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Introduction to Group Ritual
Truthsong of ShadowGrove
and
Crystal Broomall of the Tradition of the Witches Circle
Though many have experience in group ritual, some folks may not be familiar with the practices inherent in this
type of working. Often those who practice as solitaries perform rituals in a different manner from those who work
within a group. And there can sometimes be confusion about what to do, in what order to do it, etc. in this
unfamiliar setting. This is especially true when working in a large group ritual, for it is a balancing act even
greater than working in small or medium sized groups. In this workshop participants will learn the basics of
working in a large group ritual and will have the opportunity to ask questions in order to feel best prepared for the
rituals at Fertile Ground. All who have little or no experience with group ritual are encouraged to attend this
workshop.
Maypole Creation and Maypole Dance
Redwolf
The Maypole has its roots in Pagan Germanic and British fertility rites to welcome Spring and ensure the fertility of
crops and livestock for the year. This ceremonial folk dance, which celebrates the sacred union of the God and
Goddess, traditionally has 24 dancers who face each other in pairs, weaving in and out until the pole is wrapped.
During the Maypole workshop we will discuss the history and lore of the Maypole, as we decorate the Maypole
wreath with flowers and the pole with ribbons in preparation for the dance. For those interested in participating in
the dance, we will also practice wrapping the pole!
Items to bring (optional): flowers and sprigs of herbs to decorate the wreath; plant offerings to lay at the base of
the Maypole.
Following the decoration of the Maypole, we will dance to celebrate the divine union of the Lord and Lady of the
May. We will sing and drum as dancers lend their energy to this sacred union to ensure fertility and growth for the
season. After the pole wrapping, participants will be able touch the pole to receive blessings from the Gods.
The Creation of Flower Garlands
Ravynne of Shadowgrove
Floral garlands were worn throughout history as decoration,
honorariums, and for celebrations and protections.
Worn by both men and women, old and young, at Beltane they were a celebration of the new flowers and plants
peeking out after a long winter's chill, heralding the return of the growing season and truly warm weather.
One workshop will be given on Saturday morning for adults and children. The basic prep and assembly will
be taught in this workshop and each attendee can make his or her own wreath to wear for the weekend. Written
instructions will be kept available in the Feast Hall after the workshop is concluded so that anyone who wishes to
create their garland later on Saturday may so do.
Basic materials will be provided: Chenille stems and wire, floral tape, ribbons, fresh flowers, silk flowers, dried
flowers, wire cutters and pliers.
If you have specific, special items you'd like to include, feel free to bring them. Some ideas are: Flowers (silk,
fresh or dried) to match your garb, fresh herbs, dried seedpods(according to park rules, seed pods are not permitted) or grain stalks, feathers, artificial berries, etc. -
nearly anything can be worked in. Your imagination is your only limit!
Introduction to Personal Energy Work
SpiritHawk of ShadowGrove
We exchange energy with our environment all the time; spiritual, emotional, and physical energy flow into
and out of our minds and bodies, affecting every aspect of our lives. Learn to become more aware of these flows
through simple meditative techniques. Participants in this workshop will learn the techniques of conscious energy
breathing, finding their energetic center, grounding their energetic selves, and establishing a shield to protect them
from undesired external influences.
Personal Energy Work in an Elemental Framework
SpiritHawk of ShadowGrove
Building on the lessons in Introduction to Personal Energy Work, participants in this workshop will explore the
use of the four archetypal alchemical elements in their personal energy work. The instructor recommends that those
who wish to attend this workshop also plan to attend Introduction to Personal Energy Work, especially if they
are new to personal energy manipulation. Participants in this workshop are expected to be familiar with the concept
and practice of centering and grounding.
Henna Body Art
Henna Joan
For nearly nine thousand years humans have
been using the dye found in the henna plant to protect,
strengthen, and enjoy their skin. Learn about this form of body adornment from historical, biological,
and practical perspectives. After our (brief!) lesson, you'll have the opportunity to see the henna process
from start to finish - everything from fashioning an applicator to simple techniques for creating beautiful designs.
