ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH's topics - tribe.net

The Wolves

2008-06-07T04:19:45Z

This is from the book I'm reading right now, THE PAINTED DRUM, by Louise Erdrich, who is one of the most lovely and amazing creatures writing on the planet today....... I hope she doesn't mind me spreading her words like this, but I felt called upon to share this particular particularly powerful piece:

There was an old man once who wanted to be with the wolves and know their thoughts. He went out on the ice and sang to them and asked them to sink their teeth into his heart. I guess the singing kept him warm enough so he lived out there for three days and nights. On the fourth day, the wolves finally came to him, or rather, he realized that all along he had been looking straight at them and only when they were ready had they let themselves be seen. I know about this man because I sat with him while I was on night duty. I pulled up a chair next to his bed.

"Those wolves were curious," he said, "just like anyone would be. What in the heck's this young man -- I was young then -- sitting out here on the ice for? They came up to find out if I was dangerous or crazy or good to eat. Even then I was tough and stringy, so I guess they decided crazy. They sat and watched me for several hours to see if I would do anything and after a while they went away."

I asked the old man if he'd learned what he needed to learn from them, if he'd found anything out at all.

"Oh sure," he said. "I found out they think like us. They were watching me, but I was watching them, too. I was hungrier than they were. They had just eaten. They were full. One yawned. Another started playing hockey with a piece of ice."

I couldn't believe that.

"It's true," he insisted. "They play with things. They like to play with those big black birds, those ravens. Sometimes the ravens get the wolves to hunt for them. I've seen it where the ravens come back and tell the wolves where there is something to kill and eat. I thought if the raven and the wolf can get along, perhaps the man and the wolf can get along, too. But I couldn't stay out there long enough to test that out."

"Their thoughts. Did you know their thoughts," I asked. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

The old man knew I was trying to pin him down and I could tell he wasn't sure if he wanted to tell me something. He was silent, turning things over in his mind, but at last he must have decided to take a chance and tell me. There was one wolf in particular, a gray wolf, he said, who came back several times and sat before him. Suddenly that wolf was staring at him with a human's eyes in the face of a wolf. The old man did not know when it was he looked at the wolf and found he was staring back at it, but at some point he was aware that he and this particular wolf were holding each other's gazes and had been doing so for some time. The wolf was asking him a question, he realized, and he knew after some more staring what that question was. The old man stopped.

"Well, what was it?" I was impatient to know.

"Oh." His thoughts came back to me. "A standard question. He was asking me, 'Do you want to die?' But that is just wolf practice, asking that. I wanted to get past that and into something else. So I formed a question of my own in my mind and without ceasing my direct stare I spoke to the wolf, asking my own question: Wolf, I said, your people are hunted from the air and poisoned from the earth and killed on sight and you are outbred and stuffed in cages and almost wiped out. How is it that you go on living with such sorrow? How do you go on without turning around and destroying yourselves, as so many of us Anishinaabeg have done under similar circumstances?

"And the wolf answered, not in words, but with a continuation of that stare. 'We live because we live.' He did not ask questions. He did not give reasons. And I understood him then. The wolves accept the life they are given. They do not look around them and wish for a different life, or shorten their lives resenting the humans, or even fear them any more than is appropriate. They are efficient. They deal with what they encounter and then go on. Minute by minute. One day to the next. And so, my friend, I did learn what I had come there to find out. I'll tell you now: I wanted to know how not to kill myself. For that very thing was my intention and had been so for weeks, I could see no way around it. I knew what chaos and everlasting questions such a death brings down upon the living. But I was past caring about that. SInce I was resigned to killing myself, you could say my life was nothing, my life was cheap. So before I went through with it, I decided I would sit with the wolves."

"You never killed yourself, obviously," I said, "but did you perhaps try?"

The old man didn't answer directly. He sat up. "Open the tie on this bare-ass dress," he said, "and look."

When I opened his shirt I saw across his back and shoulders the regular, deep, violet-brown scars of a sundancer who pulled buffalo skulls.

"That's what I did instead."

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 4 replies

2 0 0 8 Blessings

2008-01-01T03:46:57Z

Happy New Year to you all...
I hope and pray to u all
have a safe , fun, peaceful and prosperous new year...

hearts full of gratitude
blessed be
kuggs and hisses...

Sizzle Moon Song

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

happy birthday...

2007-12-31T18:51:43Z

..to me! I'm 36.

And to celebrate, my new favorite joke:

Three little old ladies are sitting on a park bench, enjoying the late afternoon sun, when a man
in a raincoat comes up to them, stands at the end of the bench, and casually opens his coat to
reveal an enormous erection.

The first little old lady takes one look at it and promptly has a stroke.

The second little old lady glances over, and she, too, has a stroke.

But the third little old lady... just... can't.... quite... reach.

love and thanks for being in my heart,
Ampersand

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 3 replies

Shadowy Doors

2007-10-08T01:33:02Z

The negative is like the shadow side of both life and self.
... or so I have found to be true.

The source of our passions.
The spark of our creativity.
The impetus for us to be loving.

How we reveal our own shadows
can either open or close doors.

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 4 replies

4/22 Earth Day Men’s Eco-Walk

2007-04-17T08:55:37Z

Most men have been taught to be cut off from the earth, their bodies, and their feelings. On Earth Day we have the opportunity to reconnect in a very direct, physical way with endangered plants, animals, and the nature we co-create with them. And you can do this in a tiny nature preserve right in the city:

CAMASSIA ECO-WALK
4/22, Sunday, 1:30 pm Carpool, 2:15pm Eco-Walk

Who knew that one of the smallest, most diverse, and most endangered ecosystems in North America was nestled on 26 acres in West Linn? David Barts (Watermelon), who has been studying and interpreting Northwest plants & ecosystems for more than 20 years will lead us in an exploration of Camassia Natural Area , which has beautiful spring wild flowers, unique endangered plants, and is one of the most unique little nature preserves in the U.S. We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner afterwards.

DIVERSITY: Thanks for helping us increase the diversity of men who get invited to this event by forwarding this invitation to friends & colleagues who might be interested.

COSPONSORS: MenSpirit, a joint project of three non-profit organizations, Q-LAND, LoveTribe, & Spirit Hawk, empowers diverse men in the Portland, OR area to discover and manifest their individual & collective potential for wellness, community, friendship/intimacy, spirituality, & play.

INFO: David at 503-223-8822 or registrar@qland.org or website: qland.org

RSVP website: lovetribe.org/menspirit

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

Connexion to the Mother(s)

2007-03-21T06:59:24Z

a new tribe has been created to organize and plan the up and coming Mother's Day Gathering at Wolf Creek Sanctuary. feel free to join up and to join in the conversation. contribution is requested and encouraged. we are seeking 30 facilitators and organizers. it's not nearly as daunting as you'd like to think. many hands make light work.

thank you for your contribution and your commitment to the evolution and transformation of Life as we know it.

tribes.tribe.net/mary_faeriemothersday

blissed be,
Micahl Abrahm

"You must be the change that you want to see in the world."
-Ghandi

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

12/19 Love Your Low-Back

2006-12-12T09:05:14Z

Your lower back deserves simple, practical, & loving support in this stressful time of year . . .

MEN TOUCHING WITH HEART:
Effective, Simple Strategies for Preventing/Coping with Low Back Pain
Tues, 12/19, 7:00-10:00 pm

A Licensed Physical Therapist, Ted Ellquist, who has extensive training in the McKenzie Method of pain management & prevention, will be teaching men how to use better posture, body mechanics, stretches, and healing touch techniques to cope with or prevent low-back pain.

These techniques will be presented in an interactive way, so you'll have the chance to both give & receive healing touch & stretches throughout the workshop. After experimenting with various techniques, you'll receive significant time on the techniques that seem to work best for you. You can learn more about the McKenzie Method and Ted's training & experience at www.backinactionpt.com

DIVERSITY: Event open to adult men of all ages, sizes, shapes, colors, orientations, experience levels, and backgrounds (including trans guys). Thanks for helping us increase the diversity of men who get invited to this event by forwarding this invitation to friends & colleagues who might be interested.

