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.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
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!
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