, and a host of other disciplines variously grouped as Magnetic Healing, Mesmeric Healing, Absent Healing, etc. The Framework of the New Thought Universe will be detailed as this is the structure that the US Golden Dawn was built around. You could indeed call this "The Only Course in Magnetic Healing You Will Ever Want".
SESSION FOUR; is devoted entirely to "Tool Set Delsarte". The history, practical metaphysical and esoteric applications and psychology of Delsartism will be explored. Applications and practical demonstrations will be a major focus of the last third or so of this hour. I will share some of the Delsarte work I have developed, always open to change, improvement, further exploration.
FIVE ***LUNCHBREAK***
SESSION SIX;-for lack of a better way to group all of this, #6 is about the "Ecologies of Spirits" paradigm that I have been exploring on the Gnostic Druid list, and elsewhere. It will include a discussion of Kropotkin's Mutualism and its direct descendant, the Mutualism of modern ecological systems.
SESSION SEVEN; (A short session) will close with a dramatic performance reading of my 2.1 redaction of the "Bornless One" Ritual. This will cover some of the possibilities inherent in the writings of Atkinson and others in the US Magical community. This continues from "Ecologies of Spirits". This hour will firmly grab and hold onto the "Third Rail" of 19th Century Esotericism, revealing some surprising ideas that were in common circulation 100+ years ago. Later in this session, I will be talking about the many sorts of beings who traditionally play one or more roles in the religions of many native groups who have retained large bits of their tradition, including the Koreans, some Siberian groups, etc., and relating them to the Western traditions as applied and lived today. "Malkuth-Challenged Relatives" will end this series proper.
SESSION EIGHT; (give or take) will be the “Secret Lecture”, given time and interest.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Words from our Honored Musical Guest
Here's a bit more about our guest, Paul Mitchell, from the man himself;
Paul Mitchell is an English folk musician who specializes in satire aimed at the pagan community. His songs aim to reflect the many different aspects of the modern pagan spiritual movement, the characters, the politics and most of all the nonsense that pervades so much of it. He pokes fun at us all, from those who would take positions of responsibility in a spiritual context simply because they have some time on their hands, rather than the skills and spiritual development to do so, through to those who let them. He uses images of the absurd to encourage listeners to stop and reflect. He has been kissed by Bobcat (Emma Restall-Orr, writer and babe), but yet to snog Phillip Carr-Gomm (OBOD chosen chief and also bit of a babe).
Paul will come to the gathering having performed at a wide range of events over the summer in the UK. Performances have included the summer assembly of the largest druid order, the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids; a gathering of Druids from across many paths at Druid Camp (hosted by The Druid Network), and the Tribal Dream Gathering hosted by one of the UK’s most influential pagan musical and magical working groups, The Dolmen. Amongst those who inspire and support Paul’s music are his friends Paul Newman http://www.myspace.com/sunshinepaul and the well know Dahm The Bard http://www.myspace.com/damhbard. These people, along with the likes of Rob Chapman http://www.myspace.com/alittlebitofsacred and Jim Fraupel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnS0TzBtPrY , The Dolmen http://www.myspace.com/thedolmen and many others are forging a path in the UK pagan community of high quality music and entertainment for pagans across the land. Like Dahm in the past, Paul comes to the United States, in part, with the hope of sharing this drive and blending the pagan scene of the USA into his works. Paul’s Friday slot will be aimed at providing a little “background” music for those who might wish to mingle and quietly chat. With songs drawn from the British “tradition”, a few folk songs from elsewhere, and a few more songs besides, he hopes to offer a performance demonstrating how music can be linked directly to our ancestors, both recent and older. He will offer songs of modern histories and older, and you may choose to listen closely, or you may choose to drink beer! And then comes Saturday night. He has promised to try to slow the songs down so that his crazy English accent doesn't get in the way to much. He will sing satire at you and hope you get the joke and the point. These are not songs for the faint hearted, and he does swear during the set. Don’t come along if you take yourself too seriously, unless, of course, you are willing to sit back and reflect. Paul offers no great truths or life changing visions. He does offer and often jaded look into some aspects of the modern pagan scene, but at it’s heart is a love of the many kind and gentle souls who have inspired him along the way.
