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FESTIVALS

REGISTRATION FOR SAMHAIN 2023: MASQUERADE OF THE WILD OPEN NOW!

Register now
Samhain 2023
Become a member
Vending at Festival
Festival policies
Etiquette & tips
Attendance requirements
Timeline & pricing
FAQs

What is Festival?

Each year, Spirit Haven hosts a Beltane and Samhain festival at Spirit Haven Ranch, a 100+ acre property in Flatonia, Texas.

These festivals include four days and three nights of Pagan-based spirituality, community, and celebration. You’ll find ample open camping, dedicated Sacred Spaces to explore, a welcoming, inclusive community, and a packed schedule to plan your personal event!

During the day, you can shop on Market Square, schedule massages or henna art, attend workshops on your favorite Pagan or occult topics from acclaimed guest speakers, and participate in seasonal community activites (like the Maypole at Beltane and the community Ofrenda at Samhain).

Rest when you can, because the setting sun brings three nights of activities like a featured band, Bard’s Fire, community rituals, and a Revel Fire in one of our Sacred Spaces! Bring your music makers, flow toys, and dancing feet, and join our drummers, dancers, fire-spinners, and Revelers in creating another Festival of magical memories! 

Samhain

Samhain is a liminal time of honoring our late loved ones, ancestors, and release. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the “darker half” of the year.

Our Samhain festivals are held in October, typically on the third weekend of the month. Our next Samhain Festival will be October 19-22, 2023, under a waning moon.

Save the date

2024 Samhain: October 17 – 20 | New Moon Oct 2 / Full Moon Oct 17

2025 Samhain: October 16 – 19 | Full Moon Oct 6 / New Moon Oct 21

2026 Samhain: October 15 – 18 | New Moon Oct 10 / New Moon Oct 25

Beltane

Beltane is generally known as a time of rebirth, renewal, passion, and fertility. Beltane marks the beginning of the pastoral summer season, when livestock were driven out to the summer pastures.

Our Beltane festivals are held in April, typically on the third weekend of the month. Our next Beltane Festival will be April 18-21, 2024, under a waxing moon. 

Save the date

2024 Beltane: April 18 – 21 | New Moon April 8 / Full Moon April 23

2025 Beltane: April 17 – 20 | Full Moon April 12 / New Moon April 27

2026 Beltane: April 16 – 19 | Full Moon April 1 / New Moon April 17 

Register now

Festival policies

Parking

The Front Gate staff will provide you with a way to mark your vehicle indicating your name and camp location so we can find you if there are any issues with your vehicle.

Once you have unloaded your gear at your campsite, please move your vehicle to the upper parking lot across from Front Gate check in.

Parking passes are ONLY available to those camping in their vehicles and/or who are disabled.

Front gate

Gate hours:

  • Wednesday: noon – 7 p.m.
  • Thursday: noon – 7 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

 

You will need either your ID or a copy of your registration to be allowed on property. You will be given a wristband! WEAR IT (or we will have to ask you to leave, which will make us so sad).

Park your cars to the far side of the road when signing in. Do not block the road. Once checked in, you can drive (very slowly) down to your campsite to unload your gear. Unload your stuff, then take your car back out to parking.

If you are not registered for early entry, you will NOT be allowed in on Wednesday! No exceptions.

Front Gate will close after sunset or 7 p.m., whichever comes first. If you arrive after the gate is closed, you may park your vehicle on the side of the road (do not block the road), and walk in your essentials for the night.

In the morning, you will need to officially check in at the front gate station and will then be allowed to bring your vehicle on property or park it in the lot.

RVs & generators
RV spaces are VERY limited. Email dir.membersvc@spirit-haven.org & dir.property@spirit-haven.org to confirm space is available BEFORE arriving on property with an RV.

Electrical & sewage hook-ups are NOT yet available, but “whisper-quiet” generators may be run between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. No generators may be used during Main Rituals.

Please park in such a way that will not damage the property in case of inclement weather.

Driving on property

The posted speed limit on Spirit Haven property is 5 MPH. For the safety of all festival attendees, driving is prohibited after dusk without prior authorization!

