From Magick to Divine: SOTEF 2016 was a Blast!

One full nights sleep under my belt, now where to begin?13775830_1110423849029050_9006861599548354412_n

Now that my friends was an incredible week of magick, healing, empowerment, love, laughter and community.  One harmonious week filled with uplifting conversations that fuelled our creativity, productivity, expression and vitality. My heart is about to burst with love and gratitude. My energetic body has increased in size and frequency.

Fox and I thank each and every one of you for making the Spirits of the Earth what it is today.  Each of you has left your mark on our hearts and on the legacy that is Spirit of the Earth.  We only hope that the sacred space we dreamed about and manifested has shown you the positive side of life.  One where your level of enthusiasm is high, you feel that opportunities are endless and that anything is possible.

A special thanks to our performers Scott Brunelle, Rose Cora Perry, Doghouse Rose, Kate Channer Band, Sharon Knight & Winter.  Our presenters Becca, Charlene, Deb, Donna, Fallon, Gita, Kimi, Lindorm, Sarah, Tabi, and Zibby.  None of this would be possible without our incredible full time volunteers, Diana and Jessica for greeting all of our attendees with smiles, Rick for holding the space and creating warmth within and without, Kimi for ensuring that bathroom breaks were as enjoyable as possible, Britt for teaching our littles, and Philos for diving in with both feet and helping out where even you were needed.  Fox deserves a huge kudos for dealing first hand with my crazy and putting up with my ‘unique’ ways of bringing my visions into fruition. I have to extend recognition to Becca and Deb, who although the have been on staff in the past, were not officially on staff this year, they never left my side, and were there to assist, offer a hug, and pull together some organic magick right when it was needed.  I love you my spirit sisters more that I could ever say, and I am humbled by your love, trust and loyalty. Special mention to Kris who’s help in the kitchen and clearing the feast was an incredible gift that I am so grateful for.  Finally a shout-out to the park rangers who were amazingly open-minded and supportive…even offering the golf cart for trucking gear from the revel fire. P.S. You looked great spinning the poi 😉

Congratulations to our 2016 bardic winners Josh who is mastering the hula hoop at such a young age and Rebecca for creating an intriguing story on the fly that kept us intrigued and sharing in laughter.  Special mention to our bardic runner-ups Ben and Lindorm, bravo!

As we transition back into our daily routines, our memories may shift into daydreams of our week together.  Remember to live in the present moment, capturing the beauty of the moment and understand that there is no happier time then now.  You have that energy within you.  When you feel you might start to disconnect, pick up your stones that we charged all week long, and reignite your spirit, love, and power within.

We look forward to the next time our paths cross…whether at one of our drum circles, bonfires, weekend campouts, feast of the dead, open rituals, or next year’s festival.  Stay tuned to the website and the Spirits of the Earth Productions facebook page. Be the first to know about upcoming events, stay in touch with our community or checkout our weekly divinations. Until then the love we shared and the memories we made will fill our hearts.

Brightest of Blessings,
Tameika

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Entertainment: Sharon Knight

SLIDER-SharonKnight16Sharon Knight and her longtime collaborator Winter are nationally touring musicians in the Mythic-Celtic vein.  Their penchant for combining fierce an gutsy bravado with ethereal beauty, a hearty dose of fantastical lyrics, and an obvious love of storytelling has inspired their own style, “Neofolk Romantique”.  They often sound less Celtic and more “Folktales that ran away with the Faeries at the turn of the century and took cover in an old trunk bound for the circus, which was then commandeered by pirates.”  This suits them fine.

The music of Sharon Knight combines a love of antiquity and romance with an affinity for the haunting and melancholy, adds a hearty dash of feistiness, and reminds us that we can all see the world through the eyes of enchantment.

Check out their music Here.

You can catch this amazing performance at the Spirits of the Earth Festival on Saturday night.

Entertainment: Kate Channer

SLIDER-KateChanner16Kate Channer Band delivers an authentic, polished pop/rock sound. For almost a decade, Kate (lead singer and guitar) and Monica aka Moxy (drums) have been putting their own spice on cover tunes as well as composing originals. After an impromptu jam session with Adam (keyboards) one evening six years ago in the basement, they knew the three of them were a perfect fit. After having many talented musicians come and go from the band which has gone through many name changes, Ryan (bass) has completed the package. A year later we have added lead guitar by Mark and backup vocals by Mandy!

