Mike Kelley is the Workshop Coordinator for 2007

He is responsible for getting all the workshops together and scheduling them. It is a tough job. He also prints up the workshop info to have available at the GOC.

Mike is a therapist with practices in Lubbock and Midland, focusing primarily on substance abuse and sexual problems. he has been a follower of the Baha'i Faith for over 35 years, with an interest and appreciation for studying all spiritual practices.

Mike Kelley, 26 A Comanche, Lubbock, TX 79404, (806) 749-0801 W, (806) 765-0441 C  mkelleyrun@yahoo.com  

   Chris Flores - Wisdom of the Fire Spirit - Thu 1:30 pm

Since my introduction to the fire spirit at the top of the mountain in Cloudcroft, I have been given many teachings in dream time and waking time. I want to share this wisdom of a "time before man" with the others that attend.

The Fire Spirit speaks to me of a "time before man", when the beings called "earth"(eate), wind (combus), fire (sshiala) and water (nwe) lived in the ethers along with the other creatures that inhabited the earth. "Sshiala-eate" (fire spirit of the mountain) speaks of humankind in terms of "spirits returning", the animals as the "caretakers" of the earth, domesticated pets as the "teachers" of man. "Sshiala-eate" describes the basic purpose of each of it's brothers and sisters in words such as "Nwe" calms the returning spirits" and "Combus" breaths inspiration and direction to the others".

Understanding the world described by "Sshial-eate" is not an easy task when it is limited by the images and symbols that I am able to comprehend, but I am willing to share some of what has been conveyed to me. "Sshiala-eate", "Combus", "Nwe" and "Eate" also speak of future events within this realm, and have provided images that I have yet to decipher. Perhaps with your help, together we can unveil the future.

Chris Flores - Red Spider and Her Web - Fri 9:00 am

Red Spider began to visit me this year. Her teachings describe the "web of life" and how each of us are part of that web. With that, she teaches how our actions affect many people and how we should learn to walk on the web with good intention and in much care not to break the ties. I hope to present this workshop to share the teachings of Red Spider with those at the GOC.

Chris Flores, 14215 Short Horn Street, San Antonio TX 78247, (210) 663-2120, cflorese@sbcglobal.net  

Shawna Mitchell - Creating Intuitive Ritual for Women - Thur 1:30

Interested in creating or facilitating gender based ritual for the life passages and unique experiences of women? Unsure where to begin?  Women are deeply intuitive and from this inner well can spring the most meaningful ritual.  Intention overrides techniques but understanding technique gives freedom to intention.

How does one qualify to lead a workshop on creating intuitive ritual?  I ask myself am I qualified to lead wonderful, creative women into this experience?  Perhaps we co-create the experience?  With women in my spiritual community I have created Crone Crowning rituals and Coming of Age ceremonies.  Join me and we'll see what happens!

Shawna Mitchell, PO Box 5556, Abilene TX 79608, (325) 668-2563, sierras33@aol.com 

Kathy Two Hawks - Herbal First Aid - Thur 1:30

In this workshop we will discuss herbs that you can use for first aid at home, camping or playing at your favorite sport.  Some of these are common household herbs you cook with on a regular basis and some are more exotic sounding.  Come and see what you have in your kitchen that you can use.

Kathy Two Hawks is a Master Herbalist, Medicine Woman,and Master Leather Smith at Two Hawks Leather & Gifts an Herbal Emporium in Peoria, AZ.  Kathy has spent many years studying her herbal craft and becoming a Medicine Woman.  She spent the first 19 years of her life studying under her Great Grandmother and Grandmother how to gather, respect and use herbs for healing and continues that work and study even now. She has also spent many years working with Girl Scouts and Women's programs that help women find their voices and better their lives.  At present she works and directs Healing and Ancient Wisdom Coalition, a non-profit organization that provides a resource for all to heal and strenthen their purpose for the future and guides an advanced Medicine Woman course for women on their Medicine Path.

