11 annual six crows gathering 2o14 august 14-17 mystical...

Six Crows Alliance

Presents

11th Annual Six Crows Gathering 2O14 – August 14-17

MYSTICAL PLAYGROUNDS Communing with the Divine

11th Annual Six Crows Gathering August 14, 15, 16, 17, 2014 – MYSTICAL PLAYGROUNDS: Communing with the Divine – Page 1

Contents

Six Crows Gathering Mission Statement ……………………………………………………………… 3 Mystical Playgrounds: Communing with The Divine – Introduction …………………… 3 2014 Six Crows Gathering Planning Committee ………………………………………………… 4 Six Crows Gathering Leadership …………………………………………………………………………… 5 Programming 2014 – Annual Program Standards ……………………………………………… 7 Gifts of Spirit ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 THE SHINE! Talent Shindig and Ice Cream Social …………………………………… 8 Sweat Lodge Ceremony ……………………………………………………………………………… 9 Council of Deities (Tarot Trumps) ……………………………………………………………… 10 General Program Schedule …………………………………………………………………………………… 11 General Program Descriptions ……………………………………………………………………………… 11 Thursday ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Friday …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13 Saturday ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17 Sunday ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21 Featured Presenters ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 23 Resident Master Drummer …………………………………………………………………………………… 24 Guest Presenters …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25 Youth Program ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26 Clans and Coves; Information for Parents ………………………………………………… 26 Special Note to Youths and their Parents ………………………………………………… 27 Special Note to Parents of Small Children ………………………………………………… 28 Youth Orientation Meeting ………………………………………………………………………… 28 Youth Program Schedule ……………………………………………………………………………………… 29 Youth Program Descriptions ………………………………………………………………………………… 29 Thursday ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29 Friday …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 30 Saturday ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 32 Sunday ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 34 Youth Program Rules and Agreements ………………………………………………………………… 35 Six Crows Gathering Infrastructure ……………………………………………………………………… 37 Grounds Orientation Diagram …………………………………………………………………… 37 Registration ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 38 Check-in and Setup …………………………………………………………………………………… 38 Fees and Sponsorship ………………………………………………………………………………… 38 Presenters’ Auction ……………………………………………………………………………………… 38 Trading Post ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 39 Cosmic Wheel – Temple and Heart of Activity ………………………………………… 40


Fire, Sacred Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………… 41 Prayer Tree ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 41 Safety, Safeties, and Medical Service ……………………………………………………… 42 Daily Chores – Share the Wealth! ……………………………………………………………… 43 Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area/Pot Luck Plan ……………………………………… 43 Toilet and Shower Facilities ……………………………………………………………………… 44 Photography, Cell Phones, and Electronic Devices …………………………………… 45 Policy on Violence ……………………………………………………………………………………… 45 Volunteers …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 46 A Handy Reminder List of Things to Bring …………………………………………………………… 47 Journal Pages ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 48


SIX CROWS

ALLIANCE F O R T H E P U R S U I T

OF ARCANE WISDOM

AND UNDERSTANDING

MISSION STATEMENT SIX CROWS GATHERING

SIX CROWS GATHERING is a safe, spirited, and stimulating camping retreat where adults and youths may get close to nature and enjoy adventures in Consciousness and direct Communion with the Divine in as many ways as possible: being truly present with themselves and others; participating in meaningful rituals, ceremonies, classes, and workshops; and

sharing gifts and talents.

11th Annual Six Crows Gathering 2O14 – August 14-17

MYSTICAL PLAYGROUNDS Communing with the Divine

“Imagination has brought mankind

through the Dark Ages to its present state of civilization. Imagination led Columbus to discover America.

Imagination led Franklin to discover electricity. Imagination has given us the

steam engine, the telephone, the talking-machine and the automobile, for these things had to be dreamed of

before they became realities. So I believe that dreams - day dreams, you

know, with your eyes wide open and your brain-machinery whizzing - are likely to lead to the betterment of the

world. The imaginative child will become the imaginative man or woman most

apt to create, to invent, and therefore to foster civilization.” ― L. Frank Baum, The Lost Princess of Oz

Six Crows Gathering has served our quest for meaning from its inception 11 years ago. In 2014, we’re taking our search to the Child Within. Do you remember when you were a child in school? Recess was the best half hour of the day! No matter who your friends were in the classroom, at recess everyone had equal reign on the playground. Often we would do the same thing we did every day with the same people, while alongside, other kids were doing something different with different people. Our activities might be different, but the goal was the same – FUN! This is not unlike our spiritual journeys. There are many paths to The Divine, and most of us get our start on one of them, doing our thing in our “classroom” with our “classmates”. Some of us, seekers, spiritual adventurers, if you will, venture forth to do our thing alongside others doing their thing. Some even move between spiritual paths or blend elements of multiple paths. Whether we stay in the same classroom, play alongside, or play with others, the goal is the same – COMMUNION. Playing alongside others of an inclusive attitude at a melting pot event such as Six Crows Gathering is always a potent experience in our search for meaning. This year, we merge the FUN of the Child with the COMMUNION of the Spirit, thus: MYSTICAL PLAYGROUNDS: COMMUNING WITH THE DIVINE.

3646 Hart Road, Twin Lake MI Get Map | [email protected] | www.sixcrows.org

http://www.sixcrows.org

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.google.com/maps/place/3646+Hart+Rd/@43.3931293,-86.1507563,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x88196716c56b3ad9:0x4a0397ed932869a4


In keeping with our goals in 2014 – fun and communion – our presenters have poured their hearts and souls into putting together the most dynamic and interactive program we’ve ever offered at Six Crows Gathering, to swoop us up full on into the mysteries. Their goal is to morph the gathering into a stimulating, compelling, relevant feast of fun and self-discovery through a variety of mystical offerings and devices. And as ever, opportunities will abound for all of us to discover, recover, and uncover our own Divine mysteries and share them with others.

Introducing

2014 SIX CROWS GATHERING PLANNING COMMITTEE

Please join us in thanking your 2014 Six Crows Gathering Planning Committee.

PLANNING CORE COMMITTEE CHAIR ………………………………… Linda Margaret Ritz White

PLANNING CORE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR ………………………… Kathleen Clark

SECRETARY ………………………………………………………………………… Kathleen Clark

TREASURER ………………………………………………………………………… Dave White

PROGRAM CHAIR ………………………………………………………………… Dave Kennedy

PROGRAM CO-CHAIR …………………………………………………… D. Current

YOUTH PROGRAM CHAIR …………………………………………… Angi Holbrook

YOUTH PROGRAM CO-CHAIR (PROGRAM) ………………… Dorothy Doherty

YOUTH PROGRAM CO-CHAIR (SAFETY) ……………………… Laura Barman

REGISTRATION CHAIR ……………………………………………………… Michelle Byrn

FUNDRAISING CHAIR ………………………………………………………… Meri Eitsen

PROMOTION & PUBLICITY CHAIR ……………………………………… Linda Margaret Ritz White

SAFETY CHAIR & MEDIC …………………………………………………… Anthony Doherty

SECOND SAFETY & MEDIC ………………………………………… Meri Eitsen

Supplies & Services Coordinator ………………………………… David White

Presenters’ Auction Coordinator …………………………………… Cameron Rogers Wortman

Hospitality Coordinator ………………………………………………… Kathy Rollins

Grounds Coordinator …………………………………………………… Linda Margaret Ritz White

Setup Coordinator ………………………………………………………… Dave White


SIX CROWS GATHERING LEADERSHIP

Linda Margaret Ritz White, Planning Committee Chair Linda Margaret Ritz White, founder of Six Crows Alliance and Six Crows Gathering, is a Kabbalist and Hermeticist from the Golden Dawn tradition. She has also studied Native American Spirituality with teachers from the Mohawk, Lakota, Seneca, and Onondaga traditions, passed through the four doors of Sweat Lodge facilitation, and was bestowed a community Chanupa Wakan (Sacred Pipe). She remains a keen student in the esoteric arts. Mysticism in study and practice have led her to the Cosmic (Medicine) Wheel that is the heart of Six Crows Gathering activity. Linda has served as a volunteer for

organizations dealing in substance abuse and sexual assault. She is the executive director for Recycling for Newaygo County, and continues to do occasional work as a corporate writer and graphic designer.

Kathleen Clark, Planning Committee Co-Chair Kat is an artist, home business owner, and a practitioner of eclectic paganism for the last 10 years. She specializes in creating unique, handcrafted, natural stone jewelry items for a variety of spiritual practices. She also reads tarot, performs home cleansings, and occasionally assists with paranormal investigations. She is an avid student of the metaphysical arts and enjoys learning and studying different religious cultures. Visit her webesite, Krimson Kat’s Mystic Emporium, at http://www.krimsonkatsmysticemporium.webs.com.

Dave Kennedy, Program Committee Chair

Dave Kennedy remembers seeing Star Wars as a boy and thinking that if "The Force" was real, he would be in training as a Jedi. This lead to becoming a student of Tae Kwon Do and Zen Buddhism. After enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1991, and working as a chaplain assistant, he became a dedicated student of Wicca and Greek & Norse mythology. In 2002 he sojourned into Gnosticism, where he was ordained and consecrated as a bishop in apostolic succession, awarded the rank of Knight Grand Cross, Templar Grandmaster, and became a founding member of The North American College of Gnostic

Bishops, and The Brotherhood of The Dragon. He continues to pursue his passion for Star Wars by working with Six Crows Alliance’s Star Wars-themed youth camp: Camp

Luminous.

http://www.krimsonkatsmysticemporium.webs.com


D. Current (Beowulf), Program Committee Co-Chair

Beowulf is an elder of the greater pagan community in the Toledo area. He revived his degrees in a Romano/Celtic tradition popularized by Lady Circe. He has received degrees from the Sisterhood and Brotherhood of Wicca and Shadow Wood Coven, and his eldership from the Circle of the Sacred Grove. He served as a founding member for Shadow Wood and the Circle of the Sacred Grove. He has also participated in less organized pagan groups like Toledo's APEP and UT Pagan Alliance. He holds Bachelor's degrees in Comparative Religious Studies and Cultural Anthropology as well as a Master's degree in

Linguistics. His academic and clerical specialties include: the magick of language; magickal languages; mythology; shamanism; ritual magick; magickal tools; and omens.

Angi Holbrook, Youth Program Chair

Angela has worked with autistic and physically disabled youths to help them succeed in an academic environment in the Ypsilanti Public School system for 16 years. She is a mom of 4 and also has a step-daughter. She welcomed two lovely granddaughters into her life in 2013. She is excited to serve the youths of Six Crows Alliance, and looks forward to a fun and fantastical journey.

Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn), Youth Program Co-Chair Program

Arawyn has been studying the Romano-Celtic tradition for more than 12 years under the wisdom of Bona Dea. In 2011, she became High Priestess of the Circle of the Sacred Grove, Temple of the Old Religion. She shares responsibility for teaching and training members of the coven with Gwydion, her husband of 11 years. They have two wonderful children, who they love bringing up on this spiritual path. Through the connection with the divine, she has developed a gift for

healing, Tarot reading, ritual magick, and dragon magick. She obtained a Bachelor of Art from the University of Toledo and works as a photographer in the Toledo, Ohio area. http://www.circleofthesacredgrove.org.

Laura Barman, Youth Program Co-Chair Safety Laura enjoys painting and spending time with her family. She has four step-children, one daughter, and two granddaughters that she loves spending time with. She attends Ashford University and is on the Dean’s List. She feels very in tune with herself and enjoys the quietness and beauty in nature.

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http://www.circleofthesacredgrove.org


PROGRAMMING 2014

Introducing our 2014 Presenters, who are once again gifting us their time, talents, and finest energies. You will find their Biographies starting Page 23.

Featured Presenters Guest Presenters

Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea) • Anthony Doherty (Gwydion) John Davis • Adrienne Gasperoni Ted Jauw • Shirley Wheeler Kate Henriott-Jauw • D. Current (Beowulf)

Resident Master Drummer

Eric Durkee (Damaru) Our General Program Schedule and Descriptions begin on Page 11. Our Youth Program Schedule and Descriptions begin on Page 29. For those who are joining us for the first time, see the descriptions below of our annual program standards.

GIFTS OF SPIRIT

Many of you wondered what happened to Gifts of Spirit last year. We had so much programming that we decided to offer classes alongside our customary Friday and Saturday morning Gifts of Spirit slots, and let gatherers choose among the two tracks of classes and Gifts of Spirit. It was too much, and Gifts of Spirit suffered – and were sorely missed!

So this year, while two tracks of classes are scheduled Friday morning, we are reserving Saturday morning exclusively for Gifts of Spirit. We know and appreciate the value of these unique opportunities for everyone in attendance to both offer and receive blessings from one another in their myriad forms. Gifts of Spirit are listed on the schedule between 8 am and Noon Saturday, and also Sunday afternoon following Closing Feast. Some perspective for those who have not previously attended Six Crows Gathering: some of the practices, techniques, and services we've


shared over the years include tarot, stone, and mesa bundle readings; massage, reiki, and assorted other healing modalities; aura cleansing; yoga; manicures and pedicures; fire cleansing; music therapy; oil essence therapy; crystal therapy; psychological and archetype profiling; smoking of the Sacred Pipe… the list goes on; all gifts of your spirit are eagerly welcomed. Note that, in the same sense that the gathering is not for financial profit, no monies are expected to change hands as we share our spirits with one another. THE SHINE! TALENT SHINDIG AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL

It is amazing, marvelous, truly awe-inspiring, the talent we have in our midst, and we love to show all of you off! Our annual Talent Shindig brings everyone together on Friday evening, the halfway point of the Gathering, for the show and social time – with an ice cream intermission! Be sure to Register early for a guaranteed spot on THE SHINE! Roster. We get several last minute entries as the show is about to start. We don’t want to discourage anyone whose feet

warm up as the show gets underway, however we cannot make any guarantees unless you have registered in advance. Due to the large number of performers each year – singers, dancers, actors, musicians, comedians, storytellers, poets, and so on –the length of each act is limited to 15 minutes. Entertainers may be scheduled for a second set after everyone has had a turn. Please keep in mind when planning your acts that THE SHINE! is a family show. The sky’s

the limit otherwise! Note to parents: Dreamtime (with Bona Dea) will be part of the Shindig this year. Bona Dea will gather our little ones for her fanciful tale just before intermission and ice cream. This way, we can all enjoy, the tots won’t be up too late, and we don’t have to constrain the show.

http://www.sixcrows.org/registrationshine.htm


SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY

Joseph Campbell, when asked, “What is the easiest way to experience spirit,” replied, “Participate in an ancient ceremony.” Sweat Lodge Ceremony is among the world’s

richest ancient ceremonies in meaning and symbolism. Various forms are found among indigenous people in North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Eastern and Western Europe. The intent is to “die” to outdated energies, and be reborn out of the dark lodge, which represents the warm, moist, dark heat of the womb from which we came, emerging into the cool, dry light of the physical world. Sweat Lodge Ceremony is among the most potent of ordeal rituals, promising visions; messages; redemption; healing; rebirth; and a deepening connection with and support from the Unseen World. It is in fact a universe unto itself. Transcending culture, it mirrors the vastness of human consciousness, making manifest the Divine Consciousness within, throughout, and beyond all creation. Ceremonially, it is used in worship, healing, meditating, and celebrating. In some Native American circles, a sweat lodge ceremony is held before Sun (Thirsty) Dance, Vision Quest (Fast), and other important ceremonies. As we are all children of the Earth, Sweat Lodge Ceremony can also help us connect with aspects of our being represented by the four elements of creation: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, and renew our connection with the Earth Mother and Sky Father. Whatever the occasion, the purpose is to journey deep within our being. The lodge itself, a covered, willow-framed dome, is a symbol of the womb of Mother Earth. The fire that heats the stones is a symbol of Father Sky. Its wisdom begins with the harmonious interaction between father and mother, and male and female aspects in the creator and creation. Between the lodge and the fire pit is an altar, a mound of earth which was taken from the center pit in the lodge, and piled in front of the door. The altar is marked off in quadrants for this purpose. Here you will see sacred objects and tools, such as herbs to be used in the lodge by the facilitator. Here you may place personal items for blessing during the sweat. It is traditional to give the Facilitator tobacco as a request for prayer.


Gifts of sacred herbs such as sage and sweet grass, and any other gifts you wish to make to the facilitator and fire tender are acceptable. These may be placed on the altar. Inside the lodge, the facilitator guides participants in prayer, song, and meditation, typically during four rounds. The “door” is opened between rounds for air flow, drinking

water, to permit participants to exit/reenter as needed, and to bring in additional Stone People and water for the next round. Personal preparation is advised. If you can skip the meal prior to the sweat, and better yet, fast for a full day, your body’s attention to the digestive process and your inner focus will both narrow. Do hydrate well with water. It’s also a good idea to abstain from

toxic substances such as recreational drugs, alcohol, and caffeine before sweating, enhancing attention and purification. This applies equally to all of our bodies, mental, emotional, and spiritual, as well as physical. We set the stage by creating sacred space through ritual, drumming, song, prayer, and finally, silence, stillness, sacredness, and contemplation as we light the fire to heat the Stone People, and prepare the lodge in a ceremonial attitude. Enhancing trance state will assist the spiritual connection you seek for messages, visions, healing, release, etc.

When we approach Sweat Lodge Ceremony with a humble heart, and inside the womb with the water, the greens, the Stone People, the Earth Mother, the Sky Father, the Spirits of our Ancestors, and the Masters who came before us, we remember our place in the web of life, at one with the Spirit that moves through all things. Ted Jauw will again be pouring a traditional Lakota sweat with Dave Kennedy fire tending. Ted encourages people to bring pipes if they have them. COUNCIL OF DEITIES (TRUMPS IN 2014)

Council of Deities is a popular platform unique to Six Crows for invoking the particular powers, patterns, and wisdoms of the universe within and without us. We’re taking a

different approach in 2014 and working with the Tarot trumps instead of deities. We send a basket around throughout the weekend inviting you to choose a trump, sight unseen, depicted and described . Trust the Universe to know which trump/archetype is right for you in this moment, and to work with you during the gathering. During the Saturday night Council, participants to write an anonymous personal concern or question to be asked of one of the trumps as we gather around the Sacred Fire. We take turns drawing from the basket of questions, and respond in the voice of the trump who chose us. Keep in mind that gender is arbitrary, as we all contain all archetypes. If you have never experienced deep invocation, this exercise may seem intimidating, but trust Spirit and you will receive and give exactly what is needed and applicable. We encourage you to interact with fellow gatherers over the weekend from the perspective of the trump who chooses you.

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GENERAL PROGRAM SCHEDULE Click on the image below to open a full-size version of the schedule. Please note in case you wish to print

it, this is a legal size document (8.5X14). Printed schedules will be available at The Gathering.

GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS *NOTE: This year all general programming is suitable for teens.

THURSDAY

Thursday 5-5:30 pm | Location: Dining area

SAFETIES AND MEDICS MEETING with Anthony Doherty (Gwydion) and Meri Eitsen Anthony (Gwydion) takes over as Safety Coordinator and Meri, a registered nurse, will serve as Medic in 2014. Meri and Anthony will work closely together and back each other up, as Anthony is a trained first responder as well, and Meri has lengthy experience as a healer and working with energies. Safeties are elders and adepts who serve to help attendees as needed with grounding, clearing, shielding, processing, etc., and also to deal with emergencies and “situations”, i.e. a minor injury or child looking for their parent. The Safety Booth will be centrally located and marked. You will recognize the Safeties from their red armbands, and the Medics from their white armbands. Safeties, please strive to attend this meeting to get oriented. Gwydion is still looking for safeties. If you are interested in signing up for the Safeties Team, please email us at [email protected]. Gwydion will also have a signup sheet at the check-in table. Please sign up if you are interested, and then show up for the meeting.

http://www.sixcrows.org/gatherings/2014/2014GatheringScheduleGeneral.pdf



Thursday 5-5:30 pm | Location: Kids’ Zone YOUTH ORIENTATION MEETING with Angi Holbrook, Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn), and

Laura Barman Parents, please arrive in enough time to be set up and ready to attend this meeting. We expect all parents and children to meet with Youth Program Coordinators to pick up schedules and go over Gathering procedures and rules that relate to our youths. Thursday 6-7:30 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel OPENING CEREMONY/Sacred Fire Lit/Faerie Portal Opened

Whole camp attendance is requested as we gather to “open” Sacred Space, greet one another, and go over business items. Our Inner Fire is awakened through drumming and chanting led by Ted Jauw; our Sacred Fire is awakened with prayers offered by our elders and program facilitators; and our Faerie Portal is opened by Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea). We also meet and greet our Presenters and each other. Opening of the Faerie Portal by Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea) “We will open the Six Crows Faerie Portal and welcome a faerie friend of mine, Lady Laefa, to join us for the weekend. She gave me a message for all of you…”

‘If you can spell my secret name, I will grant you all three wishes. Now what will they be? Quick! Or I’ll turn you all to fishes!’

First we decide our three wishes and put them on our “boon rags”. Wait, we have to spell her secret name you say? Surely, we can solve that riddle if we all work together!

Thursday 7:30 pm-? – Location: East Woods

Sweat Lodge of ReNewal with Ted Jauw, Facilitator, Dave Kennedy, Fire Tender In the times we’re in sometimes we need to sweat We sometimes think that being a grown up is it But I think that we’re All Wet… The Eyes of A Child and the Heart of The New That is to Whom All Things are Revealed And that Whom or that Who can be You Enter the Darkness and You Find the Light Enter the Silence and You will now Hear Enter in backwards, where Left is Right Enter in MoonWise, Lose only Your Fear

This is a “lodge of ReNewal”. It will be traditional but not typical. Hear the Thunder and feel the Fire and know that on this weekend, Communing With The Divine … Will be Child’s Play!


