Gaian Mind 2002
a review by Chris Carter
Gaian Mind 2002
at Four Quarters
Reviews and Pictures by the Dancers
Gaian Mind at Four Quarters
by Chris Carter
 On Friday, September 13th 2002, a very international crowd came from all over
the planet, like pilgrims to the holy land. From New York to North Carolina, from Britain
to Sweden to Russia, they came to the beautiful mountain setting of Four Quarters Farm in
Artemis PA. For the first time, Four Quarters and Gaian Mind joined forces to produce an
event like we have never seen. The energy of modern electronic dance harnessed by pagan
spirituality and ceremonial settings joins the tribal traditions of our ancestors with the
living tribal traditions of today. The result creates an experience of spirit that unites
our common heritage as children of this planet.
Here, among a ring of Standing Stones, in a Temple to Earth Religion, was one heck of a
party!
 The idea is not a new one: combining the energy of techno-rave with
the sensibility of tribal culture has been evolving over the past decade in Europe and in
the UK, and at home in places on the west coast. Here in the US it is sometimes called
"techno paganism", but this was the first time I've seen a "full on"
event attempted on the east coast and I was extremely excited about how it might turn out.
I wasn't disappointed.
The main DJ stage with its towering rack of deep sub-woofers sat opposite the 22 stones of
the partially completed ring of Standing Stones that is the focus of Four Quarters. From
each side of the sound system spread banners and tapestries of deities, spiritual scenes,
and psychedelic mandala patterns, giving a taste of what the circle might be like once
completed. Overhead flew huge trapezoidal sculptures suspended from the oaks and
black-light lamps lit everything in a soft Ultraviolet glow that allowed the dancers and
scenery to provide their own light throughout the night.
UV flood- lamps in the center replaced what might otherwise be the burning fire of a Drum
Circle. But here state-of-the- art sound and talented maestros from as far away as England
and the Netherlands were our drummers.
Early evening, a more traditional drum circle provided a meeting ground for new faces
while the technicians prepared the equipment for later that night. We got to find out what
happens when drummers and DJs get together around a Fire Circle mixing Trance, House, and
Break Beats with African Djembes; drummers playing with the ways two worlds were really
the same. The Drum Circle really picked up for awhile too, the drummers found that
adapting modern electronic rhythms to traditional instruments makes for an intense session
that had many looking about surprised at what was coming out of their hands.
 Down
the hill from the main dance floor, a chill out area was laid as respite from
the pulsing energy above. This area was sited under a stand of huge white pine trees and
decorated with all manner of beautiful arts to catch and soothe the eye, or to play games
with light and sound. The decorations enhanced the natural beauty of the land, and seemed
perfectly at home gently glowing through the greenery. The scene was simply magical.
Hammocks were strung between trees, and a huge cargo net suspended from giant white pines
was constantly enjoyed by piles of giggling people. Here also, a second smaller stage
played calming trance music to "chill" to. During the day guided meditations
were held to soothe and center the spirit. While perched on one corner of the cargo net, I
heard one person describe the moment as as close to Nirvana as they have known. It was
quite perfect, some people spent the entire day there just lounging about and enjoying the
company and timeless atmosphere. Further away, nestled alongside the camp's main swimming
hole, a healing area was created. Again, banners, tapestries and gently moving lights set
a calm yet entertaining tone where massages were given and pillows lounged upon. Nearby,
one could dip into the swimming hole to cool off, and come back to relax.
 Sweat
lodges ran throughout the day in preparation for the ceremony to follow that night. For
many, this was their first experience with the Sacred Lodge and the intense ritual of
prayer that it involves. Attendees were respectful, and learned a great deal that day in
the ways of Spirit.
The merchants present sold much of what you would expect from a pagan festival, but some
also had the neatest light toys as well. It seems we've come a long way from the glow
stick, as now they come battery operated with flashing color sequences. The Coffee  Dragons, a staple of Four Quarters, provided free hot beverages and
conversation throughout the night, as well as snacks. Here you could find pagan elders
chatting with 19 year old hipsters from New York about important world events, which is a
scene that says much for how this weekend went. And their conclusion? "The Kids are
Alright!" There was even a toddlers area under a huge pavilion, as this was truly a
family affair.
There was some early worry coming into this event that it would be a city style rave, and
bring all the bad elements we hear about in the media that can go along with these kinds
of parties. However, that was not the case with Gaian Mind. This was a group serious about
their message: making sacred space, the modern tribal experience and earth consciousness.
