The 8th annual Queer Shamanism Gathering will be held between August 15th-24th, 2008 @ Zuni Mountain Sanctuary in northwestern New Mexico.

The Stewards of the sanctuary are putting out a call for energy assistance in this endeavor.

This years proposed and requested possibilities include -- Storytelling, Heart Sharing; Sweat Lodge; Positive Tea; Playback Theater; Acoustical Music Circle, Divination Studies, Desert Walkabouts / Visionquesting ; Massage, Energy Balancing, Claycrafting; Desert astronomy; entheogen discussion; body/energy playgroup; BDSM workshop, desert spirit rain dance; Morning/Evening Yoga; Incense Making; Herb Wildcrafting; Poetry ReadingRants, permaculture and various happening and on-going infrastructure projects.

A Know-Your-Talent Show Multi-Media Arts Exhibit is planned for the Wednesdays (in the middle of the happening) as a benefit for the sanctuary and the neighboring community. Help make this your gathering by letting us know where your interests are and how you would like to plug your energy into the mix.

Plenty of tenting areas are being prepared by faeries for camping on Camp Hill as well as more secluded permaculturely friendly areas on the land. The RV parking is also available for persuns wishing to camp nearer the road. Food and water will be provided by the sanctuary with vegetarian meals prepared and served by volunteer attendees. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions, allergies or other health concerns or with special needs we should know about.

*** To help cover the costs for this years event a suggested donation of 35/day per persun per day is requested - more if you can less if you cant; no one turned away for lack of funds. This year as in the past there will be also be study/actualization spaces for those seeking independent explorations.

Full or partial pre-registration funds would be most helpful. Checks can be paid to the order of Zuni Mountain Sanctuary and sent to us by snail mail care of ZMS attn: ShamGath 2008 PO Box 636 Ramah, NM 87321 Even if you are unable to prepay please notify the sanctuary to let us know if you are planning to attend.

--- IN YOUR REGISTRATION REPLY PLEASE INCLUDE --- How you want to be referenced - name and the best way to contact you; your estimated time of arrival in New Mexico -- also if you are driving to the sanctuary and need driving instructions or a map. Pick-ups from the bus/train/airport in Gallup or Albuquerque can be arranged, compensation for gas requested. Carpooling is also helpful so let someone know if you have extra room for sharing space with other travelers.

It is also proven helpful for visitors to have a persunal intention declared for themselves lending definition and structure to their time in space in the sanctuary during the gathering. Intentions can be general or specific but should allow for open-ended possibilities. Past experiences on the land indicate that in offering such a devotional pledge - such an act lends definition and measure to your experience and the ways in which we may better serve one another.

If hospitality is your scene you can contact the sanctuary to let us know your specialties. We always need crews for Cafeteria Committee, Kitchen Queens, HydroGrrls , Dish Dudes and Wood Tenderers. If you have any other skills or talents you would like to share let us know in advance so as to better accommodate your context for space and/or materials in which to honor your gifts.

*** Please notify ZMS either by email zunimtn@wildblue.net or by phone 505.783.4002 to let us know you if intend to attend - to arrange transportation or with any questions.