🌿 Event: Fall Equinox Prayer and Purification Lodge
📅 Dates: Friday, October 4th – Sunday, October 6th, 2024
🕘 Time: Beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday and concluding at 5:00 PM on Sunday
🏞️ Location: Taino Woods Sanctuary, 302 Big Woods Rd, Harris, NY 12742

Join us for a profound and transformative Fall Equinox Prayer and Purification Lodge with the esteemed Behike Miguel Sague. This sacred ceremony offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the rhythms of the Earth and the cycles of Life, Death, and Rebirth.

As we honor the Fall Equinox, we recognize the pivotal moment in the ceremonial cycle of the cemies, where Yoka Hu, the male spirit of Energy and Life, completes his journey. This powerful gathering symbolizes the transition of Yoka Hu, who is born at the Spring Equinox, matures at the Summer Solstice, and ultimately descends to the watery underworld at the Autumnal Equinox.

During this ceremony, we will gather to participate in the traditional Taino purification lodge, a sacred space for prayer, healing, and renewal. The gathering will also feature the sharing of sacred foods such as green squash, black beans, cassava, and corn, which hold deep cultural and spiritual significance within the Taino Medicine Wheel.

Ceremony Highlights:

• Friday, October 4th: Arrival and gathering at Taino Woods Sanctuary. Introduction to the ceremony and community sharing.
• Saturday, October 5th: Fall Equinox Prayer and Purification Lodge led by Behike Miguel Sague. Sacred rituals and communal prayer.
• Sunday, October 6th: Closing ceremonies and reflections. Departure by 2:00 PM.

What to Bring: 

• Work Clothes: Sturdy boots, gloves, and layers appropriate for outdoor work.

• Ceremonial Wear: Modest attire for any lodge or ceremony (Click here to learn more about the history, traditions, and ceremonial wear of a purification lodge).

• Sacred Gifts: Items like tobacco, cedar, lavender, or prayer ties, to offer during ceremonies.

• Camping Gear:

• If you have your own tent, please bring it along with a sleeping bag and any personal camping items you may need.

• Communal Tent Option: If you don’t have your own tent, no worries! We now offer a communal tent area with space for up to 5 people per tent. Be sure to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, and any personal bedding to make your stay comfortable.

• Private Camping: If you prefer more privacy, you can book a private camping spot through our HipCamp listing. Click here to reserve your spot in advance and enjoy a more secluded camping experience.

• Food and Water:

• Please bring your own meals and snacks for the weekend.

• Don’t forget to bring drinking water and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated!

• Communal Meal: As part of the purification lodge ceremony’s closing, we will share a communal meal. Please bring a dish to contribute to this sacred meal.

Registration and Donations:
Secure your spot by registering online. Registration closes on Wednesday, October 2nd. 

A suggested donation of $75 per person per day, $125 per person for the weekend, or $175 for a family of four is requested in exchange for the Taino teachings of Behike Miguel Sague in addition to the continued support of stewarding Taino Woods Sanctuary; Healing All Relations; donate today. 

Mandatory Agreements:
All participants are required to complete the 2024 Ceremony Annual Agreement and the 2024 Purification Lodge Annual Agreement before attending. These agreements ensure your safety and are valid for one calendar year. Please fill out these forms before attending the gathering.

Contact Us:
For any questions or additional information, please reach out to us at: events@tainowoods.com.

🌱 Event: Volunteer Weekend: Preparing the Land for Winter & Purification Lodge
📅 Date: Saturday, October 19th – Sunday, October 20th, 2024
🕘 Time: Starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday until 5:00 PM on Sunday
🏞️ Location: Taino Woods Sanctuary, 302 Big Woods Rd, Harris, NY 12742

Join us for a weekend of meaningful service as we prepare Taino Woods Sanctuary for the coming winter months. Throughout the weekend, we will focus on tending to the paths, cutting and splitting wood, and weed-whacking overgrown areas to ensure the Land remains accessible and welcoming. These efforts are essential to maintain our sacred spaces and ensure that the sanctuary remains a safe and inviting environment during the colder months.