Thursday 9:30-9:45 pm | Cosmic Wheel

DREAMTIME: Climb Aboard a Butterfly with Kate Jauw (All) Dreamtime is our way of turning the attention of the Gathering to our youth, and helping tots wind down at the close of the day. Although Dreamtime is geared to little ones, all are welcome to join our Storytellers and the children around the Sacred Fire. Please be considerate of our storytellers, during each dreamtime slot, and avoid creating distractions with conversation or excessive movement or busyness. Parents, come with kiddos in PJ’s and ready for bed. There should be adequate tuck-in time before 10 pm adult programming. Thursday 10 pm-? | Location: The Burn ADULT SOCIAL FIRE AND DRUM (18+) (bring a chair) (optional: bring drums/shakers etc.) Adult Social Fire for casual visits and to wind down from the serious business of the Gathering. Optional drumming. Users can light and relight the fire as needed. Please reserve campfire style fun (alcohol and snack consumption) for this fire.

FRIDAY

Friday 9-10 am | Location: Dining Area A GETTING THE WIGGLES OUT! with Anthony Doherty (Gwydion) This workshop is to show people how to ground and shield themselves from an overflow of energy. While using techniques that tap your inner child at play, you will learn to release excess energy through song and play. We will also go over how to build a shield that will help deflect energies that may not be aligned with you. Friday 9-10 am | Location: Dining Area B

POWER OF THE INNER CHILD ON THE PLAYGROUND OF LIFE; LESSONS WE DIDN’T LEARN IN SCHOOL with Adrienne Gasperoni & Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea)

Game Rules: Number one and number two I am the boss of me You are the boss of you

Through children's playground games, we will break loose the bindings of the roles of victim and bully and how that manifests in the adult world. We will learn how to safely empower our own voices and how to respect others' boundaries in mutual understanding. Friday 10-11 am | Location: Dining Area A

ACCEPTING OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A WORLD SUN with John Davis This World Service opportunity manifested on the birth date of the Mayan prophecy December 21, 2012. This historic date means "the Light of the World" – those


individuals who would assume their responsibility as a WORLD SUN. Each World SUN is asked to take personal time each day to pray for a better world. Every day is a conception date as well as a birth date. Nine months after every conception date, potential births could be realized as WORLD SUNS everywhere who pray for a better world for everyone on the planet. Win-Win is the goal of our collective prayers. As we know, our earth SUN shines down on all of creation, the birds, animals, fish, and peoples of all nations and all religions. Our responsibility as WORLD SUNS is to pray for all creation on earth regardless of religious denomination or political party. Win-Win is always our goal as WORLD SUNS. Friday 10-11 am | Location: Dining Area B

KITCHEN KAPERS; TWO STREGAS & A PASTA POT with Kate Jauw and Shirley Wheeler “Double, double toil and trouble Fire burn and cauldron bubble,” The Bard was heard to say, But who would guess What these witches have to say? What you Need is where you Are Your Grimoire; Mother Earth And if you listen to Her song You will be Rebirthed…

Cooking is fun, especially when the motivation is magic. Learn to divine with everyday kitchen items. Create spells, magic, abundance and healing that are meant to be eaten. Learn how to tap into ancestral energies with a kitchen altar. Recipes shared, traditions revealed. Friday 11am-Noon | Location: Cosmic Wheel TRIBAL DRUM AND DANCE with Eric Durkee A time for the whole community to gather and share, including youths. This is a free form, casual time led by Eric, when we get to indulge our rhythm impulse. Bring your drums, shakers, and any other “instrument” you enjoy percussing with. Be sure to have a large bottle of water on hand, especially if you bring your dancing feet.

Friday Lunch | Location: Dining Area ENCHANTING YOUR FOOD WITH MAGIC with Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea)

As I mix, and boil, and bake, A spell most lovely I will make!

Friday 1:30-2 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

CHECK-IN/BUSINESS with Anthony Doherty (Gwydion), Safety Coordinator, and Linda Margaret Ritz, Planning Committee Chair

Please join us for our daily check-in. We ask for whole camp attendance so everyone is kept informed regarding issues that arise, and may ask questions, get clarifications, and


take care of business including placing daily orders with the runner for supply needs. (*Note: bagged ice will be available for purchase through the Six Crows Concession.) Friday 2-2:45 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

DAYDREAM BELIEVER with Kate Jauw The sandman sometimes comes by day To whisk you to a world of play. The best of dreams don’t always come by the light of the moon. Morning comes and the images drift too soon. But is it necessary that we must put them away? Big magic happens through dreams during the light of the day.

Learn about dream analysis, the Greek dream temples of Asclepius, and the power of daydreams. Take a walkabout in the Dreamtime and learn to hear the voices guiding you throughout your waking hours. Discover the hidden messages and begin to live the dream. Friday 2:45-3:45 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel THE HIDDEN MYSTERIES OF ATLANTIS, EGYPT, AND THE AGE OF AQUARIUS with John Davis

The Moon is in The Seventh House And we are Past the Dawn Atlantis Rises from The Myth And fuels us From Now On And Sarcophagi of Mystery unwind their Tales of Truth And Masters Tell of Times Untold To this the Hour of Youth. Aquarius is Rising as The Fish Descends in Deep Atlantis Re-Emerges Bringing Memory we can Keep And the Pharaohs aren’t the Only Ones Who flourished in Nile Waters The Schools of Mystery of Many Were all born from her Delta Daughters.

Coptic Master John Davis shares and weaves Mystery and Imagination and helps us take it out of the Classroom of our Mind into the PlayGround of our Lives, and discover our own links to Mastery. Friday 3:45-5 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

SPIRITUAL TAG with Ted Jauw and All Presenters All Ye, All Ye, in come free! The cry is old as time. But what’s the end game


For this spiritual tag? Learn the meaning Of this old rhyme.

A talk on the end of the ascetic lines of master and student. For when were all these secrets and for whom? Could it be for now? Could it be for you? Tag! You’re it… Ted’s talk will be followed by a short panel discussion with the presenters about how this might work.

Friday Supper | Location: Dining Area

PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD with Ted Jauw Over the teeth and past the gums Look out stomach here it comes Maybe the only prayer you say But if your body’s a temple Then this is your lucky day… So grab a plate and stand in line But don’t just grab your meal Just wait and hear my rhyme And all will be revealed…

Friday 7:30 pm-? | Location: Dining Area THE SHINE! TALENT SHINDIG & ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Six Crows Gathering is of course all about connecting with spirit. Spirit moves in many forms, and no less so in play and laughter! Our annual talent shindig and ice cream social is the perfect venue to break from serious study and contemplation, and showcase the performers in our midst – seasoned and novice. No holds barred (within the context of a family show), so bring us your creative best. THE SHINE! 15-minute limit per act. Dreamtime by Bona Dea will be incorporated into the shindig this year – just before intermission – so parents can get little ones to bed at a reasonable hour. Register ahead to be assured a spot on the roster.

Friday 8:30 pm | Location: Dining Area

DREAMTIME: The Third Wish with Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea) What happens when the Faerie doesn’t know how to grant the last wish? Children of all ages, gather round. “Granny Root” has answers! Dreamtime is our way of turning the attention of the Gathering to our youth, and helping tots wind down at the close of the day. Bona Dea will invite the young’ns to gather round her as she tells her story during THE SHINE! – followed by intermission and ice cream before tuck-in for the little ones.

http://www.sixcrows.org/registrationshine.htm


Friday 10–10:30 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

SIX CROWS GATHERING 2015 – Planning Committee Intro Meeting with Linda Margaret Ritz and Kathleen Clark Pulling off our wonderful gathering each year is a fun and rewarding challenge, and a lot of work, made less by many hands! We need people with varied talents. Distance is not an issue as we work primarily online. Please join us for this open recruiting session if you are interested. We’ll be brief, answer questions about how everyone can help, and gather information about your areas of interest. If THE SHINE! runs later than 10 pm, we will announce the meeting start time. A signup sheet will be available for those who are interested in serving but have children in bed and cannot make the meeting. Friday 10 pm-? | Location: The Burn

ADULT SOCIAL FIRE AND DRUM (18+) (bring a chair) (optional: bring drums/shakers etc.) Adult Social Fire for casual visits and to wind down from the serious business of the Gathering. Optional drumming. Users can light and relight the fire as needed. Please reserve campfire style fun (alcohol and snack consumption) for this fire.

SATURDAY

Saturday 8 am-Noon | Location: Around the Grounds

GIFTS OF SPIRIT Join fellow gatherers around the grounds to give, receive, or exchange gifts of your spirit. Some of the modalities we've shared over the years include stone, tarot, and mesa bundle readings; massage; reiki and assorted other healing modalities; aura cleansing; yoga; manicures and pedicures; fire cleansing; music therapy; oil essence therapy; crystal therapy; psychological and archetype profiling; the smoking of the Sacred Pipe, etc. Come prepared with the tools of your trade. In the true essence of Spiritual community, no one is expected to provide or engage in a Gift of Spirit, and no payment is expected or requested. Providers determine how they want to offer their gifts, i.e. one on one or for groups. List your offerings, time slots if applicable, and location, on the whiteboard on display adjacent the kitchen. Saturday 11 am-Noon | Location: Cosmic Wheel

RITUAL REHEARSAL for all presenters and youths All presenters and youths involved in the ritual should meet up to go over and run through the Saturday evening ritual.

Saturday Lunch | Location: Dining Area SPECIAL FAERIE FOOD BLESSING with Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea) and Youths

A flick, a swish is all it takes Children’s hearts some magic makes!


Bona Dea will lead our youths in giving us a special blessing for our meal, inspired by friendly faeries, using magic wands they will have made during the youth programming.

Saturday 1:30-2 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel CHECK-IN/BUSINESS with Anthony Doherty, Safety Coordinator, and Linda Margaret

Ritz, Planning Committee Chair Please join us for our daily check-in. We ask for whole camp attendance so everyone is kept informed regarding issues that arise, and may ask questions, get clarifications, and take care of business including placing daily orders with the runner for supply needs. (*Note: bagged ice will be available for purchase through the Six Crows Concession.) Saturday 2-2:45 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

ESTABLISHING A DIVINE LANGUAGE with D. Current (Beowulf) The Answer My Friend Is Blowing In The Wind But catching it can be daunting, even a deterrent But Omens, Friend, are Everywhere And All You Need is ‘Current’ That Flow of Synchronicity Is like our own Electricity And all we need are Tools The Simple is the Better Is the Teaching of The Fool. Learn the Language of Divine And see that you will Find That Douse and Swing or Simple Coin Is more accurate than Mind.

