Some Highlights of Womon Gathering

By far the best highlights of Womon Gathering are the awesome womyn you meet there.  And of course the many wonderful classes and activities going on over the four days of the event. 

But there are also fun places and sacred spaces to visit, meditate, journal or to hang out, or meet and chat with other womyn.

Gateway - each year the gateway is decorated for the element that is the theme for that year. Excerpt from Womongathering Program: “…a place between the worlds. A sacred place for releasing what you wise to leave behind, grounding and centering yourself before yourself before enterning the joy and community that is Womon Gathering.”

Mama Kelly: This was a wonderful way to start our time at Womongathering.  The theme this year was water and the gateway was home to a large crystal singing bowl which carried further than I would’ve thought.  Next year I would probably pop my head in there as well in between classes and such instead of just passing through it (and pausing there briefly) the one time only.

Sacred Fire - The sacred fire is watched over by the Fire Tenders.  This year the center included not only the fire but also a pond of water.  Outside the circle were various ways to “cleanse” - such as sage, blessed water, tuning forks, singing bowls.  We entered from the Southeast, walking the figure 8 (eternity symbol) around first the pond and then the fire. Around the sacred fire was a circle honoring the 8 directions.  Excerpt from the Womon Gathering Program: “Fire and Water ally to transform personal and collective self in our vibrant wimmin spirit communites.” (Note: no photos are allowed of this area.)

Mama Kelly:  As I’ve said before I want one of these!!!  It was so glorious to simply walk into sacred space whenever the spirit called me to do so.  To sit and let the heat from the fire permeate my body and to watch the sparks flying moved me more than I can say.

Red Temple (Moonlodge) - sacred womb-moon space for all womyn to gather and share wisdom. Excerpt from Womon Gathering Program: “…a space to honor the sanctity of womyn’s experience of merarche, menstruation, and menopause. All womyn, no matter where on their menstrual or life cycle are welcome.”

Mama Kelly:  We are hoping that Miss Artistic will enjoy this.  We did not visit it during our time at Womongathering but many of the women we were blessed enough to meet had nothing but good things to say about it.

Sweat Lodge - The sweat lodge ceremony is held a couple of times throughout the four days of the gathering, and some are for those who are attending the ceremony for the first time. The lodge represents the womb of Mother Earth. Excerpt from Womon Gathering Program: “…the purification ceremony assists us in renewing and reconnecting our mind, body and spirit.”  We did not attend a sweat lodge this year, but it is on our list of things to consider for next year.  (Note:  there is no extra cost for the sweat lodge, you just need to reserve your spot when you send in your registration.  If not, you can check when you arrive to see if there are any openings.)

Mama Kelly:  For me its less about considering and more about finding the extra funds.  Ive always felt called to do a ritual sweat and Womongathering is certainly a safe place to do that.

Gyrl Space - a place just for young girls, where they can register for special activities, arts and crafts, classes, and ceremonies that are planned for young girls of all ages; some were ages 5 and up; others were ages 10 and up.

Mama Kelly:  Watching all the younglings wandering around did pull my heart a bit and cause me to miss my own two girls.  Looking over the class schedule made me realize that they could easily have come with me and would have had activities that would appeal to them.  I am looking forward to Princess Nibbles being able to spend time at GyrlSpace when she comes to Womongathering in 2010, the summer before she turns 11. 

Lake - We didn’t visit the lake this year, but we heard it is awesome.  Swimming and boating is allowed when the lifeguard is on duty.

Witches Grove - a lovely spot in the woods. We didn’t get to this area this year, but we did notice it on the map and plan to visit next year.

Give Away Table - this is a spot where womyn bring items and books they no longer need or want to give away (in good weather it is outside in the marketplace and if there is rain it is set up on table inside the Dining Hall).   Everyone is welcome to browse and to give and take.   Now that we know about it, next year Mama Kelly and I will definitely be bringing a lot of items for the give away table.

Mama Kelly:  As this summer will find me clearing through an awful lot of clutter I am sure I can pack a nice box full of give-aways, including children’s books that my own girls have outgrown.

Marketplace - this is the area set up outside the Dining Hall where the various vendors (and body workers) have their wares set up and also where you will find the Communications Center (lost and found, information, schedule\class updates, etc.).  It is a lively area and a fun place to mingle or just hang out in one of the shaded (or in the sun) chairs and picnic benches.