Red Tent Temple, January 17, 2010, Bloomfield, CT

Welcome to your new year, dear women, It's your time!

Let us gather in honor of the feminine divine in our magical Red Tent Temple.

Please join us. Bring a Sister, a Mother, a Grandmother, and most importantly, YOU.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Red Tent Temple ~ January 17 ~ Auer Farm, Bloomfield, CT
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~Recreating the Women's Moonlodge for today's culture~

Please forward this to anyone you wish to be invited!

~ It is scheduled for Sunday, January 17, 2010, from 11 am to 5+ pm.
~ Set up will be from 9-11am.
~ A brief opening/orientation circle will be held at 12 noon if there are more than a few new women attending.
~ 11-12 am and 12:30-3pm will be free-form, organic time, where you can do what you wish in the space.
~ Formal Circle will be held from 3-5pm
~ 5-7 pm will be community time (farewells, hugs, networking, resting after circle..) and break down of the space.

Located on the beautiful land of Auer Farm we will be held in the arms of Mother Earth while we retreat safely and honor the feminine spirit. The Red Tent will happen every month, on the Sunday closest to the New (dark) Moon.

Inside the Red Tent .........you will find a space to heal and be heard. To be your whole self. To go within and tap into your divine creative source. There will be space to rest, journal, cry, connect with sisters, breathe, meditate, and reconnect with what ties us all together: being woman. Womb or not, bleeding or not, all women from all walks of life are welcome.

Suggested Donations of $10.00 to $20.00 are requested to help pay for the rental fee and hopefully create some funds for Red Tent supplies and future needs.

There will be a beautiful storytellers chair, a grievance altar, a community altar, herbal teas and homemade soup. It is sacred space to go within and honor your divine feminine being. A place to remember.

Young women of Menarche age are welcome for all of the day except the formal circle at 3:00 which is adults only.
Nurslings are welcome until walking age.

This vision is held in the spirit of community and collaboration. Everyone who sets this up is working on a volunteer basis, which makes your attendance and contributions integral. Please take a look at the share list below to see where you are called to collaborate to keeping this vision alive and well. On the side bar to the right, there is a donation button you can use to make financial contributions if you are not able to attend but would like to help.

It is vital to our culture and to our next generations that we reclaim our innate Spiral Traditions. We are a culture starved for authenticity and community - but we don't have to be. The Red Tent Temple is a transformational and Global movement.

RSVP's are important. We need to know how much soup to make or request, who can Priestess, and who can bring what. When you refer to the share list below - please email us on what it is you are called to bring or do, so we can keep this day organized and wonderful.

Priestess for Circle
Set up -
Break down
Providing Soup/s-
Breads -
Providing herbal belly tea/s-
Welcomer, Greeter -
Drumming, music,
Cloth bringers (Collective: We really need more than one woman for this. It will take a lot of cloth to paint the room)
Red Tent Journal -
Pillow, backjack, mat bringers-
Altar objects -every woman is encouraged to bring something for the altar, to be charged up with energy while she attends. Taken home after.
Candle provider-
Talking Bowl/stick bringer -
Healers; energy healers, body workers, oracles, wanted to serve either for free or at lowered cost. -
Massage Table -
Markers -

Belly Blessings,

The Red Tent Temple Team

Origins of the RTT Movement: ALisa Starkweather

Walk in Beauty ~ Women's Empowerment

~Walk in Beauty~

Dear Beautiful Womyn,



First of all, New Year Greetings to you all! I am excited to start gathering in the name of sisterhood, as we get deeper and deeper into this winter season.



I feel the pull to go inward, to nurture and love myself and put self care first and still find the time and motivation to keep Walk in Beauty gatherings going during these very cold months. I find this to be a difficult balance to achieve because my energy is hard to muster at times, and my reserves are a bit low these last few weeks.



The lodge feels like a burden this time of year, yet she stands tall and sturdy even while being pelted with such severe weather… there she stands in all her glory, rising up to meet the morning sun in spite of what she endures…a beautiful message for all of us. She needs some TLC and warmth but I find it difficult to make time for her, to tend to the fire that warms her womb and brush off the cold hard snow that settles on her skin. I welcome anyone who has the desire to visit and commune with her as it would be a beautiful thing for her and you! Please let me know if you feel called to stop by and start a fire, and sit, relax and just be in the sacredness of her belly.



