The Ardantane Blog

Website Updated!

2012-02-05T07:34:00.001-07:00

The 2012 Calendar is posted!

It is now ready to accept your registrations and payments for Ardantane classes in 2012.

B*B,
Rowan, OLW

Open Visioning Retreat for Ardantane Sun. Feb. 12

2012-01-26T12:31:00.001-07:00

One Day of Visioning for Ardantane

On Sunday, February 12, Ardantane will hold a Visioning Retreat in Albuquerque at the home of one of our Board members. It's a comfy and elegant setting; all it lacks is you.

You are invited to spend the day envisioning Ardantane's future. We need your ideas, suggestions, proposals, critiques, needs, and dreams to chart Ardantane's future and serve you better. The event is free and open to all friends of Ardantane.

We will gather by 9:30 am and conclude by 5:00 pm. Please bring a potluck dish or beverage to share for the mid-day meal.

Contact me if you would like to participate, so we can plan for handouts etc. I will send you directions to the location. I hope to see you February 12th!

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

You're Invited to Our Imbolg or Candlemas Celebration

2012-01-26T12:22:00.001-07:00

Imbolg at Ardantane

Imbolg, (also called Oimelc, Candlemas, Brigit's Eve, and other names) is the festival of returning light, and the promise of spring reawakening, as well as honoring the Celtic goddess Brigit.

YOU ARE INVITED to celebrate at Ardantane on Friday, February 3rd, at 6:30 pm. Wear festive clothes and bring a potluck dish or beverage to share. (No, we don't try to organize our potlucks because we never know who's coming. However, main dishes--both meat and vegetarian--are always popular.)

Let's light candles, sing, feast, gather 'round for stories, and welcome the Light and the Spring!

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

To SIGN UP for New Classes

2012-01-26T12:15:00.001-07:00

Hi Folks,

While we're getting out website updated for 2012, please know that you can register for any class or event simply by e-mailing Rowan, our Registrar:

Registration@ardantane.org

Classes were listed in the most recent Ardantane Herald newsletter. If you need a new copy of the upcoming classes, just e-mail the Registrar and ask for one.

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Celebrate YULE Friday at Ardantane!

2011-12-12T18:14:00.001-07:00

Yule Celebration at Ardantane

This Friday, December 16, we will gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Ardantane. Come make merry with us!

We will gather about 6:00 pm in the Dome, and begin the ritual at 6:30. There will be singing and a Yule tree and fun and visits from Legendary Personages, so so we hear. Candlelight and music and companionship on the eve of the sun's rebirth--what could be better?

After the ritual, join in a potluck feast (bring a dish or beverage), and there will be a Yule Card table with materials for creating your own original holiday card for that special someone.

If you don't want to drive back, you can stay over in one of the cottages; just let us know so we can save a bed. No charge for the ritual or overnight accommodations.

We will have a cauldron there, and will accept donations for a worthy cause: this time, a human rights organization, since it's International Human Rights Week. So if you have a few bucks to spare, put 'em in.

If you need directions, contact Amber at 505-469-7777 and she can e-mail them to you.

See you Friday--let's CELEBRATE!

Thank you Blessed Beavers!

2011-12-12T18:04:00.001-07:00

Blessed Beavers Work Parties at Ardantane

We had an even dozen volunteers come out for the Blessed Beavers work party last Saturday, and they did wonderful things for the Ardantane campus!

The Caravan, where so many of our visitors stay, is "cleaned within an inch of its life." The Dome likewise, is cleaned and organized and ready for the Yule celebration Friday.

Other volunteers taped and mudded drywall, and painted primer, in Cattail Cottage. That's going to be a very cozy place for students and retreaters to stay!

They put up insulated curtains in Hawk Haven and prepped the A/C for winter. They hauled trash to the transfer station. They shoveled snow. They did more that I don't even remember, and they did it all with a willing spirit that was a joy to be part of. Thank you all!

Blessed Beavers will not meet in January; it's our month off to plan, rest, and consolidate. Starting in February we will have second-Saturday work parties each month. If you are part of a Pagan or magickal group, and would like to come up to do a day of service as a group, please contact me. We can offer free beverages and lunch, and Beaver Bucks good toward any Ardantane event. If your group can't do a second Saturday, we can arrange another day. Please talk it over with your group!