New this Weekend! We will conclude our volunteer efforts with a sacred Purification Lodge Ceremony on Sunday, October 20th. This will provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal and connection after the day’s meaningful work. Your participation is vital in helping us care for this beautiful sanctuary and in concluding our weekend with ceremony together.

What to Bring:

• Work Clothes: Sturdy boots, gloves, and layers suitable for outdoor work.
• Sacred Gifts: Items such as tobacco, cedar, lavender, and prayer ties if you feel called to bring them.
• Ceremonial Wear: Modest clothing appropriate for the purification lodge.

  • For men: Shorts and a t-shirt or tank.
  • For women: Modest dress that covers the shoulders and knees or a long skirt and top.

• Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, and any personal items for an overnight stay.

  • If you do not have your own tent, we have communal tents available that can comfortably fit up to 5 people.
  • You can also book a private tent camping spot through HipCamp.

• Food and Water:

  • Meals: Please bring your own meals, drinking water, and snacks for the weekend.
  • Communal Meal: We will share a communal meal after the purification lodge ceremony as an important closing to the ceremony. Please bring a prepared dish to share.
  • Water: Bring a reusable water bottle to refill with your drinking water, and stay hydrated!

Registration and Participation Details:
Secure your spot by registering online. Registration closes on Wednesday, October 16th.

All participants are required to complete the 2024 Volunteer Liability Agreement as well as the 2024 Purification Lodge Annual Agreement before attending. These agreements ensure your safety and only need to be signed once per calendar year.

Support Our Efforts:
Your contributions help sustain and nurture Taino Woods Sanctuary. If you’re unable to attend but would like to support our efforts, we welcome donations to help us continue our work. Donate here.

Contact Us:
For any questions or additional information, please reach out to us at: events@tainowoods.com.

🌱 Event: Two-Day Natural Soap-Making Workshop, Overnight Retreat & Purification Lodge
📅 Date: Saturday, October 26th – Sunday, October 27th, 2024
🕘 Time: Starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday until 12:00 PM on Sunday
🏞️ Location: Taino Woods Sanctuary, 302 Big Woods Rd, Harris, NY 12742

Join us for a unique overnight experience where you’ll dive into the art of natural soap-making and enjoy the warmth of community at Taino Woods Sanctuary. This two-day workshop is perfect for those looking to learn the craft of soap-making in a serene and supportive environment, and now includes a sacred Purification Lodge Ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll be guided through each step of the soap-making process, from heating and mixing to curing and cutting your own soap loaf. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with nine beautifully crafted bars of natural soap, along with the knowledge and confidence to continue making soap on your own. During the soap-curing period on Saturday afternoon, we will gather for a sacred Purification Lodge Ceremony, offering a beautiful opportunity for spiritual renewal and connection.

What to Expect:

Day 1: Introduction, Hands-On Soap Making & Purification Lodge Ceremony

• Welcome and Introduction: Kick off with an overview of the workshop and a brief history of soap making.
• Preparation: Review the materials and learn essential safety instructions, especially for handling lye.
• Heating and Measuring: Heat oils and measure them into your bowl.
• Lye Solution: Work with the pre-mixed lye and water solution.
• Mixing: Combine the lye solution with oils, blend, and add your essential oil for scent.
• Pouring and Setting: Pour your soap batter into molds and let it set overnight.
• Purification Lodge Ceremony: Gather for a sacred lodge ceremony to renew and connect after the day’s meaningful work.
• Wrap-Up: Review key concepts and participate in a Q&A session.

Day 2: Cutting and Final Touches

• Unmolding and Cutting: Unmold your soap and cut it into bars.
• Curing: Place your soap bars in boxes for curing.
• Wrap-Up and Review: Discuss the curing process, care for your soap, and wrap up with any final questions.
• Goodbye: Take home your soap loaf, bowl, and mold, and share feedback.

What to Bring:

• Work Clothes: Comfortable clothing for soap-making and other activities.
• Ceremonial Wear: Modest attire for the purification lodge.