We understand that emergency circumstances sometimes require vehicles to move across the property after dark. If you find yourself in such circumstances, please contact the Guardians, and they will make sure that everyone gets where they need to be safely.

Photo policy

Photos and videos require affirmative consent before they are taken. That means all the people in a photo or video must have said “yes, you may take my picture” beforehand. Even if they are just in the background, even if they are blurry, even if it’s just an elbow, even if you think they are unidentifiable, no consent means no picture. Period.

It is incredibly important to be mindful of depicting people at Festival, as not everyone attending is “out” as a Pagan. Remember that not everyone has accepting family or workplaces. Confidentiality is one of our core Principles, and we take it very seriously.

Only official Spirit Haven Staff Photographers are permitted to take photos at common areas, like Revel Fire or concerts.

Service and support animals

The only animals allowed on property during Festivals are service animals, which includes Emotional Support Animals. (Please leave your pets at home.)

You are responsible for providing our Director of Records a current vaccination record PRIOR to arrival at festival. This should be emailed to dir.records@spirit-haven.org.

After check-in at Front Gate, all Service/Support Animals MUST be registered with Guardian Station upon arrival. Your SA will be given a badge that must be worn at all times. SAs must remain leashed at all times, unless it would inhibit said Service Animal’s ability to perform trained tasks.

Please be courteous to our members with allergies or anxiety toward your SA and let a Guardian know if you require additional assistance. Remember, YOU are responsible for cleaning up after your SA and its behavior during Festival.

Leave no trace

Festivals are Leave No Trace events. There are no dumpsters, recycling bins, or other receptacles. You are responsible for your own trash! If you burn paper, do so safely. Dispose of plastic, metal, and glass offsite; take it with you to recycle at home or elsewhere. If you have traveled to festival by air and your camp mates are unable to assist you with your trash, please contact a Board member to make arrangements.

There will be a $75 fee assessed for any leased campsites left dirty and needing trash removal, and Spirit Haven may terminate the lease in question.

Respect our home, Spirit Haven Ranch. Pack It In, Pack It OUT! Stewardship is one of our core Principles, and we take it very seriously.

Legality

All laws, regulations, and ordinances of the State of Texas and Fayette County will be observed during the festival.

Firearms, illegal substances, violence, or any illegal activity will result in immediate ejection from the event.

As of the Board meeting that occurred on July 8th, 2021, the Board has voted unanimously that firearms will not be tolerated on property during the festival. This applies to concealed and openly carried firearms and firearms left in vehicles.

Spirit Haven assumes no liability for anyone in attendance. Parents and Legal Guardians are solely responsible for the safety and well-being of all minors in their charge.

Safety services

If you need help of any kind, need medical assistance, or need to reach a staff member – grab a Guardian or a Healer. In daylight, you’ll see the Guardians wearing green armbands or bandannas, and
you’ll find the Healers at Mathew’s Healing Station. At night, look for the green glowies (Guardians) or blue glowies (Healers).

Glowie distribution & minors

Minors should NEVER be on property without a parent or legal guardian. Curfew is 11pm for minors: after this time, they must be in their camps unless they are visiting the portas. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.

Red glowies are REQUIRED for all minors (anyone under 18 years old) on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings after 7:00 p.m. or dusk (whichever comes first). Glowies will be available after 6:30 p.m. at the Guardian Station.

Campfires

Use the fire rings provided. Keep tents 15 feet away from fires and propane lanterns. A 5-gallon bucket of water must always be in sight of the fire. (A limited number of buckets are available on a first come-first served basis near the Guardian Station.)

Never leave a fire unattended, or it will be extinguished for you. Always make sure coals are cold before you leave.

NO ground fires are allowed within 10’ along the fence line that runs along the south border of the property. This includes portions of Grandfathers, Magical Meadow, and the south road that leads back to the south 40. There is a gas pipeline along part of the fence. There are no fires allowed in Newbee Camp.

See the Fire Chief if in any doubt.

Unknown vessels / moderation

Know what you are consuming. Many people bring food or beverages to Festival that have been charged with specific energies, contain possible allergens, or may simply contain more alcohol than you’re expecting.

To keep your festival as safe and happy as possible, please don’t consume any food or drink if its contents and origin aren’t well-known to you.

