Raven-Wolf Opens This Weekend!

Well, Spring has finally arrived and with it comes the opening of the gates at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary this weekend! This is the first of several weekends that are used to not only clear away the vestiges of Winter but prepare for the upcoming 4th Annual Goddess Gathering Reborn to be help June 20 – 23, 2019.

If you don’t have plans for this coming weekend and feel the itch to get back out in Nature, why not come out and join us? It looks to be a fairly good weekend with temperatures in the 60s on Friday and Saturday. If this sounds like something you would like to do, please contact Mary T. Borden, our coordinator, at (740) 241-9340. You can either call or text, but if you do text, be sure to put “Raven-Wolf” on it. She can tell you when the gates will open for sure and give you directions, if you’ve never been there before.

In case you’re not aware, or don’t remember, if you come out and help with the work that needs to be done, you can camp for free! It’s just our way of saying, “Thank you.” for helping us out. It also will go toward a discount on the 2020 GGR admission fee. All kinds of perks just for coming out to be in Nature!

The nights will be chilly so, if you do intend to camp, be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, etc. There are fire rings for building fires to cook and keep warm. Even if you just come out for the day, wear sturdy shoes, layer your clothing to stay warm, and bring gloves to protect your hands.

If you can’t make it this weekend, the next work/camp weekend will be April 12 -14. You can find a complete list of the work/camp weekends on the web site under “2019 Calendar of Weekends – at a Glance” We hope you’ll find some time to come see Raven-Wolf and meet the folks who are regularly there working to make it a wonderful place to be close to Nature.

Hope to see you soon!

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

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.

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

10 Days & Counting Until Goddess Gathering!

Hard to believe, but it’s true! Summer Solstice is just ten days away and so is the beginning of the 2nd Annual Goddess Gathering. After an absence of over ten years, we’ve returned to the sacred space known as Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary to celebrate the Solstice and we invite you to come join in the celebration!

We’ve already got people coming from Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and, of course, Ohio. There’s still plenty of room on our 16-acre site for people looking to celebrate the Summer Solstice with like-minded people. So no matter when you decide you might want to check us out, you can register at the gate. There are prices for the entire event or day passes, if you just want to come for a day. Children under 18 are free.

If you do decide to come for the entire event, and you’ve never been primitive camping, I’m sharing some information I shared a couple of years ago from a book called Roughing It Easy. The book was originally published back in 1975 and was authored by Dian Thomas. At the time, the Washington Post called it, “A camper’s bible!” Maybe that’s because it was written by an outdoor woman from Utah. All I know is it was and still is a valuable book to have around if you’ve never been camping or haven’t been in quite a while.

One of the valuable pieces of information she shares is how to make a bed roll, in case you don’t have a sleeping bag, have no one to borrow one from, and/or can’t afford to buy one. It goes like this:
*Tape a tarp on the ground and spread one blanket over it.
*Lay the outside edge of a second blanket down the center of the first so that it is halfway off the first.
*Lay a third blanket over the first and a fourth blanket over the second.
(If you desire more blankets, continue in the same manner.)
*If you desire a sheet, lay it down as the last blanket.
*To close the bedroll, take the outside edge of the top blanket and bring it to its other edge. Continue overlapping blankets until the bedroll is completely folded. To close the bottom, fold it under 3” and pin it in several places. (See figure below.)

My only addition to this is that, since a ground cloth is essential to keeping yourself and your bedding free of ground moisture, you should wrap the bedroll in that tarp. It will keep it clean and dry while you transport it. Sleeping on the ground is tough so you may want to bring an air mattress, cot, or at least a foam pad to put underneath you to make things a little more comfortable. Don’t forget your pillow!

The author has offered different lists for a camper, whether first time or seasoned, to consider – most are pretty practical, but things that could be forgotten. For example, under “Personal Equipment List”, she lists clothing, sleeping equipment, but also personal items like a comb, a mirror, towel, washcloth, toothbrush and paste. She also has a “miscellaneous” list that includes camera, chapstick, first-aid kit, flashlight (so important down on the Land), any meds you may take, pocket knife, sun glasses and a musical instrument (you never know what may happen around a bon-fire!)

She then moves on to her “General Camping Equipment” list. She makes two suggestions here: 1) take as little as possible; 2) take equipment that can be used in different ways and later discarded such as cans and foil. For basic equipment, she suggests:
*A hatchet or axe
*A blade saw or a string saw
*Tarps and/or ground cloths
*Ponchos
For fire equipment:
*A shovel and water bucket (in case of fire)
*Leather, heavy cotton or asbestos gloves (for handling hot objects
such as logs, pans, or foil-wrapped food placed in the fire for cooking)
Basic cooking equipment:
*A good skillet or Dutch oven
*A grill or grating (to place over the fire to cook)
*Can opener (don’t know how often this is forgotten!)
*Knives
*Spatula
*Toasting forks
Other suggestions include:
*A dish pan
*Dish soap
*Trash bags
* Paper towels
* Paper plates, cups, and utensils (especially if you don’t like dishwashing)
*Aluminum foil

The lists go on, but you get the idea and I’ve listed some very bare necessities that are often forgotten.