With all that said, thank you to the handful of womyn who check in with me frequently and gently nudge me in keeping these circles and gatherings going! Because of the cold weather, the next few gatherings will be in my living room, unless the weather is somewhat warm and there is a good supply of wood on hand, we can switch back to meeting in the lodge. Circles are $5 donation, unless otherwise stated.



Here is what is coming up:



Open Womyn’s Circle, Friday, January, 15th, 2010, 9am-11am

I am excited to announce that Fran Corona will be leading this circle and the theme will be “The Blessings of Being Womon”. Fran would like the participants to bring a token of womonhood to symbolize the wonderfulness of a woman to validate the celebration!



Imbolc Celebration, Monday, February 1st, 2010, 9am-11am

I am also thrilled to share that Vix Church will be our Priestess for this wonderful Earth-based celebration! More information to follow….but here is a brief explanation of Imbolc….

Imbolc literally means “in the belly of the mother”, while its original Celtic name, Oimelc, translates as “ewe’s milk” or “the feast of ewe’s milk”. Both refer to the turning of winter to spring, as marked by the first milk of ewes as lambs begin to be born.

Imbolc is the special day of Brighid, the Celtic goddess of fire, and therefore is deemed a fire festival. Its transformative powers of the flame signify change and the setting of new goals. As the Crone of winter gives way to the Maiden of spring, this festival of light cleanses to make way for the new. Nature starts to come back to life, and the new agricultural season begins!!

Sacred Supper, Thursday, February, 4th, 2010, 6pm-9pm, $25 includes vegetarian meal!

A holistic version of a Girls Night Out! You're in store for a special evening of great food and feeding your soul. Join with fellow sisters for a special night of sitting in circle, sharing, laughter and dreaming together! Dinner will be prepared and served up by Stephen Tarver, Holistic Health Counselor and Vegetarian Chef Extraordinaire! Recipes and nutrition advice will on hand if you would like to chat with Steve prior to circle! The circle is open to all womyn, (Steve will be not be joining us for circle!) so please pass this information onto friends and fellow sisters!

Also, I am happy to announce that I am doing Life Coaching and am offering up a free session to anyone who is interested in meeting to discuss the role of a Life Coach and the multiple benefits you can achieve with having a personal motivator and mentor! We will work together to identify ways in which you can move ahead by getting into your own life’s flow with the help of varies techniques and personal ceremony! Start off 2010 by eliminating the binds that keep you stagnant and learn new ways to call in JOY, PASSION and PURPOSE!! Please contact me if you are interested in getting started!

Please RSVP!

Walk in Beauty,

Monica

From Artisans’ Bazaar to the “Next St...

From Artisans’ Bazaar to the “Next Steps Journey” - December in the Red Tent

On a day that began in sunshine, the clouds and the grey came in quickly, but they could not dampen the glow emanating from the heart of the farm. The women had gathered again and their love and light can illumine even the darkest of days.

There was a lighthearted and joyful energy as they went about the business of creating and decorating their Red Tent. And because the day’s activities were to begin with a Sacred Artisans’ Bazaar, the women turned their attentions and their energies to helping each other set up their displays. The day was to be a special one, although every tent is special, and the women felt it.

It was exciting to see the fruits of the creativity of so many talented women. There were jewelry and greeting cards, fine art and poetry, herbal skin products and elixirs, all crafted by our very talented and creative women. Several members donated prizes for which a raffle was given to raise expense money for the Red Tent. And all that was only the first part of our day.

When the bazaar was over and the women had shared their soups and teas and company, they began their circle time together.

Virginia led a journey meditation in which the goal was to find one’s “next steps” on the path, in her life, in this world. The drum accompanied us on the journey and, when the meditation ended, we shared our experiences, where we had each gone, and what we had learned. The talking bowl was passed again and again as story led on to story and shared experiences resonated around the rim. On a very dark and rainy afternoon in December, the light glowed brightly as it emanated from within the heart of each woman and out into the circle and then the world, so in need of more illumination, more love.

