Have Plans for Summer Solstice?

If not, then why not come join the celebration at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary at the 4th Annual Goddess Gathering Reborn?

This past weekend more improvements were made in preparation for the upcoming event. Here’s what our Coordinator, Mary T. Borden had to say about it:

“MANY, MANY THANKS to Dyagon Alley for donating funds to purchase stone for the muddiest spots in the road. I cannot thank Brian & Jaque’s son Ben & Brian for Brian Daugherty for bringing in 5 pickup truckloads of stone AND spreading them!! There are still a few more spots that need stone, however it is now drivable by more than just 4 -Wheel Drive vehicles!

“Many thanks to the folks that came out this weekend to push hard and get things prepped for Gathering! John Marzocchi did a lot more chainsaw work in clearing pathways of fallen trees & larger branches. Rhonda L Savage ran the Cub tractor & cart around picking up the cut logs and bringing them to Ritual Field for stacking in log racks. Jacque Daugherty kept all of us fed with an amazing breakfast! (NOTE :THIS IS NOT TO BE THE EXPECTED WAY OF THINGS! When you come help for work weekends you need to come prepared to fix your own meals. That includes bring your choice of food & a means of preparing it. ) She also graciously kept eyes on Sean which allowed me to help get some of the last mowing done.”

Here’s a couple picture of that work:

    

Even though it’s too late to register by mail, you can register at the gate any day of the festival. There are prices for the entire festival and one day prices as well. It’s $60 per adult for the entire festival or $20 per day per adult. Children under the age of 18 are always free!!!

Cabin rentals are also available on a first-come, first -serve basis. The cost is $10 per adult per night.

An important message from our Coordinator:

“If you haven’t pre-registered for the event, but plan on attending -PLEASE contact Mary to let her know so that a suitable campsite can be cleared for you. Right now all of the regular, usually available sites have been claimed!
We look forward to seeing everyone at Goddess Gathering June 20th-23rd!”

There’s not much more I can add. If you’d like to get away, be out in Nature, and celebrate with like-minded people, then be sure to contact our Coordinator, Mary T. Borden at 740-241-9340 (If you text, please put “Raven-Wolf” on it.) for gate opening times and/or directions, if you need them.

We wish you a very Blessed Summer Solstice, wherever you may be!!!

Updates & Events

It’s hard to believe we are only a little over 5 weeks from the 4th Annual Goddess Gathering Reborn festival and Summer Solstice. Time is moving quickly forward and there’s still work to be done to get ready for the event.

Just a reminder: We encourage people to participate by presenting workshops or entertainment. Just like in previous years, if you’d be willing to do two 1-hour workshops or one hour of entertainment, you could get free admission! If you think this is something you might be interested in participating in, there’s a Workshop and Entertainment Application on the web site that you will need to fill out and mail in to be considered. You’ll find the link to it on the left side of any page toward the bottom. Questions concerning workshops and entertainment should be directed to Krista Hanson either by email at kmagicnrgs@aol.com (Please put “Raven-Wolf” in the subject line.) or by phone at 513-349-9197. The deadline for registering to present a workshop is May 20, 2019.

Vendors are welcome!!! There are no extra charges to vend at Goddess Gathering Reborn. Just register for the Gathering and tell us what you will be selling.

One last thing: Even though the deadline for discounted registrations has passed, if you would like to have all your paperwork done before you arrive at Raven-Wolf, we will be accepting mailed in registrations postmarked no later than June 3, 2019. Confirmation of your registration will be emailed to you. If you need a map to the site, let us know when you send the registration and we’ll email that with the confirmation.  The registration form can be found on our site under “Goddess Gathering: 2019 Festival Registration Form”

Memorial Day Weekend is a long camping/work weekend that will be happening May 24-27, 2019. If you’d like to get away, be out in Nature, and help out in the preparations, then be sure to contact our Coordinator, Mary T. Borden at 740-241-9340 (If you text, please put “Raven-Wolf” on it.) for gate opening times and/or directions, if you need them. As always, camping is free to children under 18 and to adults who lend a hand in the work to be done. There are a couple cabins for rent on a first come, first serve basis. Be sure to mention this to Mary, if you’re interested.

For those who may be unaware, Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary is a primitive, Pagan-owned & operated, 16 acre site about 20 miles east of Cambridge, Ohio. We hope you will decide to come see us and check out the peace and tranquility we have to offer.

Got Plans for This Weekend?

