Return of the Sun

Winter Sun at Fort Hill (Ganondagan)

It seems as though it was only yesterday that I was writing about the great wheel of the year turning and I was looking forward to the summer solstice. Now the winter solstice is nearly upon us and it is clear, the wheel certainly doesn't stop nor slow for anyone.

The winter solstice is the longest night of the year and it is also the day that marks the return of the sun - a time when our daylight hours will again begin to grow. At first the lengthening of our daylight is imperceptible. But with time it grows and in only 3 short months it is the spring equinox and the earth has begun to warm enough that the first signs of the approaching spring may be seen.

And so I suppose it is only right that this very special time of the year has traditionally been filled with sacred observances and as well as festivals of light in many cultures across the globe and throughout the centuries. I've included a few links to various observances, solstice information, and stories of the sun coming to the world below.

In looking for information to share, I came across a quote from Dante's Paradiso, "la luce divina e penetrante per l’universo secondo ch’e degno.” Translated it means, “the divine light penetrates the universe according to its dignity.” Divine light penetrating the universe - I can think of no better way to describe the return of the sun.

-kim

For more please see,

• Native Story (Haida) - How Raven Brought Light to the World
• Native Story (Zuni) - Coyote Steals the Sun and Moon
• Native Story (Cherokee) - Stealing the Sun
• 5000 year celestial calendar marks the winter solstice Newgrange, Ireland
• Sun Lore of the Ages - Solar Festivals
• Hawaiian Story - How Maui Snared the Sun
• Winter Holidays Celebrating the Solstice
• Information about the solstice as well as a couple dozen worldwide solstice celebrations

Canandaigua Treaty Keynote Speaker Oren Lyons

When I first heard that Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, would be the keynote speaker at this year's commemoration on Thursday, November 11 of the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794, it brought back my first experience hearing this quietly charismatic and visionary man. In the summer of 1991, I happened to catch Oren's interview with PBS television host Bill Moyers. I was taken with Oren's tremendous historical knowledge and perspective, his awareness of the importance of bringing the past into the present with consideration for the future, and of his tremendous sense of responsibility in his role as Faithkeeper. (A year later, he addressed the General Assembly of the United Nation, where he opened the International Year of the World's Indigenous People.)

It is remarkable that one man has done so much for so many. The awards he's received for his range of accomplishments is stunning: the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor; the National Audubon Award; the Earth Day International Award of the United Nations; the Elder and Wiser Award from the Rosa Parks Institute for Human Rights; and the Universal Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations.

As if that's not enough for one man, this author, artist, and professor also received an Honorary Doctor of Law from Syracuse University, and was an All-American lacrosse player at S.U., receiving Man of the Year in Lacrosse by the NCAA.

So, on Thursday, November 11, I'll be there at the 216th commemoration of the Canandaigua Treaty between the Six Nations and the United States, rededicating the agreement that secures perpetual peace and friendship between the two. And I'll be grabbing a front-row seat to hear Oren. Hope you'll be there too for what I know will be an unforgettable experience.

Fall Beauty

Perhaps I'm a bit partial, but I think New York State has the best Autumns. The leaf color is amazing. Warm days, crisp evenings. Fall activities are full of unique experiences and fun that are free or for very little cost. Crunchy apples and tangy cider and "sincere pumpkin patches" with pumpkins as far as the eye can see. Be sure to take in some of these wonderful Fall sights, sounds, and flavors.

In planning your Fall experiences, be sure to include Ganondagan. We have miles of trails lined with some of the most specular trees for fall color - oaks, maples, sassafras, dogwood, and more. The late fruit producing trees and shrubs like spicebush, hawthorn, and dogwood add their brilliant berries to the tapestry. Late Fall blooming plants like asters, goldenrod, and witch hazel can be seen.

Animals such as geese that are starting their yearly migrations, can be seen flying overhead. Deer are taking on their more gray winter coats and are in the midst of their yearly courtship rituals. The last of the butterflies as well as other small visitors such as spiders and toads can be seen.

