Samhain 2015

October 30 - November 1, 2015
at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve
near Barneveld, Wisconsin
Coordinated by Moonfeather and Amanda

The year draws to a close and the time of renewal is upon us. Come linger with loved ones and friends in A Place Between Worlds, as we bid farewell to that which has passed and open ourselves to the possibilities of the future. Samhain reminds us that all endings are beginnings; as we descend into the dark time of the year and prepare to say goodbye to 2015, we celebrate the promise of rebirth.

Activities at this year's Samhain include:

Friday night's Witches' Ball, featuring Water Street Bridge!
These veterans of stage and studio blend Celtic, blues, old timey, Americana, sea shanty, pseudo-Slavic, jazz, Creole, art rock, reggae, comedy and original songs into something that can only be described as “eclectic acoustic.” Brandishing an impressive arsenal of musical instruments they bring new life to tales of old, old sounds to tales of today, and twisted takes on tales never meant to be told. Holding true to its original vision, Water Street Bridge remains a creative collective, thriving off the input and participation of a variety of musicians, artists, dancers and poets. Steam powered, funked out... this AIN'T your momma's folk music.
Workshops with featured presenters Laura Gonzalez and Sharon Stewart
Samhain Ritual
Circle Sanctuary Annual Meeting on Saturday Morning
Workshop & Ritual celebrating Circle Cemetery's 20th Anniversary with Selena Fox & others
And much more!

More about Samhain:

Celebrating the Seasons: Samhain

Previous Samhain Events:

2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

SCHEDULE of EVENTS

**NOTE** Due to lack of youth registrations, there will be NO youth programming offered at this event.

Friday, October 30th
12 pm	Gate opens for Arrivals
1 pm	Opening Ritual & Festival Blessing
2 pm	Greening the End of Life: Circle Cemetery with Rev. Selena Fox Learn about natural burial & contributions of Circle Sanctuary's cemetery to the Green Cemetery movement in the USA and beyond.
3:30 pm	Pumpkin Drilling! Join Blodie as we create our table decorations for the weekend by scooping out pumpkins and drilling decorations into them! Come join the fun! In Our Hands: Sitting Vigil in the Final Hours In this hands-on training workshop with Death Midwife Sharon Stewart, learn about comforting our beloved companions as they cross over.
5:30 pm	Dinner behind the Farmhouse
7:30 pm	Arrivals begin for Witches' Ball
8 pm - Midnight	The Annual Witches' Ball! Back by popular demand is the band Water Street Bridge! Come in costume and be part of a merry evening of dancing, fun, refreshments, and friends! Owl's Nest Open for Shopping until 11pm
Saturday, October 31st
8 am	Gate opens for arrivals
8 - 9 am	Breakfast in the Summer Kitchen
9 am	Newcomers' Meeting in the Tent with Florence Come meet new folks and learn the ins and outs of the festival and about Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve as well! Bring your questions! Wedding of Peter & Viniko at the Stone Circle with Selena Fox All are invited to this legal Pagan handfasting.
10 am	Circle Sanctuary Annual Meetingin the Temple Room Selena, Bob, Circle Staff and others will give an overview of Circle Sanctuary’s accomplishments over the last year and the annual report will be presented. Volunteers will also be recognized.
Noon	Lunch behind the Farmhouse
1:30 pm	Día de Muertos: Origin and traditions of the Day of the Dead with Laura Gonzalez in the Temple Room We will take a journey exploring the origin and tradition of the Day of the Dead. We will descend into the 'Mictlan' (the underworld in Aztec mythology). We'll learn who the underworld deities are and how important they are to our lives. We'll discover how the worship to said deities has evolved, surviving conquest, Christianity and modern time influences to morph and charm the whole world into what we call today "Día de Muertos".
3 - 5 pm	Owl's Nest open for shopping!
3:30 pm	Ritual Preparation You are invited to put your energy into the preparation of tonight’s Samhain Ritual as we work together in gratitude to create props needed for the ritual. We'll decorate the coffin of our ancestors, lay the candle walkway, etc. Honoring the Departed Honor the community members who have passed on by visiting the cemetery and tidying up the area for tomorrow's ritual.
5 pm	Raffle and Silent Auction results!
5:30 pm	Backward Supper behind the Farmhouse Food will be served in reverse order...beginning with the dessert! In lieu of a potluck dish, please bring a ready-made-dessert to share for our dessert bar! Please eat together in the tent on The Green as there will be special announcements for the ritual given at 6:15pm.
8 pm	Samhain Ritual Please gather silently outside of the barn. Bring the photo(s) of your ancestors with you at this time.
10 pm	Silent Meditationin a specially-created area on the Green
Sunday, November 1st
8 am	Gate opens for arrivals
8 - 9 am	Breakfast in the Summer Kitchen
9 - 11 am	Owl's Nest open for shopping
10 am	Circle Cemetery Samhain Ritual A celebration and ritual in honor of Circle Cemetery's 20th anniversary with Selena Fox, Laura Gonzalez and others. This ritual will include a dedication of Deborah Ann Light's memorial stone, and an interment of her ashes.
Noon	Festival Closing Ritual with Selena & Sharon
12:30 pm	Lunch behind the Farmhouse
2:30 pm	Final Departures

VENDORS:

Owing to limited space on the Green, there will be no vending at this event.

REGISTRATION:

Registration is CLOSED for this event.

Cancellations received before October 15th will be refunded minus 50% processing fee. Cancellations received on October 15th or later will not be refunded. Please refer to Circle's cancellation policy if you should need to cancel your event registration.

For more information contact events@circlesanctuary.org or call the Circle office at (608) 924-2216.