Monday, December 28, 2015

Right in the middle of the holidays...

So here we are - December 28th - it is Larry's 5th birthday.  We worked with clients today, and entertained some surprise visitors.  Angeni went with friends to see "The Nutcracker" at Centre in the Square (Kitchener).  She's home now, but was on the road a loooonnnggg time for a teenager.  Brian went out to exchange his Christmas gift from me (a router) for a model that fits his tool lift - he's chomping at the bit to start making feather boxes and a requested jewellery box for my cousin.  Larry and I tried a wee nap.  Methinks I should back up a little...

Our solstice gathering on the 20th was fabulous - amazing - heartfelt and joyful.  We had about 21 people crammed in the livingroom.  There was ample, diverse food and really interesting spirit gifts.  Passing the talking stick is a novel thing for some folks, and it is amazing how much sheer love was felt in the room, even though some were comparative strangers.  I brought forward some teachings about the sacred tree, and the correlation of the Tungus shamanic traditions to the legend of Santa Claus. We did a couple of naming ceremonies as well, complete with megis shells to the heart of the recipients.  This was one of the best gatherings we've had in some time...

Also on the 20th, Angeni participated in a church cantata in Midland at St. Paul's.  She and 3 other guest high school students brought instruments from Penetanguishene Secondary to bolster the choir and orchestra.  Angeni does percussion, and so had numerous instruments to maneuver between for the hour-long performance.  Judging from her recapitulation of the event, this was a one-time experience for these students. Penetanguishene Secondary closes in June and she graduates from grade 12, so it is a moot point.

Christmas day was epic - we had an 18 pound turkey!  We invited a friend (who would otherwise have been alone) and it was like the old days...  we used to always have extra people visit.  There is a big bag of turkey now frozen, ready to pull out when we're wondering about dinner somewhere around Family Day...  I do love my turkey and mayo sandwiches.

It is rare for the 3 of us to be in the same room together at the same time...  even as I write this, the other 2 are watching "Shaun the Sheep".  It isn't my thing, but this is where my lift chair resides.  I wouldn't leave the room if I could...  it is hard getting us all together, and that's what the holidays are about (even if it takes a stop-motion, cartoonish movie).

I'm still dreaming of all the purses I'm in the throes of making (albeit the early stages).  I secretly go to the studio and gently caress all my bag-making hardware.  I coo loving words to it...  I've been threatened to avoid making a Hello Kitty purse.  I don't abide these threats...  Hello Kitty is in the queue - bwahahahahaaa.  

Well, this needs to wrap up.  I wish all who read my blog a very blessed, wonderful, joy-filled 2016.  It is an extra-special leap year, and one of the last angelic harmonic convergences for awhile.  I am optimistic about the state of the world, peace emerging and general ascension...  it is finally coming all together.  Hold me to that prognostication... Love and light, Kathryn

Larry as a new puppy in 2011...


Larry playing the stupid shoe game last night...

Thursday, December 03, 2015

December Open House

Just to be confusing, I'm posting things out of order...  Here is the information for our upcoming open house:



Open House Saturday Dec. 5th and Sunday Dec. 6th
Greetings! Wolfe Island Métis Charitable Association and Moonstar Lodge are pleased to host an Open House for the community on Saturday Dec. 5 and Sunday Dec. 6, 2015, 10 AM to 4 PM both days.  We will be offering hot cider and seasonal treats.  All are welcome to the studio located at 302 Lafontaine Rd. West, Tiny (Lafontaine). 
December is an exciting month in our schedule… we have new moon on Dec. 11th, which is like our “New Year’s”.  December 20th is our solstice gathering, where we celebrate with traditional stories and a gifting ceremony.  We look forward to sharing our traditions with the community.

If you'd like information on these events, just send Brian an email at brian@moonstarlodge.com and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Blessings, Kathryn

Upcoming Classes

Hello!  To say it was a busy month is an understatement - 2 whole days off (sort of) in 40 days...  for me it actually slows down over the holidays...  However, one of the things accomplished is our slate of winter courses and gatherings...  here it is!