  • For men: Shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.
  • For women: A modest dress that covers the shoulders and knees, or a long skirt and top.

• Hand Blender: Recommended Hand Blender for a quick and easy purchase.
• Eye Protection: Recommended Safety Goggles to purchase.
• Long Sleeve Shirt: For protection during soap-making.
• Whisk and Rubber Spatula: For mixing and pouring your soap batter.
• Sacred Gifts: Items like tobacco, cedar, lavender, or prayer ties for the purification lodge.
• Sleeping Bag: For your comfort in the communal tents.

Materials Provided:

• Oils (lard/tallow)
• Essential oil (tea tree)
• Pre-mixed lye and water solution
• Soap molds and boxes

Meals and Accommodations:
We provide breakfast for both days, and you’ll enjoy the warmth of communal tents, each accommodating up to 5 people. We kindly ask participants to bring their own lunch and contribute to a potluck dinner on Saturday evening as part of our shared community experience. If you prefer more privacy, you can reserve a spot at HipCamp site for private camping.

Registration and Fees:

• Registration Fee: $140 per person, which includes all materials, breakfast both days, and shared tent accommodations. Pay Here.
• Register By: Wednesday, October 22nd, 2024.

Important Reminders:

• Agreements: Please ensure you’ve completed the 2024 Purification Lodge Annual Agreement before attending. This agreement is necessary for your participation in the lodge and is valid for one calendar year.

Limited to 10 participants.

Contact Us:
For any questions or additional information, please reach out to us at: events@tainowoods.com.

🌱 Event: Día de los Muertos Volunteer Weekend & Purification Lodge
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2nd – Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
🕘 Time: Starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday until 5:00 PM on Sunday
🏞️ Location: Taino Woods Sanctuary, 302 Big Woods Rd, Harris, NY 12742

Join us for a heartfelt weekend as we honor the sacred traditions of Día de los Muertos through our volunteer efforts and purification lodge. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time when the veil between the worlds is thin, allowing us to feel the presence of our loved ones who have passed on. This weekend, we embrace the spirit of this sacred holiday by coming together to steward the Land and offer our service, all while remembering and honoring those who have come before us.

On Saturday, we will dedicate ourselves to tending to the Land, acknowledging that through caring for Atabeyra (Mother Earth), we nurture the foundation on which we and our ancestors have lived. This is our way of showing gratitude, ensuring that our sacred spaces continue to flourish and provide healing for our community.

On Sunday afternoon, we will come together for a Purification Lodge Ceremony, a ritual to purify and renew ourselves as we honor those who have walked before us. This lodge will be a space for connection, healing, and transformation—a powerful conclusion to our weekend of meaningful service and reflection. We invite you to bring sacred gifts to place on our community altar in honor of your ancestors, further deepening this connection and ceremony.

What to Bring:

• Work Clothes: Sturdy boots, gloves, and layers suitable for outdoor work.
• Sacred Gifts: Items like tobacco, cedar, lavender, prayer ties, or small offerings in remembrance of your ancestors for our community altar.
• Ceremonial Wear: Modest attire for the purification lodge.

  • For men: Shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.
  • For women: A modest dress that covers the shoulders and knees, or a long skirt and top.

• Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, and any personal items for an overnight stay. If you do not have your own tent, we have communal tents available that can comfortably fit up to 5 people. You may also reserve a private tent camping spot through our HipCamp.
• Food and Water:

  • Meals: Please bring your own meals, drinking water, and snacks for the weekend.
  • Communal Meal: We will share a communal meal after the purification lodge ceremony as an important closing to the ceremony. Please bring a prepared dish to share.
  • Water: Bring a reusable water bottle to refill with your own drinking water, and stay hydrated!

Registration, Participation, and Ceremony Details:
Secure your spot by registering online. Registration closes on Wednesday, October 30th.

All participants are required to complete the 2024 Volunteer Liability Agreement and the 2024 Purification Lodge Annual Agreement before attending. These agreements ensure your safety and are valid for one calendar year. Please fill out these forms before attending.