CO-SPONSORS: MenSpirit, a joint project of three non-profit organizations, Q-LAND, LoveTribe, & Spirit Hawk, empowers diverse men in the Portland, OR area to discover and manifest their individual & collective potential for wellness, community, friendship/intimacy, spirituality, & play.

INFO: Bart at 503-223-8822 or healingtouch@qland.org or www.qland.org

RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

How do you know you are "2 Spirited" and what is that?

2006-12-02T02:29:50Z

Can anyone comment?

Thanks. New here. This looks funky. I like it.

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 3 replies

12/2 Please pass this along . . .

2006-11-27T04:56:53Z

CREATE A JOB YOU'LL LOVE:
Men's Right Livelihood Workshop
12/2, Saturday, 4:00-10:30 pm

Because men are trained to define themselves by their work, having the wrong job or no job at all can be a major source of stress. In this practical, fun, and affirming workshop you’ll join a group of men who support one another in figuring out:

1) PASSIONS: What are your interests & passions? If you’re depressed or have no idea, what were your passions/interests when you were a kid or young adult?
2) WHO? what kinds of people you most enjoy working for and with?
3) WHAT NEEDS? what kinds of needs/challenges you most enjoy helping
address?
4) WHAT ORGANIZATIONS? what kinds of organizations/businesses you might
enjoy working for or with?
5) WHAT SKILLS? what your skills, experience, & special knowledges are?
6) WHAT ROLES? what roles do you most enjoy playing in work (creator, manager, data collector/analyzer, or supporter)
7) ALLIES? who your allies are for setting up informational interviews with?
potential employers or investors/partners?
8) NEXT STEPS? how you can get on-going support for taking concrete action
towards your right livelihood vision?

TEAMWORK: Finding your great job takes teamwork. Come join a group of men who are serious about finding a great job and want to help one another get started on and sustain effective action. We will use journaling, story-telling, brainstorming, and action-planning to help you create a job you'll love. Out of this workshop you'll also be invited to join an on-going support group to sustain your efforts to create a job you’ll love.

DIVERSITY: This workshop is for adult men of all ages, sizes, shapes, colors, orientations, experience levels, and backgrounds (including trans guys). Thanks for helping us increase the diversity of men who get invited by forwarding this invitation to friends & colleagues who may be interested.

CO-SPONSORS: MenSpirit, a joint project of two non-profit organizations, Q-LAND & LoveTribe, empowers diverse men in the Portland, OR area to discover and manifest their individual & collective potential for wellness, community, friendship/intimacy, spirituality, & play.

INFO: Bill at 503-223-8822 or createyourjob@qland.org or www.qland.org

RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

MidSummer Nights Majick 2007? Anybody Interested?

2006-11-08T02:53:30Z

If you are interested in seeing MidSummer Nights Majick Artist Spiritual Gathering continue for another year please go to the Midsummer's Tribe, midsummernightsmajick.tribe.net/ and read the last post... Thanx, Dreamie

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

This Sat, 11/4 Men Finding Wisdom thru Story-telling

2006-10-30T00:04:36Z

Could you forward this to men who have lived interesting stories or who
understand the power of story-telling to help them draw on the wisdom of men of all ages?

MEN’S INTERGENERATIONAL STORY-TELLING
Saturday, 11/4, 4:00-10:30 pm

* Imagine being able to learn from the wisdom of men of all ages.

* Imagine who you could be if men of all ages helped you tell & understand your story, and you helped them tell their’s.

* Imagine story-telling as a tool for transformation & initiation.

For most of human history story-telling has been a crucial part of men’s initiation and empowerment. Nowadays story-telling has been mostly reduced to mere entertainment -- a mass-produced product to be consumed. This has cut men off from the wisdom of the lived past, present, and future – from actually knowing other men’s stories.

In this playful, creative event you’ll tell key parts of your life story to a small group of men of different ages, and they will retell your story in spoken word poetry, short skits, psycho-drama sculptures, paintings/drawings, and other creative techniques.

Our goal is for you to tell the story of your life to men of different ages, and for you to help retell the stories of other men – in ways that reflect you and the wisdom of the inter-generational group you’re apart of. Ultimately this is about friendship, play, creativity, and initiation through story-telling.

DIVERSITY: We welcome men of all ages, sizes, shapes, colors, orientations, story-telling abilities, and life backgrounds (including trans guys). Diversity on all levels helps us learn the many ways we can be men. Could you please help us invite diverse men by forwarding this invitation to any of your friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who might be interested, and by attending with them?

SPONSORED BY: MenSpirit, a joint project of two non-profit organizations, Q-LAND & LoveTribe, empowers diverse men in the Portland, OR area to discover and manifest their individual & collective potential for wellness, community, friendship/intimacy, spirituality, & play.

INFO: Jack at 503-223-8822 or storytelling@qland.org

RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

Holiday Gift Bazaars?

2006-10-28T03:02:56Z

as Winter Solstice approaches, i am curious
does anyone know of any holiday gift bazaars happening in the portland area?
many of my friends and i create ritual clothing, tapestries, and fabric art of all kinds.
we are seeking a good place to connect our creations with those who would
appreciate the intention and energy that goes into them.
any suggestions?

blessings,
Arun

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

Fall: a time to find your new rhythm

2006-10-16T01:21:04Z

In the Northwest fall brings rejuvenating rain, a quietness that encourages
focusing on inner priorities, and cold that reminds us to support one
another in keeping our body, mind, & spirit warm. Q-LAND & LoveTribe have a wonderful week of men's gatherings designed to help you shift into your new rhythm this
fall. Would you forward this invitation to any men who might be interested
and consider attending one or more of these events yourself?

Tues, 10/17, 7-10 pm
MEN’S HEALING TOUCH EXCHANGE:
Richard Ludt, LMT, helps you use movement, touch, & imagery to release
chronic holding

Thurs, 10/19, 7-9:30 pm
MEN’S DATING LAB:
Finding practical strategies & support to give & receive the kinds of
intimacy you want
Co-Facilitators: Alejandro Cantu & Wayne Bund

Fri, 10/20, 6-9 pm
YOHO’S (Young Homos) COOKING & MUSIC FEST:
Men under 30 learn to cook, eat, & exchange music together
Co-Facilitators: Dan Jones, Wayne Bund, Frederic Henriot

Sat, 10/21, 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
YOGA & MASSAGE FOR STRESS: From Surrender to Strength:
(powerful techniques to respond more creatively to stress; you can attend
the morning session, the afternoon session, or both)
Co-Facilitators: Paul Tucker, Felix Roth, Charles Airey, & Bart Church

Sun, 10/22, 6-8 pm
BEAT-THE-BLUES (DEPRESSION) SUPPORT GROUP
Men’s peer-support group to help you find practical strategies for feeling better
Co-Facilitators: Brian Taylor, RN, & Matthew

INFO: Bart at 503-223-8822 or info@qland.org or www.qland.org

RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

A Call to Celebrate Samhain at Wolf Creek (10/28-11/2)

2006-10-04T16:18:59Z

An Ancient Story lives in our blood and souls:
Up before the sun, bundled in thick layers against the frigid cold, you stoke last night’s coals to a crackling good morning. Water set to boil, you go about rechecking the things gathered to go with you on the journey. You loaded the wagon last night as the sun set and the night breezes sent shivers through you, now you check over them to be sure it’s all in order; shocks of dead weeds, spent crops and molded thatches of roof removed and repaired. All things to be offered to the fire as they no longer serve the flow of your sustenance. Along with these is a bounty, packaged with delicate care; the excess of your crops that cannot be preserved to survive the winter, the four sheep and one pig you know you won’t be able to feed through to spring are together in a separate pen from the rest of the stock, gifts of wool, grains and craft. All of this excess is coming with you to the gathering of Samhain, not because it does not serve, but because it is the bounty with which you have been blessed and now have the honor to share with your ancestors and tribe through feast and through gift.