Moonstar Lodge

Aboriginal Traditional and Alternative

Spiritual and Educational Services

2016 Winter Courses & Gatherings
Dreamcatchers: We supply the basic materials: hoop, sinew, feathers, cornets, etc., and ask you to bring those items of personal value that you might want to weave into your creation. We instruct you in the correct historical methods.  Please bring: needle nose pliers, SHARP scissors, wire snips and a tapestry needle.  Sunday January 17, 1 - 4 PM.  $44.00
Quilting a Medicine Blanket: One of our most sacred traditions, in this workshop we will make the basic blanket (materials are provided), journey for instruction, and otherwise begin the surface embellishment. It is not expected that the blankets will be completed on this day — that is a spiritual journey unto itself.  We will provide: cotton muslin and interior batting, beeswax and 100% cotton quilting thread. Students to bring: needles for sewing, including quilting needles (the smaller the needle, the nicer the stitches), scissors, paper for sketching, sacred objects of your choice and items for surface embellishment i.e. embroidery threads, ribbon, yarns, beads made of natural materials (wood, stone, glass, bone, ceramic, etc.), fur, leather, crystals, sea shells, driftwood, feathers, fabric paints/markers, baby teeth, bone fragments. Bringing your objects will help you plan their placement.  Sundays January 24 and February 7, 1 - 4 PM.  $100.00
Crystal Wands: In north-eastern Shamanism, the copper wand is a necessary tool.  In this course we supply the copper, crystal, leather and resin.  Students need to bring any embellishments they have for the wand.  After the wands are completed, students will learn how to use them.  Saturday February 13, 1 - 4 PM.  $44.00
Drum Making: Instruction and all materials required to make a single-sided ceremonial drum provided.  You also make a drumstick called “grandmother’s arm”. On the first afternoon together we put together the drum and drumstick.  After allowing a week between classes for the drums to cure, we get together to decorate and perform ceremonies for the drums.  Saturdays , February 20 and 27, 1 - 4 PM.  $175.00 
Shield Making: During this workshop, we will make a traditional shield.  This is of special interest for students of Shamanism, and Aboriginal Healing.  We will supply: ring, leather, feathers, wool roving, and some tools.  Students to bring: scissors, tapestry needle, beads, special feathers, and any items you may wish to add.  Paints should be acrylic, and are the responsibility of the student.  Please - no plastic beads or fluorescent feathers!  Sunday February 21, 1 - 4 P.M.  $44.00
Zay - In the Company of Angels: is the pan-cultural, pan-theological study of angels.  This is not a course of anecdotes nor religious doctrine - we study this complex subject with a systematic approach.  Topics include: the differences between angels and guides; meeting your angel; communication; grounding; the chakras; and, angelic healing practices.  Fee includes notes.  Please bring a binder, and a crystal if you have one.  Dress comfortably and please do NOT wear perfume.  Saturdays January 23 and 30, 1 - 4 PM.  $75

Psychospiritual Development - Beginner Level:  This is the most popular, intense and exciting of our courses.  Developing psychically and spiritually go hand-in-hand, and happen in a safe (if swift) format.  This is not for the faint-of-heart; you must be ready to try mediumship, trance work, and psychokinetic practices.  The beginner level works at a quick pace through the metaphysical basics to understand the possible paths of psychospiritual development, and acts as the foundation for the advanced level which focuses only on mediumship, trance work, healing, and meditation practices.

 Psychospiritual development is THE foundation for every other course we have, and will, ever teach.  It is a directed, formal study of clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, clairolfaction and psychokinesis through a variety of practices: levitation, spirit photography and recordings, learning to see the aura (aurvoyance), apparitions, psychometry, meditation, altered states of consciousness, psychomantium (scrying), out-of-body experiences, karma, phases of spiritual growth, types of spiritual beings and more. Mediumship techniques and channelling are practised weekly. Historic techniques and modern, scientific parameters are studied. This course changes people - be prepared for many new life experiences, and homework! Students are to bring to each class: a binder, pen, any course notes from earlier development groups and PLEASE DO NOT WEAR PERFUME. Do dress comfortably. 80% attendance is required for a certificate. Class size is limited - register early to ensure your space!  Thursdays for 10 weeks, March 3, to May 5, 7 PM to 9:30 PM.  $125.00
Making Medicine Bags:  We provide leather, sinew, and tools to make a standard medicine bag.  Students are to bring whatever materials suit the decoration of their bag, and if you’re unsure, check with me.  Scissors, pliers and needles are also needed.  Sunday March 6, 1 - 4 PM.  $55.00
Making Sacred Objects / General Crafting:  Students who want to finish sacred objects and work among friends are welcome.  Please bring your own tools!  While there is no fee, donations are appreciated.  Preregistration is necessary as space is limited.  Saturday March 26, 1 - 4 PM.
Gift Certificates are available and may be used towards course fees, services or anything in the studio.
Receipts are issued first night of class.  Classes fill quickly!  Payment can be made through the website (PayPal), Interac e-transfer, cash or cheque (payable to "Rev. Kathryn Gorman-Lovelady".).  We take Visa or Mastercard if you drop by the studio (call ahead). 
Courses are being held at 302 Lafontaine Rd. West, Tiny (formerly Lafontaine), Ontario, L9M 0H1. 
Register online here: www.moonstarlodge.com/courses.htmla
Gatherings:  We will be meeting Sundays January 31, February 20 and March 20, 2016 for sharing, teachings, and equinox celebrations.  While there is no charge, please let us know if you plan to attend so we can arrange seating.