Article appeared in the Sept.8,2011 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
The 2nd annual Manitoba Goddess Festival was held on a 15 acre property off PTH 225 in Matlock over the Labour Day weekend, from Sept. 2 to 5. As far as festivals go, it was not a large event, with about 200 people in attendance throughout the weekend. However, it was a weekend filled with activities and resources designed to heal and empower on many levels. For those who attended, it was a magical experience.
This year’s festival celebrated the Egyptian Goddess, Isis. A central tent was erected which housed a temple dedicated to the Goddess. It was a place where participants could go to do some quiet, focussed meditation, and where some of the workshops and poetry readings were held.
A “tent city” housed numerous healers, including Reiki practitioners, massage therapists, reflexologists, card readers, and artisans. Throughout the weekend various workshops were offered—from Sunrise Yoga, led by a practising Druid, Brock Adams, to a Firedance workshop led by Wildfire Dance Productions, a Rainbow Sweat lodge, led by Brian McLeod, and more. Workshops exploring the historical roots of Egyptian mythology, and several which explored female power, were front and centre. Festival goers could be as busy or as laid-back as suited them.
The Goddess Festival welcomed both men and women. Approximately 15 per cent of the attendees were male, who obviously were comfortable connecting with the strong female energies. It was a family-friendly setting in which aggression and stress were put well aside, where everyone could open themselves to positive healing energies, and explore new avenues for inner growth.
“You can’t deny the feeling that exists here right now. You can’t deny the peace that’s here. It gives you hope,” said 47-year-old Howard Anderson, who was on his way to the cottage from Winnipeg and checked in on the festival along with his friend, Cathie Turner.
“I feel the energy too. It’s very peaceful…I believe this festival in honouring Matlock as well,” said Turner.
Anderson has been a student of Buddhism for 27 years, and is comfortable with a range of belief systems and spiritual teachings.
“My attitude is that we need to have a more balanced energy on this planet, to move away from the non-functional male energy that we have right now world-wide. I just feel like this male energy that has a grasp upon this planet is like a cancer that is slowly killing us.
Another festival attendee, 61-year-old Sue Ostapowich from Winnipeg, said that the caring values promoted with the festival gave her a sense of reassurance.
“There is a caring for humanity and the earth…where people are looking for more than just materialism, but inner growth and opportunities to experience diverse things,’ she said.
This was Ostapowich’s first experience with a Goddess festival. She looks forward to returning next year.
Closing ceremonies began at 11: a.m. on Monday. The event ended with a Isis Circle Dance at noon.
The Manitoba Goddess Festival’s main organizer is Kirsten Brooks of Winnipeg. She and a team of hard-working volunteers made the weekend possible. For more information about the Manitoba Goddess Festival, or for information about future festivals, visit, www.manitobagoddessfestival.com.
