We present our annual Gorsedd celebrating the Festival of Lughnasadh, July 30, 2010 to August 2, 2010, in the redwoods overlooking Monterey Bay. Here is a sample of the central Earth Healing Ritual, conducted at the last year's Gorsedd.
Pagans from throughout the world gather to celebrate Druid culture in California for 4 days and 3 nights of Druid workshops, dancing, chanting, drumming, nightly Bardic campfires, and a rousing Eisteddfod (performing arts celebration) nestled in a redwood grove. The weekend will be capped by a grand procession and ritual celebrating Lughnasadh that you help create.
Workshops include Celtic, Middle Eastern, African, and Alchemical drumming techniques for all skill levels, chanting and ritual dance, healing practices, sustainable living techniques, and creating Ecstatic Ritual.
The Gorsedd will feature a special message from OBOD Chief, Philip Carr-Gomm http://www.philipcarrgomm.druidry.org/ accompanied by internationally acclaimed recording artist Damh the Bard. http://www.paganmusic.co.uk/. Philip Carr-Gomm will be available to spend time with you through live Skype video on Saturday morning.
Evelie Delfino Såles Posch, Bard of Taliesin, performing artist, and leader of the chorus and band for Reclaiming’s Spiral Dance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k8EU4TeBXM is again our Gorsedd Bardic Master: presiding over our chanting, ritual music, and Eisteddfod.
T.Thorn Coyle, priestess of the Feri tradition, popular author, performing artist, and teacher http://www.thorncoyle.com/, has joined the staff this year to convey her Bardic skills, and show you how to create Ecstatic Ritual.
The Druids of the Oak, Ash & Thorn Brewing Company are bottling a special mead under the House of Danu label for the Gorsedd. http://www.oakashthornbrewing.com/.
On Sunday night we explore our shadow selves with Pomba Gira. We emerge in black and red costumes, masques, face paint, and leather, to move with sensual live drum rhythms supporting music spun by the House of Danu House DJ, Murias O’Ceallagh.
Registration fees include all events, workshops, 8 meals prepared by Buddhist wedding chefs and lodging. Camping: $277.00 Bunk in cabin: $337.00 Space is limited so register early.
We act to provide a regional spiritual home for isolated members of our Order (OBOD) by making this website a connection with Druid culture in California. This website will evolve as a place one can go for individual spiritual growth, provide a calendar that will alert you to meetings, rituals, events, and festivals tied to our community. The House of Danu is open to anyone who wants to experience the Druid Way. Membership in OBOD is not required. There are no geographical restrictions. Anyone can join the House of Danu, and we presently have members from all known Druid traditions. The website will be an act of OBOD Druid Culture as it exists in California: one that draws knowledge from all organizations within the Druid Diaspora. JOIN THE HOUSE OF DANU. It's free.
We connect the isolated members of our Order in the West by gathering. In August of 2009, we convened an historic Gorsedd during the Festival of Lughnasadh at the Buddhist Retreat Center, Pema Osel Ling in the redwoods overlooking Monterey Bay on the California Coast. It was four days and three nights that manifested the best of Druid culture: Bardic campfires, workshops, feasting, chanting, dancing, drumming, initiations, a wonderful Eisteddfod of poetry and music, capped by a magnificent procession and ritual to heal the Earth ending in joyous spiral dance. The next Gorsedd for the Festival of Lughnasadh is set for July 30 to August 2, 2010.
ABOUT THE NAME:
Danu is the name of one of the great Goddesses in the ancient world She is a Hindu primordial goddess, where the word Danu describes the primeval waters which this deity embodies. In Celtic spirituality Danu is the mother goddess of the Tuatha De Danaan (the people, tribe or nation of Danu). The river Danube and at least three other European rivers (Dniestr, Dniepr and Don) were named by the Celts in her honor. All Celtic tribes honored Danu as well as other forms of the Goddess. The connection of Danu to the Hindus and the Celts speaks to their common ancestry.
According to Irish legend, the Celts came to Ireland from Spain (this branch was called the Milesians, or sons of Mil). When the Celts landed on Ireland, the Tuatha kings feared that the Milesians were invaders, and killed their leader, sending the rest back to Spain. The Milesians returned to Ireland, and the Tuatha and the Milesians fought for control of the country, with the Celts being the eventual victors, in no small part due to the power of the Celt druid Amergin, who cast powerful lays (spells) to assist the avenging Celts.
The victorious Celts did not destroy the Tuatha in Ireland, but made peace with them. As druids, we follow this example by honoring those of different paths, cultures, and beliefs, knowing that we are all part of the intricate web of life, and are therefore different yet equal in the eyes of the gods. While honoring the vast diversity found in the universe, we also welcome any others who wish to join us in celebrating our Druidry.
