THE ANNUAL AUSTRALIAN GODDESS CONFERENCES
GAIA~Goddess Association In Australia is host of the annual Australian Goddess Conference. The Australian Goddess Conference was initiated by Avril Webb, in Melbourne in 2003. GAIA officially took over custodianship of this important event in 2006, presented on the Gold Coast, with the theme of Women Remembering - the Goddess honoured was Mnemosyne, Mother of the Nine Muses and guardian of the timeline. The following year, 2007, the theme of the Conference was Aphrodite - Sacred Sexuality & Personal Freedom. In 2008 the theme of the Conference was Gaia - Earth Alchemy. The Goddess Conference for 2009 conveyed the theme of Magdalena and was the 4th annual Conference in Australia presented by GAIA Inc.*For more information on the 2009 Australian Goddess Conference check out the SPELLCRAFT magazine Summer 2010 addition centre pages for report and images of the conference.
The Australian Goddess Conference for 2010 is SHE who is Weaver ~ with the theme of Honouring the Wisdom Weavers
One of the most important functions of the Goddess Conference is to provide sacred space for women to be nurtured and perhaps seek sanctuary from the often demanding elements of life. The very practical gift of conference, however, is to provide the tools, knowledge and impetus for women to nourish their wholeness on a day to day basis and to achieve balance and peace. As one woman wrote "It felt like I was home amongst a lot of women who I didn't know, but who spoke and felt the same language as me". Women who have attended the Goddess conferences have felt that the encouragement of personal strength and exhortation not to play small is an important outcome of participants of the conferences. *For more information on the annual Australian Goddess Conferences, click on the images above for pop up windows.
THE AUSTRALIAN GODDESS CONFERENCE 2010 ~ SHE who is Weaver ~ PROGRAM
To register: email GAIA for the 2010 Conference Registration Form: goddessassociation@yahoo.com.au OR to download the GAIA Registration Form click on this link: http://www.goddessassociation.com.au/conference-registration-form.doc
FRIDAY 15th October
|
Open Community Day ~ $15.00 entry. (Note: for three day conference participants, entry fee is included in the ticket price) The Goddess Market Stalls will be open to the Community from 10am
|
10.15am
|
WELCOME – Hosts of the day will be Zora Hatfield & Kelli Brockman of the GAIA Management Team |
10.20–11am
|
ANIQUE RADIANT HEART~ Kuan Yin |
11–12.30pm
|
WORKSHOPS OFFERED ~ Women Only JANE MEREDITH ~ WEAVING VISIONS WITH THE WISE ONE: Somewhere deep within waits the Wisdom Weaver – she with eyes that see true, she whose voice speaks unafraid, she whose hands have the courage to weave the future. Will you seek her out? Will you lay offerings before her? Will you walk the paths laid down by the Wisdom Weaver of the soul? JANE HARDWICKE COLLINGS ~ MEETING WITH THE GODDESS WEAVING WITHIN: Come to the Temple, visit the four altars and meet with the weaving Goddess within you as she spins her wisdom for your questions. You will have a private experience in consultation with your inner wisdom and make a weaving talisman to take home to your altar. |
11.15–12.15pm MAIN TEMPLE
|
SACRED DANCE FUSING ANCIENT MUSIC AND MOVEMENT: Premala is an elder who shares her wisdom and passion. At 75 years of age, Premala still appears at community events and performs her unique styles of yoga, Bollywood, Belly Dance, Indian, Tribal and African dance. This workshop will be presented in a circle of sacred dance, music and song. Premala will bring the alchemy of aging cultivating the awareness of what it feels like to be alive and energetic, graceful, sensual & emotionally strong.
