The Earth Calls to Each of Us but Only a Few Will Hear the Call

This past weekend was another of the few remaining work weekends for the season down on Raven-Wolf land. I was unable to make it due to illness and it saddens me to report that only two people came to continue the work there. I want to say “Thank you!” to Mary T. Borden, the Coordinator, and her daughter, Jennifer Borden, the Head of Maintenance for the work they accomplished in ridding the Land of leftover trash from many previous years of former members. Ladies, you are awesome!

Here’s the thing I really don’t understand though. Over the years, the last few especially, I’ve heard Wiccans, Pagans, and other nature-loving spiritual people say how they would like a place to go and meet other like-minded people. I’ve heard people say they want to be out in Nature where they can practice their rituals and beliefs unencumbered by city noise, neighbors and other distractions. Raven-Wolf is Pagan-owned land and has been for over 25 years. The whole purpose of getting this land was to provide such a place.

Then there are a myriad of people who talk every day about planet Earth and how we all need to be doing things to help Her. You’re right. Part of what we humans are meant to do is be stewards of the Earth – to work in harmony with Her and help protect and conserve the plants, trees, and animals. Well, that’s the other part of what Raven-Wolf is all about. That’s why it’s called a “nature sanctuary.”

So here is Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary – a place for communing with Nature, being a steward to the Earth, and a sacred space where you can practice your spirituality without fear of interruption of any kind. Where are these people who say they want such a place? Where are the people who claim they want to be part of the healing of the Earth?

Although this 16 acres was bought primarily for Wiccans, Pagans and other magickal folk, all who walk a positive path and care about Nature and the healing of the Earth are welcome. They always have been. So, if you’re an ecological-minded person, a tree-hugging person, a lover of the peace and quiet of the country, you are most welcome no matter what your spiritual path may be or even if you have no spiritual path.

Please forgive me, I’m feeling a little sad right now. This little piece of the planet needs hands and hearts to help it. There is a desperate need for people willing to come and spend a few hours, a day or even the weekend to help out. Whether you can wield a chainsaw or cook a meal, you’re help would be greatly appreciated. If you can run a mower or use a paint brush, the Land could use your help. There are so many things that need to be done that there’s something for anyone, no matter how physically capable you are, to do. Quite frankly, the Land needs all the help it can get.

The rebuilding and recreating isn’t all about work though. Raven-Wolf has been that place to celebrate the changing of the seasons, rites of passage, and other celebrations. It has been a place of drumming circles, bonfires, dancing, laughing and so much more. That part of Raven-Wolf needs to be brought back into existence as well. New, happy memories are waiting to be made.

Two weekends remain before the official closing of the Land for the season: September 30 – October 2 and October 14 – 16. While there is still trash to be cleared away and dead trees to be marked for felling, there is also an opportunity for drumming, talking, laughing, enjoying Nature and each other. We hope you will find the time to come and join us.

I want to close with a poem I found years ago whose words have so much meaning.

WE HAVE FORGOTTEN WHO WE ARE

We have forgotten who we are.
We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos
We have become estranged from the movements of the earth
We have turned our backs on the cycles of life.

We have forgotten who we are.

We have sought only our own security
We have exploited simply for our own ends
We have distorted our knowledge
We have abused our power.

We have forgotten who we are.

Now the land is barren
And the waters are poisoned
And the air is polluted.

We have forgotten who we are.

Now the forests are dying
And the creatures are disappearing
And humans are despairing.

We have forgotten who we are.

We ask forgiveness
We ask for the gift of remembering
We ask for the strength to change.

We have forgotten who we are.

U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program

Blessed Be,

Elder Maya

Breaking News!

Both Council and Board members met this weekend to discuss next year’s Gathering. With rain in the forecast, we gathered at the First-Aid Station to discuss ideas that would improve the event and entice more people to come and check it out.

The first conclusion that was come to was that although Goddess Gathering Reborn was a spot-on title for the 2016 Summer Solstice event, returning to the name that brought so many people together in the past was the right thing to do. I present to you –
We’re adding a “theme” title: “Solstice with the Goddess”

Next on the list was setting the dates for next year. It was decided that, since the actual Summer Solstice occurs on Wednesday, June 21st, we should return to the way things used to be done and make the Gathering a five-day event. Mark this on your calendars!!! Goddess Gathering 2017 will be held June 21 – 25, 2017.