Please use moderation when imbibing. Don’t be THAT guy.

Critter watch

Enjoy the non-human occupants of Spirit Haven! Bring your binoculars for bird watching, but keep an eye out also for snakes, scorpions, raccoons and stray dogs. Remember, nature isn’t always friendly! If you come across any problems, contact a Guardian.

Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are essential during set-up and festival. It is Texas after all, and yes, it does bite. So boots are again a fashion statement and a wise precaution.

Spiders and scorpions have been seen in abundance, so use caution when lifting/shifting wood or stone. If you have work gloves, wear them.

Please DO NOT try to remove any snakes that you see on property. Find a Guardian and they will call for a trained snake wrangler.

When in doubt, remember…water water water, sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen, shoes shoes shoes!

Fire performance

If you are interested in fire dancing, spinning fire, or standing in as a safety monitor for the fire performers during festival, please visit the Guardian Station BEFORE lighting up in order to gain understanding of Spirit Haven’s Flame Effects Guidelines.

Remember, safety is key, and Spirit Haven wants to ensure that all fire artists AND the audience at large are in a safe and fun environment. We will provide you with details about the designated fire performance areas and partner up with the Safety Services team to yield the best fire performance results we can!

Clothing optional

Because Spirit Haven festivals are clothing-optional events, adult members are welcome to wear as little or as much clothing as they choose while in attendance.

It is NEVER acceptable to harass a person into wearing any more or less they feel comfortable with. Do NOT do this.

On a purely practical note, this is Texas. There are a number of plants and creatures here that will bite, sting, stab, and in general make you miserable; sturdy, durable, closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended. Exposed skin burns quickly in the Texas sun; if you’re not covered up with clothes, be sure to cover up with sunscreen.

Intimacy & consent

We are a diverse community. What is acceptable with one person may not be acceptable with the next. The physical and emotional contact level between people who have known each other for years will be different than between people who have just met. Before you assume someone wants a big hug or kiss, ASK.

It is ALWAYS appropriate to ask first.

CONSENT CAN ONLY BE GIVEN BY A PERSON WHO IS SOBER, CONSCIOUS, AND OF LEGAL AGE.

NO MEANS NO. Regardless of what has happened prior to that moment, NO means EVERYTHING STOPS immediately. EVERYONE has the right to say NO, to change their mind AT ANY TIME, and to have their boundaries respected without pleading, cajoling, threats, or emotional blackmail.

Spirit Haven has a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy regarding harassment and assault. If there is a situation that you are uncomfortable with or if you believe someone else is in danger or is having their rights disregarded, please speak with a Guardian or Senior Staff member (Team Leads and Directors). They are there to help.

Etiquette & tips

  • Observe ritual etiquette and be respectful of ritual leaders. Follow their lead in what they wish you to do during ritual.
  • Always ask before touching another person’s ritual tools.
  • Remember, while this is a clothing optional festival, nudity is not an invitation.
  • Say, “thank you!” to a hard-working volunteer.
  • Cooperate with the Guardian volunteers when something is asked of you. They’re not here to get anyone in trouble; they’re here to help and to make sure everyone has a great (and safe) festival.
  • Parents, be responsible for your child’s behavior and well-being.
  • Adults, be responsible for your own behavior and well-being.
  • Everyone, be kind.
  • Be respectful of persons, property, privacy, sacred space, and rituals.
  • Sign up for volunteer activities and get involved in the event.
  • Be honorable in your actions.
  • Make a point to meet your camping neighbors.
  • Include others in your activities and socializing.
  • Spend some time recharging your spirit in our beautiful Sacred Spaces.
  • Go to workshops and rituals, learn something new.
  • “Pagan Standard Time” shows disregard for all the hardworking volunteers and presenters who have come together to create a wonderful festival experience for everyone. When an event has a specified start time, please be punctual Pagans.
  • Take a stroll or three through Vendor’s Market.

Frequently asked questions

I don't know where to start. Who do I talk to for more information?

Fear not, we’re here to help!

For general information about Festival, membership, and registration, find your Area Representative and shoot them an email.

If you’re looking for information about a specific part of Festival, check out our Staff Directory.

Still confused? That’s okay! Send an email to help@spirit-haven.org!

