Regretfully, our key note speaker on Saturday, Arin Murphy-Hiscock, has had to withdraw from the conference due to recent complications in her pregnancy that has her on bed rest. I think none of us are more disappointed than she is about this turn of events. We offer our support to Arin and her family, and wish her a safe, strong and healthy remainder of her pregnancy and delivery.
Malheureusement, Arin Murphy-Hiscock, notre conférencière d’honneur de samedi, a dû se retirer de la conférence en raison de complications récentes liées à sa grossesse, qui l’obligent à demeurer alitée. Personne n’est plus déçu qu’elle-même de cette tournure des événements. Nous offrons notre appui à Arin et sa famille, et nous espérons qu’elle demeurera forte et en santé durant le reste de sa grossesse et que son accouchement se déroulera bien.
Instead of a keynote talk, this topic will be addressed as a moderated panel discussion.
UPDATE: We've just received and intro and selection of discussion points from Arin for the panel tomorrow morning. They are all very engaging. This looks like it's going to be a really interesting discussion!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Information for Gaia Gathering Attendees
If you have registered for Gaia Gathering this weekend, and you provided us with your e-mail address, you should have received an e-mail yesterday with information about arriving in Montreal and at the conference site. If you didn't, please contact us at info@gaiagathering.ca .
If you're not registered yet, you can always show up and register at the door.
Here is the information from yesterday's e-mail.
-------------------------
If you're not registered yet, you can always show up and register at the door.
Here is the information from yesterday's e-mail.
-------------------------
Hello Gaia Gathering Attendees!
We're less than 48 hours way from the opening circle and workshops. We're so excited!
Here are some instructions to help get you from the airport, bus depot or train station to our official accomodations at the YWCA, as well as what to do when first arrive at the conference, plus some other handy information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
==================
* Arriving in Montreal
* Getting around the city by metro and bus
* Arriving at Gaia Gathering
* Main opening ritual
* Volunteering
* Gaia Gathering programme
* Sunday night banquet and open-mic
* Special information for Monday activities
* Gaia Gathering Visioning and AGM
* More Information
ARRIVING IN MONTREAL
===================
From the airport, you can take a taxi into Montreal for about $35-40.
From the airport, you can also take the 747 express bus that leaves from near the Internation arrivals area every 15-30 minutes. The bus stops at the corner of Rene-Levesque and Drummond which is one and half quick blocks from thour official YWCA accomodation. (Once the bus drops you off, cross Rene-Levesque and double-back.) The fare is $8 (coins only), which includes 24-hour access to the entire city of Montreal bus and metro system. You can also buy a 3-day transit pass ($16) that provides access to the 747 bus.
Both the train and bus arrive downtown at separate stations. A taxi from either station to the YWCA, Concordia University downtown, or any other downtown hotel should be under $10. Both the train and bus stations are attached through underground tunnels to our metro system.
GETTING AROUND THE CITY BY METRO, BUS AND BIXI
===========================================
The Montreal transit system was voted the best in North America in 2010. We also have a public bicycle system and have been consistently voted one of the top five best cities for cycling in the world!
You can find public transit information here. Single tickets are $3, however you can buy books of tickets that reduce the fare, as well as 24-hour passes ($8), 3-day passes ($16) and evening pass for after 6pm ($4). The passes give you unlimited access to bus and metro during the specified period.
Montreal is easy to get around by metro. Some buses, however, have windy routes that aren't always intuitive. On the plus side, there are public transit system maps in all metro stations. Montreal transit (STM) is also on googlemaps if you have a smart phone.
Our public bike system is called BIXI. There are bixi kiosks and bike paths all over the city. Information on bixi rental fares can be found here.
The closest metro stop to the Gaia Gathering Conference site is Guy-Concordia on the Green Line. There are two exits to this metro at either end of the station. Make sure you take the "Guy Street" exit. After the turnstiles, underground tunnels connect the metro station to Concordia University. The tunnel starts to the right of the Asian pastry store, Harmonie. Follow the signs to the LB or H building, then when the tunnel comes to a "T" turn left into the Hall building, which is 1455 de Maisonneuve W (the conference site).
Two metros are close to the YWCA. From Guy Concordia metro (green line), walk south to Ste-Catherine street and turn left, then turn right on Crescent street and left on Rene-Levesque. The YWCA is on the corner. From Lucien Lallier metro (orange line), walk up the hill from the main exit on de la Montagne, cross Rene-Levesque and turn left. The YWCA is right there (1355 Rene Levesque W)
The 427 and 535 buses also run in front of the YWCA.
ARRIVING AT GAIA GATHERING
=========================
You can walk to the conference site (Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve W) from the YWCA by walking up Crescent, and turning left on de Maisonneuve and going for a few more blocks. It's about 5 minutes. You can also get their via Guy Concordia metro (directions above)
Once you arrive at the conference site, take the elevators (or escalators) to the 7th floor.
Our registration desk will be open from 11am on Friday and 8am on Saturday and Sunday.
Please go immediately to the registration desk on the 7th floor and give them your name so we can give you a conference badge, printed programmed, some swag, and tickets to any special events like the Sunday banquet and the Saturday night concert. It's a good idea to bring your ticket or confirmation e-mail with you in case of glitches (they do happen), but it's not neccessary.
At the registration desk, you'll also be signing a waiver form, and we will have sign-up sheets for various tasks that we need help with over the weekend. (Helping out is completely optional but we appreciate it.)
Your conference badge must be worn at all times to access the panels and workshops.
MAIN OPENING RITUAL
===================
Our main ritual to open the conference will be held Friday night at 8pm. This will be followed by a meet and greet. You must have gone through registration desk process before coming into the ritual.
Come as you are or dress up, it's up to you.
After the ritual there will be a meet and greet.
VOLUNTEERING
==============
Over the course of the conference, we will need volunteers to help sit at the registration desk, supervise the hospitality room, time-keep the panels and workshops, do whisper translation and more.
If you wish to volunteer or would like more information, contact our volunteer coordinator Hesser Garcia at hesser.garcia@gmail.com.
We are working on a way to compensate volunteers for the time invested in the conference by offering a retroactive discount on the registration fee. This discount is being paid for through funds raised by the local Montreal community.
GAIA GATHERING PROGRAMME AND SCHEDULE
======================================
The final programme is now available to download as a pdf. You can access it here:
http://www.gaiagathering.ca/Montreal2011/Final_GaiaGathering2011_ProgrammmeENG.pdf
SUNDAY NIGHT BANQUET AND OPEN MIC
==================================
On Sunday night, we have our traditional closing banquet. The cost of the banquet is *not included* in the registration fee. It's an extra $35, which includes 4 courses, taxes and tip. (Beverages extra.) Because this is a catered meal and space is limited, banquet tickets *must* be purchased in advance.
The banquet will be held at Hurley's Irish Pub, which is just around the corner from our official accommodations at the YWCA. We also have a (completely optional) steam punk theme for the evening.
More information, including the menu, is available on our blog.
If you want to buy tickets, you can purchase them online until Thursday. They will also be a limited number available at the registration desk on Friday and Saturday.
MONDAY EVENTS
===============
Please note: All activities on Monday will be held at the YWCA, 1355 Rene Levesque W. This is also our official accomodations, so if you're staying at the Y, all you have to do is stumble out of the elevator in the morning.
We've had to do this because Monday is a holiday in Quebec and Concordia University is completely closed on that day.
GAIA GATHERING VISIONING AND AGM
===============================
This year we are looking for community input into the future of Gaia Gathering. On Sunday afternoon, we invite you to join members of the National Board as we discuss if the current formula that we developed for Gaia Gathering over seven year ago is still working. We will also collectively envision what future conferences might look like, then brainstorm ways to help achieve this vision, as well as identifying and suggesting ways to overcome current obstacles.
This is your opportunity to get involved in the vision of the Canadian National Pagan Conference, and to share your thoughts and observations on the Montreal conference as well as any past ones that you have attended. The results of this visioning session will be presented at the AGM on Monday as suggestions to the incoming board of directors.
At the AGM on Monday, we will decide where the next Gaia Gathering will be held, elect new officers for our national board of directors, and review the reports from our out-going board of directors and local conference committee.
Everyone is welcome to attend both the AGM, however only those who have paid the full conference registration rates are considered members with voting rights.
Tea, coffee and morning snacks will be available at the start of the meeting. We will take a brief break for a buffet-style lunch around 11:30.
MORE INFORMATION
=================
For more information, please visit our website, blog or Facebook page. You can also follow us on Twitter. The Gaia Gathering 2011 hashtag is #GG2011.
If you have any questions about the conference, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@gaiagathering.ca
Looking forward to seeing you all in a couple of weeks!
The Gaia Gathering National Board of Directors and Local Host Committee.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tickets for Pagan Rhythms are available now!
If you want to ensure you get into the hottest Pagan musical show in the city on Saturday night, make sure you pick up your tickets right now!
There are tickets at Melange Magique and Charme & Sortilege right now as we speak. For only $10, you get to experience the best of our own home grown musical talent, but also experience a 6-man Voodoo Djembe band live and in-person! You do not want to miss this event!
Melange Magique: 1928 Ste. Catherine West
Charme & Sortilege: 4933, rue de Grand-Pré
Tickets are also available online:
http://paganrhythms.eventbrite.com/
Note: if you are registered for the full weekend of the Gaia Gathering conference, your ticket has already been reserved for you.
Facebook Event page
There are tickets at Melange Magique and Charme & Sortilege right now as we speak. For only $10, you get to experience the best of our own home grown musical talent, but also experience a 6-man Voodoo Djembe band live and in-person! You do not want to miss this event!
Melange Magique: 1928 Ste. Catherine West
Charme & Sortilege: 4933, rue de Grand-Pré
Tickets are also available online:
http://paganrhythms.eventbrite.com/
Note: if you are registered for the full weekend of the Gaia Gathering conference, your ticket has already been reserved for you.
Facebook Event page
Sunday Night Banquet
Don't forget that we have our traditional closing banquet on the Sunday night. The cost of the banquet is not included in the registration fee. It's an extra $35, which includes 4 courses, taxes and tip. (Beverages extra.) Because this is a catered meal and space is limited, banquet tickets *must* be purchased in advance.
The banquet will be held at Hurley's Irish Pub, which is just around the corner from our official accommodations at the YWCA. We also a (completely optional) steam punk theme for the evening. Here is the banquet menu.
1) Appetizer shared between 2 ppl, choice of
3) Choice of:
If haven't yet got your banquet ticket, you can still purchase them online until Thursday midnight. After that a very limited number may be available at the registration desk.
Special meals are available upon request. (Don't worry vegans, we have you covered!)
Following the banquet, there is an open-mic. It starts around 9pm and is open to all. (18+; no banquet ticket purchase necessary.)
ps. If you are unfamiliar with steampunk and want to check it out. Here are some links.
The banquet will be held at Hurley's Irish Pub, which is just around the corner from our official accommodations at the YWCA. We also a (completely optional) steam punk theme for the evening. Here is the banquet menu.
