GreenSpirit Logo


GreenSpirit eNewsletter

GreenSpirit Logo


GreenSpirit Summer 2016 Magazine


Darkness and Light





The Summer 2016 edition of the GreenSpirit magazine has been mailed out to GreenSpirit members and includes:

* Letting Dark be Dark (poem), Grace Blindell 
* From the Editor, June Raymond
* A Quest into the Dark Side, Nicola Smalley 
* Befriending the Dark, Ian Mowll 
* Beneath the Surface ~ a call to the depths, Niamh Brennan 
* Sunlight in Darkness, Marie Tighe
* Time (poem), Kay Mullen, SND
* Growing in the Dark, Trevor Sharman 
* Darkness and Light, Camilla Burns, SND 
* Night, June Raymond 
* Book Reviews: Confessions / Deep Green Living / Nature Spirituality from the Ground Up
* From The Flower (poem), George Herbert

To buy your own copy - click here.

To join GreenSpirit to receive this and future magazines - click here.

GreenSpirit Logo


GreenSpirit 2016 Annual Gathering
 
Honouring the Wisdom of the Natural World

Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd October 2016

At EarthSpirit, Dundon, Somerton, Somerset. TA11 6PE
 






The main speaker will be Philip Carr-Gomm.
 



Philip Carr-Gomm combines being a leader of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, the largest Druid teaching order in the world with being an author in the fields of Druidry and psychology. Philip also draws upon the wisdom of other spiritual paths and is particularly interested in the ways in which we can preserve and protect the natural world for future generations. With him we will learn about Druidry and he will help us find inspiration and guidance by drawing on the animal and plant lore of our (for many of us) native lands: The British Isles. 
 
Click here to find out more about Philip.
 
All food during the weekend will be vegetarian.
 
The weekend will start at the evening meal on the Friday and will end after lunch on the Sunday. During the weekend we will also have a chance to connect with each other and the natural world with music, small groups, creative activities, meditations, a walk, ritual, the AGM and making our own entertainment on the Saturday evening.
 
Click in the link below for full information and how to book:
 

GreenSpirit Logo




Wanted - New Secretary for GreenSpirit

GreenSpirit is looking for a new Secretary. If you want to get involved with and help a small, friendly and passionate team - this role could be for you!

This involves taking the minutes at council meetings and the AGM, agreeing and distributing agendas and papers for council meetings and the AGM and other minor tasks.

For further information, please contact the Coordinator, Ian Mowll E: info(at)greenspirit.org.uk T: 0208 552 2096 or the current Secretary, Hilary Norton, E: hapn(at)greenspirit.org.uk, T: 0208 470 3365.


GreenSpirit Logo


GreenSpirit 2016 Calendar: August's image and quotation
  




Photo © Ian Mowll


Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness the energies of Love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, humanity will have discovered fire.
~ Teilhard de Chardin.



 
 





GreenSpirit Logo


GreenSpirit Local Groups 




*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Reading
Next meetings:

* Autumn Equinox - Mabon - 25 September
* Summer End - Samhain - 30 October

For more meeting dates and contact details, go to:



To see Reading celebrations and resources, go to:




*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Exeter

Exeter GreenSpirit would like to thank Helena Kettleborough and Phil Barton for coming to visit our group here in Devon and for leading such a dynamic and thought-provoking workshop on 19th July 2016. We are looking forward to finding ways of following up on the event and taking things forward locally. 
Shyron. Email shyronm(at)greenspirit.org.uk
 
Exeter GreenSpirit has a closed Facebook group here:



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Greater Manchester Study Group

We are a discussion group, who share our ideas about nature and spirituality (whilst sharing food!), and read books associated with the ideas and intellectual traditions of GreenSpirit, such as:

* David Abrams - The Spell of the Sensuous, Becoming Animal
* Thomas Berry - the Dream of the Earth
* Emma Restall - Living with Honour

The only criteria for membership is the desire to read and reflect and be inspired and aim to come for a number of sessions to grow our community. We meet every two months in central Manchester, close to Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations, at 6.30/7, and finish promptly at 9pm to allow time to catch evening trains home.

