Carolyn Hunt and Monica Balsdon. Monica passed away on Sunday September 13, 2009 after a year-long struggle with cancer. She is dearly loved and deeply missed.

Upcoming Rituals

• Fall Equinox (Mabon) on Friday September 24, 2010 from 6:30-10pm at Humanist Hall in Oakland.
• Winter Solstice (Yule) on Saturday December 18, 2010, from 6:30-10pm at Humanist Hall in Oakland.

Who is Monica?
Monica Balsdon was an ordained priestess in the Dianic Wiccan tradition and a gardener who incorporated her Cherokee heritage and her passion for growing into ecstatic and participatory rituals. Monica was a member of the Wyrd Sisters coven and she taught experiential “Herbal Women” workshops to introduce aspiring witches to the art of herbal magic and healing. She created emotionally safe and open space for women to discover themselves through sacred play. Hilarity and irreverence were the rules in her circles and “mistakes” were encouraged. Monica’s unique, loving, accepting, and wild spirit healed all those with whom she connected.

How Much Experience do I Need?
None. We warmly welcome both newcomers and experienced Wiccans. Carolyn is available before and after rituals for individual questions and we explain what is happening as we guide each stage of the ritual. The only criteria for participating is that you come with an open mind and leave your cynicism at home for the evening. The mixture of experienced and new participants makes for dynamic and unpredictable rituals–from experienced witches, we ask for patience and leadership. From new women, we ask for open-hearted risk-taking. We gather to create a microcosmic world in which we take responsibility for ourselves and our experience while atuning to the energies of others in the circle.

What Does “Participatory” Mean?
Participatory means that your attention and energy are required to co-create the ritual that is most needed in this moment to reach and heal the women present and the world at large. You will never be asked to do anything that is uncomfortable for you, but we need you to contribute by focusing your attention on the proceedings (in addition to singing, dancing, and sharing in other ways–if you would like). You may arrive in a variety of moods–contemplative, happy, quiet, melancholic, exhuberant–all of which are welcome. Our rituals typically transverse a wide emotional and psychological landscape so that wherever you happen to be will likely be met with a hearing and validation. Women often report leaving these rituals in a more grounded, clear, and connected space than that in which they entered.

What does “Ecstatic” Mean?
Ecstatic means that there is space for your full self expression, but never any pressure to express yourself in a particular way. Our rituals allow for the expressing the joy of life and living through words, song, dance, drumming and responding authentically to how we are touched by another woman’s contribution. Our rituals do not contain didactic lectures or rigid rules of behavior, but rather emotionally safe space to let it all hang out spiritually!

How do I Prepare?
Please spend some time contemplating the basic themes of the season, at your altar, in meditation, while enjoying nature, or on the bus commuting home. Have you noticed the shift in seasons? What is happening in nature now when you look out the window? How does that make you feel? We always light candles for intentions, so you may want to think about what is most needed in your life right now to help you move forward on your true path (or, alternatively, what do you most need to let go of?). Bring a candle in a holder, items for the altar (if you like), musical instruments (if you like), plate and utensils, and anything else that will help you be physically comfortable.

Children

Children accompanied by women are warmly welcome. Throughout history, humans have learned by being part of community circles, noticing and observing, and contributing when called. In our current age-segregated society, there are few opportunities for children and adults to be together in meaningful ways. At these rituals, we have no seperate, special activities for the children–rather they are invited to sit in the center of the circle for safety, contribute during spell-casting and Offerings, and sing and dance with the community. My experience is that children are captivated by the beauty of the space, the candles, songs, and stories, and stay engaged throughout. Afterall, as Z. says “the Goddess hates a boring ritual!” Our rituals must appeal to our Child Selves–for both women and children– to be powerful and satisfying.

Please join us! Blessed Be.