This workshop will help participants establish their own divine language for purposes of direct communication with the powers that be. We will cover how to handle and interpret omens and spontaneous divine communications, how to create a framework of communication with the divine, and provide each participant with instructions and tools to create their own personal communication devices with the divine. Tools that we will make include a direction finder, pendulum, and ancestor coins. Omen instructions will focus on recognizing and interpreting omens and dreams in general. All of this will be taught though the filter of “playing with the Divine.” Saturday 2:45-3:30 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel BEHOLD THE LOOKING GLASS with Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea)

Come! Enter the Witch’s workshop Where a magic mirror awaits! A riddle to unravel, A puzzle for you to solve. Divine the clue that answers you,


Your problems will dissolve! Magic mirror on the wall…are you real? Yes, it’s real! It’s called scrying.

The art of scrying is divination using a reflective surface on or through which the Higher Self, Spirit Guides, or the Collective Consciousness can project information requested by the viewer. It is fascinating and fun, and not as complicated as it sounds. You will be introduced to several different types of scrying, from mirrors to crystal balls, and explore ways to use them safely with words and gestures of enchantment. Scrying implements you will find: black mirror, water, polished stone, crystal ball. Saturday 3:30-4:15 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE with Ted Jauw (the March Hare) The March Hare's Mirrored Metaphor Takes you through the Looking Glass The wormhole that your headed for Is just a spot of tea, alas But it's not too late you see For a very important Kate to see So first come along with me What Alice saw was just the stuff To take her down below Let's take a minute just to breathe Let's see where we will go...

Using the archetypal “journey to the lower world”, the hyper hare gets us to relax and breathe and suspend our disbelief before we have a spot of tea madness. Saturday 4:15-5 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

MAD HATTER’S TEA with Kate Jauw Falling through a Rabbit’s Hole, a thirst it does create. One that’s quenched with the Queens fair tea, a time to celebrate. Don your boa, hat, and gloves and let the madness begin. Sip your tea, reveal the leaves, a respite from the din. With guidance from your host, the tea leaves will reveal Secrets, madness, messages, to inspire and to heal. Messages from deep inside, messages from beyond Messages that wake you up and messages that bond. Once you’re through the Rabbit’s Hole you’ll never be the same The Looking Glass will now reveal the wisdom that you’ve gained.


Saturday 7:30-9 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

REV-ELATIONS Family Ritual with Featured Presenters Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea); John Davis; Ted Jauw; Kate Jauw; Program Committee Co-Chair D. Current (Beowulf);

Our Youths; and Eric Durkee, lead drum. Yes indeed, our presenters have much to reveal this year, and promise much elation as well! We invite you to go with the flow. Our featured presenters, with the help of our youths, will be guiding us back through time to the child within, for whom messages rally from the Divine. Saturday 9:30-9:45 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

DREAMTIME: INSTRUMENTS FOR RELAXATION with Rob Montgomery (All) Dreamtime is our way of turning the attention of the Gathering to our youth, and helping tots wind down at the close of the day. Although Dreamtime is geared to little ones, all are welcome to join our Storytellers and the children around the Sacred Fire. Please be considerate of our storytellers, during each dreamtime slot, and avoid creating distractions with conversation or excessive movement or busyness. Parents, come with kiddos in PJ’s and ready

for bed, and there should be adequate tuck-in time before 10pm adult programming. Saturday 10 pm-Midnight | Location: Cosmic Wheel

COUNCIL OF DEITIES (TRUMPS) with Linda Margaret Ritz (Red Spider Weaving) Council of Deities is a popular platform unique to Six Crows for invoking the particular powers, patterns, and wisdoms of the universe within and without. We’re taking a

different approach in 2014 and working with the Tarot trumps. We will send a basket around throughout the weekend inviting you to randomly choose a folded description of one of the 22 Tarot Trumps. We will ask you to trust the universe to know which trump/archetype is right for you in this moment, and to work with you during the gathering. We will put out a second basket with paper Saturday night, and invite participants to write an anonymous personal concern or question to be asked of a trump as we gather around the Sacred Fire. We take turns drawing from the basket of questions, and respond in the voice of the trump who chose us. Keep in mind that gender is arbitrary, as we all contain all the archetypes. We encourage you to interact with others over the weekend regarding and from the perspective of the trump who chooses you. If you have never experienced deep invocation, this exercise may seem intimidating, but trust spirit and you will receive and give exactly what is needed and applicable. Saturday 10 pm-? | Location: The Burn ADULT SOCIAL FIRE AND DRUM (18+) (bring a chair) (optional: bring drums/shakers etc.) Adult Social Fire for casual visits and to wind down from the serious business of the Gathering. Optional drumming. Users can light and relight the fire as needed. Please reserve campfire style fun (alcohol and snack consumption) for this fire.


SUNDAY

Sunday 9-10 am | Location: Cosmic Wheel TRADE BLANKETS

Trade Blanket invites us to bring an item that has served our Spiritual need and is ready to be passed on. It might be a gift you received, or something you made, purchased, found, even traded previously. Don't limit your thinking to "Spiritual Tools" in reference to ritual use. Spiritual expression has no bounds. Also, material value is inconsequential. Meaning is the key.

Sunday morning, we anonymously place our items on the Trade Blanket and take turns choosing an item that calls to us from the blanket. The giver tells the story of his or her offering, and then selects an item. We all go home bearing a wonderful Spiritual memento of the weekend’s blessings and a special connection to a Six Crows brother or sister. Two Blankets will be laid down, a joint blanket for Caterpillars, Bees, and Lizards, and one for Wolves and adults. Sunday 10-11 am | Location: Cosmic Wheel CLOSING CEREMONY/Extinguish Fires/Close Faerie Portal

Whole camp attendance is requested as we gather to conclude business, close Sacred Space, and bid one another Adieu and Aho, and safe journey. Sunday 11 am-Noon | Location: Cosmic Wheel PRESENTERS’ AUCTION with Cameron Rogers (Kaos)

This is a community event, and while we invite donations to help cover costs, we do not impose prices for admission, camping, or vending. The annual Presenters’ Auction is how

we get our wonderful presenters to Six Crows and back home. They give their time and talents as a service to the community, and it is important that we honor them by covering their travel costs. Our unique way of making that happen without charging attendees is by raising funds through our Presenters’ Auction. We ask that each person attending the gathering bring one or more items they are ready to pass on for the auction table. We all have things we’ve made or bought or had gifted to us that we don’t use, especially we esoteric types who love to collect path-related items. Our gifts translate into love and honor for our teachers. All types of items are welcome, and we thank you for your generosity. Sunday Noon-2 pm | Location: Dining Area CLOSING FEAST & TATANKA WAKAN (Sacred Buffalo Stone Stew)

Six Crows Gathering is not a Native American event. It is an eclectic arcane wisdom event, some of which is Native American based. Our Cosmic Wheel, based in part on the teachings of Sun Bear, represents the Universe in scope, and reminds us to honor all our relations in the seen and unseen worlds. Our Sacred Buffalo Stone Stew represents and reminds us of this mindfulness, and above all, to be grateful for the many gifts of spirit in every aspect of our lives.


In Native American culture of old, the buffalo hunt was of course a grand, exciting, and vital event, AND much more than that, for the buffalo, Tatanka, was seen as the most sacred gift from the Great Spirit to the people. The people held Sweat Lodge Ceremony, and prayed to the spirit of Tatanka for a good hunt. Each kill was considered to have given its life for the needs of the people. The people honored this gift by using every part of Tatanka, from its hide to its meat, bones, innards, etc. And so we share Sacred Buffalo Stone Stew at our closing feast as a reminder to remain mindful and grateful. We “put” our prayers into all ingredients. In addition, we add our prayers in tobacco we put into the Sacred Fire over which our Sacred Buffalo Stone Stew is cooked, so that our stew becomes a healing agent. Six Crows supplies the buffalo meat, and we invite you to add 1 cup (per person) of whatever you like. Be sure to inject a prayer as you add your contribution to the pot. Sunday After Lunch-5 pm | Location: Around the Grounds GIFTS OF SPIRIT

Any of you who wish to hang back after Closing Ceremony may join others to give, receive, or exchange gifts of your spirit. Some of the modalities we've shared over the years include stone, tarot, and mesa bundle readings; massage; reiki and assorted other healing modalities; aura cleansing; yoga; manicures and pedicures; fire cleansing; music therapy; oil essence therapy; crystal therapy; psychological and archetype profiling; the smoking of the Sacred Pipe, etc. Come prepared with the tools of your trade. In the true essence of Spiritual community, no one is expected to provide or engage in a Gift of Spirit, and no payment is expected or requested. Providers determine how they want to offer their gifts, i.e. one on one or for groups. List your offerings, time slots if applicable, and location, on the whiteboard on display adjacent the kitchen.

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FEATURED PRESENTERS

Patricia DeSandro, CHt (Bona Dea)

Bona Dea is a seer/medium and works within the Wisewoman/ Shamanic and Romano-Celtic traditions as an Elder and High Priestess. Also known as the Stone Seer, she facilitates healing work for others with her kenning stones. Bona Dea has been a public speaker, ritual artist, and storyteller for more than two decades, and has presented Pagan spirituality in West Virginia, Washington DC area, and many different locations in Michigan and Ohio including University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University. She founded the Circle of the Sacred Grove Temple of the Old Religion in

1999. She is also a certified hypnotherapist with the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association, and has published articles in Healthy Living News, Psychic Eye, and Crow Calls, and recorded several guided journey/self help CD’s. She has also appeared on Buckeye Cable TV and the Sicily Studios podcasts, On The Edge. She lives in Erie, Michigan. Visit her website at mysticbonadea.com.

John Davis

John Davis is Director of Coptic Fellowship International, an action-oriented modern philosophy based upon laws of balanced living introduced originally by the Egyptian Mystery Schools. He is also Director of the Spiritual Unity of Nations dedicated to “The World as One Family.” John is founder of the World Service Order program, training metaphysical leaders since 1985. He is an Egyptologist and President of World Light Travels, and has been on 29 tours to Egypt. John is also an internationally known personal and planetary numerologist who has given more than 12,000 readings. John is

author of Messiah and the Second Coming (1981), and Revelation for Our Time (1998), a positive universal prophecy for the coming times.

Ted Jauw Ted Jauw is a storyteller. Old School. Really old…In the tradition of

his storytelling teachers, he is also a Priest of Odu/Ifa and a Babal’Awo of Osun l’Lode in the Yoruba Orisha Tradition. He also

holds pipes and wheels in several indigenous North and Meso American paths, and is a Reclaiming Witch from Starhawk’s tradition. He can’t seem to make up his mind and follow his heart at the same

time. But he’s learning. His western lens is a product of being apprenticed to Dr. Mary Loomis, the noted Jungian Psychotherapist, who also introduced him to the shaman and storytellers that have absorbed him for twenty five years and are now squeezing him out on a world Thirsty for Old Ways that are Integrated into New Worlds, Worlds where en-chanting and en-trancing regain their old Meanings and gain new Purpose.

http://www.mysticbonadea.com


These days, he may be seen at a storytelling Moth, Poetry Slam, Drum Circle, or Music Festival as often as you might find him in a church, speaking to a college class, or really anyone who will listen.