The band comes in many forms, sometimes only a solo with Kate in the limelight, 3 piece and other times a full band. With the talent and experience the band possess along with a commanding stage presence and a simple love of performing together, Kate Channer Band produce a musical experience that transcends the sum of their respective talents into a musical experience with broad appeal.

Check out their music Here!

You can catch this amazing performance at the Spirits of the Earth Festival, on Friday night.

Entertainment: Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold

Rose has three visions she hopes to achieve as an artist: to inspire, to provoke thought, and to relate! She has been a performer since age four, and writer since age seven, and CEO of Record Label at 15. Rose Cora Perry is the former frontwoman of major label signed act Anti-Hero and has performed at some of the world’s most renowned music festivals. Bringing audiences of over 500,000 to tears with her emotional sound and sincere performances, Perry has been crowned a well-respected industry pro within Canada’s music landscape. In line with her efforts, in 2011, she was invited to attend the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles as a honourary special guest artist.

She’s graced the covers of magazines, achieved “Top 100” radio singles, conducted numerous guest lectures, served as a Voting Committee Member for the Jack Richardson Music Awards and was elected to represent the “voice of the independent musician” in a three-month expose for Canadian Musician.

2016 marks the triumphant return of Perry’s musical efforts with the highly anticipated worldwide release of her sophomore solo album, Onto the Floor. In conjunction with the album’s release, Perry has formed a powerhouse trio, The Truth Untold featuring the exceptional local talents of Jeremy Sieberer on Backing Vocals/Bass (Partners in Health) and Tyler Randall on Drums (Blind Mag/Swerve).

Check out their music Here.

Rose Cora Perry and the Truth Untold bring you raw emotion, real experience, and melody-driven alternative rock. You can catch their performance at the Spirits of the Earth Festival on Friday evening.

Entertainment: Doghouse Rose

SLIDER-DoghouseRose16In two short years, Doghouse Rose has driven the rebel country sound many thousands of miles down the dusty road.  Known for their captivating and engaging stage show, they don’t sit still for long.  They’ve ventured across Canada and Europe several times over, touring in support of their debut, self-titled album, which charted on college radio for the better part of a year and earned a 2014 Jack Richardson Music Award. Playing every stage and venue they could reach, from music festivals to maximum-security state prisons, these natural entertainers find a home wherever they land.
 
Doghouse Rose is currently releasing their second full length album “Bourbon & Gasoline” and saddling up for another crazy year touring.  Doghouse Rose is especially excited to embark on their fourth European tour this June and venturing into the USA for the fist time.  Lost luggage, smashed windshields, crashing on couches, and a train pulling away with their gear still aboard haven’t slowed them down. They are more stoked than ever to hit the road, and show no mercy.

Check our their music Here!

You can catch this amazing performance at the Spirits of the Earth Festival on Thursday night.

Entertainment: Tara Rice

SLIDER-TaraRice16Weaving a god’s eye. S’mores over a fire on a brisk autumn night. Tara Rice, Toronto-based vocalist, songwriter and guitarist, conjures gothic romanticism between layers of spirited storytelling. Though the majority of Rice’s latest EP, Panorama, was written, recorded and performed in her Bloor Street apartment, the mood of this alternative folk-rock album transcends the concrete city vibe.

The songs, along with Tara’s multifaceted, distinctive voice, sweep and shape-shift through genres and influences (a bit of PJ Harvey grunge here, some Sandy Denny folk there). By times the songs summon psychedelic pastoral vistas, and at other times conjure crisp, cool, dark forests. Tara Rice’s music leads the listener into an evocative and welcoming world that possesses a modern mythical perspective wholly its own.

Check out her sound Here.

 You can catch this amazing performance at the Spirits of the Earth Festival on Thursday evening.

Entertainment: Scott Brunelle

SLIDER-ScottBrunelle16Scott Brunelle is a 24 year old multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and visual artist residing in London Ontario. Scott’s work focuses on retaining the hopeful feeling of reconciliation with the self, others, and nature. His music is ethereal in its jazz and experimental influence, yet grounded in country, folk and the blues. Scott’s rural upbringing and penchant for self-instruction have resulted in a free artistic spirit which reaches to seemingly disparate places to find connection.

