Goddess Festival

The Goddess Festival 2010 - Sept. 9-12
Sisters are Gathering again!

Goddess of Song

ANIQUE RADIANT HEART

CHANTING THE CHAKRAS

As a Goddess womyn, I have wanted a practice in my life that gives me a sense of discipline in my journey towards fulfillment. Something that grounds me in the physical, yet takes me to the transcendent realms as well. Many years ago now, I did a retreat with the late Kay Gardener, great being that she was and still is in my own heart, which taught me how to move energy in my energetic bodies – the chakras – with voice and chant. To say it changed my life is an understatement. However, the Eastern model of visualizing the chakras as wheels of light did not take me where I wanted to go. Over the years, I developed a system of combining Goddess imagery and associated archetypes as well as creating original chants which articulated the Goddess name to invoke the sense of transcendence I was looking for. I then added gentle movements as well, so that when all three aspects – visualization, chant and movement are combined, there is a feeling of aliveness and connection which is incomparable for me. This is my daily sacred practice.

My workshop will teach about this modality as well as sharing information about the Goddess archetypes and the correspondences of the chakras to our physical body and the external world. It is experiential, with joyous chanting and prayer, as well as fun and personal sharing. A good singing voice or the ability to sing is not the issue here. Rather a love of Goddess, a love of singing and a desire to shift old patterns will be the impetus to join me.

FROM DIVA TO DEVOTION: A mini concert

From a young age, I knew that I could sing, and I also realised very quickly it was the best way to get attention. I have to admit....not much has changed really....I can sing and I do get attention when I do!! My mini concert will include songs from my journey as a jazz diva, through the transformation to Priestess of the Goddess and now to Elder of my Tribe. I will have images of myself from all these incarnations and stories as well as marvelous music – my own and others that I admire. Join me for an uplifting, joyous half hour of womyn identified music, laced with authentic stories from my life.

Anique Radiant Heart is lighting up the Goddess Festival for us with her jazz blends of Goddess inspired music and songs all the way from Australia.

As you arrive at the Goddess Festival the air waves will be filled with the sweet sounds of Anique's music. Arrive on time and enjoy the first performance of the Festival immediately upon arrival. Toss your gear down on the bed of your choice and then, make your way to the stage to meet the other Sisters in Goddess and enjoy the good vibrational music of Anique Radiant Heart.

We hope you enjoy the music of Anique Radiant Heart!

Visit Anique's website: www.herwill.net

Anique Radiant Heart is a light-filled woman who has dedicated her life to serving and teaching about the Divine mother. Below is her story.

There is a feeling on our planet at this time. Some call it "the quickening", while others call it "the dawning of Aquarius". Many women are recognising this energy as "the return of the Great Mother".

Women everywhere are responding to an ancient call, a deep need within to connect with the Divine Mother, with the Light and also with each other. All over the globe, women are gathering by the light of the full moon, alone in front of their altars by candlelight, and in meeting halls, temples and humble living rooms to honour the feminine creative force.

Why are we doing this? What is it about worshipping the Divine Mother that resonates so deeply within us? I can only answer for myself, so this is my story.

I was born in Egypt in 1947 of French/Lebanese Jewish parents. The times were mellow in those days; the Europeans were well off, particularly the Jews. I remember my comfortable home, with the servants doing the washing, the cleaning and the cooking, and my mother and father enjoying a life of ease. All this changed in 1956, when the military dictatorship decreed that Egypt was for the Egyptians, no more English and French rule...All non-Egyptians and non-Arabs OUT! And quite right it was.

My whole extended family chose Australia as our new home... we were penniless, the Egyptian government having kept all the wealth. So as a child of 9, I had to deal with a huge geographical and cultural elocation, as well as the transition from upper-middle class to working class existence.

All this to explain that I was born into a life of deep spiritual belief, and strong ethno/cultural connection.

In the late seventies, I discovered feminism. It was a revelation that led me to question all hitherto important areas of my life, including religion. They were heady days, and I grew and developed at an amazing rate of knots.

I quickly became unhappy with the patriarchal Jewish notion of Spirit. I could no longer relate to a vengeful, omnipresent male deity, who decreed that women were second class and that one race of people were better than another, "the chosen."

In 1982 I attended my first Women’s Spiritual Festival at Ballina. This was a major turning point in my life. This year I celebrate 25 years on the path of Spirit! Women from all over Australia had gathered to honour Spirit.

I was not aware of this when I agreed to go. I was going simply to be with my new found friends and to have a good time. The setting was beautiful, in the bush by a beautiful river.

The program was intriguing with all kinds of workshops and activities, and the vista upon my arrival: women everywhere, all shapes and sizes, wearing all the colours of the rainbow, mad hairstyles, ethereal looking women, women with great big boots and overalls, ...it was intoxicating!