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Work Party Dec. 10, and YULE Celebration Dec. 16

2011-11-24T10:09:00.001-07:00

Help Out at Blessed Beavers Work Party

The Blessed Beavers work party on Saturday Dec. 10 starts about 9:00 am, although you can arrive at any time. We generally wrap up our work by 4:00 pm. We do projects to build and improve the campus: painting, simple carpentry, cleanup, etc. We have work for all levels of skill, and we provide all tools and materials. Lunch and beverages are provided, and we give "Beaver Bucks" (coupons good toward any Ardantane class or event). It's a good way to meet friendly Pagan people, and earn credit toward classes and retreats. December's work party will be mostly indoor work, I think.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Ardantane

For the Yule celebration Friday Dec. 16, we gather around 6:00 pm, have a celebratory ritual about 6:30, and then a potluck and socializing time. It's family-friendly, lots of singing and fun. Wear something happy, bring a potluck dish or beverage. It ends early enough to get home at a reasonable hour, but you can also stay overnight if you want to drive home by daylight. Just let me know if you'll want a bed.

And call if you need directions!

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Healers! "Western Way of Healing" Class in Alb. Nov. 19-20!

2011-10-27T19:02:00.001-06:00

Western Way of Healing November 19-20 in Albuquerque with Kathy Damaras and Digby Henry School of Healing Arts, Fee: $110 (financial aid available)  This workshop presents a nature-based focus of health, healing and  well-being. It introduces the wisdom seeker and practitioner to the  many pathways and practices of the Western Ways of Healing.  It presents methods and practices that have been used for centuries in  western cultures as the ways and means of healing the sick and  maintaining the well-being of the community. It includes explorations,  protocols and models of practice that have developed in the present  centuries.  The participant will explore the nature ways of Naturopathy and  Homeopathy, and the plant ways of Herbalism, Aromatherapy and Flower  Essences. The workshop invites meetings with the Spirits of Nature, the  Gods, the Goddesses and the Wisdom Keepers of the ancient ways of  healing. This workshop involves the participants in work with the  energies of body, mind, spirit and place. We will explore, Kinesiology,  Healing Touch, Intuitive Healing and Environmental Healing.  This workshop is a beginning to the Certificate Program in the School  of Healing Arts. Over a two day weekend the participant will gain a  basic knowledge and experience as a foundation for further specific  study.  The universe and place we live in is alive and speaks with us in many  ways. The medicines and wisdoms of the past were grown from that  conversation. This workshop provides the opportunity to re-engage in  that conversation and reconnect with the healing wisdoms of Nature.  For financial aid information, contact

Amber K Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center Telephone: 505-469-7777

AmberK1@aol.com

REGISTER here at the website OR mail your check to: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 Website: www.ardantane.org

Las Cruces Workshop! Divinatory Arts Nov. 19-20

2011-10-25T11:00:00.000-06:00

The Divinatory Arts: A Workshop

Making Choices, Finding Trends

November 19-20 in Las Cruces

Tarot

Palmistry

Runes

Casting Stones

Astrology… and more.

Facilitators include:

Amber K (author of True Magick, Covencraft, etc.)

Azrael Arynn K (Co-author of Ritualcraft, How to Become a Witch, etc.)

Rowan (Dean of the School of Magick and Witchcraft)

…and other experienced diviners,

as you learn skills to guide the direction of your life.

OR mail your check to:

Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs NM 87025

OR register online at www.ardantane.org

Fee: Only $90, or $60 for students

You will receive a confirmation letter with directions & details

NEED MORE INFORMATION? Call 505-469-7777

YOU ARE INVITED to the Southwest Pagan Leaders’ Conference Nov. 4-6

2011-10-17T17:26:00.001-06:00

Southwest Pagan Leaders' Conference Nov. 4 - 6 at Ardantane with Amber K and Azrael Arynn K. School of Pagan Leadership, Fee: $80  Will your coven, circle, grove or kindred be represented? If you are a  leader of organizer in the Pagan community—or would like to be—join  others for a weekend of fellowship and renewal in the beautiful Jemez  Mountains. A calm and friendly weekend at a special low fee, just for  you. There will be learning activities and skill-building, and  discussion of issues facing Paganism in the Southwest--but also social  time and relaxation.  Sign up now at the website or mail your check to: Ardantane, P.O. Box  307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025  Blessed be, Amber K  Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center Telephone: 505-469-7777 Website: www.ardantane.org

Come to the Witches' Retreat Oct. 28-30!