At 16, Brunelle was performing in a punk band and sharing the stage with nationally touring acts (Ambush, Counterparts), and at 19 opened for Canadian fingerstyle guitar legend Don Ross, as a solo performer. Scott has 3 releases (Year of Change, Megaflora, Fresh Mint Cloud) and an EP (Circle of Pine) to his name, and is anticipating the release of his 1st studio record (Xtra Cosmos) after its completion this summer. Scott is also an accomplished visual artist and poet, and hopes to share his work collectively to deliver an intertwined statement to be enjoyed and deciphered by the audience.

Scott’s music is inspired by jazz, country, and experimental traditions in songwriting. Finger style and a simultaneous chord/melody approach are essential to his sound. He immerses himself in improvisation and traditional musics of various cultures to add an element of direct spiritual connection within compositions. Scott hopes that through performing for an audience, there can be space opened to share emotion.

Check out his music Here!

You can catch this amazing performance at the Spirits of the Earth Festival on Wednesday night.

Entertainment: Foxwood Rhythms

Let’s first adSLIDER-FoxWood16mit that we all like to sing. We often sing in the car, while having a shower and so on, but the sensation that you are singing in a public place, knowing that everybody is watching you is quite different. Singing takes your troubles away and is relaxing, that’s why so many people get addicted to it.

Tameika and Fox will be spinning some fun on the opening night of the festival. Karaoke is always full of fun and great music! There are a lot of great undiscovered singers out there. A little courage and some back up music, and you’re off!

If you really don’t like to sing, well you can always get up on the dance floor and shake it. Being a singer myself, it is always great when people are dancing in front of you. Come join us and release all of your stresses from the mundane world, in preparation of an amazing spiritual experience that the week ahead has in store for you!

Karaoke Dance Party hosted by Fox and Tameika will be on Tuesday night.

10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at the Spirits of the Earth

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  1. COMMUNITY
    Whether you are looking at creating deeper connections with your friends, experiencing quality time with  family, or meeting new folks that just get you. You are sure to experience first hand a sense of community and make lasting connections along the way.

    “Community – meaning for me ‘nurturing human connection’ — is our survival. We humans wither outside of community. It isn’t a luxury, a nice thing; community is essential to our well being. Appreciating that community is essential to human well being calls us to a particular kind of courage: walking with our fear of exclusion in order to stand up for inclusion.” ~ Frances Moore Lappe

  2. CONNECTION
    It’s easy to take for granted the importance of green spaces in our lives. It has been proven that taking time to reconnect with nature enhances your self-esteem, reduces stress, enhances personal performance, and improves a sense of well-being.  It also contributes to healthy, active living both physically and emotionally. Green spaces are gathering places that create close-knit communities… so come hug a tree, and join our family.

  3. ACCEPTANCE
    Belonging to a group was most likely helpful for our ancestors, after all their survival probably depended on it. For some reason, in our modern world we think it’s quantity over quality. But as we gain life experience, we recognize the importance of having friends who are authentic and genuine – people who love, respect and support us. Acceptance starts with ourselves. We understand who we are, where our strengths lie, we know what we want, and are comfortable with our place in this world. Lets share that amazing feeling with other attendees, explore our inner selves for a new-found confidence, and embrace our true natures as we increase our sense of empowerment! There is no judgement at Spirits of the Earth.  Our moto is that we all have our strengths, but only when we stand together will we be stronger. Let’s lift each other up, so the entire world can see our majesty.

  4. ENTERTAINMENT
    Music has incredible power.  It can alter our moods, help us focus, offers positive effects on pain management, boost immunity and increase physical performance.  What I find most fascinating is the ability to create an emotional bookmark in our lives.  Have you ever heard a song on the radio, and suddenly are flooded with memories so strong you feel like you have been transported back in time. Beneath a canopy of magick you will witness the songs of inspiration, passion, excitement, and awakening of spirit. As your body sways, and your heart opens to the sound of North America’s most talented eclectic musicians.