Everyone I met was very aware, friendly, and respectful. It felt very much like other
pagan festivals I've attended, but with some very new (for me!) people!
The Saturday night show opened with a Ceremony of Blessing, for the Land, the dancers, the
DJ's, and all our spirits. It was short, sweet, and to the point. Having set the tone, the
music began as a continuation of ceremony, much as Drum Circle is a continuation of sacred
space. Only here the sonic power was way higher, and it went for about 12 hours straight!.
Anyone drawn into the Circle could tell that this music was magic, and it wasn't hard to
dance yourself into an ecstatic experience. That was, after all the whole point. It is
hard to describe the music beyond that it is mixed live from many prerecorded sources,
built upon a profound bass beat foundation and spiced with a soaring top end. The music
lifts you, moves you and sweeps you away into a sustainable sonic trance that goes on
without a break for the entire night. It is simply very powerful, and profoundly moving.
This is a transformative experience, one that expands consciousness and brings about
spiritual awareness and a sense of unity. Letting the music take you, it is hard to not
get something positive out of it.
 At about 3am
Saturday night the rains came; gentle, warm, and wonderful. They cooled the dancers, and
lifted all of our spirits. It was beautiful, like children playing in the rain, and
cleansing. Tarps were thrown over the equipment, and no one seemed to mind that they were
all wet. It was revitalizing, actually, and just seemed perfect. People laughed and
cheered, rather than running for cover. And when the music did end around 10am the
following morning, Circle was closed again with a ceremony of blessing, thanks, and
grounding meditation.
Food was prepared by The Starving Artists, the talented cooks of Four Quarters, and
Saturday's free Fractal Feast was truly an impressive spread. I was told this was a
Rustaufel, a tradition from Bali of fragrant rice served with a bounty of toppings. And
there were almost two dozen different dishes to choose from, with at least a dozen more
different sauces scattered around the dining area, from hot sauces to sweetened coconut to
things I couldn't identify. The food has always been exceptional at Four Quarters, but
this was more varied than I've ever seen. There was no chance you'd go away unsatisfied by
that feast. A high energy event requires high energy fuel, and the Staff were well on top
of providing that. 
Overall, I was very impressed. The grounds were kept scrupulously clean, the people were
joyous and the trance-dance was deep. This is a very special event and I believe that it
is a pioneer for magic in the new millennium. Gaian Mind and Four Quarters fit together
wonderfully, and now that they've seen and worked with each others magic, I can't wait to
see what will come out of this team next year!
And yet more from the folks who were there!
4QForum Gaian Mind Post-event discussion
 Hello, hello, and welcome to life AFTER Four Quarters hosting of Gaian Mind. I
had a lovely time at the event, and made many lovely people while on the Land. Some
notably memories from the event -- "Are we in heaven?" -- KnoxE asked me this as
we walked into the absolutely gorgeously decorated North Crook at about 1030 last night.
There was beautiful, soft, soothing, ethereal music. There were many glowing forms
suspended from the trees. There were a series of three or four, lantern-like forms on the
ground, arranged so that if you lay on the ground near them, you were surrounded by a
diffuse, calming light. There was a cargo net, big enough that several people could climb
in all together -- the world's biggest hammock! There was the translucent rubber ball with
the glostick in it that Baby Catharine SO wanted to figure out how to get out! People were
dancing some, and others were talking, people watching, writing in blank books, sleeping,
or just taking it all in. It was a simply lovely, lovely arrangement. I couldn't help
feeling as though I had stepped into another dimension, another way of understand the
wonderful space and Land where Four Quarters is at Home.
After our little trip to the North Crook, the group I was with headed up the hill to the
Stone Circle. The Stones were lit only with white footlights (my favorite way to see them
at night -- it never fails to fill me with awe and gratitude). A large screen was
stretched behind a dj booth arranged in the Northwest corner of the Circle. Compelling
psychedelic images flashed bright and quick across the screen. Day- glo banners of
Ganesha, Parvati, and other Eastern-looking images gave the impression of walls, or some
kind of enclosure. Over all, there were soaring arbors, stretched among the trees. Again,
it was a beautiful, thoughtful environment.
I walked into the Circle, through the pair of tiki torches at the NorthEast gate. I went
to the North Altar, literally apprehensive about what I might find there.... But as I
walked across the Circle, I saw a beautiful, cornmeal image drawn on the ground. To my
eyes, it looked like two hearts mirroring one another, caught in the embrace of infinity.
