Tameika

I am co-founder of the Spirits of the Earth Festival. I correspond, organize events and design all advertising as well as the website, among many, many other things. I believe the reason that I put so much energy into Spirits of the Earth is to see people coming together. To, offer an environment where people can learn and grow not only as people but as spirits, learning the ways of olde, and creating bonds with family, making new friends and strengthening old relationships. A chance to educate folks on the earth and to bring awareness of the healing that needs to take place. One thing that really opened my eyes and pushed me to make this dream become a reality is a poem that I read some time ago called "The Paradox". Download!

I would like to thank all who come out and support the festival for helping to make my dream come true, and help others to find their dreams, new friends and the peace that they having been searching for. None of this would be possible without all of you folks. There are no financial rewards for what we work so hard for. That is not what drives us! It's seeing the smiles, the inquisitive looks, folks meditating by the grounding pole and the innocent laughter of the children. In a world that moves so fast that you are turned upside down and lost in an instant, you all bring so much peace and happiness for us, and I can't thank you enough. :O)

Officially I have been practicing & studying paganism for 17 years. I have been studying metaphysics, meditation and hands on healing since the age of 5. I always try to be completely honest (not always a good thing I'm told), and I believe my calling is to always try my best to help others (though it tends to drive people off my path and onto their own, I frequently wonder where they have gone, and what progress they have made).

I am Married to the most wonderful, gentle, passionate and loving man Fox! Our souls were destined to join together, wandering lost without the other. I can hardly believe the comfort, and oneness that I experience every moment that I am held in his arms, that I am constantly consumed within. I am also blessed with 4 fur babies. Riptyde and Miquela are my 10year old Sheppard/Wolf puppies, born of the same litter but brought back together by fate. Then we have Symba my 13 year old kitten who believes he is king of his domain, and Neptune my crazy little 6 year old kitten who can't wait for me to sit down before he is crawling up into my lap.

Currently on the path to become an alchemical healer. I have achieved my master teachers degree in the Japanese healing art of Usui/Tibetan Reiki with two different masters for a wider perspective and for a deeper learning. I have also obtained my first degree in the Melody Love is in the Earth Crystal Healing. Other forms of healing that I work with are colors, crystals, tuning forks, energy fields, herbs, oils. I offer Hot Rock Therapy, Ear Candling and Relaxational Massage. Most recently I have been honored to be accompanied by many spirit guides, and my Great God and Goddess, who have helped me to find my destined path, and to realize my inner powers, and have encouraged me to stay strong through many difficult times. Thank you for being there, guiding me, and teaching me your ways!

I am the sole proprietor of Goddess Energy, specializing in healing ointments, sprays, lotions, and herbal hot/cold packs. Goddess Energy carries my "Time for Me" line consisting of 100% natural herbal bath products which promotes relaxation as a preventative measure and to aid in the healing processes. Also offering many products for magickal workings, such as smudges, herbal incense, anointed candles, ritual baths, herbal sachets, and much more.

I hope to meet many of you great folks at the festival, our open rituals, drumming circles or even walking down the street. Blessed Be!

Fox

Well here it is my little piece of eternity. Wow, what can I say? Where do I start?

First and foremost allow me to take a second and talk about the most important thing in my life, my family. I am married to the most wonderful, beautiful woman and purest soul that the gods could bless this earth with. Tameika is my world, she gives me strength and honors me in everything that she does. Together we resonate at the highest vibrational level, and we have become one entity. She is the air that feeds my flame. I am so glad to be reunited with my "Torn-Apart".

On to my four babies, Symba, Riptyde, Miquela, and last but definitely not forgettable the youngest of our family Neptune. Symba is my eldest feline, he is the long-haired Master of his domain... and he makes sure that we don't forget it. Riptyde and Miquela are my big sucks, they are both German Shepherd/Husky cross. These baby girls love to play, run and definitely know how to get my attention. Neptune... well let's say he is a big attention getter... "Go ahead sit down" he says... you'll get a pounce and poof there he is in your lap, purring away... LOL what a lover, and trouble maker. But then again who can stay mad at that cute little mug. :D

I have been Pagan for about 10 years now. Along with Tameika, we have founded the "Mhorag Circle". I am a practitioner of Green Witchcraft. As a magickal practitioner I live as if the Burning times had never happened, although I feel that we can learn from the past, I don’t let is limit my future. I am proud to be pagan, and am actively working towards religious tolerance, so that maybe one day my children won't have to worry or be ashamed of who they are, and can be open about our practices. I have been working with other fellow Festival organizers to create a network of communities. Working to break down the proverbial wall that is built between a lot of pagan/secular traditions through education and tolerance. Unity in Diversity!!

