Ashland’s 25th Community Labyrinth Walk to New Year starts December 31, 2023, from 3:30 PM – 1:00 AM January 1, 2024; resumes January 1, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM in Wesley Hall on the campus of Ashland First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland, Oregon.
“This remarkable community event arose in 1999 amid the world-wide concern about Y2K. Then as now, co-created by volunteers: musicians, artists, sacred space designers, ‘labyrinth angels,’ plus the many people who choose to include the Sacred Walk in their turn-of-the-year celebrations. Then as now, it offers an oasis of peace and beauty to reflect on the end of what has been and the beginning of what will be. In this sacred space everyone is invited to express and enjoy the values of peace, diversity, inclusivity, and personal freedom.” ~ Labyrinth Leader Elizabeth Austin
COMMUNITY UNFURLING OF THE LABYRINTH
You are invited to participate in the Unfurling of the Labyrinth, 1 PM – 2 PM, December 30, in Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church, 175 N Main St, Ashland, OR 97520. Elizabeth Austin, Professionally Trained Labyrinth Facilitator and owner of the portable canvas, provides this opportunity to learn about labyrinths and to assist in the unfolding of the three-piece, four-quadrant 110-lb. canvas replica of the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Traditionally, Ashland’s Sacred Walk to the New Year has featured altars dedicated to the four directions as well as the divine feminine and the divine masculine. Like last year, this year there will be two additional altars: one honoring Childhood/Youth, and an interactive altar honoring Community/World/Planet.
VIDEOS ON FACEBOOK
Go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/AshlandSacredWalkToNewYear/ to view videos created by Media Creative Cassandra Wass: the History of the Sacred Walk, Unfurling of the Labyrinth, Temple Dancers, and Sacred Altars. Experience a graceful online meditation video – Virtual Labyrinth Walk, created by Cassandra Wass on Ashland’s outdoor Trinity Garden Labyrinth.
COMMENTS FROM PAST SACRED WALKS TO THE NEW YEAR
“I have been coming to the Labyrinth since I was about 6. I’m 23 now! The Labyrinth is such an important part of my transition into the New Year. Thank You for everything!” ~ L.R. (2017)“This is the perfect ending and beginning of each year. I look forward to it as the most meaningful part of the season.” ~ Anonymous (2011)
MORE HISTORY AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT AT:
www.facebook.com/AshlandSacredWalkToNewYear
*** SCHEDULE ***
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2023
Doors Open at 3:30 PM
3:30 PM: Talia Rose, Harp
4:00 PM: Goddess Temple Wings Dancers
4:10 PM: Opening Ceremony: Elizabeth Austin and Sacred Walk Team
4:30 PM: Talia Rose, Harp
5:00 PM: Gene Burnett, Guitar
6:00 PM: Victor Novick, Japanese Koto, Flute
7:00 PM: Scott McGuire, Piano
8:00 PM: John Swinnerton, Guitar
9:00 PM: Nancy Bloom, Vocals
10:00 PM: Talia Rose, Harp, Native American Flute
11:00 PM: Bill Scholer, Blues
12:00 MIDNIGHT: New Year Ceremony: Jason Couch Peace Chime; “Hawkeye Herman”, New Year Chant
12:10 AM: “Hawkeye” Herman, Guitar, Vocals
MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024
Doors Open at 10:00 AM
10:00 AM: Silence
11:00 AM: Threshold Singers, Vocals
12:00 NOON: Nancy Bloom, Vocals
1:00 PM: Andy Bayliss, Harmonium and Chant
2:00 PM: Silence
3:00 PM: Talia Rose, Harp
3:30 PM: Goddess Temple Wings Dancers
3:45 PM: Closing Ceremony: Elizabeth Austin and Sacred Walk Team
3:50 PM: Community Furling of the Labyrinth and Striking of the Set
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Schedule is subject to change without notice.
Thank you for your consideration for one another.
SACRED WALK TO 2024 TEAM
Labyrinth Leader: Elizabeth Austin
Media Creative: Cassandra Wass
Volunteer Coordinator: Venita Varga
ALTAR DESIGNERS
Entry: Glenda Rackleff
Altars:
East: Betty LaDuke & Venita Varga
South: Jason Couch
West: D. Stirling
North: Helga Motley
Divine Masculine: John Swinnerton
Divine Feminine: Cassandra Wass
Childhood/Youth: Cynthia Salbato
Community/World/Planet: Cassandra Wass
POSTER & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Trish Broersma / Green Horse Graphics
Walking a Sacred Path: Explorations Into Peace