-Questions and Challenges:
With what bountiful blessings have you been graced since last you faced the dark, cold reflection of frigid winter’s iced embrace? What sufferings have you wrought, endured; what losses plague you still? as now you approach the full-turned wheel to find you face the fall-thinned veil? Reflect now and acknowledge what new ancestors have been created in the passing of this year, what new allies of Spirit and of Power have been gained through the loss, the pain, the forever-gone of friends once flesh now passed on to the wisdom and peace of life beyond.

Examine your load…What load? you hear you ask. That load that without which we would be nothing in particular and therefore everything Now -- that load that is the game you call your Life and worries, your goals, priorities and concerns, your blah blah blah ….. it sits on our shoulders so perfectly perched that we often forget that we choose to carry it. Take it off for a moment and become present to your grudges, your fears, your beliefs, your preconceived’s, your heartsongs, your hurts, your pains, your joys, your sorrows and gains, and hold them to the light of loving examination. Among all of this hubbub are gems of both discord and of harmony, things that hinder you and things that help. Open yourself to the beauty of all that comprises ‘you’ and prepare to share as you are part of your bounty.

Now is the time when the Earth Mother offers the opportunity to recognize that which does not serve and to recognize those blessings of which we have joyous excess, to honor these and to share them with her, with our ancestors, and with each other. A sacrifice is not just made of things we do or do not like, it is of anything whose space we need to clear up so as to allow for further growth in its stead. Identify and Honor your Ancestors, both the newly acquired and those of old, for they are our allies of wisdom and council as we craft the worlds. Clear the way to pure magicks and divine your intentions. Prepare your Self and hereby find that you are cordially, profanely and sacredly invited to join hands and breath to craft together a Circle of Magick Folk; of Fae, of Ghoul, of Witch, of Human, of Mutant, of Man, of Beast, of Goddess, of Corporeal and Spirit allies, of lovers, of strangers, of family, and of friends. Come to the Land that welcomes our conSpiracy and our Circle, come Home to celebrate Samhain, the year’s final harvest, the thinning of the veils, a homecoming of Ancestry and memory. Join hands together as our laughter rings amidst our tears and we step through the Door to the Dark.

“we are all children of the Great Spirit, we all belong to Mother earth; our planet is in great trouble and if we keep carrying old grudges and do not work together, we will all perish.”

-Dates and Registration:

You’re calendar is just dying to know, so here they are: Samhain will be held SatyrsDay 10/28/06 through Thursday 11/02/06. You are invited to arrive and make camp Friday 10/27, ground, join in dinner, and sleep to be rested for opening Circle on Saturday (this is not yet coordinated, so if you have inspiration and would like to pitch in to craft opening circle, have your piece ready when you arrive. We make this gathering)
Pre-Registration is highly encouraged as it helps us to get the abundAnce flowing for the gathering, starts to give an idea for how many guests the Land can expect in the first few days. Suggested donation is 35 dollars a day (More if you can. Less if you can’t. No one turned away for lack of funds). Give early, give often. The gathering we are creating is formed and funded by those of us who attend it, the money we give supports our needs while at the gathering and supports the needs of the Land that is hosting our reveries. Don’t be shy about giving what you have, money or otherwise. We make this gathering. A printable pre-registration form is at the end of this call, you can mail your registration with any pre-gathering donations to Kyle Diesner, 2213 SE Stark St, Portland, Or, 97214 (no really, it’ll make it to the Land). Any more information you need regarding the Sanctuary (contact info, etc) can be found at www.nomenus.org

-We protect the Lands

It’s recently been discovered that the land surrounding the sanctuary is under threat of logging. It has yet to be auctioned off to a specific company but the time is short and the time is now to act if we are to prevent this. There will be a circle held at the gathering to discuss ritual and other possibilities of action. We are invoking the spirit of Spotted Owl to make its presence known in those lands as our ally in protecting the forests. We will also be walking the perimeter of the Land and marking our property lines in a spell of protection and compassion. Any resources you may have to help this process are welcomed and appreciated.

-Logistics

The kitchen is the heart of the gathering and is yet not being focalized. If you are called to focus the kitchen for a night, for a day for the week, please make this known when you register. We all do our part to construct this gathering.

Arrive with the knowledge that it is up to *all* of us to co-create this gathering. Arrive prepared to engage and participate. Arrive with the willingness to instigate community. ritual, meals, art, sex, laughter, cohesion, magick, it’s OURS to make…..

Pack it in, Pack it out. Earth Mother loves you, pick up your own mess.

Rain Happens, bring tarps and rain gear.

It’s fucking cold! Bring layers, plenty of bedding, less attachment to getting laid and more to making friends and staying warm. (sex during the day and by the fire, gleefully encouraged)

The Zombie Nurses, while a good idea, have had a struggle to maintain momentum. All of the supplies are available, all that’s wanting is a willing and able coordinator(s).

If you have felt the pull to coordinate something at a gathering in previous years but have not been sure of how to go about it, or whether you would be “up to the task”, find an ally who you see leading, talk to the ones you “know” can do it and step up to your own yearnings. The gathering happens cuz we make it, there are no designated or voted-in leaders or facilitators, we all choose our roles and are supported as we create our support. Gathering, like Life, is best done Actively. Your participation is highly encouraged.

Come prepared to camp. Special needs space is for faeries who required an in indoor sleeping arrangement for medical purposes, and is limited. Please contact the Land to raise awareness to your special need.

The Land, and the Gatherings held there, honor a consensus-based decision making process. Over the past many years the gathered communities and the community on the Land have reached agreements, through consensus, regarding “a few items that you should please not bring with you to the Sanctuary”. They are as follows:

-Speed, of any kind, in you or on you (that includes your car)
-Violence or Intolerance
-Pets or Familiars*
-Synthetic body care products (the drains empty into the creek and into the soil, please help keep them clean

(*”please leave your pets at home” is a restriction commonly ignored or, for some, impossible to comply with. If you dissent to this request, feel oppressed by this request, or are made indignant by this request; it is further requested that you bring your dissent by way of communication, by calling a circle and bringing the issue about in a venue in which it can be addressed and shifted to best suit all present. Please honor the process by which we honor ourselves and do not bring your pets to the sanctuary during the gathering. If it is impossible for you to leave your pet behind, a kennel is available in Merlin, the next town south, at which you can board your furry loved on for $10/day. It is called Creekside Boarding, Donna is the lady’s name who runs it and the number is (541) 471-7144. Thank you for helping the gathering to flow peacefully and smoothly)

-Whispered rumors of things to come:

Dinner Daily and Deliciously prepared (by us!, that means you, which is us!), Faery-Tale Tea (bring your stories, memories, traditions to share over a cup of tea), Intentional Libations Night, kNOw Talent Show (hosted by the fateful Rock, Paper, Scissor Sisters), the construction of a Community Ancestor Altar (bring tokens, talismans, pictures of ancestors that you would be willing to have on a community altar out in the weather), Samhain Ritual, an Interactive Community Divination EXTRAVAGANZA!!! (bring your decks, runes, card, and oracles that are comfortable being touched by community hands)…..

The time has come, autumn is upon us and the time to celebrate the cold, the dark, the cozy, the rotting, the fuzzy, the dead, the bouncy, the burning, the moist, the coming of the night is here. Bring your love, your Sight, your intention….

See you at the Fire….

Bliss,
-This Year’s Conspiracy to Call a Samhain Gathering

(Printable Registration form)
--------------------

Registration Form
Samhain, A Welcome Home Celebration to Ancestors and Fae-Kin
Saturday 10/28-06- Thrusday 11/02/06

Faery Name: ____________________________________

Former Faery Name:______________________________

Future Faery Name:__________________________________

Name your Parents Call You:________________________

Mundane Name: _________________________________

Address (If you want): _____________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________

I'm planing to be at the gathering from _______ to _______, for a total of ______ days.