2011-10-17T14:26:00.000-06:00

Darksome Night and Crescent Moon: A Witches' Retreat at Ardantane October 28-30, Fee: $110  For all those Witchy folks that don't have a coven to celebrate with...  or do have a coven, but want more than one evening ritual... or want to  bring their whole coven! The event begins with the Ardantane Samhain  ritual and potluck on Friday, and runs through Sunday morning. Enjoy A  Night Walk with Ancestors... the Labyrinth with votive candles... a  Divination Corner with lots of Tarot decks and other forms to try... a  Witches' Bardic Circle... a "Decorate-A-Fancy-Witch-Hat" contest... a  Broom-making or Wand-making workshop... discussions about the Craft...  lots of Witchy poems and chants and songs... and more, for men and  women of the Craft.  Let this your invitation be To join the Witches' revelry. Of ritual and rhyme shall we Celebrate Witchy history. All that's woo-woo in the dark, And round the fire's glowing spark Chant the words, cast the spells, Light the candles, ring the bells. Bring music, too, and tale spin, Come join with all your Witchy friends! Dress all in black and you shall see, As We Will, So Mote It Be!  Register here at the website, OR mail your check to: Ardantane, P.O.

Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025.  If you are interested in work-study financial aid, contact:  Amber K Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center AmberK1@aol.com Telephone: 505-469-7777 Website: www.ardantane.org

LAST CALL for Goddess Retreat for Women

2011-10-07T13:59:00.001-06:00

Goddess Spirituality Retreat Friday eve. Oct. 14 to Sunday afternoon Oct. 16 at Ardantane with Diana, Michelle Lynn,

Azrael Arynn K, Amber K School of Pagan Spirituality, Fee: $110  A special community retreat for women, exploring and nurturing our  goddess selves. Myths and legends, creative goddess altars, dancing and  feasting, goddess guidance and readings, meditation and music, high  ritual, and much more in place of beauty and power: the Ardantane  campus in the Red Rocks of the Jemez Mountains. For women and daughters  14-104.  SIGN UP NOW on the website, or call 505-469-7777

Website: www.ardantane.org

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Fall and Winter HERBS Class in Albuquerque!

2011-09-28T18:19:00.001-06:00

Plant Medicine: Fall and Winter Herbs

October 8-9 in Albuquerque with Kathy McKibben

School of Healing Arts, Fee: $110

This class will discuss the fall and winter plants and foods useful for good immune health. Roots, berries, and herbals for flu's, colds and winter blues will be addressed. Infections and how they are spread and how to interrupt the infection chain will be presented. The fall and winter Materia Medica will be presented. The herbal poultice, tincturing, teas, herbal wines, congees and "yes, more soups" will be discussed. We will make a tea, a fall soup and a tincture during this class. We will review the ethical use of Plant Medicine and the Standards of Practice as herbalists.

SIGN UP here on the website OR send your check to: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Questions? Telephone: 505-469-7777

Website: www.ardantane.org

Volunteers Needed for Oct. 8 and 9 Yard Sale

2011-09-28T15:09:00.000-06:00

Help!

Ardantane needs four volunteers (2 Saturday, 2 Sunday) to watch our
table at the Jemez Valley 26-Mile Yard Sale, October 8 or 9.

That weekend, people all up and down the Jemez Valley will be doing
"yard sales" along Highway 4 in the Jemez Mountains.

Ardantane will be selling off a bunch of furniture and other stuff to
raise money for our building program.

Could you watch our sales table either Saturday or Sunday, 8 am to 5
pm? It will be at Trail House grocery, on Hwy. 4, near Ardantane. We'll
buy your lunch and give you Beaver Bucks that you can use for any
Ardantane class or retreat.

Please let us know if you can help! Half days are possible too.

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center
Telephone: 505-469-7777
Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Website: www.ardantane.org

Goddess Retreat for Women Oct. 14-16

2011-09-24T18:16:00.001-06:00

Goddess Spirituality Retreat October 14-16 at Ardantane with Diana, Michelle Lynn, Azrael Arynn K, Amber K School of Pagan Spirituality, Fee: $110  A special community retreat for women, exploring and nurturing our  goddess selves. Myths and legends, creative goddess altars, dancing and  feasting, goddess guidance and readings, meditation and music, high  ritual, and much more in place of beauty and power: the Ardantane  campus in the Red Rocks of the Jemez Mountains. For women and girls  14-104.  SIGN UP NOW here on the website, or mail your fee to Ardantane, P.O.  Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025.  Questions? Telephone 505-469-7777  Website: www.ardantane.org

Volunteer and Be a Blessed Beaver at Ardantane Tomorrow

2011-09-09T17:24:00.001-06:00

Imagine... a tiny handful of Blessed Beavers, struggling through the sleet and snow, in the darkness, crawling uphill (both ways) as they pit their waning strength against the elements, and seek to build a campus and retreat center for Pagans...

