Rituals

Please join MoonFire on Sunday, December 21 at 12:00 PM, as we celebrate the Winter Solstice by honoring the transition from darkening to lightening days. Join us in ritual to explore the passing of the realm from the Holly King to the Oak King. Celebrate the coming of the light and the current Yuletide season. All are welcome! A potluck and time for fellowship will follow the ritual; you might like to bring food or drink to share, along with your own plates/utensils, or share our food and supply of washable re-usables. MoonFire holds ritual the 3rd Sunday of every month at the UU Church of Arlington, VA, starting at 12 PM with a pre-ritual briefing. Plan to arrive a little early so you can meet folks and get settled in. Rituals are usually followed by a potluck. We welcome everyone. If you are wondering whether to bring children, are new to Paganism, or plan to take pictures or write about our ritual, let us know ahead of time.

**Spirit of Giveaway Gathering** You are warmly invited to gather with us in the gentle spirit of generosity, gratitude, and shared abundance. This is a sacred time to honor the season through giving—not from obligation, but from the heart. Throughout the gathering, we will enjoy a shared spread of appetizers, so please bring a dish to offer if you feel called. As we eat and commune together, we open space for connection, kindness, and the natural flow of giving and receiving. The Spirit of Giveaway is not a time for clearing out unwanted items, but for offering something meaningful—an object that carries intention, beauty, or personal significance. Many of us serve as caretakers of sacred tools and talismans, and when the time comes for an item to change hands, it becomes a powerful act of trust and devotion. You may bring something you feel guided to give to a specific person, or place your offering into the central circle where any member of the community may be intuitively drawn to receive it. During this gathering, most items in our crystal shop will also be available on a “name your price” basis. Twenty-five percent of all proceeds will be donated to a local soup kitchen, extending our circle of giving beyond these walls and into the wider community. This event will immediately follow our **11am Ring of the Bowls Sound Bath Meditation**, creating a beautiful flow from deep listening into sacred exchange. All are welcome, as long as you arrive with an open mind and a respectful heart. We look forward to sharing this gentle celebration of giving with you. ✨ 📍 Directions Address: 15406 Riding Stable Rd. (property is at the end of a ½ mile driveway into the woods). You will cross a small stream—drive slowly (under 10 MPH) to keep dust down. Please be mindful of our neighbors and do not stop to interact with horses along the way. With Love & Gratitude

**Spirit of Giveaway Gathering** You are warmly invited to gather with us in the gentle spirit of generosity, gratitude, and shared abundance. This is a sacred time to honor the season through giving—not from obligation, but from the heart. Throughout the gathering, we will enjoy a shared spread of appetizers, so please bring a dish to offer if you feel called. As we eat and commune together, we open space for connection, kindness, and the natural flow of giving and receiving. The Spirit of Giveaway is not a time for clearing out unwanted items, but for offering something meaningful—an object that carries intention, beauty, or personal significance. Many of us serve as caretakers of sacred tools and talismans, and when the time comes for an item to change hands, it becomes a powerful act of trust and devotion. You may bring something you feel guided to give to a specific person, or place your offering into the central circle where any member of the community may be intuitively drawn to receive it. During this gathering, most items in our crystal shop will also be available on a “name your price” basis. Twenty-five percent of all proceeds will be donated to a local soup kitchen, extending our circle of giving beyond these walls and into the wider community. This event will immediately follow our **11am Ring of the Bowls Sound Bath Meditation**, creating a beautiful flow from deep listening into sacred exchange. All are welcome, as long as you arrive with an open mind and a respectful heart. We look forward to sharing this gentle celebration of giving with you. ✨ 📍 Directions Address: 15406 Riding Stable Rd. (property is at the end of a ½ mile driveway into the woods). You will cross a small stream—drive slowly (under 10 MPH) to keep dust down. Please be mindful of our neighbors and do not stop to interact with horses along the way. With Love & Gratitude

As always, the goal is fun. Beginners are welcome. We play until 5 or 6. Parking (Free): Plenty of free street parking available on Sunday afternoons near the playing area. Contact Organizer for exact address and other helpful details Metro: Foggy Bottom Metro Station is an 8 minute walk