If not, consider coming out to be in Nature at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary. Here’s a message from our Coordinator, Mary T. Borden:

“Time for the next work weekend QUICKLY approaches! I’m already planning our menu for dinner along with the work to focus on THIS weekend! Work schedules and some personal events are putting us at the Land no sooner than Saturday! Please plan accordingly for weather. So far the forecast says partly cloudy for Saturday with rain again on Sunday… More MUD! NOT to make anyone squeamish, but we ARE RURAL, with our roads more on the primitive side – gravel & DIRT. When you have dirt & rain, you get muddy muck. Just keeping it REAL -If you don’t have 4-wheel drive, OR are a more timid driver your chances of getting STUCK in mud increase. Even people EXPERIENCED with driving here & HAVE 4-wheel drive do that on occasion (me included!). That being said, know that we never LEAVE anyone STUCK! We work together as a community to help each other out. Night temperatures are still below 50°F. Tent camping is possible, but VERY challenging. If you are a novice or beginner camper, I highly recommend taking advantage of our rental cabin at $10/person for the night.”

If you need to reach her for directions or to see if the cabin is available for renting, you can call or text her at 740-241-9340 (If you text, please put “Raven-Wolf” on it.)

As always, to show our appreciation for your help in getting the Land ready for festival at Summer Solstice and maintaining it later in the year, each time you come and help it counts toward a discount toward your registration for the 2020 Goddess Gathering Reborn festival.

Camping, other than cabin rentals, is free each and every work weekend for those who come and help out.

The deadline for early registrations that can save you some money, April 30th, is fast approaching!!! If you’re on a budget and saving money is a priority for you, then mailing in your registration for the upcoming 4th Annual Goddess Gathering Reborn could be important for you.

You’ll find the registration form on the web site. Scroll down to the “Pages” section and you’ll find it listed as “2019 Festival Registration Form.” We’ve include instructions for filling it out, in case you need them. Be sure to get it postmarked by April 30th!!!

Just a reminder: We encourage people to participate by presenting workshops or entertainment. Just like in previous years, if you’d be willing to do two 1-hour workshops or one hour of entertainment, you could get free admission! If you think this is something you might be interested in participating in, there’s a Workshop and Entertainment Application on the web site that you will need to fill out and mail in to be considered. You’ll find the link to it on the left side of any page toward the bottom. Questions concerning workshops and entertainment should be directed to Krista Hanson either by email at kmagicnrgs@aol.com (Please put “Raven-Wolf” in the subject line.) or by phone at 513-349-9197. The deadline for registering to present a workshop is May 2019.

Another Weekend Approaches!

Have any plans for this coming weekend? The second weekend of the 2019 season at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary takes place this coming weekend – April 12 – 14.

According to our coordinator, Mary T. Borden, the first weekend went well. They got some things done and scoped out what the Winter’s weather created that needs fixing up and repairing before this year’s Goddess Gathering Reborn happens at Summer Solstice in June.

As you can see from the pictures below, there are benches that need scraping and painting along with a lot of downed wood to be cleared and stacked. For those who can handle a chainsaw, or even a manual saw, there will be plenty to cut up. There will surely be other projects that are discovered that could use some help in completing.

 

Although the temperatures have come up since the last weekend there, it’s April and the weather is unpredictable with dips in temperature, wind, and rain always a possibility. (You know, “April showers bring May flowers.”) It’s always advisable to dress in layers and bring clothes for warm and cold or rainy weather. Sturdy shoes or boots along with gloves and a hat are advised.

If you decide you want to come out and help, please contact Mary T. Borden for directions and gate opening time information, You can reach her at (740) 241-9340. You can either call or text, but if you do text, be sure to put “Raven-Wolf” on it.

It’s also time to mention Goddess Gathering Reborn and getting registered for this event. Registration forms can be found on the web site under “Goddess Gathering” and then click on “2019 Festival Registration Form.” If you register before April 30, 2019, you can save some money!!! If you register for the whole event, June 20 – 23, 2019, you save $10 per person. Even if you can only attend for a day or two, you can save by registering early. It’s $15 per day per person instead of $20 after April 30th or at the gate. A savings of $5 per day per person. Children under the age of 18 are always free!

Vendors are most welcome and there are no additional fees or charges, other than admission, to come and sell your wares or offer your services to those in attendance.

