Teen Earth Magic—June 2009

By Abel R. Gomez

There is something so magical, so profoundly beautiful about a group of people coming together to sing, connect with one another, and celebrate the cycles of the Earth. Unless you live in an area with a large Pagan community, teens and young adults often miss out on such experiences. In an effort to bridge this gap and to offer teens a space for deep magic and personal transformation, teachers and organizers from the San Francisco Bay Reclaiming community created Teen Earth Magic, an annual five-day retreat for teens in the magical arts.

Group Photo ©2009 Jayda Faye/Reclaiming Quarterly

Teen Earth Magic was held near Nevada City, California at a family owned campsite. Our over two-dozen campers came from all over the US, as did our eight person teaching time. This year’s mythic theme was the Salmon lifecycle.  Together we explored the journey of the salmon through ritual and magic; from birth to their mysterious transformation, their journey through the ocean depths, to their primordial call to return to source. We called upon the spirits of the land, the Salmon, the nearby Yuba river, Mother Earth, and the elements of life as allies and guides in our workings.

This was my first time teaching in a camp-like setting and I had an absolutely wonderful time. The teaching team was amazing, the campers were great, and the magic that we created was truly magnificent. I left feeling so full and so grateful for the opportunity to be of service to something so special, something that can change lives and change the world.

Amid games, songs, rituals, workshops, community building, and magic, we opened to the extraordinary. Transformation. Beauty. Wonder. As we gathered, holding hands and singing, our voices rose to kiss the stars and bless the worlds. It was more powerful and heart opening than any of the organizers or teachers imaged. Can’t wait for next year!

2009 Teaching team ©2009 Jayda Faye/Reclaiming Quarterly 

For more pictures and information, check out the Reclaiming Quarterly.

Comments

[Tori]

I'm jealous- I wish they had something like this near where I live.