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Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries
(the Summer Men’s Gathering)
The Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries is often defined by its limitations. Since its first incarnation it has been open to gay men resonating with the words “spiritual”, “gathering”, “radical” and “faeries”. If you are not a gay man, we hope that you will excuse receiving this invitation and we ask your understanding that we are trying to send this to everyone who identities as a gay man, and who may wish to attend the gathering.
Actually the success of these gatherings dating from 1979 can be seen in the explosion of faerie events for all, especially at the Sanctuary in Wolf Creek that was purchased to have our own property on which to hold the Spiritual Gatherings for Radical Faeries. The SGRF (Wolf Creek Summer Men's Gathering) will happen this year from Friday the 13th of June through the eve of the Summer Solstice, June 20th. It will be followed immediately by a Solstice Celebration open to all, and then by the Nomenus Great Circle, the semi-annual business meeting for the Church of Nomenus, from Sunday, June 22nd through Tuesday, June 24th.
Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries 2008 presents a Return to Magick
A Return to the indefinable Energy that bonds us as Faeries. This practice, born in 1979, when it was not known who would feel called to a “Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries”, sparked the tradition of gay men gathering to create an Intentional Community to explore and re-create our visions, dreams, his-stories, and beings in a loving, supportive, heart centered space.
A return to Magick. We commune to discover and share our innate gifts and energies, imbuing all of our actions with resonance, grace, generosity, and a connection to the divine spirit within each of us. We congregate in ritual to raise sacred energy for the healing of ourselves and the Earth. We meditate in solitary calm, freeing ourselves of the strictures that impede our true beings.
A return to Radical. Our instinctual essence is radical. It is radical for men to relate to one another in loving, non-competitive ways. It is radical for men to wear skirts and hold one another in embrace. It is radical to celebrate our erections, both priapic and from labors. It is radical to gather in kindred spirit, making decisions on the basis of consensus. It is radical to give everyone the space to give voice without judgment.
A return to Fabulousness. The loving radiance that shines from each of us as we celebrate one another. Dressing for dinner, the fabulous No-Talent show, the mostly animal (I mean annual) Miss Wolf Creek pageant. The spontaneous performances and the enraptured participatory audiences that experience them. The sweet release of a breath held too long while hiding our true selves in the outside world.
A return to Exploration. Our intentional community gives us the freedom and space to move outside our usual patterns and truly explore what it means to be a radical faerie. To open to the New: new people, new ideas, new feelings, new ways of being, new ways to express ourselves, new behaviors. To reclaim the childlike wonder that lies dormant within us.
A return to Re-creation. We lavishly bestow upon ourselves the energy, the time and the space to nurture and actualize our evolution and creation.
A return to Sex. Putting the sensual back into consensual. We celebrate our human drive to procreate by our shared physical delight in one another, and by our progeneration of our divine faerie selves within our Gathering and within each of us in our travels afterward. A return to Freedom from Sexual Oppression, where each touch and desire is by mutual consent, and sexual expression protects and nurtures each himself and each other.
A return to Community. We gather in our Faerie village, joyously engaged in the everyday rituals of village life. We collectively cook communal meals, ensuring that individual dietary needs are met. Our generous loving energy assures equanimity in washing dishes, cleanup, and the myriad of tasks needed to support our village.
A return to Heart. From the daily morning Heart Circle through all of the day's activities, we share ourselves from the very center of our being. We uphold the principle that all of our communication is heart engaged so that every exchange between us nurtures both our hearts.
A return to Ritual. Assembling ourselves in a community determined space, time, and manner to raise group spiritual energy and have it move through/for/within us, celebrating our divine connections.
A return to Ourselves. What special feelings, thoughts, ideals, discussions, heart space, ways of being can we access only in Male Space? How do we relate to others not at or unable to attend the SGRF? How are the definitions of “men” and “gay” evolving? Does language itself limit our ability to share our identities and experiences? What happens to us after the SGRF?
What to bring:
A tent – the weather is perfect for outdoor sleeping. Special Needs (indoor) housing is available, but it quite limited in quantity. If you need this accommodation, please let the SGRF focalizers know as soon as possible. There are a limited number of tents available at the Land, if you would like to use one, please let us know. Lack of proper planning does not constitute Special Needs – showing up with nothing and/or no arrangements to take care of your sleeping space needs does not guarantee you a space.
For your tent – a tarp, a rainflap (yes, it does rain in June, although not reliably), ribbons, signs, a sling – something to make it unmistakably yours.
Bedding – sleeping bags, air mattresses, foam, pillows, blankets; the limited quantities of these on hand at the Sanctuary will be needed for Special Needs housing.
Personal care things – shampoo, conditioner, razor, toothbrush, towel, sunscreen, moisturizer, toothpaste, condoms, lube, handcuffs, insect repellent, personal sexual devices, teddy bears, makeup, nail polish, etc. We know that you will bring only bio-degradable and/or earth friendly products.
