Greetings All
Well the 18th Southern Hemisphere OBOD Assembly (the first time in Aotearoa New Zealand) held at Tatum Park is over. Hugs given and tears dried and all the bits and pieces needed for a magical gathering almost all put away. For me the gifts of Assembly were many: sharing the circle of friendship and ritual with so many wonderful people including Philip (our Chief Druid) and Stephanie Carr-Gomm from the UK; our next Chief Druid-to-be (2020) Eimear Burke from Ireland, along with 23 OBODs from Australia and 39 from Aotearoa.
The weather was kind, albeit it a little cool, which was gratefully welcomed by our Australian friends escaping from their heatwave! Stories and songs, both new and old, were offered, wisdom was shared, the Lughnasadh ritual, other rituals and initiations were honoured, the labyrinth at The Woolshed was visited and stones carried from afar placed on the cairns of the four directions. So much laughter my sides were sore for days and many a conversation was had as to how we might tread more lightly on this earth.
This from Chief Seattle (1788-1866) Native American (Suquamish) leader –
Whatever befalls the earth
Befalls the sons and daughters of the earth.
We did not weave the web of life;
We are merely a strand in it.
Whatever we do to the web,
We do to ourselves. . . .
FEBRUARY has just one celebration as we ease back into the year - a Full Moon
celebration – Tribal Moon - on the 20th.
MARCH honours Full Moon Wyse Moon / The Priestess with Priestess initiations on Thursday 21st, and celebrates the time of perfect balance with Autumn Equinox on Sunday 24th.
The Woolshed awaits your wonderful presence.
Love, light and laughter,
Pamela /|\
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AUTUMN EQUINOX / ALBAN
ELUED / POUTUTERANGI / NGAHURU
(Seed Time and Harvest)
11am, Sunday 24th March at The Woolshed
The Autumn Equinox represents a time of reflection and contemplation of how the balance of light and dark tips at equinox and, as we now enter the dying time of the year, the mysteries of life and death. This is when we make the transition from outer to inner, from above to below.
For our ancestors, who were more aware than ourselves of their dependency on the land, this was a time of fruition of the year’s work; it represented the culmination of the year’s endeavours to ensure they would have enough food to see them through the winter. Everyone worked their hardest to bring in the grain which would provide the following year’s bread and beer, and store it safely against the coming months of scarcity. So this is a time to reflect on all that we have gleaned or learnt during the previous year.
In the Maori calendar it is known as Poututerangi, when the crops are dug up. Poututerangi takes its name from the pole that Tane used to separate his parents Rangi and Papa. This was the beginning of the kumara harvest, perhaps the most significant event of the year.
At harvest. European and Maori symbolism is similar. The rua, or underground kumura pit, is a symbol that parallels the European imagery of the return of the seed to the earth. The stories of Persephone, Pani and the Mabon all follow this theme.
As well as appropriate stories, poems, songs, etc. you might like to bring spring bulbs or seeds which could be planted along the path to the Grove or elsewhere.
The ceremony will be followed by our usual feasting – please bring a contribution.
This is an ‘open’ ritual and all are welcome.
PLEASE NOTE: The Quarter Festivals (Beltane, Lughnasadh, Samhuinn and Imbolc) are for members of the Grove of the Summer Stars only. The Sun festivals (both Equinoxes and both Solstices) are open to all.
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There are only four rules
for The Woolshed
Come with an open heart
Come with an open mind
Leave your prejudices at the door
Along with your shoes
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ARACHNE’S WEB
Arachne is the Spider Goddess who weaves the Web of the World and, sitting at its centre, receives all knowledge that vibrates along it. Here are a few ‘vibrations’, i.e. interesting workshops not held at The Woolshed that I think you might be interested in, or upcoming events at The Woolshed not yet in the Calendar. (Please contact Pamela if you would like an appropriate event displayed here.)
TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEYS THROUGH SACRED LANDSCAPES
Itineraries are now available for next year's sacred site tours with Gothic Image. The working partnership between Jamie George and Linda Marson, which started five years ago, has led to a unique blend of experiences for those who journey with us. Follow the links for more information, including itineraries, special guests and videos with highlights of the places we visit.
- Sacred Scotland: 7-16 May - a transformational journey through the mists of time in the wild Scottish Isles
- Enchanted Ireland: 16-25 May - land of the faery faith
- Merlin's Britain: 3-12 July - a journey through the mists of time from Stonehenge to Cornwall.
I did the Sacred Scotland tour this year and just loved it. (Pamela)
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LENDING LIBRARY AT THE WOOLSHED
The lending library (books on spirituality, druidry, wicca, paganism, ritual, etc.) at The Woolshed is now open for business. Unfortunately we can’t send books out so you will just have to come and visit us at The Woolshed to access this fine library.
The link for our online library database is: http://connect.collectorz.com/users/
woolshedlib/books/view
‘Check it out – many new titles have been added.’
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The Woolshed is a place to celebrate Spirit in Nature and warmly welcomes community participation. Here we celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year in Aotearoa New Zealand by holding Festivals appropriate to the seasons approximately every six weeks. These are the two Solstices (Winter and Summer), the two Equinoxes (Spring and Autumn) and the four Quarter Festivals – Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh (when we hold a Camp) and Samhain. The four Quarter Festivals are for Grove members only and the Solstices and Eqinoxes are open to all…These Festivals are open to all who wish to connect with the land and Her tides and times. We also have a native tree-planting programme and are always keen for offers of help for our frequent ‘working bees’. Our organic gardens and orchards also respond positively to extra hands.
