Ancestor Honoring Ceremony  

Mar 18th, 11am-3pm

Oak Knoll Cemetery 

Livermore, CA  

Places of burial are seen as sacred ground by both secular and religious cultures worldwide, and conversely, desecrated graves are seen as potential sources of spiritual disturbance. By assuming communal responsibility for honoring the local dead, we can enjoy nourishing relationships with the ancestors and support our communities to be places of spiritual vitality and health.  

This community teaching and ceremony will focus on ways to honor the ancestors of place and will be held at a historically desecrated and abandoned cemetery near a public high school in Livermore, CA. Oak Knoll Cemetery was the final resting place of about ninety early settlers from 1873 to 1931; however, there are no longer any grave markers or monuments. The area is now a public park in a state of disrepair and a popular destination for ghost hunters.  

Upon arrival, we will clean up any garbage from the area, and discuss in circle beliefs and practices regarding the ancestors. We will then offer an inclusive, heart-centered ceremony to convey our respect and goodwill to the spirits of place. No prior experience with ritual is necessary and the offering will be interfaith and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.  

We'll gather from 11am-3pm (2:30-3pm time for group lunch after ceremony, bring your own). We'll still gather in light rain and cancel for severe weather. Please bring a simple natural offering (e.g., flowers, cornmeal, tobacco, ash, spirits/whiskey/etc.) to contribute to the ritual. $40 suggested contribution. Confirmation in advance is helpful.   

Oak Knoll Cemetery is searchable on Google maps.  It is located on the corner of E Stanley Blvd and Wall St.  Parking in adjacent neighborhood or at Oak Knoll Pioneer Memorial Park. 

Earth Medicine Alliance Spring 2012 Events

Celebrating Plant Spirit Medicine. Sunday, May 13, 10am-5pm, S.F. Peninsula.

Spring is a glorious time in the S.F. Bay Area as wildflowers cover the hills. In this day of inclusive, heart-centered ritual we will approach our green-blood relations as potential friends and companions on this Earth walk. This focus on friendship with the plant worlds is intended as a welcome introduction for those with little to no knowledge of native plants as well as a nourishing ritual for those with prior herbalist or naturalist training. Registration opens in April.

Rituals, Training, and Divinations with John Lockley, Xhosa Sangoma. Fri, Jun 1 - Wed, Jun 6. We're honored to host this traditionally trained Xhosa healer, diviner, and ceremonial leader from South Africa. Please see the full flyer of John's events and be in touch directly with questions or to register for the weekend or divinations.  Hope you can join us! 

 

Honoring the Warrior Ancestors. June 23: 11am-3pm, Presidio of San Francisco. In the last 250 years over a million Americans have died in war with many times this seriously injured in mind or body. When we fail to honor and elevate the souls of our warrior ancestors, our families, communities, and personal integrity suffers. When given proper care and respect, these ancestors can be a potent force for supporting the vision of a world free from war and injustice. This community ritual will be open to all, by donation.  Details will be along in May.  

Ways to Get Involved 

The Earth Medicine Alliance is a volunteer-run non-profit focused on helping humans to heal and enliven our relations with the rest of the natural world. One of the best ways you can support our work is by making a donation to support our efforts (we are fully tax-exempt). To inquire about becoming part of our team, email Artemis at apollostwinsister@gmail.com. 

• Board of Directors. We are a working Board of six, and we have space for others if it's a good fit. If you have experience serving on a board, and especially if you have fundraising, marketing, business, or other practical skills feel good about contacting us.