Morning Paths
Note: teens 16-17 are eligible for adult paths with parent and facilitator approval
A Fool's Journey
Facilitators: Heather and James
The Fool of the Tarot is a symbol for Divine Source, and unlimited potential. Each card is a reflection of his totality, and we are invited to join him on his journey. As we take the Fool's Journey we are mirroring the story of Vasilisa. She relies on faith in the Unseen, and Inner Knowing just as the Fool stands eyes closed on the precipice without falling. In this path, with the aid of powerful archetypes from the Tarot, we will explore our own paths of faith and journey into Mystery just as our heroine Vasilisa has done.
Tween/Teen Path (ages 12-16)
Facilitators: Ann & Alice
Our path will explore the points of the Iron Pentacle. We expect that the participants will co-create the Magic while we all learn from each other. This is real-world magic useful in relationships, school, and the needs of our bodies, minds and spirits. Oh, and we will have as much fun as possible. If folks have magical tools they can bring them but this is in no way required. The agreement we had last year was that the facilitators are here for the teens and will not discuss day-to-day path stuff with anyone outside of path.
Kids Magic Path (ages 7-11)
Facilitators: Martialyss & Christopher
Come learn about the magic of Baba Yaga in the Children's Magic Path! Is she a mean old Witch? Is she a nice grandmother Witch? You decide! Let's recreate stories while learning how to create magic! Learn how to cast spells to get rid of your worries by charging a worry doll. Learn how to cast spells to make wishes come true and make a wish box. We will have a wonderful time casting and creating; we hope you will join us!
Pixie Path (ages 1-6)
Facilitators: Julia & Ayla
We will explore the elements through art and sacred play. Using storytelling and music we will explore the arc of the camp story. We will journey though the elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit using movement, games and art projects. We connect with Mother Earth as we explore the woods around us with the wonder of a child and perhaps searching for faeries if the mood strikes us.
Elements of Magic
Facilitators: Eva & Mir
This path is the core course designed to introduce beginners to the Reclaiming tradition of magical practice. That said, experienced participants are welcome to revisit these basics with us! We'll talk about Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit, and how we connect them to the Four Directions (plus the Center). We'll use song, movement, trancework, journaling, maybe some crafts, to explore our own relationships to these elements. Participants will get to practice creating an altar, casting a circle, invoking allies to support our work, and - finally - designing and performing a group ritual.
We suggest that anyone interested in taking this path read Starhawk's The Spiral Dance and/or the "Elements Path" sections of The Twelve White Swans. In fact, they're recommended reading in any case.
Unlocking the Gate
Facilitators: Yarrow & Moonsister
Clarity. Desire. Resolve.
These three turn the key that unlocks the gate: With clear eyes we see how to turn the key. With our heart's desire we begin to turn the key.
With firm resolve we grasp the key. We unlock the gate.
Our allies in this work are the riders who thread through the tale of Vasilisa and Baba Yaga – the white rider of Dawn and Clarity, the red rider of Sun and Desire, the black rider of Night and Resolve. White, red and black are also the colors of the Triple Goddess, of Maiden, Mother, and Crone – who also thread through the story, who are also Clarity, Desire and Resolve.
Clarity, desire and resolve turn the key -- if we have a key, if the key is right for the lock, if the lock is not rusted shut. No gate is guaranteed us, none but the gates of Birth and Death. All of us fail some gate. Sometimes we fail again and again.
No gate is guaranteed; but from failure, sometimes, we forge the key.
When desire rises in us, and is not satisfied, we can start to forge the key. When what we saw so clearly turns out to be mistaken, we can start to forge the key. When resolve is tested, over and over, and we fail as often as we succeed, we can start to forge the key.
We will prepare and charge physical keys. Bring a key to work with, or choose one from those we make available at camp.
Self-Guided Paths
You may be called to do very focused solitary pathwork where you spend the mornings in deep meditation, silence, or a particular activity. Only you know if this is the path for you. If you do chose to work completely alone, please let other people know of your intention, and your destination if you chose to be alone away from camp.