What should I expect from Festival?

First, it’s important to know that Spirit Haven Ranch (SHR) is a very energetically charged place. Regular Festival-goers often joke about needing our “Land fix” – SHR really nourishes our energy. It’s such a loving place that, when you enter for Festival, the folks at check-in often say “welcome home.”

Second, Festival is a camping event in rural Texas. Be prepared for critters (and let a Guardian know if you see any critters of the unsavory variety). Be prepared to bring your own food, tent and sleeping items, toiletries (hand sanitizer and baby wipes are essential!), etc. See the next question for a basic packing list.

There’s about 16 official Sacred Spaces at SHR. Each one serves a unique purpose and has its own unique energy, and may be dedicated to a particular pantheon or deity, or energy. These spaces can be particularly energetically charged. We often take first-time-Festival-goers on a tour – don’t worry about having to learn about each space on your own! Just attend one of several Newbee Meetings at Festival.

Each day, there’s a variety of workshops to attend – usually 30 minutes to an hour long. You’ll get an email before Festival with a lineup of events. Each night, there’s a ritual held in Magical Meadow, followed by Revel – where we Revel in the wonder that is our community, dance to the drums, catch up with our friends, and make new ones around the fire. Most people say it’s their favorite part of Festival.

If you have any questions at all once you arrive at SHR, don’t hesitate to go right to Carol’s Corner. This is the hub of Spirit Haven, where folks are ready to help – though you can ask just about anyone you come across for a helping hand!

What should I bring to Festival?

You know yourself best! If you know you have things you just can’t live without, better safe than sorry.

Also keep in mind that Spirit Haven Ranch is 100+ acres of land in rural Texas – plan for plenty of walking and wildlife.

Here’s a basic packing list to get you started!

What if I don't know where to camp?

If this is your first festival with us, reach out to our coordinator dedicated to Newbees! You’re sure to meet many friendly faces at our daily Newbee meetings. Email our Newbee Coordinator for more info at newbee.lead@spirit-haven.org.

If you’re not a Newbee and don’t have a designated camp, reach out to our Director of Member Services at dir.membersvc@spirit-haven.org to learn more about Open Camping or joining an established camp.

No matter where your new home is, be sure to double-check your area for rocks, mesquite, and stickers before setting up your tent, and remember to move your car to the parking lot after you’ve unloaded.

Will there be showers at Spirit Haven Ranch? How do I practice hygiene care?

Unfortunately, Spirit Haven as an org does not have public shower facilities at this time, but you can check in with Clean Camp near the kitchen area to get cleaned up, courtesy of their shared showers. You can also use a camp shower, ask to share the showering facilities of one of your neighboring camps, or visit the truck stop in Flatonia. If you are using a camp shower, you may fill it from any of the spigots around the property.

If you’d prefer to opt out of taking a shower, we recommend bringing baby wipes to wipe down with, plenty of hand sanitizer, and dry shampoo if you’d like to feel fresh!

Check the “what should I bring to Festival” question for a basic packing list.

(NOTE: the water on Spirit Haven Ranch is NON-POTABLE. DO NOT use the spigots for drinking water.)

Why do I need a membership to attend Festival?

We require a membership ($30 for 12 months, $15 for 6 months, non-refundable) in order to designate Festivals as private events. This is for the safety and confidentiality of our members – the general public, who may not have read our Principles or Festival etiquette and rules, can’t enter our Festivals without memberships. 

How do I register for Festival?

First, be sure you have an active membership with Spirit Haven. You can renew or purchase a membership here.

Once you have an active membership, check out your membership dashboard by clicking the white “Dashboard” button in the top right corner of your screen. Your member dashboard has a section titled “Festival” – the festival registration form will be there!

Need help? Reach out to our Internet Administrator: internetadmin@spirit-haven.org

What is community service at Festival and why is it required?
Community Service is the heart of our awesome society and keeps us, as a whole, moving forward with caring for each other and our land. Your time volunteering (two hours, but you can choose to volunteer more!) with the various services offered helps extend your horizons with the full potential of Spirit Haven and Spirit Haven Ranch, assists with making great, new connections with others in your extended Pagan family, helps empower others and has the real potential to inspire you…and hey, it’s fun!
 