We encourage people to participate by presenting workshops or entertainment. Just like in previous years, if you’d be willing to do two 1-hour workshops or one hour of entertainment, you could get free admission! If you think this is something you might be interested in participating in, there’s a Workshop and Entertainment Application on the web site that you will need to fill out and mail in to be considered. You’ll find the link to it on the left side of any page toward the bottom. Questions concerning workshops and entertainment should be directed to Krista Hanson either by email at kmagicnrgs@aol.com (Please put “Raven-Wolf” in the subject line.) or by phone at 513-349-9197.

One last thing to mention, for now, is that there is one cabin available for renting on both work/camping weekends and during the festival. Referred to, by us, as “Morrigan’s Cabin,” it will be available on a first come, first serve basis, at a cost of $10 per night for weekends and $20 per night for the Goddess Gathering festival. If you are interested, contact Mary T. Borden either by email at vesta13.mb@gmail.com (Please put “Raven-Wolf” in the subject line.) or you can call or text her at 740-241-9340 (If you text, please put “Raven-Wolf” on it.)

If you decide to come out and join us, camping (other than the cabin) is free. We hope you’ll decide to come out and join us!

The Gates Open in Three Weeks!

Our Coordinator, Mary T. Borden, says she’s been getting calls already from some who are anxious to get down to the Land. Good news! In just three weeks, the gates open for the first camping/work weekend at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary.

Just like every other year, if you’re willing to help with the work to maintain the site and prepare for the upcoming Goddess Gathering Reborn at Summer Solstice, your camping is free! In case you may not be aware of it but your help this year can bring you a discount in the price of attendance to next year’s (2020) Goddess Gathering . There have been some who have lent a hand to the point where they get free attendance! It’s all definitely a win-win situation. There’s always plenty to do, no matter what your capabilities are.

This first weekend is predicted to be mild during the day and cold at night. If you do intend to stay overnight, be sure to have plenty of warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags. Sturdy shoes, gloves, and a hat are also recommended along with layered clothing. Fires are permitted in the provided ringed areas.

If you’ve never been to Raven-Wolf, know that it is primitive camping. There is a hand pump for water, at the bottom of the hill. Bathrooms are latrines that are slowly being converted to composting toilets. There is no electricity right now, but the desire is to have solar panels sometime in the future. The closest convenience stores are five miles away. So, come prepared.

This first weekend, March 29 – 31, will be one of discovery. Winter usually takes its toll on the trees, at the very least, so it’s good to walk the Land and see what trees may have come down and any other damage that may have taken place from their fall or the fall of branches from them. We are usually fortunate in not having major building damage often and the wood that has come down provides firewood for cooking fires and bonfires during camping weekends and the Gathering at Summer Solstice. Plans are then usually discussed as to what the priorities will be moving forward to the festival taking place.

If Winter has you anticipating Spring and wanting to get out and away from the busyness of where you live and work, into Nature, to reconnect with it and the peace that it offers, come see us. We’d be pleased to meet you!

Be sure to check out the rest of our web site for information on how to contact us if you have questions, the registration form for Goddess Gathering Reborn 2019, our Calendar of Events and more!

Love & Blessed Be

Merry Meet!

It’s been more than a month since people began arriving for this year’s Goddess Gathering Reborn. Some came from as far away as Georgia to experience both the event and Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary for the first time.

This was the third year of the rebirthing of Goddess Gathering and, although the number of attendees was still small, it continues to be a gathering of people who are interested in peace, quiet, and reconnecting with Nature as well as connecting with others who are like-minded. In the many previous years of this event, it had even been promoted as the place to go or be if you wanted to step away from the “party” festival circuit. It seems that still holds true for Goddess Gathering Reborn.

The rains came, once again, as they had the previous year, making things a little muddy. Most people didn’t see to care though. If you’re truly Pagan, a little mud is just another way of getting close to Mother Earth.

 

Nature made it presence known, and even came to greet people, in many forms.

   

The rain stopped long enough for a beautiful ritual to be performed Saturday night under the watchful eye of a gorgeous Moon.

Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again! Watch for news about Goddess Gathering Reborn 2019 coming soon!

Until then… There are still a number of work/camping weekends that are upcoming. The next one is August 3-5. Camping is always free to those who are willing to help in any capacity. That will be followed by another one on August 17-19, and the longer weekend on Labor Day weekend.

If you are interested in seeing and experiencing Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary, perhaps with an eye to attending the next Goddess Gathering Reborn, contact Mary T. Borden at 740-241-9340 for gate opening times, directions, or any other information you may need.

A special “Thank you!” to Rhonda Savage, Carol and Richard Cubberley for all the wonderful photos used in this article.  I’ll be back next time with information on Goddess Gathering Reborn 2019!

