I would like to share how enjoyable it has been for me to go to various spiritual gatherings over the past few years because Harvest Gathering is just around the corner in September. Since organizing the first Harvest Gathering three years ago, I have attended many other spiritual gatherings in the US and Canada and have been renewed and inspired at each and every one. Some of this inspiration has fueled my own personal transformation in large ways and small, while at the same time it has helped me clarify the purpose and best way to work with bringing the gathering to New England each year.

Spiritual gatherings offer a special place apart from our everyday lives for healing and renewal to occur. While we can always take a walk in our favorite nature spot, camp out for the weekend as a personal spiritual retreat or attend a religious worship service, it seems we are closest to the Creator when we come together in the company of all of Creation — the spirits, the elements, the plants, the animals, the rocks and the people — to perform our ceremonies, say our prayers and infuse our lives with spiritual intention. People are generally more open-hearted and loving in this atmosphere, and more able to absorb the grace of the spiritual energy present. 

Gatherings provide us with a unique opportunity to listen to the many teachers, elders and others who have been invited there to speak their truths, inspire us with their stories and elevate our thinking to new levels. Being outdoors and inspired by these teachers, whose traditions have long respected the Earth and our connectedness with all of Creation in ways our American culture has forgotten, provides us with memories and imprints which will remain with us for years to come. The ceremonies, education and healing activities shared with those present are offered with humility in the presence of the sacred fire — the heart of every earth- centered spiritual gathering. It is the fire which carries our intentions outward into the spiritual and material realms and strengthens each participant to reach deeper within themselves to find their own divine source. The gathering is a good place to be- gin to learn about that fire.

While most of the spiritual gatherings I have attended are rooted largely in Native American tradition and ceremony, there is much room for cultural sharing and diversity at these events as well, such as bringing African, Hindu, Bhuddist and Celtic traditions together. In fact, it is this "melting pot" of spirituality that best describes what the ideal of the New Age is all about — to be the pioneers of global spirituality and healing. While New Agers are often dismissed as being flaky or phony, these earnest seekers are an important component in the rise of spiritual consciousness worldwide. By stepping outside their cultures of origin in order to seek physical, mental and spiritual balance through the ancient traditions. New Agers are taking the first steps towards bringing about the global unity so often prophesied as the thousand years of peace and love which is yet to come.

In this amazing world of interconnectedness, global communication and travel, elders from every tradition can be found all over the globe who are able to share their teachings with those who are willing to listen and learn. If you want to learn the Buddhist way, you go to a Buddhist temple. If you want to learn about the spirituality of India, you seek out a guru. If you want to learn the Native American way, you go to spiritual gatherings and sit and listen; after a while, you may be called upon to talk. The rewards from these practices come little by little — by participating in and contributing to the spiritual community without any expectations of visions or miracles on your part, for those things take time too.

Two of the biggest obstacles New Agers face in learning these traditions are leaving materialism and self-importance behind. We have grown up in a competitive, self-absorbed culture which revolves around money — making it, spending it and saving it. You cannot buy into these spiritual traditions; they are not for sale. Without a price tag to rally around, many people become confused as to how much something is really worth and may even begin to feel a certain lack of control. Those who are seeking to "get their money's worth" will probably not find it in the ancient traditions. Their value is priceless and the cost can only be paid through surrendering your self.

A spiritual gathering is a place to let the divine order of Spirit take over your attitude so that you can be free to learn from whatever comes your way. You can also have a lot of fun. There's a time for being serious and a time for fun, says the elder. It is not so important that this particular teacher you've heard of or that workshop you read about is offered, because if you let Spirit take over, you will meet those who can teach you what you need to know, answer questions you might have and lead you to the experiences which will help you the most. Usually you d not even know who those people are until you meet them! You simply need to be there to listen and be patient, and then you will know who your teachers are and what you should do. The organizers of the gathering are also responsible to set their expectations aside and stay alert through prayer and a good attitude so they can move in accordance with how Spirit has planned to bring everyone together.

In this same spirit, the fourth annual Harvest Gathering [2000] will be held in its new location this year in Danbury, NH. By making the most of the resources Spirit has blessed us with — both traditional and New Age spirituality, including the forum of this magazine — we honor our ancestors by bringing their teachings into our modern lives. The gathering offers something for everyone; families, in particular, will appreciate the diversity of meaningful, yet fun activities there. Families who cannot afford the full donation for each child they bring can make their own family donation instead.

As always, we are honored to bring the teachings, ceremonies and healing rituals of North American Indian elders from Canada and the US to the gathering. We are also pleased that Mayan elders Felipe an vision as well as their love and warmth through ceremonies. (Elena's article on ancient Mayan wisdom for modern times appears on page 34 in this issue.) Also returning is "Soul and Conscience Tour" musician LeRoy White whose music and love inspires everyone to let loose into the freedom of the spiritual groove on Friday night. When LeRoy gets down on the dance floor to dance among the people, he brings out the best in everyone.

A popular first time teacher last year, Reiki Jin Kei Do Master Patricia Warren will again bring the healing energy of Reiki into the hands of those gathered in her unique Circle of Love. With 75 or more people gathered at one time last year [1999], the healing energy generated in the circle was enormous. Also returning for his 2nd year, Celtic tribalist Alex Guillotte shares his passion for returning to an earth-centered community through his knowledge of Paganism, anthropology and human evolution. A variety of other interesting workshop and lectures topics are planned including astronomy, men's initiation rites, herbalism and more. Naturalist and tracker Bruce Carroll, who hails from the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, will be joining us this year [2000] to share his tracking and  survivalist skills, as well as fun activities for the kids, and what Harvest Gathering would be complete without the presence of our ancestors through the Eastern Woodlands camp display and demonstrations by wilderness skills teacher Sharon Anderson from Vermont? In addition, fire and drumming circles for both children and adults are held nightly, a Reiki and healing cabin will be available for private individual sessions, and a children's craft center is always a popular gathering place for the kids. 

We hope that many of you — both new and seasoned gatherers — will be moved to join us in this community and spiritual celebration at Harvest Gathering this year. We look forward to your presence around the sacred fire and your happy heart for the year to come.

Click Here For Info on Harvest Gathering 2001

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Carol Bedrosian is the Publisher and Editor of Spirit of Change Magazine which is located in Grafton, MA. To contact Carol call 508-839-2228, fax 508-839-1173 or email her at SpiritPub@aol.com.