Check out the descriptions of the different Community Service options here.
 

All adults who purchase a Full Event registration are required to do (at least) two hours of community service at Festival. During the registration process, you’ll need to choose two Community Service options. You are not guaranteed to get your first choice community service option or general time slot, but we do try very hard to accommodate everyone! 

Is there a burn ban this Festival?

It’s looking very likely that we will be under a burn ban this Samhain. All in-ground and above-ground fire pits are banned, even if they’re propane. Propane cooking equipment kept off the ground is allowed. Fire performance is prohibited, but LED flow toys are acceptable.

What if I can't attend Festival after I register?

You have two options: refund or rollover.

REFUND: You may request a full refund of your Festival registration fee up until the final registration window closes. After that, and within 30 days after Festival ends, you may request a 75% refund of your fee.

ROLLOVER: You may request to roll your festival registration over to a future event within the next 12 months. Should the event registration rollover NOT be used within the next 12 months, the rollover will be void.

What if I need to make changes to my Festival registration?

During the Festival registration period, you can email help@spirit-haven.org to request changes to registration details, such as your name, community service selections, etc. You can also request to add or remove selections, such as adding or removing Wednesday Early Entry to your registration. After Festival registration closes, no changes can be made to your registration.

Membership

Who can be a member?

  • Anyone 18 or older may join Spirit Haven! Children under 18 are free of charge, but their membership and event registrations will be tied to their parent or legal guardian until they are 18.
  • Any member older than 18 must have their own Spirit Haven account. 

A Spirit Haven membership includes:

  • Voting for our Board of Directors
  • Voting on policies and more at Great Works (business meetings)
  • Ability to attend Festivals
  • Ability to attend more than two WorkEnds in a year
  • Sharing in an inclusive and diverse community

6 months

$15 for 6 months

Sign up

Yearly

$30 for 1 year

Sign up

Student yearly

$30 for 1 year

and reduced Festival prices

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Faerie Mound

Located off the main road, across from Carol’s Corner, the area within the white posts/inside fencing has playground equipment and child-size picnic tables. There is no fire ring, no electricity, and no adults on-site. There are concrete tables outside near the space for adults to rest while watching their littles.  (NOTE: Spirit Haven is not responsible for providing childcare or supervision.)

Magical Meadow

Where fire comes to play and the may pole dances. One of the primary locations our community gathers to share traditions, practices and revel in our community. This also includes the concert pavilion and the Revel fire ring. There is open camping available in the back against the tree line but no electricity, limited shade, and no seating for concerts. Magical Meadow is the first thing you see as you come over the bridge, it’s a large open field with the Revel Ring in the middle.

The Ve

The Ve is a dedicated to Universalist Heathen practice, honoring the Elder Kin (Æsir and Vanir) and the Ancestors (Disir and Alfar). The Ve is an inclusive space, open to all whom the Gods have called. Within the Ve are the Thor-tree, the ancestor cairn, the sacred fire, and the altar space itself. The Thor-tree, severed in half by a lightning strike, stands at the entrance to the space. The ancestor cairn is an ever-growing monument to those who have gone before us. Rocks available in the space are able to be marked in remembrance and honor of loved ones and added to the cairn. The sacred fire is kept going with all-natural chunk charcoal, and resins are placed nearby that can be burned in the fire along with other offerings. The altar space itself is marked off from the main portion of the Ve by a stone circle. Within the space are two altars, one dedicated to the Aesir and one to the Vanir. There are alfa bowls on each altar where libations can be poured out in offering.

“With half a loaf, and cup half filled,
A friend full fast I made.” 

Temple Ganesha

Temple Ganesh is the first Hindu sacred space at Spirit Haven. Dedicated to the elephant-headed remover of obstacles, the temple celebrates Ganesha, the ruler of the Muladhara (Root) Chakra. The Temple is a sacred realm in dappled sunlight within a beautiful ring of trees. Anyone can offer puja (worship) to Ganesh with devotions, offerings, praise, chanting or song. Whether you’re there to break a coconut, offer sweetly-scented flowers or incense, ring a bell, chant or just meditate, Temple Ganesh will offer you a comfortable, warm place to worship the God of all Wisdom. Jai Ganesha! 

