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!!!

Spring is a Mere Sixty Days Away!

It’s a new year filled with infinite possibilities! I know you haven’t heard from us for a while, but we are still here and we are preparing for the 4th Annual Goddess Gathering that will be taking place at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary during the Summer Solstice this year.

To begin with, the web site has been brought up to date with current contact information if you have questions you can’t find answers to on this site. That means the Calendar of Events has been updated with a brand new 2019 Calendar of Weekends at a Glance. There are six work/camping weekends before the Gathering with a possible seventh, depending on what is needed in preparations for that event. Remember, it’s free to come and camp, if you’re willing to lend a hand in getting things ready. It’s not always about chopping wood or running a chain saw so don’t be concerned about your capability to help out. There’s always something that could use help in doing at any level of capability. As we have done in previous years, if you come and help out with what needs to be done on the Land, you get credit toward a discount on the next year’s Goddess Gathering festival fee. So, come help this year and 2020 Goddess Gathering will cost you less!

The 2019 Festival Registration form is on site and we will soon be adding an instruction sheet on how to best fill it out. There has been some confusion and some omissions in the past so we’re hoping by offering detailed instructions on filling it out, it will eliminate hassles both for you and for us going forward. Prices are the same this year as last. Please note that we will be doing electronic confirmation this year instead of confirmations by mail. That means we definitely need an email address for you in order to send that confirmation and any maps to the site you may need, if you’ve never been there before. If you have any questions about registering, contact Samantha Herron by email at Durga1974@aol.com (Please put “Raven-Wolf” in the subject line.) or you can private message her on Facebook.

For both the weekends and the festival there will be at least one cabin available for rental. 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 ut “Raven-Wolf” on it.)

We already have one person signed up to do a couple workshops. Rhonda Savage will be doing Reiki 1 and 2 during the Gathering. If you would like to present a workshop or some form of entertainment, 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. 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!

It all begins with that Opening Weekend on the Land – March 29-31, 2019. We hope you will come join us then, or any of the weekends this year, as we prepare for Goddess Gathering 2019.

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

 

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

Memorial Day Memories

The traditional meaning of Memorial Day is to honor the memory of those who served and fought to protect our freedoms. My intention here is to take nothing from that traditional meaning but to add another – to honor the memory of the so very many who came to the call of the Goddess, God, and the Land itself at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary.

The beginning days were tough with no road in, lots of forest and few camping spots, and land that had been ravage by a logging company to remove all the old trees for the lumber they could provide. Many would have thought it an impossible job with few people, even fewer power tools, and weather that often worked against us. However, the Spirit that moved on that Land and through the people couldn’t be stopped.

Without those who came and donated their time and energies, Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary wouldn’t exist. So it is here, on this very special weekend, I would like to remember all those who contributed to the Land, whether it was physically, emotionally, spiritually or all three, the impact you made with your efforts will never be forgotten.

Without mentioning names, I share some pictures of those times. Not everyone who added their energies is pictured here. Some, at the time, preferred not to be photographed. Just the same, you and all the rest will forever have the gratitude of the rest of us for all you did.

While some have crossed the Bridge of Light, others have moved on with their lives, or are no longer in a position to be part of Raven-Wolf. You are missed and your energies will never be forgotten.

As we began to rebuild, it became evident the time has come for a new generation to add their energies and become part of this wonderful sacred space. The Goddess, God and the Land call to you and, somewhere out there, there will be those who hear the call and answer to create new energies and make new memories.

Love and Blessed Be

Goddess Gathering Draws Closer

As you can see, from the picture, things are really greening up down at Raven-Wolf. To quote Coordinator Mary T. Borden, “It is Spring and everything is springing up and trying to reach over our pathways.”

There are a few branches down as well on some of the paths to cabins and elsewhere so work was done to start clearing these away and overhanging branches also. Thanks to Barbara and Starla for their help with this!

54 days to go!!! So as the countdown continues to Summer Solstice and Goddess Gathering, there’s another work/camping weekend coming up on May 5 – 7. That’s when all the power equipment returns and the first mowing of the season will take place. There will be more clearing of paths and overhanging branches. Maintaining safe walking paths are a priority on the Land along with clearing the driveways for people, especially coming up the hill.

The early registration discount for Goddess Gathering expires in a couple of days so if you’re thinking of attending and want to save some money, get your registration in right away!!! Registration forms can be found on the web site under “Goddess Gathering” and then “Festival Registration Form.” For now we can only take checks, money orders or cash (Do NOT send cash through the mail!).

