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| Tidewater Pagan Women Retreat 2006 |
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| Tidewater Pagan Women's Spiritual Retreat 2006
Nags Head, NC I had the honor of participationg in a week long women's spiritual retreat facilitated by Tidewater Pagan Women. By gathering together for a spiritual retreat and journey of transformation in a sacred space, women create a powerful energetic womb. It is the nature of the womb to create and nurture new life; and new life in a process of awareness and transformation means that women can begin to make different choices, choices that create the possibility of a new life. 23 women participated, filling a 3-story ocean front house in Nags Head, with an abundance of love and laughter. Through wisdom workshops, music, singing, chanting, drumming, ceremony and ritual we remember the I CAN and I AM. Sharing our stories, we remember the way of all women. Together we awakened and honored all of our life stages; we evoked the child, the maiden, the mother, and crone. We laughed, we cried, shared wisdom and strengthened our bond. We remember our connection with the earth as we walked the beach, the sun warmed our hearts and cool sea breezes cleansed our souls. We remember our connection with each other and with all living things as the dolphins frolicked and we stood in awe. Rebekah Benner, Spiritual Healer, of Akron OH facilitated many workshops such as Vibrational Healing (Healing through vibrational sounds, chanting and singing), Ecstatic Ritual (external awareness and expanded interior mental and spiritual awareness), Sacred Belly (procreative power beyond child bearing), Drumming (Drumming & Percussion Basics, Drum Care & Selection). Rebekah has been drumming for over 10 years and led the Terra Amma Drum Circle at the UU Church for 6+ years in Akron, OH. She has been a student of diverse spiritual paths since she was 13 years old. When called upon for prayer, energy work or healing, she employs diverse interfaith and cultural techniques such as voice, drum, shamanic journey, gemstones, crystal bowls, and guided meditation to facilitate healing and inner peace. Her wisdom shared was a great benefit to many of us who participated in her workshops. Those that lacked confidence in their ability to drum, chant or sing were illustrating conviction in their talents by the end of the week. Many Thanks Rebekah, you are a jewel! TPW is a diverse group of women of all ages. As individuals they possess many talents and vast knowledge, as a sisterhood the wisdom is shared and continues in the bond of our sacred circle. TPW hosted workshops included Crystal Healing (Gems & Crystal Bowls), Reiki, Henna & Pampering The Goddess, Finding Your Inner Goddess, Meditation Mandala, and walking a labyrinth. Synergy among women. Women are each other's support. Supporting each other to the best of their ability. Many women do not realize that much of their strength comes from bonding with other women. When it comes to emotional bonding, which usually comes from talking, sharing and connecting, women understand most what a woman feels, and what a woman wants. When you imagine a house filled with women, do you think of jelousy, conflict and mood swings? I can attest that women can find a home among the Tidewater Pagan Women Spiritual Group. All participants are supported in an atmosphere of non-judgement and unconditional love that goes deeply into her own spiritual journey of self-awareness, healing and transformation. I witnessed many women, open themselves and face their shadows. Alison Jones |