(If you didn't see it, you'll just have to trust me. ) I came to North Altar and found it
kept reverently. At the center of the altar was a large statue of Kali, draped with
day-glo beads, a very appropriate drawing together of images. There were dried and fresh
flowers, candles, and nothing that looked inappropriate to any Four Quarters event,
frankly. The Ancestors' Altar was kept with similar reverence, lit and acknowledged as the
significant Honoring Place that it is. I met an Israeli man making a video...an Irish
woman who sat in the coffee dragons while Julie and Marcia and Mom and Jessicat and I
sang...a handful of people from Great Britain...and I understand that there were people
from other countries there as well.
I really enjoyed this new "angle" on our "place for all paths"
ecumenism...we've got the African thing, the Caribbean thing, the Celtic tradition
thing...and this event was apparently another to reach out to people from far away places
and invite them to share some moments of their lives with us. Something I didn't see any
more potentially "shady" behavior than I've ever seen at any other festival at
Four Quarters. I've had to be the person to go up to someone and remind them of the policy
regarding open containers....or to remind them that Four Quarters does not endorse the use
of any illicit substances or contraband. I've had to be that person at Drum and Splash, at
Body Tribal, and once at a Women's Gathering. I did not have to be that person at this
event. I don't know what other people's experiences were, but I did not experience this
event as significantly more "spacey" than other events.
 My
congratulations to the organizers and designers. All the folks from Gaian Mind with whom I
spoke were charming and interesting to talk to. I hope that y'all will come to some other
Four Quarters events, and perhaps we can see what kind of working together can evolve.
I will say that I found listening to the psy- trance music for as long as it was playing
on the Land to be taxing for me. But I am not a devotee. This is not my path, religious or
otherwise. I could certainly listen -- and have -- to drums for that long. I could listen
to people singing English and Irish folks songs. I could listen to Mozart for that
long.... but this is a matter of taste, not a matter for evaluating the festival.
Thanks to everyone who came, Gaian Mind folks and 4QF folks. this event certainly
stretches the ways in which four quarters has been to date, but as pamela pointed out in
another post, there are many groups of folks who've come who've done that for us, and
we're better, richer, fuller now because of it. peace -- Q
- - -
4QForum Gaian Mind The Reality of Gaian Mind
Posted by John Patrick Wade McCarty
I know there were a number of farm members and regulars out there wondering about this
Gaian Mind thing. Having wondered myself, Unkie Pat has decided to give everyone the
scoop. First, about the music. It is very base heavy on the dance floor, not so intense in
the chill out area. Yes, it's techno and therefor similar to what is found at raves.
However, this is the only similarity. There were no E-heads. No druggies. No drunks. There
were a lot of people having a really good time. They were dancing. They were trancing.
There was a lot of black light. A lot of glowing and neon. A lot of really cool and groovy
people. Take Drum and Splash. Take away the drums and fire. Add a dj and black light
projectors. Welcome to Gaian Mind. The people were really cool and polite. The organizers
were total professionals. You guys missed a great time. We here at the farm loved it. All
their staff and attendees loved the farm. They loved our altars and the Stone Circle. They
loved sweat lodge. They want to attend our festivals. Everyone here who was on staff is
looking forward to their (hopefully) incumbent return.
- - -
93 et Al,
Ah...what an initiating experience. The Gaian Mind Festival had a pre-paid registration of
220 people, and another 90+ people showed up at the Gate. Our last entries came from
Boston and Providence.
Let me share with you the atmosphere. The "Farm" here contains many acres of
land, and is situated on the side of a small mountain. At the base there is a Creek which
cuts thru a cliff on a tree lined ridge which boarders the camp. This is where most of the
attendee's camped. In this area are various sweat lodges, Altars, and swimming holes. The
events co-coordinators (M-Labs)staged an area 50ydsX 100yds, with multiple banks of
Blacklights. There were 4' tall UV Mushrooms, giant Radioactive Origami Swans flying on
the ground, and Psychedelic Urchins and Cheese chunks floating above our heads. This was
topped of by the 20' x 20' cargo net (suspended from the tree's) loaded with pillows for
the weary to crash in. It all lent a general feel of "Alice in Wonderland." This
area was the "Chill zone," with its more Ambient music and various groups of
people meditating or practicing breath work.
Climbing up from here to the high part of the Mountain one walks among the various Body
painters, Tattoo artists and assorted vendors. Behind there was the Old Fire Circle with
the occasional drummer, or loving couple lying on a blanket absorbing the warmth of the
Fire. A short walk from there and one begins to feel the pulse of the modern Techno music.
