Wednesday, February 24, 2010

02-21-10 Out With the Old


Out With the Old…February in the Red Tent



On a February day so beautiful it seemed to promise that Spring is not far behind, the women came from the Four Directions. Women of the Elements they are - Earth and Air and Fire and Water – and they carry those elemental gifts within and without. On this day they brought their diverse and unique spirits to the farm to join their sisters in the Red Tent Temple. As if some tribal drums had broadcast the message, they continued to come until hearts and spirits and the tent itself was thrumming with the energy of good women.


For several hours, we relaxed. Some wrote in journals, did artwork, or rested. Others shared stories, sought counsel, offered counsel, bore witness, and welcomed newcomers. There were tears and laughter and learning and love. We all nourished ourselves on wonderful soups – I think I counted six different pots – teas, fruit, salads, and finally, one amazing woman’s amazing fudge. Our special thanks to the Soup Artists and all the cooks as well.


Jaz brought an art project for us and we each made a heart card for ourselves and then wrote wonderful, magical messages in each other’s cards. It was good, loving fun and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one who sniffed the construction paper to be delightfully brought back to a childhood where making cards was a frequent, joyfully uninhibited, and creative activity.


When it was time, Jaz, a princess of light and laughter, also our Priestess for the day, called the circle together. We began by naming into the circle our ancestor-women and any others we chose to place and hold within the rim of our sacred space. Jaz then led a meditation in which we identified, honored, and then released anything we had been holding within us that happened in the last year, in order to make space and new energy for the fresh life experiences to come in the current year. It was a moving and healing journey, and a powerful privilege to be a part of that circle. It was clear, as we then passed the talking bowl, that the women had felt the magic and gained much insight and gratitude from our circle that day. We ended in song and couldn’t help but notice that, unlike last month, it was still light outside, and just like last month, there was much light inside of each one of us.


After a bit more soup, much more laughter, always, much more laughter, and finally, cleaning up, the women said their goodbyes with hugs all around, and headed back out into the Four Directions to return home until the next Red Tent. Please join us there on Sunday, March 14th at 11:00 a.m.


Special Request: We ask each woman to bring one red column candle in a glass container to help us replenish our supply. A fun prize will be given to the woman who finds the lowest price. Grocery stores often carry these candles for relatively low prices. Thanks. If you haven’t got time to pick up a candle, do not fret.... come anyway! See you on the 14th.



The Red Tent


by Diana Powers


Today we came together in a specially blessed place,

for laughter and for wisdom, for sisterhood and grace.


Some came with long-felt longing, some, curiosity;

but each was drawn to be there in sacred trinity.


Our trinity, the Feminine, of Maiden, Mother, Crone;

so powerful, it helps us know that we are not alone.


We shared in conversation, and caring company,

and filled again our well of love with sweet community.


We drew the sacred circle and filled it from the heart;

the bold, the shy, the in-between, we came to do our part


to send the power up and out while healing from within,

and this bright ring of healing is where we all begin.


We bless each other with our trust, respect our right to be,

because we understand the gift that’s given when we see


that every path is sacred and every walk is true,

and so we honor our own paths and all those others too.

~

Monday, February 8, 2010

Red Tent Temple, February 21, 2010, Bloomfield, CT


Greetings Wonderful Women!

Soon, again, it will be time to gather in our Temple to rest and replenish our energies.

Before I list the standard information, I'd like to bring your attention to our current needs.

Our Red Tent is in need of more support around supplies and monetary stability. Please consider contributing in one or more of the following ways, so that we can continue this vital work of healing and reconnection.

We need donations of:

~CANDLES. Tea lights are too little to work for the day. We need larger ones that are contained in a holder or jar. They should be unscented. We need many.

~BACK JACKS. only two of our women own these floor chairs, and bring them when they can, but sometimes they cannot attend, and often there are not enough. This would be an exceptionally helpful and generous gift that we would be immensely grateful for.

~LARGE RED CLOTHS. For the floor covering, the larger and sturdier the better. We spend a little too much time on many small cloths.

~STORAGE BINS with LIDS. Our things are stored graciously by the farm, but often get dusty or stale in between tents. We need to store them in covered bins, to keep them protected, and so we can easily stack them.

~PLASTIC WARE - Either re-usable dishware for those who need it, and/or tupperware to pack extra foods to go home. Some need this bounty and we would like to be able to give it.

~SIGNS - some have trouble finding the building we are in due to lack of markings. If you can provide us with a large self standing, weatherproof sign, that would be awesome!!!

~MONEY - Obviously a cornerstone of any organization, we need to stabilize ourselves with at least a little bit of a safety net. If you don't want to bother with material items, or you have had some abundance as of late and are called to contribute to our cause, we would be so grateful!

Money is needed not just for supplies (as you see above) but to help provide for the rental fees of the space, and to begin to plan the future of our Temple.

DONATE ONLINE - using the easy Pay Pal button on the right sidebar of the blog!

*** If you desire to be honored or recognized in some way for your contribution, please LET US KNOW *** As such a new movement, we will begin to find the right ways to do this; for now you will be recognized and thanked verbally on the day of the Red Tent, following your donation, unless you specify another preference. Thanks!

See you on the 21st!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RED TENT TEMPLE
February 21, 2010
11 am - 5 pm

Formal Circle at 3, with the vibrant JAZ as our Priestess!!!! (pictured above)

(What IS the Red Tent Temple? Read HERE, or HERE. )



Saturday, February 6, 2010

Shield Workshop 2010


When: Friday, March 19th


Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm


Where: Virginia’s home

-contact for address-

West Hartford, CT


Cost: $75.00 per person


Includes materials for a 12 – 18” shield. Lunch provided

Bring feathers, crystals, and beads for decorating your shield

RSVP: Virginia 860- 523-8943


www.ElandraArts.com ~ 860-523-8943



Create your own personal power shield, family shield, or gift shield.

During this full day workshop of interpersonal exploration and creative adventure, Virginia will guide you using Native American techniques that have been passed down to her to share. Connect with your own personal power animals, guides, totems and sacred symbols through guided journeying. We will create sacred space together and receive inspiration from Spirit on this special day. You will be creating the hoop with branches or vines and painting your vision and inspirations on leather that is strung onto the hoops. The shield will then be decorated with sacred objects that will be provided, or that you choose to bring from home. Together, we will share our shields, and ceremony with them to seal in the energies.


No art experience is necessary, only the willingness to fully participate in this Sacred Hoop of Life…come and let Spirit lead the Way!


After registration, you will receive instructions for creating your shield hoop from a branch or vine. Please register no later than March 12th by mailing full payment to Virginia.