Service in all its many forms is an integral part
of most spiritual
paths. The most common expressions of sacred service are community
service, service to a specific individual, or service to a Deity.
However, just as each individual spiritual path is different, the
expression of sacred service should be unique to each person. This
journey is designed to help participants gain a better understanding
of the relationship between service and spirituality as well as
uncover new ways to provide sacred service.
To begin this journey, the group will build an altar dedicated
to
sacred service. Participants are asked to bring one or more items
for
the altar that they feel have significant associations with service.
This altar will serve as a learning tool and an energy focus for
the
weekend.
During
the journey, we will explore three Deities who chose the path
of service – Hestia, Kuan Yin, and Tonatiah. These explorations
will
include discussions, guided meditations and hands-on activities
designed to assist the participants in the process of understanding
and possibly finding a connection to these Deities. In addition,
there will be discussions and activities designed to give each
participant a better understanding of the nature of service in
general
and what role sacred service plays in his/her spiritual path.
The
journey will conclude with an initiation/dedication ceremony
based on the story of Tonatiah. Participants will have a choice
of roles to
perform in this ceremony but should be advised that the role of
Tonatiah involves the experience of temporary piercing, hot wax,
and
fireplay. The role of Tonatiah will not be limited to just one
person; any participant who feels called to walk in the God's shoes
for this ceremony may do so.
Presenters:
Christina Parker (AKA slavette), began exploring
alternative
spiritual practices over a decade ago. Although most of her
experience has been as a solitary practitioner, Christina is an
active
member of Quarterstones Circle. Not content with leading one
alternative lifestyle, she enjoys multiple polyamorous relationships
and has also been a collared 24/7 slave since 1996. Committed to
promoting healthy alternative practices through education, Christina
has given over 150 workshops across the U.S. and in Canada. Christina
also served on the faculty of Apex Academy/Butchman's Experience,
an
organization dedicated to promoting the spiritual growth opportunities
available through SM techniques and Master/slave relationships.
While
she speaks on a variety of topics, her primary educational focus
is on
spirituality, polyamorous relationships, and Master/slave
relationships. As part of her commitment to fostering respect for
the
value of service as a life path, Christina is the author of The
Path
of Service – Guideposts for Excellence. With her first Master,
Christina was honored to receive the Pantheon of Leather Awards
for
Couple of the Year (2001) and Small Event of the Year for Together
in
Leather 2004, in addition to holding the title of International
Master
and slave 2002. Christina has been owned by her current Master,
Todd,
since 2004. The latest twist in Christina's spiritual path has
led to
her to exploring life's joys with her elfmate/boyfriend, Fletcher.
Sarah
Sloane self-identifies
as a service oriented pagan polyamorous queer sadomasochist,
and has presented on topics ranging from sacred
BDSM to relationships to safer sexual practices to giving and
accepting service for over 8 years. Her personal call to service
is
expressed currently through her teaching and coaching work, and
through her role as a professional virtual assistant to her clients.
Her goal is to provide the structure, tools, and assistance needed
for
other people to realize their life's mission and find their bliss.
Sarah's work takes her all over the US, Canada, and abroad, and
she is
honored to have been tapped by the Universe to follow this path.
She
currently shares her life with her partners, their families, and
her
menagerie of cats and rabbits that she serves by feeding them and
treating them like the gods and goddesses they are. |