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Winter SolstiCelebration Press Releases

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14th annual
Winter SolstiCelebration
Tuesday December 19, 2006

The service will be signed for the deaf, courtesy of Center for Spiritual Living www.csldallas.org

seating music at 6:30
service from 7 to 9 pm
social hour from 9 to 10 pm

Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs at Inwood
northeast corner, access from Nash St. off Inwood
map & complete printable driving directions:
http://www.cathedralofhope.com/NetCommunity/
Page.aspx?&pid=313&srcid=305
If you get lost, call 214-351-1901

FREE -- donations requested
(For credit cards, visit PAYPAL, click on Send Money and enter: newsmoon@sbcglobal.net)

Pre-Event Music

~ singer/songwriter Annie Benjamin and friends

Click here for more about performers past and present.

~ ~ ~

Performers

~ poet Fran Carris
~ the dreamsicles (Cary Cooper & Tom Prasada-Rao)
~ storytellers Gene and Peggy Helmick-Richardson
~ trumpeter Freddie Jones
~ Cornell Kinderknecht of No Rhyme or Reason
~ dancer Karen MacIntyre
~ ritualist and writer Amy Martin
~ harpist Geoffrey Ricketts
~ vocal ensemble Somos
~ Syrns Orchestra
~ Ya Elbe musicians and vocalists

Click here for more about performers past and present.

~ ~ ~

Presenters

~ Grapevine Yoga
~ percussionist Michael Kenny and friends
~ Chi Sing, Awakening Heart Sangha

Click here for more about presenters past and present.

~ ~ ~

Lobby Action

~ Peruse the SolstiCelebration Big Heart Supporter tables… visit the main SolstiCelebration table to purchase performer CDs, learn about the Big Heart Supporters… look through the SolstiCelebration history collection and photo book… leave your thoughts in the SolstiCelebration memory book.
~ Kids of all ages can get a free picture taken by Jennifer Walz of Sentient Photography with Ed Townley as Father Winter in a sumptuous costume.
~ Peace Table: Fold origami cranes with Jo Wharton of Cranes Fly for Peace in preparation for the 3rd International Women’s Peace Conference next July in Dallas.

Click here for more about "lobbyists" past and present.

~ ~ ~

Post Event Social Hour

~ The Splendid Table: A Feast of Grains, Fruits and Nuts, with food by donors tba
~ Groove music by Kim Corbet and Chad Evans as tao jonesin
~ Receive the gift of passion-fire via a cinnamon stick from the Phoenix (Tzivia Stein-Barret www.at-home-spa.com).
~ Surprise bits of wisdom dispensed by the Wyld Professor, otherwise known as Boudreaux T. Wyldmon, Swamp King and Hoodoo Mage (aka Bradley Ellis)
~ The wild woman Baba Yaga, as embodied by Valery Guignon, roams the halls.

Click here for more about performers past and present.


Sponsors

Big Heart Supporters (so far)

~ Center for Spiritual Living: www.csldallas.org
~ Column Center: www.columncenter.com
~ Elaine Dodson’s Sacred Journey Retreats: www.sacredjourneyretreats.com
~ Green Mountain Energy: www.greenmountain.com
~ Holistic Networker: www.HolisticNetworker.com
~ The Labyrinth: www.LabyrinthMetaphysical.com
~ MarVeena Meek: www.hypnosisbymarveena.com
~ Positive Touch: www.positivetouch.org
~ Pulchritude Med Spa: www.TheMedspaExperts.com
~ Spiritual Fitness Center: www.spiritualfitnesscenter.com

Speciality Sponsors

tba

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~ ~ ~

Assorted Important Stuff

Created, promoted and produced by Amy Martin with the help of the other fabulous volunteers who are collectively called Celestial Rhythm Celebrations. Send an email to join the folks who make it happen!

Made possible through the generosity of the Cathedral of Hope.

For the info on seasonal events by CRC and others, get on the SeasonsCRC list serve. Just click and go: subscribe. SeasonsCRC is included in Moonlady News.

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13th annual Winter SolstiCelebration
Tuesday December 20, 2005

seating music at 6:30 with music by Annie Benjamin
service from 7 to 9 pm
social hour from 9 to 10 pm with music by tao jonesin

Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs at Inwood
northeast corner, access from Nash St. off Inwood
map & complete printable driving directions: http://www.cathedralofhope.com/contact/where.php
If you get lost, call 214-351-1901


FREE -- donations gladly accepted
(For credit cards, visit https://www.paypal.com/ , click on Send Money and enter: newsmoon@sbcglobal.net)

Hotline: 972-999-1337

Come and see why 700 folks think Winter SolstiCelebration is an essential part of their holidays! Whole-bodied and experiential, singing, dancing, chanting, yoga and participatory rituals alternate with fine performances. Afterwards is a social hour of groove music and great food prepared with love.

!!! ~ Please bring a small flashlight ~ !!!
We’ll be accepting donations of 2005 canned meat/fish and fruit for the Cathedral of Hope food pantry.

Event sponsors:
Holistic Networker
Green Mountain Energy

<><><> Theme -- the World Tree <><><>
In our 13th year, we return to the World Tree theme, where the event gets its roots (ar ar ar...). For the first few years we burned a Yule Log and the event logo is, after all, a tree. The art by Scooter Smith shows a tree in winter, bare branched with its roots showing. In the event program and poster art, the Moon in the tree’s branches changes to match the phase that it's in on that Winter Solstice.

This year the event will be framed as a story about the People of the Tree who gathered in a forest clearing on Winter Solstice. It then follows how the people developed over time, while never letting go of their roots. Several rituals and performances will have a shamanic feel with Native American aspects.

<><><> PERFORMANCES <><><>

-*- poet Karen X
-*- poet Tim Cloward
-*- storyteller Tim Couch
-*- singer Debbie Ramaker
-*- dancer Karen MacIntyre
-*- singer/dancer Lora Cain
-*- baritone Matt Woodbury
-*- harpist Geoffrey Ricketts
-*- trumpeter Freddie Jones
-*- ritualist and writer Amy Martin
-*- children’s yoga class from Priya Yoga
-*- No Rhyme or Reason Native American flute circle
-*- storytellers Gene and Peggy Helmick-Richardson
-*- singer/songwriter Annie Benjamin with Rahim Quazi
-*- the dreamsicles (Tom Prasada-Rao & Cary Cooper)
-*- Ya Elbe (aka the dancers and musicians from Raqsat Aladeen and Constellation)
-*- vocalist Lainey Bernstein with percussionists Michael Kenny & friends


<><><> RITUALS <><><>

-*- Mayan greeting chant
-*- a nut for your life-dreams
-*- communal bringing back of the light
-*- community formation of the World Tree
-*- World Tree song and dance celebration
-*- invoking the spirits by Spirit Moon Shamanic Community
-*- New Year dance procession through Sun and Moon gates


<><><> LOBBY ACTION <><><>

-*- Learn about Celebration Tree Grove and the reforesting of White Rock Lake.
-*- Kids of all ages can get a free picture taken with Ed Townley as Father Winter in his sumptuous new costume.
-*- Peace Zone: Fold origami cranes with Jo Wharton Cranes Fly for Peace. Tie your ribbon on the Peace Prayer Tree presented by Center for Spiritual Living’s Living Peace Ministry. Meet folks from Dallas Peace Center and other peace groups


<><><> POST-EVENT SOCIAL HOUR <><><>
-*- groove music by Kim Corbet and Chad Evans as tao jonesin'
-*- surprise bits of wisdom from the Wyld Professor, otherwise known as Boudreaux T. Wyldmon, Swamp King and Hoodoo Mage (aka Bradley Ellis)
-*- fun food with vegan bread by Bread Haus, cinnamon bread from Kalachandji's, and organic coffee from Crosby Cafe & Catering

<><><>
Pictues of last year by JR Compton:
http://www.dallasartsrevue.com/solstice


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Presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations.

