NJ Event - Full moon drum circle 10/15

Drum circles provide not only a sense of community, but also an opportunity to manifest positivity in your life and the lives of those around you.  Explore your inner healer and harvest the positive energy at this monthly drum circle!

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The next full moon is October 15, the same date as our next drum circle/bonfire.  Let’s make our full moon wishes come true!  Start a few days before—maybe on October 13—declaring what you want.  The more specific the better.  The simpler the better.  Make as many wishes as you want. Then for the next two days, act like your wishes have already come true.  Show the Universe you believe. Be grateful and visualize these miracles in your life. Don’t forget the gratitude, as gratitude is the cue from the Universe to set those wishes in motion.
Your special place to make your wishes come true will be the Drum Circle, a perfect place to harness the power of the moon for your wishes by reveling in the four elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air.Your special place to make your wishes come true will be the Drum Circle, a perfect place to harness the power of the moon for your wishes by reveling in the four elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air.Vera suggests you can use a simple phrase like, “I see the moon and the Moon sees me; the moon will send these wishes to me.”  Or even a poem such as:

"I wish, I wish, upon the moon,

That my wishes will be granted soon,

These are the things I ask of you –

A happy home, and good health too,

a wealth of friends and peace of mind,

and that special love that’s hard to find.

Dispel my worries, allay my fears,

protect my loved ones and keep them near.

Please keep me safe, with those I love

and bless my life from up above."

Let's Celebrate the Full October Moon
with a
Drum Circle & Bonfire
on Saturday, October 15th

Beginning at 7pm at Reiki Ruth's Retreat

Your $15 per person donation to help cover expenses is greatly appreciated,
we would not be able to continue without your generous participation!
No one will be turned away for lack of funds—we will gratefully accept
your help setting up, carrying fire wood and site preparation—just let us know
when you will arrive. Thanks!  

Please feel free to bring a friend, and a drum, rattle
or percussion instrument of your choice. (Extra drums and rattles will be available. Don't worry if you're not musical, you can't do it wrong!)

The path is rugged in spots, so please wear sturdy shoes.
We expect to be outside, so wear/bring an extra layer in case it gets chilly. (If it's too cold or raining, we can always move indoors!)

R.s.v.p. by October 14th so we won't start without you if you're late! :) 
Over the river and through the woods... 30 Colfax Drive, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Cross the footbridge, take the path to the left past the house and up the hill to the fire pit.
Phone: 973-728-3535 or Text 201-960-4893

For the full schedule of drum circles this year, go to:

 http://reikiruth.weebly.com/drum-circles.html

    

Drumming with others is an ancient practice that people have used for millennia all over the globe to connect, heal, learn, witness and celebrate with each other. It’s only been in the last few hundred years that many people in our modern cultures have stopped connecting in this way. 

  

Drum Circle Facilitator Vera Remes will lead us as we use various forms of vibration, such as simple clapping, drum, and rattle rhythms to create deep relaxation which allows the mind and body to become quiet.  Circle may include group drumming, chanting and breath work which will lead you to gain energized mental clarity, open creative inspiration, and expand your conscious awareness.  There will be elements of meditation and shamanic journeying (meditation for Type A personalities) and the inevitable Reiki share. ;) ;) Carving out this time to practice this form of meditation will deepen your access to relaxation and provide an opportunity for sharing your experiences. 

NJ Event - Drum Circle 8/20

Let's Celebrate Summer 

with a 

Drum Circle & Bonfire 

Saturday, August 20th 

Beginning at 7pm 

We plan our drum circles around the full moon—some Native Americans called this the Sturgeon Moon or Green Corn Moon.

Drumming with others is an ancient practice that people have used for millennia all over the globe to connect, heal, learn, witness and celebrate with each other. It’s only been in the last few hundred years that many people in our modern cultures have stopped connecting in this way.

 Drum Circle Facilitator Vera Remes will lead us as we use various forms of vibration, such as simple clapping, drum, and rattle rhythms to create deep relaxation which allows the mind and body to become quiet. Circle may include group drumming, chanting and breath work which will lead you to gain energized mental clarity, open creative inspiration, and expand your conscious awareness. There will be elements of meditation and shamanic journeying (meditation for Type A personalities) and the inevitable Reiki share. ;) ;)

Carving out this time to practice this form of meditation will deepen your access to relaxation and provide an opportunity for sharing your experiences.

 Please feel free to bring a friend, and a drum, rattle or percussion instrument of your choice. (Extra drums and rattles will be available. Don't worry if you're not musical, you can't do it wrong!) 