Greetings - Blessings to everyone! We welcome you to join us for our Winter Solstice Kirtan on **Sunday, Dec 21** in **Bethesda MD** (address below). 4***:00 - 6:00 pm.*** ***We chant the Hanuman Chalisa at 4 pm –there is a break after the Chalisa and the regular chanting begins at 4:30 pm*** \~\~ ***Doors open at 3:45 pm - come early to get settled*** \~\~g *(**Please note:** this will also be live streamed on **Facebook Live** – on our chanting page – **Bhakti Chant Kirtan)*** This is a private residence - open to the public - all are welcome - bring a friend, the family, the kids, the parents, the spouse, the tribe - comfortable setting. If you want to sit on the floor, it might be wise to bring something to sit on - Zafu or pillow or the like. *This is chanting with meditation* \- we chant in Sanskrit and English\, mantras and bhajans\, honoring the many aspects of the Divine\. Feel free to bring a percussion instrument, if you are moved to do so. (This will be percussion by committee!) ***Donation***: Suggested $10-20 (no one turned away) **On Paypal:** paypal.me/RufusJuskus **On Venmo**: Rufus-Juskus Snacks afterwards 

Many thanks -- peace and blessings to all! 


-Rufus Juskus **Address:** **5914 Johnson Ave** **Bethesda MD 20817** NOTE: The announcement page for this event on Facebook is here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FnqUf4Zjf/

Sit back and relax as Tibetan & crystal bowls (and other instruments) help bring you back into alignment thru sacred sound therapy. This is a great way to clear yourself and recharge for the week ahead. For those interested, it can also assist in achieving deeper stages of meditation. Space is limited so a RSVP is required. Once you have joined us for an event, you are welcome to text to confirm your spot. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out or crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile driveway into the woods. you will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (5 MPH) as to not stir any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway so it's important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. COST: To help make this affordable to all, we have an offering range of $15-$25. If you would like to contribute in another way, please let us know. With Love and Gratitude

** Take note: This is not in Burke** Let's get together again and practice our Tarot card and pendulums. This is for beginners through advanced readers to practice their skills. Everyone will get to do a reading. There will be extra decks and pendulums if you do not have some. We will try different layouts and share our experiences. All fun! See you there! Shaman Phil

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? • 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

**Please reserve your spot at [www.piesfitnessyoga.com.](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./)** The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at [www.piesfitnessyoga.com.](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./) **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** **Harness the Energy of the Moon to Manifest Your Dreams** Have you ever felt a quiet pull to align your life with the natural rhythms of the Earth and sky? Or wondered how the moon’s cycles could guide you in achieving your dreams? Imagine setting intentions in a supportive circle of like-minded individuals, with expert guidance to help you turn aspirations into reality. **New Moon Visioning Circle** is a transformative 90-minute monthly workshop series designed to align you with the potent energy of each New Moon. Whether you're new to lunar practices or seeking deeper connection and accountability, this series offers a nurturing space to reflect, grow, and manifest in harmony with nature’s cycles. **What to Expect** Each session integrates scientific insights, ancient wisdom, and community connection to support holistic wellness across your physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual layers. Together, we’ll explore the following steps: **Sacred Sharing Circle** Begin with compassionate sharing, where you’ll connect with others in a supportive space that honors your dreams and challenges. **Lunar Insights** Discover how the moon’s current phase, zodiac sign, and elemental energies influence both personal and collective experiences. As a former meteorologist, Kristi weaves science into these astrological teachings, offering grounded, actionable insights. **Shamanic Yoga Nidra** Relax deeply with a guided meditation uniquely crafted to match the month’s lunar energies. This practice connects you to your inner wisdom, bringing clarity to your goals and dreams. **Intentional Writing** Transform your meditation insights into actionable steps. Through journaling, you’ll create intentions, realistic goals, and affirmations that resonate with your authentic path. **Manifestation Ritual** Conclude with a ritual tailored to the moon’s elemental sign. This practice anchors your intentions and infuses them into an optional token (such as a crystal or jewelry) to serve as a touchstone for the month ahead. **Who Is This For?** This workshop is perfect for you if you: * Feel drawn to working with lunar cycles for self-growth and manifestation, regardless of your experience level. * Value a holistic approach to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. * Seek a supportive group for compassionate accountability and insight into breaking through barriers to your goals. * Enjoy blending yoga, shamanic practices, and astrology into your self-care and personal development. **Participation Options** You can join us **in person** at PIES Fitness Yoga Studio in Old Town Alexandria or **live via Zoom**. **What to Bring** * **A yoga mat** for comfort during meditation. * **A notebook and pen** for intentional journaling. * **An optional item** (e.g., a crystal or piece of jewelry) to charge with your intentions. * **An open heart and mind** to embrace the transformative process. **About the Facilitator** **Kristi Schwickerath** is a certified yoga therapist, shamanic practitioner, and former meteorologist who brings a unique blend of science and spirituality to her teachings. As a senior staff member of PIES Fitness Yoga Studio’s Holistic Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapy Training programs, Kristi has spent over 15 years guiding individuals through yoga therapy, shamanic rituals, and lunar practices to cultivate clarity and alignment. Her work emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, helping participants transform their dreams into actionable steps while honoring their personal rhythms. Kristi’s compassionate and evidence-based approach empowers you to connect with your inner wisdom and the energy of the natural world. **About PIES Fitness Yoga Studio** Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, **PIES Fitness Yoga Studio** is a welcoming space specializing in holistic wellness. This black-woman-owned studio has been a hub for inclusive and therapeutic yoga practices for over 15 years. With its accessible location near the King Street Metro station, it’s a nurturing space for growth and transformation. **Ready to Manifest Your Dreams?** Reserve your spot today and step into a year of intentional living, guided by the moon’s wisdom and supported by a compassionate community. **Sign up at** [www.piesfitnessyoga.com](http://www.piesfitnessyoga.com./). **Sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.**