I know you are asking $35/day (more if you can, less if you can't, No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds),
so I am enclosing $________

I would love to help with (circle away!):

Opening/Closing Rituals, Collecting & Cutting Firewood
Cooking a Meal Queening the Kitchen
the Know Your Talent Show, A Workshop/Ritual
Coordinating Rides for _______________ (city name)
Other _____________________

Remember, this is YOUR Gathering, and is created with the collaborative effort of everyone attending.
What is your intention for the Samhain Gathering at Wolf Creek?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

*************
Blessed Be

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

Free Fall Men’s Yoga & Meditation starts soon

2006-09-06T21:39:08Z

Would you please forward this invitation to any men who may be interested in attending a FREE men’s yoga or meditation class, and please consider attending yourself?

FREE MEN’S YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES

As we approach the Autumnal Equinox, the days shorten and it’s a great time to try new ways to integrate wellness & stress-relief into our busy lives. Q-LAND & LoveTribe are launching the fall quarter with the following FREE yoga & meditation classes (for men who’ve never tried one of our classes):

* Monday, 9/18, 6:30-7:45 pm
Core Strength Yoga

* Wednesday, 9/20, 6:30-8:30 pm
Therapeutic Yoga (for men with specific wellness challenges/goals)

* Saturday, 9/23, 10:00-11:15 am
Core Strength Yoga

* Tuesday, 9/12, 7:30-9:30 pm
Men’s Meditation Group

Below are short descriptions of each class.

MEN'S CORE STRENGTH YOGA
Monday, 9/18, 6:30-7:45 pm &
Saturday, 9/23 10:00-11:15 am
As men age, stress, gravity, and neglect of the body conspire to cause us to collapse inward. We close ourselves off to life. In this dynamic, powerful, gentle, and fun class you'll learn to open from the inside out - to strengthen, lengthen, and enjoy your core. This class is for men with diverse abilities, ages, shapes, colors, orientations, and backgrounds (must be able to walk up & down stairs because NW Portland studio is not wheelchair accessible). Instructor Charles Airey has studied yoga for about 25 years, became a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor 20 years ago, and has taught in various studios in South Florida & Southern California.
INFO: Charles 503-223-8822 or yoga@qland.org
RSVP: www.qland.org/menspirit

MEN'S THERAPEUTIC YOGA
Wednesday, 9/20, 6:30-8:30 pm
Small class tailored to address your specific wellness goals, limitations, abilities, & experience. Learn to use Yoga & Ayurveda to reach your wellness goals (getting stronger & more flexible, losing weight, stress relief, becoming calmer & more focused, etc.) and/or self-treat chronic ailments (like back/neck pain, insomnia/anxiety, allergies, depression, HIV, digestive problems, etc). Taught by instructor who has studied for more than l8 years (under certified Iyengar & Raja Yoga instructors) and taught therapeutic yoga for more than 12 years.
INFO: Bart 503-223-8822 or yoga@qland.org
RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

MEN'S MEDITATION GROUP
Tuesday, 9/12 & 9/26 (2nd & 4th Tuesdays), 7:30-9:30 pm
Meditation helps many people relieve stress, feel calmer and more focused, and be more creative and connected to your natural flow. In this group you'll receive basic meditation instruction and simple, silent sitting and walking practice twice a month, on-going support for establishing your own regular meditation practice, and the fellowship of other men from diverse backgrounds who are interested in meditation and mindfulness. Co-facilitated by Rob Downer, M.Div., a local spiritual director and Centering Prayer facilitator; and Jeff Kerr, who has studied Buddhist meditation and currently is a student at the Portland Shambhala Center.
INFO: Rob 503-223-8822 or meditation@qland.org
RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

NOTE: Please RSVP as we limit our class sizes to assure each class is tailored to each man's goals, limitations, & abilities. Men of all experience levels are welcome in all our classes. Classes are only free for men who’ve never attended one of our yoga or meditation classes. After your 1st class, you decide how much you want to donate per class and then pay that amount times the number of classes remaining in the quarter. Space is limited in the Therapeutic Yoga Class, so please RSVP for this class ASAP.

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9/9 Men’s Dating Lab: Practical Intimacy Strategies

2006-08-31T03:34:18Z

MEN’S DATING LAB:
Finding Practical Intimacy Strategies
* Workshop: Sat, 9/9, 6:30-l0:30 pm
* On-going Group: lst & 3rd Thurs (begins 9/2l), 7-9 pm

Many men long for more emotionally and physically
intimate relationships, but --

* They’re too busy;
* They’ve been burned;
* They don’t know what they want;
* They’ve tried everything;
* They think they’re too old, shy, ugly, blah, blah . . .

Well love is worth it. Intimacy makes you happier and live longer & better. And you’re capable and desirable enough. You just need a little help figuring out what you want and what you can do – in the real world – to get it.

In this fun, practical workshop you’ll explore with other men:

• What kinds of intimacies you want;
• Your intimacy challenges;
• Your intimacy strengths & skills;
• Practical experiments to try in the work-shop & in your life for dating & intimacy
• Asking for concrete support to help you implement what you’ve learned & sustain learning after the workshop

This workshop is not about experts telling us the answers. It is about us supporting one another to find the intimacy visions and strategies that work for each of us. And most of all it’s about figuring out what you can do differently in the real world to get more of the intimacy you want – and get the support to follow through.

If you can’t attend the workshop, you could check out our on-going Dating Lab Support Group that will meet on the lst & 3rd Thursdays each month, 7-9 pm, starting on 9/2l.

CO-FACILITATORS: Alejandro Cantu, 5l, has been a teacher of multi-cultural students for more than 20 years, was in a long-term relationship and is now returning to dating; Wayne Bund, 25, is a teacher of multi-cultural students, has been in several relationships, and has recently moved back to Portland as a single man; Bart Church, 46, has been in several primary relationships, but has viewed his close friendship network as his primary source of intimacy for most of his adult life & believes in valuing friendship networks.

CO-SPONSORS: MenSpirit is a joint project of two non-profit organizations, Q-LAND & LoveTribe, that empowers diverse men in the Portland, OR area to discover and manifest their individual & collective potential for wellness, community, friendship/intimacy, spirituality, & play.

INFO: Bill at 503-223-8822 or datinglab@qland.org or www.qland.org

RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

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9/1-9/4 MEN'S RETREAT - New habits, new possibilities for wellness

2006-08-22T00:41:27Z

Fall is a great time to develop new habits that create new possibilities for enhancing wellness. In its Men’s Wellness Retreat this Labor Day Weekend (9/1-9/4), Q-LAND & LoveTribe will help you enjoy learning new habits of yoga, massage, eating well, and music-making/movement to deal with challenges like:

* stress
* excess weight
* back/neck pain
* depression
* lack of energy
* digestive problems

In this long weekend at a beautiful ranch in the coastal range (on 50 acres of wooded land with a stream & ponds), you can join three experienced yoga teachers, two experienced Licensed Massage Therapists, and experienced musicians in creating a magical Labor Day Weekend Retreat that will include:

* hiking/strolling in the forest
* relaxing & energizing yoga classes,
* healing massage exchanges,
* playing croquet (and a new game called Giant’s Croquet) on the lawn
* making & moving to great music,
* napping,
* great food

All activities will be optional, and every day we’ll offer a couple of yoga classes, a massage exchange class, three delicious & healthy meals, and the opportunity to make & move to energizing & relaxing music.

What you do every day can create wellness and ease in your life. Come have fun with other men learning new habits that create new possibilities.