Created, promoted and produced by Amy Martin with the help of the great CRC volunteers. Join the folks who make it happen.

Made possible through the generosity of the Cathedral of Hope
For the most current info on seasonal events by CRC and others, et on the CRC email list. Send a blank email to: SeasonsCRC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (SeasonsCRC is included in Moonlady News.)

THANK YOU!!!

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12th annual Winter SolstiCelebration
Presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations

Tuesday, December 21, 2004
7 to 10 pm
seating music at 6:30 with the dreamsicles (Tom Prasada-Rao & Cary Cooper)

Event Sponsor -- Holistic Networker
Light Sponsor -- Green Mountain Energy

Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs at Inwood
northeast corner, access from Nash St. off Inwood, full directions below; map at http://www.cathedralofhope.com/contact/where.php
hotline: 972-504-6661

FREE -- donations gladly accepted
(For credit cards, visit https://www.paypal.com/ , click on Send Money and enter: newsmoon@sbcglobal.net)

<><><>

We will be collecting bar soap, shampoo and toothpaste
for Claire's Cupboard.

<><><>

Click for pictures of last year.
Click for downloadable flier to promote this year's event.

<><><>

<><><> Theme -- Water and Consciousness <><><>

Winter SolstiCelebration explores how darkness can regenerate us and how light can redeem. We do this through song, ceremony, music, ritual, poetry and dance.

Get ready to experience spirit through yoga, chanting, singing, forming a huge circle, standing and saying the names of deceased loved ones, shouting out our gratitude, and dancing through Sun and Moon gates.

Come early at 6:30 and unwind from work with the wonderful sound of the dreamsicles. Learn to fold an origami peace crane and write your sentiments for harmony on the Peace Wall.

In the social hour afterward, enjoy wonderful baked goods and organic coffee, fresh fruits and nuts. Listen to groove music from tao jonesin and shop from interesting vendors.

A North Texas tradition for more than a decade, over 600 people gather on Winter Solstice to celebrate mankind's oldest holy day.


<> NEW THIS YEAR <>
-*- ritualist Luna
-*- flutist Kim Bold
-*- Betwixt and Between Chorus
-*- shaman Lyn Birmingham and friends
-*- poet Cassandra Fink with David MIlls, viola
-*- the dreamsicles (Tom Prasada-Rao and Cary Cooper)
-*- vocalist Lainey Bernstein with percussionists Michael Kenny and Jeremy Wanamaker
-*- Calling of the Water Spirits children's procession with face painting by Karen Weiss
-*- Bradley Ellis as Wyld Professor, otherwise known as Boudreaux T. Wyldmon, Swamp King and Hoodoo Mage


<> RETURNING SOLSTICELEBRATORS <>
-*- poet Tim Cloward
-*- dancer Karen MacIntyre
-*- singer Annie Benjamin
-*- video by Scooter Smith
-*- harpist Geoffrey Ricketts
-*- trumpeteer Freddie Jones
-*- ritualist and writer Amy Martin
-*- storytellers Gene and Peggy Helmick-Richardson
-*- dancers and musicians from Raqsat Aladeen and Constellation


<> PARTICIPATORY RITUALS <>
-*- Honoring the Ancestors
-*- Water Communion (new!)
-*- Shout Out for Gratitude (new!)
-*- yoga and chanting led by Priya Yoga
-*- The Turn (symbolic Solstice passage)


<> POST EVENT FUN <>
-*- Ed Townley as Father Winter
-*- Gus Cox as the Lord of Misrule
-*- music by Kim Corbet and Chad Evans as tao jonesin
-*- Bradley Ellis as Wyld Professor, otherwise known as Boudreaux T. Wyldmon, Swamp King and Hoodoo Mage
-*- fun food by created and coordinated by American Tradition of the Goddess, with vegan bread by Bread Haus, cinnamon bread from Kalachandji's, and organic coffee from Crosby Cafe & Catering


<> LOBBY ACTION <>
-*- In the Peace Zone, learn to fold an origami peace crane or take one home, touch the Peace Pole, write your sentiments for harmony on the Peace Wall, and learn about the Dallas Peace Center and Interfaith Center of DFW.
-*- Contribute bar soap, shampoo and toothpaste to the donation table for Claire's Cupboard.
-*- Visit and shop from our event sponsors, Green Mountain Energy and Holistic Networker, and event supporters: Center for Life Enrichment, Crosby Cafe & Catering, Divine Order Jewelry, For the Love of the Lake, Green Man Gifts, One WOrld Organics, Resurrection Art, Suburban Herbals & Veggie Kids, Very Mary Creations, Welcome to Health and Whispering Waters Holistic Retreat.


<> STAGE FOLKS <>
-*- stage crew: Rande Wagner
-*- technical assistance: Paul Taylor
-*- video direction: Mary Beth Boehm
-*- video & print graphics: Scooter Smith
-*- lighting & stage direction: David Fisher
-*- sound & stage management: Chris Cave


<> ASSISTANCE <>

-*- ushers: Wildwood Circle
-*- stone helper: Annie Benjamin
-*- Gate Wrangler: Susanna Garza
-*- CRC Table Goddess: Alice Crawford
-*- Cathedral of Hope facilities manager: Heather Morrison
-*- fruit and nut altar: RedBush Coven and friends of Denton.
-*- Water Women: Katherine Conrad, Lorin Nelson,Kristin Ness
-*- volunteer dinner support: Brynne Sissom, Suzanne Moore, Naomi West
-*- volunteer appreciation dinner: Ella St Clair and Crosby Cafe & Catering

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Presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations.

Created, promoted and produced by Amy Martin with the help of the great CRC volunteers. Join the folks who make it happen: newsmoon@sbcglobal.net ~~ www.moonlady.com

Made possible through the generosity of the Cathedral of Hope

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Winter SolstiCelebration -- 11th annual
Friday, December 19, 2003

6:30 pm - seating music
7 to 9 pm - Solstice service
9 to 10 pm - eat-&-greet social

Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs at Inwood. northeast corner, access via Nash off Inwood
http://www.cathedralofhope.com/contact/where.php

free admission -- donations really appreciated

presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations
972-498-8788 ~ www.moonlady.com

Winter SolstiCelebration -- a montage of song, ceremony, music, ritual, poetry and dance exploring the regenerative grace of darkness and the redemptive power of light. Movement, chanting, sing-a-longs, yoga and other opportunities for active audience participation create a whole-bodied approach to worship.

