Our Closing 2020 Ceremonies + Retreat Weekends

“Well they blew the horns… and The Walls Came Down… they’d all been warned… then the walls came down…”

We’re closing out the 2020 late Fall retreat season this weekend and preparing to head into Winter. For folks in need of little respite from the normal Holiday pressures as well as some of the abnormal oddness of the year, you can join us for Ceremony this weekend as we’d love to have you. Then, as always, from Christmas through sometime around the Lunar New Year or Tet in February we’ll be away on Winter Break, but back for the 2021 Retreat season with our Winter Noble Silence Meditation Retreat the weekend of February 26th-February28th. Then you’ll gain a better understand of some of the colorful hieroglyphics on the board above, logographic script, some in pictographic form and in a way reminiscent of Egyptian and other ancient writing systems, basically pointing the way to purified, unconditional human happiness.

But please don’t just take our word for it; consider what Emily had to say about taking part in our recent Ceremonial overnight. And look for the time in your own life for a visit, visits so many report as extremely peaceful and rejuvenating during such trying external times. We’ll be here, continuing to sharpen and offer psycho-spiritual tools for connecting to oneself, fostering one’s inner spirit and connecting to the collective consciousness. “Being a part of the Ceremony weekend was truly a great experience. From forming new friendships, practicing meditation and taking in Paul’s drumming and singing, I am forever grateful. I went into the sweat lodge with uncertainty and a little fear. I came out of the sweat lodge on a path to healing and self-worth. I look forward to the next time at Higher Haven. Mitakuye O’yasin! -E.F.

 

Happy Forage + TDAY ‘20

When the sought-after Blue-Greens of Chlorociboria show up and match your boots, you’re on to Something.

Happy TDay ‘20. With the hope this post finds you and your family well, there being a bit of a different feel to the Holiday this year, we helped organize and enjoyed a great little Thanksgiving forage last night. Lead by Anthony Michael Blowers, the wild stories and snacks once again did not disappoint, as it’s amazing to take in Anthony’s knowledge and share in the sense of discovery. I like to say he walks his talk, and its a privilege to join. Speaking of, pictured above is our find of Chlorociboria, or the Green-staining fungus, which afterward prompted an article sent on how 14-15th century Italian Renaissance craftsman prized the pigmented wood for their inlaid intarsia designs. And the TDay treats! From Candied Cap Mushroom / Red Oak Acorn Cookies to absolutely otherworldly candy-frosted Black Trumpet Mushrooms to more savory snacks like Hen of The Woods Jerky, his leaning to the culinary side of mushrooms was a pleasure as always for participants palates.

It’s a ‘treat’ to eat Anthony’s culinary creations but better when coupled with his tales, a living guidebook to wild edibles. Acorns were an interesting focus this time, that nut of the Oak Tree and their close relatives. Containing a single seed and enclosed in a tough, leathery shell then borne in a cup-shaped cupule, we learned of the very cool, very primitive processing of acorns by Native Americans, putting them in baskets and letting cold rushing river water do its work. Talk of a ‘Mast’ Year, a term used by arborists for a time of an abundant harvest, is a great example of the wonderful ideas and understanding acquired at these workshops. There was also talk of shucking and schluffing acorns, which was fun. 

After a stormy start that had us inside then heading out — although it was noted that rain can be a great foraging catalyst — we entered into the Kingdom of Fungi, both figuratively and literally. Mycology is an exciting, expanding frontier currently, as we study and learn the way the amazing Mycelium of mushrooms communicates and branches out, an organism that stretches over acres. amazing agents of nature’s connectivity. “Technically, mushrooms have been found to be not only the largest but also the fastest moving in all of nature” we were informed, the microscopic spore-throwing movement of Hat Throwing Fungus found to rival the speed of a cheetah streaking the African grassland. And we all enjoyed the magic smoke that arose from a spirited pat down of mini puffballs as well as a siting of slime mold, another dynamic organism that can also move and forward itself at an incredible clip.

Engaging discussion around the fire and talks in the woods were again perfectly interspersed, unique finds with equally extraordinary foods, a perfect example being the talk on Conifers’ edibility in teas, ice cream and other recipes leading to a true taste of  Spruce-tip infused whip cream, all on a home-crafted Pumpkin Pie. Look for an equally amazing Holiday gathering with Anthony in the works for December in addition the last of our 2020 classes and retreat offerings, with a focus on the red and white Christmas connection and lore of Amanita Muscaria, with a tie to reindeer, Shamanism, Healing, and always, Great Eats. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving All!

Our Hip Thanksgiving Happening with Anthony Michael Blowers

This Event may appear a bit last minute, but we couldn’t we use a lil’ spontaneity this Holiday season!? Much to say about our times this week and will, but needed to get this information up forthwith, as we are days away from a wonderful nature walk and late Fall forage with the local legend Anthony Michael Blowers. If you haven’t been out for or read up on any of his gatherings here since the outside world went a bit wonky, you should come, as they have been a true bright spot and an underground uplift for many the last few months. I’ll do some reminiscing and post links to our former outdoor community rendezvous’s, with more to say on Anthony’s walks as well as articles like this New York Times piece calling “The Thanksgiving Myth” to the carpet of our collective consciousness, one of the ideas inspiring this event’s communiqué, easily accessed here for Pre-Registration with, as mentioned, more to say, Hokahey — speak to you and hope to see you this week!