I live for the revel fire and the drumming Jams... I love to sit back and merge energies with my drum Phoenix. We have raised some amazing energy together and put out some wicked beats. Currently I am have been learning more diverse sounds and styles of drumming. I am also interested in studying the effects of sounds within the human body, the psyche and how these energies interact or influence our vibrational levels. Another interesting instrument that I am able to play is the Australian Didgeridoo. I am still working on the techniques and circle breathing, I'm no “Mickey Hart”, but I’ll keep trying and maybe someday I will be. I like to sing, Karaoke at home or in the bars. Periodically I like to dance. I tend to think that I pretty good at both... but then again on lookers would have other thoughts about that.

Diana

Well…. Where do I begin? First of all I’d like to point out that Tameika is my sister and Fox is my brother-in-law. Although the in-law part always feels so detached. Over the last few years I have gone through a lot of up’s and down’s and have always found it hard to place myself in a setting where I feel comfortable. Once a year (since 2003) my feelings have changed, at least for a week, during the time I take for myself. Yes, you’ve got it, it’s at the Spirits of the Earth Festival. Spiritsfest has kind of been my sanity from the outside trials and tribulations.

At Spiritsfest I am Tameika’s right hand woman. What ever needs to be looked at or taken care of I’m there for her. I am also there if anyone has any questions or concerns, and I’m there to listen. I can usually be found in the registration office. I like to take walks around the grounds to familiarize myself with the faces I have seen previously, and all the new faces I see for the first time. I feel by taking this time to volunteer that I am becoming one with nature and bringing balance within myself. Tameika, Fox and I want everyone to have an enjoyable and memorable time at SOTEF. Which usually isn’t hard to do, because the people involved in fest whether it’s staff, friends or visitors always manages to wrap this blanket of positive energy around the grounds. Without you there, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to embrace this energy that is created by all of the people who attend. Don’t miss this chance to draw this amazing experience deep within your soul.

I am still learning about the different aspects of paganism. I have a strong interest in learning about the different stones, oils, incenses and my new discovered talent of making wind chimes. I have always loved the relaxing and soothing sounds. As the chimes make music solely from the sounds of the winds, I feel as if their telling a story. Tameika was actually the one who persisted that I share my new found talent with the people of fest. I’m grateful that others can enjoy them as much as I.

This festival is truly an amazing experience and I encourage you to come down and check it out whether it’s for the week, weekend of just for the day. I know you won’t regret it! Spirits of the Earth Festival is a place where you can learn new things, and make new friends. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Donna

I am a full time mom of 4. I have been Pagan since 1988 and have been raising children in a Pagan home since 1989. I have been involved in the London Pagan community since 2000; facilitating Coffee Socials, Workshops and Rituals for various community groups. I am also a Pagan Chaplain.

My husband (Rod) and I have been part of the SOTEF team since it started, missing only 1 year. Our family and the SOTEF family have grown along beside each other. We had our commitment ceremony and our family honeymoon both at SOTEF and our daughter may even have been conceived there!

Rod and I currently run a Spiral Scouts group in London, and have been facilitating the children’s workshops at SOTEF since 2007.

Donovan

My name is Donovan and I have been going to Spirits of the Earth since 2006. This is my first year on staff. I am 14 years old and love to play guitar and violin. I used to have long hair but I recently had it cut off for the Cancer Society. I have been a performer my whole life starting in theatre, and then progressing to irish dance, and most recently I am a rock musician. I can't wait to start secondary school next year, as I will be attending the "Academy" program at South Secondary School.

