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I recalled something that Zilpah had told me when I was a child in the red tent, and far too young to understand her meaning. “We are all born of the same mother,” she said. After a lifetime, I knew that to be true.
-Anita Diamant, The Red Tent
RED TENT IS RISING!
The Great Gathering:
Sunday 3 June 2012, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Brescia Auditorium
Admission by Donation, Free Parking
Once again the Red Tent is rising! This Great Gathering of the Red Tent is our time, as women, to dance, celebrate and share our stories. It has been 15 years since Anita Diamant wrote The Red Tent and gave us a gift. Beyond religion, race or creed, the story of the red tent stands as a powerful symbol of women gathering in community to hold and celebrate the sacred feminine, to tell women’s stories and to honour and name the cycles of our lives. The Circle will symbolically erect a red tent as an invitation for women and girls to gather and share how maiden, mother, and crone lives in each of us and to celebrate the life cycles with ritual, music, meditation and a labyrinth walk. Come into the tent with us and re-member.
"If you want to understand any woman you must first ask about her mother and then listen carefully….The more a daughter knows about the details of her mother's life - without flinching or whining - the stronger the daughter."
-Anita Diamant, The Red Tent
Smaller Circles leading up to the Great Gathering:
In addition to the June Great Gathering and in response to former year’s many participants’ suggestions, in mirroring the seasons, we are pleased to raise 3 smaller more intimate Red Tent Circles to reflect upon, celebrate and explore the depth of our journey into the deeper aspects of the feminine: Maiden, Mother, Crone.
The Maiden in Spring
Sunday 1st April 2012, 1:00 pm -3:00 pm, Merici Lounge,
by donation
Materials: Bring a shawl-size piece of fabric
Following a brief meditation, participants will discuss the maiden aspect while working with a piece of fabric that symbolizes a veil. A variety of materials will be available to adorn the veil and women may choose to work on a separate piece to attach to their shawl without permanently altering it. Afterward, a sacred circle dance will be taught and each participant will have a chance to dance through the veils as part of a ceremony. Fresh fruit for refreshment and socializing will follow.
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The Mother in Autumn
Sunday 23 September 2012, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Merici Lounge,
by donation
Materials: provided
A brief reading will start the discussion of the mother aspect while working with a piece of clay. The metaphor of the hands is prominent in the aspect of the mother and will form a common symbol for this gathering. Once the clay “touchstones” are complete, participants will be invited to wash in a sea salt and honey scrub and may choose to receive a paraffin wax treatment for their nurturing hands. A period of resting hands meditation will follow. Afterward, women will be invited to briefly share as they claim their touchstones from the altar in ceremony. Simple refreshments and socializing will follow.
The Crone in Winter
Sunday 4November 2012, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Merici Lounge,
by donation
Materials: base materials will be provided but you are invited to bring things that symbolize your life experience so far and they can contribute to the “crown of your experience”
Using the materials provided, women will discuss the aspect of the crone while working to create a “crown” that symbolically represents their experience and women’s wisdom. This item will then be used in ceremony to invite each woman to claim her valued space and experience as a woman. Refreshments and social time will follow.
All these smaller Red Tent Circles will be held in the Merici Lounge at Brescia University College. Registration is limited and you will need to bring with you some simple materials.
We are also exploring the idea that the transitions between phases are not always linear and that each phase of a woman’s transformation also cycles with its own phases of waxing, fullness and waning. For example, a Maiden who is heading off to University or career may see herself in the Mothering time of expectancy and new birth. A Mother who watches her children leave the nest, may see herself in the Crone years of motherhood. A newly retired Crone may see herself in the Maidenhood of her Crone years.
Please join us however and wherever you feel called to join us. You may attend one, all or none of the smaller Circles and still enjoy the Great Gathering in June. We are looking forward to seeing you. Check the website for more information. While registration is not required, we would appreciate knowing if you will attend so we can make a place for you.
Selah!
To see more pictures of our Red Tent Ritual 2011, click HERE.
"If you want to understand any woman you must first ask about her mother and then listen carefully….The more a daughter knows about the details of her mother's life - without flinching or whining - the stronger the daughter."
-Anita Diamant, The Red Tent
