Shamanic Convergence

by Lorrie Klosterman, February 26, 2007

Rhianna, the owner of the Dreaming Goddess retail store in Poughkeepsie, had a vision of bringing together a community for healing, spiritual growth, and understanding. She created just that in Akasha Con, a weekend-long spiritual gathering now in its sixth year. “Our intentions are to create a space for people to come and learn about Earth-based, positive spiritual practices.” And hundreds do. From March 23–25, the unique blend of workshops, festivities, food, merchant wares, and healing arts will again be held at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, where, Rhianna says, “they really support us and are very open and receptive. We call it our ‘Grand Nest’ because we flock back to it each year.”

The weekend begins with a welcoming circle on Friday evening at 6pm followed by a meet-and-greet. Saturday evening offers a sumptuous feast and a festival of music, singing, drumming, and dancing around an indoor “alchemical” fire circle. A Merchants’ Room offers unique artwork and crafts; a Wellness Room provides bodywork, healing energy sprays, tarot, and more at a nominal fee. (Both rooms are open all weekend to unregistered guests.)
This year’s presenters and workshops include:

Jim Donovan is a founding member of Rusted Root, an acclaimed solo recording artist, and a renowned drummer. “The Rhythm Renewal: Drumming Workshop” is an interactive, transformational experience of international rhythms, songs, and chants. “Rhythmic Motivation” explores building purpose and connection with others, deepening listening skills, and enhancing creativity through the power of group hand-drumming.

A’alyvyne Foxwood is an herbalist, faery seer, drummer, tarot reader, and initiate witch and priestess; she holds a master’s degree in women’s studies and counseling. “Dancing the Shadow: Journey to the Dark Goddess” will focus on the Dark Feminine voice within and transforming pain and fear through one’s greater spirit self. “Embracing the Shadow: Navigating the Underworld Landscape” explores deepening connections to the Underworld for healing self and others.

Michael Gryffyn has been a student, teacher, and researcher in metaphysical and healing arts for more than 30 years. A member of the Sound Healers Association, he studied with the discipline’s pioneers and with Lama Tashi, the chant master of the Dalai Lama. “Infinite Om: Principles of Sound Healing” shows how sound restores one’s natural body vibrations and harmonic tone using drums, singing bowls, tuning forks, the human voice, and overtones. Michael will also teach “Manu Mantra and Meditation.”

Hrana Janto is a professional artist who co-created the acclaimed card deck The Goddess Oracle and provided illustrations for the PBS series “Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth.” Explore the history, iconography, and influences of the Goddess in Hrana’s workshop, “Goddess Guide.”

E. H. “Rick” Jarow is assistant professor of Eastern religions at Vassar College and author of Creating the Work You Love, In Search of the Sacred, and The Yoga of Work. His workshop will teach the “Alchemy of Abundance.”

Cait Johnson has authored several books on tarot, seasonal celebrations, the four elements, and magical cooking. She is an intuitive counselor with a private practice. Cait will teach “Basic Tarot for Wild Ones” and “Tarot Journeys.”