Self Blessing Station

This is the transitioning area from our Mundane lives to Magical lives at Spirit Haven Ranch. It is located past the Front Gate, past the bridge, on the left as you come up the hill and across from Magical Meadow. There is a sign, a table and a place to sit. You can stop after CheckIn. – if your trip was stressful, leave it at the Altar! You can stop after unloading/parking – gives you a little time. You can visit anytime you need to re-center or rid yourself of destructive or negative thoughts.

In order to have a peaceful, loving and fun festival, we need to leave our bad energies behind and invite the awesome, positive and tingly vibes into our time together. Doing it is the easy part.

  • Water – spritz yourself with spring water (no essential oils added).
  • Fire – light a candle – the winds are strong across the fields, so good luck, have a friend help.
  • Air – light some incense and place in the bucket of blue pebbles or light some sage and have someone help smoke cleanse you.
  • Earth – touch the directional stones, feel the coolness (but really HOT in direct sun), plant your feet, and breathe deep, ground yourself.

* You can leave offerings, if that has meaning for you (flowers, stones, seeds, nuts, or LIGHTERS) 

Ravenswood

The entrance to Ravenswood is past the entrance to Lothlorien, back through the woods. There is an altar, a gathering of three trees for the Maiden, Mother, and Crone, and space to sit and reflect. Bring a chair, blanket, or commune with nature in this Morrigan-centric space.

Naos Templum

Located near the Labyrinth and centered around the fire ring on Phoenix Meadow, this space is being created for those who are called to work with Greek and Roman deities. A space to make devotions and offerings to those theoi who weave their blessings through our lives. Naos Templum is “temple” in both Greek and Latin,  respectively.

This is a long term transformation and we think that good things are worth the wait! Future plans include a rebuilt and maintained fire ring, individual devotional altars , drainage, and shade.

As of Beltane 2023, we have the posts installed where the future columns will be,  the locations and designs of the individual altars laid out, and the main altar has been set up for devotionals and offerings to all the Greco-Roman deities. We have also added temporary alter markers with a devotional for each theoi.

The main altar is stocked with offerings as libations each festival. During festival,  there will be a short overview of Greek Reconstructionist practice and some simple devotional guides. This guide also includes a list of people you can reach out to if you have further questions about Greco-Roman deities, devotionals, or making offerings.

We try to host one public event per festival. Our temple tenders do their own personal devotionals and rites in the temple and folks are welcome to observe and ask questions after they are finished.

Memorial Grove

Memorial Grove is located in a small inlet along the main road, across from Phoenix Meadow. It features an altar, with stone benches scattered around the space. We also feature the Memorial Web dedicated to those who have helped grow and shape this land.

The Grove is created as a meeting place for those who have gone beyond the Veil and those who have been left behind. It is a space for all the dark gods and goddesses but the space will forever remain undedicated to any one god or goddess. The heartsick living can find some respite in this place, and for those who have transitioned – this place is a sacred space for them and to commune with them.

Memorial Grove is an ideal choice for any sort of memorial, particularly at Samhain, but can also be used for rituals dedicated for the deities of death and the afterlife. As a meeting place, it has also been successfully used for communication between worlds, and workshops focusing on ancestors or history. It can easily fit workshops or classes of 20 people or less.

Labyrinth

The Labyrinth is a meditative experience, journeying inward to the soul. Stay and play, pray, or reflect in the center before journeying back out into the world. In addition to being a powerful meditation tool, our Labyrinth is dedicated to the Fae and is a wonderful place to commune with them and leave them offerings. It is also an ideal space for initiations, rites of passage, handfastings, and rituals focused on manifesting within or on letting go. Come walk the Labyrinth and experience its magic for yourself!

Herne's Hollow

Herne’s Hollow has been a sacred space since 2004. It is located across the road from the Labyrinth, down a shady path that leads you into a beautiful hollow, rich in serenity and magical presence. The ancient tribes of Britain worshiped Herne the Hunter. He is associated with the Wild Hunt, protection, warrior energy, valor and honor. At Herne’s altar all are welcome and none can say nay. Bring your offerings and commune with the Horned One in this sacred space. Keep your eyes out for the Fae, in the Hollow they are often seen at play.

