Body Tribal at Four Quarters

Friday, August 3 - Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Body Tribal 2012 Planning Committee is working on a terrific schedule for 2012!

Please stay tuned for updates of what to look forward to!

While you wait, please read all about what we did last year!

Body Tribal is a focused weekend of 'in your face' ceremonial transformation; it is an experience like no other. As Tribe, we seek intense inner work; as Tribe, we experience depths of physical challenge. Over many years, we have learned to lean on each other, so that we, as a Tribe, and as individuals within the Tribe, can reach farther than our wildest dreams.

For 2011, we offer a Body Tribal like no other, like nothing we have ever attempted.

In the span of one brief August weekend, we offer the challenges and experiences of the Egyptian Underworld. Rooted in factual scholarship, daringly conceived and brought to fruition, Body Tribal 2011 offers brand-new ancient experiences and challenges to our Tribe.

 Through the focused lens of the ancient Egyptian world view, lavishly costumed and detailed ceremonials will offer perspective on Universal themes: Life. Death. Rebirth. Order. Chaos.

 For so many of us, our explorations of different culture and religion began as schoolchildren, and many of us were captivated by the wonders and mysteries of ancient Egypt. Many of us also tried to begin our spiritual journey through Egyptian themes, and because we had only a schoolchild's understanding and perhaps a few incomprehensible and esoteric books from some popular publisher, fell short of understanding enough of this complex culture to continue on this path. We moved on to other, better-established cosmologies.

Under the guidance of an experienced scholar, as the Body Tribal 2011, we will embark into this ancient land. We will meet, experience, and live our time in interaction with the varied and venerable deities--the gods of order and chaos-- of Ancient Egypt.

Adding teaching workshops for the first time in many years, we will work together to grasp and embrace these divinities, adding group comprehension and depth to these ceremonies.

So, dream, dare, answer the call of ceremony...join the tribe of Body Tribal, as we meet, for the first time, Egyptian Gods and stride the paths of the Underworld and the banks of the Nile.

Tentative Schedule

Friday, August 12

4-8 PM--Arrivals

8:45 PM--Osiris:  Life, Death, Rebirth--Upper Drum Circle
The story of Osiris is not merely one of life and death or good and evil:  it is a story of love, determination, and the restoration of balance.  Join in the mystery of Osiris’ death, and the powerful love that made his resurrection possible!

9:30 PM--Open-ended Community Fire Circle--Lower Drum Circle

Saturday, August 13

10-11 AM--Egyptian Cosmology for the Rest of Us--Stone Circle
This is ancient Egypt 101--but not like you’ll get in popular literature.  Get a feel for what you’re getting into!

12-1:30 PM--Every Little Thing She Does is Magic--Stone Circle

You’ve heard of the Book of the Dead; you’ve heard of scarab amulets.  Magic infused the ancient Egyptians’ world:  it was integral not only to their mysticism, but also to more tangible practices like writing and medicine.   Come explore the world of Egyptian magic, from amulets to letters to the dead and everything in between!

2-3 PM--Letters to the Dead and Ancestor Ritual--Upper Drum Circle

A continuation of the morning workshop:  the Egyptians often asked for the intercession of the deceased in matters of the living.  Honor those who have gone before you, and ask them for assistance in your own personal matters!

7:30 PM--Judgement Ritual--Upper Drum Circle

In order to be permitted to ride in the Sungod’s Boat of Millions at the Midnight Ritual, you must be one of the Blessed Dead:  your heart must weigh true against the feather of Ma’at!  Bring your heart amulets and fortunes with you--you’ll be expected to defend yourselves when it’s your turn!

9 PM-Midnight--Community Drumming in the Upper Drum Circle

MIDNIGHT

The Sungod’s Journey Through the Netherworld--Hemlock Hole
The gong summons you:  the Sungod Re has descended beyond the western horizon.  As one of the Blessed Dead, it is your responsibility to assist and defend him from the dangers he encounters:  dig deep, stretch your imagination, face the dark to bring the light!
Note:  Please wear GOOD walking shoes.  This journey is just what it says it is:  a journey!  If you are unable to walk, let us know and transportation will be provided!

Sunday, August 14

Noon--Closing Ritual--Upper Drum Circle