The path is rugged in spots, so please wear sturdy shoes. We expect to be outside, so wear/bring an extra layer in case it gets chilly. (If it's too hot or cold or raining, we can always move indoors!) 

Your $15 per person donation to help cover expenses is greatly appreciated, we would not be able to continue without your generous participation! No one will be turned away for lack of funds—we will gratefully accept your help setting up, carrying fire wood and site preparation—just let us know when you will arrive. Thanks! 

RSVP to risingviewfarm@aol.com by August 19th so we won't start without you if you're late!

Over the river and through the woods... 

30 Colfax Drive, Ringwood, NJ 07456

map to Reiki Ruth's Retreat

Questions? Email Ruth

Connecting the Dots - Healing with Nature

When delving into the issue of Healing with Nature, our writers discovered many things....




Our first week was focused on creatively using foods and organic farming and gardening with this video on Polyface Farming, information on Vertical Gardening in urban areas and other tight spaces, and a recipe for Wild Rose Vinegar that utilizes nature's seasonal bounty to heal and nourish body and soul.






Week two, we discussed the healing aspects of nature.  In Natural treatments... Barbara talked about her health journey with Crohn's disease and how being in nature helped balance her body.  In her blog about Drum Circles, Vera said that Shamans recommend drum circles to release unneeded and unwanted energy.  Vera also talked about Nature being the remedy itself.





The third week of July was focused on the spiritual aspects of healing through nature.  Dr. Lisa Avila talked about her experiences with White Pine and the herb's ability to help to ground up and down for balance.  Charla talked about Yearning for simpler times when the foods you ate and the work you did sustained you.







This week, Mind Key writers focused on connection.  Marisa shared how nature and children together offer perspective and inspiration for writing and life in Writing Lessons from the Berry Patch and Tamara talked about education in the great outdoors in Learning in Nature.  Ojanae asked if we really are what we eat and Lyn spoke of helping kids with ADHD in the outdoors and how they connect.






The Earth is bountiful and ripe with healing properties.  Whether you focus solely on the food you eat or you step into the mystical with Chumpi Illumination or Drum Circles, nature has remained the ancient healer and is always there when you need it/her.

NJ Event - Drum Circle and Bonfire 7/16

What a wonderful night and a great group we had for the last drum circle!  Many thanks to everyone who participated!

Let's Celebrate Summer
with a
Drum Circle & Bonfire
on Saturday, July 16th

 
One never knows what will happen under the full moon . . . come experience it with us!

Beginning at 7pm at Reiki Ruth's Retreat

   Your $15 per person donation to help cover expenses is greatly appreciated,

we would not be able to continue without your generous participation!
No one will be turned away for lack of funds—we will gratefully accept
your help setting up, carrying fire wood and site preparation—just let us know
when you will arrive. Thanks!

 

Please feel free to bring a friend, and a drum, rattle
or percussion instrument of your choice.
(Extra drums and rattles will be available. Don't worry if you're not musical, you can't do it wrong!)

The path is rugged in spots, so please wear sturdy shoes.
We expect to be outside, so wear/bring an extra layer in case it gets chilly.
(If it's too cold or raining, we can always move indoors!)

Respond by email before July 15th so we won't start without you if you're late! :)

House phone: 973-728-3535 or Text: 201-960-4893
Over the river and through the woods... 30 Colfax Drive, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Cross the footbridge, take the path to the left past the house and up the hill to the fire pit.

For the full schedule of drum circles this year, go to: http://reikiruth.weebly.com/drum-circles.html

   

Drumming with others is an ancient practice that people have used for millennia all over the globe to connect, heal, learn, witness and celebrate with each other. It’s only been in the last few hundred years that many people in our modern cultures have stopped connecting in this way. 

  

Drum Circle Facilitator Vera Remes will lead us as we use various forms of vibration, such as simple clapping, drum, and rattle rhythms to create deep relaxation which allows the mind and body to become quiet.  Circle may include group drumming, chanting and breath work which will lead you to gain energized mental clarity, open creative inspiration, and expand your conscious awareness.  There will be elements of meditation and shamanic journeying (meditation for Type A personalities) and the inevitable Reiki share. ;) ;) Carving out this time to practice this form of meditation will deepen your access to relaxation and provide an opportunity for sharing your experiences. 

NJ Event - Drum Circle tomorrow night!

Reflecting on recent losses, near and far, I know it's ever important to celebrate life. So, let's make some noise! If you haven't already, please let us know if you're coming.