For further details, or if you'd like to join, please email Barry Johnson at barryj(at)greenspirit.org.uk



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



North Lancashire and Cumbria
 
Sunday 7th August 2016 2-5 pm ~ Lammas ~ Backsbottom Farm (Middlewood Trust), Nr Wray, LA2 9LL. 
At the height of summer's abundance, we harvest the first grains, and now come together to feed our soul and give thanks for The Sustenance of the Earth which sustains us in so many ways throughout the year. We have Helena and Phil from Manchester with us doing a workshop on "Pilgrimage for Gaia" - an inspirational exploration.
Please bring vegetarian food to share. For lifts and more info please get in touch with Dorothea.
 
Sunday 18th Sept 2016 2 - 5 pm ~ Autumn Equinox
Venue: Backsbottom Farm (Middlewood Trust), nr Wray, LA2 9LL.
As day and night are now in balance, we gather in the last fruits of autumn and gather ourselves seeking balance and harmony through the harvest festival of Thanksgiving. This is a time to celebrate the gifts we have harvested from the Earth and our lives, embracing and befriending the dark time to come which will sustain us through the coming winter. Please bring vegetarian food for the shared meal and timely contributions, poems, readings, etc. For details contact: Rod or Dorothea

Saturday 29th October 2016 7.00 to 9.30 pm ~ Samhain
Venue: Rm3 upstairs, Friends Meeting House, LA1 1TX.
Celebrating the drawing in of this year (for Celts this is New Year), we will share Dances of Universal Peace and then explore the inspiration of Meister Eckhart by watching and discussing a short film made by Mark Rotherham which includes scenes of Roeburndale Woods. For details contact: Dorothea or Mark

As ever, everybody is always welcome to all events. Bring a friend - no formal membership needed. We get by on the donations given at our events.
 
For further information and lifts for these calendar events please get in touch with the event hosts:
Dorothea: 01524 36709
Rod: 015242 22214
Jill: 01524   64183
 

Also, a GreenSpirit Study Circle is planned for September. For more information on this, contact Sam on samagita(at)phonecoop.coop



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
GreenSpirit is an official supporter of this event and will be there with a stall:



GreenSpirit Logo

Plant Consciousness 2016 


Regent's University London

1st and 2nd October 2016

An event that is revolutionising our relationship with plants



Our disconnect from the natural world has led to the disastrous situation that we now find ourselves in on planet Earth, yet our deep feelings for nature form part of our spiritual longing. The Plant Consciousness 2016 event will demonstrate in dynamic ways the intelligence of the hedgerows and fields outside of the forest, before venturing ever deeper into the Enchanted Woodland where we will learn how to cultivate and nurture our own 'Inner Forest' and why it is essential for the development of consciousness and the well-being of the planet that we do.

We can learn so much from the inherent qualities of the plant kingdom and if we look even closer, from the intelligence that lies behind it. Bringing together the values of plant neurobiology, deep-ecology, eco-psychology, sacred plant medicine, shamanism and herbalism you will discover a deeper understanding and a new harmony with plants and with your place in the biosphere of life on this planet.

Speakers:

* John Perkins - Author, Activist ~ How the Plants are guiding us to a New Consciousness
* Michael Dunning - Yew Shaman ~ Yew - Tree of Eternity
* Robin Harford - Forager, EatWeeds ~ Contemplating Plants: Coming to your Senses
* Judy McAllister - Findhorn Association ~ The Voice of the Forest
* Karen Lawton & Fiona Heckles - The Seed Sistas, Sensory Solutions, Hedgewitches ~ Voices from the Hedgerow
* Kay Haw - Woodland Trust Conservation Advisor ~ Ecology & Conservation
* Jonathon Code - Biodynamic Association ~ Encountering Yarrow: A Miracle of Creation
* Carolyn Hillyer & Nigel Shaw - Seventh Wave ~ Echoes of the Ancient Forest

To find out more and to book tickets, go to:


And here is a video What is Plant Consciousness?




GreenSpirit Logo



GreenSpirit Calendar 2017




Yes, it's a long way off but the GreenSpirit Calendar 2017 is available to buy - full details here:


If you are coming (or have a friend coming) to the GreenSpirit Annual Gathering then you may be interested to know that we will do a bulk order which will bring the cost of each calendar down to about £12 each.

If you want to have one or more calendars as part of this bulk order, contact Ian Mowll by replying to this email or contacting him on Email info(at)greenspirit.org.uk or tel: 0208 552 2096 with the number you want and stating who the person at the Annual Gathering who will be picking up your calendars. You will need to pay in advance.