Clothes and other things to wear and share– Days are warm, nights can be cool. Bring appropriate footwear if you want to hike in the hills AND appear as a contestant in the Miss Wolf Creek pageant. The drag closet is available to fill in some missing items, but chances are that there won’t be a pair of ruby slippers in size 11 ½ EEE waiting for you here. Ditto for a pair of hiking boots in size 10 D. That size 20 cerise taffeta evening gown hanging in your closet at home would look fabulous at dinner one night.
A number for the No Towel Lint show. Drums for the drumming circle, maracas, tambourines, guitars, sweet voices for singing in harmony.
Boundless Good Energy – We know we don’t have to remind you about this. Caring, Support, Generosity, Sharing, Enthusiasm, Goodwill, and a host of other positive attitudes too numerous to list are the essence of Faerie existence. We gather to celebrate them with one another.
The small-as-we-can-possibly-make-it list of things you really can’t bring:
Your pet – sorry, but there are already caretaker familiars in residence here. New animals upset the balance and have the distinct possibility of creating problems. Please leave your familiars at home.
City attitude and expectations for City services: We hold gatherings in a rural remote area so that we can commune with Nature and each other. There is lousy cell phone reception here (Hey, it’s in the mountains!). Nomenus has only dial-up access to the Net, and that is used for business purposes. Although Grants Pass is only 25 miles away, do you really want to drive there for beer or a burger? The Wolf Creek General Store and the Circle of Wolves can supply your tobacco and beer/wine needs. Actually the Circle of Wolves, especially Nancy and Karen, are our special friends and loooooove visitors from the Sanctuary. They have an exciting array of good wines and beers, plus great outfits, frou-frou, and bric-a-brac.
Honey, while you’re sitting at your ‘puter, let us know you are coming. For the first time, you can email us your registration! Hallelujah! The SGRF has progressed to 1993! The email addy is wcsgrf@gmail.com. Please include your name (both fae and mundane), address, email address, telephone number, how many days you are planning to stay (and what they are), whether you are looking for or can offer a ride, and how you would like to help. Or, you can grab a pen and write all of this down, and mail it to: SGRF 2008 c/o Nomenus – P.O. Box 312, Wolf Creek, OR 97497-0312.
To reserve special needs space for the gathering, or for other questions, please contact 2008 SGRF Reina Toddmary – toddmary@toddbern.com or 541-866-2678, option #3.
We so look forward to your lovely self joining us for this too-fab event!!!
Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries
(the Summer Men’s Gathering)
The Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries is often defined by its limitations. Since its first incarnation it has been open to gay men resonating with the words “spiritual”, “gathering”, “radical” and “faeries”. If you are not a gay man, we hope that you will excuse receiving this invitation and we ask your understanding that we are trying to send this to everyone who identities as a gay man, and who may wish to attend the gathering.
Actually the success of these gatherings dating from 1979 can be seen in the explosion of faerie events for all, especially at the Sanctuary in Wolf Creek that was purchased to have our own property on which to hold the Spiritual Gatherings for Radical Faeries. The SGRF (Wolf Creek Summer Men's Gathering) will happen this year from Friday the 13th of June through the eve of the Summer Solstice, June 20th. It will be followed immediately by a Solstice Celebration open to all, and then by the Nomenus Great Circle, the semi-annual business meeting for the Church of Nomenus, from Sunday, June 22nd through Tuesday, June 24th.
Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries 2008 presents a Return to Magick
A Return to the indefinable Energy that bonds us as Faeries. This practice, born in 1979, when it was not known who would feel called to a “Spiritual Gathering for Radical Faeries”, sparked the tradition of gay men gathering to create an Intentional Community to explore and re-create our visions, dreams, his-stories, and beings in a loving, supportive, heart centered space.
A return to Magick. We commune to discover and share our innate gifts and energies, imbuing all of our actions with resonance, grace, generosity, and a connection to the divine spirit within each of us. We congregate in ritual to raise sacred energy for the healing of ourselves and the Earth. We meditate in solitary calm, freeing ourselves of the strictures that impede our true beings.
A return to Radical. Our instinctual essence is radical. It is radical for men to relate to one another in loving, non-competitive ways. It is radical for men to wear skirts and hold one another in embrace. It is radical to celebrate our erections, both priapic and from labors. It is radical to gather in kindred spirit, making decisions on the basis of consensus. It is radical to give everyone the space to give voice without judgment.
A return to Fabulousness. The loving radiance that shines from each of us as we celebrate one another. Dressing for dinner, the fabulous No-Talent show, the mostly animal (I mean annual) Miss Wolf Creek pageant. The spontaneous performances and the enraptured participatory audiences that experience them. The sweet release of a breath held too long while hiding our true selves in the outside world.
A return to Exploration. Our intentional community gives us the freedom and space to move outside our usual patterns and truly explore what it means to be a radical faerie. To open to the New: new people, new ideas, new feelings, new ways of being, new ways to express ourselves, new behaviors. To reclaim the childlike wonder that lies dormant within us.