Last year at Spirits I was known as "Bear Slayer". Here's my story...One sunny afternoon I stumbled across a massive bee hive that must have been the size of a house. As I was trying to protect all fest-goers, I came face to face with a bear. I had no choice but to fight this large furry creature as I really needed to fetch that golden treasure "honey", so that Fox could make some more of the world's best meade. I was able to defeat the bear....but the bee's, well they got the best of me!

See you all there!

Gene

Gene was born In Sydney Nova Scotia. He likes riding his Motorbike, working in the gardens, driving his kids nuts, and hanging out with his puppies (rats)..since they are the only one that can put up with him LOL

Since Gene decided to send me his POF singles ad instead of an actual bio...below you will find a bio written by someone in the community that knows him well. FYI Gene's role at Spirits of the Earth Festival is Firekeeper.

( When reading use your deepest smokey voice)

Gene the Salamander Forget!!! LOOK OUT LADIES! Gene is gonna bring a SPARK to your Lives. He'll be lookin to place his large logs into your burnin embers! He not only knows how to place it, he knows how to move it around get in that right spot... "SIZZLE"! So when You start to feel all HOT and you start to drip all over...remember who got ya there GENE THE SALAMANDER FORGET!!!

Gus

Long time Pagan and retired! I have been an earth person since around 1965. I have attended many festivals in the southern USA until a few short years ago. That is when I attended my first Canadian festival. I started attending all the Ontario Pagan festivals that I could about 9-10yrs ago. I started vending about 2yrs later. After retirement I settled into vending on a larger scale and attended the Spirits of the Earth for the first time in 2004 and loved the format. I 've been there ever since ;O)

In my Sage/Elder years I sleep better knowing that there are so many great pagans out there keeping all the God/dess' happy.

I am a volunteer working with students across Canada and the USA. Founding member of the Students Commission of Canada, still active and sit on a board for the Students Commission Foundation. I work with the Sarnia Police Force on a program called REBOUND...a program to steer young adults away from violence and crime. I do fundraising for organizations such as Y Youth, Optimist Youth Programs, City Youth Projects, etc. I also work with the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation in Canada and the USA, and am a charter member of the Optimist Club of Sarnia St. Clair.

In my spare time I enjoy clogging with the Bluewater Cloggers. I have 3 children and 5 grandkids.

Pagan Murmurs is my retirement. I'm officially retired, working with the Pagan community and vending at festivals across Ontario. I have a comfortable setup for shoppers rain or shine and vend a large variety of fest related goods. I generally try to have items that do not compete with others, however sometimes this is not possible.

As the senior vendor of the Spirits of the Earth Festival, I have accepted the role of Merchant Coordinator. I look forward to bringing a wide variety of wares to the festival. See you all there!

Kimi

I have been a practicing pagan for 9 years. I am the proud mom of a beautiful and smart toddler that I am raising in a pagan home. I am also a practicing aromatherapist and am in the process of trying to build a business from it.

I started working for spirits of the earth last year in the children's workshop partly because of my desire to help Donna and partly because of my daughter's influence in connecting with kids. I have since become hooked on spirits and look forward to it all year!

I am a free spirit, a gypsy, and completely outdoorsy! I love physical activity and hard work (weird huh?) its like my meditation. And spiritsfest has fulfilled a wonderful part of that for me. I look forward every year for the fun and excitement my daughter will have in the years to come.

Liz

I have always known who I was but I have been on a search for answers and the right questions throughout my journey. I love learning and experiencing all life has to offer.

I am a Woman, Wife and Mother and wear all titles (and bruises) proudly and loudly. I have been a student of the metaphysical and hands on healing for over 25 years. I have practiced and taught meditation. I have been a student of Reiki for over 15 years and have completed my Master/Teacher degree the healing art of USUI/Tibetan Reiki under three masters. I have completed 1st degree in Melody Love’s “Earth Crystal Healing” and completed my training in “Blue Light Sound healing with tuning forks”.

I have used my intuitions to teach, guide and encourage all those around me to be the best that they can be, follow their true pathways and to be true to themselves.

I am a lover of all creatures and currently bow down to and obey our two fur babies “9 yr. old Destiny” and “3 yr. old Bo”; both who managed to find me.