Haven Grove

Haven Grove is a neutral space with no particular affiliation with any god, goddess, or tradition. A sacred space for those who don’t have one. Welcome to Any and All. Will feature natural tree altars,  plenty of open area for meditation and small rituals. Also has a dedicated area for Handfasting rituals. Lots of shade, no power, no seating. 

Grounding & Centering Temple

The Grounding and Centering Temple was created at our first Beltane on the Land, based on the need for a quiet place in which to heal and seek counsel. It is open to anyone who needs a time out, a place for reflection, grounding and centering, and meditation. As you spend time here, please honor the energy and intention of the place. Help yourself to the blessing oil on the altar, and light some incense (if the wind allows) to help you in your meditations. If you are in need of spiritual counseling at the Temple, contact a Guardian, or come to Lair Bastet camp, just down from Carol’s Corner, where there are priestesses ready to help. You are never alone. 

Grandmother's Grove

Over the river (well, creek) and through the (Meditation) Woods, to Grandmother‘s Grove we go: Grandmother’s Grove has always been a part of Spirit Haven’s festivals, even before we moved to Spirit Haven Ranch. It served as a gathering and community space, a place for children’s story time, and various workshops and rituals. Now, Grandmother is waiting with open arms for any who wish to commune with her.

Here, you will find the giant Grandmother tree, a stone altar, a standing stone, a fire ring, and a large, open space perfect for stargazing, workshops, or rituals. Come sit under her tree, light a fire and stay a while, watch the stars, or read The Story of CMA from the Grandmother’s Storybook. The feeling here is warm, welcoming, and loving, and Grandmother‘s Grove is not dedicated to any particular energy. 

Dragon's Nest

The Dragon’s Nest is a secluded, calming space which is ideal for quiet meditation and contemplation. The purpose of the Nest is communion with Land and  Cosmos as living entities, Dragon, the undertow of reality, the vast, complex consciousnesses of the world around us, adjacent to human tradition, maybe even inclusive of it, but far greater than it. The space is guarded by a trellised archway, nestled in the wood across from Grandmother’s Grove. Once inside, offerings to Land and Cosmos may be made to the decomposing stump in the center of the clearing. Beneath our feet, Above, Around, and Within, the Dragon lives and so do We. 

Council Oak

Our blessed Council Oak has transitioned from her former self into a beautiful memorial altar, adorned with a beautiful altar top handmade from pieces of her trunk. A wooden footbridge and a lovely arbor lead into the space, and a cedar-post fence surrounds the entire site. 

Brighid's Temple Complex

Brighid’s Crossing: Brighid’s Crossing has existed with our organization since before Spirit Haven Ranch was purchased. It has always been a special location for crafts, chanting, music, and gathering. As the Temple Complex has come together, Brighid’s Crossing has become a more public and social part of the Complex, in contrast to the quieter, more meditative Altar area.

Brighid’s Altar: Brighid’s Altar consists of a slab of oak cut from the sacred tree known as Council Oak. At each festival, Brighid’s Temple Coordinator oversees the gathering of temporary items and gifts to place on the altar. This consists of things such as: whiskey, candles, incense, woven Brighid’s crosses, prayers/blessings/invocations written on paper, and much more.

The Standing Stone: The Standing Stone was dedicated in approximately 2008 and was livingly carved by hand to be placed at Spirit Haven Ranch. Stones have long been used as a marker of a sacred site or in honor of sacred beings. This stone was erected in Brighid’s honor.

The Prayer Tree: There are traditions of marking requests of the Gods or saints at sacred trees all over the world. Strips of cloth or other items are brought and imbued with the bringer’s wish for aid, thanks for aid given, or request for blessing in general, and then tied to the tree. These objects are believed to be a conduit of physical manifestation of the prayer or request they are sending. Many trees can be found in Ireland and across the world that hold the physical manifestations of countless prayers. The prayer tree in Brigid’s Temple Complex is just such a tree. Members have adorned the tree with pieces of cloth in representation of their wishes or prayers. This practice has been active here since at least 2008 and it is hoped that future members will learn of it and participate in its sacredness.