A sudden look to the woods and the colors of ulta purple laser's creates Fairy stars among
the trees. Coming to the entrance gate, one is greeted by two torches illuminating 20'
high batik's. One of Shiva dancing, paired with one of Shiva in wrath. Walking in, one
notices on the left, the large stone Monoliths, each having been set there in ritual,
lighted by their individual, solitary candle, the stones each being crowned by a large
wreath.
Then where this circle of stones ends, the modern technology begins. Bringing the
journeyer from 50,000 BC thru a time trip to the best in modern Art. (the spin Docktors
were the best internationally and from the Philly & Baltimore area). Giant warped
psychedelic cheese slices are stretched between the trees, giving the illusion of neon
blue and green skies. A semi circle of batiks 15' high have various Hindu deities' and
mandalas', each glowing with a phosphorescent gleam. At the center of this semi circle was
the large video screen and 3-d optical sculpture. In the crux of all this were people of
various ages, with various states of dress (or undress, there is a "No-policy"
regarding clothes here), body painted with black light paints, flashing led lighted
jewelry, and UV reactive clothing. Dancing into ecstasy, finding themselves thru the
medium of joining mind, body, and Spirit. The apex of the activity in the post-modern Art
scene revolved around the stone Altar of the Ancestors, which is the Kiblah for worship in
the Megalithic stone circle. (read - Energized Enthusiasm)
The "Coffee Dragon's" lair is near by. Offering free (for those without cash,
but a $ jar is present for the able to make an offering to the Dragon's) assorted Tea's
& Coffee, with a pleasant laid back atmosphere. The china cups belong to the Dragon's
and the Four Quarters, so you can borrow it for your walk about, just please return it,
and wash it for the next user. (there is a well thought out Wash/ Sanitize/Rinse station
which is user friendly).
For the bottom line, I, your humble Space/Time Journeying Festival reporter, sat by the
Fire Circle, and listened to the talk of a few unwary conversationalists. I heard,
"Wow, what a great idea to have this here. This land is fantastic, and the people
that live here are so loving." That is the best kind of thanks and praise.
Unsolicited.
So fear not my fellow Brother's and Sister's to the North. I understand that the
"Gaian Mind," will be held again. Keep your Eye, and ears open!
Namaste', Ashe, Blessed Be & 93
Live and Love
F. Orpheus
- - -
Subject Thank You!!!
Allen and all the GM Crew
That was a totally exquisite wonderful weekend! Fabulous setting, music,
people, food. The visuals were pure magic. Going down the hill at night and
seeing the chill-out area from above, filled with mystical light with
enchanted music welling up from it was a pure fantasy experience, like
finding Lothlorien.
Congratulations, Gaian Mind. You've raised the bar!
Nick and Thomas
- - -
Subject What a Blast!
Hello Bringers of Gaian-Mind
Thank you so much for producing such a wonderful event and bringing it to 4QF.
I wish we could do that once a month rather than annually. (With more and other folks
helping to pull it off of course.) I can hardly wait until next year.
I would like to give a special "shout out" to Karin , Sharon, and Ina, Robin,
and Tom Cat!
[Please forward this to them if at all possible, and not inconvenient. Thank you.]
Thank you Ladies and Gentleman. Meeting and getting to know you was a special and great
joy. You hospitality, insight, viewpoints, and shared experiences where joyful and
exciting. It was just an absolute pleasure to meet all of you really.
Anyone who gave me and email address, or would not mind giving theirs now please respond
or otherwise send me it. I seem to have left some stuff behind in my tent. I was in such a
soggy fog that last dreaded morning. What a let down to face the end of such a great
experience. If you have any e-pictures of yourselves (small or zipped) please send me one
or two, to visit you by.
Thanks Again, Lovelies,
Scorch
- - -
Subject |\|/| Gaian mind
I'm not really big on writing reviews, but I've gotta say that Gaian Mind last weekend was
beautiful! it was obvious that a lot of thought, planning, inspiration and love went into
this party. and the same can also be said about the four quarters farm where it took
place, which seems to be somewhat of a semi- permanent autonomous zone secluded from
pretty much everything. in many ways this festival reminded me of solipse, only on a
smaller scale. and special props to m-labs for the chill out, which was simply amazing!
some other highlights
* free water/tea/coffee 24/7
* hot showers
* the chill-out uber-hammock
* free meal for everyone on Saturday, with a huge selection of food
* great weather
looking forward to next year's...
-scott
- - -
Thanks forthe great fest this past weekend. Sara and I had an incredible time there. I'm
looking to spin some more now, and I'm wondering if you'd entertain the thought of me
coming up to philly and hanging out with you guys at your monthly at Latazza. take care
dale
- - -
On Tue, 17 Sep 2002, scott wrote
| and special props to m-labs for
| the chill out, which was simply amazing!