Fungi of unusual shapes, sizes, and colors dot the woodland trails. Some of them are quite beautiful while others look as if they are from another world.

The Ganondagan State Historic closes for the season at the end of October. While the trails are open year-round, the site (giftshop, longhouse, etc.) will close at the end of October. This leaves you a very short window if you had planned to visit this year.

I would suggest making a day of it. Pack a picnic lunch and bring your camera on your visit to Ganondagan. Take in the sights and sounds. Smell the crisp Autumn air with the pleasantly acrid background scent of fallen leaves. See the flaming colors of the maple and sassafras. Walk the trails and revel in the serene fall beauty.

After you've finished your visit with us, be sure to check out one of the other nearby fall fun locations. Check out our neighbor the Apple Farm for fresh apples, cider, wagon rides, and lots of family fun in the U-pick orchard.  Long Acres Farms in Macedon operates one of the best corn mazes around not to mention they offer a wide range of other family fun activities. Bristol Mountain operates their ski chair lifts to give visitors "Sky Rides" that offer an unrivaled view of the beauty that is the Finger Lakes in fall. And Sonnenberg Gardens is also nearing the end of their season and will also close at the end of October.  Besides touring their gorgeous gardens and estate, they are offering special "Mansion Mystery" events. Because Ganondagan is so conveniently located, all these other fall attraction locations are within a short drive of the site.

Please come and enjoy what a New York fall has to offer!

-kim

Two Ganondagan Events with Amy Stewart & Jan Longboat

This weekend Ganondagan will be hosting two events that feature Amy Stewart, the best-selling author of Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities and Jan Kahehti:io Longboat, Mohawk Elder and Keeper of Earth Healing Herb Gardens and Retreat Centre at Six Nation.

Our "Wild & Wicked Dinner" is the first event and it is friday night October 1 from 6-9pm. The dinner will be will held be an intimate setting in a beautiful private home in Mendon, NY and will feature a delicious night of wicked, wild, and powerful plants where you will get an opportunity to meet both Amy and Jan as well as dine on sumptuous dishes featuring foods native to the Americas. The evening will also feature a  book-signing with Ms. Stewart.

The second event, The Good, the Bad and the Powerful: Native Plants and Healing Seminar, is the next day on Saturday October 2. It will feature discussions by both Amy Stewart and Jan Longboat on the plants used for healing as well as those plants that can kill us - and sometimes a killer and a healer exists in the same plant. Come learn about our powerful green neighbors. Amy will also be on hand for a book signing.

Please see our "Wild & Wicked Dinner" webpage for videos of both Amy and Jan. They are very enjoyable and you will surely not want to miss these events! But if you do not hurry you will miss out. Registration for both events close Wednesday 9/29! Call to register or register on-line!

-kim

Charlie's Old Goat Run Pictures

Here's a great slide show of the race photos - it makes you feel like you were there! Enjoy!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=584435050903%3A960193747&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee

-kim

Charlie's Old Goat Trail Run - Results!

Saturday September 18th was one of those rare gifts in Western NY at this time of the year - absolutely beautiful temperature, brilliant sun, and in a word, perfect. It was a perfect day for the running of Charlie's Old Goat Trail Run.

The proceeds from the race benefited the Friends of Ganondagan - a huge Nya:weh [thank you] to all who ran, cheered others on, organized the event, and the sponsors of the event!!  It's the generosity of people like you who make everything we do at Ganondagan possible!

Let's give a big hand to the top 5 runners from this year's race:

Charlie Andrews
DDennis Vankerhave
Tim Howland
Martin Coffey
Michelle Weiler

Great job one and all!

The Friends of Ganondagan and the staff at Ganondagan State Historic Site would like to express our thanks to Charlie and Sara Sabatine who worked so hard to organize this fund raiser for Ganondagan. NYA:WEH!

