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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260718T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260718T213000
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SUMMARY:Women's Wisdom Circle - Reclaiming Childbirth  as a Rite of Passage- July 18\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:A colleague in the field of Modern Matriarchal Studies from South Africa\, Annette Müller\, wrote a thesis entitled “Analyzing and Comparing Rites of Passage in Matriarchal and Patriarchal Societies: How These Ceremonies Shape the Roles and Responsibilities of Women and Men\, and Serve as Foundational Elements in Nurturing and Sustaining a Healthy\, Thriving Society”.  She articulates the importance of rites of passage like this: \nModern society is facing a profound crisis of fragmentation. Across the world we are witnessing declining birth rates\, rising loneliness\, weakening communal structures\, increasing mental health struggles\, and growing disconnection from nature\, family\, and one another. These shifts are not merely economic or demographic. They reveal a deeper cultural rupture: the loss of meaningful rites of passage that once initiated individuals into adulthood\, parenthood\, responsibility\, elderhood\, and communal belonging.  \nHistorically\, rites of passage served as the social and spiritual architecture of healthy societies. In matriarchal cultures across the world\, these ceremonies embedded individuals into systems of reciprocity\, responsibility\, and reverence for life itself. Women’s initiation rites in particular were treated as sacred communal events because fertility\, motherhood\, and female generative power were understood as foundational to societal continuity. \nThere is much to say on this topic\, as socially and culturally integrated rites of passage have long-since been erased from memory and practice\, leaving many of us with a sense of void or wounding around the tender transitions in our lives.  Most of us don’t have lineage or even written historical records to consult; much of this material—preserved as oral tradition passed down through generations—was likely burned with the “witches” hundreds of years ago. \nWe’ve got much to do to heal\, and to reconstruct\, re-imagine\, and innovate rites that effectively prepare modern girls and women to meet the challenges of our time. \nWe are beginning with an initial conversation on the rite of birth.  Will you join us?  We’d love to hold you in our circle\, or hear from you remotely.  Do you have insights\, experiences\, or innovations you’d like to share with us? You can send us an email at councilformatriarchalarts@gmail.com\, or leave a comment on the blog post here. \nTo whet our appetite for this conversation\, below you will find a few resources on the topic of birth.  Please don’t feel pressured to view or read the entirety of this material.  Pick and choose\, consider a reference of your own choosing\, or come fortified with your own personal insights. \nReclaiming Birth as a Rite of Passage\, by Rachel Reed\, available in many formats including audiobook from several platforms.  The first chapter is available for preview free on youtube. \nAdditional materials\, referred by Annette Müller:    \nDocumentary: Giving Birth: Challenges and Choices\, created and produced by Suzanne Arms & Susan Berthiaume. \nDocumentary:  Birth Time\, created by Zoe Naylor\, Jerusha Sutton\, Jo Hunter\, and Selina Scoble. \nDocumentary:  Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and The Farm Midwives\, by Sara Lamm and Mary Wigmore. \n  \nHere are a few inquiries to consider or journal about before our dialogue: \nWhat are your key memories from your rites of passage?  First menstruation\, initiation into responsible adulthood\, motherhood\, menopause? \nWhat is your birth story? \nWhy is it important to consider birth as a rite of passage? \nHow do we heal from less-than-ideal or traumatic experiences of birthing? \nWhere and how do we begin to reclaim birth as a rite of passage for future generations? \nWhat would it take for all women to emerge from their births physically well and emotionally safe?  (This is the central question in the documentary Birth Time) \nAre there other important inquiries you’d like to raise around this topic? \n→ Read the full reflection here\nLogistics\nDate: Saturday\, July 18\, 2026\nTime: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (EEST\, local Crete time)\nLocation: Armenoi\, Apokoronas\, Crete\nCost: Free \nFacilitated by: Jennifer\, on behalf of the Council for the Revival of Matriarchal Arts \nWhat to bring:  A sacred item that represents your birth journey.  Also\, a light and healthy dish to share; please let us know what you’ll bring so we can coordinate a balanced menu and prevent waste. \nPlease review our Wisdom Circle Agreements before we gather. \nPlease RSVP:  councilformatriarchalarts@gmail.com \nWelcome to the Circle!
URL:https://matriarchalartscouncil.com/event/womens-wisdom-circle-reclaiming-childbirth-july-18-2026/
CATEGORIES:Wisdom Circle
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://matriarchalartscouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Reclaiming-Childbirth-as-a-Rite-of-Passage-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Matriarchal Arts Council":MAILTO:councilformatriarchalarts@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260722T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260722T130000
DTSTAMP:20260530T080656Z
CREATED:20260530T080656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260530T080656Z
UID:7837-1784718000-1784725200@matriarchalartscouncil.com
SUMMARY:Council Meeting - July 22\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://matriarchalartscouncil.com/event/council-meeting-july-22-2026/
CATEGORIES:Council Meeting
ORGANIZER;CN="Matriarchal Arts Council":MAILTO:councilformatriarchalarts@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260822T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260822T213000
DTSTAMP:20260530T080805Z
CREATED:20260530T080805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260530T080805Z
UID:7840-1787423400-1787434200@matriarchalartscouncil.com
SUMMARY:Women's Wisdom Circle - TBD - August 22\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:Topic: TBD
URL:https://matriarchalartscouncil.com/event/womens-wisdom-circle-tbd-august-22-2026/
CATEGORIES:Wisdom Circle
ORGANIZER;CN="Matriarchal Arts Council":MAILTO:councilformatriarchalarts@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260826T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260826T130000
DTSTAMP:20260530T080907Z
CREATED:20260530T080907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260530T080907Z
UID:7843-1787742000-1787749200@matriarchalartscouncil.com
SUMMARY:Council Meeting - August 26\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://matriarchalartscouncil.com/event/council-meeting-august-26-2026/
CATEGORIES:Council Meeting
ORGANIZER;CN="Matriarchal Arts Council":MAILTO:councilformatriarchalarts@gmail.com
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