Winter Solstice service with yoga and chanting led by the Dallas Yoga Center ~ ancestor honoring ritual ~ celestial video montage by Scooter Smith with narration by Amy Martin ~ return-of-the-light ceremony ~ talk by Lama Dudjom Dorjee with Milarepa singing by members of the Karma Thegsum Choling Tibetan BuddhistCenter ~ dance procession through the Sun and Moon gates.

Service also includes performances by storytellers Gene and Peggy Helmick-Richardson ~ poetry by Tim Cloward ~ Middle East music ensemble Constellation with Egyptian dance ensemble M'hotep ~ Geoffrey Ricketts on harp. Annie Benjamin gets things started with seating music from 6:30 to 7 pm. Plus: ~ lighting designer Laura McMeley ~ video director Mary Beth Boehm ~ stage director David Duncan.

Social hour afterward with breads and other goodies by American Tradition of the Goddess, Bread Haus, Crosby Café, Spiral Diner & Bakery, and Kalachandji’s ~ groove music by comatheatre ~ roving characters including Ed Townley as Father Winter, Gus Cox and the Lord of Misrule and Walter Five as the Boogeyman.

Attendees are asked to bring small flashlights to help bring back the light.

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10th annual Winter SolstiCelebration
Presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations

Friday, December 20, 2002
(It falls on a Full Moon this year -- awoooooo! )

6:30 pm -- seating music by ClarySage
7 to 9 pm -- Winter Solstice service
9 to 10 pm -- eat-and-greet celebration

free admission -- donations appreciated

Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs at Inwood
northeast corner, access from Nash St. off Inwood, full directions below; map at http://www.cathedralofhope.com/contact/where.htm
Made possible through the generosity of the Cathedral of Hope

Celestial Rhythm Celebrations hotline: 972-498-8788
CRC website: http://www.moonlady.com


<><><> THE PERFORMERS & PRESENTERS <><><>

-*- Dallas Yoga Center with yoga and breathing, plus Kirtan chanting and temple bowls.
-*- Opening monologue with Jeff Davis with trumpeter Freddie Jones, flutist Lessa Ellis, and poet choir.
-*- Interlude and support music by harpist Geoffrey Ricketts.
-*- Storytellers Gene and Peggy Helmick-Richardson doing a tandem tale.
-*- Service of transition by Gay Mallon Lustfield.
-*- Mosaic, formerly of the Women’s Chorus of Dallas.
-*- Winfrey Bells Morris Dancers with their hilarious Abilene Bromley Longhorn Dance.
-*- Body percussion with ClarySage and friends.
-*- Singer/guitarist Jim Barcus.
-*- Middle Eastern music ensemble Constellation with dancers from Raqsat Aladeen with a New Year’s dance procession through Sun and Moon gates.
-*- Winter SolstiCelebration Voices of Change (Julia Schloss, choir wrangler) with members of the following groups: Aspen Leaf Circle, Betwixt & Between, Earthspirit from Plano Community Unitarian, Ivy Spiral Circle, North Texas Pagans, Pleasant Valley Unitarian, Radical Faeries of North Texas, Women's New Moon Circle, and more.



<><><> from CRC producer, Amy Martin <><><>

Winter SolstiCelebration is in its 10th year. Who’da thunk! We have grown from tiny struggling seasonal event at White Rock Lake, to a multi-ethnic extravaganza at First Unitarian, to an intensely profound whole-bodied ritual for 650. It has matured along with the community it serves, reflecting our continued spiritual growth.

Those of you who’ve never been to a SolstiCelebration may wonder who we are. Some of us adhere to a particular religion path, but most consider ourselves spiritual, but not religious, drawing most of our spiritual metaphors from nature rather than scriptures. Yet we still yearn for a sangha, or spiritual community. Thus a decade ago the SolstiCelebrations were born.

What happens at a SolstiCelebration? Let’s start with what we do ~not~ do. We don’t let you just sit there. In the course of two hours, you will breathe deeply and in unison, do yoga together, sing a giant circle into being, stand and say the names of lost loved ones, light candles and bring back the light, howl at the Full Moon and moo at cows, and finally, dance yourselves through the Sun and Moon gates into a beautiful new year.

Rich in ritual masquerading as entertainment, Winter SolstiCelebration is a montage of song, ceremony, music, poetry, movement and dance. Together we explore the regenerative grace of darkness and the redemptive power of light while we celebrate the highest common denominators that join us. See what it’s about via JR Compton’s picture essay from last year's event: http://www.DallasArtsRevue.com/O/WinSols.shtml.

It all concludes in a feast of community communion in which we share baked with love by local American Tradition of the Goddess covens and vegetarian bakers. Chat with old friends, make new ones, and visit the friendly faces behind the lobby tables manned by community groups. Capt'n Sambo's Adventure Tours will provide a rhythmic soundtrack to keep us grooving. Surprises will roam through the crowd, including Father Winter dispensing gifts and Mirth and the Lord of Misrule generally making merry. Tim Cloward, PhD returns as the Boogeyman - touch his rag coat and transfer your shadow side.

Peace. . . Amy


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---- STUFF TO BRING ----

<>New containers of children's vitamins and children's ibuprofen for the Cathedral of Hope's adopted orphanage in the Dominican Republic. Look for a collection spot in the glass lobby.
<> Little hotel soaps and bottles of shampoos/conditioners/lotions and freebie samples of personal hygiene things for women's shelters and homeless centers in Dallas and McKinney. Look for a collection spot in the glass lobby.

<> Money for donations, dripless candles, and to purchase books/CDs from the performers.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~__~

presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations

Created and produced by Amy Martin with the help of the great CRC volunteers. Join the folks who make it happen:
Moonlady@tele-base.net

made possible through the generosity of the Cathedral of Hope

For the most current info on seasonal events by CRC and others
Get on the CRC email list. Send a blank email to: SeasonsCRC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. (SeasonsCRC is included in Moonlady News.)

For Moonlady News, send a blank email to: MoonladyNews- subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

Help us!: Volunteers are needed

Show up early -- strong bodies and clever minds to set things up… foodies to make coffee and punch.

During the social -- collect and empty trash… help keep the lobby clean and food tables neat…

Stay late -- strong bodies and clever minds for lobby and kitchen clean-up, put tables away and help load cars


To join the party, please email Amy at: Moonlady@tele-base.net

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9th annual Winter SolstiCelebration
Presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations
Friday, December 21, 2001
7 to 10 pm
6:30 pm: harp, song and storytelling by Geoffrey "The Bard" Ricketts

free admission -- donations appreciated

Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs at Inwood
northeast corner, access from Nash St. off Inwood
(full directions below ; map at http://www.cathedralofhope.com/contact/where.htm )


Celestial Rhythm Celebrations hotline: 972-498-8788
CRC website: http://www.moonlady.com

Winter SolstiCelebration takes a whole-bodied approach to worship with movement, chanting, sing-a-longs, yoga and other opportunities for active audience participation. The multi-cultural, non-sectarian spiritual event in honor of Winter Solstice is a montage of song, ceremony, music, ritual, poetry and dance exploring the regenerative grace of darkness and the redemptive power of light. It is an event of tremendous depth, alive with symbology and rich in ritual masquerading as entertainment. Reveling in the artistic expressions of our cultural differences, it celebrates at the same time the highest common denominators that join us.