Since 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!!!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Another thing that we would really like to be able to do this year is have solar power for those who have CPAP machines and would like to attend. Knowing that you have a way to comfortably breathe while sleeping and still be able to attend the Gathering, is something we would really like to provide for you. We’re looking into it and seeing what we can do to make that happen.

So, that’s it for right now. There are still six work weekends left in this year if you want to earn a discount or even free admittance to Goddess Gathering 2017. Be sure to check them out on the Calendar of Weekends – at a Glance at the left.

Wood-Cutting Weekend

What a difference a couple of weeks can make – especially here in Ohio! With the warmer, drier weather came many more people to help with the continuing efforts to get things in shape for the upcoming event – Goddess Gathering Reborn – that will be taking place at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary, June 17 -26, 2016.

Although it had been designated a wood-cutting weekend (and a good amount of wood did get cut and split), other projects were begun as well. That communal fire pit that sits next to registration had been dismantled at the beginning of the month to let the ground dry. This time around, things were leveled, a gravel based laid, and everything reassembled. Now comes repainting the benches that took a beating through the Winter. Paths that had become overgrown, due to lack of use and maintenance over the years, began to be cleared. More paths to go, but at least the work has begun.

The Land has begun to attract many new people and we are very grateful for the interest and the help. We’re truly hoping the word will spread and many more will find their way to our little piece of sacred space. In the meantime, I want to sincerely say, “Thank you!” to everyone who took time out of their busy lives to come and be of help. Too many names this time to mention, but you know who you are and we are truly grateful.

We are now at the end of April so I wanted to remind you once more that if you intend on attending Goddess Gathering Reborn, and haven’t registered yet, May 31st is the deadline for pre-registrations that will save you money. Please remember we have a capacity of 150 adults and once we reach that number, no more registrations will be taken either by mail or. after May 31st, at the gate. Here’s the information again:

ENTIRE FESTIVAL – JUNE 17 – 26, 2016 (10 days)

March 22, 2016 – May 31, 2016 each adult person is $100.00

***CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 ARE FREE***
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WAIT TO REGISTER AT THE GATE THE COST IS $130 PER PERSON.
**************************************************
FESTIVAL RATES – 7 DAYS OR ANY PORTION (6/20/16 – 6/26/16)

March 22, 2016 – May 31, 2016 each adult person is $ 75.00

***CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 ARE FREE***
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WAIT TO REGISTER AT THE GATE THE COST IS $100 PER PERSON.
**************************************************
FESTIVAL DAY PASSES – A 24-HOUR PASS
These can be obtained by registering on site during the festival for $25 per person, per pass.
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Remember vendors only have to pay the entrance fee. No other fees are asked to be paid.

You will find registration forms here on the left side of this page under “Goddess Gathering Reborn – Festival Registration Form”. All forms must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2016.

If you have questions, you can ask them here on the web site or go to our Facebook page – Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary – and ask them there, or you can email us at RavenWolfNature@aol.com. You can also contact me either on Facebook (Samantha Herron) or email me at Durga1974@aol.com. Lots of ways to get your questions answered.

The next work weekend is coming up this weekend, April 29th – May 1st or you can check our Calendar of Events at the left of this page for the other upcoming work weekends. Hope to see you there!
Until next time…

The Land Awakens

The Land awakens, Magick is afoot and the Goddess is alive!!!  It is time to open the land and to prepare for the camping season and the Goddess Gathering reborn.  A few of us went down a couple of weeks ago to check out the land to see what needed done and what damage the winter may have brought.  We had some new faces join us with some familiar ones.  We were shocked and happy to see that there wasn’t much damage and that the land was coming to alive.  The only things we found was four downed trees covering the path up Dragon Hill.

We had a new couple that got there first.  They went exploring a little bit and found a hand saw left out from last season and went to work to move a downed tree before anyone else even showed up and asked them to help.  As soon as the rest of us got there we explored and did a quick tour and got to work.  We were having troubles with the chain saw so we got to work using hand tools and pure muscle to move the downed trees to clear the roads.

With the few hands we had there we got a lot of work done and are ready to get things rolling.  What is there to be done you may ask.  Well there is quite a bit actually.  We need a latrine built and two others painted and converted to compost latrines.  Paths need cleared and fire wood needs cut and stacked.  Gravel needs to be placed on the paths and holes along the drive need filled.  Camp sites need cleared and flowers need planted.  These are just a few things that need accomplished. 

When the rain and sunshine comes we will need fields mowed and paths trimmed.

