Herstory: Why Do We Gather?
Why do we gather?
When women gather intentionally, something magical happens. We can let go of our societal images and just be ourselves, whatever that looks like to each woman. It is a chance for each of us to reconnect to our sense of purpose, to our inner knowing, and to a vibrant community of empowered and creative women.
Women have been gathering in all corners of the world in all eras for many purposes. It is so natural for us to be drawn to get together and co-create the world we wish to see. With this gathering, we aspire to create a cooperative, non-competitive environment where each feels seen, appreciated for her gifts and supported, in whatever ways we need.
When women feel empowered and supported, the benefits ripple out to the world. We will inevitably bring the positive energy from the gathering home to our families, our social circles, our professional lives, and to the our community connections.
Herstory
The seed of Weaving Women’s Wisdom was planted early in 2014. It germinated and grew from the combined efforts of 13 women living in Butte County, who all felt passionate about creating an inspirational community of girls and women that are connected to themselves, each other, and the earth. There are many wonderful women’s gatherings around the country, but none that were specifically bringing together women in this way in their bioregion. After 9 months of dreaming and planning, 120 girls and women ages 2 months to 72 years arrived for the 2-day gathering at the Lake Concow Campground in the foothills just outside of Chico, CA.
The Gathering featured delicious and nurturing food and herbal teas from local farms, 28 skill sharing workshops, a moon lodge, a blanket faire, heart songs around the fire at night, a supervised children’s area, and multiple ceremonies. All workshop instructors were participants at the gathering and from Butte County or nearby. The workshop categories included Wellness & Wholeness, Music & Movement, Herbal Lifestyles, Crafts, Caring for the Earth, and The Infinite Other. The ceremonies honored maidens, matrons, and crones and the welcoming of the sun and included poetry, dancing, singing, and wisdom sharing. It was a time for mothers to receive care and acknowledgment for all the work they do; for elders to be seen and appreciated for the wisdom they have gathered in a lifetime of living (and not to be dismissed as so often happens in the dominant culture), and for young women, or maidens, to be seen for their own beauty, gifts, and unique qualities.
And the dream goes on….that Weaving Women’s Wisdom will become an annual tradition in Butte County, where women of all ages can gather and replenish themselves year after year and the wisdom and bonds continue to weave throughout our region.
When women gather intentionally, something magical happens. We can let go of our societal images and just be ourselves, whatever that looks like to each woman. It is a chance for each of us to reconnect to our sense of purpose, to our inner knowing, and to a vibrant community of empowered and creative women.
Women have been gathering in all corners of the world in all eras for many purposes. It is so natural for us to be drawn to get together and co-create the world we wish to see. With this gathering, we aspire to create a cooperative, non-competitive environment where each feels seen, appreciated for her gifts and supported, in whatever ways we need.
When women feel empowered and supported, the benefits ripple out to the world. We will inevitably bring the positive energy from the gathering home to our families, our social circles, our professional lives, and to the our community connections.
Herstory
The seed of Weaving Women’s Wisdom was planted early in 2014. It germinated and grew from the combined efforts of 13 women living in Butte County, who all felt passionate about creating an inspirational community of girls and women that are connected to themselves, each other, and the earth. There are many wonderful women’s gatherings around the country, but none that were specifically bringing together women in this way in their bioregion. After 9 months of dreaming and planning, 120 girls and women ages 2 months to 72 years arrived for the 2-day gathering at the Lake Concow Campground in the foothills just outside of Chico, CA.
The Gathering featured delicious and nurturing food and herbal teas from local farms, 28 skill sharing workshops, a moon lodge, a blanket faire, heart songs around the fire at night, a supervised children’s area, and multiple ceremonies. All workshop instructors were participants at the gathering and from Butte County or nearby. The workshop categories included Wellness & Wholeness, Music & Movement, Herbal Lifestyles, Crafts, Caring for the Earth, and The Infinite Other. The ceremonies honored maidens, matrons, and crones and the welcoming of the sun and included poetry, dancing, singing, and wisdom sharing. It was a time for mothers to receive care and acknowledgment for all the work they do; for elders to be seen and appreciated for the wisdom they have gathered in a lifetime of living (and not to be dismissed as so often happens in the dominant culture), and for young women, or maidens, to be seen for their own beauty, gifts, and unique qualities.
And the dream goes on….that Weaving Women’s Wisdom will become an annual tradition in Butte County, where women of all ages can gather and replenish themselves year after year and the wisdom and bonds continue to weave throughout our region.