Oh god, It was an unforgettable moment when they were making their ambient
music, and the astronaut "holy living ****, we're on the moon"
samples kicked in. I about died laughing right then and there.
To anyone within practical reach of southern PA, DO NOT miss next year's
summer festival! The Gaian Mind crew found an absolutely fabulous spot and
put on a show that was off the top!
/elektronkind
- - -
Philadelphia City Paper article
http//citypaper.net/articles/current/music2.shtml
September 12-18, 2002
Trance Encounter
Gaian Mind heads for the great outdoors.
by Sean O’Neal
"The trance dance experience provides a medium that allows the individual to
surrender their ego and commune with the heartbeat of the universe," says DJ Allen
Milletics. "In a sense, the DJ is a modern shaman and skillfully guides the dancers
to higher states of consciousness."
Milletics, along with DJ Hatari, runs Gaian Mind, the Philly-based psy-trance collective
known for its monthly gatherings every last Friday at La Tazza. According to Allen,
"Gaian (pronounced ŒGUY-yen') Mind" is the concept of reconnecting and
resonating with the pulse of the Earth through a harmonious synergy -- awakening man's
inherent ties with the planet and becoming aware of the unconscious collective.
For the hippies, the Gaian Mind was flower power. For the techno generation, it's
"Goa." Now more commonly referred to as "psy-trance" because of its
repetitive, psychedelic motion with rippling, escalating layers of sound, the genre was
named for the dance music brought to Goa, India, in the mid-'90s by backpackers and
expatriates. There the full-moon beach parties with UV-lit fluorescent tapestries would
last for days on end. The psy-trance movement (also referred to as "trance
dance") is now a global entity. Milletics and Hatari have produced psy-trance events
for the past six years in Philly, New York, Atlantic City, Toronto and elsewhere --
hosting international acts like Anti, Chrisbo, Digitalis, Dimitry, Goa Gil, Medicine Drum
and more.
The La Tazza monthly is just a taste of the swirling sound and visuals that Gaian Mind has
to offer -- something to keep the psy-trance culture alive in Philly. The the outdoor
gatherings are where one can experience true sanctuary, convening with nature under the
stars to the twisted sounds of the night and the blissful morning music that commences.
"We play a different style of music in a limited, indoor setting, music with more
nightclub sensibilities and a less ritualistic approach," Milletics explains.
"In the open air, we present a more sacred and spiritual experience, and we get to
unleash the really freaky tracks. Outdoors, the music breathes, snarls, seduces and comes
alive."
If you've already sampled the mind-bending essence at La Tazza, then you don't want to
miss Gaian Mind's forthcoming open-air, three-day Summer Festival. "It's a sacred
formula that proves itself time and time again -- whether it be cavemen banging on
deerskin drums and dancing around a fire, or modern man stomping to a 909 drum machine
around a black light," says Milletics. "Transcendental dance reconnects man with
the universe. It is truly an archaic revival."
Gaian Mind’s Summer Festival 2002, Fri., Sept., 13-Sun., Sept. 15 (gates open at noon
on Friday), $95, Four Quarters (Artemis, Pa.). For more info, www.Gaian- Mind.com or
www.4QF.org.
- - -
great party this weekend we loved it !!!!!!!! can not wait till next year, thanks for all
your hard work! talk to you soon
------------------------------------------------------------- hare krsna! Kri
- - -
Allen,
I wanted to thank you for letting us be a part of your festival this weekend. It was the
best production experience I've ever had. You guys did a wonderful job and I really hope
you'll want to work with us in the future, too.
Best-chris.
- - -
Not only is it an excellent outdoor location, but it's completely organized, the
surrounding community supports the events that go on there, and the folks in charge of
Four Quarters are intelligent folks who have as much interest in making an event the best
it can possibly be as the people organizing Gaian Mind. Even though my gear's still caked
in muck and my camping supplies are still moist, I've got nothing but positive feelings
for next year's festival. -Conor
- - -
Andy & the crew...Count us in for next year. Certainly the best trance dance ever in
the US and to be compared with the best Eaurope has to offer. Simply increadable.
- - -
We are closer than you think, 100
miles and less than 2 hours from Baltimore Washington Beltways. About 2 hours from State
College, Pitt’s, Harrisburg and Harrisonburg VA, 3 hours from Philly and Wilmington,
about 6 hours from NYC, Columbus and Cinn’ti OH.
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