After a soaking rain, a July walk in the forest brings the occasional sighting of a red eft. Literally, I screech with pleasure when I see one. The eastern newt is a most unusual member of the salamander family. Salamanders are a sign of ecological balance. They absorb water directly through their skin and cannot survive in contaminated waters. Newts are born aquatic, they go terrestrial in the eft phase for one to several years in a day glow orange suit, and then return to water as an adult exchanging feet for fins and turning olive brown. Amphibians have a “double life”. They bridge water and earth. Masters of metamorphosis they teach us how to be more adaptable in our own lives. Their slow and measured walk connects them deeply with the earth’s energy and prepares them for the next physical transition. As much as we’d like for things to happen quickly in our lives, change has it’s own timing, and if we find the right pace it can happen without the struggle. Slowing down increases our presence, connection to everything around us, and we have a clearer picture of reality. Moving too fast, we miss things that could be helpful. A wise person once said “slow and steady wins the race”…or was that Master Turtle?
Upcoming SCL events!
July 20 Community Purification Lodge (almost full)
July 26 Enchanted Whisks: Crafting Homemade Brooms Workshop
July 27 Bound by Bristle: Crafting Magical Hearth & Kitchen Brooms Workshop(room for 1 more)
August 9 Full Moon Spirit Dance
August 10 Full Moon Community Purification Lodge
July 20 @ 1PM Community Purification Lodge
New comers arrive at Noon for an orientation. This sacred ceremony is open to all men and women that desire to connect with the elements, the worlds of Grandmother Earth, to pray (for self, life and others), to purify (emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually), and who choose to grow and evolve as humans. The alchemy of this ceremony creates a safe space for us to let go of what no longer serves us and connect with Spirit to receive guidance and healing. Come join us in a circle of reflections that we can make a jump in our evolution on a personal and collective level. There will be a potluck after the ceremony. There is no charge for the ceremony. Donations or an energy exchange for lodge maintenance are appreciated. RSVP
July 26 & 27 Enchanted Handmade Brooms and Whisk Workshop
We are excited to welcome Nam Joti Kaur Khalsa to SCL for this special broom making retreat. She specializes in both functional sweepers as well as symbolic and ceremonial pieces. Gather 'round for a charming and hands-on journey into the world of broom craft. In this magical workshop, you'll learn to weave your very own whisk or full broom by hand, using natural broom corn, twine, and traditional techniques passed down through generations. Perfect for beginners, dabblers, and curious makers alike, this workshop invites you to slow down, weave with intention, and leave with a completed whisk broom (or two) and the skills to make more. All materials are included. Come as you are! Bring your own lunch or a dish to pass for potluck. Choose a one or two day class. REGISTER
August 9 Full Moon Spirit Dance
Our ecstatic dance will be under a full moon of August. The dance is meant to be a prayerful, internal connection with ourselves and nature to gain greater insight and harmony. As we develop a closer and caring relationship with nature, we find the solutions we seek are all around us in support! In a world seemingly gone mad there is one thing we can do that will make a difference now….DANCE! Matt Wasson will be our DJ for the dance. Costumes Encouraged: Please wear regalia with a nature theme! Donate what you can. RSVP
August 10 Full Moon Purification Lodge
This event follows the Full Moon Spirit Dance event. RSVP for on or both. Sister Moon is an integral part of our life on Grandmother Earth. The moon rotates around the earth. Her face is lit by Grandfather Sun. The earth’s shadow creates the moon phases in this magical rotation. You could say she sees everything and knows everything as she witnesses our daily rotation. Humanity is deeply impacted from this relationship. Women’s fertility cycles align with her, optimal planting times have historically been practiced, and our planet’s water masses ebb and recede with her gravitational pull. The full moon is the peak energy of the last 28/29 days of our life. A lot has happened, a lot has been exposed, and as we look ahead…there is much to plan for. Bring to our gathering what has been exposed within you this past month, this past season, and the willingness to continue on into the unknown with hope, faith, and trust. There will be a potluck after the ceremony.