Revised Gaia Festival Schedule

Here is the latest schedule -- it is still subject to change so, after you register I will email or mail the final schedule a few weeks before the festival.

Workshops/Events Schedule & Descriptions for Gaia Festival 2007

Saturday, May 26, 2007

“Opening Ritual: Invoking the Divine Feminine Through Song and Music”
Date & Time: 5/26/07, 10:30 am
Facilitators: Karen Tate, Stephanie Hamberger, Kris Oster
Music and Song Offerings: Miranda Rondeau
Location: Outside of Stewart Hall

Gaia Festival opens with a circle of all participants and presenters, led by Reverend Karen Tate, an Adepta within the International Fellowship of Isis. Karen will lead the group in prayers of gratitude to the Great Mother Goddess and will invoke Her qualities of peace and abundance. Miranda will play frame drum and offer songs to Gaia.

Post ceremony, 11:00am - 12:00pm:

• Book and vendor table will be open for participants to peruse
• Healers, massage therapists will be available for 10-minute mini treatments
• Opening drum circle will provide a festive, upbeat atmosphere. Facilitator TBD.

-- Lunch will be served at 12:00 pm --

“Sacred Sites of the Goddess: Ancient Echoes of Herstory”
2-hour workshop will be followed with a book signing.
Date & Time: 5/26/07, 1:15 pm
Facilitator: Karen Tate
Location: Stewart Hall

Rev. Karen Tate, scholar of the Sacred Feminine, author of Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations, and her new book, Walking an Ancient Path, expected out in early 2008, will open the Gaia Festival with her presentation of sacred sites of Goddess around the world. Learn more in this lecture, discussion group and interactive ritual presenting:

• Discovering the Feminine Face of God around the world
• The essence of Goddess in her most ancient places
• Learn about places of healing, transformation and manifestation
• Making pilgrimage to sacred sites closer to home
• Unveil long hidden truths buried beneath the sands of time
• Who are the New Goddess Advocates?
• What is Goddess Spirituality and does it offer hope for the future?

Karen will sign copies of her book, Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations after her presentation. Books will be available for purchase at the festival book table.

About Karen Tate

For over two decades, Karen's work has been fueled by her intense interest and passion for travel, comparative religions, ancient cultures, and Goddess Spirituality.

A prolific writer, published author, and tour organizer, Karen's most recent work blends her experiences of women-centered multiculturalism evident in archaeology, anthropology and mythology with her unique literary talents and travel experience throughout the world to pen Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations.

An ordained minister, independent scholar of the Sacred Feminine, and graduate of The Women's Thealogical Institute, specializing in Goddess and Women's Spirituality, Karen's particular emphasis is on the roles of women and the study of comparative religions and ancient cultures in a modern or reconstructed context. It is no surprise then that she is the founder of the educational, art, and cultural organization, The Isis Ancient Cultures Society. An Adepta within the International Fellowship of Isis, Karen was ordained by one of the founders, Lady Olivia Robertson, at Clonegal Castle in Ireland. More than a decade ago, the author began the Iseum of Isis Navigatum, a hearth of the Goddess within the FOI, which continues to fulfill her calling to help mid-wife the rebirth of the Divine Feminine in contemporary society.

Karen resides in Venice, CA with her husband, Roy, her life partner for more than twenty years. They are the creators, artists, and caretakers of the Isis Temple of Thanksgiving.

Karen was nominated for the Pagan Pride Day 2006 Community Service Award.

Karen can be reached at karentate108@ca.rr.com. www.karentate.com

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“A Musical Journey Through the Elements: An Introductory Frame Drum Workshop”
2-hour workshop. All levels welcome. Frame drums provided, but please bring your own if you have one.
Date & Time: 5/26/07, 3:45 pm
Facilitator: Miranda Rondeau
Location: Stewart Hall

The frame drum is one of the oldest sacred instruments in the world. In the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean the frame drum, mostly played by women, was used for religious functions, rites of passage, and communal bonding.

In this workshop:

• Learn basic technique, playing with hands and fingers.
• Vocalize and play the basic strokes and sounds of the frame drum
• Explore different rhythm and stroke combinations
• Perceive the elements of nature - fire, air, earth and water - behind the drum strokes

About Miranda Rondeau

Miranda Rondeau is a singer, songwriter, musician and frame drummer whose music is inspired by the inward journey. Her chanting transcends language, bypasses the intellect, and is devotional and shamanic in nature.

She has performed in southern California since 1994 as both a soloist and within various percussion ensembles at colleges, universities, drum festivals, women’s conferences, and ceremonies. Miranda offers frame drum workshops and classes in the Los Angeles area.

She has studied with Master frame drummer/author, Layne Redmond as well as performed with Italian virtuoso frame drummer Alessandra Belloni.