It was here that I discovered the Goddess and my sacred connection. I learned that for over 30,000 years of recorded time, people lived peacefully, in harmony with the land, worshipping the Great Mother who gave them life in every way. That in every culture across this mighty planet, She was revered and her rituals were enacted.

That She was known by a thousand names: Kali, Isis, Pele, Yemaya, White Buffalo Woman, Oshun, Hathor, Ishtar, Quetzelotl, and many, many more. That her message was simple: honour the Earth and all that lives upon her, honour the sky and all that lives within her, honour the oceans and all that lives within her, and honour the feminine, from which all life flows. Draw in the Light of Creation and be joyful!

Since the early eighties I have been working deeply to develop the closest possible connection with the Light on a daily basis. I have educated myself and worked with a number of inspiring Spiritual teachers who have guided me along a wondrous and transformational path. I have realised that my work in the world is to gather women and share my knowledge. The Divine Mother has gifted me with a spectacular voice and I use it to heal and teach women how to heal themselves. I have self-produced 7 albums, the last 5 on CD.

In October 2002, I released a stunning album of prayers, chants and songs dedicated to the Goddess called "INVOKING". It is designed as a daily spiritual practice, and many women are using it each morning to begin their day.

The seven chakra chants I use in my workshop "SINGING THE CHAKRAS" are also on the CD, so at last I have the teaching aid I deserve to best teach women how to heal their bodies and souls with tone and chant. In 2005, I released the second album in the trilogy – “EMBRACING THE GODDESS” which is available through the EMBRACING page. This album, co-written with David Calaby, is my best work to date. This CD, which is all devotional songs to the Goddess, could also be sung to a lover. There are also songs about the seasons, the Moon and the Circle.

My CD "HOT AND MELLOW" released for my 50th birthday 10 years ago was the culmination of 30 years as a fine jazz singer.

The release of this CD and my 50th birthday, in September 1997, marked another major turning point in my life: my decision to no longer sing jazz with a band.

Now I focus my life on my workshops, spiritual music, and write songs and chants for women to use in daily spiritual life. In the last 13 years, my work has taken me overseas, where I have been honoured to present workshops, present papers at conferences about my work, and sing at women’s gatherings and also in many churches and temples. The women and men I have met and keep meeting, inspire me to continue.

This is a process that I like to savour and take time with. In writing these songs, chants and prayers, I am honouring the gift of voice I have been blessed with.

From 1996 till 2002, I organised a "INVOKING THE GODDESS SPRING CREATION GATHERING" for women, at Minto, where women gathered in Spirit and enjoyed workshops, entertainment, incredibly delicious healthy food and a glorious environment. My aim was to give women a small taste, once a year, of how life can be if only we would take the time to focus on the Divine in each other and ourselves.

Now, my focus has changed and I am traveling too frequently to organise the Gathering in the same way each year. However, I will still be gathering the women, but now with a particular focus. This year (2007) I am convening a forum for women on depression as it relates to women. This is the second year I am doing this work of service, please go to www.womenanddepression.herwill.net for full information. Click on CONFERENCES on the menu for more information.Also this year, it is my honor and pleasure to be the Australian anchor for the international Gather the Women Congress to be held at the Women's College Sydney University 6/7/8/ July 2007. Please go to www.gatherthewomenoz.com for all the details Click on CONFERENCES on the menu for more information.

Every three months or so, depending on my workload, on the Solstices and Equinoxes, I produce the "INVOKING THE GODDESS" newsletter — now in its 8th year!! I had been printing it and distributing it free for women and men who love the Goddess. The cost involved has become prohibitive however, due to the huge increases in postage. So now it is available here! Just click on Newsletter and enjoy!!2005 was an amazing year - the year when the Australian Goddess Temple was manifested with the help of women and men from all over the world. It is my humble pleasure and duty to be the Priestess and caretaker of this beautiful Temple, on my land at Willawarrin. Please click on Temple on the menu to view the herstory of the Temple.

I also was invited to present at the Glastonbury Goddess Conference for the first time in 2004. It was an amazing experience, as it happened right after my furry canine companion of 10 years Gemma died. My emotions were high and it was often challenging, yet awsome and wonderful. 2006 brought new experiences with the organisation of the first Women and Depression Conference and my second invitation to the Glastonbury Goddess Conference. I also led a tour around the sacred sites in south west England right after the Conference - what a great experience with some wondeful women.This year, I had my first experience of Her Holiness Sai Maa. To say my life has changed to my very core is an understatement. I feel I have found a new Spiritual Teacher and I am blessed. In a few weeks I journey to Vail Colorado at Her invitation to sing for Her and the hundreds who will gather there. I am humble and grateful for this amazing opportunity.I invite you to enjoy my site and explore the many aspects of my world. May the Goddess smile on you and may yoube Blessed be!