INFO: Bill at 503-223-8822 or retreat@qland.org
RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

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8/l2 Men's Music Jam; 8/l5 Men's Contact Improv

2006-08-07T05:01:39Z

Please invite any men who might be interested to the following Q-LAND/LoveTribe MenSpirit events designed to unlock creativity, heal your body, and open your heart:

MEN'S MUSIC JAM: Playing with Improvisation
Sat, 8/l2, 6:30-l0:30 pm
This is a time for all kinds of men to gather to share great (vegetarian) food & great collectively-created, improvised music. Even if you've never made music with a group of men, you can discover your innate creativity, rhythm, and love of music you help create. All of us are connected to rhythms through our heat beat, our breath, and all the flows of our bodies. Rhythm can have profound effects on us; it can slow our heartbeat, calm our respiration, and cause all of the cells of our bodies to vibrate in unison with all the cells of everyone else who hears that flowing sound. When we make music together, it connects us in unique ways. Co-Facilitated by Marvin Moore & Eric Zimmerman.

MEN’S CONTACT IMPROV & Motion Massage
Tue, 8/l5, 7-l0 pm
Contact Improv is an amazing moving meditation that focuses on the point of contact between two people. It looks like a combination of dance (movement), improvisation, meditation, & playful/healing touch. And it’s more than its parts. Motion Massage extends the awareness developed in Contact Improv into a highly intuitive massage form that uses the movement of the whole body to bring about healing, opening, and a nurturing flow. Co-facilitated by Felix Roth, LMT; Jeff Kerr, Daniel Flynn, & Bart Church.

INFO: Bill at 503-223-8822 info@qland.org or www.qland.org

RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

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8/5 Can hating your body make you sick?

2006-07-31T09:27:02Z

Can disliking your body or its parts make you sick? What if the things you believe about your body help determine how healthy you are and will be?

What if billions of dollars were being spent to convince you your body is flawed? And what if this belief and many of the products you buy to “fix” your body are actually making you sick?

MEN'S BODY IMAGES: Can hating your body make you sick?
8/5, This Saturday, 6:30-10:30 pm

In this workshop you’ll look simply and compassionately at which parts of your body you like, and which you dislike. You’ll look at how you feel about your body and its parts, as well as what you tell yourself about your body and its parts.

You’ll use simple practices of small group brainstorming & repetition of new body images, touch, breathing, ritual, play, and awareness to enhance the flow of blood, energy & nutrients to parts of your body you like. You’ll also use these practices to soften and enliven parts of your body you dislike. You’ll physically experience the connection between your beliefs about your body and the amount of blood, immune fluid, energy, oxygen, and nutrients that reach parts of your body.

Your beliefs about your body can make you sick. And the reverse is true. Your beliefs about your body can heal you. It is quite powerful to experience this first hand in your body, rather than as just ideas. And it is exponentially more powerful to do this with the support and energy of a group.

Let us re-imagine our bodies as capable of being beautiful, sexy, powerful,
healthy, and creative. Let us accept our bodies as they are -- and learn quiet ways to use our body images to heal our bodies, rather than destroy them.

CO-FACILITATORS: Dan Jones, co-facilitator of Outside In's Gender Blenz Group at the Trans Identity Resource Center, as well as Q-LAND’s coordinator of programs for men under 30 (this event is for adult men of all ages); Celeste Weber, founder of a radical feminist striptease support group & a risk reduction specialist at Outside In's Needle Exchange; Bart Church, a yoga teacher, Zen-Shiatsu Practitioner, and facilitator of men's wellness workshops and retreats for 20 years.

CO-SPONSORS: MenSpirit is a joint project of two non-profit organizations: Q-LAND & LoveTribe. Menspirit empowers diverse men in the Portland, OR area to discover and manifest their individual & collective potential for wellness, community, friendship/intimacy, spirituality, & play.

INFO: Bill 503-223-8822 or bodyimages@qland.org
RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

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Blues4Kali-A mythic hymn to the hidden Wisdom of Dark Mother Kali as Her Dead Line for Worldwide renewal nears

2006-07-26T04:02:24Z

Dear Family,

Blessings!

We're pleased to announce, at long last, the unveiling of AMPI's Pilot Project, Blues4Kali.
AMPI is extremely excited to invite you to enjoy this pre-print preview of the online edition.

Blues4Kali is the third metafictional delight by author Indi Riverflow, and the first to be available under the label of AMPI Alt Press, created specifically to address the shortage of prose poetry like this in the modern marketplace.
Please accept our invitation to preview the electronic edition at our website: www.amanamission.com or
www.blues4kali.com
This novel is our gift to you and we hope you enjoy this strange
chronicle of the counterculture. Please feel free to contact me at this address,
with any comments or concerns about the website.
Blues4Kali is the result of nine months labor, and our very first child together.
Whether she lives or dies may be up to you, so please spread this link in any way
you find fitting.

In Joy,
Om Shakti Kali Devi Om,
Amana Mission & Indi Riverflow
AMPI Alternative Press,
Peace Love Unity Respect Acceptance Light (Plural)
www.blues4kali.com
www.amanamission.com

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ZMS Queer Shamanism Gathering 2006

2006-06-07T18:29:56Z

--- Memo from the High Desert ---

Just a reminder that the annual Queer Shamanism Gathering
will be held @ Zuni Mountain Sanctuary from AUGUST 12th - 20th 2006

In preparation for the 2006 gathering, the planning committee would like to request pre-registration for all those wishing to attend. This would be most helpful for anticipating how many to expect this year as well as in preparing the upcoming bulk food order.

Plenty of tenting areas have been prepared for camping on Camp Hill and also in other more secluded areas on the land. The RV parking is also available for persuns wishing to camp nearer the road. Food and water will be provided by the sanctuary with vegetarian meals prepared and served by volunteer attendees. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions, allergies or other health concerns or with special needs we should know about. To help cover the costs for this years event a suggested donation of 35/day per persun per day is requested - more if you can less if you cant; no one turned away for lack of funds.

This years Proposed / Requested Activities / Workshops include -- Storytelling, Heart Sharing; Sweat Lodge; Positive Tea; Playback Theater; acoustical music circle, incense wildcrafting; desert walkabouts / visionquesting ; tonal work, massage, energy balancing, claycrafting; desert astronomy; entheogen discussion; body/energy playgroup; electronic spirit dance; yoga; how-to-be-an-effective-walk-in brainstorm; tarot / divination; multi-media arts exhibit; permaculture and infrastructure projects and a Know-Your Talent Show. This year as in the past there will be study spaces (both indoor and outside) for independent explorations.

RE: Pre-Registering for the 2006 Queer Shamanism Gathering

IN YOUR PRE-REGISTRATION PLEASE INCLUDE --- how you want to be referenced – name and the best way to contact you; your estimated time of arrival in New Mexico -- also if you are driving to the sanctuary and need driving instructions or a map. Pick-up from the bus/train/airport in Gallup or Albuquerque can be arranged compensation for gas requested. If you have extra room for sharing space with other travelers also let us know.

It is also proven helpful for visitors to have a persunal intention declared for themselves lending definition and structure to their time in space in the sanctuary during the gathering. Intentions can be general or specific but should allow for open-ended possibilities. Past experiences on the land indicate that in offering such a devotional pledge - such an act lends definition and measure to your experience and the ways in which we may better serve one another.

Full or partial pre-registration donations given early are most helpful. Checks can be paid to the order of Zuni Mountain Sanctuary and sent to us by snail mail care of ZMS attn: ShamGath 2006

If you would like to help we still need crews for Cafeteria Committee / Kitchen Queens, HydroGrrls and Dish Dudes. If you have other skills or talents you would like to share let us know in advance so as to better accommodate your context for space and/or materials.

*** Please notify ZMS either by email zunimtn@cia-g.com or by phone 505.783.4002 to let us know you if intend to attend or to arrange transportation.

www.zms.org

ZMS PO Box 636
Ramah, NM 87321
505.783.4002

-------------------------------------------

Things Are Heating Up this Summer @ Z M S
www.zms.org

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Zombie Nurses Arise!