The power of unity can easily be seen in how we come together in times of crisis. But what about after the immediate crisis has passed? Can spirituality help us harness the power of unity, regardless of circumstance, and despite our many differences? With each passing day, it seems like we are realizing more and more how interconnected we all are, how much we depend on one another. Old patterns of existence based on division aren’t working for us. Particularly in times of crisis, we see that we do better when we come together, when we’re able to support one another and draw strength from each other. But what if this power wasn’t limited to times of crisis? What if unity wasn’t just a lofty idea worth aspiring to but a strategy to be used in affecting positive change? Is there specific guidance we can follow, methods we can enact to help us create a more materially and spiritually advanced society? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the power of unity in helping us enact a social & spiritual transformation. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role of spirituality in helping us work with each other on the path towards the betterment of us all. “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole world.” – Bahá’í Teachings \*\*\*This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.

You are invited to participate in one of Unity’s most meaningful and empowering traditions—the **White Stone Ceremony**. As we enter a new year, this sacred ritual gives you the opportunity to listen within, connect with Spirit, and claim a new name or intention for your life. In ancient times, receiving a white stone symbolized freedom, new identity, and fresh possibility. Today, we continue that tradition by holding a smooth white stone, entering a quiet meditation, and allowing Spirit to reveal a word, name, or message that reflects who you are becoming.

As we prepare to enter a new year, the Burning Bowl Ceremony offers a powerful and heartfelt opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for new beginnings. You are warmly invited to join us for this sacred and reflective ritual. The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a beloved Unity tradition—an empowering moment where we release old patterns, worries, or limiting beliefs by writing them down and symbolically releasing them into the flame. This act of letting go opens the door to clarity, peace, and transformation.

As we prepare to enter a new year, the Burning Bowl Ceremony offers a powerful and heartfelt opportunity to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for new beginnings. You are warmly invited to join us for this sacred and reflective ritual. The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a beloved Unity tradition—an empowering moment where we release old patterns, worries, or limiting beliefs by writing them down and symbolically releasing them into the flame. This act of letting go opens the door to clarity, peace, and transformation.

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Join Sacred Sound Alchemy Columbus for a transformative Sound Bath experience that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of various sound instruments like crystal singing bowls and rain drums, carefully orchestrated to balance your chakras and uplift your spirit. The soothing sounds will help you release negative energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. This event is perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility and a chance to connect with their inner selves. Whether you are new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner, you will benefit from the harmonious frequencies that will resonate with your body and soul. Come and allow yourself to be enveloped in a wave of healing energy, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for life's next chapter. Please bring something comfortable to lay on like a yoga mat. Being a pillow for your head or for under your knees and a blanket to cover over yourou. The library can get cold. Bring some water to help flush your body for after the session.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.