Kate Henriott-Jauw Kate Henriott-Jauw is an artist and a mom to seven amazing children. She is a psychic medium, dreamer and diviner, working to bring messages and make connections between worlds. Her current work is the Goddess Emergence Project. Kate has been awakening and activating the goddess within herself and others since her now grown daughter asked her about witches and wizards many years ago. She decided to shed the costume, drop the props, and walk off the

stage of suburbia to reclaim herself, and has never looked back. Through her long journey of awakenings including her loss of family as she knew it, loss of her home, loss of her business, and escaping domestic abuse, she has discovered that the Goddess is very real and lives within each one of us.

RESIDENT MASTER DRUMMER

Eric Durkee Eric has been drumming in assorted musical styles for 30 years. He rocked out the quads with his high school marching band, played drum set in a Christian contemporary band, and backed up acoustical Christian artist Reggie Coats in Mexican gigs. Seven years ago he turned his talents from drum set to hand drums. Fluent in percussive massage, his creative use of hands, sides of hands, fingertips, even fingernails, makes his bongos and djembes as versatile as a drum set. Eric accompanies belly dancers and fire dancers, and drums for assorted recording projects, music videos, and talent contests

including The Public Record, hosted by Tommy Lee. He also gives private lessons and leads drumming clinics for individuals and at public schools, and brings considerable knowledge of the history and healing purposes of drums. Eric is best known for his work with the heavy metal band STEMCELL. Their album, Save Your Hate, was released worldwide on the major label Sonic Wave International, and can be purchased at Amazon.com. Sacred Shaman, a recording project between Eric and Rob Montgomery seeded at last year’s Six Crows Gathering, has taken flight with the release of their first

album this spring, which will be available at this year’s Six Crows Gathering. Wounded Healer features assorted hand drums and spirit drums, sitar, tanpura, Tibetan singing bowls, shakuhachi flute, and “a lot of other stuff”, and features the beautiful chants of Jenny WhiteHorse.


GUEST PRESENTERS

Anthony Doherty (Gwydion)

Gwydion has been studying the Old Religion for more than 20 years; studying under the guiding hand of Bona Dea for the past thirteen years. He was Elder in 2013 and has been High Priest of the Circle of the Sacred Grove Temple of the Old Religion since 2008. Meeting his wife in the coven, they have been married for 11 years, with two beautiful children. A teacher of the Romano-Celtic tradition, a Reiki Master, as well as Military veteran, Gwydion uses his training to perform a divination called “Fire Cleansing”; with the help of snake poi he burns away harmful energies with respect and safety always in

the forefront. www.circleofthesacredgrove.org

Adrienne Gasperoni

Adrienne Gasperoni has spent the last 15 years as a program director and trainer in the movement to end domestic and sexual violence. Her area of expertise includes the effects of violence on children, and family dynamics. She has been attending Six Crows Gatherings since 2006, and has served in a variety of capacities including board member, safety coordinator, and youth workshop leader. She is a certified Reiki II practitioner, and has had shamanic training in the Peruvian tradition. She is extremely excited to be able to weave her mystical and mundane worlds in an offering to this great community.

Shirley Wheeler

Shirley Wheeler was born under a Caul in a land where that still means something, Louisiana. In her, the southern swampland roots meet her Canadian Metis roots. Under the tutelage of her root doctor Grandpere, who brought his own “craft” from Sainte Marie in France, she is as Creole as Creole can be… Her life after Louisiana, however, is what makes her a healer, and it is what she has survived and how she thrived that attract people to her empathic and empathetic healing. Down home, practical, and real as it is unique and fascinating, her witchcraft uses everyday items in Timeless Ways.

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YOUTH PROGRAM CLANS AND COVES We are thrilled to offer another wonderful youth program, this year under the direction of three coordinators:

Angi Holbrook Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn), and Laura Barman.

All three women are parents themselves, and Angi worked for many years with special needs children in the Ypsilanti school system. Please take time to thank them and work with them to accomplish the best possible experience for your youths of all ages. You can learn more about our wonderful youth leaders in their Biographies on Page 6. Many thanks also to the following helpers, including Dreamtime Storytellers *, who will also be working with our kids: • Linda Margaret Ritz • Dave Kennedy • Nikki Ashendorf • Adrienne Gasperoni • Joe Gasperoni • Rob Montgomery* • Jenny Graham • Bona Dea* • Kay Henriott Jauw* Youth programming is provided for the following clans: • Bees, 5-8 years; • Lizards, 9-12 years; and • Wolves, 13-17 years Parents, please note: Six Crows overlooks a lake 150 feet down the hillside, and also abuts wooded areas, in which many gatherers’ camps will be set up. Small children must be supervised at all times. All youths except Wolves are prohibited from the lake side of the grounds unless accompanied by adults. Wolves are prohibited from being in or on the lake. Caution tape and signage will be installed across the hillside as a boundary reminder for the children. Sorry, no programming is offered for Caterpillars: toddlers under 5 years. However, we do set up a Caterpillar Cove for use by parents and toddlers, and where parents may choose to share the care of their Caterpillars. The cove will be in an enclosed area in the Kids’ Zone to keep wee ones secure. It will be equipped with a tot table and chairs, playpen, and toys. You are welcome to bring your toddlers or infants to general programming. We ask that you use discretion in slipping away if your toddlers need freedom to use their outside voices. All activities for Bees and Lizards take place in the Kids’ Zone on the far west side of the property. Our Kids' Zone is fun central! In addition to providing an arts and crafts area, it is equipped with assorted active play toys, a wading pool, a larger splashing


pool, a sprinkler, a large sandbox area and sandbox toys, swings and slide etc., and our cardinal kid magnet, the tree house. Lizards may play in the tree house in accordance with the rules (which will be posted, and distributed during Youth Orientation). Bees are permitted to use the tree house only with adult supervision.

All activities for Wolves unless otherwise posted take place in the Wolf Den, a fire pit cove down the slope north of the Kids’ Zone,

facing the lake. With a fire pit at the center of their den, Wolves may enjoy a small campfire during nightly Wolf Socials. We will assign responsibility for fire safety to an “Alpha Wolf”. Our

Alpha will be selected by and report to Laura Barman, playfully dubbed “the enforcer”. Note to Wolves: fire privileges may be revoked for everyone if anyone abuses the privilege.

Special Note to Youths and Especially Wolves and their Parents: We honor our youths as citizens of the future. It is our privilege to teach you esoteric wisdom, life skills, discernment, and respect. There are few such youth programs around esoteric circles because few adults are comfortable taking on this responsibility. Our youth presenters and helpers give their time to prepare programs for you, and we do expect youths to participate. As a convenience to parents, the youth program coincides with general programming. We all enjoy the getaway and socializing with friends, but the Gathering would not exist without its mandate to learn and self develop, which applies to all ages. To the Wolves, who at times prefer to “hang out” than engage in structured programming, we say, we get it! You’re teenagers and you want freedom. We respect

and support this phase of life for you. At the same time, we ask that you respect and support the purpose of Six Crows Gathering and our Youth Program, and the efforts made by our youth presenters on your behalf. In return for your respect and cooperation, we provide Wolves with your own private den, and nightly socials to satisfy that desire for “hanging out” and freedom. If you are not interested in attending any programming, Six Crows Gathering is probably not the place for you. But if you keep an


open mind and check things out, you may be pleasantly surprised at the fun and cool new ideas you may find here. Special Note to Parents of Small Children: If you wish to partake of late night activities after your younger children are in bed for the night, it may be prudent for you to set up your camp fairly close to the Cosmic Wheel. There will be at least one person in the Cosmic Wheel at all times, as the Sacred Fire is always attended. We advise that you step your little ones through a drill on getting to the Cosmic Wheel from your camp if they awaken at night and need an adult, and you are not at your camp. Please familiarize yourselves with what is happening nightly, where, and when, after your children’s tuck-in time. Be sure to let your children know when you tuck them in where you expect to be, which most likely will be in one of two locations depending on the evening and your chosen activity(ies).

Thursday night from 10 pm, activity is split between the East Woods (sweat lodge ceremony) and The Burn (adult social and drum).

Friday and Saturday nights from 10 pm, activity is split between the Cosmic Wheel (2015 Gathering Meeting/Council of Trumps) and The Burn (adult social and drum).

Youth Orientation Meeting: We expect all parents and youths to attend our Youth Orientation Meeting in the Kids’ Zone Thursday afternoon before Opening Ceremony. It

is listed on the schedule. If you do not arrive to the gathering in time to attend, we expect you to find one of the youth program coordinators and introduce and orient yourselves.

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YOUTH PROGRAM SCHEDULE Bees: 5-8 years; Lizards: 9-12 years; Wolves: 13-17 years (Wolves may attend any General Program activities)

Click on the image below to open a full-size version of the schedule. Please note in case you wish to print

it, this is a legal size document (8.5X14). Printed schedules will be available at The Gathering.

YOUTH PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS *NOTE: This year, all general programming is suitable for teens.

THURSDAY

Thursday 5-5:30 pm | Location: Kids’ Zone YOUTH ORIENTATION MEETING with Angi Holbrook, Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn), and

Laura Barman All parents and children are expected to meet with the Youth Program Committee to pick up schedules and go over Gathering procedures and rules that relate to our youths. If you do not arrive on time for this meeting, please seek out the youth leaders with your youths to introduce yourselves and get oriented.

Thursday 9:30-9:45 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

DREAMTIME: Climb Aboard a Butterfly with Kate Jauw (All) Dreamtime is our way of turning the attention of the Gathering to our youth, and helping tots wind down at the close of the day. Although Dreamtime is geared to little

http://www.sixcrows.org/gatherings/2014/2014GatheringScheduleYouth.pdf


ones, all are welcome to join our storytellers and the children around the Sacred Fire. Please be considerate and avoid creating distractions with conversation or excessive movement or busyness. Parents, come with kiddos in PJ’s and ready for bed, and there

should be adequate tuck-in time before 10 pm adult programming.

Thursday 9 pm-Midnight | Location: Wolf Den

WOLF CLAN SOCIAL (Wolves) Leisure time to hang out with friends around the fire in the Wolf Den. The Wolf Den is located in a nook partway down the slope on the west side, north of the Kid’s Zone, and includes a fire pit and firewood. Bring chairs. Wolves are welcome to enjoy snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) in the Wolf Den during Social. All Wolf-exclusive programming is also held in the Wolf Den. Remember, the Wolf Den is a privilege and a responsibility; it will be revoked in whole or in part if abused.

FRIDAY

Friday 8-9 am | Location: Kids’ Zone

PLAYTIME with Angie Holbrook, Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn), & Laura Barman Open playtime for kids of all ages to let the kid inside have some fun. Active play and arts and crafts.