WS 2001 photos
http://www.DallasArtsRevue.com/O/WinSols.shtml

---- NEW THIS YEAR ----

-*- An opening ceremony of strolling musicians, dramatic voices in the darkness, an audience call-and-response ritual and a rousing audience sing-a-long, with members of Constellation, poet Ed Townley, singer Leslie Anne Rogers, and a Promethian character who represents the light
-*- A new Crescent Moon gate for the dance processional that begins the second half, so you can do the sunrise gate, the lunar gate, or both! (Thanks, Julia!)
-*- The Four Tantric Actions of Enlightened Beings of Tibetan
Buddhism expressedd through Middle Eastern inspired dance by Dorian Karthauser
-*- Honoring of the ancestors by stating their names, with a video elegy on Sept.11 by Scooter Smith
-*- A celebration of bread at intermission, with a multitude of varieties baked with love by local American Tradition of the Goddess covens and vegetarian bakers
-*- Bryan Lankford, leading an ecumenical children’s circle of spirituality in the style of Dr. Suess.

---- RETURNING FAVORITES ----

-*- Harp music by Geoffrey "The Bard" Ricketts
-*- Michelle Hammarley, along with Cory Smith, with kinetic worship of yoga prayers, chanting and breathing
-*- Storyteller Gene Helmick-Richardson, this time doing tandem tales with his wife Peggy
-*- Freddie Jones on trumpet joins up this year with poet Jeff Davis to weave cool jazz and word play
-*- Tim Cloward returns as the Boogeyman - touch his rag coat during intermission and transfer your shadow side
-*- Another soundscape by Chad Evans, who will also provide rhythmic transitions between presenters and performers
-*- And the Middle Eastern music ensemble Constellation with dancers from Raqsat Aladeen will rock our world with an expanded dance processional through the solar and lunar prayer gates.

---- SPIRITUAL PRESENTER ----

Lama Dudjom Dorjee of the Karma Thegsum Choling Tibetan Buddhist center will speak on the Heart Sutra. He and members of KTC will chant the profound Prajnaparamita Mantra and then guide us in a few minutes of silent meditation in a symbolic passage through the Winter Solstice darkness.

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---- STUFF TO BRING ----
New containers of children's vitamins and children's aspirin for the Cathedral of Hope's adopted orphanage in the Dominican Republic. Look for a collection spot in the lobby.

Small pen flashlights to bring back the light.



---- PICTURES ----
For pictures from last year by JR Compton:
http://www.dallasartsrevue.com/O/

SummerSol2001/SolCel.shtml.


---- BONUS ATTRACTION ----
Come early to and treat yourself to a Winter Solstice walk on the Cathedral of Hope's outdoor labyrinth made of stones in the round Cretan style. Located at the end of the parking lot down by the creek, it is open all the time and there are tiki torches around it to light for night walks.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_

presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations

created and produced by Amy Martin with the help of the great CRC volunteers / join the folks who make it happen: Moonlady@onramp.net

made possible through the generosity of the Cathedral of Hope

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_

Help us!: Volunteers are needed

--- strong bodies and clever minds for set-up and strike down of scenery, tables, etc before and after the event
-- sound and light techies

To join the party, please email Amy at: Moonlady@onramp.net

For the most current info on seasonal events by CRC and others

Get on the CRC email list. Send a blank email to: SeasonsCRC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. (SeasonsCRC is included in Moonlady News.)

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8th annual Winter SolstiCelebration

Thursday, December 21, 2000, 7 to 10 pm
6:30 pm: harp music, song and storytelling by Geoffrey the Bard

free admission -- donations appreciated

Cathedral of Hope
5910 Cedar Springs at Inwood
northeast corner, access from Nash St. off Inwood
(full directions below)

Presented by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations
http://myweb.onramp.net/~moonlady
CRC Natural Calendar and Events Hotline: 972-498-8788
email list serve: SeasonsCRC-subscribe@egroups.com

For pictures by JR Compton:
http://www.dallasartsrevue.com/O/

SummerSol2001/SolCel.shtml

A popular Dallas tradition of eight years, the multi-cultural, non-sectarian spiritual event in honor of Winter Solstice is a montage of song, ceremony, music, ritual, poetry and dance exploring the regenerative power of darkness and the redemptive power of light. Winter SolstiCelebration takes a whole-bodied approach to celebration and worship with movement, chanting and other opportunities for active audience participation. ** People are asked to bring small shakers or rattles and small flashlights or lighters to fully participate in two ceremonies.**


Rituals and Ceremony
Procession of the Peoples and Elements <> Journey Through the Underworld and Back <> Tim Cloward as the Bogeyman <> Dancing Through the Center of the Sun <> Yule Log burning (outdoors) with Betwixt & Between

Spiritual Presenters
Yoga prayer with Michelle Hammarley and friends <> commentary by Amy Martin <> service by Carmen Ortiz <> dance and chant by the Women’s New Moon Circle

Performers and Artists
Middle Eastern flamenco jazz by American Bedouin,music by Jimmy Barcus, Brad Bogle, Chad Evans, Freddie Jones and Geoffrey Ricketts, plus Middle Eastern drum and dance ensemble Constellation <> poetry by mary loving blanchard, Jeff Davis and Martha Hall <> dance by Karen MacIntyre <> monologue by Cara Mia Theatre <> media arts by Scooter Smith


Winter SolstiCelebration represents CRC founder Amy Martin's commitment to developing what she terms "American Shinto," a calendar of public events for the 21st century which unite a diverse population while addressing psychological needs and providing entertainment.

You can also bring a small bag of nonperishable groceries to help Cathedral of Hope donate food to the Trinity Works food bank.

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6th annual
Winter SolstiCelebration'98
December 21, Monday, 7 to 10 pm
free admission

First Unitarian Church of Dallas
4015 Normandy at Preston, 2 blocks north of Mockingbird

info: 972-498-8788, moonlady@onramp.net

Joyful, poetic and musical, full of movement and life, Winter SolstiCelebration features a multi-cultural, interfaith worship service honoring the darkness of winter with poetry and dance, while celebrating the returning light with a candle ceremony and the burning of a Yule Log.

Spiritual presenters include Mark Clive, Gay Mallon Lustfield and John McMurphy, who started the first Winter SolstiCelebration in Dallas. An exploration of Sufi-inspired spiritual paths features a demonstration of turning, plus circle dances with Aramaic and Arabic chants and the poetry of Rumi blended with music.

With the North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums making a joyful noise, also performing are jazz trumpeter Freddie Jones, comedian Mark Fickert, and harpist Geoffrey Ricketts. Combining poetry and movement are solo pieces by Lora Cain, Peggy Lamb and Martha Murphy Hall. Music and storytelling are merged by Kent Multer in the myth of the first drum and by Leon Peek on waltzing with the grim reaper. The Goddess Choir waxes eloquent in song.

Set on the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the event revels in mankind’s oldest holiday, one shared by all faiths, races and countries. By showing the positive, nurturing and necessary side of the dark, the event hopes to counter negative western perceptions about darkness that lie at the root of prejudice against people of color. Resisting the commercialism which has beset Christmas, Winter SolstiCelebration also presents a balanced view of the divine feminine and masculine.