Blessed Be,

Elder Maya

 

Memorial Day Approaches & Goddess Gathering Reborn is only 32 Days Away!

It’s hard to believe that Memorial Day Weekend at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary will be happening next weekend, May 25 -28. It’s an opportunity for a long weekend that can accomplish both work and rest in preparation for the upcoming Goddess Gathering Reborn Festival.

The days continue to grow longer as we get closer to Summer Solstice and, while mowing, weeding, road repair and even painting continues, there’s also time for getting to know one another, exploring the Land, and just relaxing close to Nature.

For those who are interested in being part of what will be happening Memorial Day Weekend, please contact Mary T. Borden, Coordinator, for gate opening times and directions, if you need them. You can reach her at 740-241-9340 to either call or text. If you text, please put “Raven-Wolf” on it. You can also email her at vesta13.mb@gmail.com and please put “Raven-Wolf” in the subject line.

For those interested in attending Goddess Gathering Reborn this year, there’s still time to register by mail, if you’d like to get the paperwork out of the way before arriving at the gate for the festival. Registrations, by mail, must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2018. This is so we have time to send you your confirmation letter, maps, and any other paperwork necessary. A printable copy of the Festival Registration Form can be found on the web site.

You can still register at the gate for either the entire festival or as many days as you are able to attend. The cost is $60 for the entire festival or $20 per day for adults 18 years and older. Children under the age of 18 are always FREE!!!

VENDORS are always welcome! While you still have to pay the regular registration fee to attend Goddess Gathering, there are no additional registration fees for vendors and we DO NOT ask for a percentage of your sales!!! We may, however, be asking you to donate a sale item for an auction to raise money for Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary that will be held during the festival.

Although there will be many activities during the festival, Saturday night is the night of the Main Ritual followed by the Pot-Luck Feast. A bon-fire and drumming often follows the feast. So, if your time is limited, and you’re trying to decide when to come, be sure to attend on Saturday. It will be fun!!!

In the meantime, come join us at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary for Memorial Day Weekend. Camping is free, if you’re willing to help with the maintenance and preparations. Come enjoy the Land and get to know those who work so hard to maintain it.

Love & Blessed Be,
Elder Maya

A Note from the Coordinator

Hey everyone,
Spring has sprung in Ohio. That means we are starting up our work weekends to get the Land ready for visitors. As always there is PLENTY of chainsaw work to be done. The Goddess was kind to us this Winter/ While there are several newly fallen trees, there was no structural damage to any of our buildings. She laid a tree down just missing the outhouse at the bottom of the hill. There was minor damage to one of the benches around the lower community fire circle. A new board and some fresh paint, once the weather warms enough for painting, and it will be just fine.

Look for the Calendar of Events on the left of this page and click on it to see when those work weekends are happening. You can double check with me about doming down to help either overnight or for a day trip via email at vesta13.mb@gmail.com or by phone or text at (740) 241-9340.

Please also be reminded that NO One is to be down at the Land ALONE! While it is tempting to just pop in and walk around the gate, this is a DANGEROUS practice, hence the rule! I don’t want t come open the gate to find any human casualties.

Be advised that while it is Spring, we ARE in Ohio. Nighttime temperatures can still drop down into the LOW 30’s! If you plan on staying overnight, we highly recommend WINTER-RATED gear! There is also the option of a Cabin for the weekend. It is on a “First-Come, First-Serve” basis for the small fee of $5 per night. If your not sure your gear meets those requirements, give me a call and I can help you check or give some pointers on making a warm bedroll. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. It is even more important in colder weather because you don’t realize how much water you are losing during the day.

ANNOUNCEMENT: There will NOT be a work weekend May 11-13, 2018! That is Mother’s Day Weekend! Go enjoy some time with your mother if she is still on this earthly plane!

Until I see you at the Land, Be Safe,
Lady Vesta

 

Early Registration Discount to Expire Soon!

Everyone likes to save money, right? Well, you still have time to register early for the Third Annual Goddess Gathering and save some bucks as well! The deadline is April 30th, 2018. That means you must have your registration postmarked no later than that date to receive the discount. Save $10 a person simply by registering now.

Registrations by mail will still be accepted until May 31, 2018, if you’re someone who would like to have the paperwork out of the way and just be able to check in upon arrival.

