Named a Wisdom Keeper of the Goddess Spirituality Movement in 2013, Nancy Vedder-Shults, Ph.D is the author of The World is Your Oracle: Divinatory Practices for Tapping Your Inner Wisdom (Fair Winds Press: April, 2017). This innovative book presents 40 multicultural techniques, 1/3 of which are visual, 1/3 auditory, and 1/3 kinesthetic. Nancy is the thealogical columnist for SageWoman Magazine, and blogs for Elephant Journal, Feminism and Religion, and formerly for Matrifocus. She recorded Chants for the Queen Heaven, a CD of Goddess chants from around the world and has offered spiritual growth presentations across North America since 1987. Nancy honed her intellectual skills from 1975 -1991 in the emerging field of Women's Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where her focus on empowerment began.

Friday, July 27th

Workshop: Animal Oracles for Accessing Your Inner Knowing with Nancy Vedder-Shults, Ph.D. in the Temple Room
This interactive workshop will use an ancient Celtic oracular method called deuchainn to tap into our 'knowing'. After discovering what we want to ask and fine-tuning our questions, we will invite our wisdom to respond in the form of an animal, bird, or bug. Opening to our inner depths allows us to set priorities, meet challenges, and find creative solutions. These practices can empower us on our spiritual paths and daily life. Come and renew your connection with Spirit.  

Family Programming: Tree Talking with Florence at the Family Center
We'll explore the meaning of Green Spirit, and how we can connect with the life-forces that are all around us. Kids will learn a bit of basic energy work, and how to feel the energy around trees. We'll make friends with a tree, and learn about leaving offerings. We'll also make some nutrient-rich comfrey sun-tea to offer to our plant-friends. Parents are encouraged to participate with their kid(s).

Saturday, July 28th

Workshop: The World is Your Oracle: Divinatory Practices for Tapping Your Inner Wisdom with Nancy Vedder-Shults, Ph.D. in the Temple Room
Come and learn divinatory methods that Nancy has gathered in her book, “The World Is Your Oracle”, to explore ways ancient, indigenous, and contemporary cultures have tapped into the wisdom that resides within each of us. We will investigate three major intuitive senses: the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Oracles help us turn inward to develop deep listening, deep vision, and deep sensing of our insight. This workshop is an introduction for those who are just beginning to perform oracles as well as an opportunity for those experienced with divination to find fresh inspiration. Come and sink deeply into your inner knowing!

Family Programming: Labyrinth Walk with Florence at the Family Center
We'll journey out to Circle's Spiral Labyrinth to learn about labyrinths, and how we can use them for personal change and discovery. We'll walk the labyrinth and do our own short ritual at its center. Grown-ups are invited to join us. Please apply sunscreen and bug-repellent to your child before this workshop. Parents are encouraged to participate with their kid(s).

Workshop: Lughnasadh Prosperity Magic with Rev. Selena Fox in the Temple Room
Explore ways of working with Lughnasadh symbols, meditations, and rituals for abundance, prosperity, and wellness in personal and community life.

Family Programming: Lughnasadh Songs and Stories with Florence in the Summer Kitchen
Take a break for stories and songs celebrating the themes of Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas and Green Spirit, including family, food, nature, and the harvest. Parents are encouraged to participate with their kid(s).

Sunday, July 29th

Lughnasadh Ritual Post-Mortem with Ritual Leaders in the Temple Room
Discuss the process and insights of the ritual with the community and ritual leaders. Hear what they had in mind, share what you experienced, in body, and connect soul to soul. (Recommended to attend if going to the Closing Ritual.)

Family Programming: Children's Service Project - Japanese Hedge Parsely Pull with Florence at the Family Center
Not all plants are supposed to be in our nature preserve. We'll be working to reduce the population of Japanese Hedge Parsley, an invasive species that's too common in our woodlands. Grown-ups, please apply sunscreen and bug-repellent to your child before this workshop. Boots or socks under sandals will be a good idea. Parents are encouraged to participate with their kid(s).