Once all that learning's over, there'll be time for play - a chance for you to try out your own henna cone and doodle
with abandon. Individual appointments for adornment will also be available throughout the event.
Space for individual appointments is limited. To ensure Joan has time to work with everyone who is interested,
please sign up to have body art done. Pick the time slot (there are three available)
when you would like to have your body art done. There will be sample books available for you to browse while
you are waiting for your individual adornment.
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Faerie Houses
Truthsong
Beltane is an excellent time to create natural Faerie Houses as a way of welcoming the Fae back from their long
winter slumber. In this workshop, children will be guided in creating small homes for our wee friends in the woods
using materials they have gathered from their nature walk. Parents are welcome to join in the fun!
Create your own Prayer Beads
Summer Kiser
A mala is a simple, effective meditative tool, which can help to reduce stress and enhance wisdom, patience,
and health. A mala generally consists of 108, 54, or 27 beads, traditionally strung together on silk thread with one
larger bead, called the Guru bead, from which the tassel or charm hangs.
The practice of moving each bead becomes an extension of focus and concentration to a mantra - mystical
syllable or poem, words or vibrations that promote a particular element or result (affirmation).
For this workshop each participant will be provided with the beads plus additional materials needed, and be guided
how to construct their own mala. How to use the mala plus an affirmation will also be provided.
This is a wonderfully creative & empowering experience for all that wish to enhance their meditation practice.
Space in this workshop is limited, and there is a materials fee. If you are interested in participating, please
sign up and pay for your materials. You may
also purchase an affirmation pouch, which you will receive at the workshop.
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Aromatherapy and Candle Magic
Redwolf
This is a 2 part workshop.
Part 1 will cover the basics of color and candle magic. The candlemaking portion
will include how to make the candles, which additives to use for various types of candles and the addition of
essential oils for scent as well as magical and aromatheraputic purposes. Participants will get to choose the colors
and essential oils for their candles.
Part 2 will conclude with a second pour of the candles and a discussion
of aromatherapy and its uses in candle magic.
Participants will get to take home the candle that they create.
Children's Drumming
Phoenix of ShadowGrove
Drumming can be both a fun and
powerful tool for creating and sustaining energy. In this workshop, children
will learn how to make simple instruments from tools they find in nature. They will then learn simple rhythm
techniques that they can use to help guide the Spiral Dance at closing ritual.
Children's Nature Walk
Phoenix of ShadowGrove
During this workshop, the children of
Fertile Ground will be lead on a walk around the site to allow them a fun
spring romp in the woods. Their experienced guides will teach them how to identify trees, plants, flowers and
wildlife tracks in the area around the camp. They will also be collecting tokens from their walk to give back to
the Faeries during the Faerie House workshop.
Children's Meditation
Kelly Malatt
Meditation is helpful for many things, including spiritual growth and stress reduction. Children can benefit much
from meditation. Although their daily stresses may differ from those of adults, they are very real. This workshop can
help children find a quiet place within themselves in which they can work through their stressors, draw healing
energy from the Earth while discarding negativity, and further explore their budding spiritualities.
The workshop consists of two guided meditations with time before and after each for stretching, instruction, and
discussing experiences. The meditations will be shorter than average “adult” meditations, and they will be further
tailored to fit the needs of children with more vivid imagery and easy-to-understand language.
Introduction to Tarot
Fyrecreek
Beltane is a perfect time for divination and this workshop will introduce one of the most fascinating forms: the tarot.
This will be a practical application of learning and working with the cards. This will include advice on choosing a
deck, how to cleanse, store, and care for the cards, and tips on how to learn their meanings. Participants will learn
how to prepare for a reading and a few simple spreads to get started.
Participants should bring a deck if
they have one. A few decks from the instructor's personal collection will be on hand for visual aid and practice.
Unless otherwise marked, all content on this page ©2008 ShadowGrove
Spiritual Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.
