We are the Earth dancing her praise. We are dancers in an ancient, cyclical, life-generating choreography between the Earth and the Sun. For nearly one full revolution, we've gathered in community to honor this exquisite love story in Silk Hope. Even amidst the pandemic, we've celebrated this dynamic relationship through prayer, song, dance, play and elemental ritual attuned to the earth's rhythms. In doing this, we've also deepened into relationship with this place, one another and the spirits of the land who are generously hosting us.

On May 1, we'll circle in community to honor this celestial circumambulation and welcome the first phase of summer, or Beltane, the cross-quarter day named by some of our Gaelic ancestors. Historically, this is a time for celebration and also for rituals of protection and appeasement. These seasonal thresholds have been important times to maintain balance and harmony amidst the complex ecology of seen and unseen.

We are the Earth grieving her sorrows

It's been a challenging year. Even with cause to celebrate, there is always plenty to grieve. As it is with our dance practice, all of you is welcome--your sorrows, joys, confusion and curiosity. The dance is a practice of inquiry and expression. Bring your lament, your play and your gratitude. We'll lean into the energies of this expansive moment and receive support from the larger elemental and celestial forces as we continue releasing, honoring or transmuting what remains stuck. And we'll celebrate the wonder and beauty of these precious lives, the holy earth and the season of growth and nourishment ahead.

And yes, there will be a maypole dance!

Bring your instruments & songs, hoops & ribbons, food or beverage to share. 

Bring all that you need to be comfortable--chair, blanket, layers, water bottle

Potable water available

Schedule:

Plant Walk at 1:30pm ~ with Gary Phillips ~ Since Equinox, the land is fully transformed! Come meet who's blooming now!

Opening Ceremony / Circle at 4pm ~ Grounding & centering, invocation, song, circumambulation, maypole dance and invitations for the dance. Julia Hartsell, Jonathan Edwards & Toni Craige (and other guests)

Dance at 5pm ~ Dance set woven by Julia Hartsell

Fire and potluck to follow

Camping options available 

Campfires only in designated areas

*Registration is limited. Please pre-register.

**We value consent. 

As a COVID-19 cautious community, we need to practice new and evolving forms of consent in this unknown time. Given the spaciousness of this outdoor sanctuary, we don't require masks. However, we expect for covid/distance respect. While some are vaccinated now, others are not. And others are navigating relationships with unvaccinated people. We ask that people maintain distance unless consent is given otherwise. Please, do not hug or come close to someone without their consent.

**We value inclusivity and sustainability

We are a predominantly Euro-ancestored community that celebrates diversity and welcomes people of all ages, races, nationalities, abilities, genders and orientations. 

In an attempt to keep these gatherings accessible and also sustainable, we have a three-tiered pricing structure for this event. If you are interested to attend and the minimum cost is prohibiting, please let us know as we have a few work-trade positions available.

**We respect our neighbors

We ask that you do the same. Please be kind and courteous and DO NOT trespass on any neighboring land.

**Families and children welcome

**Dogs welcome only with prior approval. Please be willing to hear a "no."