To better understand the significance and traditions of the purification lodge, we invite you to review our Guanara Lodge Information Packet, which provides detailed insights into the ceremony.

Supporting Our Efforts:
As part of the communal spirit and to support the ongoing efforts of Taino Woods Sanctuary, we kindly request a suggested donation of $50 per person for participation in the purification lodge. Your contributions help us sustain and nurture this sacred space. Donate here.

We look forward to sharing this sacred and meaningful weekend with you, honoring our ancestors through our work on the Land, and concluding in ceremony together.

Contact Us:
For any questions or additional information, please reach out to us at: events@tainowoods.com.

🌱 Event: Volunteer Weekend: Preparing the Land for Winter Closure
📅 Date: Saturday, November 9th – Sunday, November 10th, 2024
🕘 Time: Starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday until 5:00 PM on Sunday
🏞️ Location: Taino Woods Sanctuary, 302 Big Woods Rd, Harris, NY 12742

Join us for our final volunteer weekend of the 2024 season! During this weekend, we will wrap up essential winter preparations and ensure our sacred spaces are safe and welcoming for ceremony and gathering during the colder months. Tasks will include closing down the communal camping site, taking down the Itaino communal tents, and preparing the land to endure the winter.

This is a significant time for our community as we close the season with gratitude, taking care of the Land that has taken care of us all year long. Your efforts will help create a secure and peaceful environment for all upcoming winter gatherings and ceremonies at Taino Woods Sanctuary.

What to Bring:

Work Clothes:

• Sturdy boots, work gloves, and multiple layers appropriate for outdoor work.
• Cold Weather Gear: Please bring clothing to ensure you stay warm and comfortable throughout the weekend. We suggest wool socks, thermal or wool layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. Weather variability can be challenging, so being prepared with different layers is essential for warmth and comfort while working outside.

Camping Gear:

• Tent, sleeping bag, and other personal items for an overnight stay.
• Warm Sleeping Gear: Bring extra layers for sleeping, such as wool blankets, insulated sleeping pads, and warm clothing to keep your body temperature comfortable throughout the night. We want everyone to feel safe and well-rested.
• Communal tents are available if you don’t have your own gear, or you may reserve a private camping spot through HipCamp.

Food and Water:

• Please bring your own meals, drinking water, and snacks for the weekend.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Registration and Participation Details:
Secure your spot by registering online. Registration closes on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024.

All participants are required to complete the 2024 Volunteer Liability Agreement before attending. This agreement ensures your safety and is valid for one calendar year.

Supporting Our Sanctuary:
Your contributions help sustain and nurture Taino Woods Sanctuary. If you’re unable to attend but would like to support our efforts, we welcome donations to help us continue our work in maintaining our sacred space. You can make your donation here.

Contact Us:
For any questions or additional information, please reach out to us at: events@tainowoods.com.

🌿 Event: Winter Solstice Purification Lodge
📅 Date: Saturday, December 14th, 2024
🕘 Time: Ceremony begins at 9:00 AM and concludes by 6:00 PM
🏞️ Location: Taino Woods Sanctuary, 302 Big Woods Rd, Harris, NY 12742

Join us for a special Winter Solstice Purification Lodge at Taino Woods Sanctuary—a sacred opportunity to connect deeply with the energy of the solstice and the transformative power it holds. This ceremony is intended to honor both the Winter Solstice and the birthday of our beloved founder, Chantel, whose energy and commitment have been central to our community.

The Winter Solstice represents a crucial moment in the story of Yoka Hu, the male spirit of Energy and Life. This is the time when Yoka Hu retreats into the depths of “Coa Bay,” the sacred womb of Ata Bey, to regenerate and prepare for his rebirth at the Spring Equinox. As the days become shorter and the nights reach their longest, we too are invited to journey inward, embrace the stillness, and find resilience amidst the darkness. Through this ceremony, we honor the cycles of death and rebirth that mirror both the natural world and our own spiritual journeys.