Friday 9-10 am | Location: Kids’ Zone TEA PARTY with Angie Holbrook, Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn), & Laura Barman

(Bees and Lizards, Caterpillars with parents welcome,) Come, sit, and imagine the craziest tea party you can! No need for cups and saucers at this tea party. Nature and our imagination will make it one of a kind. If you have a fun, wild, and/or outrageous hat, please bring it to wear, and we will make this Tea Party one to remember! Friday 10-11 am | Location: Kids’ Zone RED RIDING HOOD MEETS THE WOLF: PROPMAKING with Dorothy Doherty

(Arawyn), Angie Holbrook & Laura Barman (Bees & Lizards) Come and help make props for our Play, “Red Riding Hood Meets the

Wolf” that we will be performing tonight at THE SHINE! Talent Show. We’ll be making wolf masks, drums and rattles, and cardboard woodcutter’s axes. If any Wolves want to be in this play but will be busy with the Wolves’ Lightsaber Workshop, let Arawyn know and we’ll set you up later to work on your prop. Friday 10-11 am | Location: Wolf Den and Kids’ Zone STAR WARS AND THE FORCE: Building Lightsabers with Dave Kennedy (Wolves) A true Jedi knight makes his own Lightsaber. Come and learn how to make a Lightsaber, and how to properly use one. We will be building “bobber” Lightsabers followed by some practice.


Friday 11am-Noon | Location: Cosmic Wheel COMMUNITY DRUM AND DANCE with Eric Durkee (All – with the community) A time for the whole community to gather and share, including youths. This is a free form, casual time led by Eric, when we get to indulge our rhythm impulse. Bring your drums, shakers, and any other “instrument” you enjoy percussing with. Be sure to have a large bottle of water on hand, especially if you bring your dancing feet. Friday 2-3:30 pm | Location: Kids’ Zone

FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF THROUGH RHYTHM AND DANCE with Nikki Ashendorf (All) Come and learn the art of Belly Dancing! Did you know that you can tell a story through belly dance? We will learn some super fun, yet simple moves that we are going to do in helping to tell the story of "Red Riding Hood Meets the Wolf”! Friday 3:30-5 pm | Location: Kids’ Zone THE SHINE! RED RIDING HOOD MEETS THE WOLF: Play Development and

Rehearsal with Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn), Angie Holbrook & Laura Barman (All) Now is the time for dramatic planning as we discover a new take on the classic story of Red Riding Hood. With all our props made, we will assign and rehearse roles. Note that due to limited time, the story will be narrated, and those who participate will be acting out what the narrator is reading with excitement and dramatic emphasis to entice the audience. The roles are as follows: Red Riding Hood, Grandma, Woodcutters, Dancing Ladies, and Drumming Men.

Friday 7-? pm | Location: Dining Area THE SHINE! TALENT SHINDIG AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL

(All) Time to perform and time to enjoy the entertainment, and of course, ice cream. Dreamtime by Bona Dea will be at 8:30 pm just before intermission – and… did we mention, ice cream. Friday 8:30 pm | Dining Area during THE SHINE!

DREAMTIME: The Third Wish with Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea) What happens when the Faerie doesn’t know how to grant the last wish? Children of all ages, gather round. “Granny Root” has answers! Dreamtime is our way of turning the attention of the Gathering to our youth, and helping tots wind down at the close of the day. Bona Dea will invite the young’ns to

gather round her as she tells her story during THE SHINE! – followed by intermission and ice cream before tuck-in for the little ones.


Friday 9 pm-12 am | Location: Wolf Den WOLF CLAN SOCIAL

(Wolves) Leisure time to hang out with friends around the fire in the Wolf Den. The Wolf Den is located in a nook partway down the slope on the west side, north of the Kid’s

Zone, and includes a fire pit and firewood. Bring chairs. Wolves are welcome to enjoy snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) in the Wolf Den during Social. All Wolf-exclusive programming is also held in the Wolf Den. Remember, the Wolf Den is a privilege and a responsibility; it will be revoked in whole or in part if abused.

SATURDAY

Saturday 8-9 am | Location: Kids’ Zone

PLAYTIME with Angie Holbrook, Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn), and Laura Barman

Open playtime for kids of all ages to let the kid inside have some fun. Active play and arts and crafts.

Saturday 9-10 am | Location: Kids’ Zone/Woods SEEKING THE MAGICK IN NATURE with Jenny Graham & Rob Montgomery

(All) Come speak to the trees, listen to the wind, and hear the silence of nature as it passes wisdom to those who seek. As we explore the wonder of nature we will fill medicine bags with the magick around us. Saturday 10-11 am | Location: Kids’ Zone

WAND MAKING with Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn) (Bees and Lizards) Come and discover fun ways to make your own wand, which can be used to help with a Special Faerie food blessing with Bona Dea for Saturday’s lunch. Saturday 10-11 am | Location: Kids’ Zone FORCE MASKS with Dave Kennedy (Wolves) A Force mask protects its wearer from the effects of Force powers. A complicated device with unknown origins, the mask blunts mental attacks. A Force-sensitive who puts on this piece of equipment becomes disoriented due to the blunting of a Jedi or Sith's own connection to the Force. A few of these masks fell into the hands of mercenaries and others in the years after the Jedi Civil War. Saturday 11 am-Noon | Cosmic Wheel

RITUAL REHEARSAL for all Presenters and Youths All presenters and youths involved in the ritual should meet up to go over and run through the Saturday evening ritual.


Saturday 2-3:30 pm | Location: Kids’ Zone PLAY: AN HOUR WITH THE MASTERS with Adrienne Gasperoni (Bees and Lizards) A time to be celebrated for your mastery of play, joy and imagination. Play will be based on structure created by the participants. Everyone will have a turn.

Saturday 2-3:30 pm | Location: Wolf Den

TRUE COLORS with Linda Margaret Ritz (Red Spider Weaving) (Wolves) True Colors is a fun personality quiz designed to identify four basic personality types. You will first identify your own, and then learn to very quickly assess what types your friends, parents, teachers, and other important people in your life likely are, and effective ways to communicate and get along with each of the types. After you have your profile, we will play some fun games to put your new skills into action. Saturday 3:30-5 pm | Location: Kids’ Zone

DREAM PILLOW MAGICK with Dorothy Doherty (Arawyn) (All) For young children, dreams can be a place of fun and unlimited possibilities; to explore a world of wonder. But fears, fights, and “things that go bump in the night” can interfere with dreams. By using symbols, runes, and pictures, a Dream Pillow can help push all the harmful thoughts out of one’s dreams and let imagination play. For older kids (of all ages), Dream Pillows are a great way to get answers to questions. Come and dream with personalized pillows that can open the dream world up in unique ways. Saturday 7:30-9 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel

REV-ELATIONS Family Ritual with Featured Presenters Patricia DeSandro (Bona Dea); John Davis; Ted Jauw; Kate Jauw; Program Committee Co-Chair D. Current (Beowulf);

Our Youths; and Eric Durkee, lead drum.

Yes indeed, our presenters have much to reveal this year, and promise much elation as well! We invite you to go with the flow. Our featured presenters, with the help of our youths, will be guiding us back through time to the child within, for whom messages rally from the Divine.

Saturday 9:30-9:45 pm | Location: Cosmic Wheel DREAMTIME: INSTRUMENTS FOR RELAXATION with Rob Montgomery (All) Dreamtime is our way of turning the attention of the Gathering to our youth, and helping tots wind down at the close of the day. Although Dreamtime is geared to little ones, all are welcome to join our storytellers and the children around the Sacred Fire. Please be considerate and avoid creating distractions with conversation or excessive movement or busyness. Parents, come with kiddos in PJ’s and ready for bed, and there should be adequate tuck-in time before 10 pm adult programming.


Saturday 9 pm-12 am | Location: Wolf Den WOLF CLAN SOCIAL

(Wolves) Leisure time to hang out with friends around the fire in the Wolf Den. The Wolf Den is located in a nook partway down the slope on the west side, north of the Kid’s

Zone, and includes a fire pit and firewood. Bring chairs. Wolves are welcome to enjoy snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) in the Wolf Den during Social. All Wolf-exclusive programming is also held in the Wolf Den. Remember, the Wolf Den is a privilege and a responsibility; it will be revoked in whole or in part if abused.

SUNDAY

Sunday 8-9 am | Location: Kids’ Zone

♫♪ CLEAN UP … EVERYBODY CLEAN UP ♫♪ with Angie Holbrook, Dorothy Doherty

(Arawyn), and Laura Barman

(All) Last chance for youths to finish up and collect their craft projects. Even if you’re done,