Does this seem like a lot of work?  Of course it does but its well worth it and the more helping hands the better.  Is this work too hard for you to do?  That is ok, we can still use you.  WE need people to sit at the registration table, making sure that people are staying hydrated, being a communication person and keep tabs on people and projects, help prepare meals and keep the fires stoked so that others can work on other projects.  Everyone can help either with big projects or small ones.  The goddess and the land appreciates any and all help that can be given.

So come join the fun, fellowship and good hard (or not so hard) work.  Your help smiles and encouragement will always be welcomed.  Until next week and I see you on the Land.

 

Blessed Be,

Willow

The Gates Will Open Soon

Can you feel it? The first stirrings of the Earth have begun as it wakes from the sleep of Winter here in Ohio. Can you hear that? It’s the Goddess whispering of Her return. She’s calling to us, asking us to help Her.

Soon the first work weekend will take place at Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary and preparations begin for the first Gathering at Summer Solstice to be held there in many years.

April 8 – 10 the gates open for the year and work on a long list of things that need to be done will start. I won’t lie. We need help. The more hands to do the work, the quicker it gets done and the more pleasant Goddess Gathering Reborn will be for all who attend. You may believe you have nothing to offer, in the way of help. Don’t sell yourself short. There’s things for people of all capabilities. Yes, we need help from people who can run a chainsaw, weed whacker, etc., but we also need people to clean and paint. We even need people who can cook or just sit the gate to greet new arrivals. If you want to add your energies to this revival of Pagan celebration, there’s something you can do, no matter what your physical capabilities. We could use your help.

Goddess Gathering Reborn is a gathering for Pagans, Wiccans and all other magickal people walking a positive path. It’s about coming together with like-minded people and celebrating our spirituality. It’s a safe place to come and become who you truly are away from all that’s mundane in your life.

We invite you to come and add your energies to ours in the rebuilding and rejuvenation of this wonderful Pagan-owned site and event. We look forward to seeing you and so appreciate anything you are willing and able to do to bring this dream back into manifestation!

Be sure to check out the “Calendar of Weekends” by clicking on the link at the left. You can contact us on our Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary Facebook page, or email us at RavenWolfNature@aol.com. You can also contact me either on Facebook (Samantha Herron) or email me at Durga1974@aol.com to obtain a map to the site or ask any questions you may have.

Blessed Be

Not Just Another Raven-Wolf Work Weekend

The Sun was shining and the ground was dry as we entered the gate on Saturday morning. A few had already arrived and were in the process of opening the gate as we pulled up to the edge of the driveway. Today, there would be seven of us and we were determined to see how much could be done before we all had to leave toward evening.

It had been five weeks, this time, since anyone had been down and things had pretty much grown up again. There wasn’t much mowing equipment to work with – one gas-powered weed whacker and one mower, both brought by volunteers, but people set to work anyway. Someone grabbed a hand weed whacker and started doing what he could as well.

The rest grabbed brushes and paint and set about trying to complete the job of painting that had begun the last time. We did manage to get a few things completed: the first-aid station, the upper outhouse, the bridge across the drainage dish and a few benches, but there are still picnic tables, more benches and another outhouse (once the rebuilding is complete) to paint.

 

A lot of mowing and weed-whacking got done (just look behind the bridge in the picture), but then the throttle cable on the mower broke and the weed-whacker decided it was done for the day as well. So, there’s still a lot that needs doing. The proof of that is the pond. Here’s what it looked like at the end of May and also how it looks now. Yes, more time, more equipment and more volunteers are definitely needed to maintain this lovely, sacred site.

 

We felt good though. For seven people with little equipment, we got a lot done before we decided it was time to stop. You always feel a sense of accomplishment when you realize how much was done with so little. The bonus is that you touched the Earth, you gave back, and you sweated off a pound or two to boot!

As most were cleaning up brushes and packing up equipment and other items, the Coordinator, Mary, came in with her daughter, Jen and Jen’s new baby, Sean. They planned to see what they could do for a little while. We talked about equipment needed and what needed to be done on many levels to make Summer Solstice Gathering 2016 happen to celebrate the rebirth of the Sanctuary.

Yes, there is still much to do, but, you know what? It IS doable!!! We will find a way, just as we always have. We invite you to join us on this adventure. We could use the help. Here’s the thing though…. Once you step foot on this Land, you will see the reasons why we care so deeply for it and want to restore it. The Land has a way of capturing your heart and pulling you in. As we help heal it, it heals us in so many ways and on so many levels. It’s a place where you can leave your mundane problems at the gate and share some time with Nature. You may leave tired, but there will be a smile on your face and in your heart. The Land believes in giving back to those who come to heal Her.