In either case, registration forms can be found on the Raven-Wolf web site at https://ravenwolfsanctuary.wordpress.com – just scroll down and click on the tab at the left that says, “FESTIVAL REGISTRATION FORM.” Fill it out, include your payment, and mail to the address on the form. Once received, we will mail you a confirmation letter. If you’ve never been to Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary or Goddess Gathering, we will include a map so you can easily find us and Emergency Medical Forms for each person registering, in case of illness or accident.

VENDORS are always welcome! While you still have to pay the regular registration fee to attend Goddess Gathering, there are no additional registration fees for vendors and we DO NOT ask for a percentage of your sales!!! We may, however, be asking you to donate a sale item for an auction to raise money for Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary that will be held during the festival.

We are actively seeking Workshop Presenters and Entertainers. If you have a subject that you would like to present in the format of an hour long workshop or you have a talent that you would like to provide enjoyment for others with, we invite you to go to the Workshop & Entertainment Application form (click on that title to the left of this page), fill out the form and send it back to us. We will then confirm whether you have a spot for Goddess Gathering 2018. Here’s your incentive to get involved: If you are willing to put on two one-hour workshops OR give one full hour of entertainment, we will give you FREE admission to the Gathering!!!

In the meantime, there are still five work/camping weekends before the Gathering if you are interested in seeing Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary and even helping with the preparations for the upcoming event. If you’re willing to help, camping is free!!! And, on top of that, any help you give will also count towards a discount to Goddess Gathering 2019! You can’t bet those savings!!! You’ll find the Calendar of Events on the web site. Just click on “2018 Calendar of Weekends – at a Glance” to see the dates for each one.

So should you decide you want to be part of any of these remaining weekends on the Land, you can contact Mary T. Borden, the Coordinator, by email at vesta13.mb@gmail.com Please put “Raven-Wolf” in the subject line. You can also reach her by phone or text at (740) 241-9340. If you text, please put “Raven-Wolf” on it. She can tell you what time the gates will open and give you directions, if you need them.

We truly hope you will decide to come see us!!!

Love & Blessed Be

And the Earth Awakens…

The New Moon has just occurred, as I write this, and in just three days the Vernal Equinox takes place and the return of the Goddess to the northern hemisphere begins. That’s such a pleasant thought – trees leafing out, flowers beginning to bloom, birds singing, and, best of all, warmer temperatures!

With the Sun shining more, it’s time to get outside. How wonderful to breathe fresh air again and feel the warmth of the Sun on our faces! That also means the first weekend at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary will be happening soon. March 30th – April 1st to be exact.

The first weekend on the Land is always on of investigation and exploration to see what work Winter has left us to be done before Goddess Gathering occurs at Summer Solstice. Are there trees down? Roads blocked? Buildings damaged? Sometimes Winter is kind to the Land. Other times, not so much. Either way, the Raven-Wolf crew will do their best to take care of it. Your help is always appreciated and welcome.

Camping for these weekends is free. All that is asked of you is to give us a hand, however you are able. Come for a few hours, a day, or stay for the weekend. If you decide to stay, know that this first weekend is a cold one. Be sure to dress warm and bring plenty of blankets, bed rolls, sleeping bags, etc. to keep warm during the night.

Should you decide you want to be part of the first weekend on the Land, you can contact Mary T. Borden, the Coordinator, by email at vesta13.mb@gmail.com Please put “Raven-Wolf” in the subject line. You can also reach her by phone or text at (740) 241-9340. If you text, please put “Raven-Wolf” on it. See can tell you what time the gates will open and give you directions, if you need them.

I mentioned Goddess Gathering and Summer Solstice earlier. This third annual event has been scaled back to four days this year. Mark your calendars for June 21 – 24, 2018. Come join the rituals, workshops, drumming and just getting to know the others who have come to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

There’s a registration form on the web site and if you fill it out and postmark it before April 30th, you receive a discount on your admission fee. As always, children under 18 are free!

Speaking of those workshops, if you’d be interested in giving one, just fill out the “Workshop and Entertainment Application” form on the web site. If you’d be willing to do two 1-hour workshops or one hour of entertainment, you could get free admission!

Raven-Wolf and Goddess Gathering also welcomes vendors. Other than your admission fee, there are no extra costs or fees. We hope you will consider coming to vend at our event.

If you’ve never visited Raven-Wolf, you should be aware we are a primitive site. There’s no electricity and only a hand-pumped well for water. Our bathrooms are latrines for the time being. This is truly a “back to nature” experience.

So, as Spring approaches, we hope that you will decide to join us for a weekend or two as we prepare for the next Goddess Gathering and Summer Solstice. We think you’d love the Land and we’d love to meet you!

Love & Blessed Be