A return to Re-creation. We lavishly bestow upon ourselves the energy, the time and the space to nurture and actualize our evolution and creation.
A return to Sex. Putting the sensual back into consensual. We celebrate our human drive to procreate by our shared physical delight in one another, and by our progeneration of our divine faerie selves within our Gathering and within each of us in our travels afterward. A return to Freedom from Sexual Oppression, where each touch and desire is by mutual consent, and sexual expression protects and nurtures each himself and each other.
A return to Community. We gather in our Faerie village, joyously engaged in the everyday rituals of village life. We collectively cook communal meals, ensuring that individual dietary needs are met. Our generous loving energy assures equanimity in washing dishes, cleanup, and the myriad of tasks needed to support our village.
A return to Heart. From the daily morning Heart Circle through all of the day's activities, we share ourselves from the very center of our being. We uphold the principle that all of our communication is heart engaged so that every exchange between us nurtures both our hearts.
A return to Ritual. Assembling ourselves in a community determined space, time, and manner to raise group spiritual energy and have it move through/for/within us, celebrating our divine connections.
A return to Ourselves. What special feelings, thoughts, ideals, discussions, heart space, ways of being can we access only in Male Space? How do we relate to others not at or unable to attend the SGRF? How are the definitions of “men” and “gay” evolving? Does language itself limit our ability to share our identities and experiences? What happens to us after the SGRF?
What to bring:
A tent – the weather is perfect for outdoor sleeping. Special Needs (indoor) housing is available, but it quite limited in quantity. If you need this accommodation, please let the SGRF focalizers know as soon as possible. There are a limited number of tents available at the Land, if you would like to use one, please let us know. Lack of proper planning does not constitute Special Needs – showing up with nothing and/or no arrangements to take care of your sleeping space needs does not guarantee you a space.
For your tent – a tarp, a rainflap (yes, it does rain in June, although not reliably), ribbons, signs, a sling – something to make it unmistakably yours.
Bedding – sleeping bags, air mattresses, foam, pillows, blankets; the limited quantities of these on hand at the Sanctuary will be needed for Special Needs housing.
Personal care things – shampoo, conditioner, razor, toothbrush, towel, sunscreen, moisturizer, toothpaste, condoms, lube, handcuffs, insect repellent, personal sexual devices, teddy bears, makeup, nail polish, etc. We know that you will bring only bio-degradable and/or earth friendly products.
Clothes and other things to wear and share– Days are warm, nights can be cool. Bring appropriate footwear if you want to hike in the hills AND appear as a contestant in the Miss Wolf Creek pageant. The drag closet is available to fill in some missing items, but chances are that there won’t be a pair of ruby slippers in size 11 ½ EEE waiting for you here. Ditto for a pair of hiking boots in size 10 D. That size 20 cerise taffeta evening gown hanging in your closet at home would look fabulous at dinner one night.
A number for the No Towel Lint show. Drums for the drumming circle, maracas, tambourines, guitars, sweet voices for singing in harmony.
Boundless Good Energy – We know we don’t have to remind you about this. Caring, Support, Generosity, Sharing, Enthusiasm, Goodwill, and a host of other positive attitudes too numerous to list are the essence of Faerie existence. We gather to celebrate them with one another.
The small-as-we-can-possibly-make-it list of things you really can’t bring:
Your pet – sorry, but there are already caretaker familiars in residence here. New animals upset the balance and have the distinct possibility of creating problems. Please leave your familiars at home.
City attitude and expectations for City services: We hold gatherings in a rural remote area so that we can commune with Nature and each other. There is lousy cell phone reception here (Hey, it’s in the mountains!). Nomenus has only dial-up access to the Net, and that is used for business purposes. Although Grants Pass is only 25 miles away, do you really want to drive there for beer or a burger? The Wolf Creek General Store and the Circle of Wolves can supply your tobacco and beer/wine needs. Actually the Circle of Wolves, especially Nancy and Karen, are our special friends and loooooove visitors from the Sanctuary. They have an exciting array of good wines and beers, plus great outfits, frou-frou, and bric-a-brac.
Honey, while you’re sitting at your ‘puter, let us know you are coming. For the first time, you can email us your registration! Hallelujah! The SGRF has progressed to 1993! The email addy is wcsgrf@gmail.com. Please include your name (both fae and mundane), address, email address, telephone number, how many days you are planning to stay (and what they are), whether you are looking for or can offer a ride, and how you would like to help. Or, you can grab a pen and write all of this down, and mail it to: SGRF 2008 c/o Nomenus – P.O. Box 312, Wolf Creek, OR 97497-0312.
To reserve special needs space for the gathering, or for other questions, please contact 2008 SGRF Reina Toddmary – toddmary@toddbern.com or 541-866-2678, option #3.
We so look forward to your lovely self joining us for this too-fab event!!!
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Albuquerque
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