Spiritual Renewal
RITUALS, CELEBRATIONS, & GATHERINGS

By witnessing the seasons and celebrating them in liturgies, we can develop a deeper connection between the Earth and ourselves. As we become more in tune with energy shifts, our lives become more balanced and are in harmony with the environnment as with the divine. -- Diann Neu


2010

Spring Equinox & Bonfire
Honoring Earth Mother and Blessing the Sacred Fire
Saturday, March 20 (6:00 -- 8:00 pm)



Mark the beginning of Spring (in the northern hemisphere) and the time when day and night are of equal length. Spring flowers, sprouting greens and seeds take center attention. We will bless the seeds and plants that will sustain our bodies, beautify our surroundings, and provide shelter. This is also the time to consider what goals, desires or wishes you would like to achieve over the next year... a true celebration of rebirthing your life and nature itself!

Many early peoples celebrated vernal equinox because it means their food supplies would soon be restored. The date is significant in Christianity since Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. After the vernal equinox, the Sun continues to follow a path higher and higher through the sky with the days growing longer and longer until it reaches its highest point in teh sky on the Summer Solstice.

Suggested donation: $5.00--$10.00 Call (636)375-3159 or email Diza



HOLY WEEK TRIDUUM
This year's theme: to be annouced
April 1 to 3 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday)
(All of the gatherings start at 6:00 pm)

Come and take part in the Holy Week Triduum as we tell stories, share our reflections, honor our grief and sadness, celebrate the wonder of Creation, and share food at table.

Bring a dish to share for the Easter potluck dinner on Saturday.
Cost: freewill donation Call (636)375-3159 or email Sr. Jan Stocking



Summer Sosltice
Celebrating the Sacred Fire and the Green Earth
Saturday, June 19, 2010 (6:00 -- 8:00 pm)



As the coolness of spring shifts to the brilliant heat of summer, we come together again to mark the longer days, to change and create within, and celebrate the magic of the fire that sustains us and Earth, our Mother.
The long days and warm weather are vital for long hours in the fields and gardens as young animals grow strong and crops begin to ripen; but there is an awareness that the Summer Solstice does mark the longest day of the year (in the northern hemisphere) and that henceforth darkness increases--a reminder that time is finite.

For the potluck, bring a dish with midsummer herbs such as basil, sage, thyme and/or rosemary. Tomato soup or sauce, with its fiery red color, is perfect for the occasion.
Suggested donation: $5.00--$10.00 Call (636)375-3159 or email Diza

Note: On this day, greet the dawn by lighting a candle just before sunrise. Spend the day in the open air and then bid farewell to the Sun (facing west), lighting your candle once more to honor the sun's waning light.



FALL EQUINOX
Celebrating Harvest Home
Saturday, September 18, 2010 (6:00 pm to 8:00 pm)



We gather to thank Earth for her bounty... bring the sunflowers that you planted at the Spring Equinox
We gather to remember all the blessings throughout the year... write a litany of thanksgiving
We gather to continue to learn autumn's life lessons as we prepare for the coming winter.
Bring a dish to share for the feast. Call (636)375-3159 or email Diza
Suggested donation: $5.00--$10.00



WALKING THE PATH OF AUTUMN
Hallowed Be the Turning Into Darkness
Saturday, October 3, 2010 (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm)

We continue to learn, work, and meditate with the Medicine Wheel (given to Sun Bear) to bring us to a closer connection with All Our Relations and the Creator. As we enter the autumn season we will learn the teachings of the Grizzly Bear (Mujekeewis), the Spirit Keeper of the West and the meditate on its gifts of experience, introspection, and strength.
Call (636)375-3159 or email Diza
Suggested donation: $5.00--$10.00.



ANNUAL THANKSGIVING GATHERING

Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Rockhaven Ecozoic community of volunteers, supporters, family and friends gathers for a day of work, play, ritual and a hearty thanks-giving Harvest Dinner at 6:00pm.
Come any time of the day... visit with friends... spend time in the garden... sit around the fire... share stories...
celebrate the Rockhaven spirit... honor the Great Work we have all done!
RSVP on or before October 30, 2009. Call (636)375-3159 or email Jan



Celebrating the Sacred Fire:
A Winter Solstice Gathering
Saturday, December 18, 2010 5:00pm--7:00pm

"Sacred Fire, Transforming Fire.
Recreate me, make me whole!"

Once again, the season turns... winter is here! Celebrate the longest night (for us living in the northern hemisphere). From now till the Summer solstice, the sun stretches its rays for a few moments longer everyday. In this celebration, we will honor the SUN—source of energy and life—with the blessing of the Winter Fire.

Bring some food to share at the table. Due to insistent demand, Rockhaven Mulled Cider will be served.
We plan to have the ritual outdoors (so dress warm), the Winter bonfire should keep us all warm. The hearth in Wisdom House will be well lit, too. To RSVP call (636)375-3159 or email Diza.
Suggested donation: $5.00--$10.00

The Rockhaven Ecozoic Center is an eco-spiritual center in House Springs, Missouri that offers inter-faith renewal programs and events rooted in the four sources of wisdom for the Ecozoic Age:
Feminine Spirituality and the wisdom of women
The wisdom of the great spiritual and mystical faith traditions
The wisdom of indigenous peoples
Earth's Creation Story --humankind's emerging knowledge of the evolving universe