OR imagine a large and happy band of Blessed Beavers, including you, laughing in the sunlight, watching the birds sing and the bunnies play, filled with energy and joy as they create a Pagan campus....

What a difference YOU can make! Join us tomorrow, Saturday September 10, and help us get the campus together for the autumn season. You can show up at 8:00 am or anytime thereafter... build, paint, clean up... have free lunch and beverages, earn Beaver Bucks, watch the sunlight and bunnies and all that... please come, we would love to see you.

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Learn to Heal with Crystals: Saturday Sept. 24

2011-09-06T10:22:00.000-06:00

You. A gleaming crystal. The power to heal. Discover it now.

Crystal Healing 101
Saturday, September 24 at Ardantane with Kathy McKibben
School of Healing Arts, Fee: $60

In this age where we seek alternative ways to treat and cure our ailments, our understanding and awareness of crystals and their healing powers have grown. In fact, you may have noticed that something magical happens when we use crystals as part of our healing process. In this the first of our Crystal healing class series, we will guide you on a journey of self-discovery and self-healing as we explore crystals and how crystals synchronize with the seven chakras for healing and clearing.

Crystals and gemstones have been used for thousands of years as powerful healing aids. Many people wear precious, semi-precious stones not only as jewelry but for their healing benefits as well.

We respond to colors and light. Is it any wonder that crystal healing is a wonderful, yet gentle therapy that works on all levels of the body, mind and spirit? You'll discover how they can draw in and radiate healing energy.

We will also discuss how to store and care for your crystals by cleaning, clearing and charging them to amplify their healing abilities. We'll also focus on some of the ways crystals and other stones are used in healing methods, meditation, and enhancing your own Spiritual path.

SIGN UP NOW here on the website, OR mail your check to Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, OR call 505-469-7777 if you have questions or need financial assistance.

You are invited to a Guided Imagery Class Sunday, September 4

2011-08-23T12:21:00.001-06:00

A day that could change your life for the better...

The Inner Lantern: Exploration and Change
Sunday, September 4 at Ardantane with Barbara Leonard and Amber K
Fee: $60

Exploration and change with guided imagery/meditation and creative visualization. Learn to use these powerful but gentle tools to focus, relax, heal, solve problems, reduce anxiety and tension, release stressful thoughts or addictive behaviors, get in touch with your intuition, and find guidance from your "inner advisors."

Experienced facilitators will lead you through several different kinds of inner experience, then teach you to design your own self-guided meditations and visualizations for use at home or in other settings. This workshop includes several handouts and a resource list that you can use later.

Participants should bring sleeping pad or yoga mat, small pillow, and a blanket. Also bring a bag lunch (we have refrigerator and microwave), unless you prefer a Subway sandwich from the shop nearby. NOTE: If you sign up more than two weeks in advance, you will receive an "Early Bird" certificate worth $10 off on any future class at Ardantane.

SIGN UP HERE AT THE WEBSITE, or mail your check to: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs NM 87025. Call Ardantane at 505-469-7777 if you have questions about this program or need financial aid.

We Need Willing Hands Saturday August 13

2011-08-04T07:42:00.001-06:00

Hi Folks,

If you live fairly close and can come to the Blessed Beavers work party August 13, we could sure use a hand!

The weather is cooling a bit, and this is our chance to get some important work done on the campus: Some projects you could help with:

- Finishing cleanup in the "Lumberyard" area

- Prepping the site for the HARRE Potty

- Repairing a patch of floor in the Dome

- Starting to insulate Cattail Cottage

- Painting, painting, painting

We'll be working by 8:30 am, come when you can. Lunch, beverages, Beaver Bucks--and good work with friendly people. Hope to see you!

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

RITUAL FOR SOLITARIES Ardantane Workshop in Albuquerque!

2011-07-31T12:36:00.003-06:00

This will be a GOOD one and it's right in Albuquerque, at one of our favorite magickal bookstores: Blue Eagle! Join us!

