Chesapeake Pagan Community
2011 Summer Gathering
Workshops and Rituals

Main Ritua: Spirits of the Root, by Universal Temple of Spirits
We will honor our Spirits with drumming, dance, song, and art. The service will begin a half an hour earlier with a sung litany prayer to set the space. All are welcome to join in with this. And then the drums start. The singing and dancing continues throughout, and we call our Spirits into ourselves to share our celebration.

This is an open circle; you may join late or leave early (although you'll probably miss some good stuff if you do). This is a Pantheistic working, so we will honor Spirits from around the globe and sing in their native languages when possible. Please note that this is not an open drum circle; it is a possession-based working. The more active your participation, the more exciting the service, so... Please bring
Your Spirit of the Root [i.e. family or inherited Spirits; a land Spirit you work with regularly; Spirit of the Plants; "Back to Basics" Spirit...]
A song for them, if you have one
A design for them, as we will all be drawing for our individual Spirits.
Altar objects, if you have them
You may wish to dress in the colors of the Spirit you'll be honoring. Donations of food, drink, or money for supplies are appreciated, but not mandatory. No one is required to partake of food or alcohol.

An Introduction to building the Faery Cairn, by Orion Foxwood
There are many theories about the purposes of Cairns and other forms of stone circles, piles and monuments that were built by ancient people throughout Continental and insular Europe. Anthropologists, archaeologists and folklorists differ on opinions but all agree that these ominous stone monuments had great significance for our Pagan ancestors. The cairn we will be building at CPG through the guidance of Orion, is a specific design and intention based on visionary guidance by his Faery wife named "Brigh". It is a place for co-creative partnership with our spirit cousins and co-walkers. In this workshop, Orion will teach about its design; it purpose; and the process for building what he and Brigh call "the Faery Cairn". This workshop will prepare us for the building and activation of the Cairn at CPG. This Cairn is a part of a network of Cairns he has inspired around the United States. 2 hours.

The Races of the Faery People, by Orion Foxwood
All too often, when people speak of “Faeries”, they are referring to post renaissance re-constructed images of gossamer winged sprites happily tip-toeing through the tulips. This image is completely out of sync with the older, traditional concepts of the Faery races who are in fact ancient powerful beings as well as humanities spiritual next of kin. In fact, the tinker bell image is of elementary beings who are Fay but not Faery. The term “Faery” is actually a description of a state of being and the broad classification of “people” who dwell there. This workshop will discuss the traditional concepts/ classes of Faery people as solitary, hive, trooping and stationary clans, their roles in the natural/ creative world, potential for partnership with human co-walkers and legends about their customs. Orion will also discuss the classifications of spiritual beings as incarnate, discarnate and non-carnate and how this influences the partnerships between humanity and the unseen company. 1 hour.

Working with the Power of Place, by Orion Foxwood
Traditional folk magic grows organically over long periods of time out of a relationship between humanity and the weather, seasonal and energy patterns, land terrain and other aspects of a place over many years. Ceremonies, healing practices, sacred sanctuaries, and folklore reflect the inner life of the land where they evolve coupled with the cultural development of a group of people. The holy people and magic workers of a clan, tribe, ethnic group or indigenous people reflect a dynamic relationship designed to interpret and channel these subtle spiritual forces toward positive outcomes. In this workshop, Orion will discuss the concept of “genus loci” (local spirits), the inscape (inner landscape) and the Faery Tracks (interface points between the inner and outer worlds) and lead visionary processes designed to explore the inner world of Camp Ramblewood and its land location. 2 hours.

Not that Kind of an Angel: Journey with the Archangel Michael, by Michael Gryffyn
Stellar realm beings have been beside us from the beginning. We have called them Dragons, Djinn, Watchers, Angels and by many other names. They have always stood ready to aid any seeker wishing aid in healing themselves and others. The one who walks closest with me I know by the name of Michael. This interactive Ritual focuses on awakening our abilities as humans to heal ourselves and to connect to these Angelic co-walkers. Through the use of elemental breathing, instrumental sound and voice, participants will be guided through a series of experiential exercises and techniques to open their beings to the energies of the Angelic realms and invited to connect with Michael and/or other Archangelic beings to begin healing their spiritual, emotional and/or physical bodies.

