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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!!!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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? |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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