New to the event this year is a Yule Cake to be shared at intermission which contains two small toys. Those whose slices contain the items become the Yule King and Queen of the second half.

Winter SolstiCelebration is produced by Amy Martin with Celestial Rhythm Celebrations, an informal Dallas group committed to popularizing seasonal observances. CRC’s 1995 and 1996 Summer SolstiCelebrations each attracted almost 3000 people to White Rock Lake. The organization won a "Best Of" award from the Dallas Observer this year. Its presence at First Unitarian Church of Dallas is made possible by the CDARE Cultural Diversity/Anti-Racism Empowerment Team under the direction of Mark Clive.

Details on the Event

The first half, Embracing the Darkness: a Service for Winter Solstice, honors darkness as a necessary and feminine part of life. It opens with a processional which symbolically creates a circle bonding attendees. Youth from the church stationed at the four directions speak verse celebrating the spiritual metaphors of air, earth, fire and water.

Martha Murphy Hall presents words and movement in a trilogy of poems on darkness and loss. Peggy Lamb performs a dance poem called "In Place of Death." Jazz trumpeter Freddie Jones provides musical interludes and seating music is by harpist Geoffrey Ricketts.

Mark Clive leads a moment of remembrance for those lost in the previous year and invokes an invitation for these ancestors to join the Solstice community for the night. A candle-lighting ceremony led by Gay Mallon Lustfield brings us out of the darkness, just as Winter Solstice marks the seasonal turn toward the light. The first half concludes with the gospel song, "This Little Light of Mine."

Intermission ends with a spiral dance celebrating the transit between light and dark that turns into a hilarious conga line racing in and out of the building. Representing the chaos that is associated with darkness, the dance is led by the Lord of Misrule, a tall Scottish character (played by Mark Clive) whose purpose is to mock authority, and the Mistress of Misrule, enacted by Rachel Phelan.

The second half, Celebrating the Light: A New Year’s Joyful Noise, is emceed by comedian Mark Fickert. The joyful noise is provided by North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums, further accentuating the chaos.

In two presentations of musical storytelling, Kent Multer uses percussion to present the story of the first drum, and Leon Peek weaves traditional American music and thoughts on a friend’s hospice death with his own tale of dying several times in a 24-hour period before doctors stabilized his heart.

With dance and prose, Lora Cain explores the myth of halcyon days, the tragic affair of two Roman lovers who so moved the gods that they were turned into kingfishers to mate upon the ocean waters in the calm days of Winter Solstice.

Using performance to explore the spiritual path of Sufism, the words of famous Sufi poet Rumi spoken by Martha Murphy Hall are combined with music by jazz trumpeter Freddie Jones and accompanied by Sufi turning. A circular trance dance from the Sufi tradition features an Aramaic chant.

To end the event, North Texas Caledonian Pipes and Drums leads a singing and drumming processional, along with the Lord and Mistress of Misrule and the Yule King and Queen, to take the Yule Log outside to be set afire while dozens of people ring bells.

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5th annual
Winter SolstiCelebration'97
Dec. 21, Sunday, 7 to 10 pm
free admission

location: First Unitarian Church of Dallas
4015 Normandy at Preston, 2 blks north of Mockingbird

info: 972-498-8788, moonlady@onramp.net

This celebration of winter starts off with a ceremony honoring the elements. Highlighted by a huge participatory spiral dance of the seasons led by the Lord of Misrule, it ends in the burning of a fragrant Yule Log. Darkness is explored though poetry on loss and a chanting ritual for lost loved ones. The evening moves into brightness with a candle-lighting ceremony of resurrection. Music includes mariachi carols, acappella spirituals and Japanese taiko drumming, plus poetry, dance and storytelling, and group singing of seasonal carols rewritten for the Solstice.

spiritual presenters: Laurel Hallman, Gay Mallon
entertainers: Lora Cain, Margery Clive, ConunDrum, Dennis Gonzales, Lizette Jackson, Kobushi, Morris Dancers
producer: Amy Martin and Celestial Rhythm Celebrations
presenter: CDARE Team (Cultural Diversity/Anti-Racism Empowerment Team)

Long before there was Christmas, Hanukkah or even New Year’s Day, there was Winter Solstice, the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. On this date, the Sun in its passage east to west across the sky has gone from being nearly overhead in the hot summer to shifting downward a little more each day until its path was as low as it could go. And at that winter moment, so dark and cold, the ever consistent Sun seemed to halt in its path, rising and setting in the same spot for three days in a row. Winter Solstice is the middle day; the word solstice means "Sun stands still."
Cast into the darkness of the longest night of the year, people chose this date to gather, forming a circle to affirm the continual cycle of life and burning a Yule Log to evoke the increasing light. Thousands of years later, now in the urban city rather than the wilderness, we still feel a need to observe the Solstice in a way that connects us with our roots as human beings and celebrates the Earth and our shared bonds.
New to Winter SolstiCelebration is a more ceremonial opening. To bring back that past era when we gathered in a circle in the forest, a line of women and men playing tambourines or holding tall decorated sticks encircles a block of seats in the sanctuary while leading a chant honoring the elements. Youth from the church stationed at the four directions speak verse celebrating the spiritual metaphors of air, earth, fire and water.
Details on the Event
In the first half, Facing the Darkness: a Service for Winter Solstice, which honors darkness as a necessary and feminine part of life, Gay Mallon presents a meditation on loss and resurrection. Margery Clive sings acappella spirituals and Lizette Jackson reads poetry. As part of the candle-lighting ceremony that concludes this section, Dr. Laurel Hallman, senior minister of the First Unitarian Church, leads a rhythmic group-chanting ritual that honors lost loved ones.
During the intermission, which features free refreshments, people are invited to write their prayers for the new seasonal cycle on a series of large cardboard prayer wheels. Bringing the break to a close, the Lord of Misrule (played by Mark Clive and representing the chaos that precedes resurrection into the light) charges intro the waiting crowd and organizes everyone into a circle for the ancient spiral-dance ritual celebrating light, dark and the transit in between.
The dancing spiral line passes by the prayer wheels, allowing people to spin and activate the prayers. Meandering through the church and back into the sanctuary, they are met by the thunderous sound of Kobushi, a Japanese taiko drumming troupe whose purifying noise vibrates away malevolent spirits while attracting beneficial ones.
The second half, Beginning Again: A New Year’s Joyful Noise, also features spoken word and storytelling by Dennis Gonzales, whose mariachi band of high school students leads in the singing of traditional Mexican carols. Morris Dancers from the North Texas Traditional Dance Society perform the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, a rousing English seasonal tradition. Lora Cain voices and dances the Inuit legend "Skeleton Woman" with dance help from John Trimble.
The evening ends with a celebration of the World Tree (predecessor of the Christmas tree) and a short set of dancable world-beat percussion by ConunDrum. Encouraged by the Lord of Misrule, drummers from the group leave the stage to lead a singing and dancing procession headed outside for the burning of the Yule Log.

