Greetings Witches All

Witch Moon Witch Camp is almost upon us [9-11 May 2008]. Tori and I have put together a brief check list of things to think about, especially in the practical area of what to bring. Have a read and email your 'Buddy-Leader' with any questions.
vinum sabbati, Tim Hartridge

Left to right Buddy Leaders:Tori Collins, Simon Goodey, Lisa Mason
If you cannot see the above images please go the following link:
http://www.witchesworkshop.com/newsletter/WitchMoonNewsletter.html

Solar Power + electrical appliances
You might have noticed on the website information that Rainbows Reach is an eco-friendly solar-powered retreat. All their power is from this source, and that includes fridges, hot water and electric lights. This means we can't bring any personal appliances that require electricity, such as hair dryers/straighteners, phone chargers, electric razors, personal computers, etc. Please charge your mobile phones before you leave home.

How we will run the Witch Camp
Aside from all the magickal work we will undertake during our stay at the Witch Camp, there is also a social cohesion that helps to build a sense of community. We have designed part of the retreat so that we will work in smaller 'buddy' groups before and during the event. The reason for this is to help people to have a voice, especially during feedback times.

Having the opportunity and time to give voice to our experiences is something which can get lost if we remain in just one big group for the whole event. So for some of the activities of the weekend we will work in smaller feedback groups. At other levels this will enable a social cohesion in really hearing one another.

An approach to magickal work
Some of you may know that my approach to magickal work operates from the premise of 'researcher'. I don't enter into my magickal work thinking "I know it all". I'd encourage you to follow my lead to become 'researchers' of the occult.

Despite having over 30 years Coven involvement, and a life-long interest in psychic and witchcraft experiences, there's still plenty of room for learning. I'd like us to enter this weekend in discovery of what we are yet to experience, understand and fully appreciate. By holding an open mind to the many possibilities of what these experiences may be we remain open to learning something new.

Community effort
Part of the weekend will involve all of us taking a shared responsibility in the smooth running of the event. I've placed an introduction to 'working in a witches' circle' as our first steps in the Handbook. The second step will be more practical through the shared delegation of the tasks during meal-time preparations and clean-ups. We need your help in assisting the 'buddy leaders' who will coordinate this. You will probably be asked to assist in the kitchen at least once in the food preparation and once in the clean-up afterwards, of course you're welcome to do more. You can also help generally by not leaving tea/coffee mugs lying around, but cleaning them up and putting them away after use. Thank you.

Notebooks
There'll be may experiences you'll have over the weekend and if you are like me, the only way you'll remember these is to note them down at the time. This is especially the case in areas of dreams and visionary-trance experiences. I recommend using a simple point form of notation, coming back later to fill-in the detail. So, please do bring a notebook and pen.

Part of our experience will be in the creation of highly individual rituals, discovered while taking part in the practices. Having something in which to record these experiences will turn your simple notebook into a magickal grimoire.

Sacred/Personal Objects
One of the customs or conventions we like to use at our retreats is to have everyone bring something significant along. Usually this is an object which allows you to share with us a story of personal significance.

These personal 'sacred' objects need not be elaborate. On my travels, sometimes I've picked up a small piece of rock and it helps me to remember the story of that place. At other times I've used a ritual tool with which to share special memories and experiences. You too probably have something you can share with us.

These objects will be placed onto our group altar for the weekend and then taken back at the close of our retreat. Tarot cards, runes or other divining tools
If you have a particular favourite divination tool please bring it along to use. Although we'll be using a regular Tarot deck of mine for some of our work, you may wish to use a supplementary divining tool that is more significant to you personally.

Drums
Somewhere I wrote, "the soul of our rituals is in the rhythm of the drum". Many different types of music get used in my practice of witchcraft, but my drums are especially significant for me. If you have a drum please bring it, or if you have other instruments please feel free to bring them. While drums are used frequently for our dances and some trance induction, many other types of instruments and recorded music will also be in use at the retreat.

Sleeping arrangements
Most of the rooms are a comfortable bunk style of bed. There are also a limited number of double-bedrooms which we have reserved those who are coming as couples.

One suggestion I'll make for sleeping in an unfamiliar room with others is to use ear-plugs. It is only in case of a snoring room-mate. But also, if you do know that you snore try sleeping on your side to help ease the condition - your room mates will greatly appreciate this consideration.*Also - don't forget to bring some sheets & a pillowcase (blankets supplied), or a sleeping bag if you would prefer. Dance

The Robe
I think everyone now has some form of ritual attire to use for our evening rituals. (see link below) A few people have asked about the significance of using ritual attire or robes.

Briefly the ritual attire takes on the significance we attribute to it. I come from the 'old' school of witchcraft where we were encouraged never to bring anything ordinary into the Circle. In other words, everything used in the Circle (or as near as possible)should be a type of magickal 'tool'.
Practicing an Alexandrian/Gardnerian form of Wicca (or at least an Aussie version) meant that we frequently worked skyclad, and having a robe to slip on when required served both a practical and magickal purpose. This workshop-retreat doesn't require any skyclad ritual, so you need to have a robe of some type.

In magickal work the robe is seen as the outer symbol of our magickal intent. Have a look at the Magician card of the Tarot, here he has donned the alchemical-ritual colours of red and white.
I have long viewed my various ritual robes as an outer expression of my ritual intent as well as a type of physical aura. It projects a mood or state of being to others seeing me in it, and through my regular use of it, helps to trigger a shift of consciousness in myself.

See this link for places where you can get a great robe – Shopping for Robes

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