 

Looking forward to spending this time with you,
Ruth

   

Drumming with others is an ancient practice that people have used for millennia all over the globe to connect, heal, learn, witness and celebrate with each other. It’s only been in the last few hundred years that many people in our modern cultures have stopped connecting in this way. 

Drum Circle Facilitator Vera Remes will lead us as we use various forms of vibration, such as simple clapping, drum, and rattle rhythms to create deep relaxation which allows the mind and body to become quiet.  Circle may include group drumming, chanting and breath work which will lead you to gain energized mental clarity, open creative inspiration, and expand your conscious awareness.  There will be elements of meditation and shamanic journeying (meditation for Type A personalities) and the inevitable Reiki share. ;) ;) Carving out this time to practice this form of meditation will deepen your access to relaxation and provide an opportunity for sharing your experiences. 

Let's Celebrate the Full Strawberry Moon
with a
Drum Circle & Bonfire
on Saturday, June 18th

As you've noticed, we planned the drum circle schedule around the full moon—the Algonquin tribes knew this Moon as a time to gather ripening strawberries. It is also known as the Rose Moon and the Hot Moon. 

I have a feeling this will be a really sweet celebration!

Beginning at 7pm at Reiki Ruth's Retreat

  Your $15 per person donation to help cover expenses is greatly appreciated,
we would not be able to continue without your generous participation!
 

Please feel free to bring a friend, and a drum, rattle
or percussion instrument of your choice.
(Extra drums and rattles will be available. Don't worry if you're not musical, you can't do it wrong!)

The path is rugged in spots, so please wear sturdy shoes.
We expect to be outside, so wear/bring an extra layer in case it gets chilly.
(If it's too cold or raining, we can always move indoors!)

 
Over the river and through the woods... 30 Colfax Drive, Ringwood, NJ 07456 Cross the footbridge, take the path to the left past the house and up the hill to the fire pit. Telephone: 973-728-3535 or 201-960-4893

For the full schedule of drum circles this year, go to: http://reikiruth.weebly.com/drum-circles.html

 

Ringwood, NJ Event -Full Moon Drum Circle Saturday 5/21

The Algonquin tribe named this May moon the Full Flower Moon. Flowers spring forth in abundance this month. Some Algonquin tribes also knew this full Moon as the Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon.  In honor of this moon cycle we will be planting seeds that evening near our sacred circle and giving our “tribe” seeds to take home to plant.  We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Let's Celebrate the Full Flower Moon
with a Drum Circle & Bonfire
on Saturday, May 21st
beginning at 7pm at Reiki Ruth's Retreat
 
R.S.V.P. by May 20th so we won't start without you if you're late! :)  
  Your $15 per person donation to help cover expenses is greatly appreciated,
we would not be able to continue without your generous participation!
No one will be turned away for lack of funds—we will gratefully accept
your help setting up, carrying fire wood and site preparation—just let us know
when you will arrive. Thanks!
 

Please feel free to bring a friend, and a drum, rattle
or percussion instrument of your choice.
(Extra drums and rattles will be available. Don't worry if you're not musical, you can't do it wrong!)

The path is rugged in places, so please wear sturdy shoes.
We expect to be outside, so wear/bring an extra layer in case it gets chilly.
(If it's too cold, we can always move indoors!)

 
Over the river and through the woods...

30 Colfax Drive, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Telephone: 973-728-3535h or 201-960-4893c

   

Drumming with others is an ancient practice that people have used for millennia all over the globe to connect, heal, learn, witness and celebrate with each other. It’s only been in the last few hundred years that many people in our modern cultures have stopped connecting in this way. 
  
Drum Circle Facilitator and Mind Key columnist Vera Remes will lead us as we use various forms of vibration, such as simple clapping, drum, and rattle rhythms to create deep relaxation which allows the mind and body to become quiet.  Circle may include group drumming, chanting and breath work which will lead you to gain energized mental clarity, open creative inspiration, and expand your conscious awareness.  There will be elements of meditation and shamanic journeying (meditation for Type A personalities) and the inevitable Reiki share. ;) ;) Carving out this time to practice this form of meditation will deepen your access to relaxation and provide an opportunity for sharing your experiences. 

Weehawken, NJ EVENT - Shamanic Drum Circle on Friday 4/15

In a Nutshell: Shamanism

Last week on Mind Key the Blog we explored shamanism and how elements of this ancient tradition can help you discover your path to healing and balance.
 

"When I think of a shaman, the first image that comes to my head is an old, Native American man, grizzled and peaceful, sitting cross-legged next to a fire," our editor Charla Dury said in Shamanism for Dummies

In Nuances of Shamanism, member Vera Remes explains, "That power comes from a 'whole' soul and the protection of compassionate spirits and power animals, which create a spiritual force field around us."