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4th annual Winter
SolstiCelebration '96
Sat. Dec 21, 7 to 10 p.m.
Free Admission

location: First Unitarian Church of Dallas
4015 Normandy at Preston, 2 blks north of Mockingbird

info: 972-498-8788, moonlady@onramp.net

Recognize the first day of winter and longest night of the year in an festive three-part event. It starts with a multi-cultural, interfaith service featuring storytelling, poetry, a meditation on loss and a candle-lighting ceremony. That is followed by a community intermission with group dancing, shared refreshments and an area for creating your own spiritual ritual. The final part includes taiko and doumbek drumming, drum circles, group singing and a rocked-out version of "Little Drummer Boy." Afterwards, a Yule Log will be burnt in an outside courtyard. People are invited to bring small drums and percussion, plus food to share at intermission.
7 ~ 8: Facing the Darkness: A Service for Winter Solstice
8 ~ 9: Community Celebration: Dancing from Darkness into Light
9 ~ 10: Celebrating the Light: A New Year's Joyful Noise
10: Burning the Yule Log

In the first part...
Facing the Darkness: Main Sanctuary (60 min total)
As attendees are being seated, the Circle of Men group will lead Native American style heartbeat drumming accompanied by didjeridoos and Tibetan singing bowls.
Interpretations of Winter Solstice from different cultures will be presented through narrative tale and myth via area storytellers, including Lora Cain on the Greek myth of Demeter & Persephone, the Celtic myth of the Oak King by Kelley Emmet-Plunk, and Sokoyah Isofola on the African myth of Babalu Aye.
C.J.Critt joins the line-up of poets (which includes Jeff Davis and Clebo Rainey) presenting verse on darkness and death.
Martha Murphy, who was so moving at Winter SolstiCelebration '95, returns with her poetic invitation to embrace loved ones who have past on.
Gay Mallon-Frank, a popular Dallas grief and loss counselor, again presents her meditation on loss, which concludes in the chanting of the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer of life in the face of death.
Dr. Laurel Hallman, senior minister of First Unitarian and new to Winter SolstiCelebration, concludes the first part with a sermon to fully bring us from darkness into light, both visually and in words. Starting from the central altar, votive candles are lit around the room, spreading a wave of light across the Main Sanctuary.
In the second part...
Community Celebration: Channing Hall (45 min)
We begin the transit out of the darkness with a Community Intermission in Channing Hall, during which refreshments are shared.
In a make-your-own ritual area, people can write seed thoughts and wishes on prayer flags to be attached to a string and hung on the trees in the winter courtyard. Or they can inscribe squares of paper with personal lamentations and losses from previous year and burn with the Yule Log.
Activities groups from first Unitarian will have table displays, along with the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition, the Maria Kannon Zen Center, Drums Not Guns and others.
Teri Thompson leads those interested in circle dances from Sufi and other spiritual traditions compiled by Dances for Universal Peace. People are also invited to participate in the chant and drum accompaniment.
Martha Murphy will conclude the dancing with a spiral dance. Representing the swing back into increasing light, it starts with dancers in a large circle that breaks and spirals in on itself until everyone is in a tight clump. Then all turn and face the opposite direction and spiral back out. The line of dancer now headed up by Mark Clive as the Lord of Misrule, while carrying the Yule Log he leads us in the adapted Shaker hymn, "Lord of the Dance."
In the third part...
Celebrating the Light: Main Sanctuary (60 min)
With the line of dancers winding their way back into the Main Sanctuary, they are greeted by the sounds of Kobushi, a Japanese taiko drumming troupe whose thunderous noise is meant to scare away malevolent spirits and attract those which are beneficial.
Other drum performances include devotional drumming by Jamal Mohamed on doumbek, and Chad Evans with "Little Drummer Boy" given a modern interpretation and syncopated beat.
Group activities include the singing of carols such as the re-written "Silent Night, Solstice Night" and the Sussex Mummers' Carol. Two short audience participation meditative drum circles will also be featured.
The evening concludes with a focus on the origins of the Christmas tree tradition. As a prelude to lighting the Yule Log, Amy Martin speaks on the concept of World Tree by relating mythology and lore about the many exotic tree-derived substances used in making the Yule Log. Preceeded by the poem, "A Prayer for Trees" by Gary de Larias.
As a closing note, former members of Dancing Tongue present a deconstructed version of a classic Celtic departing blessing.
The Lord of Misrule returns a final time. Carrying the Yule Log, he leads us in singing a calypso carol, "Light a Candle, Keep out the Darkness," as we dance outside to burn the Yule Log.
Accompanied by Gary de Larias on flute, as the log burns, tree derived substances are thrown on the fire, releasing wave after wave of aroma, with olfactory explanations by Amy Martin. We end the evening together on a note of joy and light.

First Unitarian Church
The event is being held at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas as part of their new program, CDARE Team, Cultural Diversity/Anti-Racism Empowerment Team, lead by Mark Clive. An outgrowth of a church research study compiled by Susan Madison, "The Report on Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity at the First Unitarian Church Of Dallas," it is part of First Unitarian's ongoing commitment to interfaith alliances.
"We must admit that all religions have but one underlying goal, to help people towards the wholeness of being," says Mr. Clive. "But interfaith alliances are only one aspect of coalition building. We must ally ourselves with other groups: civic, cultural, artistic, and educational."
Other activities of CDARE included a November 22nd workshop on multi-cultural communication, co-sponsored by the Texas State Dept. of Human Services, designed to help employers, teachers, law enforcement, health care and social service providers to communicate with the ever-growing labor pool of people from diverse backgrounds.
CDARE is sponsoring a Genesis Discussion Group as a compliment to the the PBS production on the same topic by Bill Moyers. Writings featured in the Biblical book of Genesis are also contained in the Jewish and Islamic holy scriptures.

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Winter SolstiCelebration moves to Dallas Horticultural Center

Third-annual event with World Tree theme to happen in 600-seat Main Hall over looking huge cottonwood tree
Yule Log burning to take place in elegant Callier Garden patio with floating candles in reflecting pond

Thur. Dec 21, 1995, 7 to 10:30 p.m.
free admission

info: 972-498-8788, moonlady@onramp.net

Recognize the first day of winter and longest night of the year among the beautiful greenry of the Dallas Horticultural Center in Fair Park for the third annual Winter SolstiCelebration. The evening includes a meditation on darkness, a candle-lighting service, a one-act play on the Japanese Sun goddess Amaterasu and a performance of Japanese taiko drumming by Kobushi, all in the majestic Main Hall.

The evening also features the burning of a Yule Log outside on the patio and African drumming by Kweku Codrington in the Blachly Conservatory of exotic plants from Africa. While enjoying free refreshments during the intermission/community social, attendees can visit the "World of Trees" group of exhibits in the lobby or interact with roving jugglers from the Dallas Juggle Club. The evening concludes on a celebratory note with open drumming, dancing and music-making.
Even more than a way for urban dwellers to reconnect with the ebb and flow of seasonal change, Winter Solstice events are increasingly recognized as an alternative to traditional Chistmas-season celebrations: "Because the holiday is both nonsectarian and festive, many schools perform solstice celebrations, and many interfaith-marriage families incorporate it into their holiday traditions," noted a recent article in the national magazine Fitness, which profiled Dallas observances produced by Celestial Rhythm Celebrations.