A women-only group meets monthly on the Full Moon.
Also, if you would like to walk the hills and the bush on the farm then give us a ring –
04 2399234. I’m sure we can accommodate you.
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PROGRAMME FOR FEBRUARY
20 (Wednesday 7pm)
Celebrating the Divine
Feminine – Tribal Moon /
The Matriarch
PROGRAMME FOR MARCH
21 (Thursday 7pm) Celebrating
the Divine Feminine –
Wyse Moon/The Priestess
24 (Sunday 11am) Autumn
Equinox / Alban Elued /
Poututerangi / Ngahuru
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CELEBRATING THE GODDESS: EXPLORING THE DIVINE FEMININE
7pm at The Woolshed
The focus of the evening is one of ‘Exploring the Divine Feminine’ and the role of the Goddess and her ‘workings’ within ourselves and in our lives.
On Wednesday 20th February we will gather to celebrate Tribal Moon and on Thursday 21st March we will be holding Wyse Moon/The Priestess where we celebrate and stand in support of any of our group who would like to undergo self-initiation as Priestess. Each self-initiate writes her own ritual and all present assist in any way that is requested. Please let Pamela know if you wish to do this. Previous self-initiated Priestesses will hold the quarters and make a brief recommitment to their path. Everybody is most welcome and, if you don’t wish to be an initiate, we need lots of supportive women to hold the circle. This is a time of surrendering material concerns to spiritual explorations.
A contribution to ‘supper’ would be appreciated. The Full Moon rituals are for women only. If you’re new and would like to attend just give Pamela a call on 027 206 8876.
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THE WHEEL OF SEGAIS
The Wisdom of the Four Seasons
The interest in the Wheel of Segais Personal Reader Kit has been amazing and we are now out of stock! But don’t worry, more are on order and should be available at the beginning of March. Stay tuned:
https://www.wheelofsegais.com/
The cost is $95 NZD plus 15%GST, plus postage.
If you are interested in taking the Wheel of Segais online Reader Training you will need to have purchased a Personal Reader Kit.
If you already have a Personal Reader Kit then you can purchase the Reader Training course straight away and start your Reader journey. On purchase of the training course you will be sent an access code to enter the Schoology site for homework
The Wheel of Segais Reader Training already has a number of students and we now have our first two Graduates – one in the USA and one in Australia!!
You can sign up for the Training through Global Spiritual Studies – https://globalspiritualstudies.com
/product/the-wheel-of-segais/ .
Prices are in $USD.
- Download seven recordings to your device: $279
- Seven recordings stored on a USB flash drive: $290 (includes postage worldwide)
If you are a New Zealand resident, the good news is that you can save on international currency transfer fees by paying in $NZD. Email me for $NZ prices and bank account details – pamela@thewoolshed.com
As the seed is nurtured and the Wheel of Segais unfurls its tendrils around the world, I hope you will consider taking the next step with me to becoming a Wheel of Segais Reader. Let us use the wisdom of Nature to grow our dreams and the dreams of others from Seed to Harvest.
I look forward to hearing from some of you very soon. Yours on behalf of the Salmon of Wisdom. Pamela.
The Wheel of Segais Personal Reader Kit contains a copy of the Wheel of Segais on which to do your casting; a Personal Reader Guide; nine hazelnuts for casting (plus a couple of extras in case you lose one or two) and a notebook and pen to record your personal reading
Book an on line reading or Life Coaching Session through my website – www.wheelofsegais.com
Yours on behalf of the Salmon of Wisdom, Pamela
The Wheel of Segais is a simple but profound template for understanding the innate nature of the universe and our place within it. It allows us to perceive all that we are and all that we need as we experience the turning of the wheel of the year - the Four Seasons, the 12 streams or stages and the Well of the Salmon of Wisdom, the Well of Segais itself, in the centre.
If you would like a reading or a life coaching session in person, you can contact me at pamela@thewoolshed.com, 0272068876 or 2399234.
Cost: $40
Out of town or in another country?
Book an on line reading or Life Coaching Session through my website – www.wheelofsegais.com
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‘THE WOOLSHED’
is a farm of 136 acres situated on the hills of Pukerua Bay looking out over the sea and Kapiti Island. It is clothed in approximately 40 acres of native bush, including some of the last remaining stands of kohekohe on the Kapiti Coast. It is gardened organically – herbs, vegetables and fruit – and has three springs of clear water. It is a place of great peace, tranquillity and power. The original woolshed has been converted into personal living quarters as well as a work and seminar space.
It is a place for:
Study/Discussion Groups
Stress Management
Shiatsu and Massage
Total Pampering Days
Life Planning and Mentoring
Retreat
Meditation
Seasonal and Full Moon Celebrations
Wheel of Segais Readings
Pamela Meekings-Stewart is a:
Workshop Facilitator
- Four Elements/Four Seasons
- Wheel of Segais
Study/Discussion Group Facilitator
Life Planning Facilitator and Mentor
Retreat Facilitator
Marriage Celebrant
Civil Union Celebrant
Ritual Maker
Mythic Journey Facilitator
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The farm can be a little hard to find, so please telephone (you can leave a message on the answerphone) and I will send you directions on a clear and detailed map.
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