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Earth Medicine 2010
A Year of Earth-Healing Ceremonies in Southwest Colorado
Our ceremonial, shamanic-based group spent 2009 encircling the city of Durango with the intent of strengthening our ties to the spirit of Durango and to help the area and its inhabitants meet the challenges and maintain the beauty and vitality that make this area so special. The year of ceremony was well received by the land and the spirit of Durango; and a continual source of spiritual strength, blessing and joy for the participants. After spending the year encircling the city of Durango offering ceremonies and building earth shrines/altars of healing and repair for the community and the spirit of Durango, we will shift our work this year to different areas in southwestern Colorado. This year’s ceremonial group will offer ceremonies of healing, connection and well-being to three distinct areas surrounding the Durango area.
Intention: Through day-long visioning, dreaming and crafting of inclusive and joyful ceremonies on the land participants can expect to become more attuned to the land and spirits of each of the areas listed below. This is an especially beneficial work to those interested in an earth-honoring way of life. Expect to learn through doing while improving our relationship with the natural world, each other and the divine.
Structure: We will gather for one full day per month (10am-4 or 5pm) with one overnight during the summer series in La Plata Canyon. Commitment for the year is encouraged to get the most out of the experience and for group cohesion; however quarterly commitments are possible and exceptions may be made for an individual to attend a single gathering.
 Spring Series: Florida Mesa to Lemon Reservoir
Sat. March 20th/Sat. April 24th/Sat. May 22nd
Florida Mesa has a longstanding agricultural history and provided early Durango and surrounding communities a local source of agriculture – luckily that history is flourishing with many of the small farms and ranches that supply our cities with locally grown food. We will make ceremony to celebrate growth and thanksgiving for the water that feeds these lands. Spring gathering sites will likely include a local organic farm, Pastorius Reservoir and Lemon Reservoir (the source of the Florida River and Florida irrigation ditch).
 Summer Series: La Plata Canyon to Cumberland Basin
Sat. June 26th/Sat. 5pm-Sun 3pm July 24th-25th/Sat Aug 21st
La Plata Canyon has long been a site of controversy stemming from its long mining history and natural beauty. It is also the watershed for the La Plata River. We will make ceremony to heal those harmed or killed in the mines and to mend the rift between industry and natural beauty. Gathering places will likely include Cumberland basin, La Plata Canyon (overnight camping) and La Plata River.
 Fall Series: Ridges Basin to Smelter Mountain
Sat. Sept 11th/Sat. Oct. 16th/Sat. Nov 13th
The Animas River project has been on the books for more than a century and now it is finally complete. This quarter year of ceremony will focus on mending our relationship to water in the form of the Animas River and celebrate Smelter Mountain as guardian of the southern entrance to Durango. Gathering places will likely include the Animas River, Ridges Basin Reservoir and Smelter Mountain.
Requirements: Shamanic journeying skills and diligent connection with power animals and guides (training for these skills is available, please be in contact if needed). Prior experience with ceremony is helpful but not needed. Physical ability to participate in day long gatherings, light to moderate hiking, occasional hot and cold temperatures, wet and dry conditions and one overnight camping trip. You need to be able to make two of any three given gatherings (average). You need to be a likeable, honest, loving and giving individual who the group feels good about having around, so if you are interested or have further questions after reading over this information please be in contact with me.
Cost: My intention is to continue to offer these trainings free of cost. However, I respect and honor the fact that there needs to be some type of energy exchange for the work. I ask that this be twofold; first, your heartfelt and joyous commitment to the work and second, monetary donation within your means either on a monthly or quarterly basis that will be donated to a local cause as decided by the group (i.e. – Animas River Project, Trails 2000, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, La Plata Open Space, etc.).
Jeff McElwain is a shamanic practitioner and student of indigenous and earth-honoring ways. His intent is to continue growing these offerings to include wilderness/vision quests, work with ancestors and ongoing Earth Medicine trainings.
Contact (970) 799-1726 or
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