SolstiCelebrations (as termed by CRC) promote peace by enabling people to participate in drumming and dancing from a variety of cultures. The service in the Winter SolstiCelebration draws upon scriptures from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Taoist religions, and from Celtic, Confucian and Native American traditions. Over two dozen countries are represented by the tree-derived products used to create the Yule Log.

Environmental philosophy is also an integral part of SolstiCelebrations. As a not-for-profit organization, Celestial Rhythm Celebrations is committed to bringing back observances of the seasons as part of the establishment of an "American Shinto" festival calendar. Through dancing and drumming set in natural locales, these modern day agricultural festivals foster an appreciation of nature and attachment to community.

With their similiar goals and educational focus, the pairing of DHC with CRC has added a new dimension to the event. "People can sustain the experience by revisiting the center through all the seasons," said CRC founder Amy Martin.

DHC explores the World Tree concept in the lobby with paper recycling, paper-making and other educational activities from its Earthkeepers program for children. In a self-guided tour of significant trees on the DHC grounds, see a gingko biloba, the oldest species of tree still existing, and a huge cottonwood, a indicator species watched for signals of detrimental changes in the North Texas climate and ecology.

Starting in December 1993, Summer and Winter SolstiCelebrations have grown greatly in popularity each year. The summer event last June attracted almost 3,000 to the shores of White Rock Lake.

Details

7 to 7:30 pm — Blachly Conservatory
Rhythms & plants of africa
Listen to spiritual drumming traditions from West Africa by Kweku Codrington and students among the beautiful and blooming plants of the African continent in the exotic Blachly Conservatory.

7:30 to 8:15 pm — Main Hall
Facing the Darkness & return of the light
Jeff Davis and other area poets offer ruminations on loss.
Dr. John McMurphy presents a Solstice service with group reading and singing. Gay Mallon-Frank, a respected grief and loss counselor, leads the audience in a meditation on darkness. In a candle-lighting service, Dr. McMurphy returns with the Sun candle. From its three wicks are lit five others, which in turn are used to light those of the audience, spreading a wave of light across the Main Hall, with illumination music by artist tba. The Solstice service concludes with group singing and reading.
As a prelude to lighting the Yule Log, Amy Martin speaks on the concept of World Tree by relating mythology and lore about the many exotic tree-derived substances used in making the Yule Log.

8:15 to 8:30 pm — Patio
Lighting of the Yule Log
Those who will brave the elements may step outside to the beautiful landscaped patio by the Callier Garden and reflecting pond decorated in floating candles. In a portable barbeque cooker, the Yule Log is commem-orated and set afire, releasing wave after wave of luscious scents from trees. The proceeding may be viewed, but not smelt, from the Main Hall.
The cedar log and holly greenery for the Yule Log is from the Dallas Horticultural Center grounds. Scorpio Herbs provided the tree-derived herbs for the Yule Log, which was designed by artist Scooter Smith.

8:30 to 8:45 pm — Community Social/intermission
In the "Diversity & Danger" exhibit on endangered habitats, learn about the importance of endangered habitats such as the rain forest. Write your seed thought for the new your on a large wall board and take home a Brazil nut from Hines Nuts to represent your mental wishes.
Also part of the DHC's educational programs is a paper-recycling exhibit with Champion Paper and a hands-on demonstration of how to make paper. View tree ornaments created by children for HOPE, Honoring of People Everywhere, in the Blachly Conservatory. Take a sapling home to plant from Dallas Parks Foundation.

8:45 to 9 pm — Main Hall
Stanco Family Christmas
Back by popular demand, the bevy of Stanco brothers (Joe, Phillip, Tom and Tony) presents wry and witty acoustic music with clever harmonies. Expect to see the Ideal Females vocal group (Joe's daughters) and possibly appearances by ghosts of Christmas past — such as Bing, Burl and Perry.

9 to 9:45 pm — Main Hall
The Sword, the Jewel and the Mirror
"The Sword, the Jewel and the Mirror" tells the mythic story of the Sun goddess Amaterasu, supreme deity of the Japanese Shinto pantheon. It is written by Amy Martin and directed by Michael Herlihi of Naked Mirror.
Deeply offended by the outrageous behavior of her younger brother, the storm god Susanowo (danced by Noel Newnam) Amaterasu fled into her celestial cave, plunging all of existence into darkness. The eight-million kamis, or spirits, of the Japanese pantheon devise a plan to bring light back using jewels and mirrors. Its success hinges on luring Amaterasu (dancer Peggy Lamb) from her cave — a feat finally accomplished via a merrily lascivious dance by Uzume, Goddess of Mirth (played by Cassandra Fink).
"The Sword, the Jewel and the Mirror" includes a demonstration of Iaijutsu, the live blade sword art of the samurai, by martial artist John Fields. He has a fifth-degree black belt in Juko Ryu, which originated in Okinawa.
Soundtrack for the play is provided by shakahachi flute player Dr. Stan Richardson, and world-beat percussion ensemble ConunDrum, which includes Kent Multer of Kobushi and Martin McCall of Ooga Booga.

9:45 to 10:30 pm — Main Hall
Kobushi
The troupe of Japanese and American men and women performs in the style of the Kodo Drummers, beating large wooden drums with sticks to create an audio experience, the vibrations of which are felt as well as heard.
Their set is followed by open drumming, dancing & music-making to bring in a new seasonal cycle.

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S o l s t i C e l e b r a t i o n
In honor of the shortest day, the longest night and the concept of rebirth

Date: Wednesday, December 21, 1994 Time: 7 ~10
Place: Winfrey Point, off Garland Rd. on the east side of White Rock Lake
Admission: free — bring a candle

The burning of a yule log and a candle-lighting ceremony are the highlights of a community celebration for Winter Solstice being held the second year in a row at the historic Winfrey Point camphouse, with its panoramic view of downtown Dallas and White Rock Lake. The event, which is sponsored by the nonprofit group New Ways of being, also includes a short play, "The Sword, the Jewel and the Mirror," about Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess of the Japanese Shinto pantheon, and the origin of darkness.
The metaphor of Winter Solstice, of the return of light to the world, has long inspired cultures to anchor spiritual celebrations around the date. At this time of year, Mayans honored Quetzecoatal, a god born of virgin birth who brought major changes to his followers. Ancient Romans reveled in Saturnalia, a week-long festival for old man Saturn. On Christmas we commemorate the virgin birth of the Son who brought light to the world, yet was forced to embrace the darkness and die.
The evening begins with a celebration of darkness and resurrection in poetry and dance. Created by Martha Murphy, a dance instructor/therapist who leads New Ways of Being, it features dancer Peggy Lamb and drumming by Kent Multer of Kobushi.
After a reading by Jeff Davis of the poem "To Know the Dark" by Wendell Berry, John McMurphy, PhD will present a short service on the metaphor of Winter Solstice. Afterwards, all lights in the building will be darkened, including a large tri-wicked candle representing the Sun. In the darkness, Martha Murphy will lead audience in a guided meditation on personal losses incurred in the past year.
Upon the Sun candle's return, Martha Murphy and John McMurphy lead the audience in lighting all the candles, creating waves of light spreading across the darkness of the room. While that takes place, in a celebration of the spiritual concept of world tree, Amy Martin, producer of the event, will light the yule log, anointed with acorns, bark shavings of special trees and sacred tree resins including frankincense, myrrh and copal.
After a short break for refreshments, the second half begins with Kobushi, a Japanese drumming troupe which performs in the style of the famed Kodo Drummers on large wooden instruments. Following that is "The Sword, the Jewel and the Mirror," a short play about the Sun goddess Amaterasu, the highest entity in the Japanese Shinto pantheon, whose abrupt disappearance brought about darkness to the world. It was written by Amy Martin and staged by Dancing Tongue.
After the play, Kobushi will perform another set while the audience enjoys the free refreshments. That will be followed by an open drum jam.
The event is produced by Amy Martin and Celestial Rhythm Productions.