If I’ve peaked your curiosity and you feel you might want to come and help, you can contact us on our Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary Facebook page or email us at RavenWolfNature@aol.com. You can also contact me either on Facebook (Samantha Herron) or email me at Durga1974@aol.com. Ask for the next dates someone will be down there and request a map to the site.

In the meantime, I want to profusely thank the following people for all their hard work last Saturday – Del, Joslyn, Crystal, Ed, Ray, Gary, Mary and Jen. You folks are absolutely awesome!!!

Love & Blessed Be

Elder Maya

Sacred Space

I talk a lot about the Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary being “sacred space”, but what do I really mean by that? Is my definition of sacred space the same as yours? Because I believe in clarity of communication, I want to take some time here to explain my definition of sacred space and how I feels that applies to the Land that we call Raven-Wolf.

For decades I have belonged to a spiritual path whose foundation is Nature-based. Unlike many of the major religions, we don’t build separate edifices to worship in. At the most, we might have a room in our homes that is kept separate for spiritual purposes. Many have a corner in a room that they use. We would all much prefer to perform our rites of worship outside in our backyards. Sometimes that’s totally possible, sometimes it’s totally impossible. Whatever space we have, we consider it sacred. We do our best to keep it separate from those spaces that are mundane. When we cast our Circles, we are preparing the space we are in to become sacred for the rites of worship we are about to perform. This is our way of “building a temple.” It is a place of both worship and protection.

When we acquired our 16 acres, our intent was to provide a safe place for all those who call themselves Wiccans, Pagans, and by many other positive path names, to gather for the purpose of getting to know each other, sharing knowledge and performing ritual together. For those who didn’t have a backyard or couldn’t go out in theirs to perform rites of worship, this was to be that place where, at least a few times a year, people could come and be Wiccan, Pagan, magickal without fear of persecution.

To many of us, the Land became a 16-acre Circle – sacred space. As words from a ritual state, the Land became “a time that is not a time, a place that is not a place, a world separate and apart” and all done in honor of the Goddess and the God. The gate to the Land became the entrance to that Circle where you could (and should) leave all of mundania behind and enjoy the connection with Nature and your own spirit.

The Land is held in reverence and treated with respect. For all that it gives to us, we return that kindness with stewardship of the Land. Rituals are done on the Land on a fairly regular basis to keep it protected and safe. They are also done to ask for guidance from the Powers-That-Be, by whatever name you may choose to call them. We continue in our efforts to keep it something that exists beyond the mundane world. This is what I call “sacred space.”

It is hoped that you will come and experience it. See for yourself what is being recreated and restored. Come feel the magick that resides within Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary, won’t you?

In Light and Love,

Elder Maya

GARAGE SALE!!!

In a continuing effort to raise money for the repair and rebuilding that need to happen on the Land, but also new tools and other equipment, Lady CrowW has gone through her Altar equipment and donated many nice pieces for fund-raising.

All these items are in an “as is” condition with “very good” being the key phrase in explaining that condition. You will find no prices as we would like to offer you the opportunity to be as generous as your purse or wallet allows. Please make an offer by number and realize that, should we have to ship them to you, costs for postage and packaging should be included.

Here’s what we have to offer you: (If you click on the pictures, you will see a enlarged view of them. If you are viewing this on our web site, you will have to use your browser’s “Back” button to return to the article. Thank you.)

There deep red Chalices have a clear stem and base. They stand 7 ¼” tall with a 4” Chalice mouth. They have a nice weight to them.

These olive green Chalices have a mottled effect to them. They stand 7 ½” tall and have a Chalice mouth of 4”.

There are three of these green oak leaf Chalices, which we would like to sell together. They stand 6 ½” tall with a 4 ¼” mouth. They are heavy in weight.

Lavender glass stands on top of clear stems and bases with these 6 ½” Chalices that have a 4’ mouth opening.

Black fluted glass Chalices that stand 6” high with a 3 ½” mouth. These are a sturdy weight and very pretty.

Light-weight green glass Chalices are trimmed with gold rims. They stand 7” high and have a 2 ¾” mouth opening.

There are 3 of these clear glass Chalices that have 2 ¾’ mouth openings that are rimmed in gold. A white winter snow scene adorns each. They stand 8” high.

Light-weight, smoky gray glass. These Chalices stand 6 ½” tall and have a 3 ¼’ mouth opening.

