Gorsedd: Festival of Lughnasadh 2009

The House of Danu convenes its first Gorsedd during the Festival of Lughnasadh, July 31 to August 3, in the coastal redwoods above Watsonville, between Santa Cruz and Monterey, California.  We have selected the Buddhist retreat center, Pema Osel Ling, as our venue.  It will be transformed into our Avalon.  Fixed, youth hostel type, lodging is available, as well as camping.  All meals are included in the price by experienced wedding chefs who can accommodate any diet.  Though our programming continues to evolve as we are joined by prominent Druid scholars and artists, you can expect something like this:

FRIDAY July 31 

3:00pm – 6:00pm     REGISTRATION - Once you get settled, you will enter the Danu Portal through which you pass into sacred time and space.  Pool is open.

6:00pm     LATE REGISTRATION - Feasting Hall.
             WORKSHOP: Making Hard Cider by Rev. Joel Schonbrunn, Druid of the Fellowship, FoDLA Grove of the Bay, Brewmaster, Oak Ash Thorn Brewing Company – Feasting Hall. 

7:00pm     DINNER – followed by ORIENTATION – Feasting Hall 

8:30pm     GORSEDD OPENING - by Philip Carr-Gomm, Chosen Chief of OBOD - Eisteddfod Theatre 

Til Midnight    CAMPFIRE – Drumming, singing, and all manner of Bardic activities – Grove Pavilions 

SATURDAY August 1

8:00am     BREAKFAST – Feasting Hall

9:30am     WORKSHOP: Druid Spiritual Practice presented by our Chief, Philip Carr-Gomm – Eisteddfod Theatre

11:00am    WORKSHOP: Earth Healing Ritual presented by Karen Ehrenfeldt, Druid of Croi na Gleann. This is our preparation for the ritual celebrating our Festival of Lughnasadh. – Merlin Hall 

Noon     LUNCH followed by ABSOLUTELY NOTHING before workshop – Feasting Hall 

2:00pm     WORKSHOP: Druid Magic presented by John Michael Greer, Archdruid of AODA – Feasting Hall. 

3:30pm     WORKSHOP: Ritual Chanting and Singing followed by MORE NOTHING until dinner - presented by Evelie Delfino Såles Posch, Bard of Taliesin – Merlin Hall

6:00pm     DINNER – Feasting Hall

8:30pm     EISTEDDFOD: Beginning with a presentation on California Druid History by Michael Gorman, Chief Druid Emeritus of Grove of the Oak.  Followed by Bardic entertainment by participants – Eisteddfod Theatre 

Til Midnight CAMPFIRE – Grove Pavilions


SUNDAY August 2

8:00am     BREAKFAST – Feasting Hall 

10:30am     FESTIVAL OF LUGHNASADH – Line-up for procession at Grove Pavilions. 

Noon     LUNCH – Feasting Hall 

1:30pm     WORKSHOP: Rites of Passage presented by Isaac Bonewits, Archdruid Emeritus Ár nDraíocht Féin – Eisteddfod Theatre. Following his overview, we will split into two groups: 

MEN’S GATHERING to begin the discussion of our creating rites of passage – Feasting Hall

WOMEN’S GATHERING for a discussion led by: Susa Black, Druid of Doire Bhrighid, Karen Ehrenfeldt, Druid of Croi na Gleann,Susette Horspool, Druid of Golden Oak Grove,  Jehana Wedgwood, Grove Mother of Monarch Bear, and Druid of Manannan Mac Lir - Merlin Hall 

4:00pm     WORKSHOP: Tarot Story Telling presented by Susa Black, Druid of Doire Bhrighid – Feasting Hall 

6:00pm     DINNER – Feasting Hall 

7:30pm     PANEL DISCUSSION: presented by the leaders of the largest Druid traditions in the West, Philip Carr-Gomm, Isaac Bonewits, and John Michael Greer, ending with a closing meditation –  Feasting Hall 

8:30pm     MEETINGS: Bardic Grove – Eisteddfod Theatre  Ovate Grove – Merlin Hall  

Til Midnight   CAMPFIRE – Grove Pavilions 

MONDAY August 3 

8:00am     BREAKFAST: Slideshow – Feasting Hall 

9-3:00pm      RETURN TO THE APPARENT WORLD

Directions

For the venue address and directions, please visit http://www.polmountainretreat.com/directions.html.