Pennsylvania Dutch Pow-wow, by Rob Chapman
Pennsylvania Dutch Pow-wow is the faith healing practices of the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. Pow-wow is a series of charms, talismans, herbal remedies, cures and spells passed down through the generations and practiced alongside the Christian faith of the PA Dutch. In modern times this magical system has been absorbed into the neo-pagan community and has spread across the country, no longer limited to Pennsylvania culture. In this 2 hour seminar you will learn all the basics of Pennsylvania Dutch Pow-wow from an actual practitioner and be taught the skills and charms needed in order to use this powerful system for yourself and your loved ones.

First Gathering?, by Myth Woodling
So, is this your first Pagan gathering? Is this your first event with nudists? Myth Woodling invites attendees of CPC's Summer Gathering and MARNA's Summer Camp to come by for an open discussion about Camp Ramblewood's facilities and what you can expect or not expect to see at this event. (Myth invites "Pagan oldtimers" and members of MARNA to participate in this discussion with new folks.) 1 hour.

Ritual Ettiquette, by Myth Woodling
This is a discussion about appropriate behavior for sundry rituals at Neo-Pagan gatherings and general good ettiquette for rituals. Come bring your questions and comments. 1 hour.

Nudes, Nudists and Nudism.
Film afficionado Rock Savage brings a collection of films about "Nudes, Nudists and Nudism." Come and enjoy some vintage films.

Mystery of the Spheres (Juggling), by Thoron Woodling
Learn to juggle, or practice with other jugglers. Balls, pins and rings will be provided. 1 hour

Traditional Campfire and sing along
An old-fashioned campfire where we sing songs and share folktales and ghost stories. There will be marshmallow roasting too.

Naked Yoga
, by Beth Nolan
Enjoy the benefits of yoga. Beginner or seasoned yogi, all will experience peace of mind and wholeness for body. Each class will be tailored to the attendee's needs. You will be challenged and nutured and will walk away with a true sense self. Bolsters and mats will be availble, please bring your towel. Fee: $10.


Notes About Workshop Presenters

Michael Gryffin has been a student, teacher and researcher in Western and Eastern metaphysical and healing arts for more than 30 years, and is a practitioner of many disciplines including Alchemy, Kabbalah, Kundalini yoga, and Wicca. Michael is a long-time practitioner of the art of using sound and the voice for healing the body. He is a member of the Sound Healers Association, a non-profit organization founded in 1982 and dedicated to research and awareness of the uses of sound and music as therapeutic and transformational modalities. He is also a fire-mage and has been dancing within the flame for over 10 years.

Universal Temple of Spirits is a celebratory group practicing in the Global Spirits tradition. The celebrations welcome all Spirits from around the globe in love. Rituals are theme-based, rather than pantheon-based, and incorporate what we have in common as humans: shared food, dance, song, drumming, art, and possession trance. Global Spirits is a harm-none tradition. No one is required to partake of food or alcohol. Please see our FAQ sheets at the ritual. Our website is www.GlobalSpirits.org.

Thoron Woodling--a certified public accountant for more than 20 years, Thoron knows how to juggle more than just books, and would be delighted to teach you how to make balls, pins and rings fly gracefully through the air. As a mystic with more than 30 years of experience at the art of scrying, he can also explain the quick, easy techniques of crystal scrying.

Rock Savage is an independent film maker who has produced more than 30 movies, including Mondo Pagan (1999). He also enjoys vintage movies and has a large personal collection. From his personal collection, Rock has picked out two hours of classics to share at Gathering. www.SavageFilmGroup.com

Myth Woodling has been on the path of the Goddess since 1979. She has been active in the Maryland Neo-Pagan community since 1984. She is vice president of the Chesapeake Pagan Community. In July 2007, Myth Woodling became elevated to the 2nd degree in the Protean Tradition of the Gardnerian lineage. She has done several workshops involving Pagan ettiquette and "First Festival?" at Ramblewood in past years. She started a website focused the Goddess Aradia in 2003. www.AradiaGoddess.com

Beth Nolan
In the holistic field for over 25 years,starting as a chiropractic assistant, then Therapeutic massage therapist, Health Kinesiologist (muscle testing), hatha and tantra yoga teacher. www.bntherapy.com. Beth will be available for Therapeautic Massage, Health Kinesiology and Spiritual Dowsing sessions.

Building on this knowledge and experience led Beth on a journey of integrating the body, mind, spirit connection as an important role in the healing process.Enjoying her work and personal growth, Beth continued her holistic training as a massage therapist mastering: Shiatsu, Reflexology and Deep Tissue; and, connective tissue massage techniques. www.bntherapy.com

Schedule

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