A Thousand Words about the 38th Annual Rainbow NM 2009
Many of us arrived on June 30th and we seemed to increase exponentially after that until the peak of the fourth. Over 10,000 made up our village that spread down the valleys of half a dozen small ridges. Our water came from springs above us. We were in a forest full of dead wood and lots of plants that the cows didn't like to eat.
At 9300 feet we experienced a very different NM than you might expect. There were frequent rains many days with hail on the fourth. We were also blessed on the fourth with a double+ rainbow that endured a long time giving inspiration to the faithful. The rains encouraged the plants and mushrooms to come forth abundantly.
And they did which brought forth nature lovers. 7Song's walks had over 100 people on each of the walks of the first few days. We could really feel the deepening of the plant knowledge into our community during those walks.
The Greenpath Camp formed solidly this fourth year supported by a core of 15+ people. Several arrived early and really made a memorable village feel with two teepees and two bark huts not to mention a kitchen and a clay oven. Once the oven was done pizza, cookies and other delights flowed from it for the rest of the gathering. Several teaching spaces formed around the village. On the second over 100 people showed up for an afternoon of gathering and preparing wild edibles.
The kitchen never seemed to stop--sending meals to main circle and always on hand seemed to be another healthy meal. I think I gained weight at the gathering! We had over 15 gallons of kimchi/sauerkraut brought to/made at the gathering. Hopes are to up that a lot next year along with more sprouting to feed main circle some.
By the time I got there, a full on schedule of classes was happening. I jumped in with both feet and helped facilitate eleven teaching circles during my time there including: Plant walks and talks, Fermentation show and tell, Mycology 101, Holistic Science and Transition Culture. The vibe around the Greenpath Camp was strong and growing with many plans for next year and connecting between now and then. It felt wonderful to camp near such a vibrant village.
Every day was long for me with walks about the gathering. A nice circle of botanical enthusiasts collaborated to create a list of the plants and mushrooms seen at the gathering. That should be compiled soon but to give you a sense of it, we encountered over 50 families and a 100 genera. Everyone grew from the experience it seemed.
In addition to seeing the famous herbs there like Osha, Arnica and Aconite, I learned three new genera: Paxistima, Dracocephalum and Psuedocympoterus . I was very excited to find a new polypore and eventually found out it was another species of Phellinus (our cracked cap polypore that grows on locusts and is famous in Korea for preventing the return of cancer). I had a wonderful tea of it and was delighted to see that it was called P. tremulae (alluding to its host aspen, Populus tremuloides). I also enjoyed the decocted tea of the red-belted Polypore, Fomitopsis.
On the fourth the morning silence opened to the celebration of interdependence just before noon. I had never experienced that before in my 16 rainbows. Usually rainbow noon is later afternoon. I was not at the circle. As has happened a number of times on this day in recent years, I found myself alone in the woods praying on the earth, cleansing in a spring, focusing on healing. I made my way later to the celebration and deeply enjoyed connecting with my family there. This year more than a dozen friends I had not seen for many rainbows re-appeared. It was so wonderful to see them out in those glorious aspen-fir-spruce forests. One concern is that my teacher and friend, Greenlight, was not there and I heard rumors he has been ill. If anyone has news about him, please let me know.
I spent time hearing stories of an archeological site in the lower part of the meadow with a stone fire pit 5000 years old and tufts of grassy areas making up an ancient medicine wheel. I visited them and could feel some energy from them. The main meadow was apparently a place warriors would meet before war.
I checked in on the main family council several times and heard some amazing visions and stories. I have recently heard word that the council consensed on next year's gathering being east of the Mississippi.
The drums would play in the distance through the night which gave me great comfort. I understand that the parties and circles also spanned the night. Given my path I usually go to sleep on the early side so you will have to read another's rainbow account to hear more about that.
I participated in many circles on how we can grow to be a more sustainable rainbow. Lots of ideas were aired hopefully seeds for future transformation. Some ideas that stay with me include: Water catchment off the kitchen roofs into simple filters of charcoal, sand and moss; Utilizing alternatives to toxic bleach such as antimicrobial plants (e.g. sage brush); Introducing more wild food and teas from the kitchens to the people; Reducing the amount of wood burned at the gathering; Coordinating the different camps into neighborboods....
I could feel my many years of attending gatherings this year. I had changed a lot in the 14 years since my first NM gathering. One of the biggest distinctions that needs to be shared is that there are people who act like rainbows (shining love and light) and those that act like drainbows (needy energy seekers). It is important to understand this distinction.
I just saw a really interesting hour documentary called "We Love You" that features many friends. You can see the trailer for it through http://www.weloveyoufilm.com/.
We are all part of the rainbow. It is a way of life.
Love and Light,
Frank
July, 2009
Woodsedge, NC