FEBRUARY 6 2010 EVENT HIGHTLIGHTS

Kuan Yin opened with a full-circle of women gathered in ritual led by Shelley, Skye and Victoria. Each woman then lit a candle and read: "I seek to follow the example of the Bodhisattva Kuan Shih Yin and bring forth a heart of great compassion for all beings."

As Beth read about how Kuan Yin became a Bodhisattva, Joye presented a dramatic enactment.

Served by Brigitte, trained in Chanoyu, and assisted by Donna and Lauren, tea was offered to women in the spirit of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Caria talked about the history of Pagan prayer beads, then women created their own.

Guided by Sherry, women meditated on four elements - self, family, friends, and Mother Earth. At the end of each meditation, women wrote down a petition to Kuan Yin and tied it to a willow branch.

Dinner featured a feast that included egg rolls, pot stickers, sweet & sour chicken, sesame chicken, curry, assorted fried rice, noodle salads, sushi, jasmine tea, orange drinks, almond and fortune cookies.

In the closing ritual each woman received a Kuan Yin elixir prepared by Sandy with instructions to apply it to an area of the body needing balance or to use it to energize altar stones – rose quartz, jade or quartz crystals – all symbols of Goddess Kuan Yin. Joan led a spiral dance to conclude the event.

A special thanks to Shelley & Chris for opening their home and to Hilary for hauling all those tables & chairs.

The goal of donating $500 to Sojourner Center was reached.