This event is a fund raiser for the Women's Spirituality Forum an IRS 501(c)3 non-profit.
Your registration fees are tax deductible.

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About the Goddess Festival

On your sacred journey to the Goddess Festival, you’re struck by the beauty of the journey. The rolling hills dotted with oak trees gives way to majestic views of the California coastline as you pass over the northern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The air smells of the ocean’s sweet salty kiss, and you know you are getting closer.

It’s exciting to take this journey. Knowing that your sisters await your arrival and loving women’s embraces will soon enfold you.

The coastline beckons you to follow the curve of her body just so she can show off her foamy white waves as she crests the rocks that provide you safety from Yamaya’s reach. Perhaps you’d like to stop along the way to outstretch your arms and receive her ancient female energies.

Then you see the marker that starts you on your inward journey. You travel inland for a short distance. The thick oak trees soon give way to the more ancient old growth redwoods; the ancient ones who welcome you home to yourself.

The air changes again and this time it is the raw elemental of Earth that imbibes you. She’s all around you, enfolding you deeply into her mamma Gaia arms. She is the primal forest and the sacred land of the Susan B. Anthony Coven Number One’s covenstead. You’ve come home sister.

Upon arrival there is the playful chaos of activities, of women nesting for their weekend’s stay. The women are already socializing and greeting each other. There are an abundance of hugs and warm smiles. Friendships begin forming from the first “hellos.”

You have arrived at the Goddess Festival, into the loving care of Z Budapest who is the original producer of the modern day Goddess Festival. You have come back to your original roots of sisterhood, to your Amazon women.

And now that you stand firmly upon this sacred land, you are glad that you took my advice to “save the date” and make the journey because it’s unlike any other experience you will have in life.

On this sacred land there are women from all over the world. International flavors of ideas, concepts and woman space show themselves in sacred play and self-expression. The women wear a variety of cultural clothing. Some dress in t-shirts and jeans, while others put on elaborate dresses that speak of the Goddess within. All are welcomed. All are beautiful.

And the Festival begins!

Love and praises sing out to the Goddess. Z brings all the sisters together. She tells them about the rituals to come. She tells them their parts in the sacred circle. And the spirituality of women fills the air with voices talking and singing, sharing life experiences and spiritual ideas.

On this weekend, the women will come together in ritual several times. They will enjoy a variety of workshops and musical performances. They will share a communal dining hall enjoying excellent meals prepared by our cooks. And we will also feast on several outdoor barbeques in the warm days of California. We all find the time to play and socialize as maidens, mothers, queens and crones. Good times!

Goddess art and beautiful altars line our dining hall as the vendors proudly display their wares. And a silent auction takes place as a fundraiser for the Women’s Spirituality Forum who sponsors this event to ensure that more Goddess Festivals grace women’s lives on into the future. In fact, the whole Festival is a fundraiser to help the Women’s Spirituality Forum raise awareness for the Dianic tradition and women’s lives. Your Festival fees are tax deductible.

The rituals are powerful! Moving! Intoxicating!

We dance, we sing, we chant, we scream, we drum and we play. Mostly, we empower each other as women as we share the sacred rites of passage of the divine feminine.

And no other place can top the Gaia Bowl. This is the sunken earthen well in which hundreds of women can stand or sit comfortably. Created by the Coastal Native Americans, this is sacred space completely surrounded by towering redwoods. To step onto this land is to know the energies of deeply ancient magic.

Splashes of vibrant colors fill the eye as the maidens, mothers, queens and crones form a processional and descend into the sacred well. The fabric of the women’s ceremonial clothing tells its own spiritual tale as their gowns, robes, capes and various other clothing catch the ancestor’s breeze. In Gaia’s bowl you can dress colorfully and express your inner-goddess, or go skyclad in the spirit of the Amazons.

All acts of love and kindness are Her expression, and it is a weekend filled with the loving spirit of all that women are capable of. Join us this year! Don’t put it off. Sisters need to rejuvenate themselves and each other; it’s vital to our life-force. We need to fill our souls with the magic of ritual and renew our spirit through new friendships.

Mothers bring your daughters! There is no better way to strengthen your bond as women, as family, than to experience a women’s rite of passage together. It’s a divine moment you both will cherish forever.

The Goddess Festival is open to all women-born-women.

Let our women’s prayers be uttered in unison from the sweet melodic voices of hundreds of women. Let the Earth be healed. Let women be healed. Let us all know pure joy in celebrating all that is female.

Come sisters! Come to the Goddess Festival! Come experience women’s rituals with Z Budapest the founding mother of the Women’s spirituality Movement. There is no other High Priestess who can do what Z does in circle. She is magic! And so are you! Join us!