Other News


Despite all the bad days...



Cosmic Walk - Winchester University







The Cosmic Walk at Winchester University is all about the Universe Story - from the big bang 14 billion years ago, through the creation of the stars, galaxies, planet Earth and the evolution of life on Earth. This story helps us to understand our place in the Universe and hints at our meaning and purpose on this planet.

This wonderful Cosmic Walk is well worth a visit. The garden area includes mini-sculptures and a labyrinth too.

The Cosmic Walk is located behind the University of Winchester's West Downs Campus, Romsey Road, Winchester SO22 5HT (get directions).

Click here for a web page about the Cosmic Walk.

Click here for a pdf about the Cosmic Walk.


An article by Dr Megan Clay The infinite possibilities of our incarnational becoming is here: www.livingspirit.org.uk/cosmic-walk


Universe Story Walk

9th - 11th September




Walk the Story of the Universe combines an introduction to the scientific story of the Universe with an enjoyable weekend of gentle walking and fine food. The idea of walking the story (scaled over 13.8 kilometres) is that you not only learn about the extraordinary events that brought us here, but also develop a strong physical sense of your place within them.

The 13.8 kilometre distance makes each metre we pass on the ground equivalent to a million years in time. We walk this over two days - 9.3 kilometres (5.8 miles) on the first day and 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) on the second. 

Walk the Story of the Universe is open to anyone who can walk 13.8 kilometres. No previous knowledge or particular outlook is assumed. Greg uses a variety of teaching techniques to help to make the content accessible, fun and engaging.

Full information and how to book at:



Sacred Clown Workshops and Performance in September

with Rachel Caine, (aka "Doris Eagle Feather Duster")




"Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand" ~ Mark Twain


Saturday 3rd September 2016   10.30 am - 5pm
"Awakening to Joy!"  One day workshop for adults.
Bridport Unitarian Chapel.
Price 60 pounds / 35 pounds concessions 
deposit 25 pounds by 31 / 8 / 16
Booking essential by email to: events@bridportunitarians.co.uk
Or by telephone to: 07917704305
 
Sunday 4th September 2016  11:00am
"Doris Pontificates in the Pulpit"
Morning Service at Bridport Unitarian Chapel
Great tea and biccies afterwards!
 
Thursday 8th September - Sunday 11th September 2016
UK Shamanic Gathering, Earth Spirit Centre, Glastonbury
A wonderful gathering of like minds focusing on "Birthing a new dream"
Doris will be offering a two hour presentation of "Shamanigans"
Contact Elsa and Howard Malpas on (020)8758 9950
Facebook: UK Shamanic Gathering
 
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September 2016
10.30am to 5pm both days
"Magical Awakening"   The Path of the Sacred Clown
The Avalon Community Centre
King Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9JX
Price: 120 pounds, concessions 100 pounds
Contact Elsa Malpas by email to: avaloncentre@hotmail.com
 
For further information about these workshops, click here to download the full details.
 
Rachel Caine is an award-winning Sacred Clown activist, Medicine trickster, Shamanka healer, performer and teacher who has clowned throughout Europe for twenty five years. She has performed in circus, hospitals, hospices, prison, theatre and street festivals and taught hundreds of clowns in the UK, Spain and Greece, inspiring the creation of Clown Doctor projects and community clown activism. She also performs as "Doris the new age guru", Holy Fool, Wise Woman and Celebrant who leads ceremonies of enlightenment to the funny side of life. She is passionate about creating communities of love, life and laughter.


Tears


Environment Matters

Come and Give Earth a Chance

~ at a sharing day ~

Earth


Saturday 8th October
10:00am for 10:30am - 4:00pm

Bexhill Friends Meeting House
Albert Road (opposite De la Warr Pavilion car park)

Morning: short presentations by a variety of environmental organisations and an exhibition.

Afternoon: Earth Cafe - sharing with 6 speakers in small groups for positive ways forward locally.

For more details, please phone 01424 214327.

Supported by Bexhill Quakers and Bexhill Environmental Group.



