Church of the Wild - Lùnasa Gathering

One of the many reasons why Church of the Wild exists is to create spaces where we re-member our primary interconnectedness in intimate relationship with the rest of the living world. In a time of drastic climate collapse, extinction of species, depleted soil and waters, one of the most beneficial actions we can take is to restore relationship. 

Robin Wall Kimmerer says, "Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond." 

This feast day of Lammas, or Lunasa, is an ancient Celtic festival of thankgsiving for the first fruits of the earth. It is noticing the earth loving us. For our ancestors, the first corn was cut, the first wheat was made into loaves of bread, the cows and horses were led into water for healing and cleansing, there was feasting, storytelling, races to the top of hills, fires, and gratitude. It is a celebration of the sacred bond between us and the earth, specifically, the bioregions in which we live. It's a love story. 

We will gather-in our first fruits, invited to listen into our lives for what has been planted in us this past season and what has grown in and through us. What is manifesting as the fruit of your life's call? What is stymied or stuck in its growth cycle? Whatever shows up, it is valuable information, with no judgment. We will be invited to listen to our own lives, bodies, each other,  and the trees and rocks and more-than-humans around us. Bring a poem or song to share that might express what this season of life means for you, for it is for all of us too. And that's a lot of "fors." 

Join us at Hone Quarry. It's about 30 min from Harrisonburg. Yes, there's a 1.5-2 miles of road with lots of bumps and potholes. Allow time to get there, and maybe allow that time to be part of your reflection, the threshold through which you arrive. Listen and watch and pay attention. We will either meet in the "meadow" in the day-use area (where the big parking area is) or in the campground. Most likely in the meadow. Look for our sign! If it you see it in the parking lot near the day-use sign, it means that's where we are. if you don't see it, keep driving to the campground. 

Bring a folding chair, your water, insect spray if you need it, a journal and pen if that's you, a friend. Come just as you are. You belong.

P.S. There is no WiFi or cell service out that way. However, if you set the directions in your GPS when you leave your house, it will get you right to Hone Quarry. For any questions before the day, text 540-405-9201 or email svchurchofthewild@gmail.com. 

Donations/Love Offering/Sacred Reciprocity.

I founded and have served Church of the Wild for the past five years without payment. As my life shifts, including how I receive money, and the value I place on my time and energy, I am encouraged to ask for your involvement. This is a relational movement of energy from me to you, you to me and back to you again in a flow of reciprocity. This can have profound effects on our lives. Of course, you are always welcome to attend regardless of the ability to pay! 

I accept cash or checks or you can Venmo me @Valerie-Serrels or PayPal paypal.me/churchofthewild