4 minute read
Renowned Spiritual Leaders Ruth Barrett and Falcon River to Grace the Yosemite Goddess Festival
This year’s Yosemite Goddess Festival is set to be an unforgettable event, especially with the arrival of two of the most respected figures in the goddess spirituality movement, Ruth Barrett and Falcon River. Traveling all the way from Michigan, these two powerful women are bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and spiritual wisdom to the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
Ruth Barrett is an acknowledged foremother of the goddess spirituality movement, a musician, priestess, and author whose work has inspired countless individuals worldwide. She has been a leading figure in the ritual arts since her ordination in 1980 and has a profound ability to connect with the divine through music, ritual, and teaching. Ruth’s contributions to women’s spirituality include her pioneering musical works, which have become central to the U.S. Goddess Spirituality Movement.
At the Yosemite Goddess Festival, Ruth Barrett will be offering a variety of workshops designed to deepen participants' understanding of the goddess traditions. Among these, her workshop on Preparing for Samhain/Halloween: Entering the Season of the Crone is particularly anticipated. This session will explore the sacred traditions associated with Samhain, a time to honor the Crone and prepare for the spiritual transition into winter. Ruth will guide attendees through the customs of this ancient holiday, emphasizing how these rituals can be practiced with consciousness and reverence in today’s world.
Another key offering from Ruth is her Women’s Wheel of the Year Workshop, a deep dive into the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days that mark the seasonal holy days in the agricultural calendar. This workshop explores the interconnectedness between the earth’s cycles, the mythic cycle of the goddesses, and the female life cycle, offering profound insights for women seeking to connect more deeply with the rhythms of nature.
Beyond her workshops, Ruth Barrett will also be giving a special Back to the Bones Concert. This musical experience is expected to be a moving celebration of the goddess myths and folklore that have inspired her compositions. Ruth’s performances are known for their ability to transport audiences into a sacred space, where the divine feminine is honored and celebrated through song.
Joining Ruth Barrett is Falcon River, an ordained priestess and co-founder of the Temple of Diana, Inc., a federally recognized women’s temple. Falcon has been a vital force in supporting women’s ritual circles since 1976, teaching practical energetic and magical skills for daily life. Her deep connection to nature and traditional folk magic has informed her extensive study of runes, which she has been working with for over forty years.
Falcon River will be leading several workshops, including Intro to Runes, where she will introduce participants to the Elder Futhark runes, exploring their origins and how they can be used for guidance and spiritual insight. Her Tree Lore Workshop will also offer a female-centered perspective on the mystical and healing properties of trees, drawing from both Northern European and North American traditions.
Both Ruth Barrett and Falcon River embody the wisdom of the ancient traditions they teach, and their presence at the Yosemite Goddess Festival is a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with the deep spiritual practices they bring. Their teachings, combined with Ruth’s musical offerings, promise to create a profoundly enriching experience for all who attend.
The Yosemite Goddess Festival will be held at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds on October 5th and 6th. Don’t miss this chance to learn from two of the most respected voices in goddess spirituality, as they share their knowledge, music, and rituals in the majestic setting of Yosemite.
For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.YosemiteGoddessFestival.com.
