Tamalpais facing Diablo  

Sacred Mountains of the Bay Area
Fourth Annual Conference, Oct 26th-27th, 2013  
  
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Greetings!
    
We're happy to share the full online program for our fourth annual conference, Sacred Mountains of the Bay Area: Inhabiting Home through Science and Spirit

The info below highlights three of over a dozen interactive sessions on day one (Oct 26th) as well as a featured day two (Oct 27th) gathering location.  If registration ($75 total for both days) is cost prohibitive, be in contact about volunteer/work trade opportunities; we're committed to keeping our offerings accessible to all.  

If you're willing to take a few minutes to help get the word out about the conference please see below for ways you can help

Thanks and hope to see ya the morning of Sat, Oct 26th in San Francisco!

With heart,

Daniel    

 

Founder, Executive Director  

(650) 248-8917

www.earthmedicine.org  

 

The Earth Medicine Alliance is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit.                          
 
Sacred Mountains of the Bay Area: 
Inhabiting Home through Science and Spirit 
 Sat-Sun, Oct 26th-27th, San Francsico Bay Area 
S.F. Bay Area
Living in earth-honoring ways calls for an integrated approach to ecology, human culture, and relationship with the Sacred. If you live in the Bay Area, chances are you (like eight million others) live between the waters of the Estuary and a ring of mountains: Mt Tamalpais and Mt St Helena in the North, Mt Diablo in the East, Mt Hamilton and Mt Umunhum in the South Bay, and San Bruno Mountain just south of San Francisco.

How can relating in conscious ways with these mountains increase your sense of home and place and also nourish your human relationships and inner life? On Sat, Oct 26th (1187 Franklin St. in San Francisco) over 15 distinguished presenters (see conference flyer) will guide our approach to the mountains from five disciplines:
Mt. Umunhum
* Natural science (including local geology, flora, and fauna)
* Indigenous Bay Area cultures past, present, and future
* Storytelling and creative expression
* Public policy and advocacy (inc. local sacred sites)
* Spiritual practice focused on relating with mountains.

On Day Two you'll have the opportunity to participate in smaller breakout rituals and other guided teachings on or near several of the local mountains (Tamalpais, San Bruno, & South Bay).

Cost for both days is $75. Let us know (info@earthmedicine.org) if cost is a hardship; we can use some volunteer help. To register please visit: sacredmountains.brownpapertickets.com.
 
Three Featured Conference Panels
Saturday, October 26th, 9:30am-6pm

The following three session descriptions (of twelve total) give an idea of what you can expect from Day One on Sat, Oct 26th in San Francisco. See the full program for details.
 
Entering Sacred Sites with Reverence and Respect

All land is sacred land and all land should be approached with reverence and respect, but when we speak of "sacred sites", we mean those places that, from time immemorial, have been known for their special qualities. Identified as home to supernatural beings, dwelling places for Spirit, they often contain energy that can awaken, heal and bring balance to all who enter. Join us to discuss how to be inside these sacred spaces with respect and reverence, be at ease with the transformative energies present there, and enhance the relationship between sacred sites and nearby communities. Presenter: Hua Anwa 

 

History and Future of Sacred Sites in the Bay Area

What comes to mind when you think of "sacred sites?" Are there any places here in the Bay Area that come to mind? What are the criteria that go into local sites being "sacred" and how does that translate into public perception and policy? First grounding the topic of sacred sites in awareness of Bay Area Native cultures and different types of present-day advocacy, panelists will explore some of the challenges and potential for further designation and protection of Bay Area sacred sites (including locations on and around local mountains). Presenters: Jon Swae, Gregg Castro, & Arthur Dawson 


Dancing with Giants: Bay Area Living in the 21st Century

Now home to over seven million people, the San Francisco Bay Area is a place of both stunning natural beauty and relentless challenges of urban life. How can earth-honoring values, including conscious relationship with the land here, deeply take root in our everyday lives? How can we work to transform destructive forces at work in the Bay without losing touch with fundamental joy and happiness? Panelists will bring an uplifting and pragmatic spirit to the work of earth education, visionary art and expression, and hands-in-the-dirt intimacy with the land here in the Bay. Time for questions and dialogue. Presenters: Catherine Herrera, Feral Kevin, Craig Chalquist, & Obafemi Origunwa 

 
Featured Conference Location:
Ulistac Natural Area
Santa Clara, CA

This year we'll be welcoming two presenters directly connected to Ulistac Natural Area; Dennis Dowling and Jeanne-Michele Salander. In addition to their service with the land and plant relations, these two local earth-stewards are part of a larger movement to protect the cultural and ecological integrity of Ulistac from ill-considered plans to locate soccer fields over an Ohlone burial and village site (a shift motivated by the need for more parking for the 49ers' new stadium).

For more info on this time-sensitive cause and ways to help, see: http://saveulistac.org/ and check out the Celebrating Ulistac event this Sunday, October 20th (inc. offerings by local Ohlone leaders and organizations).  Please lend your support!

Sun, Oct 27th offering on day two of conference:

Praise and Prayers for the Protection of Ulistac Natural Area (Santa Clara, CA, 11am-3pm). Cradled between the Diablo Range (including Mt Hamilton) to the east and the Santa Cruz Mountains (including Mt Umunhum) to the south and west, Ulistac Natural Area is a 41-acre native plant sanctuary, public park, and Ohlone sacred site along the Lower Guadalupe River in the city of Santa Clara. Ulistac is currently under threat from a plan to create more space for 49ers stadium parking. This inclusive, heart-centered ritual will celebrate the diverse ancestors, plants, river, mountains and other spirits of place while focusing prayers for the ongoing protection and vitality of this cultural and ecological sanctuary. Ritual leaders: Jeanne-Michele Salander and Daniel Foor

 

Ways to Support and Get Involved  


The Earth Medicine Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit in state of California. One of the best ways you can support our work is by making a donation to support our efforts (we are fully tax-exempt). 
donate   

At this very moment we could most use your help getting the word out about the conference: 

  • Visit our Facebook page: Sacred Mountains of the Bay Area, confirm attendance, then "Invite Friends" who may benefit.  If willing, post on your Facebook wall about the event.
  • If you have a newsletter or way you reach your networks consider letting folks there know.

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The Earth Medicine Alliance is run by volunteer effort, people who love the Earth and enjoy contributing some of our time and expertise to make it all happen. If that sounds satisfying to you (or like a great way to learn new skills and engage in some Earth service) please consider:  

  • Voices of the Earth Project. Online educational project, opportunities to interface with earth-honoring elders and community leaders. Contact: elaine@earthmedicine.org 
  • Board of Directors. If you have experience serving on a board or experience with fundraising, marketing, business, or other practical skills: info@earthmedicine.org 
  • Staff and Volunteers. If you have skills related to non-profit service and the time to get involved, be in contact: info@earthmedicine.org