Paul has advised that his best gigs are the ones where the audience provides plenty of good quality beer and good looking women. As a gathering we may want to make sure Paul gets these things as he is travelling an awfully long way and is very nervous. Why not drop by his MySpace www.myspace.com/pagansatire , leave him a note to let him know you are coming along?
Paul Mitchell is an English folk musician who specializes in satire aimed at the pagan community. His songs aim to reflect the many different aspects of the modern pagan spiritual movement, the characters, the politics and most of all the nonsense that pervades so much of it. He pokes fun at us all, from those who would take positions of responsibility in a spiritual context simply because they have some time on their hands, rather than the skills and spiritual development to do so, through to those who let them. He uses images of the absurd to encourage listeners to stop and reflect. He has been kissed by Bobcat (Emma Restall-Orr, writer and babe), but yet to snog Phillip Carr-Gomm (OBOD chosen chief and also bit of a babe).
Paul will come to the gathering having performed at a wide range of events over the summer in the UK. Performances have included the summer assembly of the largest druid order, the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids; a gathering of Druids from across many paths at Druid Camp (hosted by The Druid Network), and the Tribal Dream Gathering hosted by one of the UK’s most influential pagan musical and magical working groups, The Dolmen. Amongst those who inspire and support Paul’s music are his friends Paul Newman http://www.myspace.com/sunshinepaul and the well know Dahm The Bard http://www.myspace.com/damhbard. These people, along with the likes of Rob Chapman http://www.myspace.com/alittlebitofsacred and Jim Fraupel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnS0TzBtPrY , The Dolmen http://www.myspace.com/thedolmen and many others are forging a path in the UK pagan community of high quality music and entertainment for pagans across the land. Like Dahm in the past, Paul comes to the United States, in part, with the hope of sharing this drive and blending the pagan scene of the USA into his works. Paul’s Friday slot will be aimed at providing a little “background” music for those who might wish to mingle and quietly chat. With songs drawn from the British “tradition”, a few folk songs from elsewhere, and a few more songs besides, he hopes to offer a performance demonstrating how music can be linked directly to our ancestors, both recent and older. He will offer songs of modern histories and older, and you may choose to listen closely, or you may choose to drink beer! And then comes Saturday night. He has promised to try to slow the songs down so that his crazy English accent doesn't get in the way to much. He will sing satire at you and hope you get the joke and the point. These are not songs for the faint hearted, and he does swear during the set. Don’t come along if you take yourself too seriously, unless, of course, you are willing to sit back and reflect. Paul offers no great truths or life changing visions. He does offer and often jaded look into some aspects of the modern pagan scene, but at it’s heart is a love of the many kind and gentle souls who have inspired him along the way.
Paul has advised that his best gigs are the ones where the audience provides plenty of good quality beer and good looking women. As a gathering we may want to make sure Paul gets these things as he is travelling an awfully long way and is very nervous. Why not drop by his MySpace www.myspace.com/pagansatire , leave him a note to let him know you are coming along?
Camping and attendance Park fee clarification
FYI all;
Seeing as we (the hosts of the event) are not charging for attendance to this Gathering, but White Tanks Park does have "use fees", I figured it would be a good idea to clarify;
We (your hosts) have paid the Group Area Campground reservation fee so that no other group could come in and take our (quite large) spot from us at the last minute...which would have certainly put a damper on things...and have made arrangements that if additional camping space is needed, we have access to it.
White Tanks Park charges the following fees for use;
1) Entrance to the park for one day is $6 per VEHICLE (not per person). So, carpool (as we should anyhow, being ecology conscious individuals) and the cost will be quite cheap on a per person level (depending naturally on how many you have packed into the vehicle).
2) The camping fee for one night is $12 per VEHICLE (again, not per person) and you do not have to pay the "Day Use" fee in addition to that.
So, carpool, help the environment, and save money on the Park fees!