|
12.20–1pm
|
WISDOM WEAVERS FORUM ~ What Goddess is to me: 4 Wisdom Women will speak for 10 minutes each sharing what Goddess is for them. |
1 pm-2.30pm MAIN TEMPLE
|
DREAM WEAVERS ~ Laura Auger & daughter Pisimoyapi, Martha Campiou & Shelly Eli: The Dream Weavers continue the ancient tradition of their grandmothers with the making of the dream catcher. Women from the Cree Nation Northern Alberta and Southern Peigan bring teachings of this ancient and beautiful tradition that assists in the spiritual protection of our newborn babies while asleep in their cradleboards and continues on to the old ones and beyond. |
2.45–3.45pm MAIN TEMPLE SPACE
|
TRICIA SZIROM ~ WE ARE THE WEAVERS WE ARE THE WEB: This ancient land is one of many spirits, which add meaning and depth to our understanding of the web of life and the Great Mother. Over the past two hundred years many peoples have arrived in Australia bringing with them traditions of the Goddess from many lands. What are the ways in which we have adapted our rituals and beliefs to this land, and in what ways have we been influenced by the land? This workshop will look at the weaving of two traditions to enrich our understanding and practice in ritual and celebration |
3.45–4.15pm
|
Oshun Drummers: Oshun “ The African Goddess of art, dance and love was calling for drummers to spread the word of fun, folklore and beautiful beats. How could one possibly say no! Sisters of the Drum, Corinne, Sandy, Mel, Jess, Brie & Ange came together in 2008 with a burning desire to tell the stories through rhythms that celebrate the Goddess in every woman. |
4.30pm
|
Close of the day |
Friday Evening
|
GAIA Woman’s Concert ~ $15.00 Friday Evening 7.30 pm Goddess Market Stalls open from 6.30pm ~ 7.15pm |
SATURDAY 16TH October 8.00 am
|
Registration Desk opens |
9.00 am
|
In SILENCE we enter the Sacred Temple |
9.30 am
|
OPENING CEREMONY begins |
11am
|
SHEKHINAH MORGAN: WALKING IN HER LIGHT INTO THE TEMPLE ~ During this workshop you will dance, drum, play and celebrate your body the temple. You will learn to experience and contain your sensuality and power as a woman, as you walk through life. Through dance and movement and percussion Shekhinah will take you deep into the body as we prepare for our procession into the temple of the Divine Mother. ~ Bring percussion instruments if you have them. |
12.30 pm
|
Lunch |
1.30 pm
|
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS: These are one and a quarter hour ONLY finished by 3pm 1. ANNIE RAYNER~ DANCING THE THREADS OF THE DIVINE FEMININE: From the beginning of time, sacred dance, song and story have brought people together to experience the Divine. We will connect with our own Divine Feminine through the sacred words and movements of circle dance. 2. AMRITA HOBBS ~ WEAVING WEBS IN THE FEMININE MYSTERY: A Journey through the stages in our feminine Mystery. Weaving together the threads that join these stages – rather than being lost where we are we see the road ahead. 3. HELEN RUBY ~ WEAVING THE WEB of LIFE: This presentation will bring a group of women together in circle – to weave a web with coloured wools. It will connect them to honour all those women who have and are reclaiming women’s power. 4. PRUE BLACKMORE ~ AWAKENING THE WEAVER WITHIN: How to take a life time pattern of behavior or pain that no longer serves you and by awakening the wisdom and healer within, remove it from your life. The process involves deep meditation work and art therapy to create a vision of the overall problem as it exists in your life. Dialogue occurs ~ Then using transpersonal techniques the participant is tapped into the aspect of themselves that knows how to heal this. Further art work and dialogue occur. This is then taken further into Mandorla [not mandala] work to create a pathway for healing and a ‘mantra’ from the death instinct to the Eros or Life instinct that exists in everyone but is usually overwhelmed by the tic toc distractions in which we live. This is then something you can take away and work with each day as a resource or guide. |
3.00 pm
|
Afternoon Tea |
3.30-4.30pm
|
ECHOES of the GODDESS ~ GANGA ASHWORTH & LOUISE BELL: Weaving the Healing Elements ~ Accomplished musicians, facilitators and sound healers Louise and Ganga will lead you on an experiential musical journey, weaving together the power of intention, original music specific to each element and its corresponding direction, and your own voice to invoke the healing properties of the elements in your own body. Together we will weave these threads of sound, song and intention sharing from “Echoes of the Goddess” and new original music, to create your own unique recipe for healing and deep connection to Self. This playshop will involve: • Ceremony – as we invoke the directions • Letting go of anything that is not aligned • A Process of: internalizing the healing effects of the elements • energizing the body with intention, music and song. |
4.30-5.30pm
|
Close for the Day |
Saturday Evening
|
Back into the Sacred Temple we begin with the casting of the Circle with Anique Radiant Heart which prepares us for a Croning Ceremony: HONORING OUR PASSAGE ~ The Croning: Since time out of mind, women have been honoring our sacred passages through this life. With our sister the Moon, we observe and celebrate the changes within us as reflected in our women’s cycles of innocence, blood and menopause. The ancients understood well the power and value of ritualizing these passages and indeed all expressions of life – both the mundane and the sacred were celebrated with ritual. The ancient ceremony honoring a woman’s passage into the energy of the elder or crone, who no longer bleeds and holds her creative fire within to use wisely for the whole community, is a beautiful and necessary experience for all women. Many of us who live in patriarchy have not had this experience to celebrate our own passage, so this year at our conference, we invite all women who are over 56 to step forward and ask to be Croned.