Goddess Gathering registrations will still be accepted by mail postmarked no later than June 1, 2017, for anyone who wants to make sure they have a spot and have less to do upon arrival – all you’ll have to do is present your Confirmation Letter at the Registration site. Registrations now, whether by mail or on site, are:

ENTIRE FESTIVAL : JUNE 21-25, 2017 (5 days)
After April 30, 2017 – $60 per person

FESTIVAL DAY RATES:
After April 30, 2017 – $20 per day per person

***Children under the age of 18 are FREE!***

MAIN RITUAL POTLUCK FEAST:
Bring a dish or pay $10 per person

VENDORS: 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 will, 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 still 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 2017. 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!!!

Remember, we have a contact page on the web site now if you have questions or comments. We’d love to hear from you. Even better… we’d love to see you and meet you for one of the work/camping weekends or at Goddess Gathering itself!

Love & Blessed Be

Countdown to Goddess Gathering!

Last weekend was the first work/camping weekend at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary. A rainy Friday and some chilly nights left a small group to do a walk-through to assess the Winter’s damages. I’m happy to say that they were almost non-existent! Other than a branch down across a path leading to one of the cabins, everything was pretty much as it had been left.

For us, that’s really good news. Since the rebuilding, rejuvenating, and general maintenance started in 2014, Winters have generally meant clearing away and cleaning up from the dormant time before work could continue on the projects to bring the Land back to its former stature. So, “Thank you, Lady and Lord and anyone else who had a hand in being gentle to our sacred land!”

Guess what? We’re only 67 days from the next Goddess Gathering! Yeah, I know, that’s pretty amazing! Our coordinator, Mary T. Borden, would like to see a lot of improvements take place between now and then. What we need are willing hands to help. Yes, we are a primitive site with a hand-pump well and latrines, but there have been many who have spent some pretty wonderful times on that Land and never felt uncomfortable because everyone pitched in to help. We’re looking for more of those kind of people to come and be part of this sacred space that we call Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary.

You can find our calendar of events on the web site, but here are the camping/work weekends between now and Goddess Gathering (June 21 – 25, 2017):

April 21 – 23 : For this weekend we start weeding places we want to
plant. It is OHIO, so planting will take place a litt later. For now, let’s look at where we want to CULTIVATE some NEW GROWTH.

May 5 – 7: Wood-cutting – chainsaws and wood-splitters will be in use to create piles of community firewood in various areas for the upcoming Solstice Gathering.

May 19 – 21: Potential planting weekend. Once again, this IS Ohio, so it will depend on the weather.

May 26 – 29: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND – We shortened up the time between weekends to take advantage of this longer weekend. Depending on the weather and hoping for  sunny skies to allow for a fresh coat of paint on surfaces that need protecting from the elements.
June 9 -11: Officially, the lat weekend before Goddess Gathering.  This is a time to mow campsites for those who are pre-registered and make surer there are fire rings and
wood caches set up for them in advance.

Remember, there is free camping for anyone who comes to help on any of these weekends AND any help you give this year will count toward a discount to Goddess Gathering next year!

Please don’t hesitate to come to a work weekend because you aren’t physically capable of wielding an ax or running a chainsaw. There really, truly is something for everyone to do. If you like to cook, you could help by cooking for the work crew. If you like kids, you could watch the children of those working. Are you a people person? You could sit at the gate and greet people when they come in. If you can hold a paint brush, there are things that need painting. Like I said, something for everyone. We could help from everyone who is willing.

If you’ve never been to the Land and would like directions, you can contact me, Samantha Herron, at Durga1974@aol.com or message me on Facebook and I would be happy to email you a PDF copy of two maps we have available to get to the Land.

We have new contact information for our coordinator. You can reach Mary easiest by email at marymom1@earthlink.net or you can reach her by phone at 740-241-9340. We’ve had a few people get lost even with the maps, so having a phone number could come in handy!

One last thing before I go. There’s only about 2 weeks to go before the deadline for pre-registration discounts expire. Registration must be postmarked by April 30, 2017 to receive the early registration discounts! Come May 1, 2017, the cost of registration, either by mail or at the gate, for the attendance to the entire event jumps to $60.00 per person. Day rates will also jump from $15 a day per person to $20 a day per person. If you want to attend and save some money, be sure to get your registrations postmarked by the deadline!!!