Made of black glass, these Chalices are two sizes. One stands 9” tall with a 2 ½” mouth, while the other is 10” tall with a 2 ¾” mouth. Light in weight, they are very nice.

White wood candlesticks that stand 7 ¼” tall are made for tapers and would look nice on any Altar.

Hefty-weight brass candlesticks. They stand 6 ¼” tall and are nice for holding tapers.

These two 4” high clear glass candlesticks would look nice holding tapers on anyone’s Altar.

Black metal candlesticks made for holding pillar candles. They stand 3 ¾” high and would easily hold a 3” pillar candle.

These wonderful acorn and oak leaf taper candlesticks are made of metal, but it’s unknown what kind. They would be great for a Fall ritual!

Green glass candlesticks that stand 4 ½” tall and are made for tapers. Very nice.

These black glass candleholders could be used as mini Chalices! They stand 4 ½” high and are used for votive candles. (Two votives are included.)

Brass and steel Athame with blue decorating the sheath and a blue stone on top of the hilt. It has a 5” blade of stainless steel and is 9” overall. The sheath has a clip on the back for wearing on belt, boot or Cingulum. For ritual purposes only.

Nice sounding brass Bell. It stands 6 ½” high.

Smaller brass Bell stands 2 ½” high. Has a tinkling sound to its ring. Would be great for a portable ritual kit.

Beautiful blue and gold wooden (we think) box. It measures 6”H x 9”W x 6” D. The clasp is brass

This clear glass vase would be nice for a flower or two on your Altar. It stands 9” tall.

Slightly different in shape, this is also a clear glass vase. It stands 9 ½” tall.

Handmade wooden Paten created from a slab of wood. It measures 10 ½”.

White opaque glass oak leaf Chalice stands 6 ½’ high and has a 4 ¼” mouth opening.

This solitary white ceramic candleholder stands 4 ½” tall and will easily hold a 4” pillar candle.

Made of olive green class, this oak leaf bowl stands 5 ½” tall and has a 6 ¼” mouth. By placing sand in it, it could be used as a Thurible.

This oak leaf bowl very much resembles the one above having the same dimensions, but being Spring green in color.

Pale green in color, this glass candlestick will easily hold a 3” pillar candle. It stands 4 ¾” high.

10 ½” tall, clear glass decanter would work well for wine or water!

Native American shaman/medicine man stands 10 ½” high. Made of either wood or polymer, it is definitely not ceramic.

This white ceramic basket is not solid. It would make a nice bowl or basket for offerings on an Altar.

Heavy weight, clear glass candleholder looks like a glacier (pretty cool). It stands 3” high and will hold a 1” pillar candle or votive.

Metal Star tree-topper could also be an Altar decoration. It stand 12 ¼” high and has 12 stars cut into it. There is a 1 ½” opening in the stem for placement on a tree.

Well, that’s it for now. There may be a few other items added later. If you are interested in any of these items, remember to use the number listed with them when you contact us. You can reach us on Facebook at either “Memories of Raven-Wolf” or “Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary”. You can also email us at RavenWolfNature@aol.com. You can also contact me either on Facebook (Samantha Herron) or email me at Durga1974@aol.com

Please be sure to share this with others! Thanks, in advance, for your contribution to the growth and revitalization of a wonderful sacred space!

Love & Blessed Be

Elder Maya

Come When You Can, Do What You Can

Earth Day has come and gone. The Lady continues to spread Her Springtime gown. The weather is growing warmer. There is still much that needs done on the Land known as Raven-Wolf if we are to bring it back to a place where gatherings can once more be safely and pleasantly held there.

I’ve heard many say that due to health issues or other complications in their lives, they don’t feel they could be of any help or they couldn’t endure sleeping on the ground. These comments have come from both new people interested in what Raven-Wolf will have to offer in the future and from those who have been members for some time.

As I have stated before, I’m not the 42 year old that helped open that Land 25 years ago. Soon to be 67, my body does balk at sleeping in anything other than a comfy bed. Sitting at a computer 6+ hours a day and having arthritis makes doing any kind of physical work exhausting and, the next day, painful. But, you know what? That Land is a very special place and I want to be a part of restoring it. After the first work weekend, it took me four days to return to what is normal for me. It was a good soreness though. I felt like I had gone there and aided in the healing. However, being a practical Taurus, I realized that I had to find a compromise – one that allowed me to be part of this and still keep my body as happy as possible (and also keep up my responsibility to two cats who were freaked out by being left alone for 36+ hours). So, I gave it some thought and came to the conclusion that the best option for me was to go for the day and then return home to my cats and my bed to rest from whatever I am capable of doing to help heal this precious, sacred site.