Miranda sees drum, dance and song as sacred arts that have the power to heal.

Miranda can be reached at mirandasmuse@gmail.com.

-- Dinner will be served at 5:45 pm --

Film Screening of “Signs Out of Time” – Documentary about the life and work of Marija Gimbutas
Film duration is 58:40 and will be followed by a 35 minute panel discussion.
Date & Time: 5/26/07, 7:00 pm
Panel: Karen Tate, More TBD
Location: Stewart Hall

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“Yoga Trance Dance: Ecstatic Poetry of Movement”
1.5-hour workshop. Please wear non-restrictive clothing for ease of movement.
Date & Time: 5/26/07, 9:00 pm
Facilitator: TBD
Location: Stewart Hall

Free the body and mind through yoga trance dancing. The facilitator will guide the group through a series of breath-initiated movement based on yoga asanas with music. The movements are designed to release creative blocks and revitalize prana - the body’s life force.

From Shiva Rae’s website: “Yoga and dance are two great rivers that lead us back into our bodies and rejuvenate us with prana – the vital energy of life. Yoga awakens the breath, fluidity of the spine, and inner power. Free-form trance dance cultivates natural movement, intuition, and creativity.”

More information on this workshop coming soon.

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“Drumming for the Soul: The Spirit of Fire”
1-hour drum circle. Drums to be provided, but please bring your own if you have one.
Date & Time: 5/26/07, 10:30 pm
Facilitator: Kris & Shaun Oster
Location: Outdoors around campfire

Drumming in a circle around a fire invokes the energy of the ancestors. Shamans called on the ancestral spirits of their people to bring healing to the entire community.

In this drum circle group class, we will work on a series of rhythms and chants adapted from the African-Brazilian religion Candomblé. Participants are also encouraged to dance in celebration with the drums.

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Sunday, May 27, 2007

Morning Yoga
45 minutes. Please wear non-restrictive clothing for ease of movement and bring a yoga mat.
Date & Time: 5/27/07, 9:00 am
Facilitator: TBD
Location: Classroom I

Gentle stretching with basic yoga asanas. Last 10 minutes of session will feature Shaun Oster playing a crystal bowl and crystal didgeridoo for Shavasana, deep relaxation pose.

-- Continental breakfast will be served from 8:30am - 10:00 am --

Morning Activities, 10:00am - 11:00am:

• Book and vendor table will be open for participants to peruse
• Healers, massage therapists will be available for 10-minute mini treatments
• Optional drum circle to awaken our kundalini energy

“The Magdalene Circle: Connecting with Mary Magdalene Within”
2-hour workshop will be followed with a book signing.
Date & Time: 5/27/07, 11:00 am
Facilitator: Joan Norton
Location: Classroom I

Christianity was grown upon the ground of the Goddess. She was called
The Magdalene, Watchtower of the Flock, The Divine Bride. She is our own Goddess of the Western World.

Since the release of Dan Brown’s bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code and the film adaptation, starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatou, the public at large has become interested in learning more about the mysteries of the Feminine Divine embodied by Mary Magdalene, who is known in the story as the Holy Grail.

Today, Mary Magdalene is speaking to many, asking to be given Her rightful place and stature.

In this interactive, circle-based workshop,

• We will hear Her stories, we will fill our eyes with Her images, we will listen to Her voice in poetry, song, and prayer.

• We will create ritual for letting go of the old denigrated images of Her.

• We will go deep into ourselves through guided meditation to experience the Magdalene within our own soul life.

About Joan Norton

Joan Norton, M.A., M.F.T., a Jungian psychotherapist in practice for 25 years and a channel for The Sedona Journal of Emergence for 12 years, is the author of The Mary Magdalene Within. The book is based on a personal visionary encounter with Mary Magdalene in 1996 and illuminates the true equality of consciousness of The Sacred Marriage, the balance of the Divine Feminine and Masculine.

Joan organizes Mary Magdalene seminars in the greater Los Angeles area and hosts the Mary Magdalene Circle, a monthly study/prayer group that takes place in Hollywood, California.

Joan can be reached at jnorton4@socal.rr.com. www.marymagdalenewithin.com

-- Lunch will be served at 1:30 pm --

“Celebratory African Drum/Dance Workshop and Performance”
1.5-hour workshop will be followed by a 30 minute performance and a book signing. All levels welcome. Drums will be provided, but bring your own if you have one.
Date & Time: 5/27/07, 2:30 pm
Facilitators: Ken Adama and Naomi Doumbia.
Location: Classroom I

There are hundreds of rhythms that drummers and dancers throughout West Africa know, and each of these rhythms tells its own story. A drummer must be knowledgeable of the meanings of the rhythms to speak effectively with the drum. Each jembé rhythm and dance has a purpose, a time, and a place. Some rhythms honor groups of people, other rhythms mark certain occasions.