Meanwhile, Tara Ann goes bold and reveals the benefits of sharing your sacred spirit animal in The Spirit Deer.

"I may not agree with the suggestion of keeping your spirit animal to yourself," Tara said, "but I do agree with one thing. You cannot pick your power animal on a whim."

And Tamara Rokicki teaches us how to smudge in Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing: A Native American Ritual.


"The Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing, also known a Smudging, focuses on smoke attaching itself to negative energy and thus carrying it elsewhere," Tamara said.

This week we'll be talking flowers on Mind Key the Blog. Stop by to learn how powerful a healer the spirit of a plant can be.

Nuances of Shamanism - what shamanic healing means to me

Vera at a Raven Reiki Drum Circle

I felt the horse I loved so much was “off”.  I contacted the vet who examined him, watched him move and told me I was crazy but agreed to take an x-ray anyway – mostly to shut me up.   I received a distraught message from him several days later saying my beloved mount had “rotation” of 17 degrees in the navicular bone in both front feet.  That’s a really awful thing for a horse, a painful, crippling condition.  He should have been lying down or limping painfully.  What I didn’t tell him was that for months before as soon as I felt he was starting to go "off", I would take his hoof in my hands and hold it and hope beyond hope that the pain I felt he was experiencing would be healed or in the very least he would not hurt anymore.

That’s the first time I remember being successful changing things with intent.  I guess I may have done it before, but this is the first time I remember.  Healing was something I wanted to learn more about and be good at, if I possibly could.  Working as a lawyer put that on a back burner but, upon retirement, I went for it.  Shamanism resonated with me and I started to study.

Most shamanic practitioners don't go around healing horses in a barn. Shamanism is an ancient mode of spiritual healing that is present in cultures all around the world. Traditionally Shamanic practice is passed along in families, but for others, like me, it is formalized in training sessions. Shamans don't heal someone without permission; they respect privacy and make no promises about outcomes. They can't, because, in their view, it's the spirits that do the healing. In my own practice I tell clients this is not my work, but rather Spirit working through me. My goal is always to be a clear and open channel for God’s healing, wisdom, and love to flow through me for the healing of the client.

Drumming is an important part of this healing.  The drumming induces a trancelike state during which time shamans can journey to other worlds. The closest you may have come to this is through your dreams, which shamans believe are full of information from the spirits. If all sounds a little far-fetched, a little “cray cray”, that’s was I thought too. Trained as a lawyer, I asked myself if I was making this up, but the experiences were powerful, and when I started doing shamanic healing and seeing little miracles happen, there was no way it wasn't happening.

My concurrent journey in paranormal research made it easy for me to recognize there are other realities that can be called upon to help heal people. That power comes from a "whole" soul and the protection of compassionate spirits and power animals, which create a spiritual force field around us.

Raven Reiki has drum circles about once a month during which times healings are visualized for all those who desire them.  Mostly though we get together to experience the positive effects of group drumming and chanting.  All are welcome.  www.mindkey.me/drumcircles

Midsummer Festival TODAY

Don’t forget to join us TODAY for the Mind Key Midsummer Festival in Ringwood. 

The weather looks like it will be beautiful, and we’re gearing up for a day full of music, events, and lots of fun and inspiration.

CLICK HERE for a full listing of vendors, activities and a schedule of the day’s events. This family-friendly event is also a great opportunity to get some physical healing, learn about membership and view our beautiful hardcover book: The Mind Key Project: An Anthology for the very first time.

We will have live music, an open mic, and round out the day with a bonfire by the lake.  There will be awesome give-aways and gift certificates every hour.  Need a last minute gift for Dad?  Pamela Dzbenski will be taking photos and portraits all day long!

Stay for a few minutes or the whole day.  

We hope to see you soon!

Blessings,
Danielle

Healing drum circle by Raven Reiki

Vera Ann Remes and Reiki Ruth Amarante of Raven Reiki will be sharing their light at Trinity Summer Fest this weekend by providing healing sessions, meditations, divination with natural objects, and a drum circle on Saturday evening, August 16^th. 

Reiki Master/Teacher and Drum Circle Facilitator, Vera Remes, has added the nuances of shamanic journeying, music, drumming, crystals and psychic intuition to the Usui Reiki she was taught, creating a modality of healing she has dubbed “Raven Reiki.”

Vera taught special needs students for over a decade before practicing law for 31 years.  In her spare time she rode horses for a local sheriff’s department and after retiring she became a registered therapeutic riding instructor.