Kathy Two Hawks, 4440 W El Camino Dr., Glendale AZ 85302, (602) 989-8468, ladytwohawks@myway.com 

  Brother Sun, Sister Moon - Weaving the Fabric of Life - Thu 3:30
(Steve & Resa Ferreira)

An interactive workshop that combines sound, movement and an amount of weaving to acknowledge, discover and re-discover the core strand that runs throughout life. Of course, there are stories! Our stories, your stories, the voices and sounds of the trees and the earth and the stone. We'll weave them literally and figuratively. Bring your hands, your heart and the wonder that was gifted to you in the Beginning.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon (Steve and Resa Ferreira) are Keepers and Weavers of Story.  For more than 18 years they've performed, taught, healed with story.  They believe "As the Root taps the Earth, so the Story taps the Soul." From bars to living rooms, from TV studios to circles of people they carry the stories, they listen, they weave.

Steve & Resa Ferreira, 1744 E. Coronado Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006, (602) 495-8837 H, (602) 509-4262 C,  Sferreira@cox.net  

Cliff Buchanan - Shamanic Journey Drumming - Fri 11:00 am

Cliff will lead a "Shamanic Journey" to the "lower world" to find your "power animal". Your power animal is a "helper" to help you understand yourself through understanding the various traits and characteristics of your power animal. Cliff will use the powerful sound of the drum as a vehicle for your travels. Discussion will follow. 

Cliff is a computer consultant in Odessa, Texas and has led many Shamanic Journeys, sweat lodges, and gatherings.

Cliff Buchanan, 1404 Castle Road, Odessa, TX 79762, (432) 550-3302 H  Cliff@ISISoftware.net  

  The Great Mystery: That Which Can Not Be Described - Fri 9:00 am

The Great Mystery is the theme for this year's Gathering of Circles. In this workshop, we will address that which can not be discussed, defined, or understood

Mike Andrews has been working on his "I-don't-know", but this workshop might stretch the limits of his "I-don't-know" boundaries.

Mike Andrews, PO Box 577, Arroyo Seco, NM 87514, (505) 776-0001 H, (505) 770-4321 C  7laughs@newmex.com - 

September VQ: http://www.gatheringofcircles.com/2007/2007_vq.htm 

Rita Popp & Jim Earley - Writing and Using Mantras
 - Fri 11:00 am

All you need are a pen and paper to try your hand at writing short phrases to be used as mantras to calm the mind and body, and spark creativity. The workshop will include the opportunity to speak our mantras, silent meditation using mantras, and time to write images and reflections that grow out of the meditation experience. 

This workshop is inspired by Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön’s book, Start Where You Are,  and the mantra instructions in At a Journal Workshop by the late psychotherapist Ira Progoff.

 Jim Earley and Rita Popp first teamed up to lead a meditation workshop, based on Pema Chödrön’s writing, at the 2006 Healing Hearts retreat, Jim and Rita presented a personal journal workshop at the 2005 GOC. This year both participated in Progoff Intensive Journal retreats.

In May, Jim received his master’s degree in counseling and education psychology from New Mexico State University, and also holds a master’s in creative writing from NMSU. A former instructor at Dona Ana Community College, he lives in Las Cruces with his son. Rita is a creative writer and former NMSU public relations professional who has taught since 2001 at DACC. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and English.  

 Cathy S. Martin - Lighting the Creative Spark!- Fri 11:00 am

Using Music, Guided Imagery, poetry, percussion, and drumming, we enter the creative space in our hearts to begin and renew our creative journey.

Cathy S. Martin is a songwriter, hypnotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and musician.  She is the creator of the "Sea of Light-Only Love Prefails" CD and "One with the Universe" tape and songbook.  Cathy is in private counseling practice in Abilene, TX http://www.sacreddreamers.com

  The Rainbow Drum Clan is honored to join in the opening ceremony of the GOC of 2007

Virgie Raven Hawk has been a facilitator of "A" drumming circle for twelve years and travels the powwow circuit with her companion and drum maker Debbie Drum Hawk

The Rainbow Drum Clan came together about five years ago and has grown and shrunk as their healing needs were met thru the drum... and now because of the GOC many have connected to the Earth and choose to help others reconnect their healing Spirit. Through out history Drumming has been a part of healing and significant transitions for human kind. All manner of Drumming has the ability to put us in touch with our own natural Rhythms so that one can hear the heart beat of the Earth Mother. Drumming will awaken the mind while stirring the soul and allowing one to relax and begin the healing of your inner being.... There is no right or wrong way to drum for when you drum with "INTENT' you will discover your own healing message and be FREE.....  

