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About usSUMMERSTAR A Spiritual Retreat held annually along the Columbia River Gorge, WA State July 15, 16, 17, 18th 2010
Find us on Facebook to connect with the Summerstar family and friends! Our History Our first gathering was held in June 1993. We were inspired by Starwood, an annual pagan festival held in upstate New York. Starwoods eclectic energy and experimental rituals were the seed of influence in our early rituals. Another great inspiration was Isaac Bonewits, ADF and Isaac's perpetual question, Why Not Excellence!? Which was a core foundation of ADF's educational outreach. This question inspires us every time we come together to plan Summerstar. Our roots were Druidic, but if you've been to the festival in the last few years, you know that we are inspired by many pantheons. Summerstar is not a church, nor do we have any "followers", or any specific spiritual leaning. In fact, the core group is diverse with paths ranging from Norse-Germanic, Thelemic, Earth Spirituality, Asatru, Goddess Spirituality and just plan Good Works. What bonds us all is a desire to offer a place where we can come together in a sacred place and share what we know, what we're learning and relax. We should mention that we are a mature priesthood, meaning we're aren't "newbies", although - when we began some of us were! The core members individually have over 20 years experience with our respective paths, involving personal research, academic training and just plain practice. Over the years, our diversity and tried and true experience has lent a hand in shaping and crafting our rituals and workshops. Summerstar has come into its own as the festival enters young adulthood. We are going to be 18 this year. We've been through changes and we've seen the festival evolve into a spiritual retreat, a homcoming and familty reunion for many. Many of us have been coming for over 10 years and a handful of us have been coming since year one. In fact, we can proudly say that we've seen an entire generation grow up and start a new one. How amazing is that! Thus, each year we create and maintain an intimate village atmosphere and the deep connections created over the years has simply allowed us to grow spiritually in wonderful ways. Of course, growth is not without its pain, nor loss. Along the way some of us have found other means of expression or simply drifted onward to new paths. While we grieve and are saddened by the loss, from simple separations and those who have crossed over, we realize this is our human condition and is the human experience. It is what inspires and renews our vigor and ability to open even further, re-affirming our connectio to the Work and devotion we wish to share. So, if you're new to our gathering, or returning we say WELCOME, come join us, relax, hang your hat and set a spell... We absolutely look forward to meeting you and sharing time in Sacred Space - time between the worlds! The Magick We invite you to share in the magick by participating as an individual. There are no requirements, you will decide how deeply you'll participate based on your own spiritual calling and magickal path. Each year we celebrate with different mythological themes and how they relate to todays current lifestyles. We see our human race moving forward to a closer awareness and connection to Earth and Spirit and wish to take an active part in this movement. With the recent disaster in the Gulf, the need is so much greater than ever to figure out how we can work for Humanity's benefit and not individual gain. All of us working together locally can affect change globally. We continue to be inspired to explore the nurturing and healing of our individual selves and the human tribe as a whole. The primary magickal working will continue to explore growth and self awareness by ritual means. Summerstar has become a place to continue your journey as you create change in conformity with your will. Summerstar opens with a ritual celebration of our place. We greet and welcome each person, we ask the spirits of the Earth for their blessing and protection of our village. There are many rituals that you can participate in, including a Traditional Norse/Heathen Blot. This allows you the chance to honor your Gods, the Ancestors and make a personal oath, or share a boast. We also have offered mens/women's rituals, children and other rituals as inspired by folks. The Work, or central ritual occurs Saturday night and on Sunday, our closing ritual ends our gathering. In addition to these rituals, there are lectures, discussions, workshops and lots of play time! Impromptu workshops and rituals have become par for the course and are encouraged. If you want to offer a workshop, or facilitate a discussion, email us for the workshop guidelines. Depending on the number of workshops and discussions, events may overlap, yet people are drawn to what they need most and you'll find you won't really miss out on anything. The final schedule of events is posted on site, but a preliminary schedule appears in the Confirmation Booklet received about a month prior to the gathering. About the Work (Saturday Night's Ritual) The main ritual, or Magickal Working is a bringing together of our energies so that we can work together as a tribe to manifest change. The magick begins when you agree to suspend your disbelief and begin the inner journey of transending space and time. Some Village Logistics: Summerstar is about growth, understanding and acceptance. It's about moving beyond the boundaries imposed by others and our own inability to cope outside of our experiences. We embrace sincerity and genuine curiosity about what makes us,changes us and drives us as people. We encourage stepping up to the unknown and moving forward with the strength of our collective Wills to guide us. Finally, we hope that you will move and grow in accordance with your own Will. Where we are Our site location is revealed to paid registrants only. This encourages only those who are sincere and interested in sharing a magickal experience to attend. What we can say, is that our site is a gorgeous place along the Columbia River Gorge. It is a primitive site, so you'll need to be prepared to enjoy our Mother in her finest of elements, be it rain, sun and wind, it is the Pacific NW after all! General camp gear is a necessity as is food for 3 days. The Summerstar staff provides a pan-cake breakfast with tea, coffee and hot chocolate on Saturday and Sunday. A potluck meal and bar-b-que meal occurs on Saturday evening, before the main ritual. We have a central water spout & rent porta-potties for the necessary conveniences. Also, we ask that you be prepared to pack out your recyclables and larger trash. We must do our part in keeping our Earth green and enjoyable for everyone. We look forward to your added presence in making our gathering a truly magical village. Walk in Peace!
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