Earth Medicine Ceremonies and Trainings in 2010

In 2009 the theme for Earth Medicine ceremonies was elemental Earth and in 2010 the focus is elemental Water. Similar to 2009, there are two distinct year-long progressions in 2010. Immediately below is all the info on the 2010 Earth Medicine Training in the North Bay (see the flyer for an easier to look at version). Below that is all the info the for the 2010 monthly water ceremonies and Autumn Prayer Walk on the Peninsula (again see the flyer for a more visually appealing presentation). As of January 2010 spaces are full for the North Bay training and we're a closed working group; however, there is no need to reserve your space for the monthly water ceremonies on the Peninsula, all are welcome.

2010_Earth_Medicine_Training2.doc

The contents of this flyer for the Earth Medicine Training are immediately below.

After spending all of 2009 in the Guadalupe Watershed (South Bay) offering ceremonies of healing and repair focused on elemental Earth, in 2010 the Earth Medicine Training will shift focus to elemental Water in the North Bay. The living elder that is Water speaks in the Bay Area through diverse forms such as Delta, Creek, River, Rain, Wetland, Bay/Estuary, and Ocean. Water also speaks in the lives of Bay Area human residents through feeling, dreaming, birthing, dancing, grieving, relationships, and mysteries of ancestry and blood.

Intention. By participating in and helping to craft inclusive and inspiring ceremonies for the well-being of the land and spirits, participants can expect to become more intimate with Water and the many beings that depend on Water to live. This training is an especially good fit for those who want to learn to lead earth-honoring circles or who already offer various ceremonial services. Expect to learn through doing while being held in the vessel of a conscious, loving ceremonial working group.

Structure. We will gather for one full day a month (10am-4:30pm) with one overnight per quarter. Commitment for the duration of the full year is encouraged to get the most from the training and for group cohesion; however, quarterly commitments are also possible and exceptions may be made on occasion for an individual to attend a single gathering.

All Bay Area residents depend intimately on fresh water, much of which is diverted from other regions to enable our way of life here. Starting near the umbilical cord of the Carquinez Strait, throughout the Winter we will make ceremony for and with Water in forms such as Delta, Rains, Creeks, and Rivers. Gathering locations likely include Grizzly Island (or higher ground in Solano County if closed due to rains), the source of the Napa River, and the headwaters of Sonoma Creek (overnight camping at Sugarloaf Ridge).

Spring Series: San Pablo Bay to Angel Island

Sat, Apr 24^th / Sat, May 15^th / Sat 3pm – Sun 5pm, June 12-13^th

San Pablo Bay is one of three vast original wetlands of the San Francisco Estuary. In Spring we will celebrate through ceremony the recovery of this vital Wetland that is fed by water from the straits and from the Napa, Sonoma, and Petaluma Rivers. Gathering places likely include Rancho Olompali / Mt Burdell (near where the Petaluma River meets San Pablo Bay), China Camp, and Angel Island.

Summer Series: Angel Island to Kirby Cove
Sat, July 17^th / Sat, Aug 28^th / Sat 3pm – Sun 5pm, Sept 25^th-26^th

Near Angel Island waters full of story from Northern and Southern California (inc. the Sacramento and San Joaquin) meet the waters of the South Bay. These waters from North and South converge and flow West to mix with Ocean at the Golden Gate. In this place of great convergence and abundance, we will make ceremonies of healing, grieving and joyful remembering for our relations here and for the too often polluted waters of the Central Bay. Gathering places likely include Angel Island, Alcatraz, and Kirby Cove.

Autumn Series: Marin Headlands to Point Reyes

Sat, Oct 16th / Sat, Nov 13^th / Sat 12noon – Sun 6pm, Dec 4^th – 5^th

As the Golden Gate opens to Mother Pacific another face of Water is revealed. By both facing the desecration of ocean waters and celebrating the magic and medicine of Ocean, we will gather to remember and make repairs along the Marin coast. Gathering places likely include Stinson Beach, Tomales Bay State Park, and Point Reyes (overnight with cabin).

Requirements. Group is by permission, so if you’re interested after reading over this info, start by talking with me. You need to be physically able to participate in day-long gatherings with mild to moderate hiking, occasional hot and cold temps, wet and dry conditions, and quarterly camping overnights. You need to be a likeable, honest, and loving person who the group feels good about having around. You need to be able to make two of any given three gatherings (average). Finally, prior experience with ceremony is helpful but not strictly required.

Cost. Commitment for the full year is $720 ($60 x 12 months) or $225 for a quarter ($75 x 3). This includes campground reservations but not fees for the ferry (June-Aug) or for the shared cabin overnight (Dec). If you need a cost reduction to participate, just talk with Daniel. If you're able to give more to help out those who need a reduction, that's also welcome.

2010_Water_Ceremonies_and_Autumn_Prayer_Walk1.doc

The contents of this flyer for the monthly water ceremonies and Autumn Prayer Walk are immediately below.

The 2010 progression of monthly water ceremonies, summer day-longs, and the Autumn Prayer Walk will take place on the San Francisco Peninsula and focus on elemental Water. Throughout Winter and Spring, community water ceremonies will be held both along the Pacific coast and the Western shore of the San Francisco Estuary. In Summer, day-long gatherings on and around San Bruno Mountain will build toward a five-day Autumn Prayer Walk along the entire shoreline of San Francisco (the second of four annual walks, 2009-2012). This year of ceremony is intended as a devotional practice with Water and an offering of love and beauty for the healing of the waters, both inner and outer, of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sat, Jan 9^th: Shoreline at Mountain View Park
Sun, Feb 7^th: Gazos Creek Beach in Pescadero
Sun, Mar 21st: Bayfront Park in Menlo Park

Sat, May 22^nd: Coyote Point in San Mateo
Sun, Jun 6^th: Sweeney Ridge in Pacifica

All are welcome; no experience with ceremony required. Ceremonies are by donation. Be in touch for details.

Sun, July 11^th: San Bruno Mountain State Park
Sat, Aug 14^th: Candlestick Point State Recreation Area
Sat, Sept 11^th: Presidio of San Francisco

This major five-day ceremony consists of a ceremonial walk starting and ending at San Bruno Mountain, traversing the entire shoreline of San Francisco (Estuary to Golden Gate to Ocean). The ceremony is a prayer for the healing of the waters (inner and outer) of the San Francisco Bay Area. More details available in Spring.