In the Red Tent, we are learning how to nurture that love and light and share it with all who seek it, for we know that it is in this way that we can help to save ourselves and the Earth, and so we will continue to gather and shine that light and contribute all we can to the healing so needed by each of us and all our relations.

Please join us at our first Red Tent of 2010, on January 17^th, and see what new magic we can create together. Aho.

(Special!) Red Tent Temple - December 13 - 2009

Hello Dear, Beautiful, Women!

Can't wait to tell you our latest Red Tent Project!

Welcome to Spiral Traditions Red Tent Sacred Artisan Bazaar

We have some extremely talented women in our circle - it's time to share, celebrate, and bask in the shine of our Goddess-given creativity and nourishment. Share with us the gifts of yourselves and of your sisters,and be welcomed home to graciousness in our sacred space.

On December 13, at Auer Farm in Bloomfield, we will hold a limited Sacred Artisan Bazaar in conjunction with our regularly scheduled monthly Red Tent gathering. Strict rules will be in place to uphold the original intention of the Red Tent Temple.
Here are the guidelines:

~We will hold our fair only until 1:00 - the rest of the day will be Red Tent Temple only, as usual. Come early to set up or to shop, 9 AM set up is open to begin.

~Participation is not a requirement, of course.

~We will not be allowing anything commercial (NO tupperware, or 'products' please, unless it's in regards to Women's empowerment or sustainability.)

~All pieces should be in alignment with Red Tent energies: HANDMADE items, art, music, herbals, or personal services are welcomed!

~If you are not certain, please ask.

~Your set up should take up small amount of space within our room, or you can set up a larger display in the entrance room, however please know that the main area will be shared with patrons of Auer Farm for the Christmas Tree season.

~There will be a silent RTT raffle! We ask that you consider donating an item or small service to the raffle, as this money will go directly to our RTT fund.

~All artisans are asked to donate a small portion of your profits from the day as well. We will not tag a percentage to this, as we are conscious of financial hardship and realize that some of you may be bartering with other artisans for holiday gifts, making money less available. Out of your heart for the Red Tent we ask that you consider our value to you in your life, and make an extra donation that is right for you.

~The Red Tent Temple maintains our availability to women of all economic circumstances.

We hope that you will welcome our new, one-time venture, and join us in creation, display, participation and celebration. The sacred space to offer you rest, rejuvenation, communion, peace, and love, will be carefully guarded.

DECEMBER'S RED TENT TEMPLE WILL BE HELD SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, AT AUER FARM. BLOOMFIELD, CT


It is time to gather together in a sacred space of safety, understanding, and blessings. Come to rest, to read, to eat, to drink, to commune, to listen, to be heard , to be healed, and to be loved... just as you are. There will be music, art, poetry, stories, and peace, and all you have to bring to the circle.

11AM to 5PM, soup and tea and candlelight. Sacred circle from 3PM to 5PM.

Come as you are. Reflect to see if you are called upon to priestess, or to bring items to enrich our time together. (See the blog for ideas.) Please remember that we ask you to donate what you can to our rental expenses.


Love and Belly Blessings,

Ananda, Danna, Diana, & all of the Spiral Traditions Temple Women

From Water Blessings to Birthday Bles...

From Water Blessings to Birthday Blessings – Inside the November Red Tent

On a gentle day that began with mists worthy of Avalon, the women returned to the farm and the Red Tent. It was warm for November and the breezes were soft like the curves of the farmland; and the geese called to us that, while our time had come to gather, theirs had come to fly and they welcomed us as they departed over the cornfields.

The women had returned and with them came the stuff of which wonderful Red Tents are made: beautiful fabrics and pillows with which to adorn the tent; art supplies for those who feel the delightful urge to create something beautiful, candles, food, pillows and blankets. Once our tent was adorned, we spent our free time relaxing, chatting, creating art, napping, journaling, doing readings, sharing nourishing food, and learning.

From the Storyteller’s Chair, Virginia shared the Water Blessing she recently learned, and gave us each a supply of this blessed sacred water so that we might take it home and continue this practice, sharing it with others as she had so generously shared it with us.

When it was time for our circle, Caterina gathered us and served as our Priestess for the day. She led us in meditation and guided exercises and sharing that helped us to open ourselves to the healing afforded by the circle and the power of the love of the women who sit within it. The energy of trust and healing and love that Caterina created was a gift to each who attended that day.