2006-06-06T18:37:54Z

The time has come at last, with the loosening of the grip that winter has held here, and advent of the spring season, what has become unearthed? Why yes it is ZOMBIE NURSE! and it wants YOU!!!

The Zombie Nurses commit themselves to providing immediate care to those in need on the sanctuary. They shall help to maintain the balance between personal freedom and community safety, in an objective, non-judgmental capacity, by providing emergency response and by facilitating conflict resolution and effective communications at Wolf Creek.

This is a fun and functional way to plug into the gatherings here at Wolf Creek, check out the link below for further information. All are welcome!

http://tribes.tribe.net/zombienurses

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6/3 Bridging the Age Divide

2006-05-31T03:46:39Z

FRIENDSHIP: BEYOND TROLLS & TWINKS
Sat, 6/3, 6:30-l0:30 pm

Do you wonder why there is so little communication and friendship between younger & older men (and even between men who are the same age)?

Do you or your friends have trouble relating to men who are younger, older, or your own age?

This Saturday we will use guerilla theater games, story-telling, & heart-sharing to laugh at and look beyond our age stereotypes – to look at the true qualities and experiences of men of all ages. l3 men of diverse ages have already registered for this Saturday’s Playshop (23% under 30, but only 8% over 60). Would you be willing to help us expand the age diversity of this event by attending yourself, and by forwarding this invitation to men who might be interested, especially men under 30 or over 60?

When you have an intergenerational network of friends, you are able to adapt more effectively to the accelerating pace of change in modern life – you have access to both knowledge and wisdom from many perspectives and about many subjects. You have allies & mentors who are older, younger, and your own age. You also have a much clearer mirror in which to see who you were, who you are, and who you want to be.

Event co-sponsored by MenSpirit, a joint project of two non-profit organizations: Q-LAND & LoveTribe.

INFO: Peter at 503-223-8822 or trolls&twinks@qland.org

RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

Thanks for forwarding this to any friends, acquaintances, or colleagues who might want to bridge the age divide and develop friendships based on truth, not stereotypes. And thanks for attending this amazing Playshop yourself.

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Please Fwd: 3/11 Men Practicing Simple Kindness

2006-03-02T09:48:16Z

Men’s Massage Exchange
Sat, 3/11/06 (& Every 2nd Saturday)
7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Thanks for forwarding this invitation to men who might need simple, kind, healing touch . . .

“Understanding is the very foundation of love,
And looking deeply is the basic practice.”
-- Thich Nhat Hanh

REDUCE STRESS: Healing touch can be a powerful, regular, and affordable part of your life. It can reduce stress, improve the functioning of your immune system, help you feel calm and clear, and reduce chronic pain. Most of all it can help you feel at home in your body and your life.

LMT FACILITATOR: Healing touch can be very simple. It can be uncomplicated – done without pursuing erotic desires, without judging yourself or others, without fantasy or anxiety. It helps when a Licensed Massage Therapist shows you simple techniques that can augment your natural intuition. It’s also great when you have plenty of time to practice giving and receiving with several open-hearted men.

SIMPLE KINDNESS: Some people are afraid of touching or being touched by “strangers.” When you get to know people and they share your goals and values, they aren’t strangers. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you realized that strangers can be incredibly kind, and that your best friend was once a stranger?

Some people think men can’t touch without “making it sexual.” What if men of many ages, sizes, shapes, colors, orientations, and backgrounds are quite capable of being really kind and non-sexual in their touch? What if in fact most men are longing deeply for healing, non-sexual touch. Isn’t that what you want? Do you think you are alone in wanting to be touched with simple kindness?

Healing touch has this way of being complete, of helping you feel complete.

DONATION: $20-$50 (no one turned away for lack of funds; scholarships & work-study available)

SPONSORED BY: MenSpirit, a joint project of two non-profit organizations, Q-LAND.org and LoveTribe.org., dedicated to empowering men in the Portland metro area to transform our community so it values friendship, community, service, play and wellness among men, regardless of their race, orientation, age, religion, background, or other characteristics that should not divide men.

INFO: Chris Boothby, LMT 503-223-8822 X2 or massage@qland.org

RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

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2/24 Mmmmm: Diverse Men Healing thru Music, Movement, Touch

2006-02-10T21:34:10Z

Mmmmm is in two weeks -- could you please help us make this event as diverse as possible by forwarding this email to any men who might be interested?*

Mmmmm:
Men, Music, Movement, Massage, Meditation
Fri, 2/24, 7 pm – 12 am

Music, movement, meditation & healing touch have the power to send waves of energy through our bodies that set all our cells vibrating in unity – they allow us to discover our authentic needs for rest, nurturing, and healing. For thousands of years in many cultures men have used music, movement, touch, and meditation to discover who they are out beyond their superficial differences and self-imposed limitations. .

Two weeks from today men of all abilities, ages, sizes, shapes, colors, orientations, and backgrounds (including trans guys) will gather in a smoke, alcohol, drug free space that is wheel-chair accessible. We will explore more authentic, healing connections with ourselves and other men through music, authentic movement, deep relaxation, contact improv, guided meditation, danceability, ecstatic dance, healing touch/massage, and free-style movement and touch.

Each of us will be invited to get in touch with our own needs for rest, healing, and nurturing -- and to move and touch in ways that meet those needs authentically. We will keep our focus on healing and nurturing ourselves first and others as a function of the abundance we feel when we are taking care of ourselves. To keep the space safe for all kinds of men, there will be no genital or anal touching, no asking people out for dates, no sexual come-ons, and everyone will keep their comfortable clothes on (if you want a back massage, you can lift up your shirt for this).

Thanks for helping us to welcome all kinds of men by forwarding this email to the diverse men you care about. Don’t forget the astonishing power of music, movement, healing touch, and meditation to refresh your spirit and free your heart.

Featuring
* DJ DandyLion;
* DJ Keer (who also will facilitate our altar building);
* Felix Roth, LMT, founder of Motion Massage & co-founder of Sacred Circle Dance;
* Curtis Walker, Director, Impetus Arts (mixed-abilities movement);
* Bart Church, Zen Shiatsu Practitioner & yoga teacher.

Co-sponsored by:
QLAND.org
LoveTribe.org
Impetus Arts
MotionMassage.com

INFO: 503-223-8822 X2 or Mmmmm@qland.org
RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

* NOTE: If you’d like to print out & distribute the beautiful Mmmmm invitation flier to men who don’t have computers, let me know and I’ll email you the Microsoft Word version of the flier.

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Missive of Beltane

2006-01-28T17:36:18Z

<begin transmission>

the wheel is turning, <stop>
the darkness releasing <it>
the fire awakens <never>
the seeds are planted <does>

Candlemas <stop>
Equinox <then>
Beltane <bright>
Solstice <light>
the call will go out <comes>
the spell will be cast <and>
with love, magic, beauty, power, and clarity<shines>
in a good and gentle way <so>

will you craft this spell <stop>
will you live this spell ? <it>
what is your role ? <never>
do you yet know it ? <does>

email us at Nomenus@budget.net <stop>

<end transmission>

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 1 reply

tibetan singing bowl meditation Sat

2005-12-31T01:47:22Z

so, Magnolia put out there on the PDX singing bowl tribe that a singing bowl meditation for the new year might be a great way to set intentions for the next coming 12 months...

we noodled around for where folks could get together tomorrow and decided that at fairy coffee couldn't be a better place since most of the folks we know would be there anyway!

so, for those who are intending on going to fairy coffee (and those who weren't, as well.... ;) ) please bring your singing bowls if you are so inclined (or any other lovely meditational noise maker you may desire) and let's "ring" in the new year together!

Three Friends Coffee House - around noon - let's make a great noise!

with blessings for the new year...

~hawke~

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12/20 Touch Your Shadow; 1/7 Expand Your Vision

2005-12-14T00:11:21Z

“If you dream alone, it’s just a dream. If you dream together, it’s reality.”
-- Brazilian proverb

Please forward this invitation to any men who might be interested in connecting with other men to explore their shadows and/or expand their visions . . .