1) Appetizer shared between 2 ppl, choice of
- nacho plate
- jalapeno poppers
- fried zucchini
3) Choice of:
- Grilled chicken breast with mango salsa (rice and vegetables; gluten-free)
- Fish and chips
- Irish mist lamb stew (gluten-free)
- Veggie Curry(vegetarian, contains dairy)
- Hamburger Steak (mash and vegetables)
If haven't yet got your banquet ticket, you can still purchase them online until Thursday midnight. After that a very limited number may be available at the registration desk.
Special meals are available upon request. (Don't worry vegans, we have you covered!)
Following the banquet, there is an open-mic. It starts around 9pm and is open to all. (18+; no banquet ticket purchase necessary.)
ps. If you are unfamiliar with steampunk and want to check it out. Here are some links.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Finally. Whats on when!!!
Here is a list of what panels and roundtables are currently scheduled on which days. Please note that there may still be small changes since a few people are sitting on a multiple panels and it's proving quite challenging to create a schedule where no one needs to be in two places at once. We think we have it though!!! So without further ado...
Here is a link to a "grid" so you can see at a glance what is going on. Additional details follow below:
Friday
Registration desk open 11 am to 10 pm
Opening Ceremony
noon
Vending / Marketplace
1 pm to 8 pm
Magical Mercantile Tour (1 pm-4 pm)
Come visit some of the most frequently sought-out Pagan commercial and magical community spaces in Montreal. The Mélange Magique, located downtown, is a well-known magical and occult shop, and the hostof the Montreal Pagan Resource Centre (MPRC) and Crescent Moon School (CMS). Charme et sortilège is located in the Plateau Mont-Royal district and is a well-known store among the growing Francophone Pagan community. Please contact Marisol to reserve your spot marisol.charbonneau@sympatico.ca
Transgender Pagans (1 pm)
Recently, there was a public women's Pagan ritual where transgendered women were excluded because they were not female-born. How do cissexism/transphobia, body essentialism, exclusion, and anti-oppression work both in our community and in our liturgy.
Conflict and Resolution (2:30 pm)
In managing conflicts between ideologically-separated groups, organizations, and people, how can we bring positive interventions and find enough common ground between them? What models exist?
Multifaith Welcome and Talk (4 pm)
Laura Gallo of the Concordia's Multifaith Chaplaincy will formally welcome all present at Gaia Gathering to Concordia University on behalf of the many multifaith chaplains of the department. She will introduce to the attendees to the importance and role of multifaith chaplaincy and the role it plays here in this university.
Main Ritual and Meet'n'Greet (8 pm)
Join us as we officially open the 6th Gaia Gathering, celebrate our linguistic and cultural diversities, and start to get to know each other as we build our community net over the weekend. This ritual was collaboratively planned by the Montreal community and coordinated by Mark Hughes. Following the ritual there will be a Meet and Greet facilitated by Pagans from the West Island of Montreal, coordinated by Meri Fowler.
Saturday
Registration desk open 8 am to 6 pm
Vending / Marketplace / Hospitality / Art Show
9 am to 6 pm
Keynote: Arin Murphy-Hiscock
10:30 am to noon
Panels and Roundtable Discussions
9 am to 5:30 pm
The Value of Personal Gnosis
How much value do we place on personal gnosis (knowledge acquired directly from deities and spirits), obtaining and sharing it, compared to the other pillars of Pagan spirituality? These being: lore, tradition, and modern inspiration (ecology, feminism, activism and creativity).
Mental Health and the Pagan Community
How do we react to the presence of mental illness among us, and how can we help? What accommodations can be made and what resources are there to support our community? How can our leaders avoid burn-out, and how can the community support them in a way that prevents burn-out?
Canadian Pagan Media
Why are most of the 'big name' Pagan authors American (and to a lesser extent British)? Who are our Canadian authors and podcasters, and how can we help support them? With the evolution of the Internet, how are Pagans using blogs, podcasts, and other media to get their ideas out to the public? Join our panel of authors and podcasters.
Celebrating in French
This panel discusses the challenges Francophone Pagans face within their own spiritual practice, but also when interacting with Pagans in their own community and beyond. What documentation is available for Francophone audiences? What direction is the Francophone Pagan community taking? Is there a common ground to be found with other linguistic cultures in terms of spiritual expression?
Event Organizing
This panel of organizers offers advice on everything from designing, fund-raising, managing volunteers, and publicizing your Pagan event.
Priest/essing our Craft
This panel seeks to define the qualities a person needs to be able to take on a leadership role in the Pagan community. What does it mean to be a Priest/ess in our covens, groups and communities? What are the risks and challenges, and what skills do we need to cultivate? Do we have a need for a Pagan chaplaincy to make clergical services available in our communities, and how can we support our leaders in that endeavor?
Impact of the Internet
The Internet provides us with more access to people and information, but it also allows reduces in-person contact with real people. How can we use the Internet to our advantage and what is there about the Internet that should we avoid? How has the internet and social media changed Pagan communications? How has technology influenced our spiritual practice?
WORKSHOP: Herbal Myths, Legends and Magickal Lore
Have you ever wondered why an herb has its particular name, why it is used in a certain way, and how it came to be used in magick? Well, every name has a story and so do a lot of the herbs. Herbs have been used in magick and medicine in every culture for centuries and often in different ways. This rich folklore and history is where the herbal myths, legends, and magickal lore come from. Join Amy for an insightful discussion and more than a few good stories about how herbs came to be the unsung heroes of our culture and are a part of our magick in everyday life.
WORKSHOP: Voodoo Traditions
Probably the most misunderstood of spiritual paths, even by the pagans who enjoy and interact within it. What is voodoo, where does it come from, why is there Catholic iconography in it? All these questions plus many more will be answered. As well, accouterments of the practice will be on display and explained. The best way to understand something is to smell it, taste it, and feel it. This workshop will also have an interactive working within it, with drum calls and songs that are part of the way to call the spirits of the tradition.
Academic Stream Presentations
Invoking the Sacred and the Silent: Language and Meaning in the Elementary Art Classroom
Sidereal Astrology and Festival Dates
Text A: Liturgy or Literature
The Changing Image of God: A Study of the Goddess Movement
Attachment to God: A Comparison of State of Mind Using the Adult Attachment Interview
Revisiting ‘Shamanism’
CONCERT: Dragon Ritual Drummers with Triskalia
Doors open at 7 pm. Concert starts at 7:30 pm.
The Dragon Ritual Drummers will celebrate their 10 year anniversary as of 2010. Based out of the Niagara Region, they began their journey as favourites in the pagan festival circuit in Ontario, Canada. They have since moved on to play at pagan festivals and large mainstream events all over North America. The troupe includes Utu, Flint, Adrian, Drago, Naresh, and Eion.
All members play a variety of instruments including tribal drums, string instruments, as well as brass and archaic reed instruments heard in the ancient hills and valleys of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Their music and performances are creative, intense, and powerful. They bring the audience to their feet dancing as they are swept away in the intense beat of music inspired from around the world and through the ages.
Sunday
Registration desk open 8 am to 6 pm
Vending / Marketplace / Hospitality / Art Show
9 am to 6 pm
Keynote: Lucie Dufresne
9 am to 10:30 am
Panels and Roundtable Discussions
9am to 5:30 pm
Circle Repair
How do circles, covens, groves and other group prevent potentially damaging situations or repair the broken trust and fractured dynamics after a fall-out?
Documenting our Pagan History
Our communities are constantly evolving in terms of culture, population, and the response to crisis. How do we chronicle these events that make-up our modern history? We have discovered such wisdom in ancients texts, but what can we learn from the legacy of our modern-day elders? How do we preserve our recent history so that future generations can benefit?
Pagan Evolution after Quebec's Quiet Revolution
Anglophone and Francophone Pagans often differ in the ways they lived and practiced their religion. These differences are deeply rooted in Quebec's unique cultural and religious past. This panel explores the impact of salient events in Quebec's recent cultural history, and how the Quiet Revolution and the subsequent de-Christianisation of Quebec's Francophone population have impacted the way Francophone and Anglophone Pagans understand and live their faith.
Song and Chant Share
This is an opportunity to share songs and chants and other music from our communities across Canada
Pagan Community Stance on Sexual Abuse
This panel provides discusses what we as Pagans mean by the term sexual abuse, and whether it is possible to create a statement that a consensus would agree on. This discussion features a document that was written, discussed, and spear-headed by Dr. Brendan Myers and The Wild Hunt blog (thewildhunt.org).
Ancient and Modern Mythology
Would you call upon Robin Hood as the God deity? Do you find more power in calling down the spirit of the Dagda, or could you call upon the power of Superman as an archetype? Can Pagans still find power and relevance in published works from the last few centuries? How old does mythology need to be to be considered a valid mythology?
Translating English Sources into French
With so many Pagan books published in English, is there a market for them to be translated to French? What are the challenges to translate these documents? This panel explores the challenges inherent in making the current Pagan documentation accessible to the Francophone population.
Gaia Gathering VISIONING
Join members of the National Board as we discuss if the current formula that we developed for Gaia Gathering over seven year ago is still working, and collectively envision what future conferences might look like. We'll then brainstorm ways to help achieve this vision, as well as identifying and suggesting ways to overcome current obstacles.
This is your opportunity to get involved in the vision of the Canadian National Pagan Conference, and to share your thoughts and observations on the Montreal conference as well as any past ones that you have attended. The results of this visioning session will be presented at the AGM on Monday as suggestions to the incoming board of directors.
WORKSHOP: The Eight Paths of Power
Also known as the "Eightfold Way," the Eight Paths of Power are a series of 8 different techniques used in Wicca to perform magick. As detailed in Gerald Gardner's Book of Shadows, they are: Meditation or Concentration (Called, for short, "Intent"), Trance; Projection of the Astral; Rites, Chants, Spells, Runes, Charms, etc.; Incense, Drugs, Wine, etc. "Intoxicants"; The Dance and kindred practices; Blood Control (the Cords), Breath Control, and kindred practices; The Scourge; and The Great Rite.
WORKSHOP: Myth, Magic and the Spoken Word
Join Hobbes, storyteller and bard, as he explores the role that story and myth plays in spiritual development. Are myths pure entertainment, or do they contain the unspeakable truths that can only be experienced through the fantastic? As practical, real-world people, how do we come to terms with building relationships with mythic creatures and deities that most people regard as fantasy and fictional? Is there a middle ground, and if so, how do we secure our foothold in it? Hobbes will explore the role that myth plays in our community, our identity, and how it helps us understand the mysteries of the Divine.
Academic Stream Presentations
Semiotic Epistemology: Human Communication Repaired
D’une langue genrée à une liturgie ambiguë : l’expérience queer néo-païenne
Paganism and the Aftermath of the Quiet Revolution
Steam Pagan Banquet (7 pm $35)
What happens when you mix Steampunk with Pagan fashion? You get SteamPagan of course! How would pagans be attired in a steam-powered society? We leave it up to your creative genius to decide how you would present your SteamPagan side! Note: Dressing up in SteamPagan attire for the banquet is completely optional.
Pagan Idol (9 pm, free, 18+)
Pagan Idol is an open mic session where people are invited to entertain us with their talents.
Sing! Tell stories! Tell jokes! Perform magic before our very eyes! You can sign up for Pagan Idol at the banquet!
Raffle drawing
Local Pagans and business have donated goods and services that will be raffled at the banquet. Every full weekend registration automatically gets you three entries in the raffle and every full day pass gets you one entry. You can also buy additional tickets at the registration/information desk for $2 each or 3 for $5.
Monday
Registration desk open 8am to 1pm
**All Monday events take place at the YWCA Holden Fisher Hall, 1355 Rene Levesque West, H3G 1T3**
Tea and coffee from 9 am.
Pagan Canon (9 am)
A canon is a collection of writings that a religious tradition considers sacred, divinely inspired, or foundational. What texts, poetry and writings do we consider sacred? Is there a Pagan canon or tradition-specific canons? Where do sacred texts overlap between traditions?
Community Leader and Clergy Burnout (1 pm)
Many of our communities hinge upon the efforts of the few to provide services, organize events, and plan rituals that the community members can take part in. Sometimes these people receive the support they need, but much more often, they are left to do the work on their own, which is the well-worn path to burn-out. How can we better support our community leaders and clergy to prevent burn-out? More importantly, how can we help them recover from the burn-out they‘ve already experienced?
Annual General Meeting and Brunch (10:30 am)
Join us as we decide where the next Gaia Gathering will be held, elect new officers for our national board of directors, and review the reports from our out-going board of directors and local conference committee. A summary of the suggestions coming out of the visioning session on Sunday will also be presented. This is your chance participate in some important decisions and to learn more about ‘the inner workings’ of the conference. Everyone is welcome to attend, however only those who have paid the full conference registration rates are considered members with voting rights.
Here is a link to a "grid" so you can see at a glance what is going on. Additional details follow below:
Friday
Registration desk open 11 am to 10 pm
Opening Ceremony
noon
Vending / Marketplace
1 pm to 8 pm
Magical Mercantile Tour (1 pm-4 pm)
Come visit some of the most frequently sought-out Pagan commercial and magical community spaces in Montreal. The Mélange Magique, located downtown, is a well-known magical and occult shop, and the hostof the Montreal Pagan Resource Centre (MPRC) and Crescent Moon School (CMS). Charme et sortilège is located in the Plateau Mont-Royal district and is a well-known store among the growing Francophone Pagan community. Please contact Marisol to reserve your spot marisol.charbonneau@sympatico.ca
Transgender Pagans (1 pm)
Recently, there was a public women's Pagan ritual where transgendered women were excluded because they were not female-born. How do cissexism/transphobia, body essentialism, exclusion, and anti-oppression work both in our community and in our liturgy.
Conflict and Resolution (2:30 pm)
In managing conflicts between ideologically-separated groups, organizations, and people, how can we bring positive interventions and find enough common ground between them? What models exist?
Multifaith Welcome and Talk (4 pm)
Laura Gallo of the Concordia's Multifaith Chaplaincy will formally welcome all present at Gaia Gathering to Concordia University on behalf of the many multifaith chaplains of the department. She will introduce to the attendees to the importance and role of multifaith chaplaincy and the role it plays here in this university.
Main Ritual and Meet'n'Greet (8 pm)
Join us as we officially open the 6th Gaia Gathering, celebrate our linguistic and cultural diversities, and start to get to know each other as we build our community net over the weekend. This ritual was collaboratively planned by the Montreal community and coordinated by Mark Hughes. Following the ritual there will be a Meet and Greet facilitated by Pagans from the West Island of Montreal, coordinated by Meri Fowler.
Saturday
Registration desk open 8 am to 6 pm
Vending / Marketplace / Hospitality / Art Show
9 am to 6 pm
Keynote: Arin Murphy-Hiscock
10:30 am to noon
Panels and Roundtable Discussions
9 am to 5:30 pm
The Value of Personal Gnosis
How much value do we place on personal gnosis (knowledge acquired directly from deities and spirits), obtaining and sharing it, compared to the other pillars of Pagan spirituality? These being: lore, tradition, and modern inspiration (ecology, feminism, activism and creativity).
Mental Health and the Pagan Community
How do we react to the presence of mental illness among us, and how can we help? What accommodations can be made and what resources are there to support our community? How can our leaders avoid burn-out, and how can the community support them in a way that prevents burn-out?
Canadian Pagan Media
Why are most of the 'big name' Pagan authors American (and to a lesser extent British)? Who are our Canadian authors and podcasters, and how can we help support them? With the evolution of the Internet, how are Pagans using blogs, podcasts, and other media to get their ideas out to the public? Join our panel of authors and podcasters.
Celebrating in French
This panel discusses the challenges Francophone Pagans face within their own spiritual practice, but also when interacting with Pagans in their own community and beyond. What documentation is available for Francophone audiences? What direction is the Francophone Pagan community taking? Is there a common ground to be found with other linguistic cultures in terms of spiritual expression?
Event Organizing
This panel of organizers offers advice on everything from designing, fund-raising, managing volunteers, and publicizing your Pagan event.
Priest/essing our Craft
This panel seeks to define the qualities a person needs to be able to take on a leadership role in the Pagan community. What does it mean to be a Priest/ess in our covens, groups and communities? What are the risks and challenges, and what skills do we need to cultivate? Do we have a need for a Pagan chaplaincy to make clergical services available in our communities, and how can we support our leaders in that endeavor?
Impact of the Internet
The Internet provides us with more access to people and information, but it also allows reduces in-person contact with real people. How can we use the Internet to our advantage and what is there about the Internet that should we avoid? How has the internet and social media changed Pagan communications? How has technology influenced our spiritual practice?
WORKSHOP: Herbal Myths, Legends and Magickal Lore
Have you ever wondered why an herb has its particular name, why it is used in a certain way, and how it came to be used in magick? Well, every name has a story and so do a lot of the herbs. Herbs have been used in magick and medicine in every culture for centuries and often in different ways. This rich folklore and history is where the herbal myths, legends, and magickal lore come from. Join Amy for an insightful discussion and more than a few good stories about how herbs came to be the unsung heroes of our culture and are a part of our magick in everyday life.
WORKSHOP: Voodoo Traditions
Probably the most misunderstood of spiritual paths, even by the pagans who enjoy and interact within it. What is voodoo, where does it come from, why is there Catholic iconography in it? All these questions plus many more will be answered. As well, accouterments of the practice will be on display and explained. The best way to understand something is to smell it, taste it, and feel it. This workshop will also have an interactive working within it, with drum calls and songs that are part of the way to call the spirits of the tradition.
Academic Stream Presentations
Invoking the Sacred and the Silent: Language and Meaning in the Elementary Art Classroom
Sidereal Astrology and Festival Dates
Text A: Liturgy or Literature
The Changing Image of God: A Study of the Goddess Movement
Attachment to God: A Comparison of State of Mind Using the Adult Attachment Interview
Revisiting ‘Shamanism’
CONCERT: Dragon Ritual Drummers with Triskalia
Doors open at 7 pm. Concert starts at 7:30 pm.
The Dragon Ritual Drummers will celebrate their 10 year anniversary as of 2010. Based out of the Niagara Region, they began their journey as favourites in the pagan festival circuit in Ontario, Canada. They have since moved on to play at pagan festivals and large mainstream events all over North America. The troupe includes Utu, Flint, Adrian, Drago, Naresh, and Eion.
All members play a variety of instruments including tribal drums, string instruments, as well as brass and archaic reed instruments heard in the ancient hills and valleys of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Their music and performances are creative, intense, and powerful. They bring the audience to their feet dancing as they are swept away in the intense beat of music inspired from around the world and through the ages.
Sunday
Registration desk open 8 am to 6 pm
Vending / Marketplace / Hospitality / Art Show
9 am to 6 pm
Keynote: Lucie Dufresne
9 am to 10:30 am
Panels and Roundtable Discussions
9am to 5:30 pm
Circle Repair
How do circles, covens, groves and other group prevent potentially damaging situations or repair the broken trust and fractured dynamics after a fall-out?
Documenting our Pagan History
Our communities are constantly evolving in terms of culture, population, and the response to crisis. How do we chronicle these events that make-up our modern history? We have discovered such wisdom in ancients texts, but what can we learn from the legacy of our modern-day elders? How do we preserve our recent history so that future generations can benefit?
Pagan Evolution after Quebec's Quiet Revolution
Anglophone and Francophone Pagans often differ in the ways they lived and practiced their religion. These differences are deeply rooted in Quebec's unique cultural and religious past. This panel explores the impact of salient events in Quebec's recent cultural history, and how the Quiet Revolution and the subsequent de-Christianisation of Quebec's Francophone population have impacted the way Francophone and Anglophone Pagans understand and live their faith.
Song and Chant Share
This is an opportunity to share songs and chants and other music from our communities across Canada
Pagan Community Stance on Sexual Abuse
This panel provides discusses what we as Pagans mean by the term sexual abuse, and whether it is possible to create a statement that a consensus would agree on. This discussion features a document that was written, discussed, and spear-headed by Dr. Brendan Myers and The Wild Hunt blog (thewildhunt.org).
Ancient and Modern Mythology
Would you call upon Robin Hood as the God deity? Do you find more power in calling down the spirit of the Dagda, or could you call upon the power of Superman as an archetype? Can Pagans still find power and relevance in published works from the last few centuries? How old does mythology need to be to be considered a valid mythology?
Translating English Sources into French
With so many Pagan books published in English, is there a market for them to be translated to French? What are the challenges to translate these documents? This panel explores the challenges inherent in making the current Pagan documentation accessible to the Francophone population.
Gaia Gathering VISIONING
Join members of the National Board as we discuss if the current formula that we developed for Gaia Gathering over seven year ago is still working, and collectively envision what future conferences might look like. We'll then brainstorm ways to help achieve this vision, as well as identifying and suggesting ways to overcome current obstacles.
This is your opportunity to get involved in the vision of the Canadian National Pagan Conference, and to share your thoughts and observations on the Montreal conference as well as any past ones that you have attended. The results of this visioning session will be presented at the AGM on Monday as suggestions to the incoming board of directors.
WORKSHOP: The Eight Paths of Power
Also known as the "Eightfold Way," the Eight Paths of Power are a series of 8 different techniques used in Wicca to perform magick. As detailed in Gerald Gardner's Book of Shadows, they are: Meditation or Concentration (Called, for short, "Intent"), Trance; Projection of the Astral; Rites, Chants, Spells, Runes, Charms, etc.; Incense, Drugs, Wine, etc. "Intoxicants"; The Dance and kindred practices; Blood Control (the Cords), Breath Control, and kindred practices; The Scourge; and The Great Rite.
WORKSHOP: Myth, Magic and the Spoken Word
Join Hobbes, storyteller and bard, as he explores the role that story and myth plays in spiritual development. Are myths pure entertainment, or do they contain the unspeakable truths that can only be experienced through the fantastic? As practical, real-world people, how do we come to terms with building relationships with mythic creatures and deities that most people regard as fantasy and fictional? Is there a middle ground, and if so, how do we secure our foothold in it? Hobbes will explore the role that myth plays in our community, our identity, and how it helps us understand the mysteries of the Divine.
Academic Stream Presentations
Semiotic Epistemology: Human Communication Repaired
D’une langue genrée à une liturgie ambiguë : l’expérience queer néo-païenne
Paganism and the Aftermath of the Quiet Revolution
Steam Pagan Banquet (7 pm $35)
What happens when you mix Steampunk with Pagan fashion? You get SteamPagan of course! How would pagans be attired in a steam-powered society? We leave it up to your creative genius to decide how you would present your SteamPagan side! Note: Dressing up in SteamPagan attire for the banquet is completely optional.
Pagan Idol (9 pm, free, 18+)
Pagan Idol is an open mic session where people are invited to entertain us with their talents.
Sing! Tell stories! Tell jokes! Perform magic before our very eyes! You can sign up for Pagan Idol at the banquet!
Raffle drawing
Local Pagans and business have donated goods and services that will be raffled at the banquet. Every full weekend registration automatically gets you three entries in the raffle and every full day pass gets you one entry. You can also buy additional tickets at the registration/information desk for $2 each or 3 for $5.
Monday
Registration desk open 8am to 1pm
**All Monday events take place at the YWCA Holden Fisher Hall, 1355 Rene Levesque West, H3G 1T3**
Tea and coffee from 9 am.
Pagan Canon (9 am)
A canon is a collection of writings that a religious tradition considers sacred, divinely inspired, or foundational. What texts, poetry and writings do we consider sacred? Is there a Pagan canon or tradition-specific canons? Where do sacred texts overlap between traditions?
Community Leader and Clergy Burnout (1 pm)
Many of our communities hinge upon the efforts of the few to provide services, organize events, and plan rituals that the community members can take part in. Sometimes these people receive the support they need, but much more often, they are left to do the work on their own, which is the well-worn path to burn-out. How can we better support our community leaders and clergy to prevent burn-out? More importantly, how can we help them recover from the burn-out they‘ve already experienced?
Annual General Meeting and Brunch (10:30 am)
Join us as we decide where the next Gaia Gathering will be held, elect new officers for our national board of directors, and review the reports from our out-going board of directors and local conference committee. A summary of the suggestions coming out of the visioning session on Sunday will also be presented. This is your chance participate in some important decisions and to learn more about ‘the inner workings’ of the conference. Everyone is welcome to attend, however only those who have paid the full conference registration rates are considered members with voting rights.
Tea, coffee and morning snacks will be available at the start of the meeting. We will take a brief break for a buffet-style lunch around 11:30 am.
Closing ceremony and ritual (3:30 pm)
Friday, May 13, 2011
Distributing Posters and Flyers for Pagan Rhythms
Gaia Gathering is now officially one week away. Incredible! There's still so much to do and it's going to be awesome.
As you may know, Saturday night we are featuring a concert with the Dragon Ritual Drummers and Triskalia as the opening act. Have you heard about this? You can read more about it here, and on Facebook.
We have some flyers and posters available, so if you'd be willing to print up some of them and distribute them this weekend, we would be so grateful for your support. You can download the file (which is a ZIP file of PDF documents, so no viruses, we promise) that contains the English and French versions of the flyer and poster.
Let us know where you intend to put these up and thanks again for your support.
As you may know, Saturday night we are featuring a concert with the Dragon Ritual Drummers and Triskalia as the opening act. Have you heard about this? You can read more about it here, and on Facebook.
We have some flyers and posters available, so if you'd be willing to print up some of them and distribute them this weekend, we would be so grateful for your support. You can download the file (which is a ZIP file of PDF documents, so no viruses, we promise) that contains the English and French versions of the flyer and poster.
Let us know where you intend to put these up and thanks again for your support.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Gaia Gathering : Nouvelles descriptions pour les séances de partages de connaissances!
Bonjour,
Tout d'abord, nous aimerions vous remercier de votre intérêt que vous portez au Gaia Gathering.
Nous travaillons présentement à peaufiner les sujets de nos séances de partages de connaissances.
Il y a quelques semaines de cela, nous avions mis les divers sujets à votre disposition afin d'avoir votre opinion sur les sujets qui VOUS intéresse. Certains points avaient des descriptions et d'autres non. Nous avons donc développé les diverses descriptions afin de vous donner une meilleure idée de la matière à discuter.
Nous vous invitons donc à prendre connaissance de la présente mise-à-jour et à nous faire savoir les sujets qui vous intéressent! Si vous souhaitez être un des orateurs dans une des séances de partages de connaissances, Faites le nous savoir au gaiagathering@yahoo.ca
La conférence n'est qu'à quelques semaines, faites vite!
Website: http://www.gaiagathering.ca/
Blog: http://gaiagathering.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Gaia.Gathering
----x
Canon païen
Un canon est un recueil d'écrits qu'une tradition religieuse ou spirituelle considère comme sacrés, fondamentaux ou d'inspiration divine. Quels types d'écrits considérons nous comme sacrés? Existe t il un canon païen ou des canons particuliers à certaines traditions? Certains textes sacrés chevauchent ils plusieurs traditions?
----x
Les médias au service du paganisme
Cette discussion porte sur la popularité des blogues païens, des balados et d'autres formes de médias pour diffuser des idées, discuter de sujets donnés et faire connaître le paganisme à un vaste public. Qui est ce public et quel est la réaction à ces nouveaux médias?
----x
Déclaration de la communauté païenne à l'égard des abus sexuels
Cette discussion aborde la signification du terme " abus sexuel " pour les païens, et s'il est possible de formuler une déclaration qui ferait l'objet d'un consensus. On y présentera un document écrit par Brendan Myers, Ph. D. dans le cadre d'un projet du blogue The Wild Hunt (thewildhunt.org).
----x
Organisation d'événements
Un groupe d'organisateurs offriront des conseils sur des sujets variés, de la conception graphique au financement, de la gestion des bénévoles à la publicité, qui vous seront utiles si vous souhaitez organiser un événement païen.
----x
La communauté païenne et la santé mentale
Comment réagissons nous à la présence de la santé mentale parmi nous? Comment pouvons nous apporter notre aide? Quels accommodements pouvons nous faire et quelles sont les ressources à l'appui de notre communauté? Comment nos leaders peuvent ils éviter l'épuisement? Comment la communauté peut elle les soutenir de façon à ce qu'ils évitent l'épuisement?
----x
Impact d'Internet
Internet nous permet d'accéder plus facilement que jamais à des gens et des renseignements, mais il contribue aussi à réduire les contacts en personne. Comment pouvons nous utiliser Internet à notre avantage? Que devrions nous éviter? Comment Internet et les médias sociaux ont ils changé les communications parmi les païens? Comment la technologie a t elle influencé notre pratique spirituelle?
----x
Prêtrise au sein du Grand Art
Cette discussion vise à définir les qualités dont a besoin une personne pour assumer un rôle de leadership dans la communauté païenne. Quel est le sens de la prêtrise dans nos covens, groupes et communautés? Quels sont les risques et les enjeux? Quelles aptitudes devons nous cultiver? Avons nous besoin d'une aumônerie païenne pour offrir des services ecclésiastiques à nos communautés? Comment pouvons nous soutenir nos leaders dans leurs efforts?
----x
Documentation païenne
Nos communautés évoluent sans cesse, que ce soit au niveau de la culture, de la population et des interventions en temps de crise. Comment pouvons nous répertorier les événements qui constituent notre histoire moderne? Les textes anciens regorgent de sagesse, mais que pouvons nous apprendre de l'héritage laissé par les aînés d'aujourd'hui? Comment préserver l'histoire récente pour que les futures générations puissent en tirer parti?
----x
Volet musical
Ce volet est l'occasion de faire connaître des chants, des chansons et d'autres pièces musicales provenant des communautés païennes du Canada.
----x
Célébration en français
(Discussion en français avec interprétation chuchotée en anglais)
Lors de cette discussion, on abordera les enjeux auxquels font face les païens francophones dans le cadre de leur pratique spirituelle, mais également lors de leurs interactions avec d'autres païens de leur propre communauté et de l'extérieur. Quels sont les documents accessibles au public francophone? Vers où se dirige la communauté païenne francophone ? Est il possible de trouver des points communs avec d'autres cultures linguistiques en ce qui concerne l'expression spirituelle?
----x
Traduction de textes anglais en français
(Discussion en français avec interprétation chuchotée en anglais)
Il y a tant de livres païens publiés en anglais. Y a t il un marché pour la traduction de ces livres en français? Quels sont les enjeux de la traduction de ces documents? Cette discussion portera sur les enjeux afférents à la documentation païenne actuelle accessible à la population francophone.
----x
Rites, droits et lois
Qu'arrive-t-il aux païens lorsque leur pratique spirituelle est en désaccord avec les lois de leur pays? Les païens risquent ils d'être victimes de discrimination si leur identité spirituelle est dévoilée? Quels sont les droits des païens au travail, à l'école ou en public? Quels sont les recours des païens en cas de discrimination, que ce soit au niveau juridique ou personnel?
----x
Le pouvoir des mots
En tant que praticiens du Grand Art, bon nombre d'entre nous croyons que nous pouvons façonner notre propre réalité en ciblant notre intention et/ou en alignant notre volonté magique. Comment les mots que nous choisissons d'utiliser (ou de ne pas utiliser) contribuent à notre vision du monde et à la vie que nous créons? Les mots choisis lors de rituels ou dans un environnement magique détiennent ils un pouvoir accru?
----x
Éthique environnementale
Si les païens vénèrent la terre et le monde naturel, dans quelle mesure devraient ils prendre part au mouvement environnemental? Comment les païens peuvent ils intégrer une éthique environnementale dans leur routine quotidienne? Cette discussion explore nos rôles de gardiens et protecteurs de la Terre dans le contexte de la société moderne.
----x
Vieillesse, centres pour personnes âgées et décès
Alors que notre population païenne vieillit, sommes nous prêts à accommoder leurs besoins en tant qu'aînés? De quels services auront ils besoin pour poursuivre le développement de leur identité spirituelle. Les centres pour personnes âgées conventionnels sont ils prêts et préparés à répondre aux besoins de leurs clients païens? En tant que communauté, quel est notre rôle pour les préparer, de façon à ce que notre population vieillissante bénéficie de soins appropriés? Que pouvons nous faire pour veiller à ce que nos frères et sœurs païens meurent dans la dignité et à ce que leurs souhaits soient respectés après leur mort? Y a t il des cimetières païens pour accueillir nos frères et sœurs décédés dans le respect de leurs traditions? Cette discussion examine aussi les changements à l'expression spirituelle des hommes au moment de l'andropause.
----x
Impact du sécularisme
Cette discussion aborde l'impact de la séparation de l'Église et de l'État et son incidence sur les communautés païennes. Pour éviter la discrimination et même la persécution, les païens ont ils besoin de la reconnaissance de l'État? Est il préférable de ne pas être restreints par les limites qui seraient probablement imposées par l'État à l'égard de notre pratique spirituelle?
----x
Espaces et lieux sacrés
Comment définit on un espace ou un lieu sacré? De nombreuses traditions ont des opinions très différentes en ce qui concerne notre relation avec le caractère sacré d'un lieu. Est il possible de définir un lieu comme étant sacré d'une manière acceptable pour toutes les traditions?
----x
Tabous païens
Cette discussion explore les sujets, les idées, les comportements, les attitudes, etc. considérés tabous dans la communauté païenne. Qu'est ce qui rend une idée taboue dans la culture païenne? Qui décide? Qu'arrive t il si vous tentez d'aborder une idée considérée répréhensible par une communauté? Est il préférable de mettre la lumière sur cette idée ou de l'ignorer.
Tout d'abord, nous aimerions vous remercier de votre intérêt que vous portez au Gaia Gathering.
Nous travaillons présentement à peaufiner les sujets de nos séances de partages de connaissances.
Il y a quelques semaines de cela, nous avions mis les divers sujets à votre disposition afin d'avoir votre opinion sur les sujets qui VOUS intéresse. Certains points avaient des descriptions et d'autres non. Nous avons donc développé les diverses descriptions afin de vous donner une meilleure idée de la matière à discuter.
Nous vous invitons donc à prendre connaissance de la présente mise-à-jour et à nous faire savoir les sujets qui vous intéressent! Si vous souhaitez être un des orateurs dans une des séances de partages de connaissances, Faites le nous savoir au gaiagathering@yahoo.ca
La conférence n'est qu'à quelques semaines, faites vite!
Website: http://www.gaiagathering.ca/
Blog: http://gaiagathering.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Gaia.Gathering
----x
Canon païen
Un canon est un recueil d'écrits qu'une tradition religieuse ou spirituelle considère comme sacrés, fondamentaux ou d'inspiration divine. Quels types d'écrits considérons nous comme sacrés? Existe t il un canon païen ou des canons particuliers à certaines traditions? Certains textes sacrés chevauchent ils plusieurs traditions?
----x
Les médias au service du paganisme
Cette discussion porte sur la popularité des blogues païens, des balados et d'autres formes de médias pour diffuser des idées, discuter de sujets donnés et faire connaître le paganisme à un vaste public. Qui est ce public et quel est la réaction à ces nouveaux médias?
----x
Déclaration de la communauté païenne à l'égard des abus sexuels
Cette discussion aborde la signification du terme " abus sexuel " pour les païens, et s'il est possible de formuler une déclaration qui ferait l'objet d'un consensus. On y présentera un document écrit par Brendan Myers, Ph. D. dans le cadre d'un projet du blogue The Wild Hunt (thewildhunt.org).
----x
Organisation d'événements
Un groupe d'organisateurs offriront des conseils sur des sujets variés, de la conception graphique au financement, de la gestion des bénévoles à la publicité, qui vous seront utiles si vous souhaitez organiser un événement païen.
----x
La communauté païenne et la santé mentale
Comment réagissons nous à la présence de la santé mentale parmi nous? Comment pouvons nous apporter notre aide? Quels accommodements pouvons nous faire et quelles sont les ressources à l'appui de notre communauté? Comment nos leaders peuvent ils éviter l'épuisement? Comment la communauté peut elle les soutenir de façon à ce qu'ils évitent l'épuisement?
----x
Impact d'Internet
Internet nous permet d'accéder plus facilement que jamais à des gens et des renseignements, mais il contribue aussi à réduire les contacts en personne. Comment pouvons nous utiliser Internet à notre avantage? Que devrions nous éviter? Comment Internet et les médias sociaux ont ils changé les communications parmi les païens? Comment la technologie a t elle influencé notre pratique spirituelle?
----x
Prêtrise au sein du Grand Art
Cette discussion vise à définir les qualités dont a besoin une personne pour assumer un rôle de leadership dans la communauté païenne. Quel est le sens de la prêtrise dans nos covens, groupes et communautés? Quels sont les risques et les enjeux? Quelles aptitudes devons nous cultiver? Avons nous besoin d'une aumônerie païenne pour offrir des services ecclésiastiques à nos communautés? Comment pouvons nous soutenir nos leaders dans leurs efforts?
----x
Documentation païenne
Nos communautés évoluent sans cesse, que ce soit au niveau de la culture, de la population et des interventions en temps de crise. Comment pouvons nous répertorier les événements qui constituent notre histoire moderne? Les textes anciens regorgent de sagesse, mais que pouvons nous apprendre de l'héritage laissé par les aînés d'aujourd'hui? Comment préserver l'histoire récente pour que les futures générations puissent en tirer parti?
----x
Volet musical
Ce volet est l'occasion de faire connaître des chants, des chansons et d'autres pièces musicales provenant des communautés païennes du Canada.
----x
Célébration en français
(Discussion en français avec interprétation chuchotée en anglais)
Lors de cette discussion, on abordera les enjeux auxquels font face les païens francophones dans le cadre de leur pratique spirituelle, mais également lors de leurs interactions avec d'autres païens de leur propre communauté et de l'extérieur. Quels sont les documents accessibles au public francophone? Vers où se dirige la communauté païenne francophone ? Est il possible de trouver des points communs avec d'autres cultures linguistiques en ce qui concerne l'expression spirituelle?
----x
Traduction de textes anglais en français
(Discussion en français avec interprétation chuchotée en anglais)
Il y a tant de livres païens publiés en anglais. Y a t il un marché pour la traduction de ces livres en français? Quels sont les enjeux de la traduction de ces documents? Cette discussion portera sur les enjeux afférents à la documentation païenne actuelle accessible à la population francophone.
----x
Rites, droits et lois
Qu'arrive-t-il aux païens lorsque leur pratique spirituelle est en désaccord avec les lois de leur pays? Les païens risquent ils d'être victimes de discrimination si leur identité spirituelle est dévoilée? Quels sont les droits des païens au travail, à l'école ou en public? Quels sont les recours des païens en cas de discrimination, que ce soit au niveau juridique ou personnel?
----x
Le pouvoir des mots
En tant que praticiens du Grand Art, bon nombre d'entre nous croyons que nous pouvons façonner notre propre réalité en ciblant notre intention et/ou en alignant notre volonté magique. Comment les mots que nous choisissons d'utiliser (ou de ne pas utiliser) contribuent à notre vision du monde et à la vie que nous créons? Les mots choisis lors de rituels ou dans un environnement magique détiennent ils un pouvoir accru?
----x
Éthique environnementale
Si les païens vénèrent la terre et le monde naturel, dans quelle mesure devraient ils prendre part au mouvement environnemental? Comment les païens peuvent ils intégrer une éthique environnementale dans leur routine quotidienne? Cette discussion explore nos rôles de gardiens et protecteurs de la Terre dans le contexte de la société moderne.
----x
Vieillesse, centres pour personnes âgées et décès
Alors que notre population païenne vieillit, sommes nous prêts à accommoder leurs besoins en tant qu'aînés? De quels services auront ils besoin pour poursuivre le développement de leur identité spirituelle. Les centres pour personnes âgées conventionnels sont ils prêts et préparés à répondre aux besoins de leurs clients païens? En tant que communauté, quel est notre rôle pour les préparer, de façon à ce que notre population vieillissante bénéficie de soins appropriés? Que pouvons nous faire pour veiller à ce que nos frères et sœurs païens meurent dans la dignité et à ce que leurs souhaits soient respectés après leur mort? Y a t il des cimetières païens pour accueillir nos frères et sœurs décédés dans le respect de leurs traditions? Cette discussion examine aussi les changements à l'expression spirituelle des hommes au moment de l'andropause.
----x
Impact du sécularisme
Cette discussion aborde l'impact de la séparation de l'Église et de l'État et son incidence sur les communautés païennes. Pour éviter la discrimination et même la persécution, les païens ont ils besoin de la reconnaissance de l'État? Est il préférable de ne pas être restreints par les limites qui seraient probablement imposées par l'État à l'égard de notre pratique spirituelle?
----x
Espaces et lieux sacrés
Comment définit on un espace ou un lieu sacré? De nombreuses traditions ont des opinions très différentes en ce qui concerne notre relation avec le caractère sacré d'un lieu. Est il possible de définir un lieu comme étant sacré d'une manière acceptable pour toutes les traditions?
----x
Tabous païens
Cette discussion explore les sujets, les idées, les comportements, les attitudes, etc. considérés tabous dans la communauté païenne. Qu'est ce qui rend une idée taboue dans la culture païenne? Qui décide? Qu'arrive t il si vous tentez d'aborder une idée considérée répréhensible par une communauté? Est il préférable de mettre la lumière sur cette idée ou de l'ignorer.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Pagan Rhythms concert: May 21st 2011
The Canadian National Pagan Conference, Gaia Gathering 2011 presents:
Pagan Rhythms
featuring Dragon Ritual Drummers (dragonritualdrummers.com)
with opening band Triskalia (triskalia.com).
Saturday, May 21 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Karina's Club Lounge
1459 Crescent St
Montreal, QC
Tickets are $10
(free for Gaia Gathering attendees)
Facebook Page
About Dragon Ritual Drummers:
The critically acclaimed European & North American Born 6 Member Band makes up the amazing, unique music of the #1 Pagan Drum Troupe in the World, The Dragon Ritual Drummers. Their music & performances are creative, intense and powerful. They bring the audience to their feet dancing as they are swept away in the intense beat of music from around the world and through the ages.
Ranked #1 on the Canadian Myspace music charts, in the top twenty on the U.S. Myspace music charts and ranked #2 on reverb nation for their genres.
Their featured performances range from large crowds of 5,000 + to more intimate events of several hundred. As part of the CNPC, Gaia Gathering 2011 conference taking place in Montreal (May 20th - 23rd), their musical performance is one of the ways that this conference will be remembered for years to come.
Purchase tickets at the door or online at
http://paganrhythms.eventbrite.com/
Dragon Ritual Drummers Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dragon-Ritual-Drummers/18136761075
Pagan Rhythms
featuring Dragon Ritual Drummers (dragonritualdrummers.com)
with opening band Triskalia (triskalia.com).
Saturday, May 21 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Karina's Club Lounge
1459 Crescent St
Montreal, QC
Tickets are $10
(free for Gaia Gathering attendees)
Facebook Page
About Dragon Ritual Drummers:
The critically acclaimed European & North American Born 6 Member Band makes up the amazing, unique music of the #1 Pagan Drum Troupe in the World, The Dragon Ritual Drummers. Their music & performances are creative, intense and powerful. They bring the audience to their feet dancing as they are swept away in the intense beat of music from around the world and through the ages.
Ranked #1 on the Canadian Myspace music charts, in the top twenty on the U.S. Myspace music charts and ranked #2 on reverb nation for their genres.
Their featured performances range from large crowds of 5,000 + to more intimate events of several hundred. As part of the CNPC, Gaia Gathering 2011 conference taking place in Montreal (May 20th - 23rd), their musical performance is one of the ways that this conference will be remembered for years to come.
Purchase tickets at the door or online at
http://paganrhythms.eventbrite.com/
Dragon Ritual Drummers Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dragon-Ritual-Drummers/18136761075
| Time | Saturday, May 21 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm |
|---|---|
| | |
| Location | Karina's Club Lounge 1459 Crescent St Montreal, QC |
| | |
| Created By | |
| | |
| More Info | The Canadian National Pagan Conference, Gaia Gathering 2011 presents: "Pagan Rhythms" featuring Dragon Ritual Drummers (dragonritualdrummers.com) with opening band Triskalia (triskalia.com). About Dragon Ritual Drummers: The critically acclaimed European & North American Born 6 Member Band makes up the amazing, unique music of the #1 Pagan Drum Troupe in the World, The Dragon Ritual Drummers. Their music & performances are creative, intense and powerful. They bring the audience to their feet dancing as they are swept away in the intense beat of music from around the world and through the ages. Ranked #1 on the Canadian Myspace music charts, in the top twenty on the U.S. Myspace music charts and ranked #2 on reverb nation for their genres. Their featured performances range from large crowds of 5,000 + to more intimate events of several hundred. As part of the CNPC, Gaia Gathering 2011 conference taking place in Montreal (May 20th - 23rd), their musical performance is one of the ways that this conference will be remembered for years to come. Tickets are $10 (free for Gaia Gathering attendees) Purchase tickets at the door or online at http://paganrhythms.eventbrite.com/ Dragon Ritual Drummers Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dragon-Ritual-Drummers/18136761075 |
Marché Gaia Gathering Marketplace
Gaia Gathering 2011 will be featuring a large vending room and arts show featuring businesses, artisans and artists from Montreal and across Canada. The Marché Gaia Gathering Marketplace will be open from 1-6pm on Friday afternoon (May 20) and from 9am-6pm on Saturday & Sunday (May 21-22). Drop by and see what unique wares are on offer!
Gaia Gathering offrira un marché avec des produits de vendeurs et d’artisans de partout à travers le Canada. Il se tiendra de 13h-18h le vendredi le 20 mai, et de 9h-18h le samedi et le dimanche (21-22 mai). Venez faire votre tour pour découvrir des produits uniques!
Gaia Gathering offrira un marché avec des produits de vendeurs et d’artisans de partout à travers le Canada. Il se tiendra de 13h-18h le vendredi le 20 mai, et de 9h-18h le samedi et le dimanche (21-22 mai). Venez faire votre tour pour découvrir des produits uniques!
- Andrea Ostiguay (Reflexology and Crystal Bowls; réflexologie et bols de cristal)
- August Joy Jewelery (Jewelery; joaillerie)
- Bijoux Elizabeth (Jewelery; joaillerie)
- Dot Wasilewski (Magic Spell Boxes, Masques, Floral Wreaths and Crowns)
- Elissa Baltzer (Artwork and Magickal Tools; Oeuvres d’art et outils magiques)
- Josianne Blanchette (Handmade Gothic and Pagan Jewelery; joaillerie gothique et païenne)
- Lady Rose Designs (Medieval Chainmail and Modern Jewelery)
- Prudence Priest (Amber; ambre)
- Stephanie Bayne
- Silver Dragon (Silver Jewelry; joaillerie en argent)
- The Art of April Anna (Artwork; oeuvres d’art)
- Le Mélange Magique (Montreal Pagan and occult store; boutique esoterique)
- Charme et Sortilege (Montreal Pagan and occult store; boutique magie blanche)
- Signing Table(Get Your Books, DVDs,Artwork Signed!)
- Diviner's Table (Tarot, palmistry, astrology, etc)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
New and Updated Panel Discussion Topics
We're working hard to finalize our Panel Discussions for the Gaia Gathering conference which is only a few weeks away!
A few weeks ago, we put out a list of panel discussions where some topics had descriptions while others did not. We have now updated these topics with new descriptions so that you can see what will be discussed.
Please email us at gaiagathering@yahoo.ca to let us know which panel topic you would like to see in the conference. If you think you'd like to be a panelist on one of them, please let us know!
======================
New or Updated Topic Descriptions
======================
----x
Pagan Canon
A canon is a collection of writings that a religious tradition considers sacred, divinely inspired, or foundational. What texts, poetry and writings do we consider sacred? Is there a Pagan canon or tradition-specific canons? Where do sacred texts overlap between traditions?
----x
Pagan Broadcast Media
This panel focuses on the popularity of Pagan blogs, podcasts, and other forms of media to broadcast ideas, discuss topics, and promote Paganism to a wider audience. Who is listening and what has the response been to this new media?
----x
Pagan Community Statement on Sexual Abuse
This panel provides discusses what we as Pagans mean by the term sexual abuse, and whether it is possible to create a statement that a consensus would agree on. This discussion features a document that was written, discussed, and spear-headed by Dr. Brendan Myers and The Wild Hunt blog (thewildhunt.org).
----x
Event Organizing
This panel of organizers offers advice on everything from designing, fund-raising, managing volunteers, and publicizing your Pagan Event.
----x
Mental Health & the Pagan Community
How do we react to the presence of mental illness among us, and how can we help? What accommodations can be made and what resources are there to support our community? How can our leaders avoid burn-out, and how can the community support them in a way that prevents burn-out?
----x
Impact of the Internet
The Internet provides us with more access to people and information, but it also allows reduces in-person contact with real people. How can we use the Internet to our advantage and what is there about the Internet that should we avoid? How has the internet and social media changed Pagan communications? How has technology influenced our spiritual practice?
----x
Priestessing/Priesting our Craft
This panel seeks to define the qualities a person needs to be able to take on a leadership role in the Pagan community. What does it mean to be a Priest/ess in our covens, groups and communities? What are the risks and challenges, and what skills do we need to cultivate? Do we have a need for a Pagan chaplaincy to make clergical services available in our communities, and how can we support our leaders in that endeavor?
----x
Pagan Documentation
Our communities are constantly evolving in terms of culture, population, and the response to crisis. How do we chronicle these events that make-up our modern history? We have discovered such wisdom in ancients texts, but what can we learn from the legacy of our modern-day elders? How do we preserve our recent history so that future generations can benefit?
----x
Music Stream
This stream is an opportunity to share songs and chants and other music from our communities across Canada.
----x
Celebrating in French
(panel presented in French with whisper translation to English)
This panel discusses the challenges Francophone Pagans face within their own spiritual practice, but also when interacting with Pagans in their own community and beyond. What documentation is available for Francophone audiences? What direction is the Francophone Pagan community taking? Is there a common ground to be found with other linguistic cultures in terms of spiritual expression?
----x
Translating English Sources into French
(panel presented in French with whisper translation to English)
With so many Pagan books published in English, is there a market for them to be translated to French? What are the challenges to translate these documents? This panel explores the challenges inherent in making the current Pagan documentation accessible to the Francophone population.
----x
Rites, Rights and Laws
What happens to Pagans when their spiritual practice clashes with the laws of the land? Are Pagans at risk of being discriminated against if their spiritual identity is made public? What rights can Pagans expect in the workplace, at school, or in public? What recourse can Pagans follow if they become victims of discrimination, both legal and personal?
----x
Power of Words
As magical practitioners, many of us believe that we can shape our own reality through intent and/or alignment of magical will. How do the words that we choose to use (or not use) contribute to the worldview that we live in and the life we create? Do words chosen in ritual or a magickal setting hold more power?
----x
Environmental Ethic
If Pagans are supposed to worship the earth and the natural world, how active should Pagans be in environmental movement? How can Pagans incorporate environmental ethics into their every day routine? This panel explores our roles as stewards of the Earth, but still living well in our modern societies.
----x
Aging, Hospice and Death
As our Pagan population ages, are we ready to accommodate their needs as elders in our society? What services will they require to continue developing their spiritual identities. This panel also explores the changes to a male's spiritual expression as he enters what many describe as male menopause. Are mainstream hospices prepared to respond to the needs of their Pagan clients? What is our role as a community to prepare them so that our aging population can be well-taken of? How can we ensure that our Pagan brothers and sisters can die with dignity and that their wishes will be respected after death? Are their Pagan cemeteries to receive our beloved death in a way that respects their traditions?
----x
Impact of Secularism
This panel explores the impact of the separation of Church and State and how it affects Pagan communities that live in that State. Do Pagans need State recognition to avoid discrimination or even persecution, or are we all better off without the State setting limits upon our spiritual practice?
----x
Sacred Space and Sacred Places
What defines a sacred space or a sacred place? Many traditions have very different ideas on our relationship with the sacredness of an area. Is it possible to define a place to be sacred in a way that all traditions can recognize it?
----x
Pagan Taboos
This panel explores what topics, ideas, behaviors, attitudes, etc., that our Pagan community culture considers to be off-limits or not to be discussed. What makes an idea inconsiderable in Pagan culture and who decides that? What happens if you try to pursue an idea that is considered reprehensible to a community? Is it better to shine a light upon it, or should an idea be labeled as taboo, and therefore not explored.
======================
Previously Published Topic Descriptions
======================
----
The Value of Personal Gnosis
How much value do we place on personal gnosis (knowledge acquired directly from deities and spirits), obtaining and sharing it, compared to the other pillars of Pagan spirituality? These being: lore, tradition, and modern inspiration (ecology, feminism, activism and creativity).
----
Ancient vs. Modern Mythology
Would you call upon Robin Hood as the God deity? Do you find more power in calling down the spirit of the Dagda, or could you call upon the power of Superman as an archetype? Can Pagans still find power and relevance in published works from the last few centuries? How old does mythology need to be to be considered a valid mythology?
----
Canadian Pagan Authors
Why are most of the 'big name' Pagan authors American (and to a lesser extent British)? Who are our Canadian authors and how can we help support them?
----
Transgender Pagans
Recently, there was a public women's Pagan ritual where transgendered women were excluded because they were not female-born.
How do cissexism/transphobia, body essentialism, exclusion, and anti-oppression work both in our community and in our liturgy.
----
Pagans in Interfaith Work
What opportunities are there for Pagans who want to reach out to other spiritual communities or support existing interfaith initiatives? What skills are required? Who is doing this in communities across Canada and what has been their experience?
----
Pagans in the Media
A panel discussion on modern Paganism and Pagans in the media that ranges from mainstream identity and public relations to reaching out via alternative media and communities.
----
Circle Repair
How do circles, covens, groves and other group prevent potentially damaging situations or repair the broken trust and fractured dynamics after a fall-out?
----
Impact of the Internet on Pagan Development
The Internet provides us with more access to people and information, but it also allows reduces in-person contact with real people. How can we use the Internet to our advantage and what is there about the Internet that should we avoid?
----
Pagans and Crime (or Pagans in Jail)
If a Pagan is charged with a crime and says that his religion is part of his motivation, the community has choices to make. Do we acknowledge the issue but not the person? Do we distance ourselves from the issue entirely?
----
Pagan Identity
Do we have a shared Pagan identity? How do we feel when someone publicly takes action or a stance, or performs a crime, "as a Pagan" or in the name of being Pagan?
----
Activism, Action, Protest and Paganism
What protest/activism supports Wiccan (or other trads) ethics (or codes)? What are the Pagan-encouraged forms of protest/action. Defining peaceful constructive protest and magickal activism.
----
Conflict and Resolution
In managing conflicts between ideologically-separated groups, organizations, and people, how can we bring positive interventions and find enough common ground between them? What models exist?
----
Cultural Sensitivity
When does influence turn into appropriation? Are there ways we are insensitive to other cultures or traditions other than our own within the Pagan umbrella?
----
Pagan Evolution after Quebec's Quiet Revolution
Anglophone and Francophone Pagans often differ in the ways they lived and practised their religion. These differences are deeply rooted in Quebec's unique cultural and religious past.
This panel explores the impact of salient events in Quebec's recent cultural history, and how the Quiet Revolution and the subsequent de-Christianisation of Quebec's Francophone population have impacted the way Francophone and Anglophone Pagans understand and live their faith.
A few weeks ago, we put out a list of panel discussions where some topics had descriptions while others did not. We have now updated these topics with new descriptions so that you can see what will be discussed.
Please email us at gaiagathering@yahoo.ca to let us know which panel topic you would like to see in the conference. If you think you'd like to be a panelist on one of them, please let us know!
======================
New or Updated Topic Descriptions
======================
----x
Pagan Canon
A canon is a collection of writings that a religious tradition considers sacred, divinely inspired, or foundational. What texts, poetry and writings do we consider sacred? Is there a Pagan canon or tradition-specific canons? Where do sacred texts overlap between traditions?
----x
Pagan Broadcast Media
This panel focuses on the popularity of Pagan blogs, podcasts, and other forms of media to broadcast ideas, discuss topics, and promote Paganism to a wider audience. Who is listening and what has the response been to this new media?
----x
Pagan Community Statement on Sexual Abuse
This panel provides discusses what we as Pagans mean by the term sexual abuse, and whether it is possible to create a statement that a consensus would agree on. This discussion features a document that was written, discussed, and spear-headed by Dr. Brendan Myers and The Wild Hunt blog (thewildhunt.org).
----x
Event Organizing
This panel of organizers offers advice on everything from designing, fund-raising, managing volunteers, and publicizing your Pagan Event.
----x
Mental Health & the Pagan Community
How do we react to the presence of mental illness among us, and how can we help? What accommodations can be made and what resources are there to support our community? How can our leaders avoid burn-out, and how can the community support them in a way that prevents burn-out?
----x
Impact of the Internet
The Internet provides us with more access to people and information, but it also allows reduces in-person contact with real people. How can we use the Internet to our advantage and what is there about the Internet that should we avoid? How has the internet and social media changed Pagan communications? How has technology influenced our spiritual practice?
----x
Priestessing/Priesting our Craft
This panel seeks to define the qualities a person needs to be able to take on a leadership role in the Pagan community. What does it mean to be a Priest/ess in our covens, groups and communities? What are the risks and challenges, and what skills do we need to cultivate? Do we have a need for a Pagan chaplaincy to make clergical services available in our communities, and how can we support our leaders in that endeavor?
----x
Pagan Documentation
Our communities are constantly evolving in terms of culture, population, and the response to crisis. How do we chronicle these events that make-up our modern history? We have discovered such wisdom in ancients texts, but what can we learn from the legacy of our modern-day elders? How do we preserve our recent history so that future generations can benefit?
----x
Music Stream
This stream is an opportunity to share songs and chants and other music from our communities across Canada.
----x
Celebrating in French
(panel presented in French with whisper translation to English)
This panel discusses the challenges Francophone Pagans face within their own spiritual practice, but also when interacting with Pagans in their own community and beyond. What documentation is available for Francophone audiences? What direction is the Francophone Pagan community taking? Is there a common ground to be found with other linguistic cultures in terms of spiritual expression?
----x
Translating English Sources into French
(panel presented in French with whisper translation to English)
With so many Pagan books published in English, is there a market for them to be translated to French? What are the challenges to translate these documents? This panel explores the challenges inherent in making the current Pagan documentation accessible to the Francophone population.
----x
Rites, Rights and Laws
What happens to Pagans when their spiritual practice clashes with the laws of the land? Are Pagans at risk of being discriminated against if their spiritual identity is made public? What rights can Pagans expect in the workplace, at school, or in public? What recourse can Pagans follow if they become victims of discrimination, both legal and personal?
----x
Power of Words
As magical practitioners, many of us believe that we can shape our own reality through intent and/or alignment of magical will. How do the words that we choose to use (or not use) contribute to the worldview that we live in and the life we create? Do words chosen in ritual or a magickal setting hold more power?
----x
Environmental Ethic
If Pagans are supposed to worship the earth and the natural world, how active should Pagans be in environmental movement? How can Pagans incorporate environmental ethics into their every day routine? This panel explores our roles as stewards of the Earth, but still living well in our modern societies.
----x
Aging, Hospice and Death
As our Pagan population ages, are we ready to accommodate their needs as elders in our society? What services will they require to continue developing their spiritual identities. This panel also explores the changes to a male's spiritual expression as he enters what many describe as male menopause. Are mainstream hospices prepared to respond to the needs of their Pagan clients? What is our role as a community to prepare them so that our aging population can be well-taken of? How can we ensure that our Pagan brothers and sisters can die with dignity and that their wishes will be respected after death? Are their Pagan cemeteries to receive our beloved death in a way that respects their traditions?
----x
Impact of Secularism
This panel explores the impact of the separation of Church and State and how it affects Pagan communities that live in that State. Do Pagans need State recognition to avoid discrimination or even persecution, or are we all better off without the State setting limits upon our spiritual practice?
----x
Sacred Space and Sacred Places
What defines a sacred space or a sacred place? Many traditions have very different ideas on our relationship with the sacredness of an area. Is it possible to define a place to be sacred in a way that all traditions can recognize it?
----x
Pagan Taboos
This panel explores what topics, ideas, behaviors, attitudes, etc., that our Pagan community culture considers to be off-limits or not to be discussed. What makes an idea inconsiderable in Pagan culture and who decides that? What happens if you try to pursue an idea that is considered reprehensible to a community? Is it better to shine a light upon it, or should an idea be labeled as taboo, and therefore not explored.
======================
Previously Published Topic Descriptions
======================
----
The Value of Personal Gnosis
How much value do we place on personal gnosis (knowledge acquired directly from deities and spirits), obtaining and sharing it, compared to the other pillars of Pagan spirituality? These being: lore, tradition, and modern inspiration (ecology, feminism, activism and creativity).
----
Ancient vs. Modern Mythology
Would you call upon Robin Hood as the God deity? Do you find more power in calling down the spirit of the Dagda, or could you call upon the power of Superman as an archetype? Can Pagans still find power and relevance in published works from the last few centuries? How old does mythology need to be to be considered a valid mythology?
----
Canadian Pagan Authors
Why are most of the 'big name' Pagan authors American (and to a lesser extent British)? Who are our Canadian authors and how can we help support them?
----
Transgender Pagans
Recently, there was a public women's Pagan ritual where transgendered women were excluded because they were not female-born.
How do cissexism/transphobia, body essentialism, exclusion, and anti-oppression work both in our community and in our liturgy.
----
Pagans in Interfaith Work
What opportunities are there for Pagans who want to reach out to other spiritual communities or support existing interfaith initiatives? What skills are required? Who is doing this in communities across Canada and what has been their experience?
----
Pagans in the Media
A panel discussion on modern Paganism and Pagans in the media that ranges from mainstream identity and public relations to reaching out via alternative media and communities.
----
Circle Repair
How do circles, covens, groves and other group prevent potentially damaging situations or repair the broken trust and fractured dynamics after a fall-out?
----
Impact of the Internet on Pagan Development
The Internet provides us with more access to people and information, but it also allows reduces in-person contact with real people. How can we use the Internet to our advantage and what is there about the Internet that should we avoid?
----
Pagans and Crime (or Pagans in Jail)
If a Pagan is charged with a crime and says that his religion is part of his motivation, the community has choices to make. Do we acknowledge the issue but not the person? Do we distance ourselves from the issue entirely?
----
Pagan Identity
Do we have a shared Pagan identity? How do we feel when someone publicly takes action or a stance, or performs a crime, "as a Pagan" or in the name of being Pagan?
----
Activism, Action, Protest and Paganism
What protest/activism supports Wiccan (or other trads) ethics (or codes)? What are the Pagan-encouraged forms of protest/action. Defining peaceful constructive protest and magickal activism.
----
Conflict and Resolution
In managing conflicts between ideologically-separated groups, organizations, and people, how can we bring positive interventions and find enough common ground between them? What models exist?
----
Cultural Sensitivity
When does influence turn into appropriation? Are there ways we are insensitive to other cultures or traditions other than our own within the Pagan umbrella?
----
Pagan Evolution after Quebec's Quiet Revolution
Anglophone and Francophone Pagans often differ in the ways they lived and practised their religion. These differences are deeply rooted in Quebec's unique cultural and religious past.
This panel explores the impact of salient events in Quebec's recent cultural history, and how the Quiet Revolution and the subsequent de-Christianisation of Quebec's Francophone population have impacted the way Francophone and Anglophone Pagans understand and live their faith.
Montreal Magical Mercantile Tour
Arriving early on Friday? Well, we have a couple of choices for you. In addition to a single stream of panels in the afternoon, Marisol will be offering a Magical Mercantile Tour of Pagan businesses in Montreal.
Magical Mercantile Tour
Come visit some of the most frequently sought-out Pagan commercial and magical community spaces in Montreal. The Mélange Magique, located downtown, is a well-known magical and occult shop, and the host of the Montreal Pagan Resource Centre (MPRC) and Crescent Moon School (CMS). Charme et Sortilège is located in the Plateau Mont-Royal district and is a well-known store among the growing Francophone Pagan community.
If you anticipate that you will be joining the tour, please let Marisol know so she has an idea of numbers. Contact her at marisol.charbonneau@sympatico.ca. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the registration desk on Friday.
Magical Mercantile Tour
Come visit some of the most frequently sought-out Pagan commercial and magical community spaces in Montreal. The Mélange Magique, located downtown, is a well-known magical and occult shop, and the host of the Montreal Pagan Resource Centre (MPRC) and Crescent Moon School (CMS). Charme et Sortilège is located in the Plateau Mont-Royal district and is a well-known store among the growing Francophone Pagan community.
If you anticipate that you will be joining the tour, please let Marisol know so she has an idea of numbers. Contact her at marisol.charbonneau@sympatico.ca. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the registration desk on Friday.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Signing Table for Authors, Performers and Artists
Are you an author, performer or artist planning on attending Gaia Gathering? Let us know. We are planning on having a 'signing table' in the vending room so that folks can drop by to purchase books, DVDs, or work of art and/or get them signed.
The "signing table" will operate on a first-come-first-served sign-up basis and will probably operate in 30-60 minute blocks of time. To participate you must registered for the conference. Contact Mel (melanievaliante@hotmail.com), our vending room coordinator, to sign-up!
The "signing table" will operate on a first-come-first-served sign-up basis and will probably operate in 30-60 minute blocks of time. To participate you must registered for the conference. Contact Mel (melanievaliante@hotmail.com), our vending room coordinator, to sign-up!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Our Sunday GG2011 Keynote Presentation
Voicing our Faith - Living our Words - Building our Communities
by Lucie Marie-Mai DuFresne, PhD
What if words actually mattered? What if they were not only descriptive but also performative? What if they created both the breadth and the limit of shared reality? How could this be?
What if each language was its own pattern of reality, unique and ultimately untranslatable. What happens when a faith community is made up of native speakers of different languages? Is it necessary that all speak with the same words? the same voice? the same intent? At what level of linguistic 'sameness' is religious 'sameness' found? Is linguistic 'sameness' mandatory? For what and for whom?
Some have argued that the language of the original text must be maintained. Others have argued for words from the heart, whatever the language spoken. This talk will explore the nature of language as a communicative code, of the politics of discourse, of textual and ritual codification and of the inherent dangers of any canonification, be they dogmatic, textual or ritual. Rather, degrees of commonality will be argued for, such that the context, intent and audience of the communicative act be the determining factors for language choice and use.
Bio: Lucie Marie-Mai DuFresne, PhD, has earned advanced degrees in both Anthropology and Religious Studies. As a fluently bilingual francophone, she teaches in both French and English in the Faculties of Arts (Religious Studies, Native Studies) and Social Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Women's Studies) at the University of Ottawa. As head of the Canadian Centre for Research on Women and Religion, she has organized several international conferences (Divina et Femina I, II, III) and Gaia Gathering 2008. She is currently the interim director of the Intercultural Research and Training Center and is planning its second trip to Yunnan, China, to work with indigenous minorities. She is a founding member of PFPC (Pagan Federation / Fédération Païenne Canada) and has advocated for Canadian Pagan rights and freedoms with several levels of government, municipal social services (Police, Children's Aid, psychiatric hospital) and multifaith organisations. Active in the Ottawa Pagan community since 1988, she has managed and owned occult bookstores, sponsored women's moon circles and taught Pagan and Magical Lore classes. She holds the record for the most different workshops taught at Kaleidoscope Gathering.
by Lucie Marie-Mai DuFresne, PhD
What if words actually mattered? What if they were not only descriptive but also performative? What if they created both the breadth and the limit of shared reality? How could this be?
What if each language was its own pattern of reality, unique and ultimately untranslatable. What happens when a faith community is made up of native speakers of different languages? Is it necessary that all speak with the same words? the same voice? the same intent? At what level of linguistic 'sameness' is religious 'sameness' found? Is linguistic 'sameness' mandatory? For what and for whom?
Some have argued that the language of the original text must be maintained. Others have argued for words from the heart, whatever the language spoken. This talk will explore the nature of language as a communicative code, of the politics of discourse, of textual and ritual codification and of the inherent dangers of any canonification, be they dogmatic, textual or ritual. Rather, degrees of commonality will be argued for, such that the context, intent and audience of the communicative act be the determining factors for language choice and use.
Bio: Lucie Marie-Mai DuFresne, PhD, has earned advanced degrees in both Anthropology and Religious Studies. As a fluently bilingual francophone, she teaches in both French and English in the Faculties of Arts (Religious Studies, Native Studies) and Social Sciences (Anthropology, Sociology, Women's Studies) at the University of Ottawa. As head of the Canadian Centre for Research on Women and Religion, she has organized several international conferences (Divina et Femina I, II, III) and Gaia Gathering 2008. She is currently the interim director of the Intercultural Research and Training Center and is planning its second trip to Yunnan, China, to work with indigenous minorities. She is a founding member of PFPC (Pagan Federation / Fédération Païenne Canada) and has advocated for Canadian Pagan rights and freedoms with several levels of government, municipal social services (Police, Children's Aid, psychiatric hospital) and multifaith organisations. Active in the Ottawa Pagan community since 1988, she has managed and owned occult bookstores, sponsored women's moon circles and taught Pagan and Magical Lore classes. She holds the record for the most different workshops taught at Kaleidoscope Gathering.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Gaia Gathering Pagan Art Show: Deadline Extended!
We've decided to extend the deadline for applications for the Art Show to May 11th (Wednesday), so if you were planning on applying to show your artwork in the Pagan Art Show during Gaia Gathering, you still have a chance!
You can download the application form in PDF or DOC from the link below. Get us your applications and we'll see you at the Conference!
Gaia Gathering Pagan Art Show
You can download the application form in PDF or DOC from the link below. Get us your applications and we'll see you at the Conference!
Gaia Gathering Pagan Art Show
Our Saturday GG2011 Keynote Presentation
Nature is My Prayerbook: The Problem of Liturgy in Modern Paganism
by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
The concept of liturgy, an established system or repertoire of rites and ideas designed for use in worship or religious observance, is a problematic one in modern alternative spiritual paths. Contemporary Paganism encourages self-expression and a continual evolution of the self and one’s relationship with the Divine, and often a deep suspicion or outright rejection of anything that suggests prescribed canon or static law, which creates tension when contrasted with the traditional concept of a conventional, common liturgy.
At the same time, it’s human nature to surround oneself with reliable, recognizable structure for comfort, a sense of connection to others and/or the past, and for the ease with which one can reach a desired mindset for worship or practice. This dichotomy is part of what characterizes contemporary Pagan practice, and is the subject of this talk.
Bio: Currently a resident of Montreal, Canada, Arin works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Power Spellcraft for Life (2005), Solitary Wicca for Life (2005), The Way of the Green Witch (2006), The Way of the Hedge Witch (2009), and Pagan Pregnancy: The Journey From Maiden to Mother (TBA). She is also the editor of the anthology Out of the Broom Closet (2009).
Arin is a third-degree Wiccan High Priestess in the Black Forest Clan, a tradition linked both by lineage and practice to several other branches of Wiccan thought and philosophy including the Caledonii Tradition, Druidism, Gardnerian practice, Seax-Wicca, general Celtic Wicca, and German witchcraft. She works as a priestess in her community performing rites of passage and giving occasional workshops, and leads a private coven. Her hobbies include playing the cello, handspinning, and weaving. She can be found online at www.arinmurphyhiscock.com.
by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
The concept of liturgy, an established system or repertoire of rites and ideas designed for use in worship or religious observance, is a problematic one in modern alternative spiritual paths. Contemporary Paganism encourages self-expression and a continual evolution of the self and one’s relationship with the Divine, and often a deep suspicion or outright rejection of anything that suggests prescribed canon or static law, which creates tension when contrasted with the traditional concept of a conventional, common liturgy.
At the same time, it’s human nature to surround oneself with reliable, recognizable structure for comfort, a sense of connection to others and/or the past, and for the ease with which one can reach a desired mindset for worship or practice. This dichotomy is part of what characterizes contemporary Pagan practice, and is the subject of this talk.
Bio: Currently a resident of Montreal, Canada, Arin works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Power Spellcraft for Life (2005), Solitary Wicca for Life (2005), The Way of the Green Witch (2006), The Way of the Hedge Witch (2009), and Pagan Pregnancy: The Journey From Maiden to Mother (TBA). She is also the editor of the anthology Out of the Broom Closet (2009).
Arin is a third-degree Wiccan High Priestess in the Black Forest Clan, a tradition linked both by lineage and practice to several other branches of Wiccan thought and philosophy including the Caledonii Tradition, Druidism, Gardnerian practice, Seax-Wicca, general Celtic Wicca, and German witchcraft. She works as a priestess in her community performing rites of passage and giving occasional workshops, and leads a private coven. Her hobbies include playing the cello, handspinning, and weaving. She can be found online at www.arinmurphyhiscock.com.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Academic /Scholars' Stream Presentations
Well, the jury of academic peer reviewers has met and officially selected nine academic papers for presentation at Gaia Gathering 2011. Here are the titles. For the complete abstracts, click here to download the pdf. Congratulations! We look forward to the presentations.
Saturday Presentations
Invoking the Sacred and the Silent: Language and Meaning in the Elementary Art Classroom
Pattie Chambers, Doctoral Student
Montreal Concordia University, Department of Art Education
Resident of Montreal, Quebec
Sidereal Astrology and Festival Dates
Sarah Wibberley, BSc,
Novice Pathwalker (Avalon Druid Order)
Resident of Kanata, Ontario
Text A: Liturgy or Literature
Lisa Crandall, Masters Student
University of Ottawa, Department of Religious Studies
Resident of Iroquois, Ontario
The Changing Image of God: A Study of the Goddess Movement
Delores LaPratt, Ph. D. student
Montreal Concordia University, Department of Religion
Resident of Montreal, Quebec
Attachment to God: A Comparison of State of Mind Using the Adult Attachment Interview About Parents and God
Stéphanie Marchal, M.A., Psy.D., Doctor in Clinical Psychology
California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, USA (Graduated December 2010)
Resident of Montreal, Quebec
Revisiting ‘Shamanism’
Jarrod Hyam, PhD Candidate
University of Calgary, Department of Religious Studies
Resident of Balzac, Alberta
Sunday Presentations
Semiotic Epistemology: Human Communication Repaired
Jason Poettcker, Bachelors Student
University of Victoria, Departments of Philosophy and of History
Resident of Victoria, British Columbia
D’une langue genrée à une liturgie ambiguë : l’expérience queer néo-païenne
Martin Lepage, Étudiant au doctorat
Université du Québec à Montréal, departement de sciences des religions
Paganism and the Aftermath of the Quiet Revolution
Marisol Charbonneau, Masters Graduate
University of Ottawa, Department of Religious Studies
Resident of Montreal, Quebec
Saturday Presentations
Invoking the Sacred and the Silent: Language and Meaning in the Elementary Art Classroom
Pattie Chambers, Doctoral Student
Montreal Concordia University, Department of Art Education
Resident of Montreal, Quebec
Sidereal Astrology and Festival Dates
Sarah Wibberley, BSc,
Novice Pathwalker (Avalon Druid Order)
Resident of Kanata, Ontario
Text A: Liturgy or Literature
Lisa Crandall, Masters Student
University of Ottawa, Department of Religious Studies
Resident of Iroquois, Ontario
The Changing Image of God: A Study of the Goddess Movement
Delores LaPratt, Ph. D. student
Montreal Concordia University, Department of Religion
Resident of Montreal, Quebec
Attachment to God: A Comparison of State of Mind Using the Adult Attachment Interview About Parents and God
Stéphanie Marchal, M.A., Psy.D., Doctor in Clinical Psychology
California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, USA (Graduated December 2010)
Resident of Montreal, Quebec
Revisiting ‘Shamanism’
Jarrod Hyam, PhD Candidate
University of Calgary, Department of Religious Studies
Resident of Balzac, Alberta
Sunday Presentations
Semiotic Epistemology: Human Communication Repaired
Jason Poettcker, Bachelors Student
University of Victoria, Departments of Philosophy and of History
Resident of Victoria, British Columbia
D’une langue genrée à une liturgie ambiguë : l’expérience queer néo-païenne
Martin Lepage, Étudiant au doctorat
Université du Québec à Montréal, departement de sciences des religions
Paganism and the Aftermath of the Quiet Revolution
Marisol Charbonneau, Masters Graduate
University of Ottawa, Department of Religious Studies
Resident of Montreal, Quebec
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