3 posts tagged “karen tate”

Dear friends,

As I opened up my computer to begin writing this letter to all of you, the time read 1:53 am - the numbers 1-5-3 being significant here.

Shannon Andersen, one of our Gaia Fest exhibitors this year, wrote a book entitled "The Magdalene Awakening" where she talks a lot about the numbers that constantly pop up in our lives to affirm we are on the right path - 444, 222, 111, and 153. I just finished reading her book early this morning and finally found the inspiration to write my wrap up for the festival.

The number combination of 153 represents the symbol Vesica Piscis, two conjoined circles that intersect to create an oval shape in between them. The oval appears in the shape of the vulva, and is a symbol of Goddess, the sacred feminine. (Andersen 243-245)

"Mother Mysteries" was the theme of this year's festival, and I didn't realize at the time I conceived it how perfect the title was.

Ever since my first visit to Glastonbury in 2002 - where I met my spiritual soulmate and Gaia Fest partner Stephanie Hamberger - my life has followed a defining path and purpose, connecting with the Divine Feminine and realizing the strength and warrior qualities that are not only within men, but inherent in the Masculine energy of women. After all, the womb may be the receptacle for gestating a child, but it takes a lot of force to push that baby out. I have a very clear memory of how sore and tired my abdominal muscles felt after birthing Saraphina on August 7th - it felt like I had done 1,000 sit ups!

The first time I saw the Vesica Piscis was on the lid of the Chalice Well in Glastonbury and afterwards I have been drawn to that symbol like a fish to water (pun intended; Vesica Piscis means "vessel of the fish" ). For our wedding, Shaun and I planned to stand in the oval intersection between the two circles as we gave our vows. As it turned out, it wasn't too easy creating that symbol with flowers an hour before our wedding, so Shaun's cousin J.P. created a beautiful circle of flowers for us and our guests to stand inside during the ceremony instead.

Not all of our births are literal, and many of you have birthed books, films, works of art, and environmental projects, and know how hard it is to push out the final product after spending years as a womb holding and protecting the vulnerable piece of yourself that has been gestating within. Even more than last year when the first annual West Coast Gaia Festival took place, this second year has felt like a birthing of something new and special. It was the culmination of many years of reflection and inner work around my own wounded feminine voice that was seeking a group of like-minded souls to be in conversation with.

I was truly honored that Margaret Starbird agreed to be our main presenter this year. We had first emailed back in 2007 about her doing the first Gaia Festival. She couldn't do it then, but referred me to Joan Norton, who became my first Mentor into the mysteries of Mary Magdalene, and has since become a dear friend and integral member of the Gaia Festival community. Both Margaret and Joan have really brought home the concept of the Divine Couple, the joining of the lost Bride (Shekinah/Magdalene) to her Lover, her Husband (Yahweh/Yeshua).

The festival was a gathering of Magdalenes - the strong, outspoken Feminine presence within all of us, men included. I felt more interconnections this year and Paula, a healer at the event and wonderful friend, said she felt it was more intimate than last year. The festival attendance was half the size, but quadruple the feeling of heart and soul connections that took place. Thank you Margaret for midwifing Her energy for all of us to rebirth within ourselves.

The story of the Magdalene resonates strongly for so many right now, that I can't imagine a more timely way of bringing her into our consciousness. With the elections coming up so soon on November 4th, the time has come to be outspoken; to speak up for the rights of all people in our nation, many of whom have been downtrodden and pushed to the margins of society. I keep hearing the phrase "Compassionate Warriors" in my mind and I think that may be part of the message garnered from our gathering on October 11th.

I'm so thankful to Tyr, Tamara, Stephanie, Shaun, Marsha and our parents for really stepping up this year to participate in the opening ritual, help with the AV setup, and manage registration and our vending.

Karen Tate, thank you for always helping with promotion, planning, and being the first presenter to say "Yes!" to this event each year without hesitation. You are truly an embodied Goddess. I look forward to taking a pilgrimage with you next year...I have been getting a few signs to travel to Iona. Should we try to plan a trip?

This past Gaia Festival caught me a little off guard because it reawakened my hunger to explore and write about the mystical experiences that have been an important part of my life. And the part of my life I so quickly put aside to go out and make money...you know, the old 9 to 5 drag that can also be a blessing because it helps finance your dreams. One of my dreams has been bringing people like you together in community.

It is my hope that we continue our communal conversations and support each other in the diverse work that we are all engaged in, a most important work for this age: the rebirthing of Goddess and the Divine Feminine into world consciousness.

If you would like to see Gaia Festival photos, keep up with community events throughout the year, announce your events and post discussion topics please join our online Tribe:

http://tribes.tribe.net/gaiafestivalwest

I hope you will hope you will join us and keep the Gaia Festival community vital for years to come!

And remember to follow all the synchronicities that cross your path. You never know where they will lead you. They are mysterious blessings meant to illuminate your divine mission and bring you closer to your hearts' deepest longings.

Blissfully yours,

Kris