|
SUNDAY 17TH October 8.00am
|
Registration desk opens |
8.45 am
|
Enter the Sacred temple in SILENCE ~ PLEASE BRING A CUSHION |
9.15 am |
PERU – the Glistening Mother ~ Singing chantress with her passionate, mystical way ~ connecting people to their heart and voice. |
10.30 am
|
Morning Tea |
11.00-12pm
|
PERU |
12.30 pm
|
Lunch |
1.30 pm |
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS: These are one and a quarter hour ONLY finished by 3pm 1. HOLLIE B ~ WEAVING THE GODDESS PURPOSE: Journey the Mother Goddess path to your own Purpose. Hollie B is a SpellCrafter and Witch, working with the many faces of the Goddess. In this workshop you will be led to connect with your True Purpose in this life, and then create a Spell path to achieve it. We will see the face of the Mother Goddess who manifests change and abundance. You will be able to create a blend of magickal botanicals that suit your path and Purpose, and be led in a group Spell to attain your deepest and Truest desires. 2. FRANCES BILLINGHURST ~ EXPLORING THE REALM OF THE DARK GODDESS: She is the Keeper of the Cauldron of Inspiration and Sacred Knowledge, however She also reminds us of our own mortality. We fear Her because reminds us of who we truly are and not the mask we present to the world. In order to remove all that holds us back from fully embracing our spiritual journey, we need to journey into Her Underworld, and face our shadows, phobias, fears and inadequacies. It is only through joining with the Dark Goddess, understanding Her endless transformation from mystical Maiden, wizen Crone and even destructive Mother, that we can truly appreciate the beauty and peace of the darkness. 3. TESS ELLIOTT~ SPINNING WHEEL OF LIFE: Through Celtic story, songs, symbols and the ancient craft of weaving a Brighid’s Cross will be created. 4. BABULA CLEMENT ~ THE BLACK MOON LILITH: The Black Moon is a powerful point in our Birthchart and represents our deep soul connection with the powerful and mysterious Dark Mother, the Divine Feminine. She is Lilith, Kali Ma, the Black Tara, the Black Madonna, the Tao and Rainbow Serpent. The Black Moon tells the story of the effects of the repression of Sacred Feminine in a person’s life and her return to a life of power, love, joy and freedom. It includes issues such as fertility and childbirth, sexuality, the right to speak and the expression of female power in the world.
|
3.00pm |
Afternoon Tea
|
3.30 pm |
Jane Meredith & Echoes of the Goddess ~ Weaving Women: This is a collaboration between Jane and the Echoes of Goddess women
|
4.30 pm |
Oshun Drummers & Dancing
|
5.00-6.15pm |
Giveaway Gift and Closing Ceremony
|
|
*GAIA reserves the right to change the programming if necessary to further enhance the Goddess Conference 2010 |
CONFERENCE Information 2010: Friday 15th - Sunday 17th October 2010
CONFERENCE PRICING: (ALL tickets are to be pre-paid):
3 day ticket & Concert: Member $220 ~ Non-Member $270 ~ Saturday or Sunday: Member $160 ~ Non-Member $190
Full conference & Membership: Standard $260 ~ Renewal $250
OPEN DAY Only: $15.00 entry [tickets at the door] ~
GAIA Woman's Concert Only: $15.00 [tickets at the door]
STALLS: Stalls for our fabulous Goddess Market are available to FULL conference participants for $70. *Please note stall numbers are limited, and stall holders must be available for the Open Day AND the 2-day women’s conference.
CATERING – Saturday & Sunday: Juki, our fabulous Consort of the Feast will provide us with delicious, fresh platters of exotic delights. Morning Tea & Afternoon Tea are provided.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OFFICER : SARAH DYSON 0468 627 505 goddessassociation@yahoo.com.au
TO REGISTER : To register: email GAIA for the 2010 Conference Registration Form: goddessassociation@yahoo.com.au OR to download the GAIA Registration Form click on this link: http://www.goddessassociation.com.au/conference-registration-form.doc Please
complete the Registration Form and post to: PO Box 346 North Tamborine, QLD 4272 OR email to goddessassociation@yahoo.com.au
For more information: contact SARAH DYSON 0468 627 505 or Patricia 07 5545 4837/ 0424 713 959.
AIRPORTS: The closest is the Gold Coast [Coolangatta] airport approx 20 kms from Broadbeach. There are shuttle buses that met each flight. Brisbane airport at least one hour travel to the Gold Coast.
ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS: Dear Sisters, Please note that the closest suburbs to the venue are Broadbeach & Mermaid Beach & Mermaid Waters. Several of the Conference participants and presenters will be staying at Markham Court. Following are some venue suggestions and contact details.
Markham Court: 36 Australia Avenue, Broadbeach, QLD 4218 ~ Tel: 07 5592 3111 ~ http://www.markhamcourt.com/
Best Western Broadbeach Travel Inn: 07 55701899 ~ 2651 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach, QLD 4218
Comfort Inn Mermaid Beach: 07 55752585 ~ 2481 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Quality Hotel Mermaid Waters: Corner Markeri Street & Sunshine Boulevard, Mermaid Waters, Gold Coast QLD 4218 ~ Ph: 07 5572 2500, Fax: 07 5572 9787 ~ email: reservations.mwhotel@alhgroup.com.au ~ www.mermaidwatershotel.com.au
http://www.stellaresorts.com.au/accommodation/resorts/breakfree/
http://www.stellaresorts.com.au/accommodation/resorts/mantra/ ~ http://www.wotif.com/