For those interested in attending, a registration form can be found on the web site. Right now, we can only accept cash, checks, and money orders. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Love and Blessed Be

The Earth Awakens

 

Here we are…only one month from the opening of Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary for the 2017 season! Wow! It hardly seems like any time has passed at all. Soon it will be time to assess the damage done by the winds, rain, and snow of this Winter and begin the work to ready the Land for the season and especially for Goddess Gathering 2017 – “Solstice with the Goddess”

That first weekend will be April 7 – 9, 2017. It’s still free to camp, if you are willing to help and you will need to check with Mary T. Borden, the Coordinator, for gate opening and closing times. No matter what your physical abilities may be, there will be some way that you can be of help, if you are willing. Remember, any help you give this year will count toward a discount to Goddess Gathering next year!

Being down on Sanctuary land is a very healing experience. That healing goes both ways – as we do what we can to take care of this wonderful sacred space, the Land heals us in return – mentally, emotionally, and physically. There’s a lot of love that resides on this Land. You feel it the moment you step out of your car onto it. We were meant to be here – to heal and be healed.

The coming together of like-minded people who care about the Earth, creates a joy that’s hard to explain. The “work” that needs doing doesn’t seem like work at all. For some, it becomes a blessing to be part of taking care of this Goddess-given land. You begin to feel a real connection with the Earth here. Mundania seems far, far away when you are here. It’s a whole other reality that exists on Raven-Wolf land.

There are many who have said they seek to find a place where they can openly express who they are and be able to practice their rites unencumbered. That’s one of the many reasons this Land was established 27 years ago. A new generation of people is being sought who want to be part of something like Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary and Goddess Gathering. Here, we can be stewards to the Earth, healing it and ourselves; we can meet others who follow similar paths and rejoice in our similarities; and, here, we can openly be who we are.

A new season is about to begin. Time to plant seeds, both physical and spiritual, for the growing season ahead. What do you wish to grow and harvest this year? We hope you will choose to come grow with us as we begin yet another season of caring and sharing in Nature!

Be sure to check out the Calendar of Events here on the web site. If you can’t make the first work/camping weekend, perhaps there’s another that will allow us to meet! See you there!

Blessed Be

Elder Maya

Spring Approaches…

It’s a new year – a number one year – a time when all things are possible. Spring is in the air, even though the calendar tells us that there are 5+ weeks of Winter.

As the Earth is slowing awakening, we humans are feeling the urge to be outside with the sun shining on our faces and the wind gently blowing through our hair. Nature is calling to us. You can hear it, can’t you?

And so the land known as Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary begins to whisper to those who can hear its call. The Opening Weekend is still almost two months away, but still…She calls because She needs us.

Although Winter hasn’t been as harsh as ones in the past, there will be downed trees to clear, debris to be gathered, and buildings to be checked for damage. This is all besides an outhouse to convert to composting and a tool shed to organize. That first weekend will be April 7 – 9, 2017. It’s still free to camp, if you are willing to help. Check with Mary T. Borden for gate opening and closing times.

With a new year comes the planning and preparations for another Goddess Gathering. From Opening Weekend to Summer Solstice is only a matter of 10 ½ weeks. Obviously, your help would be greatly appreciated.

This year’s Goddess Gathering has been titled “Solstice with the Goddess” and, as stated after our meeting, we had heard the voices of many say that the prices we were asking were too expensive, and now reducing the festival to a five-day event, we decided to take a look at what could be done about that. Please note the following changes:

ENTIRE FESTIVAL : JUNE 21-25, 2015 (5 days)
Before April 30, 2017 – $50 per person
After April 30, 2017 – $60 per person

FESTIVAL DAY RATES:
Before April 30, 2017 – $15 per day per person
After April 30, 2017 – $20 per day per person

***Children under the age of 18 are FREE!***

MAIN RITUAL POTLUCK FEAST:
Bring a dish or pay $10 per person

***The new Registration Form can be found by clicking on the title to the left on this page ***

VENDORS: 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 will, 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 2017. 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!!!

So you can see there are many reasons to become part of the awesome experiences at both Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary and Goddess Gathering.

Although there is a Calendar of Events that tells you about the weekends on Raven-Wolf and there are forms for registering for Goddess Gathering and also for being a presenter at the Gathering, we know that sometimes there are questions that still need other answers. This year, we’ve added a “Contact Information” page. You can find the link to it on the lower left-hand side of the web site right under “About”. We hope you will find it useful.

So, you can see that as the Earth begins to warm and awaken, we’ve started planting some seeds that we hope will grow some excellent experiences for all the magickal and Nature-loving people who might choose to come and join us. We sincerely hope you will accept our invitation!

Love & Blessed Be

Elder Maya