Interdependence is the reality of our condition. Unless you are a hard-core survivalist or doing prolonged solitary retreat (in which case you're probably not online to read this) you depend on the sacrifice and skills of other beings for your daily existence. Even survivalists and solitary retreatants must relate well with the other beings upon whom they depend.  Failing to honor the lives that sustain us typically leads to isolation, illness, exile, or death. 

Relationship is at the heart of shamanic practice and it is what led me back to indigenous and shamanic pathways after study of some other religions and spiritual traditions. The ideal of the shaman or priest in earth-honring cultures is of a master diplomat, one who can navigate relations with humans and other-than-humans with wisdom, respect, and a good sense of personal style.

Over the past seven years, I have sought to be a catalyst for healthy spiritual community in the San Francisco Bay Area. This has also been for my own sanity as much as from any altruistic intent. From 2004 until Summer of 2007 the monthly ceremonial circles were the thread of continuity around which community began to develop. Then in Summer of 2007 twenty questers and supporters, over a week together in ceremonial space near Mount Shasta, took the vision of community to a new level. As various ceremonial circles continue into 2009, we have completed our third Quest at Mount Shasta (big thanks to Linda Held). We are also conducting a year of Earth medicine ceremony on Mt Diablo and in the Guadalupe Watershed, gathering in various ways to work with the ancestors, and continuing with purification lodges (big thanks to Paul Rubio).

To be involved in our emergent community, consider joining us for an event that speaks to you.  Come around, meet people, see if you enjoy what we're up to. Talks and regular ceremonies are typically by donation and formal trainings are for cost; however, there is always flexibility around for-cost events. To be on the community events list, send an email request to: danielfoor@yahoo.com.  The events list involves getting about 2 messages a month (all announcement format) with details on community events and periodic info on other earth-honoring events in the SF Bay Area.

As one node in a much larger net, we seek to support those transitioning to a new (or old as it were) way of life that respects human diversity, our ancestors, and the larger web of relations. We also seek to network with other kindred spirits and communities to support each other in stabalizing a positive vision of our future on this planet where we walk away from the brink, mature as a species, and learn to play well with others (humans and otherwise).

Love and respect,

Daniel 

Daniel Foor   (650) 248-8917   danielfoor@yahoo.com