Please bring your own drums and noisemakers !

   Children's Activities

Thursday:    Getting to Know you Activities/PowWow Drumming

Friday: Super Sleuth Hike, Painting Gourds, Crafts, Group Activities with ??? Children's Sweat ( or non sweat ) Lodge, weather permitting movie with WinterFox.

Saturday : Hike, Singing, Music, Banners with Cathy, Children's Bundle, Face Painting and Dress up for Dance (Bring material,  paints, special clothes) 

About Cathy S. Martin Bails- Mother of Joshua 12 and Holana 10. Cathy is a Creative Psychotherapist,  Counselor, Songwriter/Singer, creator of "Sea of Light-Only Love Prevails" CD and "One with the Universe- cassette tape and songbook, producer/writer of musical "Lovespell"-  (CD's will be available for donation to the GOC)  http://www.sacreddreamers.com  

Also assisting is Aline Marcoux, 5609 21 Ave. S, Gulfport FL 33707, (727) 384-8030, alimarco55@hotmail.com 

   Sweat Lodge Schedule

Thursday Children's Sweat: 4PM - Dave Arneson and Aline Marcoux

Thursday Night 8PM: Women's Sweat Lodge: Shawna Mitchell, 
Men's Sweat Lodge - Wayne Juste

Friday Sunrise Coed Sweat: %:00 am The Conch Shell will signal the time to gather around 4:30am - Enrique Hynes 

Friday night Coed Sweat after the Sweet Medicine Dance = Dave Arneson

Dress for the  sweat lodge consists of shorts, swim trunks, or sarong for the men and T-shirt 'n  shorts, swimsuit, dress, or sarong for the women. Please bring a towel to sit on. Women on their Moon time will be allowed to participate in the Women's Lodge, Sunrise Coed Lodge, and Friday Night Coed Lodge.

Please be well hydrated if you are planning to attending any of the lodges and encourage your children to drink water throughout the day if they are attending the Children's Lodge with Doctor Dave and Aline. An altar is available outside the Lodge for placement of any items you may wish to be empowered by this sacred and healing ceremony.    It is appropriate to give a tobacco offering in appreciation to those conducting the Lodge. If you have any questions or concerns please call or E-mail Dave.  (602) 421-0795  or docdave2003@msn.com  .

  

This year Cliff turns over the World Famous Pancake Breakfast to June Baldwin. Please bring you plate, coffee cup, and appetite!  

Louise Noella Dale, kind and wise companion, mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, counselor, and neighbor, died peacefully on December 28 at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her partner, David Arneson, her daughter, Sylvie Dale, her mother, Jeanne Marcoux, her sisters, Aline and Diane Marcoux, her nephew, Sky Slayton, and her former husbands, Kirk McLoren and Ed Dale. She was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Marcoux.

Louise was born on December 25, 1946, in Val D’Or, Quebec, Canada, to Jeanne and Ernest Marcoux. She grew up in Canada and Florida, graduating from Boca Ciega High School in 1965.

She was a talented artist, writer, teacher, and counselor. She got her Associate of Arts degree from El Camino College, Torrance, California, in 1969. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1987. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Professional Writing from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1994. She got her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Ottawa University in 2001.

She was married to Kirk McLoren in 1967 and was divorced with no children. She was married to Ed Dale and had her only child, Sylvie Dale, in 1971. The family moved to El Paso shortly thereafter. She was divorced in 1981 and did not formally marry again, though she shared her life with her final companion and the love of her life, Dave Arneson, for the last 16 years.

She worked as an artist for the El Paso Public Library, and for GLS Printing Co. In 1981, she went back to school and worked as a freelance graphic artist. Eventually, she started Luminations, a graphic design and editing business. As time went by, she became more passionate about helping others. She taught many classes, including English composition, calligraphy, and handwriting analysis. After her degree and certification in professional counseling in Phoenix, her deep personal understanding and experience led her to work with people who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction.

And, all the while, she and Dave were immersing themselves in Native American teachings; they began leading Vision Quests with the guidance of their Native American friends. In Thanksgiving of 2006, they passed an important milestone by facilitating their 15^th Vision Quest. Lou strongly believed in the good medicine that comes from the quest, which brought healing to hundreds of people from all walks of life.