Welcome to the 1999 Gathering of Circles
Cloudcroft NM
 August 5 thru 8

Opening pipe ceremony, Thursday night, 7:00 p.m., Pamela Scheler will led the pipe ceremony to officially kick off this years events. Introductions of old timers and new comers will be made with the use of the talking stick decoration ceremony. Beth Hin will also have some opening payers to offer for us.

Welcome, Friday morning, 8:30 am. Cliff Buchanan will welcome newcomers and talk about the meaning of the Gathering of Circles. Beth Hin is our guest speaker and will address "The Great Peace." Bobby Ashworth and Dan Leonard will led us in their ever famous "Acquaintancing Activities." A "Schedule of Events" will be available for you to schedule your activities and workshops.

Workshops, Friday afternoon, 2:00 to 5:00 and Saturday morning 9:00 to 12:00. Kirsten Berghmans promises a wide array of workshops including but not limited to Group Massage, Shamanic Journeys, Balancing Chakras, Drawing to Self Awareness, Nature Walks, The Cube, Yoga Nidra, Walking Sticks, Native American Teachings, and Inner Light Essays to name a few.

More detail and schedule

Sweat Lodge, Friday evening will be devoted to separate men and women's lodges. This sacred ceremony has been practiced in cultures throughout the world in many various forms. Discover the power of the elements of nature and prayer to transform your life and learn some of the symbolism behind the lodge.

Saturday Afternoon, Wilma DeLao, our "Sweet Medicine Dance" coordinator will solicit your help in preparing the dance circle for Saturday night. Perhaps you might want to take a nature walk or prepare for the dance by wearing your special costume. Many will take advantage of the face painting offered. Banners are hung in each of the four directions. A meeting for newcomers to explain in depth the meaning of "Dance your own dance" will be available.

Sweet Medicine Dance, Saturday night, finally, is what we have been waiting for. A chance to dance our own dance! This is a time of true magic. An unbelievable experience of dancing beneath the stars, in nature, with a community of like minded people dancing for themselves, for humankind, for peace. A chance to let go of old resentments and ideas that are holding us back from discovering our true self. This is an opportunity to dance for joy and for the new millenium we are facing.

"Gathering of Circles is for Kids" Suzann Greenwood, our children's coordinator, has many activities in mind for kids including but not limited to crafts, walking sticks, sweat lodge for kids, nature walks, kids circle, kids give-a-way, talking stick, creating an alter, art and nature. She says "As a young person in the world today, you have an incredible opportunity to make positive change on the planet. These activities have been created to encourage the strengthening of your inner voice and personal power. You are the bright light of hope for us all. You are the future generations."