At the end of the circle, the women offered their individual birthday blessings to Diana on the eve of her 60^th birthday. She was deeply touched and moved by the simple power of the blessings she received from each of the women of this loving community. It was a beautiful ending ceremony for our circle.

As we left, to return to our homes and our daily lives, we carried with us the powerful bond of sisterhood that we have created and nurture for each other every time we gather. We have learned of the beauty and treasures in our differences and found the joy of sharing our common experiences. And each month, when we gather, we know there will always be more gifts and blessings than we can count. For this, we are grateful, and we invite you to join us on December 13^th so that you may find these gifts for yourself. Blessèd be.

Red Tent Temple ~ November 15, 2009

Women,

Our November Red Tent will be wise and wonderous, please join us.

All the details are the same as previous months, please read below.

Blessed Be.

Red Tent Temple, October 18 2009, Bloomfield, CT

It’s time!

To gather in honor of the feminine divine in our magical Red Tent Temple. The autumn harvest is upon us and what better way to honor the fruits of your own labors, than to take a day to honor your needs.

Please join us. Bring a Sister, a Mother, a Grandmother, and most importantly, YOU.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Red Tent Temple ~ October 18, 2009 ~ Bloomfield, CT
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~Recreating the Women's Moonlodge for today's culture~

Please forward this to anyone you wish to be invited!

~ It is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2009, from 11 am to 5+ pm.
~ Set up will be from 9-11am.
~ A brief opening/orientation circle will be held at 12 noon if there are more than a few new women attending.
~ 11-12 am and 12:30-3pm will be free-form, organic time, where you can do what you wish in the space.
~ Formal Circle will be held from 3-5pm
~ 5-7 pm will be community time (farewells, hugs, networking, resting after circle..) and break down of the space.

Located on the beautiful land of Auer Farm we will be held in the arms of Mother Earth while we retreat safely and honor the feminine spirit. The Red Tent will happen every month, on the Sunday closest to the New (dark) Moon.

Inside the Red Tent .........you will find a space to heal and be heard. To be your whole self. To go within and tap into your divine creative source. There will be space to rest, journal, cry, connect with sisters, breathe, meditate, and reconnect with what ties us all together: being woman. Womb or not, bleeding or not, all women from all walks of life are welcome.

Suggested Donations of $10.00 to $20.00 are requested to help pay for the rental fee and hopefully create some funds for Red Tent supplies and future needs.

There will be a beautiful storytellers chair, a grievance altar, a community altar, herbal teas and homemade soup. It is sacred space to go within and honor your divine feminine being. A place to remember.

Young women of Menarche age are welcome for all of the day except the formal circle at 3:00 which is adults only.
Nurslings are welcome until walking age.

This vision is held in the spirit of community and collaboration. Everyone who sets this up is working on a volunteer basis, which makes your attendance and contributions integral. Please take a look at the share list below to see where you are called to collaborate to keeping this vision alive and well. On the side bar to the right, there is a donation button you can use to make financial contributions if you are not able to attend but would like to help.

It is vital to our culture and to our next generations that we reclaim our innate Spiral Traditions. We are a culture starved for authenticity - but we don't have to be. The Red Tent Temple is a transformational and Global movement.

RSVP's are important. We need to know how much soup to make or request, who can Priestess, and who can bring what. When you refer to the share list below - please email us on what it is you are called to bring or do, so we can keep this day organized and wonderful.

Priestess for Circle
Set up -
Break down
Providing Soup/s-
Breads -
Providing herbal belly tea/s-
Welcomer, Greeter -
Drumming, music,
Cloth bringers (Collective: We really need more than one woman for this. It will take a lot of cloth to paint the room)
Red Tent Journal -
Pillow, backjack, mat bringers-
Altar objects -every woman is encouraged to bring something for the altar, to be charged up with energy while she attends. Taken home after.
Candle provider-
Talking Bowl/stick bringer -
Healers; energy healers, body workers, oracles, wanted to serve either for free or at lowered cost. -
Massage Table -
Markers -

Belly Blessings,

The Red Tent Temple Team

Origins of the RTT Movement: ALisa Starkweather