    “Music is the Medicine of the Mind”

  5. RE-ENERGIZE
    With the hustle and bustle of modern life, we sometimes feel we are pulled in a million different directions at once, like blowing the fluff off a matured dandelion. Reducing stress in your everyday life is vital for maintaining your overall health, as it can improve your mood, boost immune function, promote longevity and allow you to be more productive. Take this time to ground/release that which no longer serves you, and recharge your batteries with the ultimate energy source….by following your roots back to nature!
  6. EXPERIENCE
    To ‘experience’ is to be affected by or gain knowledge through involvement in or exposure to an event. At Spirits of the Earth you will experience feelings of acceptance, compassion, love, tolerance and understanding.  By the end of the week you will feel renewed, energetic, and happy . You will be able & willing to take action; to pursue whatever it is you want to attain and achieve.
  7. LEARN
    We have made it our mission to help people become even more independent and self-sufficient.  Its this feeling of self-sufficiency that empowers those within our community to give back, sharing their knowledge and experiences.  When you have a strong foundation beneath you, it provides the perfect opportunity for giving. Join in on this unique opportunity to learn from our communities passionate leaders.
    Great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players.
  8. FOOD
    It is hard work to transform our minds and create positive change in our lives.  In an effort to create overall balance in our wellbeing we invite you to partake of our incredibly delicious and healthy meals that fuel your body, as you fuel your mind. We also host our Community Feast on the Friday night which is open to all attendees!
  9. TREASURES
    Have you been on a quest to find that perfect unique addition to your altar?  A colorful one-of-a-kind piece of clothing to add to your festival wardrobe? Perhaps a personalized oil-blend made just for you by a skilled aroma therapist?  Maybe you are not seeking anything in particular, but all of a sudden you are called to something that resonates with you.  We encourage you to embark on a treasure hunt with our local creative artisans located in our Merchant Alley to find that rare gem.
  10. REVEL BONFIRES
    Come and be surrounded by drummers, percussionists, dancers, and magick makers, of all ages. Imagine laying in the middle of the forest, where stags roam free, a roaring revel fire as your only light, the beating of the primal drums, and swaying silhouettes of dancing bodies encircling the fire. The smell of the dew, and the magickal essence of fireflies as we submerse ourselves in everything that is mother earth. The heat of the fire warms our skin, as it fuels our spirit within. You can expect to be part of this nightly phenomenon, as we revel in our diversity and allow our authentic selves to radiate.

“Set a fire down in your soul, and seek those who fan your flames”

Even though you may have missed out on the Early Bird sale, have no fear!  The team at Spirits of the Earth festival is offering you another opportunity to save with a Pre-Registration sale. This deal offers you a $30 discount off an Adult Full-Week registration.  Act quickly to guarantee your spot as this offer will only be available until  July 1st, 2016.

Love & Honour,
Tameika & Fox

A New SPRING in Our Step!!

Temperatures are warming up, the snow is melting (here in SouthWestern Ontario anyways), and spring clean-up has begun. Whether it’s preparing your gardens for seed, raking up the leftover leaves, or just getting out the patio furniture…nature is calling us to come out of hibernation.

With the the arrival of spring, the opportunities to get out and experience life begin to heat up, too. This is the time when we begin to plan our summer adventures. Our personal plans this year begins with a May 24 campout at Oak Haven, an empowering time at the Spirits of the Earth Festival, many other impromptu adventures, which will end with an excursion to Iceland to explore our Norse roots.

Spirits of the Earth Festival 2016 will once again be hosted at the beautiful PeaceKeeper Park. I love the features of this venue, which include free access to Lake Whittaker for a refreshing swim on those hot afternoons, the cooling pine forest, rustic camping areas, community cook-fires throughout the park, an activity area for the kids/adults, and a secluded Revel Fire perfect for dancers and drummers alike.

So let me tell you what we have been up to at Spirits of the Earth HQ. Connecting, planning, booking, inspiring, divining, manifesting, and spreading the word. We have also created a new user friendly registration section on our beautiful website. It’s so crazy for me to hear that even after 14 years, some folks in the London area still have not heard of Spirits of the Earth Festival. I know crazy, right? But this means we have room to grow. Help us to get the word out, and let us know where you typically look for upcoming events!

A quick reminder before we sign-off…The best time to save on your registration is NOW! Early-Bird registration of $125 (30% discount) for an Adult Full-Week, is only available until May 1st, 2016. We have new payment options (including installments), and a new registration program to make it simple for you to guarantee your spot.

Love & Honour,
Tameika & Fox

 

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