Transitional Council Harvest from May 3rd ZOOM Meeting 

On May 3^rd, the 13 Grandmothers Transitional Council came together via ZOOM  to explore how the AZ Grandmothers might continue our traditions of gathering and support.

As we gathered, Shelly Jurmain offered us two questions to consider:

“What are the Steel Threads in a Grandmothers Gathering?” and

“Given the current pandemic, when do you think it would be wise to start planning a gathering?”

The GM responses were deep and heartfelt. Here is a summary of the Harvest from these questions. Thank you to Cindy Leech for taking and sharing notes of the Zoom group. And remember to check the website, https://www.azcgm.com/ as we begin updates and provide information about future plans.
 

The Steel Threads that hold the AZ Grandmothers together in Gathering and beyond fall broadly into three areas: Ceremony and Large Circle, Small Circle time, and Creative Self Expression.

·       In Ceremony and Large Circle are bound together in honoring the four directions, welcoming the rising sun, mending the sacred hoop, smudging, honoring our relations and our elders, remembering those who have passed, and invoking the elements of earth, water, air, and fire.

·       In Small Circle, we weave strong connection with other women, and we bond in the ability to speak and the ability to deeply listen to each other.

·       Our Personal Creative Expressions are manifest in many areas of a Gathering. We celebrate self and participate in programs that are offered. We weave our Voices together in singing and weave our Souls in meditation . We drum; we purge and purify in the Sweat Lodge; we enjoy time to be free or to be quiet; we feel supported, validated and encouraged to find our highest manifestations. 

·       We find a place to safely express our true selves in a Gathering, and we come back to the land, allowing Spirit to do what Spirit does best…. Shake us up!!

When we considered what we can now do in terms of Gathering, these ideas surface…

·       As ever, it is important to connecting the Gathering to the world and service to others.

·       It is likely that we will need to create a new container (form) for the Gatherings, and we may move towards a virtual gathering for this fall.  We can also develop virtual connections (zoom calls) with AZ Council and other Grandmothers (Gulf Coast? Others?).

·       Transitioning to smaller, local Heart Circles has already been happening.  The times seem to indicate smaller groups during these times. As ever, Grandmothers do what we can with what we have.