Taino Woods Update – September 2023

Asaka’ni’no’ Itaino (Ah-sah-kah-nee-noh E-Taino)!
(Greetings Family!) 

The Taino Equinox Celebration

With the Fall Equinox approaching in this month of September, and our celebration of the Fall Equinox with our Danza in October, we would like to share this ceremonial story from the perspective of the Caney Spiritual Circle, and Behike Miguel Sague: 

This season represents a special stage in the ceremonial cycle of
the cemies … We believe that Yoka Hu, the male spirit of Energy and Life
has a Life-Cycle just like any living entity. We believe that Yoka
Hu is born of his Earth-and-Water Mother, Ata Bey, at Spring
Equinox. He rises to full maturity and strength at Summer Solstice
and then declines during the stormy, hurricane-blown weeks at the
end of the summer season to finally die at the Autumnal (Fall)
Equinox.

The Autumnal Equinox represents the moment when our beloved Life
Spirit, Yoka Hu, begins his journey to the realm of the dead. He
descends to the watery underworld at the center of Ata Bey’s womb
called “Coa Bay”, a place that can be accessed spiritually through
sacred caves. Yoka Hu goes there to be finally reunited as a
germinal embryonic being with his mother’s uterus. At Winter
Solstice, this powerful male spirit overcomes the rigors of Death
and Hardship that characterizes the hurricane-driven late Summer and
Fall. There he awaits rebirth during the dry Winter months, a period
of time which, in the Caribbean, hold very little rainfall and
constrain the ability for plant-life to regenerate. Finally in the
Spring Equinox Yoka Hu is re-born from his mother’s womb and
the cycle begins all over again.

For the full narrative, visit: The Taino Equinox Celebration – Indigenous Caribbean Network. Arikona bu (thank you), for keeping the traditions alive, Behike; it is with your great help that we are able to grow this Calmunity!

Sacred Celebrations: Embrace the Spirit of Unity and Renewal

As the leaves begin their colorful transition, signaling the heart of autumn, we too take a moment to reflect, honor, and celebrate the sacred rituals that bind us together. Our dedication remains unwavering, even amidst challenges, and we’re thrilled to share our upcoming ceremonies with you.

• Saturday October 7th – Sunday October 8th: Fall Equinox Danza with Behike Miguel Sague
  • Dive deep into the mystical energies of the Fall Equinox. This sacred Long Dance, led by the esteemed Behike Miguel Sague, spans from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening. The ritual commences with the lighting of a hallowed fire. Dancers and drummers alternate in maintaining a ceaseless flow of dance and rhythm around this fire. This dance is not just a physical act, but a profound communal prayer, dedicated to a purpose declared at its onset. The intensity of this ceremony calls for unwavering meditative focus from all its participants. Learn more about Behike Miguel Sague here.
    • Registration Ends: Tuesday, September 26th

• Saturday October 14th: Scorpio New Moon: Setting New Intentions Guanara Lodge
  • A time for reflection, intention setting, and new beginnings. Join us as we harness the power and potential of the Scorpio New Moon within this Fall Equinox to set our sights on the future, the possibilities it holds, and sizzle our lives! 
    • Registration Ends: Wednesday, October 11th

For both events, please remember to register by the mentioned deadlines via our website: Taino Woods Sanctuary. Those interested in the purification teachings or seeking details about overnight accommodations can get in touch with us at sweatlodge@tainowoods.com. Note: Overnight stays are an exclusive part of certain ceremonies, like the Fall Equinox Danza.

Harmonious Rhythms: Join Our Tekina Drumming and Song Group
Embrace the beating heart of Taino Woods Sanctuary by becoming a part of our Tekina Drumming and Song Group. This is an invitation to connect with the soul-stirring power of rhythm, music, and community.

Why Join Tekina:

• Connect and Express: Immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals who share your love for music and unity.
• Learn and Grow: Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting, there’s always room to learn and expand your musical skills.
• Heal and Rejuvenate: Discover the therapeutic effects of drumming and song, as they offer both mental and spiritual healing.
• Contribute to Events: Our Tekina Group often adds its enchanting melodies to our ceremonies and gatherings, making your rhythms an integral part of our community’s heartbeat.

How to Join:

• Visit Our Website: Head to tainowoods.com and navigate to the Tekina Drumming/Song Group under the “Groups” section.
• Express Your Interest: Click on the “Request Access” button to notify one of our Tekina leads of your interest. They will reach out to you via our messaging feature and will provide you with all the necessary details.

The Rhythms Await:
Experience the thrill of connecting with fellow musicians, expressing your soul through rhythm, and contributing to the harmonious spirit of Taino Woods Sanctuary. We will be meeting via Zoom on Thursday September 7th at 7:30pm; and we will be gathering in-person on the Land during the Giving and Receiving Stewardship Workshops as you will see below; (Saturdays September 9th, 16th, and 30th).