Remember, these fees go directly to the park to help maintain the park facilities, not to those of us hosting the event.
Seeing as we (the hosts of the event) are not charging for attendance to this Gathering, but White Tanks Park does have "use fees", I figured it would be a good idea to clarify;
We (your hosts) have paid the Group Area Campground reservation fee so that no other group could come in and take our (quite large) spot from us at the last minute...which would have certainly put a damper on things...and have made arrangements that if additional camping space is needed, we have access to it.
White Tanks Park charges the following fees for use;
1) Entrance to the park for one day is $6 per VEHICLE (not per person). So, carpool (as we should anyhow, being ecology conscious individuals) and the cost will be quite cheap on a per person level (depending naturally on how many you have packed into the vehicle).
2) The camping fee for one night is $12 per VEHICLE (again, not per person) and you do not have to pay the "Day Use" fee in addition to that.
So, carpool, help the environment, and save money on the Park fees!
Remember, these fees go directly to the park to help maintain the park facilities, not to those of us hosting the event.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Updates
Greetings all!
Some updated information;
1) We do have an RSVP phone number available now. Please, if you are definitely going to be in attendance (and especially if you are going to be camping) please let us know at;
623-977-0077
We don't need detailed information about you, we merely need to know roughly how many people will be in attendance and who will be camping so adequate space can be provided.
2) A bit more information on AODA Archdruid Gordon Cooper's workshop;
Gordon Cooper, Archdruid of the South for the AODA Grand Grove will be in attendance, giving a day long workshop on Victorian Esotericism and Spiritualities. This roller coaster ride through the 19th century paradigms that form much of the core of modern Western Esotericism and magic will be supplemented with notes, several participatory opportunities and hand outs. Late in the day, depending on participant interest, there might be one or two secret, short lectures. (Penguins are optional.)
3) Musical guest Paul Mitchell is very enthusiastic about the event and will hopefully be bringing some CD's for sale. For those who may be unfamiliar with his music, please check out the following link;
http://www.myspace.com/pagansatire
4) As a reminder to those who will be attending, this will be a "pack it in, pack it out" situation. Every person will be responsible for their own trash. Also, NO GLASS CONTAINERS are allowed within the park.
Some updated information;
1) We do have an RSVP phone number available now. Please, if you are definitely going to be in attendance (and especially if you are going to be camping) please let us know at;
623-977-0077
We don't need detailed information about you, we merely need to know roughly how many people will be in attendance and who will be camping so adequate space can be provided.
2) A bit more information on AODA Archdruid Gordon Cooper's workshop;
Gordon Cooper, Archdruid of the South for the AODA Grand Grove will be in attendance, giving a day long workshop on Victorian Esotericism and Spiritualities. This roller coaster ride through the 19th century paradigms that form much of the core of modern Western Esotericism and magic will be supplemented with notes, several participatory opportunities and hand outs. Late in the day, depending on participant interest, there might be one or two secret, short lectures. (Penguins are optional.)
3) Musical guest Paul Mitchell is very enthusiastic about the event and will hopefully be bringing some CD's for sale. For those who may be unfamiliar with his music, please check out the following link;
http://www.myspace.com/pagansatire
4) As a reminder to those who will be attending, this will be a "pack it in, pack it out" situation. Every person will be responsible for their own trash. Also, NO GLASS CONTAINERS are allowed within the park.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tenative Schedule of Events
Please note;
This is merely a rough schedule of events and approximate times. Exact events and times may change as all plans are finalized.
Friday, September 19th 2008
*2pm to 5pm- Arrival and setup time for participants and those who will be camping
*5pm to 6pm- Opening Dedication and Blessing of the Gathering.