It is here I would like to address the fact that although strong, young people are needed to do some of the work, there are other things that those with less strength can do to help. Can you rake? Can you take a bucket and sponge and clean? Can you cook? Can you pick up sticks or stack wood that others have cut? Can you sweep? Can you sit at the gate and be sure that new people are directed to where they need to go or that those who don’t belong at Raven-Wolf are turned away? There is so much that doesn’t require you to be a “lumberjack” or a “ditch digger”. I, myself, am mostly a “paper-pusher” these days. So be aware that we could use people that can raise funds, promote the Land and our web sites, write articles and more.

There are a certain number of campers and cabins available on a “first come, first serve” basis right now. So if you are not able to sleep on the ground or don’t have the equipment to do so, check on the availability of these limited spaces with Mary Borden. If that still isn’t something you can do, then think about doing what I will be doing – come for the day. Saturday would be the best bet. The gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. That’s 12 hours that could be devoted to helping in whatever way you are able and you can still return home to sleep comfy in your own bed.

Once we restore the Land, then maintenance will take far less time and less people. Right now, however, I ask you to consider or re-consider what, when and how you might be able to help in this large task that faces us. The end result will be that next year you will see a schedule of actual events with the Summer Solstice Gathering being the primary big gathering of the year where you will experience workshops, rituals, a potluck ritual feast with a big bonfire and drumming to follow. Is this not something worth working towards and being a part of? I think it is and I hope you do to.

The Goddess calls…

Blessed Be,

Elder Maya

The First Work Weekend – Restoration Begins

It was obvious, when you looked from the Sanctuary driveway, that Guernsey county had gotten a lot of rain. Granted, I hadn’t been there for over a decade, but it had been another decade on top of that since I’d seen flooding in the valley that lies between us and Pennyroyal Rd. on the other side. Especially since they had dredged Skull Fork Creek.

Seeing that flooding, certainly explained the muddy condition on the Sanctuary road, preventing most cars from heading up the hill. Only Dave’s 4×4 would make it up the hill. The rest of us had to park at the bottom and haul stuff up “Dragon Hill”. (Smile) Just like when it all originally began. Yup, Mother was/is taking us back to the beginning.

Since the times of regular gatherings, there has been much wood come down from wind and lightning strikes. All the paths that led you out into various areas of this sacred site have been covered with many layers of leaves and blocked by some of that fallen wood.

All the cabins are still standing and the trailers that still reside there are in fairly good shape. Two of the three double-seater outhouses still stand in good shape. The third has had a tree come down on it, but is being rebuilt. (Thank you, Dave.)
I felt like I was on an archaeological dig when some of us went to the Lower Circle to clean it up. The four pillars, marking the Watchtowers, are still standing and in good condition. Amazingly, the chimenea, that stands in the South, was not only still there, but in good condition as well. The flat stones, that had been transported there years ago by us, were hidden – buried, if you will – by leaves and composted earth from years of not being used or cared for. Briars were growing everywhere, both inside and outside the Circle. We did our best, for now, in removing those briars, raking away the leaves and beginning to uncover those buried stones. It’s a start.

Originally, I had painted the “Rules” signs. They sorely need repainting. I’m hoping we have a new artist out there who would be willing to donate time and maybe even materials to redo them.

Much of what still needs doing involves sawing, chopping, stacking that wood that’s down. Mary’s even marked dead trees that need taking down. Those will require a chainsaw. If anyone has one they would be willing to come and use, we would be most grateful.

Please don’t think that this is some kind of “downer” article. Yes, there is a lot that needs doing, but none of it is beyond hope or repair. What is need is help – both physical and financial. We will soon be creating a page on GoFundMe.com where people can use their debit and credit cards to help with the financial part. As for the physical part, we could use all the help we can get to make this go as quickly as possible. The end result will be a restored sacred site where regular scheduled gatherings will once again take place along with continued work weekends for maintenance.

In the meantime, a BIG “Thank you!” goes out to all those who have already contributed time, effort and/or money to this cause. Yes, we’ve notice and we are extremely grateful!!!

For those who couldn’t make it this time, the next work weekend will be from 3 p.m. on April 24th to 3 p.m. on April 26th.

Blessed Be,

Elder Maya/Samantha Herron