“When I started expanding my horizons to include a pursuit of psychic development, Reiki and shamanic studies, my life really came alive,” Vera said. “I now wake up each morning glad to be alive and with a desire to help people with their physical, spiritual and emotional health issues.”

Vera began developing her psychic abilities under the guidance of Jacqui Geary.  She joined ECRIPT, a paranormal research group and continues to use her investigative skills to help people.  Intrigued by shamanism Vera took an introductory course with Michael Harner.  During this journey she came across the term “drum circle facilitator” and now acts in this capacity to help others experience the drum circle, journey to the upper and lower worlds and discover their “teacher” and “power animal.”

She was introduced to Reiki by Ruth Amarante who served with her at the local sheriff’s department, and who works with Raven Reiki on many levels.

“Over time I’ve incorporated everything I’ve learned for a healing modality that’s unique to me, and not easy to name or describe. I call it Raven Reiki after my Shamanic Guide. It is not Shamanic Reiki as I have heard some people refer to the combination of methods - It is Raven Reiki, a client driven method that primarily uses positive imaging to change spiritually, physically and emotionally.”

Raven Reiki is honored to have Reiki Ruth offer her own special form of Reiki at Summer Fest on Saturday from 11 to 7. 

Ruth Amarante, Reiki Master/Teacher

       After years of studying and practicing Reiki for personal use, Ruth made the commitment to becoming a Reiki Master in 2012. Since completing her Third Degree in the Usui System of Natural Healing, Ruth has clients and students in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Hawaii. 

       Expanding on her life-long interest in crystals, Ruth has a wide variety of healing stones that may be used during sessions as needed.

       Creating a truly unique healing experience, Ruth may also combine Reiki with the Raindrop Technique of applying essential oils. Always striving for the highest and best good, each client receives an individualized healing using all of Ruth's skills, knowledge, intuition and connection with Spirit.

Learn more about Summer Fest and our practitioners in this week's blog roll:

BLOG ROLL:

Trinity Summer Fest

The Vibrant Art of Dana Bree

The Realm of Faerie by Danielle Rose

Trinity Summer Fest 2014

This weekend, August 16th & 17th, Trinity Metaphysical Center & Gift Shop of Hamburrg, NJ will be hosting Trinity Summer Fest 2014 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds (37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822).  

With free admission, this indoor/outdoor festival will be held rain or shine in the Richards Building and surrounding fairgrounds.

Dubbed North Jersey's Premier Metaphysical and Paranormal Festival, the event will benefit the Willco Fire Bay Renters, who lost their businesses due to an arson fire, and the Branchville, NJ Fire Department.  There will be bands, vendors, and events to nourish mind, body and soul.

Discover food, practitioners, paranormal groups, ghost hunting, on-site camping, live bands and entertainment, and more. Practitioners from throughout the country will be providing services including psychic readings, energy healing, reflexology, massage therapy, yoga, belly dancing, hula hooping, meditation, drum circle, and workshops. Vendors will include jewelry, crystals and stones, artwork, essential oils, health and wellness products, skincare, handcrafted items, books, candles, airbrush tattoos, face painting, children's craft tables and many others.

Mediums and intuitives of varied walks and backgrounds will be available for psychic readings including world renowned psychic medium and paranormal investigator Jane Doherty of TLC’s “Dead Tenants” and Mind Key’s own Danielle Rose.

Visionary artists such as Dana Bree will have their original works available for viewing and sale (learn more about Dana in yesterday's blog post), and healers will be set up to provide services and host workshops, including a drum circle facilitated by Vera Remes of Raven Reiki on Saturday evening (stay tuned for more about Raven Reiki in tomorrow's post).

Live band and solo artist performances include R.E.N.O., Blind Men Driving?, Aragon, Jeff and the Full Gaynor, Mingo Lodge from Big Boss Sausage, Will Cowan, Tim Blohm, Will Rivera, Andrew Gallagher and Ali Potosnak.

Additional summer fest, camping and vendor Information is available at http://www.trinitymetaphysicalcenter.com/ or at

Trinity Metaphysical Center & Gift Shop, Hardyston Plaza North, 3617 Rt 23 South Suite 40, Hamburg, NJ 07419. T: 973-209-7070.

Many thanks to Jacqui Geary of Trinity Metaphysical for organizing this event and providing the above information.

BLOG ROLL:

The vibrant art of Dana Bree

Healing Drum Circle by Raven Reiki

The Realm of Faerie by Danielle Rose