Ritual for Solitaries
Sunday, August 21 in Albuquerque at Blue Eagle Books with Rowan, Dean of the School of Magick and Witchcraft
Fee: $60

Ritual is as important for solitary practitioners as it is for those who work in groups. We use ritual to create and mark change, whether within ourselves or in our outer lives. This weekend workshop gives hands-on practice for creating private rituals for all occasions, such as dedication to a spiritual path or deity, purification and cleansing, releasing, changing home or career, or passage into elderhood. Unlike some books and websites that provide collections of recycled ritual scripts, this class provides you with the tools you need to create rituals from your own heart to serve your own purposes. The class does not presume any particular tradition of spiritual practice, emphasizing general concepts that can be adapted for use in a wide range of contexts.

SIGN UP NOW at the website (www.ardantane.org) or mail your fee to: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025.

IF YOU HAVE Beaver Bucks, Early Bird Bucks, Class Coupons, or Bring-A-Friend Bucks-- use 'em up! Don't let them sit in a drawer when you could be enjoying an Ardantane experience at free or reduced cost!

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Fire Update at Ardantane

2011-07-31T12:36:00.001-06:00

Hello Everybody,

The Las Conchas Fire is 99% contained, according to the latest reports from firefighters. The last area of active fire, as reported yesterday, was on the southwest edge of the fire (the area closest to Ardantane), but they seem confident that it won't spread much farther if at all. The number of firefighters on site is now fewer than 200.

The fire burned more than 156,000 acres, making it the largest in New Mexico history. Many homes and outbuildings were lost in the Jemez Mountains, and there were a dozen or so injuries to firefighters, but no human lives were lost.

The Burned Area Emergency Response teams are assessing what can be done to help restore the area and control dangerous flash floods in the wake of the fire. We know that many Witches and other Pagans in the area are already working on healing and restoration for the land.

Thank you to all who did magick for rain during the threat, and to those who offered refuge if Ardantane had to be evacuated. Please continue to work for gentle intermittent rains, and for the healing of the land and wildlife.

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Celebrate Lughnassad Harvest Friday evening!

2011-07-28T10:53:00.000-06:00

LUGHNASSAD CELEBRATION

Friday evening, July 29 at 6:00 pm, at the Ardantane Campus--join us to celebrate Lughnassad, the first of the Celtic Harvest festivals!

Ritual at 6:00 or 6:30 pm, followed by a potluck supper. Bring a dish or beverage to share.

Wear comfy clothing or dress up--as you wish! No fee. Contact Amber if you need directions or have questions.

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

FIRE: Purpose and Passion Workshop August 14

2011-07-27T12:06:00.001-06:00

Fire: Purpose and Passion
Sunday, August 14 at Ardantane with Azrael Arynn K and Amber K
School of Sacred Living, Fee: $60

What is your True Will, your destiny, your highest calling? Turn dreams into goals and create your reality with focus and passion. At the same time, learn exercises and practices that will maintain your energy field at peak health. Harness your inner Fire!

Remember, you can use Bevaer Bucks, Early Bird Bucks, and Class Coupons toward the registration fee!

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org

Forest Fire Near Ardantane: Update

2011-07-12T09:54:00.001-06:00

I want to thank all of you who chanted, prayed, and worked magick for
rain yesterday. In fact we did have some gentle rain in the late
afternoon and last night. Apparently it didn't reach the fire much, but
it cooled and moistened things here.

Azrael and I went to the fire information meeting in Jemez Springs
yesterday evening. The southwestern edge of the fire (moving toward
Ardantane) seems to be the last major battleground of the fire, but the
firefighters are confident that their line will hold at Forest Road
266, about 6 miles from here.

Please keep working for rain, and for the safety and effectiveness of
all the men and women fighting the fire.

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center
Telephone: 505-469-7777
Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Website: www.ardantane.org

Fire Danger: Magick for Rain, Please

2011-07-11T09:12:00.001-06:00

Please keep doing magick/meditation/prayers for rain in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico.

The southwest portion of the huge Las Conchas fire is growing faster, burning hotter, and moving toward Ardantane.

Blessed be, Amber K

Executive Director, Ardantane Pagan Learning Center

Telephone: 505-469-7777

Address: Ardantane, P.O. Box 307, Jemez Springs, NM 87025

Website: www.ardantane.org