Tues, 12/20, MEN TOUCHING WITH HEART: on the Winter Solstice, use movement & healing touch to explore your shadow – those parts of you that seem to sabotage you from getting what you want. Many of us spend an enormous amount of time and energy distracting ourselves from our shadow or running from it. When we turn and look at our shadow, it is astonishing how simple its needs are, and how much energy it has to give us -- if we would work with it, not always against it. A licensed massage therapist, movement facilitator, yoga teacher, and long-time facilitator of shadow work will help men to use touch and movement as tools to gently get in touch with the feelings and needs of the so-called “dark-side” of our being.
INFO: Chris 503-223-8822 X2 or massage@qland.org
RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

Sat, 1/7/06, MEN’S VISION QUEST RETREAT: Five incredible artists are collaborating to help you use various creative tools (story-telling, movement, collage, painting, psycho-drama, meditation) to explore, express, prioritize, and get support to manifest your visions. They’ll also help you explore and integrate the needs behind cynicism, procrastination, and fear, so they don’t sabotage you. For most of human history, men have supported one another in teams/tribes to explore, express, & manifest their visions. In modern times many of us lack the powerful support of a team in discovering and manifesting our authentic visions for intimacy/community, health, spirituality, work, and play – and a life that balances these realms. This retreat will have two parts (you may attend either or both):
* Part 1, 1:00-5:00 pm Creative Playshop: Discover your visions with art, movement, mindfulness
* Part 2, 7:00 pm – 12:00 am Get support in clarifying & manifesting your vision (make it real)
INFO: Chris 503-223-8822 X2 or visionquest@qland.org
RSVP: www.lovetribe.org/menspirit

Thanks for helping us to promote diversity among men by forwarding this email to men who might not hear about these events (especially men of color, men under 30 or over 60, men without computers, working class men, shy or introverted men, Trans men, married men, straight/bi men, etc).

Bart Church
Q-LAND/LoveTribe MenSpirit Program Coordinator:
www.lovetribe.org/menspirt
www.qland.org
503-223-8822 X1
bart@qland.org

P.S. -- MenSpirit is a joint project of Q-LAND and LoveTribe dedicated to empowering men in the Portland metro area to transform our community so it values friendship, community, service, play and wellness among men, regardless of their race, orientation, age, religion, background, or other characteristics that should not divide men. To be successful, we need donations of time and money from people like you; please let me know if you'd like more information about how you might help.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever does."
--Margaret Mead

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...Togo Jack...

2005-12-10T04:01:44Z

* This is just a little something I felt called to pull together for Togo*

I like for you to be still: it is as though you were absent,
and you hear me from far away and my voice does not touch you.
It seems as though your eyes had flown away
and it seems that a kiss had sealed your mouth.

As all things are filled with my soul
you emerge from the things, filled with my soul.
You are like my soul, a butterfly of dream,
and you are like the word Melancholy.

I like for you to be still, and you seem far away.
It sounds as though you were lamenting, a butterfly cooing like a dove.
And you hear me from far away, and my voice does not reach you:
Let me come to be still in your silence.

And let me talk to you with your silence
that is bright as a lamp, simple as a ring.
You are like the night, with its stillness and constellations.
Your silence is that of a star, as remote and candid.

I like for you to be still: it is as though you were absent,
distant and full of sorrow as though you had died.
One word then, one smile, is enough.
And I am happy, happy that it's not true.

Please offer prayers of peaceful transition for Togo
Jack, who crossed over on Friday, Dec. 2, due to complications
afflicted by Lou Gehrig's disease. I may have only spent a brief time with him but long enough to have been taught lessons that have helped change who I am.

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 1 reply

Questions!

2005-11-29T15:29:52Z

Is it possible to heal a world that does not necessarilly want to be healed?
Is this our role on the planet or are we a virus sent here to infect and destroy?
Do pathogens simply treat us the way that we treat the planet?
Just trying to stir some bubbles.

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 8 replies

A Message from the Shining Ones

2005-11-26T03:29:19Z

"The translator of this message is irrelevant and should remain anonymous in your mind."
"Every individual being, is striving for his or her own life force realization. When one reunites oneself with this attunement, the light grows in each and every successive moment connected to the conscious higher self."
"As you become cognizant of more reality, you will find there is no separation as you move up the ladder of evolution and change into a higher isotopic form. How could anyone learn of the reality of his or her own generic composition as a light form other than by experiencing all aspects of this light in its developmental state. As a child begins to learn to breathe, to walk, to stand and run through personal experiences on Earth, so does each human being learn of their true nature and next state in human evolutuion as a being of light."
"We are all one with the water. We are all one with the Light."

more to come.

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Last chance: 12/1-12/4 Charlie Kreiner Breakthrough Retreat

2005-11-23T05:14:40Z

Thanks for circulating this to men who might be interested:

Charlie Kreiner's retreat at Breitenbush Hot Springs 12/1-12/4 called "Breakthrough: From Men's Roles to Men's Souls" is almost full. If you wanted to attend please contact Keven Chambers at the phone number below ASAP. This event is not affiliated with LoveTribe & Q-LAND, but is a once-a-year opportunity to delve deeply into your own liberation.

If you can't afford the time or money for this amazing retreat, then definitely register for Q-LAND & LoveTribe's special Sat, 12/3 Men's Spirit Pajama Party on "Looking Within to Find Your Authentic Flow" facilitated by Patrick Gracewood, an astonishing dancer, scullptor, and long-time facilitator of Authentic Movement, Contact Improv, and Interactive Mindfulness, and assisted by Palmer Pardington, who has worked as a spiritual elder in several traditions for several decades. Find out more about the Pajama Party at www.lovetribe.org/menspirit.

Here is a brief description of the Charlie Kreiner workshop:

BREAKTHROUGH 2005

At Breakthrough workshops, Charlie Kreiner offers powerful and effective
healing tools. You will learn a common-sense model of a world without oppression,
as well as get to practice practical, personal healing techniques. Breakthrough is an immersion experience in building and living humane alternatives to the male role. Men come away from these workshops with a sense of hope for the future and a set of tools for dealing with feelings of fear, loneliness, hopelessness, and despair.

Through play, honest sharing, and active listening we will open up to our
emotional selves, our connections with others and our greatest sense of
what it means to be alive. In so doing, we will also work to be allies to
each other's liberation struggles in building a diverse and just world.

FACILITATOR: Charlie Kreiner is the founder and director of the Institute for Diversity
Education in America (IDEA). For over 30 years, Charlie has been an
independent educator, activist, consultant and counselor on human
liberation/social oppression issues throughout the country and in much of
the world. He lives in Haddam, Connecticut.
.
DATES: Starts Thurs, 12/1, 7pm (with dinner at 6pm)
Ends Sunday, 12/4, after lunch

FEES: Lodging & Food: $204, or $252 for a cabin with plumbing
Workshop: Sliding scale $185-$500

A deposit of $200 holds your spot. Please try to RSVP by 11/17 (if you can't, get in touch as soon as you can).

INFO/RSVP: Kevin Chambers:
KC@KevinChambers.us, or 503-236-7864

At Breakthrough workshops, Charlie Kreiner offers powerful and effective
healing tools. You will learn a common-sense model of a world without oppression,
as well as get to practice practical, personal healing techniques. Breakthrough is an immersion experience in building and living humane alternatives to the male role. Men come away from these workshops with a sense of hope for the future and a set of tools for dealing with feelings of fear, loneliness, hopelessness, and despair.

Through play, honest sharing, and active listening we will open up to our
emotional selves, our connections with others and our greatest sense of
what it means to be alive. In so doing, we will also work to be allies to
each other's liberation struggles in building a diverse and just world.