OSA One Spirit Summit 2016





New Story New Era
Responding together to the call of spirit

Saturday, 17th September. 10.30 - 5.15
at the Brahma Kumaris Global Co-operation House,
65-69 Pound Lane, London NW10 2HH

Speakers:
  • Ursula King - The Rise of the Spirit in an Evolutionary Universe
  • Richard Olivier - Hamlet's Journey - discovering the spirit inspired leader in us all
  • Neville Hodgkinson - The Emergence of the New Science
  • David Cadman - The Importance of Story - the Between Times
  • Sister Jayanti - Living the Values Now of the New Story: New Era
  • Prof. June Boyce-Tillman - Singing the New Story into Being


The Way of the Buzzard

~ treading the path of our ancestors, reconnecting with the spirit of our land ~
 




British shamanism in the northwest of England: Raising our consciousness by treading the paths of our ancient ancestors and reconnecting with our land. Please visit our website for details of workshops, retreats, drumming circles, full moon and sabbat celebrations, 121 healing sessions, drum birthing, ceremonies, festivals, blogs, book reviews and more. 

For full details of future workshops go to:


NLights
 
~ Sharing the best in contemporary spirituality ~

Inaugural event with Alastair McIntosh
We are delighted to welcome Alastair to initiate the NLights programme. Alastair is acclaimed author of Soil and Soul. People versus corporate Power and Spiritual Activism. Leadership as Service, chosen by Jonathon Porritt as his book of 2015. This summer he will publish Poacher's Pilgrimage an island journey. Alastair lectures extensively as well as continuing to play an active role in his local Glasgow community. More about his work at www.alastairmcintosh.com

Both events will take place at St Agnes Church Tapestry, St Agnes Street, Reddish SK5 6RA.

Monday 12th September 2016
Lecture and discussion:
Spiritual Activism in the Modern World
7.15 - 9.30pm preceded by a soup supper from 6.30pm included in cost
Cost £10 (pre agreed concessions £8)

Tuesday 13th September 2016
Workshop, including buffet lunch:
Pilgrimage, Spirit & Activism
10.00 - 4.00, arrival from 9.30am
Cost £40 (pre agreed concessions £30)

Further details of the programme at northreddish.org.uk/NLights
 
Contact us: (e-mail) clivelarsen2@me.com (tel) 07789915263



Radical Apparatus



Archetype Events

 
*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Entering Nature's Universe - Becoming Our True Selves

1 Day Shamanic Workshop with Pachamama Alliance Co-Founder and Activist 

John Perkins

Monday 3rd October 2016
10am - 5pm
Rudolph Steiner House Theatre, London, NW1 6XT



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



The Yew Mysteries with Yew Shaman Michael Dunning 
- Introduction to The Yew

Saturday, October 15, 2016
9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
The Art Shop & Chapel
8 Cross Street, NP75EH, Abergavenny 

The Yew Mysteries Continued - Essence of The Five Trees

Click here for full information.

Day 2
Yew Mysteries Continued - The Essence of the Five Trees
Sunday 16th Oct 9:30am-6pm, Abergavenny, Wales

Click here for full information.



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Hazel Hill Wood

Conservation Woodland Retreat Centre in Wiltshire






*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *




September 2 - 4

This is an invitation to relax, renew and explore in the company of men, and the magical setting of this 70-acre wood. The talents of the group and the wisdom of the wood offer a stage on which we can explore shared themes or personal situations as we want, through a range of approaches, and just being here. In this very different setting, out on the land with a campfire, there's scope to meet new aspects of yourself, find the subtler voices and the deeper melody, change an old story, play a new part, and hear the collective wisdom of the group. Several Shakespeare plays use the forest as a place to find your true values, and this wood can help us explore male archetypes in the play of life.

Click here for full information.



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



 
September 30 - 2 October, Friday 7pm - Sunday 3pm.

This weekend combines the satisfaction of outdoor physical activity with the restorative effect of relaxing in a serene woodland environment. Over two days and two nights at Hazel Hill, you will get the chance to try your hand at a range of conservation activities that are helping to turn this piece of important woodland into a resilient environment for the future. Led by our experienced conservation team, you'll get involved with activities such as tree-planting, restoring butterfly habitat and thinning thickets. There'll be optional sessions on forest ecosystems and eco-buildings. And when it's time to down tools, there are plenty of ways to relax: wander through the wood; soak in the outdoor hot tub; relax in the wood-fired sauna; do some stretching in the woods; sing songs around the campfire and share delicious food. 

Click here for full information.