if you helped make the fun enjoyable mess, we appreciate your help cleaning up the Kid’s Zone.

~~~


Six Crows Youth Program RULES AND AGREEMENTS

Personal Safety and Medical Help

Look around for people wearing red armbands. These are safeties. Safeties keep an eye out that everyone is safe at the gathering. You can go to a Safety or any Presenter or Elder if you need help, to talk, or to get you to the medic if you need patching up. Please don’t interrupt a program in process. Ask a safety to get a parent for you if needed. In addition, this year we are introducing our Youth Advocate, Joe Gasperoni, who will help with mentoring or to help you work things out with peers or other adults. Be warned. Safeties will be keeping an eye and ear open for disruptive or out of bounds youths, who may be restricted to the Cosmic Wheel until a parent can be summoned.

Earn Wolf Bucks Working the Trading Post

Wolves and older Lizards interested in working The Six Crows Trading Post table should find Meri Eitsen and sign up for a shift or two. Shifts are 90 minutes or 2 hours, and sales clerks get paid in Wolf Bucks to spend at the Six Crows Trading Post.

Toys and Electronic Devices ABSOLUTELY NO TOYS are permitted that may cause harm, such as slingshots, dart blasters, cap or BB guns, etc. Electronic devices including cell phones are NOT IN USE during programming, except to take pictures. This is to keep everyone in the moment. Picture taking MUST BE REQUESTED and allowed by the facilitator during programming. Get friends’ permission as well.

Grounds Restrictions Preteens Caterpillars should be with parents or caretakers age 13+ when not at the co-op. Bees and Lizards are restricted to the Kids’ Zone, the Cosmic Wheel, their family camps, the Trading Post during posted hours of operation, and the kitchen/dining areas (or traveling between these locations). ABSOLUTELY NO going down the hillside or to the lake except in program with adults. The pole barn is out of bounds unless you are working the Trading Post.

Grounds Restrictions Teens

Wolves are not restricted during the day/early evening hours except: no using any of the boats or going into the lake. The pole barn is out of bounds unless you’re working the Trading Post. The Trading Post is limited to posted hours of operation. After 9 pm quiet time, Wolves should be in the Wolf Den, Cosmic Wheel, Kids’ Zone, East Woods (only if participating in Sweat Lodge Ceremony), or their family camps.

Kids’ Zone The Kids’ Zone can plainly be seen on the west side of the grounds. It includes the

enclosed Caterpillar Co-Op; space for active play; a large sandbox with sandbox toys; swinging/sliding equipment; an arts and crafts nook; small person and bigger person splashing pools; and the tree house. The tree house is out of bounds to Caterpillars. Bees may play in the tree house with adult supervision only. Lizards and Wolves are not restricted except by curfue. Climb and use with care, and no roughhousing up there.


Caterpillar Cove Toddler Co-op

Caterpillar Cove is for use by parents and toddlers, and where parents may choose to share the care of their Caterpillars so they can enjoy adult programming knowing their little ones are safe and having fun. The cove will be in an enclosed area in the Kids’ Zone to keep wee ones secure. It will be equipped with a tot table/chairs, playpen, and toys.

Name Badges Youths are expected to wear their name badges at all times so we know who you are and where you belong. Parent/Guardian names should be printed on the reverse. Age categories are:

0-5 years: Caterpillars 6-8 years: Bees 9-12 years: Lizards 13-17 years: Wolves

Curfews

Youths’ nighttime activities, whereabouts, and curfews (family camps) are determined according to age as follows:

Caterpillars, Bees & Lizards: following Dreamtime unless with parents. Wolves: Midnight with 9 pm quiet time; posted locations apply.

Respect for People We love to see kids having fun, excited, and enthusiastic about programs and the gathering. We also expect you to respect each other, the teachers, other adults, and yourselves, at all times by keeping mindful of the following:

Make your stories, jokes, and comments uplifting and positive, never offensive or ridiculing;

Be quiet and listen when others are speaking; Value everyone’s ideas equally; Keep your hands and feet to yourselves unless instructed otherwise by a

facilitator as part of a program.

Respect for Property Please respect the property, grounds, and Mother Earth. Please do not drop even small wrappers or toys on the ground. Garbage and recycling containers are our friends and want to be used. Please clean up any messes you make around the kitchen and dining areas. Wash and put away your own dishes after every meal.

Sacred Fire/Social Fires Wolves may sign up for shifts tending the Sacred Fire only with an adult. Only Wolves are permitted around the Wolf Den Fire (or in the Wolf Den) except for rare special circumstances such as when Lizards have a program with Wolves. The Adult Social Fire is STRICTLY OFF LIMITS to anyone under 18 years of age.

Timeliness Please arrive on time for scheduled programs. Have fun!!!!

~~~


SIX CROWS GATHERING INFRASTRUCTURE

Six Crows Gathering is a 4-day retreat held in mid-August for an eclectic assembly of seekers who share a common interest in nature-based and esoteric philosophies, and creating sacred space without and within. Our mandate is to help build a bridge of understanding and respect among seekers of every walk, and with a particular interest in exploring the wisdom of the ages. We look forward to sharing the weekend with old friends, and connecting with new kindred spirits with open minds and hearts. GROUNDS ORIENTATION DIAGRAM Please have a look at the Grounds Layout and get oriented before you come, especially if this will be your first experience attending Six Crows Gathering or a Six Crows event. You may find it convenient to refer to this grounds layout as you read through the program.


REGISTRATION

Please register in advance at http://www.sixcrows.org/gathering.htm. Advance registrations help us with preparations, and also help the youth program coordinators to plan for the number and ages of kids they are expecting. You can also register for THE SHINE! on our Gathering Page. CHECK-IN AND SETUP

To minimize programming interruptions, we ask you to sign in and get your camp set up between 8 am and 6 pm Thursday, and dawn to 1 pm Friday. An area will be reserved near the road for any who arrive after 1 pm Friday. We also advise you to arrive early for your choice of prime camping and vending locations, otherwise, you may end up deep in the woods with a rake. We’re only serious. Watch for Registration Chair Michelle Byrn, along with Carol Beatty and Cody Clement at the Registration Table. If you want to arrive or set up before Thursday morning, do come ahead. Just drop us a note at [email protected] to let us know when you expect to arrive. Be prepared to be put to work once you're set up. We're only serious about this too. We need and appreciate all available hands Wednesday and Thursday morning to help with setup. Those who do arrive early are on their own for meals until lunch Friday. We strongly encourage you to try to be with us for the entire gathering. Comings and goings are disruptive on many levels. Unless you’re new, you have a whole year to

schedule around it, and you will surely agree this gathering is worth using a vacation day for. If you are local and traveling back and forth from home, please slip in/out with the least disruption possible. We know life happens. We encourage you to leave mundane business “out there,” as far as possible for the most potent gathering experience. FEES AND SPONSORSHIP There has never been a charge to attend, camp, or vend at Six Crows Gathering. This is a community event and is not intended to be a money maker. We do look to the community to share the costs. Last year we were in the red by nearly $1000, so we really need your help. We suggest a donation of $10 per person, $25 per family, or

equivalent in sale item(s) for the Six Crows Trading Post fundraising table. However, any donation amounts will be appreciated, and no one will be turned away. We also get creative in meeting our supply needs as a community, and invite you to bring items like toilet paper and lamp oil to fuel torches for night light. See our handy What to Bring List on Page 47. PRESENTERS’ AUCTION

We could not afford to deliver a gathering of this caliber if our presenters weren’t donating their time. We are truly blessed! Year after year, our teachers grace us with their time, talents, and energies, and every year’s program seems to top the last.

http://www.sixcrows.org/gathering.htm



We intentionally do not factor Presenters’ travel funds into our gathering costs. We’ve

found that we can best raise funds to get them here and back home through a separate effort, our Presenters’ Auction. We rely on your donations and auction purchases, so please keep this in mind while you are packing up to come over. Unless you live a clutter free life, you probably have some things you don’t use anymore. Of course spiritual tools

and trinkets and such are always popular, but everything goes, new or used, homemade or purchased, of interest to any ages. All efforts are appreciated by our presenters. Please be considerate and cleanse or otherwise release any built-up energies in Spiritual tools before packing. Bring any questions to our Auction Coordinator, Cameron Rogers Wortman (Kaos). TRADING POST OPEN TO ALL FOR VENDING All in attendance are welcome to sell their wares. The Trading Post is limited to the sale of non-food-related merchandise only, and does not accommodate services for pay. It is centrally located along the south tree line, where vendors can easily keep an eye on their goods from the Cosmic Wheel. Trading Post locations are first come first serve, no reservations required or accepted. Bring everything you need for your installation: tables, canopies, etc., as applicable. Please bring a tarp to cover your items when the Trading Post is closed to discourage Gatherers from exploring.

Note carefully the open time slots on the schedule. Trading Post activity is not permitted during scheduled classes, workshops, rituals, and ceremonies. We strictly enforce this policy out of respect for the efforts of our presenters. There are ample opportunities each day for vendors and attendees to interact. A Six Crows Alliance Trading Post Booth will be set up as part of our fundraising initiative to cover Gathering expenses. We’ll be recruiting Wolves and older Lizards to work our Trading Post table. Payment is in "Wolf Bucks" ($1 Wolf Buck = $1 value in purchases at our Trading Post). In addition to assorted general and youth items for sale, we will have some very basic concession items on hand (bagged ice for coolers; cans of soda…). We invite the donation of arts and crafts, used books, CDs, DVDs, jewelry, etc. toward our fundraising efforts. Bring items to Meri Eitsen, or directly to the Six Crows booth when you arrive. Thank you for this consideration.


COSMIC WHEEL – TEMPLE AND HEART OF ACTIVITY

The Cosmic Wheel is our “Temple” and the heart of Gathering activity including the location of our Sacred Fire. Rituals, ceremonies, and most of our featured programs take place inside and around the Wheel. Please keep mindful that this is Sacred Space, and a certain spiritual etiquette is expected. Typically, we enter from the East “gate”, the place of the rising sun and new beginnings. It is common to smudge before entering. There is always a bowl of sage at the “gate”. If this is not your thing, prepare yourself in your way to enter Sacred Space.


Try to remember to travel around the Wheel, and especially around the Sacred Fire, in a Sun-wise (clockwise) direction to promote a common flow of energy. We do not bring or consume food or drink (other than water) inside the Wheel. Thank you for this observance.

FIRE, SACRED FIRE…

From the Roman Vestal Virgins, to Peruvian Acllas, to the Hindu Lord Agni, Acceptor of Sacrifices, to the Sacred Fire inherent in virtually all Native American activity, Sacred Fires have been guarded and tended as our metaphorical umbilical cord to the Divine since the dawn of humankind. Our Sacred Fire, lit in a ceremonial manner by our Fire Tender Dave Kennedy during our Opening Ceremony Thursday, and put to rest Sunday when we close, is to be respected, honored and held sacred. Please

keep mindful that nothing goes into it except sacred offerings. Tobacco and other sacred herbs may be found near the fire for “prayer”. Feel free to contribute sacred herbs for general use.

The Sacred Fire is never left unattended. We encourage all in attendance to share its tending by signing up for 4-hour shifts (tenders whose shift falls into mealtimes are expected to recruit a fellow gatherer to watch over the Sacred Fire while they have their meal). Late night shifts coincide with the shifts of Safeties, who generally do double duty in the quiet hours. The sign-up sheet is passed around during Opening Business. No worries if you are not present Thursday. It will come around again. Six Crows Alliance is blessed to be the recipient of sacred coals passed down through the Sacred Fires of Native peoples of the Southwest dating back to the mid-1800s – prayers on top of prayers on top of prayers! Many have taken away coals for their own sacred use after our Sacred Fire is put to rest. Do feel free to take some away with you after this year’s closing ceremony, and keep passing them on after you’ve brought them back to life, for our world can use as many prayers as we can send around. PRAYER TREE

Look for the glorious white pine that overlooks the south side of our Cosmic Wheel. Silent observer to all Six Crows activity since our inception, she is our Witness Tree and the bearer of our prayers. If you would like to add a prayer of your own at any point over the weekend, you will find baskets of feathers and ribbons at her base. You may optionally “pray onto her” a personal item that represents your appeal. Your purpose

and procedure will be individual: personal prayers for yourself or others in your family or community; gratitude for blessings received; general prayers for the world; peace, etc…


White pine is the Tree of Peace under which warring woodlands tribes buried their weapons as they forged the Iroquois Confederacy, now known as Six Nations. (This is where the term “bury the hatchet” comes

from, and by the way, the United States Constitution was fashioned in part after the Iroquois Confederacy.) In nature-centered spirituality, everything is known to have consciousness, or a spirit. Everything is part of the web of life. And everything is in symbiotic relationship with everything else, rocks and waters, plants and animals, etc. Many nature-centered traditions around the world call upon and honor nature spirits and our relationship with them by “erecting” a prayer tree. Prayer trees come in myriad forms, from younglings to majestic old trees with eons of history. Some cultures plant a large dead branch in the ground and tie favors and prayers onto it. Some religions even fashion them from branches or other creative materials hung on walls, and write their prayers on leaves or slips of paper which they tack on.

People pray – and “pay” as some traditions compensate nature spirits whose help they

seek – with all kinds of things. Tengerists (Siberian Shamans) tie on white ribbons and commonly throw coins at the base of the tree or even insert them into the trunk. They also spray milk and leave rice, vodka, etc. In Scotland and Ireland, people dip pieces of cloth or other sacred offerings into “Cloughtie” wells – sacred springs tended by nature spirits – and tie them to nearby trees as prayers for healing. Feathers are common in Native American cultures, as they carry the prayers to the Great Spirit. There may be candles and incense, food offerings, and symbolic items limited only by the imagination. SAFETY, SAFETIES, AND MEDICAL SERVICE We have support people we call Safeties and Medics on duty throughout Six Crows Gathering. Both Safeties and Medics can provide crisis intervention and support, and help attendees with grounding, shielding, and clearing difficult energies should they have such needs. By providing loving service, information, and encouragement, their aim is to support and promote a community that functions in unity. You will recognize Safeties by their red armbands. You will recognize the Medics by their white armbands. Our Safeties Coordinator Anthony Doherty (Gwydion) is putting together a team of qualified persons to serve in the role of Safeties. If you are interested and feel qualified to stand with Anthony in this capacity, please let us know at [email protected], and we’ll pass your name and contact information along to Anthony. We will have a sign-up sheet available at the registration table, or you can find Gwydion Thursday after you set up camp. In a pinch, show up at the Safeties and Medics Meeting at 5 pm Thursday in the Cosmic Wheel. At that time Anthony will go over Safeties’

responsibilities, and schedule them such that there is at least one Safety on duty at all times during the weekend.



Registered nurse Meri Eitsen serves as our chief Medic, with Anthony Doherty, also trained in first response, on standby to help out as needed. A Medical Station will be centrally located for the treatment of minor medical emergencies. If you have any medical issues we need to know about, please seek Meri out upon arrival and discuss with her. DAILY CHORES – SHARE THE WEALTH!

Of course the Gathering doesn't run itself, but we have found over the years that a little bit of commitment and sharing of community tasks by everyone keeps everything running smoothly around camp, and prevents burden on any individuals. Daily chores include making morning coffee, cleaning the kitchen and dining area tables after meals, garbage and toilet detail, etc. Watch for Chore Sign-Up Sheets going around at Opening Business. Those not present Thursday will have other chances to sign up. OUTDOOR KITCHEN AND DINING AREA/POT LUCK PLAN

Our lunches and suppers are pot luck, and meal breaks are intentionally extended, a wonderful way to share our creations and contributions, and fit some casual visiting in amid a busy schedule.

Six Crows Gathering is fairly rustic, but we do pretty well with what we have. Our makeshift outdoor kitchen area contains a large grill, microwave oven, roaster, coffee pot, kettle, toaster, and other cooking aides. There is electrical access for plugging in


crock pots etc. We have a rudimentary dishwashing station (running cold water only) so you may bring your own reusable dishes and utensils. If you prefer to simplify with disposables, please be kind to our Earth Mother and choose bio degradable products. Six Crows Gathering is eco-friendly and puts out recycling and compost bins. Be aware that with 150 people sharing cleanup facilities after each meal, it’s hectic, so be as efficient as you can. Please pick up and put away your leftover pot luck contributions immediately following the meal. A big pot of coffee and all the fixings (and tea and a tea kettle) await us in the kitchen each morning. Otherwise, everyone is on their own for breakfasts. If you can spare it, please keep mindful of our presenters and any others in need. A small contribution of a table ready item for the breakfast table (items you might find at a continental breakfast, i.e. a jar of jam, English muffins, cereal, fresh fruit, boiled eggs, etc.) goes a long way. To keep Pot Luck Contributions balanced, we have devised a simple plan for taking turns with main and side dishes according to the preparer’s birth day. The total is 5 contributions over the course of the Gathering: 2 suppers (1 main, 1 side); and 3 lunches (1 main, 1 side, + contribution to the closing feast as described). The plan will be posted in the kitchen as a reminder. Even birthdays: Main – Friday Lunch; Saturday Supper Side – Friday Supper; Saturday Lunch

Odd birthdays: Main – Friday Supper; Saturday Lunch Side – Friday Lunch; Saturday Supper

All: Closing Feast Sunday 1 cup of chopped whatever you like per person to add to the Sacred Buffalo

Stone Stew: potatoes, carrots, onions, beans, any meat chunks, etc. We supply the buffalo meat. Be sure to pray over your contribution before adding it to the pot simmering over the Sacred Fire Sunday morning.

1 Side Dish; or bring your leftovers to the table. A scheme some have adopted to minimize meal prep and maximize social time during the Gathering is to prepare and cook ahead then warm as needed over the weekend; or simmer slowly in a crock pot while programming is underway, or freeze main courses before coming, then thaw and heat (saves on ice and acts like ice too). You will need to provide your own cooling. Bagged ice will be available for purchase on site from the Six Crows Concession. A runner will take orders Friday and Saturday afternoons during Check-ins and pick up items not available on site. Note the “on the table” time on the schedule. Please don’t keep others waiting and dishes getting cold. TOILET AND SHOWER FACILITIES We bring in outhouses. Those of you in attendance last year are aware that we had a propane powered water heater donated by Kaos, so hot showers are the new standard.


YAY! Some gatherers bring their own camp showers, which are a great investment and surprisingly inexpensive if you camp much. Otherwise, for all intents and purposes, expect rustic camping. Mother Earth thanks you for using the cigarette butt cans located all around the grounds. Please use garbage and recycle bins, and respect the grounds and Mother Earth, and remind your children to do the same. PHOTOGRAPHY, CELL PHONES, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Photos are taken throughout the Gathering by Six Crows Alliance volunteers and attendees. Please make it known if you do not wish to be photographed. Unobtrusive photographing during programming is usually fine, however be sure to ask facilitators before their program begins. Many don’t wish photos taken during ritual activity. Please engage respectfully. The subject will be addressed during Opening. With the prevalence of hand-held electronic devices today, we have established a strict policy of no use during programming except by prior arrangement with facilitators. Please turn off or silent cell phones that are on your person. This policy will be strictly enforced with youths. Starting this year, such equipment will be confiscated from youths and returned to parents. POLICY ON VIOLENCE

Six Crows Alliance has a zero tolerance policy for violence in any form at live gatherings, in publications, and online. Threats of violence, sexual harassment, sexually explicit language, actions, or content, tactics of intimidation, racial, ethnic, or religious slurs, slander, libel, malicious gossip, and physical assaults are examples of violence which are not tolerated. Should a violent behavior arise at any Six Crows sanctioned event, the Planning Committee or its representatives will immediately investigate, assess, and take action based on their findings. Appropriate initial response to a minor infraction is to review with the individual this Zero Tolerance Policy. Two committee members, one of whom is the event coordinator, editor, or moderator, may together, as deemed necessary, impose an immediate temporary ban, whereby the individual will be asked to leave the premises or forum. Local authorities may be called as necessary to maintain safety. A full report will be made to the Board of Directors, which may order further investigation, with final resolution and action decided by the Whole Board. Disposition may include one or more of the following:

Vindication with apology

Mediation

Conflict Resolution

Probation (period to be based on the circumstances)

Suspension (period to be based on the circumstances)

Ban (permanent removal from the Six Crows community – this would be a rare and extreme case)


VOLUNTEERS

You can imagine that putting on this wonderful event as well as other smaller events throughout the year sponsored by Six Crows Alliance takes a lot of work and commitment, and help is always at a premium. Attending the gathering and other events is certainly loads of food for the soul, as they say. For many, there is even more satisfaction, and certainly a level of sharing and learning beyond the event that comes from getting in up to your elbows. If you are so moved, we absolutely need YOU! Email Linda at [email protected], and we’ll explore where your passions lie. And THANK YOU!

~~~



A HANDY REMINDER LIST OF THINGS TO BRING NOTE: What to do with your gathering contributions and donated goods will be addressed during Opening Ceremony.

Tent (camping is in designated open areas and in the adjacent woods, first come first serve; the later you arrive, the more likely you will have to clear a wooded area); small camping vehicles and campers are fine. Cars may be driven onto the gathering grounds only to unload your gear. Unless your vehicle IS your camper, it MUST be parked in designated parking. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Camp/personal/toiletry supplies. There is a propane powered hot outdoor shower. The kitchen sink/faucet supplies cold water only.

Leave an extra camp chair at the Cosmic Wheel, our central programming area, otherwise you will be dragging your chair back and forth from your camp; there are chairs in the dining area.

Reusable camp dishes and table setting or earth-friendly disposables. Drinking water (the well water is heavily mineralized and not great tasting for consumption). Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly; bring rain gear (there is some shelter). Drums, rattles, shakers, sticks, clappers, flutes, bells, didgeridoos, etc. for community drum

and ritual (you are invited to bring extras if you have them to loan to those who don’t). Your “Tools” for your Gifts of Spirit Saturday morning (see description). Your Trading Post items for sale (see description). One or two towels and something light, loose, and breathable to wear for Sweat Lodge

Ceremony. Tobacco for prayer requests of the Sweat Lodge facilitator; other small gifts to leave on the

sweat lodge altar for the facilitator and fire tender are acceptable (as they are for any of the facilitators), but not required.

Leave Sacred Herb contributions by the sacred fire for camp use if you like (sage, sweet grass, tobacco, and copal are common).

Trade Blanket item (see description) for each person, including each child (we lay down a separate blanket for the children).

For kids planning to belly dance a large red scarf. For the kids’ “tea party” and main ritual, a crazy hat. For the kids’ props for THE SHINE!, a large empty coffee tin. For the main ritual, the presenters are inviting you to bring fun or goofy apparel to wear, and

any other items that allow your inner child to come out and play. Donations Needed (we will announce where to bring them during Opening Ceremony):

o Please contribute 1 bottle of torch oil to help keep torches lit around the grounds at nights. o Please contribute 1 roll of toilet paper per person to keep the porta-potties supplied. o Please be generous in your donation(s) of any kind of items for the Presenters’ Auction,

our sole means of funding for our presenters’ travel expenses (see description). o Optional donation: a breakfast item for the breakfast table for presenters and those in

need (anything simple you might find at a continental breakfast). o Optional donation: craft supplies for the Children’s Program are appreciated. o Optional donation: old blankets for the Sweat Lodge are appreciated. o Optional donation: We are thrilled to accept your donations of

Spiritual/Metaphysical/Esoteric books you're ready to pass on, for sale at the Six Crows Trading Post table to help with costs.

Feel free to add your energy to the Cosmic Wheel and Faerie Portal in any ways spirit moves you (the “Shining Ones” like shiny gifts left for them to enjoy, also colorful, fragrant, beautiful, melodic, sweet, and creative gifts, and they reward accordingly).

We invite you to place personal items on the altar for blessing. We invite you to add your prayers to the Prayer Tree in any form that is meaningful to you (see

the description).


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