May Offerings - Classes, Water Blessing, and More!

A special note from Tobey White Heart:

Earth Day celebration
Hua was invited to be a special guest at a weekend long Earth Day celebration and Elder's Council Fire hosted by Earth Peoples United (TJU) in the San Francisco Bay area. The first day consisted of a beautiful event at the Women's Building with Tata OmeAkaEhekatl Erick Gonzalez, Mayan Aj Q'ij (Spiritual Leader) and co-author of Transforming Through 2012- Leading Perspectives on the New Global Paradigm speaking about Mayan Prophecies: Earth Wisdom for a New Millennium. Among the special guests including Hua were a number of Elders from Mexico, the Santa Rosa area, musicians and Maestros from the Bay area.

This is very much in keeping with Earth Peoples United's stated mission "to connect people to the natural and spiritual world, and to bridge the wisdom of the Ancient Ones with the world of today, so that the diversity of life can flourish for future generations." Children participated in the flower ceremony and roses were offered to every guest. It was really lovely and the hosting very gracious. The following day, a large Elders Council Fire was offered at the stunning Point Bonita Outdoor & Conference Center in Sausalito. The view of the Marin headlands was extraordinary, with golden carpets of wildflowers and gentle slopes that headed down to the sea.

The stated intention for the day was wonderfully fulfilled: "The Council Fire has been a way that the indigenous people have kept the clans strong and united by continuously having ceremonial gatherings to keep the people together with one mind and one heart. In this time in history, we have forgotten what it means to include all people, from the youngest to the oldest. These are the precious moments to put together the different prophesies, different creation stories, different spiritual instructions of our many relatives, so that we can perform proper activities to help us really integrate the changes that are happening on our Mother Earth and how to do the things that we have all forgotten, that are vital for our survival."

Hua was warmly received at these events and beautifully honored with a special Haida blanket, embroidered with beaver and owl motifs. The crowd very much appreciated her wise and honest words, and she brought laughter and tears to the hearts of her listeners. It was very touching to see the weaving together of our communities and we look forward to receiving our brothers and sisters from the Bay area here at some of our own events.

May Magick
I just have to say wow. It was different but we felt well received. Thank you to all who participated in pulling together the Sweat Lodge. Blessings to the Pagan/Wiccan community it seemed a good time had by all. We hope that some will join us in Long Dance. Special gratitude to Spirit Woman, Blue Horse, and Dolphin - for your tireless efforts to make the impossible possible. Blessings to the Pagan/Wiccan community; it seemed a good time was had by all.

Vision Quest, Elder Vision Quest Update

We have 5 solid commitments for this year's Vision Quest, including one Elder. Thank you to those who participated in the site build. Deep gratitude to the land owner Nicole, for her attentions and grace.

Since the beginning of this cycle of time, humanity has returned to nature to connect with spirit and to seek answers to problems of the physical realms, especially in these days when the messages of prophecy reveal themselves to the seeker. In its own way, the vision quest is an Initiation not unlike the days of the ancient mystery school teachings where one learns about themselves and the mysteries of the universe are often revealed to them. Who am I? Why am I here? It is a time of internal transformation and renewal.

A Vision Quest usually lasts two to four days within a circle, in which time the seeker is forced to look into their soul. The physical surroundings will allow the spirit to move into a dimensional reality of total connectedness. In ancient times, the entire clan prepared for the Vision Quest, supporting with food, wood, prayers and other support. The clan watched for the return of the Questers to hear the visions they had received for the well-being of the entire clan.

We are asking for support for the Questers, in the form of:

Energy and Prayers during the Questing (May 20-23)
food - for the support camp
water - this is a "dry" set up with no running water, so many gallons will be needed on hand
wood is also needed

A monetary donation to support this endeavor will be gratefully received. Donations will help offset Church expenses of hundreds of dollars. Any amount will lend to this service - show your support for these relations seeking vision for themselves and for the community as a whole!

For monetary donations, you can mail a check to:

Church of Empowerment, PO Box 76, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421

Or, visit www.churchofempowerment.org and click the "Donate" button!

For food and wood donations, call or email Hua.

Long Dance Core Circle Meeting
Saturday May 8th, 10 am

Invited to the Core Circle are those who have been involved with the Home Lodge for at least the last two years. The Core Circle is called together to act as a guidance council for this ceremony. This is your invitation to join us in this process.

Core Circle has the additional choice of ordering a long sleeve logo T-shirt.

Contact: Hua
Phone: 805.481.0892