We are now in our fourth consecutive year of monthly shamanic practice circles. From Fall of 2004 through Fall of 2007 the circles followed the seasons and elemental energies with a different focus each season. Varying slightly from this pattern, starting in January of 2008 we will be working with a year-long exploration of SF Bay Area animal medicines. Each ceremony will highlight a different animal relation here in the Bay Area. Participants will be encouraged to make direct contact with this animal spirit or guide and engage with its wisdom or medicine. This is one great way to ground the shamanic focus on animals in your direct experience, in regional awareness, and in communal wisdom.
This year-long series will also serve as a prayer for the wellbeing of the land and the animals in this area as many of the relatives we will be working with are endangered here in some of their forms (e.g. Northern Spotted Owl, Mission Blue Butterfly, San Francisco Garter Snake, Chinook Salmon, Red-legged Frog, Blue Whale).
Monthly circles remain a drop-in space for both beginners and experienced practitioners, and unlike trainings which are for cost, monthly circles are by donation ($25 suggested but it's a basket so what you give is personal). The circles also continue to serve as a thread of continuity around which community gradually develops. UPDATE: As of Summer 2008, we're taking the monthly animal medicine circles out on the land. Times and locations vary. Circles will be held in conditions of heat, cold, light rain, and light smoke. Circles will be rescheduled in conditions of heavy rain, lightning, or heavy smoke/fire threat.
The calendar of events includes details on times and locations and is kept current, so please check for any changes there before attending. Hope to see you in ceremony!
2008 Dates and Themes
Jan. 7th (Mon.): Silence and Discernment: Owl
Feb. 8th (Fri.): Play and Trickery: Coyote
Mar. 12th (Wed.): Vision and Integrity: Eagle
Apr. 11th (Fri.): Dreaming and Doctoring: Bear
May 8th (Thurs.): Creativity and Adaptation: Insects
June 16th (Mon.): Sexuality and Transmutation: Snake
July: No circle, Mount Shasta 2008 Vision Quest
Aug. 16th (Sat.): Power and Leadership: Cougar
Sept. 21th (Sun.): Perseverance and Sacrifice: Salmon
Oct. 25st (Sat.): Intuition and Song: Dolphin & Whale
Nov. 16th (Sun.): Purification and Transformation: Frog
Dec. 13th (Sat.): Love and Stability: Deer & Elk
November_2008_Animal_medicine_training_flyer.doc
Starting in Jan. 2009 the monthly circles will focus on Celebrating Native Plant Medicines and will be listed under the Mount Diablo 2009 section of this website.