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *


~ Retreat and Conference Centre ~



 
We are actively looking for at least one person to join our small, intentional residential community, housed in a beautiful medieval building in the village of Sutton Courtenay between Didcot and Oxford, by the autumn of 2016. There are currently three members, but one is planning to move on to new opportunities during the next few months.

The Abbey is a spiritual retreat, education and conference centre, offering a unique place for restoration, inspiration and transformation. More details about The Abbey and our work can be found on  http://www.theabbey.uk.com

The most important criterion is that those who join us are willing and able to work together to serve the wider Abbey Community and the long term mission of The Abbey, enrich our work as a group, maintain our beautiful centre and strengthen our links with the wider community. Being a member of the residential community involves maintaining the centre's unique and welcoming ethos through aspects such as cooking, cleaning and maintenance of the grounds and planning and supporting the programme events and hiring of the facilities - and what is required to ensure their success. This requires qualities such as initiative, maturity, flexibility, empathy and willingness to contribute to the wider work of The Abbey.

To express an initial interest, or to find out more about The Abbey and what is involved, please email Dylan Hayden at dylan@theabbey.uk.com


Resurgence 50: One Earth, One Humanity, One Future
Three-day special event celebrating Resurgence magazine's 50th anniversary.

Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th September 2016






Centred around the unifying vision of the event's title, speakers, performers and attendees are invited to celebrate Resurgence's 50 years at the forefront of the green movement, and to look forward to the half century to come. The programme for the event, packed with a fantastic line up of international speakers, promises to be extremely popular, so you'd be wise to put these dates in your diary now!

Full details and how to book at:




It's an issue of life and death

An experiential workshop based in Marsden, West Yorkshire
on 10 September 2016
Facilitated by Neil Jordan and Pam Winter
Workshop Fee £65

"...when it's over I want to say I was a bride married to amazement,
I was the bridegroom taking the world into my arms..."
(From Mary Oliver 'When Death comes')


In this workshop we will explore the connections between life and death, and how opening up to death, be it the little deaths that happen on a regular basis or the death we will all experience at the end of this life, adds to the vibrancy and fullness of our daily living.

We will spend time in the outdoors at this time of year when nature begins to die off so the natural world will be our guide in supporting us in moving towards a place of accepting death as part of life. Even though we will be in the outdoors fitness is not a prerequisite - we will be spending time slowing down in, and connecting with, nature rather than moving through it.

In this workshop we will:
* Explore our personal attitudes to death
* Unpack the cultural influences on our attitude to death
* Explore the relationship between embracing death and leading a full and vibrant life
* Explore the ongoing nature of life and death in the natural world and how life cannot exist without death and vice-versa

For more information, contact Neil Jordan at: neiljordan123(at)aol.com


My Green Pod






*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



2016 the Hottest Year Ever?

Click here for the article.



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Costa Rica Tops Happy Planet Index

Click here for the article.



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



PEA Awards

 People Environment Achievement
   

will be on 7th October in Brighton - details here:


And why not put in a nomination? Details here:


Deadline - 31st August 2016.



*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Be kind to one another...


In Brief


*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     * 



Wildheart Gathering

Wildheart Devon 12th - 14th August

http://www.wildheartgathering.com/


  
      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Solar beats coal over a whole month in UK for first time

Click here for the article


  
      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *


 
The UK Shamanism Gathering

8th - 11th Sept 2016 - Glastonbury, England


Includes Shamanigins - with "Doris" The New Age Guru



      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



Ecology and Spirituality. Led by Prof David Tacey. 

London EC1. 

8 September - 6.30- 9.00pm. 




      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *



2016 Convention of Alternative Archaeology and Earth Mysteries

Sunday 2nd October 2016: Bouverie Hall, Pewsey, Wiltshire



 
   *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *    



Resurgence Poetry Prize 2016

Deadline - 1st October 2016

www.resurgenceprize.org



   *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *    



Green Drinks

Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. There might be a 'green drink' near you. Check it out at:




   *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *    



Why we study the Universe

Podcast by Brian Swimme

Click here for the page.



   *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *    



8 Facts to Know About Lughnasadh, Pagan Harvest Festival

Click here for the article.



   *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *    



Thought for the Email





El Gamma's Touching Tribute to Mother Nature
Asia's Got Talent Grand Final 1
info@greenpirit.org.uk | www.greenspirit.org.uk
See what's happening on our social sites: