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Hemitra Crecraft
Calling the Directions
Circle Dance
Effective Jan. 2010 the public seasonal celebrations have been suspended due to family obligations.
An Invitation to our Women's Ceremonial Circles
We are pleased to offer Seasonal Celebrations in the tradition of Heart of the Goddess. These nurturing ceremonies for women and girls are led by Hemitra Crecraft and are an eclectic blending of multicultural contemporary women's spirituality traditions. Join us to dance, sing, make music together — meditate and renew yourself in the intimacy and joy of an all-women's circle: The Ha Ha Sisterhood! Come and be merry as we celebrate the Earth's sacred festivals!
Guidelines for Attendance
At 7:15, we will gather together to discuss the intention for the evening and go over the ceremonial outline, learn the songs and assign priestess parts, such as Calling the Directions. It's a good idea if you plan on arriving at 7 so that we can get settled and start the ceremony at 7:30. Generally, the ceremonies are 2 hours long and are followed by an informal pot luck social afterwards. Please note that the building will be locked at 7:30, and no one will be admitted into the circle once the ceremony has begun.
Pot Luck
Please bring simple, nutritious food to share and your own cup and plate. Especially appreciated are protein-rich dishes, fresh veggies and fruit — and desserts and beverages that are wholesome. We recommend that you bring your own water bottle.
What Shall I Wear?
We request that you wear ritual attire — a dress, skirt or long gown.
As women, we draw power from the Earth Mother. It has long been known by indigenous cultures that the geometric shape of the dress conducts power, and so it is customary for women to wear dresses for ritual work. At some celebrations, such as Winter Solstice and Candlemas, all white is required. Don't have a white gown? Check out any lingerie department for a white nightgown or robe.
Location
Our Seasonal Celebrations are held at the beautiful Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 3424 Ridge Pike in Collegeville, PA. The sanctuary space has floor to ceiling windows allowing views of the surrounding woodlands. Directions.
Sliding Scale Donation
$5-20 to cover costs; Girls 6-12 free!
We appreciate your emailing us with your reservation in advance. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend, just let us know. Thank you!
Fall Equinox
This is the time of Earth’s major harvest when we take time to give thanks to the land for its bounty. Together we’ll create a ritual of thanksgiving to honor the abundant blessings in our lives. Bring a basket of fruits and vegetables if you would like to participate in the presentation of the Harvest.
Halloween
Halloween is the time to embrace the quickening of winter – the descent into the unconscious. We will light candles to those who have passed over and to those who have been born within the past year. Hecate will greet us at the crossroads and bestow her blessing. Join us for our ecstatic dance to usher in a New Year of hope and positive change. Dress in costumes or ritual attire. Bring your brooms and drums.
Winter Solstice
Come celebrate the Yule season with ceremony, Goddess solstice carols and merry-making. Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year when we celebrate the Return of the Sun and our own rebirth through a beautiful candlelit dance. Please wear a white gown and an evergreen crown. Bring musical instruments, poinsettias to decorate the space (you may take them home afterwards), a giftwrapped present for the giveaway, and your favorite holiday dish for the potluck.
Candlemas
image of Brigit ©2003 P. Borda
Candlemas celebrates the waxing of the Light. It is the festival sacred to Brigid, Celtic Triple Goddess. Candlemas is a time when women seek initiation and renew their commitment to spiritual growth. It was also the first Valentine’s Day when the sacred feminine was honored as the gateway of all life and thus the valentine symbol was born. Bring a handmade valentine with your affirmations of self love. Dress in a white gown.
Spring Equinox
This is the time of Gaia's rebirth, of Persephone's return from the Underworld and her reuniting with her mother, Demeter. The chains of winter are broken and new life bursts forth. Bring beauteous flowers in a vase for the altar.
Beltane
Beltane celebrates love, fertility and maidenhood. We’ll dance the maypole and initiate girls into womanhood who have begun their first menstruation within the past year. Our festivities are held indoors. Wear flowers in your hair and bring a gift for the Beltane maidens. If you would like to have your daughter honored at our festival, the two of you must complete the Coming of Age program in advance. Please contact Hemitra at 610-644-8965 for details.
Summer Solstice
Midsummer’s Night is a magical night – auspicious for letting your innermost heart desire express itself. We’ll invoke Yemaya and Aphrodite and dance the night away with all the woodland fairies. Dress in your fairy or goddess splendor, wear flowers in your hair and bring bells...lots of bells.