Please join us in thanking all the sponsors of this year's race as well:

Advent Auto, Apple Farm, 

Austin-Spencer Collision, Biaggi's,

 BJ's, Champps, Charlie's Restaurant, 

Dibella's, The Distillery, 

Eastern Mountain Sports, Fleet Feet Sports, 

Gander Mountain, Hogan's Hideaway, 

Longhorn Steakhouse, Marketplace Liquor,
Medved, Merle Norman, Metlife, 

Mickey Finn's, Olive Garden,
Parkview Fairways, Pellegrino's, Starbucks, 

Tri Running & Walking, Target, Tim Horton's, 

Victor Advanced Chiropractic, 

Victor Cole & Lumber
Victor Hills Golf Club, Wade's Market, 

Walmart, Wegmans, Wendy's

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program - Herbalism I

This Fall Dr. Les Moore will be teaching the next part of his herbal medicine certificate program. The Fall series of classes also features a guided trail walk at Ganondagan where wild medicinal plants are identified and discussed. 
  
The walk, as well as the other classes in the series, are excellent and I highly recommend them - I have personally taken the entire series as well as completing an apprenticeship with Dr. Moore.
  
While no books are required for the classes or the walk, Peterson's Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Foster and Duke is an excellent reference book for students of herbal medicine as well as people who want to know more about those "weeds" in their lawn which are more than just weeds. It is the most often referenced herb book in my personal library and I've included a link to the right for you to check out more about the book.
  

Botanical Medicine Certificate Program - Medical Herbalism Part I
September 23rd – October 21st  2010

This Course is the first in a series of three herbal study programs to be offered at Clifton

Bloodroot

Springs Hospital through the Integrative Medicine department, The Botanical Medicine Institute, and Classical Formulas. While each series has a similar format, they will contain different information.  These classes are appropriate for health care providers, people employed in health related businesses or anyone interested in Herbalism.

Dr. Moore along with herbalists from the Classical Formulas Herbal Medicinary will instruct these classes.  Dr. Moore has a life-long interest and extensive education in the field of Herbalism, both Western and Eastern.

Register for the whole course or for class sessions separately, if you wish.  Each class meeting can be taken independently, with no prerequisite.  Students completing all three of the series (Parts I, II & III) will receive a certificate of course completion.  To be certain you have a place in class, please register early.

   

Location:   See individual class descriptions

Tuition:     $120 or $20/class 

Contact Classical Formulas for Registration:  315-462-0190

Blue Cohosh

  
Class 1 – Basic Herbal Therapeutics and Materia Medica
Learn about the historical uses of plant and their extensive studies reflected in “Materia Medica”, a standard reference. Topics of discussion will include origins, methods of preparation, the chemical construction and constituents, general physical characteristics, preparations, dosage and general influence on the body. Thursday, September 23rd 2010 at 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 2 – Plant Identification and Herb Walk
Take a 3+ hour walk in the woods to identify plants in your surroundings.  Learn about their habitat, history and uses.  Meet Ganondagan in Victor.  Bring water and snack, dress for the weather and wear appropriate walking footwear. Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 9 a.m., Ganondagan, Victor, NY

Class 3 – Herb Pairs and Drug-Herb Interaction
This class will focus on paired herbs that are therapeutic for specific conditions.  Information on interactions that can occur between medicines and herbs will also be discussed. Thursday, September 30th 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Witch hazel

Class 4 – Herbal Medicine Making
Hands on instruction will include herbal  infusion, decoctions and fomentations.   Thursday, October 7th 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 5 – Herbal Formulas and Modifications
Herbs used in herbal formulas can act synergistically and can be tailored for each unique individual, even as a person or environment changes.  This class will consider how formulas can be used and altered to address specific changes. Thursday, October 14th 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital

Class 6 – Herbal Therapeutics and First aid
Learn how herbs are used for first aid care, immune system building and gastrointestinal disorders. Thursday, October 21st 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m., Clifton Springs Hospital