NATURE: A Community Masquerade

On the evening of August 26, 2023 at Kingston Rotary Park, our community gathered to take part in something of the Sacred.

In NATURE: A Community Masquerade, we joined hand in hand, honored our inherent connection to the Forces of Nature, and explored our place in the web of Life. What happened was a sight to behold. 

All around the world, cultures have and continue to honor and revere the Forces of Nature for the unique medicine and archetypal aspects that they carry. Masks can reveal aspects of the self that are present in the psyche or ready to be explored. They place the wearer in an empowered position to release the limitations of everyday roles and responsibilities to explore something new within the self

In times past, it was not unusual to gather in collective intention, to hold a place in a communal circle, to explore our relationship to the natural world through movement, sound, and play. Yet in our mainstream society today, these opportunities are becoming less available.

NATURE invited the community to reclaim this ancient way of celebration. Together we stepped out of the limitations of everyday roles and responsibilities and explored our connection to the many facets of nature, to ourselves, and to each other.

The land filled with Nature Spirits of all kinds, joyful and intimate encounters were shared, seeds of a more loving humanity were planted, and that collective energy was sent out to touch all of the Earth and Her inhabitants. 

In these past two weeks or so since the event, we’ve heard so many beautiful and varying  stories and moments of transformation. If you were with us, we’re curious to hear what your experience was like. We look forward to receiving your reflections and feedback, and we thank you for joining us in NATURE.

Above Photos By Kellie Walsh Photos @kelliewalshphotos and @thedivinehive

Our Handmade Leather Masks

“There is a spiritual power in masks that transports one into realms unseen and gives voice to things unspoken.” 

– The Spiritual Power of Masks by Nigel Pennick

On August 20th we hosted a Handmade Mask Market in preparation for NATURE. The masks, featuring Nature Spirits such as birds, butterflies, flowers, trees, animals, and elemental beings of all kinds, have been designed and made by Circle Creative Collective through our ARTESANÍA Program. This program creates economic equity and empowerment for women that have been historically marginalized through employment opportunities in the production of handmade goods, bringing value back to their inherent creative expression as well as the  traditions that many of these women carry.

The leather used for these masks are hides that are by-products of the existing meat industry that would otherwise be discarded. The leather is then vegetable tanned, meaning it is tanned using natural tannins from trees, producing some of the sturdiest, most durable leather available.

Masks are available for purchase on our website or on etsy here.

Join us as we weave the fabric of our community, embracing the wisdom of our ancestors and celebrating the beauty of nature.

We believe collective joy is a powerful medicine for the world at this time. As we gather together to recognize the great Gift of Life, such as the abundance of the Earth, the nourishment of the Waters, the soothing of the Winds, and the power of the Fire, we amplify that appreciation out into the World to touch all Hearts.

Let us come together to Celebrate the Great beauty that’s all around us and within us, remembering that these elements live within us and that we each are essential in the weaving of Today and Tomorrow.