I have been married for a wonderful and spectacular 32 years to one of the most wonderful men that has graced this earth. Without my life partner Don, I would not be all that I am. He has supported and encouraged me in all my life’s desires. He is a wonderful husband and father to our two extraordinary daughters Mandy (Tameika) and Diana and our son by marriage Ronn (Fox).

We support our children in their chosen paths. We have taught them to listen to their inner wisdom, follow their intuitions, their inner strengths and to always have the courage to follow their dreams.

I have been assisting with the festival since its “birth” and look forward to seeing you all at registration.

My wish is for all to be in tune with the universe and to feel at peace within.

MysticOak

Well, I live in south western Ontario with two black cats Kali and Isis. I am in my early fifties, have two kids, and am a grandmother of two. I work as a paediatric respite nurse, love nature, taking digital pictures, dabble in charcoal sketches, poetry, and work with stained glass and mosaics. I hate the cold, shovelling snow... although I love a crisp clean blanket of snow on the ground and trees... :)

I have been a practicing pagan for about ten years give or take and found the SOTEF five years ago. Growing up in northern Ontario I developed a love for the outdoors, and passed that love on to the many youths whom I met while serving as their Guider / Scouter /Army Cadet Officer over seventeen years. For many of the special events that we would take part in I was the First Aid Person, so it was natural to volunteer to do that for Spirits of the Earth Festival over the past few years. I am taking on the job of registraiton, as well as continuing as the site Nurse.

I practice a very eclectic mix of Wicca, Druidry and Shamanistic paganism, feeling that if something seems to work for me, why not incorporate it into my belief system. I am really looking forward to seeing all of you at Spirits of the Earth Festival this summer, but hopefully not as clients of mine.

Rod

I have been Pagan since 2006 when my beautiful wife (Donna) introduced me to the path, and we now have a strictly Pagan home. Combined, my wife and I have 4 terrific kids, 3 of whom are being raised Pagan. My wife and I have been involved with SOTEF since year 1 and have been facilitating the children’s workshops since 2007. We currently run a Spiral Scouts group in London.

Roger

Rogers is still trying to get threw the stiffness in his joints to wirte a bio for us...hopefully we will get one in this lifetime...or should I say this afterlife time?

Scott

I grew up out in the country and have always enjoyed the outdoors. I am married to a beautiful lady who puts up with my weirdness and insanity. She has given me 3 wonderful children, Dawson my oldest, Brysen my middle boy and my princess Kayleigh. They are my life and happiness. (when they are good anyway) I also have 3 dogs and 2 cats, all of whom were rescued except for my retriever/shepard cross which I actually picked.

I have been attending Spirits since their second year. My first year there was solo and while there I met some of the best people I've met in awhile. They welcomed me into the community like I was always there. I have been pagan for many years, enjoying the gifts our Mother has given us through nature.

For the past years I have been security, and part time skid gatherer. This year I will be burning the skids that I find. I am the Fire Keeper, the Burning Man, the Phoenix, just hope I don't set me lovely locks on fire.

I am looking forward to meeting old friends and greeting new ones this year.

Tracy

Solitary pagan for over 20 years, Event Coordinator and mother of beautiful twin daughters, Tracy brings professional level hospitality to the Spirits of the Earth Festival taking on the position of Kitchen Witch in 2010.

Tracy is currently the Director of Children's Programming and Entertainment for the Brantford Pagan Meet and Greet and has an extensive background in event planning. She intends to bring a new spark to your dining experience at Spirits of the Earth Festival and is thrilled to join the permenant staff of SOTEF.

Trina

I am the lucky mother of two very beautiful, intelligent children. My other children include a black lab, a chocolate lab mix & an iguana.

I have lived in a small town for most of my life and have found it very hard to find other Pagans. I have some very close friends in my hometown that suggested I come to Spirits. When I did, and I met Fox and Tameika, I felt like I had come home. I have made alot of good friends and great memories and have been anxiously waiting to return ever since.

This year, you will find me throughout the park performing maintenance and latrine duties. So, although my face may be new to alot of you, feel free to ask if there is anything you need.