Join a circle of women for spiritual renewal in a shared ritual experience. Together we’ll journey through a thoughtfully-crafted sequence of ceremonies and celebrations that weave Circle Songs, Rhythm and Drumming, and cultivate healing and joy.
Throughout the Ancient Mediterranean World, drumming and singing were among the primary skills of Temple Priestesses, who used them to harness the elements, rouse and unify community consciousness, and attain spiritual awareness for healing, divination, transformation and activation.
Contemporary women are rediscovering and intuitively utilizing the Ritual Arts, as we seek connection, inspiration and deeper meaning in our lives. Touching into the sacred, we’re invited to release what no longer serves, soften into our feminine essence, return to our woman soul, and give birth to an expanded sense of ourselves.
The cycles of the Moon are perfect mirrors for our own processes of ebb and flow, and offer us a natural pause for compassionate reflection, creative expression, and re-envisioning.
The sacred circle is calling. Won’t you join us?
✨ Sound the Invocation
✨ Synchronize walking and breathing in a Chakra Clearing Meditation
✨ Go on an InnerVision DrumJourney
✨ Co-create The Healing Drum Temple
✨ Experience Rhythmic Embodiment
✨ Shift your vibration with In-Powering Drumming
✨ Affirm and express with easy-to-learn SongChants infused with women’s spirituality and positivity
✨Connect to The Elements
Barbara Gail has been reclaiming The Drum, The Song, and The Dance for over 3 decades. Alchemizing the ancient wisdom of these practices, she facilitates transformational experiences that inspire and awaken us to remember who we are, individually and collectively.
A varied collection of exotic and indigenous hand-drums and percussion instruments from around the world are provided (bells, shakers, scrapers, etc.), along with Barbara’s instruction and guidance. Your small drums and percussion instruments are welcome, too.
No previous experience with drumming, music, or singing are needed! All women and teen girls are welcome.
Arrival:
Doors open at 2:45pm. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to check-in with registration, use the rest room, choose your spot and settle into the circle.
Seating:
Chairs, cushions and back jacks are available. Feel free to bring your own.
What to Bring:
1 – A journal or notepad, and something to write with;
2 – Your non-spill-able water bottle (only water in The Magic Room);
3 – A non-breakable bowl or basket of any size, filled with flowers. If you need to harvest or purchase them the day before or earlier that day, they’ll keep in a ziplock bag in the fridge. Just leave yourself a reminder to bring them, or you might forget!
4 – If you have a special rattle you’d like to bring, please do.
What to Wear:
1 – Dress comfortably and in layers if you tend towards being chilled or hot. We’ll be mostly indoors, and go outdoors for a short while.
2 – Ceremonial attire is welcome if you’re inspired, and is optional.
3 – Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the space, which is carpeted.
4 – We’ll be going outside and walking the garden paths during the ritual (weather permitting), so sensible shoes (that might get a little wet if it rained) are suggested.
5 – A light rain jacket may be a good idea, if going outside is drizzly and drippy, but not pouring…
Available for Purchase:
1 – Copies of Layne Redmond’s transformational and internationally acclaimed book, “When the Drummers Were Women: a Spiritual History of Rhythm”;
2 – Various tambourines (jingled frame drums) appropriate for Layne Redmond style playing;
3 – One 16″ frame drum.
Dine with us afterwards at a local restaurant, if you’d like! Email Barbara at BGPrograms@BarbaraGail.com for reservation.
Questions about the program? Call Barbara at 941-223-0180.
Questions about the venue? Email Center Street Retreat at love@centerstreet.community.