So what makes us so primitive? There’s no electricity of any kind, at this time. Plans for the future, when funds and hands are available, include solar for lighting and also for things like CPAP machines for those who need them when sleeping.

Although we do have one outhouse that is fitted for composting, we have two others that still await that conversion and are very much “outhouses”.

Water on the Land comes from a hand-pumped well at the bottom of the hill close to Registration. Although the water has been drunk by those of us who have frequented the Land for decades, since it is an open well, we are required to post the sign you see below by the Health Dept. The water is good for drinking, cooking, and washing. If you feel you would rather not drink from it, then you will need to bring drinking water with you.

Being a nature sanctuary, there are wild animals on the Land. Although there are no bear or large wild cats, there are raccoons, deer, squirrel and bats. In the case of the raccoons, you will want to make your food supply unreachable either by placing it in your car at night, with the windows rolled all the way up, or in a storage trunk or container that is “child-proof”. Raccoons are very clever and can open many types of containers when they suspect food is inside.

We ask that you don’t bring any pets or animals with you. Our first priority is the animals that are already living and using Sanctuary Land. Besides, this is a celebration for humans. Bringing your pets along isn’t fair to them or to the other humans who may have allergies or fears concerning them.

Raven-Wolf does have poison ivy and poison oak on it. If you are allergic to either or both, you may want to start a regime of vitamin C to boost your immune system about a week before coming. Be sure to pack calamine lotion or any other treatments you use for such occasions, along with a small first-aid kit and something for headaches and just plain aches and pains from working hard. Bug repellent is also a good idea.

We ask that anything you pack in, you pack out when you leave. Keep watch on all fires you build – make sure they do not flame so high as to burn the trees and make sure they are out when you leave. We very much appreciate your time, efforts and cooperation!

If you think you might want to come, and aren’t sure how to get there, contact us at RavenWolfNature@aol.com and we’ll email you PDF copies of 2 maps on how to find us!

Anticipation builds… Come join in the fun!!!

Love & Blessed Be

Elder Maya

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

38 Days until Goddess Gathering!!!

Time is moving so fast! Although the Winter was very gentle to the Land, there’s still work to be done to get ready . We welcome any and all who might want to add their energies to the continuing restoration of this sacred space.

There are two consecutive work/camping weekends coming up – May 19 – 21 and Memorial Day weekend – May 26 – 29. These are the weekends when a large portion of the maintenance and preparation take place for the upcoming Goddess Gathering event. Remember that camping is free for both weekends in exchange for your help .

The big project for the next weekend involves a dumpster and the disposing of many years of debris that accumulated while the Land sat fairly dormant. We consider this to be both a physical act and a magickal one as well. Not only does it help restore the Land to its former beauty, but it sweeps away the vibrations of the old to make room for the new. With this act of compassion and caring, Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary is reborn and opened to infinite possibilities of a new generation of magickal and nature-loving people.

As you can see from the above picture, what must be disposed of has at least made it down the hill to where the dumpster will be delivered this coming week. All it takes now is willing hands to take it from this pile and place it into the dumpster so that it can be taken from the Land both physically and vibrationally. Your help would be most appreciated.

Besides this project, mowing, weed whacking, clearing paths, opening campsites, cutting wood, creating wood piles, and more are waiting for hands to help accomplish the tasks. Even cooking a meal for those working or sitting at the gate to welcome those arriving counts as helping out! Don’t forget that your help this year counts towards a discount to Goddess Gathering 2018!

So, if you’re looking for something to do for the next weekend or two and are willing to help out in exchange for free camping and discounts to the next year’s Goddess Gathering event, contact Mary T. Borden at marymom1@earthlink.net or 740-241-9340 for gate opening times.

Just a reminder to those who are thinking of coming to this year’s Goddess Gathering: You can register at the gate, but if you’d like to take care of the paperwork early, all mailed registrations must be postmarked no later than June 1, 2017 so we have time to send your confirmation letter and maps to you.

Young or old, when you pitch in and help, the Land helps you to rest very well….anywhere!

Love and Blessed Be

Elder Maya

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

Calling All Pagans – Young and Old!!!

June 17-26, 2016

With only two weeks until the opening weekend of the first annual Goddess Gathering Reborn, I wanted to remind everyone that 24-hour Day Passes are available at the gate.

24-Hour Day Passes for $25!!! The perfect solution for those who:
1. have never been to a primitive camp site before and are not sure if they would like it;
2. have never been to a Pagan festival and aren’t sure about whether they would enjoy it;
3. have limited time and/or money but would still like to come and see what it’s all about.

And the perfect day to check us out? That would be Saturday, June 25th! Why? Because Saturday is our big event day:

1. Workshops
2. Main Ritual
3. Potluck feast following the ritual
4. Bonfire and drumming following the feast.

With a 24-hour Day Pass you can come in on Saturday, stay for the festivities and then camp for the night. A perfect way to get to know Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary, Goddess Gathering Reborn and all the people attending.

So, if a 24-hour Day Pass seems like something you might want to do, either email me (Samantha Herron) at Durga1974@aol.com or private message me on Facebook for directions to the site. We’d love to see you there! Come join us, won’t you?