This gathering will be an intimate experience—a time to release the burdens of the past year, to reflect, and to prepare for the new beginnings that await us in the coming cycle. Together, we will hold space for purification, clarity, and connection.

What to Bring:

• Ceremonial Wear:
  Modest attire for the purification lodge.

  • For men: Shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.
  • For women: A modest dress that covers the shoulders and knees, or a long skirt and top.

• Sacred Gifts:
  Items such as tobacco, cedar, lavender, or prayer ties to honor your ancestors and contribute to the lodge’s sacredness.
• Food and Water:

  • Meals: Please bring your own lunch, snacks, and drinking water for the day.
  • Communal Meal: We will share a communal meal after the purification lodge as an important closing to the ceremony. Please bring a dish to share.
  • Water: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Accommodations:
There will be no overnight accommodations provided at Taino Woods Sanctuary for this event. If you wish to stay nearby, there are several local accommodations you can book:

• Hampton Inn Monticello
• Best Western Monticello
• Resorts World Catskills

Registration and Participation Details:
Secure your spot by registering online. Registration closes on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024.

Agreements:
All participants are required to complete the 2024 Purification Lodge Annual Agreement before attending. This agreement ensures your safety and is valid for one calendar year.

Supporting Our Sanctuary:
We kindly request a suggested sliding scale donation of $50 per person for participation in the purification lodge. Your contributions help us maintain and nurture this sacred space, allowing us to continue offering ceremonies and healing experiences to all who come. Donate here.

Contact Us:
For any questions or additional information, please reach out to us at: events@tainowoods.com.

🌿 Event: New Year’s Day Purification Lodge
📅 Date: Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
🕘 Time: Fire light at 8:00 AM
🏞️ Location: Taino Woods Sanctuary, 302 Big Woods Rd, Harris, NY 12742

Celebrate the dawn of a new year with us in ceremony, as we gather for a special New Year’s Day Purification Lodge at Taino Woods Sanctuary. This morning sweat is an opportunity to greet the first day of 2025 in sacred connection, allowing us to cleanse, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead.

On New Year’s morning, we light the fire at 8:00 AM, welcoming the light of a new day and a new year. This ancient ceremony symbolizes our readiness to release the old and embrace what lies ahead with clear hearts and open spirits. As the purifying steam rises in the lodge, we let go of what no longer serves us, making space for transformation, renewal, and growth.

Start the year by honoring your spirit, connecting to community, and immersing yourself in the sacred teachings of this purification ceremony. Let this sweat mark the beginning of a journey filled with intention, healing, and blessings for you and your loved ones.

What to Bring:

• Ceremonial Wear: Modest attire for the purification lodge.

  • For men: Shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.
  • For women: A modest dress that covers the shoulders and knees, or a long skirt and top.

• Sacred Gifts: Items like tobacco, cedar, lavender, or prayer ties.
• Food & Water:

  • Lunch & Snacks: Please bring your own snacks and lunch for the day.
  • Water: Bring drinking water and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Communal Meal: We will share a communal meal after the lodge as a closing celebration of the new year. Please bring a dish to share if you feel called.

Accommodation Options:
There will be no overnight accommodations at the sanctuary for this gathering. For those who would like to stay nearby, here are some hotel options:

• Hampton Inn Monticello
• Best Western Monticello
• Resorts World Catskills

Registration and Participation Details:

• Agreements: Please complete the 2024 Purification Lodge Annual Agreement before attending. This agreement is required for participation and is valid for one calendar year.
• Suggested Donation: To support the ongoing efforts of Taino Woods Sanctuary, we kindly request a sliding scale suggested donation of $50 per person for participation in the lodge. Your contributions help sustain this sacred space and ensure we can continue to offer transformative experiences. Click here to donate.

Supporting Our Sanctuary:
Your support is vital in maintaining the sacred energy of Taino Woods Sanctuary. If you would like to contribute beyond your time, we invite you to make a donation to help sustain our sacred work. Donate Here.

Contact Us:
For any questions or additional information, please reach out to us at events@tainowoods.com.