In this workshop you will learn and experience the rhythms and dance movements of different West African celebratory and initiation rites.

About the Doumbias

Dr. Naomi Doumbia
With a Ph.D. in Comparative Philosophy and Religion from C.I.I.S., Naomi Doumbia has studied the philosophies and religions of the world and spends most of her time abroad in Africa and Asia writing and conducting research. Through her work, Dr. Doumbia aspires to bring to light the healing and transformative powers of the world’s indigenous, spiritual traditions. She also received her formal training and certification in Bihar yoga in Kerala, South India.

Ken Doumbia
Mr. Doumbia is a professional West African performer and has toured the globe with the most distinguished ballets from his region, including the famous Ballet du Senegal and Ballet D’Afrique Noire. Mr. Doumbia is also an experienced acrobat and fire-eater and incorporates these talents in some of his performances. Mr. Doumbia has practiced yoga for the last twenty years in collaboration with his dance activities. He received his formal training and certification in Bihar yoga in Kerala, South India.

Mr. Doumbia offers the very popular jembé and sabar styles of West African dance and drum instruction, providing his students with an enhanced experience of traditional forms of dance and music. Mr. Doumbia’s unique style of teaching enlightens his students to the stories and knowledge behind the rhythms and the movements. Mr. Doumbia draws from the West African tradition of storytelling, which expands the students’ consciousness about the richness and wisdom of African cultures.

Ken and Naomi can be reached at africanyogi@hotmail.com. www.westafricanroots.com

Angels & Serpents

The patriarchal world strives to deny its dark and “lowly” lineage, its origin in this primordial world, it does everything in its power to conceal its own descent from the Dark Mother and–both rightly and wrongly at once–considers it necessary to forge a “higher genealogy,” tracing its descent from heaven, the god of heaven, and the luminous aspects.

--Erich Neumann, The Great Mother

When I was a teenager, I suddenly had this irrepressible urge to have a pet snake. My mother was not pleased to say the least, but I was able to sweet talk her into it (that’s what I call “snakey,” but I digress). We went to the pet store and I picked out a beautiful California Kingsnake that had alternating cream and burgundy stripes. I adored and loved my new snake who I named “Ralph.”

It felt so natural to be in relationship with a serpent.

Fast forward: I’m a sophomore in college and taking a Religious Studies class on the Bible. It’s the first class and my professor hesitates when she gets to my name in the roll call, as all teachers did during the undergrad years.

“Um, Seraphine, Christine. Wow, your last name carries a lot of responsibility.”


Responsibility, indeed. My maiden name, Seraphine, is related to the word Seraphim, which is the name for the highest order of angels in Hebrew mythology.

The name Seraphim is a combination of the Hebrew word rapha, which means "healer," and ser, which means "higher being." The root of the word Seraphim may also come from the Hebrew verb saraph, “to burn,” or from the noun with the same spelling which means “a fiery, flying serpent” (Lindemans 2004).


Seraphim are brilliant and human eyes must not gaze upon them, lest they be instantly incinerated. The essence of the Seraphim is love and they continuously sing the Trisagion around the throne of God– “Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh” or in English, “Holy, holy, holy.” Yet in the Book of Numbers, chapter 21:5, the Seraphs are fiery serpents sent to punish the Israelites:

And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died [. . .] And the Lord said unto Moses: 'Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live.'

Even more strange, are the names of the angels reputed to be Seraphs or related to serpents: Raphael, Satan and Michael. The angel Raphael, because of his relationship to the healing arts, is often depicted with the caduceus, a staff entwined by two serpents facing each other–a motif that is echoed in paintings depicting the fall of Adam and Eve. How can Satan, whose name ha-satan actually means “adversary,” and Michael, the great Archangel who defeated him, belong to the same order of angels? Isn’t one the epitome of hubris and evil, and the other the exemplary of postulate, God-loving and good?

Perhaps the most pivotal story in the Hebrew Bible is the fall and the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. My namesake, the serpent, makes a grand appearance in the guise of Satan. The serpent in the story has a unique relationship to Eve that has been explored extensively in art.

Many paintings depict the snake directly facing Eve; the snake will often have the visage of a woman, perhaps even the face of Eve herself. The two mirror each other and form a gestalt or, with the tree in between, the caduceus. Eve has an affinity with the snake and both share an intimate relationship, held together by invisible threads; woman and serpent are forever forged into association with one another.

My snake Ralph was my constant companion in high school, and after I left for college, I gave him to a young boy who lived on a farm. Years later, I heard he had died in the barn that he lived in–he was not caged either, which shows remarkable loyalty and love (and possibly that he enjoyed hunting all the barn mice). It may not be the typical image of a serpent that comes to mind, but it is typical of a Seraphim.