FACILITATOR: Charlie Kreiner is the founder and director of the Institute for Diversity
Education in America (IDEA). For over 30 years, Charlie has been an
independent educator, activist, consultant and counselor on human
liberation/social oppression issues throughout the country and in much of
the world. He lives in Haddam, Connecticut.
.
DATES: Starts Thurs, 12/1, 7pm (with dinner at 6pm)
Ends Sunday, 12/4, after lunch

FEES: Lodging & Food: $204, or $252 for a cabin with plumbing
Workshop: Sliding scale $185-$500

A deposit of $200 holds your spot. Please try to RSVP by 11/17 (if you can't, get in touch as soon as you can).

INFO/RSVP: Kevin Chambers:
KC@KevinChambers.us, or 503-236-7864

At Breakthrough workshops, Charlie Kreiner offers powerful and effective
healing tools. You will learn a common-sense model of a world without oppression,
as well as get to practice practical, personal healing techniques. Breakthrough is an immersion experience in building and living humane alternatives to the male role. Men come away from these workshops with a sense of hope for the future and a set of tools for dealing with feelings of fear, loneliness, hopelessness, and despair.

Through play, honest sharing, and active listening we will open up to our
emotional selves, our connections with others and our greatest sense of
what it means to be alive. In so doing, we will also work to be allies to
each other's liberation struggles in building a diverse and just world.

FACILITATOR: Charlie Kreiner is the founder and director of the Institute for Diversity
Education in America (IDEA). For over 30 years, Charlie has been an
independent educator, activist, consultant and counselor on human
liberation/social oppression issues throughout the country and in much of
the world. He lives in Haddam, Connecticut.
.
DATES: Starts Thurs, 12/1, 7pm (with dinner at 6pm)
Ends Sunday, 12/4, after lunch

FEES: Lodging & Food: $204, or $252 for a cabin with plumbing
Workshop: Sliding scale $185-$500

A deposit of $200 holds your spot. Please try to RSVP by 11/17 (if you can't, get in touch as soon as you can).

INFO/RSVP: Kevin Chambers:
KC@KevinChambers.us, or 503-236-7864

Thanks for forwarding this to any men who might be interested.

Bart Church
Q-LAND/LoveTribe MenSpirit Programs Coordinator:
www.lovetribe.org/menspirit
www.qland.org
503-223-8822 X1
bart@qland.org

P.S. -- MenSpirit is a joint project of Q-LAND and LoveTribe dedicated to empowering men in the Portland metro area to transform our community so it values friendship, community, service, play and wellness among men, regardless of their race, orientation, age, religion, background, or other characteristics that should not divide men. To be successful, we need donations of time and money from people like you; please let me know if you'd like more information about how you might help.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does."
-- Margaret Mead

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

Benefit for Wolf Creek Sanctuary

2005-10-19T02:45:47Z

Hey all you crazy congregrants, I'm posting this here first for some feedback/support....

On behalf of the All-Star Mystery Church, I'm holding a benefit for Wolf Creek Sanctuary, and the Samhain 2005 gathering, on Tuesday October 25th, at Porky's Pub on Lombard, in N. Portland. I'm hoping to get a few performers together, and a DJ -- nothing is stone-set yet and probably won't be until the last minute so if you have any suggestions or ideas or blessings, let me know. I just want to be able to take a chunk of change down to the land when I go to the gathering that weekend.

More details to follow -- anybody got an act they need to perform?

Love to you all for your attention,
Ampersand Charmpop O'Really

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 1 reply

Anyone coming to Samhain?

2005-08-30T06:59:11Z

I'm interested is possibly hosting a couple of rituals with a barebone's structure, and having those priestessed or hosted by individuals I feel safe and trust.

I'm sure they will fall into place during the gathering with whomever is supposed to be there, but I did want to open it up for discussion and to see if there's interest in working collectively over the next few weeks on a few intentional rituals to be priestessed/hosted by us.

Sound interesting?

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 2 replies

CREATING the Wolf Creek Samhain Call!

2005-08-09T21:45:19Z

Hey all,

Lamas has passed,
and we're starting to co-create the Call for the Samhain Gathering.

We need to make this gathering a success and raise money to maintain the Sanctuary.

If you are planning on attending and would like to contribute to this Spell,
join the Wolf Creek Samhain Call tribe.

Thanks,
Luna Butterfly

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 1 reply

N@raya Potluck in Portland 6/30

2005-06-28T18:15:27Z

Hello dear hearts! In Portland, there will be a Wolf Creek N@raya reentry potluck and talking circle at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday 6/30 at Ampersand and Stella's house (2725 SE 34th Ave.). Past and future dancers are welcome.

love Stella Maris
standing.wave at gmail.com

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies

why I joined the all-stars...

2005-06-24T00:55:34Z

I joined because of this statement:

"...that while Spirit may do a great deal to serve (i.e., heal) Politics, Politics do absolutely nothing to serve Spirit."

I feel the same way about Spirit and Art, btw.

thanks, ampersand!

smooch,
boom~

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 1 reply

what are we: a mini-festo

2005-06-23T05:25:11Z

The All-Star Mystery Church is conceived in the understanding that matters of Politics and matters of Spirit are mutually exclusive matters, and that while Spirit may do a great deal to serve (i.e., heal) Politics, Politics do absolutely nothing to serve Spirit.

Therefore, all discussions of who is or isn't this or that are moot within The All-Star Mystery Church: if you feel called to be a member of The All-Star Mystery Church, then presto-chango: YOU ARE ALREADY A MEMBER OF THE ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH, and all of the magical work you have done in the past and all of the magical work you will do in the future is proof of your legitimacy as a member of this congretation.

The All-Star Mystery Church is open to all people who are open to all people.

The All-Star Mystery Church is Faerie Unitarism: Unifaeriesm.

The All-Star Mystery Church is conceived as a fountain through which to channel our collective power as faerie healers and pagan energy workers and two-spirit shamanic maniacs and all the other things we might be: to channel these powers into the collective good.

The All-Star Mystery Church exists to do nothing less than heal the entire fucking planet, and when we gather together, even if it is only in dreams, we are doing that work.

Learning how to do that work better and harder and deeper and wilder, all of us together, is the purpose of The All-Star Mystery Church.

There can be no power struggles within The All-Star Mystery Church, for the power is in each and every one of us, equally.

It's pretty simple: that's all there is to it.

Everything else is the Mystery.

Any questions or suggestions?

Come together.
Do the work.
Spread the word.

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 1 reply

a juicy peace

2005-06-07T15:30:11Z

Let me tell you a story
About types of beings generically called Fairies, about their characteristic consciousness, their strange awareness, called faerie, Faerie is see-ing through polarity. In straight consciousness Bi-Polar Thought is King: male and female are opposites, win-or-lose is the game, reality and dream are separate, immutable and contradictory. But there are Fairies, who look on in gentle mocking laughter at such childishness, for they know that everyone is now "female", now "male", that no one ever wins when anybody loses, that reality and dream flip into each other at the flick of a glittering wand.
Fairies see polarities dancing, changing, everywhere, constantly. So they know that ANY pole frozen by itself blocks the flow, becomes a dead weight, an illusion hiding true understanding. So they come to realize that every "objective" thing is but a shadow.
Knowing this, the Fairies can't take themselves too seriously, either, seeing they also are an illusion. This creates a marvelous lightness! Fairies are truly blessed, truly free modes of being, for they can laugh at themselves in their deepest places, can transcend their ignorance from moment to moment, gliding out of each limit and restriction even as it manifests, emerging each from hir own form like a butterfly or a moth.
This wonderful paradoxical freedom from form, this lightness, enables Fairies to fly. It grants them deep wisdom.
excerpt from VISIONARY LOVE- A Spirit Book of Gay Mythology by Mitch Walker and Friends published in 1980

this dear friends fell of of the shelf on this garden i am tending deep in the woods....seems VERY appropriate
LOVES
kalaban khol-s

posted in ALL-STAR MYSTERY CHURCH - 0 replies