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.

Allan

I am a father of 3 grown children, live and work in London Ontario. I was raised in a religious home, but not a spiritual home, and as a result, I could find no practical application in my life.

This all changed for me when a crisis drove me to my knees in about 2000, and I found the only thing that could carry me through was a power(s) greater than myself. I now try to live my life in a way that is open and tolerant, and find myself embracing alternative healing, rituals. Through these I find peace and contentment. I put that into practical use by working with people who have addictions. I look forward to the Spirits of the Earth Festival to further my journey, make new friends, and have fun!

This will be my second year volunteering in the maintenance department, and anywhere else assistance is needed.

Apaulo

My name is Paul "Apaulo" Harris. I am 46 years old but I think I'm 36. Did I say 36? I meant 16. I have three kids. 14 year old twins and a 9 year old son all of them are very intellegent and I am very proud of them. I am originally from Kingston Jamaica were Obeah, a form of Voodoo comes from. My path led me to these amazing people in the pagan community and also to Voodoo which is the path I am presently studying.

The name Apaulo was given to me on three unrelated incidents within a span of 48 hours at SOTEF last year. So one night at the fire doing my job as the fire keeper my friends dubbed me Apaulo "Hail the fire keeper". Hey now that was cool. This will be my second year as Fire Keeper at SOTEF. I will be performing at SOTEF this year, so don't miss it. These performances will be featured on my new network P-TV, coming soon. Come help me bring the spirits to life and keep the fire dancing.

Celtic Mist

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. This year the first aid is being rolled into the Maintenance umbrella so will be helping with security, as well as latrine duties.

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.

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.

Glenda

I have to say I have been pagan most of my life and never knew it. I have been learning and practicing for a few years now and like many people say, it was just like “Coming Home”. My friends call me “The Crafty Goddess” as I do many crafts but I am mostly a knitter. From this I have been called a Hearth Witch with Celtic influences. This is my second year at SOTEF and first year volunteering at the festival. I have helped Tameika and Fox with the Yule Balls and Feast of the Dead aslo.

I will be helping out where ever I am needed and looking forward to meeting new people and rekindling friendships with past friends from last years fest.

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, and Ballroom dancing with the Sarnia Ballroom Club. 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!

Kathy

This will be my third year as a staff member for SOTEF. I have considered myself pagan for 14 years and have been studying for over two years now. I had the great fortune of finding Tameika and Fox at a very vunerable time in my life. The friends that I made at my very first SOTEF in 2006 have helped me discover who I am and the path I wish to follow. Presently I am studying Ancient Egypt and wish to follow the egyptian path. I am a student nurse, entering my second year of study at UOIT. My goal is to become a midwife using natural healing techniques.

Fashion design was my first passion and education. I will be selling my attires at festivals around Ontario this year.

I have a beautiful 6 year old daughter, Lisa (AKA Pixie), who most of you will have the pleasure of meeting her little fairy spirit at SOTEF.

This Year I will be in the kitchen cooking up a storm with Trina. I look forward to seeing old friends and making many new ones this year!!

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.

Mike

Alhoha everyone, my name is Mike. Let me tell you a little about myself, I am married to the most wonderful woman I can think of, she’s strong and smart and puts up with me and my hair-brained ideas. We have 4 beautiful children together, ages, 12, 10, 7, 6. Two girls and two boys. We have a cat, and several fish in our cozy, crowded house.

This will be my second time to Spirits, first time as staff member. I will be helping out with firekeeping and security. I've been a pronounced Pagan for 2 years now, following a very winding and educational path to say the least. Recently I have been accepted as an apprentice to a Reiki Master that lives in my home town.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe time at Spirits and I hope to meet everyone at some point during the week.

Mahalo.

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've been living in the area pretty much all my life. I grew up out in the country and have always enjoyed the outdoors. I have been married to my beautiful wife for 4 years and have two wonderful boys, Dawson who's almost 2 (the tribes baby) and Brycen who is about 2 months. I also live with 3 dogs and 2 cats. (My wife made me get rid of the lizard). My job is at Sterling Trucks in St. Thomas, Ontario.

This will be my third year working security at Spirits and I have enjoyed the past 3. My first year there was by myself not knowing a soul and I found a second family. The people there are some of the best I've met. I have been a pagan for many years, enjoying the gifts our Mother has given us through nature. Though lately I don't seem to have the time to actually enjoy it. I am looking forward to meeting my old friends at Spirits this year and making new ones.

Trina

This will be my first year working at Spirits and only my second year attending. I am the lucky mother of two very beautiful, intelligent children. My daughter is 10, and my son is 11. My other children include a black lab, a chocolate lab mix, an iguana, and I have a pony coming in the spring.

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 made alot of good friends and great memories last year. I have been waiting to return ever since.

This year, you will find me in the kitchen with Kathy doing what needs to be done. So, although my face may be new to alot of you, feel free to ask if there is anything you need.