First of all, I want to begin by praising the organizers of this annual gathering, and especially Morten and Louise, who have truly worked hard to create a magical weekend for us all. I have taken part in every one of SF's annual gatherings, and I have even helped organize one of them. This year's gathering was the best so far, I think. I had a wonderful time from start to finish!
The gathering took place at the beautiful Gaia Gården, right by Charlottenberg in Sweden. The place is owned by Patrik and Ingvild, who did everything they could to make us feel welcome this weekend. Those of us who stayed there were spread across rooms, dormitories, camper vans, tents and lavvos. Some brought their own food, but we could buy breakfast, lunch and dinner on site. The food sold there was very good!
I liked that the place itself was not very large, so that we were close to one another all weekend. It created a sense of calm on the grounds, and it was easy to keep track of what was happening where. And I really liked that only participants of the gathering were on the farm. It created safety and a sense of community. For many people it is sadly still difficult and frightening to show this side of themselves, and then it is reassuring to know that the people you are with are like-minded.
This year we had a theme for the gathering that was about caring for the environment and the resources we have, and especially the water. And the theme was not something we were only going to talk about, but something we were going to practice during the weekend. We could see this in the fact that everyone was asked to bring their own cups, plates and cutlery (not disposable). A washing station had been set up where we all washed up after ourselves in tubs of soapy water and clean water; there were showers on site, but we were asked not to use them since we were only going to be there for a weekend; "toilets" had been made out in the forest for both men and women, and there was a swap station for clothes. By doing this, a different kind of awareness developed around the theme than would have come from merely talking about it. And I felt that I personally benefited from this, as it challenged some of my notions about dishwashing and hygiene, for example. We actually did not get sick from washing up in a tub of water with food scraps and bits in it, or because we could not rinse the dishes in running clean water.
Friday began with a beautiful and powerful opening ceremony in which several shamanic traditions were included. There were contributions from, among others, druids from England and Belgium, shamans from Nepal/Bhutan and Sámi noaidi. I thought it was exciting and instructive to see the various traditions in practice. Much of what we do is similar, while at the same time we can all learn something from one another. We exchange the knowledge we hold. And I think that such gatherings and ceremonies help create bonds and relationships across countries and traditions. Something I believe is important if we are to manage to preserve the shamanic tradition and knowledge into the future.
During the weekend you could take part in many different ceremonies, such as a chaga ceremony, a Tree for World Peace ceremony, the Spirit Boat, which is a powerful healing ceremony, several summer solstice ceremonies from the various traditions, a Himalaya healing ceremony, and more. A couple of talks were also given, there was an open stage for those who spontaneously wished to contribute something on the artistic and creative side, and there were concerts and dancing on the grass into the twilight hours. I would imagine everyone found something they thought was interesting to take part in.
I personally came away with two experiences that were important to me. One was that I was lucky enough to be an observer at the Spirit Boat ceremony, and the other was getting to take part in a Sámi summer solstice ceremony. It gave me new experiences and knowledge that I will carry with me further in my own shamanic practice. So a special thank you to Inger-Lise, Robert and Kyrre for sharing your knowledge.
By the way, I also became very fascinated by the druids from England. They had a playful and poetic approach to the ceremonies, and I feel that this inspired me. We in Norway are often a bit reserved and serious when we hold ceremonies in groups. I began to wonder why that is..... my experience is that those from the spirit world themselves are often very playful and humorous. So this is something I am chewing on further in the time after the gathering.
An annual meeting of Sjamanistisk Forbund was also held this weekend. Here a new main board was elected, important topics for the way forward for SF and our members were discussed, and we also got to honor some of those who have made an extra effort for SF over the years the organization has existed.
The night before Sunday, my tent companion and I were sweaty and sticky after dancing and regular use of mosquito repellent (the mosquitoes and gnats are, incidentally, the only thing I have to complain about regarding the place). So we treated ourselves to a lovely and refreshing night swim in one of the lakes near Gaia Gården. This was a wonderful nature experience, and once again it stirred some thoughts about the WATER.
I got to know several wonderful new people this weekend, while at the same time it was lovely to meet old acquaintances from all over the country again. It is good to meet like this, and to have time for the good conversations where we can share experiences and knowledge. And not least, there is room for plenty of laughter and fun during a gathering like this. We are many different people who come together and live side by side during a weekend like this, and it is so good to see that everyone shows respect and generosity toward one another. I also saw that those who came to the gathering for the first time – those who do not know anyone or do not know many people – were well taken care of and included. That makes me especially happy, as my wish for SF is that we be open and inclusive, and not form cliques and be exclusionary.
And the beautiful thing that happens after a weekend like this is that we all carry with us the good energies that are created, the experiences, the fellowship and the love, and then we share it with the rest of the world and with those we meet on our path onward. Something happens to us during a weekend like this, which we pass on to others. So what happens at a gathering like this is "bigger" than what we experience there and then. And it is beautiful to be allowed to be a part of it.
When Sunday came, I did not want to pack up the tent and travel home again. I wanted one more evening of music and dancing, I wanted time to talk with all those I had not managed to talk to, I wanted to experience and learn even more, I wanted to laugh more and hug more. I could happily have stayed there another week.
Thank you to each and every one of you whom I met this weekend <3 I am already looking forward to next year's gathering.
Keep the fire alive <3