Joint Sphere of Protection Ritual by attending AODA Members (and others if they wish to join in)
*Remainder of Friday evening as a "social mixer" with Paul Mitchell entertaining
Saturday, September 20th
(times to be determined)
*First Half of Gordon Cooper's Workshop
*Lunchbreak
*Second Half of Gordon Cooper's Workshop
*Paul Mitchell Concert
*Social Mixer
Sunday, September 21st
(times to be determined)
*Kenneth Proefrock's Native Southwestern Herbology Workshop
*Petroglyph Plaza hike
*(Tenative) 2-3 hour block for participants from other orders who'd like to perform a ceremony
*(late afternoon) Grove Ritual/Alban Elved Ritual
*(evening) Official Closing of the Southwestern Druid's Equinox Grove Gathering of Fall 2008
*Closing "social mixer"
Monday, September 22nd
*(morning) All participants and campers to be breaking camp
This is merely a rough schedule of events and approximate times. Exact events and times may change as all plans are finalized.
Friday, September 19th 2008
*2pm to 5pm- Arrival and setup time for participants and those who will be camping
*5pm to 6pm- Opening Dedication and Blessing of the Gathering.
Joint Sphere of Protection Ritual by attending AODA Members (and others if they wish to join in)
*Remainder of Friday evening as a "social mixer" with Paul Mitchell entertaining
Saturday, September 20th
(times to be determined)
*First Half of Gordon Cooper's Workshop
*Lunchbreak
*Second Half of Gordon Cooper's Workshop
*Paul Mitchell Concert
*Social Mixer
Sunday, September 21st
(times to be determined)
*Kenneth Proefrock's Native Southwestern Herbology Workshop
*Petroglyph Plaza hike
*(Tenative) 2-3 hour block for participants from other orders who'd like to perform a ceremony
*(late afternoon) Grove Ritual/Alban Elved Ritual
*(evening) Official Closing of the Southwestern Druid's Equinox Grove Gathering of Fall 2008
*Closing "social mixer"
Monday, September 22nd
*(morning) All participants and campers to be breaking camp
Monday, April 21, 2008
Preliminary Notice
A pre-announcement so that all those that might like to attend can plan far enough in advance. Members of the AODA are hosting a Druid Gathering over the weekend of the Fall Equinox at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Phoenix Arizona (please see link to location in the sidebar). We have the Group Campground reserved, which has Ramadas, showers, barbecues, and fire pits (although there may be fire restrictions due to the time of year).
Gordon Cooper, of the AODA Grand Grove, will be in attendance and giving a day long workshop on Victorian Era Spirituality and other subjects. Dr. Kenneth Proefrock, AODA Druid and professional Herbalist, will also be speaking on Native Plantlife and it's healing properties . There is the possibility that British musician and OBOD member Paul Mitchell will be in attandance.
As I said, this is a bit of an early announcement, as we do not have the schedule of events finalized yet other than Kenneth and Gordon's talks and an Alban Elved Ritual. A hike along the Petroglyph Trail has been discussed and will probably be included in the itinerary. This is open to all Druids, Pagans, and spiritually minded people, not just members of the AODA, so if anyone wishes to attend they are certainly welcome. For those in the Metro Phoenix area, you may just come for the day or camping space will be available.
As the schedule of events is ironed out, I will post more.
We will have an RSVP phone number available to confirm that you are coming, either for the day or camping. For any questions, please e-mail me at myrddynemrys@gmail.com for now.
Gordon Cooper, of the AODA Grand Grove, will be in attendance and giving a day long workshop on Victorian Era Spirituality and other subjects. Dr. Kenneth Proefrock, AODA Druid and professional Herbalist, will also be speaking on Native Plantlife and it's healing properties . There is the possibility that British musician and OBOD member Paul Mitchell will be in attandance.
As I said, this is a bit of an early announcement, as we do not have the schedule of events finalized yet other than Kenneth and Gordon's talks and an Alban Elved Ritual. A hike along the Petroglyph Trail has been discussed and will probably be included in the itinerary. This is open to all Druids, Pagans, and spiritually minded people, not just members of the AODA, so if anyone wishes to attend they are certainly welcome. For those in the Metro Phoenix area, you may just come for the day or camping space will be available.
As the schedule of events is ironed out, I will post more.
We will have an RSVP phone number available to confirm that you are coming, either for the day or camping. For any questions, please e-mail me at myrddynemrys@gmail.com for now.
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