Forge Connections: Sign On to the Taino Woods Sanctuary Community
Join hands with like-hearted souls, share your journey, and build profound bonds as we navigate the path of healing and personal evolution together.

Becoming a Member is a breeze:

1. Visit Our Website: Head over to www.tainowoods.com and spot the “Become A Member” button on the homepage.
2. Choose Your Membership: Opt for a Community Guest membership (free, with limited online access) or elevate your experience with a Community Member membership (paid, granting exclusive access to all online resources, including groups, special events, discounts on healing services, and our personal social media platform: Taino Social).
3. Payment Preference (For Community Members): If you choose the Community Member option, decide on your preferred payment structure.
4. Craft Your Profile: Fill in your details to create a unique profile that captures your essence and purpose.

With these simple steps, you’re now an integral part of our thriving Calmunity!

Explore the Taino Woods tab for events, newsletters, programs, and more. Venture into the Taino Social tab to connect with fellow members, explore various groups, and find unique avenues for engagement – and check out our new RSVP option for our upcoming events! Be the first to register for our sweats, ceremonies, and more! Visit us at www.tainowoods.com.

Join Our Volunteer Team: Give Back to the Land
Attention all nature enthusiasts and community builders! The heartbeat of Taino Woods Sanctuary thrives on collaboration, and we’re calling on you to join us in nurturing our sacred space. Our Volunteer Program presents a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the well-being of our beloved sanctuary.

Upcoming Giving and Receiving Stewardship Workshops:
Our Giving and Receiving Stewardship Workshops are your gateway to making a tangible impact. Mark your calendars for these Saturdays: September 9th, September 16th, and September 30th. From 10:00am to 6:30pm, come ready to get your hands in the soil and your spirits in sync with the Land.

Workshop Highlights:

• Garden Enhancement: Help with wood chipping, composting, and nurturing our green spaces.
• Greenhouse Construction: Join us in building our greenhouse, a hub of growth and sustenance.
• Tipi and Danza Mound Preparation: Assist in preparing the ground for the Tipi and the upcoming Danza, a space of communal gathering and ceremony.

Your commitment to these workshops not only fuels the flourishing of Taino Woods Sanctuary but also brings forth rewarding experiences for you.

Unlock Valuable Benefits:

• Weekend Warriors: Participate in the entire weekend of workshops to enjoy a complimentary overnight stay and a rejuvenating one-hour Reiki session.
• Double Your Impact: Contribute for two consecutive workshop weekends to gain eligibility for future plant medicine ceremonies.

How to Join:
Schedule your volunteer time by clicking the “Join the Tribe” button under the Taino Woods tab on our website: tainowoods.com. You can also reach out to us directly at volunteer@tainowoods.com with your availability.

Are you feeling the call for a more enduring connection? Explore becoming one of our Team Members. Express your interest by emailing tainowoodsny@gmail.com.

Let’s make a difference, together!

Heartfelt Gratitude to Our Dedicated Volunteers!

• A Resounding Thank You: We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible individuals who stepped forward and devoted their time and energy to support Taino Woods Sanctuary in the past months. Your unwavering dedication and hard work have made a remarkable impact on our Land and our community.
  
• A Collective Effort: The progress we’ve achieved is a testament to the power of community and the shared vision of creating a sacred haven for All. Through your contributions, we were able to accomplish so much more than we could have ever imagined.
  
• Acknowledging Our Volunteers: A special shoutout and heartfelt thanks go to these extraordinary souls who embraced the call to action and became a vital part of our journey: Julissa, Janiris, Nate, Adonis, Sone, Jason, Tay, Melissa, David, Edgardo, Rae, Chris, Natasha, Mike, Nick, Luna, Farez, Ivan, Oliver, Richie, Carmelo, and Joey.
  
• Bo Matum: While our gratitude knows no bounds, we hope we haven’t unintentionally left anyone out. Your commitment has shaped Taino Woods Sanctuary into the nurturing space it is today. Bo Matum for your tireless dedication, your love for the land, and your role in creating a community of growth, healing, and connection.

• A Special Shout-Out: To our beloved Somaliah (Soma), Cai, and community supporters as you embark on this September’s Hanbleccya (Vision Quest). We send you all so much love. May your prayers be heard and answered. Han Hankatu! We are so proud of your accomplishments! 

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for being an integral part of our community and for helping us co-create a sacred haven for all who seek healing and growth.

Bo Matum and Seneko Kakona!

Aneya Baura Dan (Ah-ned-yah Bah-oo-rah Dahn)!

(Until Next Time!)