BIOGRAPHIES of PRESENTERS

Dr. John McMurphy has a Ph.D with an emphasis on Jungian psychology and consciousness studies. He has tutored with Hindu spiritual teachers, Buddhist monks, Hebrew rabbis, Native American shamen, and African tribal leaders. Formerly a professor of communications at SMU, popular continuing education teacher at SMU, TCU and UT in Austin; his courses include Secrets of Great Minds and the Power of Myth. He has written three books, "Secrets of Great Minds," "Living Deliberately" and "Speaking of Mother Earth."

Martha Murphy is a dance teacher, a movement and massage therapist and a licensed minister. In 1979, she help start the New Ways of Being Institute, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit educational organization. Along with regular celebrations of summer and winter solstices and spring and autumnal equinoxes, Martha Murphy and New Ways of Being has initiated projects such as the Community Compassion Night with the Greater Dallas Council of Churches.

Amy Martin has produced solstice and equinox events in Dallas for the past few years through her company, Celestial Rhythm Celebrations. As a journalist of over a decade, she was widely noted for her environmental writing for national magazines. Her essays on nature, which were first heard as commentaries on KERA's Morning Edition news show, are featured in the book "Speaking of Mother Earth."

BIOGRAPHIES of PERFORMERS

Dancing Tongue, a performance poetry & rhythm ensemble, includes Tim Cloward, David Darnell, Chad Evans, Karen Evans, Wanda Jerome, and Ric Speed.
Kobushi is a Japanese drumming troupe which performs in the style of the famed Kodo Drummers. Beating large wooden drums with sticks, the vibrations of which are felt as well as heard, a Kobushi concert leaves the audience feeling as if every atom in their body has been vibrated pure.

NOTES ON THE PLAY

According to ancient Shinto myth, deeply offended by the outrageous behavior of her younger brother, the storm god Susanowo, danced by Noel Newnam, the Sun goddess Amaterasu (dancer Peggy Lamb) fled into her celestial cave, thereby plunging all of existence into darkness. Portrayed by Dancing Tongue and guests, the eight-million kamis of the Japanese pantheon gather and devise a plan to bring light back to the world using jewels and mirrors. It all hinged on luring Amaterasu from her cave with merrily lascivious dance by the Goddess of Mirth, played by Cassandra Fink.
"The Sword, the Jewel and the Mirror" includes a demonstration of Iaijutsu, the live blade sword art of the samurai, done by martial artist John Fields. He has a fifth-degree black belt in the karate style of Juko Ryu, which originated in Okinawa.
The play was written and staged by Amy Martin. Music and soundscape is by Chad Evans. The narrator is Scooter Smith.
Winfrey Point

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WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

Dallas-area drummers and dancers, poets and philosophers, join together to honor the shortest day, the longest night and the concept of rebirth.
Featuring: Dallas Kiyari Drummers,
with Moving Collaborations dancers, Dancing Tongue poetry ensemble, plus the Stanco Family Christmas with Joe Stanco and Ideal Females.

Date: Tuesday, December 21, 1993 Time: 7:30 ~ 9:30
Place: Winfrey Point, on the east side of White Rock Lake
Admission: free and open to the public

To honor the broad spiritual precepts that bind religions, rather than the narrow dogma which divides them, an informal group of poets and philosophers, drummers and dancers is hosting a free Winter Solstice celebration at the Winfrey Point camphouse with its splendid view of White Rock Lake. John McMurphy, PhD will lead an informal service that draws from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Taoist spiritual traditions, and from African, Celtic, and Native American cultures. He will be assisted by dancers Peggy Lamb and Martha Murphy, with Celtic flute by Mark Clive. Included is the lighting of candles and the distribution of acorns as symbols of rebirth, and the burning of Yule logs in the building's two stone fireplaces.
"Many people claim no religious affiliation, yet are inherently spiritual, and in this season feel very left out." says Dr. McMurphy. "This event arose on its own from a deep need for all of us to contemplate the mysteries of the universe with others in a communal way at least once a year."
Starting the evening with a traditional festival piece to bless the building, the Dallas Kiyari Drummers, sponsored by Mr. Sushi restaurant, will later do a full set. The mostly female Japanese drumming troupe performs in the style of the famed Kodo Drummers beating large wooden drums and leaves the audience feeling as if every atom in their body has been vibrated pure.
Performance poetry and rhythm ensemble Dancing Tongue will present "Blessing Deconstructed," a jazzy rhythmic interpretation of the well-known Celtic departing prayer, plus an original piece on the concept of World Tree, looking at the very old origins of the Christmas tree custom.
"Rebirth of the Sun King," which tells in dance and word the legend of the one who brings light to the world only to die and be reborn, features Martha Murphy as a fertile and seductive dancing priestess with Peggy Lamb as Hecate, lithe and powerful goddess of the night. Both women are alligned with Moving Collaborations, which for seven years has showcased independent choreographers and performance artists. Martha Murphy is an ordained minister and has been presenting Winter Solstice ceremonies for 20 years. Jeff Davis, a poet, portrays the Newborn Sun.
Giving a Dada twist to what Andy Williams made famous is the Stanco Family Christmas, featuring Joe Stanco doing poetry on darkness and rebirth; his daughters Natalie and Gabrielle as the Ideal Females musical poetry group, plus Joe's brother-guitarists Tom, Tony and Phillip, and family friends vocalist Virginia and poet Bill Mundt.
Dr. John McMurphy has a Ph.D with an emphasis on Jungian psychology and consciousness studies. He has tutored with Hindu spiritual teachers, Buddhist monks, Hebrew rabbis, Native American shamen, and African tribal leaders. Formerly a professor of communications, for the past 12 years he has been a popular continuing education teacher at SMU, TCU and UT in Austin; his courses include Secrets of Great Minds and the Power of Myth. He formed the Walden Institute in March 1989 to offer classes, workshops, and spiritual events; this is his first solo event since the group merged with the Isthmus Institute last year. He has written two books, "Secrets of Great Minds" and "Living Deliberately." Contact him at 941-9307.

Quote from Dr. McMurphy's Winter Solstice service
"Long before there was a Christmas, Winter Solstice was one of the most important dates of the year. Ancient Greeks noted it in an observance called Saturnalia, in honor of the god who cleared the fields each winter so crops could grow again. Before that, Egyptian societies celebrated the rebirth of the sun god Osiris who comes back to life with the aid of the great mother Isis with immense lamp-lit processions. Mayan cultures refered to the bringer of light as Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent born of a virgin."

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