Just Jedi
New Group Listings
Gathered Force Co mmunity
No Longer Active
GFC started out as a Weebly "Idea" before the 2014 gathering.
It was requested to advance the idea but it never stuck.
The old Weebly idea can be found HERE
Gatherings
Year 2014
Media & News Outlets
[10/25/2014] www.bbc.com ."Have Jedi created a new 'religion'?"​​
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[04/21/2014] www.dailymail.co.uk "The farce is strong with this one: Inmate complains that prison 'bigots' are preventing him from practising his JEDI religion"
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Read More News Articles about Jediism/Jedi Realism
at our World Media Datacrons section here at Just Jedi.
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Points Of Interest
Documentary: American Jedi
((As Described on Youtube))
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Published on Jul 20, 2017
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American Jedi will be available to rent and own on Digital HD in November 2017!
AMERICAN JEDI is a documentary film about three candidates for knighthood who must face a reckoning with the darkest issues from their past in order to be accepted into a real-life Jedi community.
Opie Macleod (34) turned to Jediism as a way to escape his days as a misguided, fledgling gangster, but his most difficult challenge turned out to be losing his wife to the “dark side of the Force” – a real-life Sith named Miles. Perris Cartwright (24) found the Jedi Path as a way to deal with a childhood of being bullied. As a US Marine, she became a survivor of rape, suffering for years with PTSD. She must stand strong before a real-life Jedi council. Michael Hannigan (36) is notorious for being an online “troll” of the Jedi community. After the death of his father, he fell into a spiraling drug addiction. The Jedi community – wary with suspicion toward him – is ready to test Hannigan, who must prove himself committed to a life of becoming a Jedi Knight as a way of maintaining his sobriety. AMERICAN JEDI is more than fandom, more than religion; for each Jedi initiate, it’s a personal crusade for the betterment of their world.
Datacron Entry by The Keeper
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American Jedi was filmed & directed by Laurent Malaquais. After seeking out Opie Macleod, a long standing member of the Jedi/Jediism Community and engaging in lengthy face to face interview.
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After words Mr Malaquais searched for more information and stories concerning this unique philosophical community.
By attending the 2014 Michigan Jedi Gathering, hosted by Kitsu Tails. Mr Malaquais followed the story and path of several Community Members on their road to Knighthood.
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It is important to note that the Knighthood Ceremonies at the time wasn't connected or represented by any individual group, and was simply a traditional gathering practice for Community Members to recognize the hard work and dedication of their fellow colleges as a sign of appreciation.
Laurent Malaquais and Opie Macleod traveled together to meet up with individual Jedi to interview before attending the Gathering and it's traditional Knighting ceremony where Mr Malaquais was able to join in on gathering workshops, discussions, and camaraderie.
After the gathering, Mr Malaquais went to work tying up finishing stories and interviews before working on the editing, and publishing work of the documentary itself. Once it was done to the liking of himself and his team it was off to the filming festivals.
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The trailer was later announced Jul 20, 2017
Community Reaction
Alethea Thompson & Charles reaction to American Jedi on Knights of Awakening
Hannigan, Perris, Ross, Gab, Charles, Alethea & Adam's American Jedi Reaction of Jedi Realist Radio, Blog Talk Radio.
<- Click to view document: Kitsu Tails Reaction to American Jedi Trailer.
Common Question's (FAQ)
Please contact "The Keeper" with any questions you wish to add:
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Or follow our updates at our Facebook Group
Gathering: Michigan
2014 Annual Reflections
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Kitsu Tails Jedi Gathering Reflection
Monday, June 30 2014
This year was The Gathering of Trials. And I feel there was a deep, spiritual lesson learned by many of us who took part.
There was the Reunion of Friends...Family. Both new and old. For many of us we have, after twelves years developed a sacred bond between us, and it felt with a deep yearning for comradeship, and connection the internet world cannot give. For those that were new it was a trial of trust and letting go fears of ‘What if’ all were welcome into the family and our spirits grew brighter this year for it’s new additions.
There was the Trial of Trust….with the new addition of a camera running around with dedicated hardship to capture the organized chaos that is Jedi Gatherings. Laurent has earned my trust, respect and admiration for his dedication in his work and staying up with us, even when the night turned into day and no ‘Zzz’s’ were in sight.
There was the Trial of structure. As host and Mother I rarely had a chance to sit down, much less pause for a drink and even ended up missing a meal
------> A big thanks goes to Ross, Mindas and all others who saved those in Trial some dinner.
The Review Board also struggled in their efforts to make the Trials, Evaluations & Knighting Ceremony just so. Tirelessly working in hours of discussions, process’s, policing, planning and putting it all into action. There were some bumps in this road of perfection, but at the end of the next day, drinks were shared tears and smiles were had.
And then there was the Spiritual Journey that each and every one of us had and most quite unexpectedly. We all learned from these trials and like in all trials there were some hardships but together, we can all safely say that we pushed on and enjoyed this years events.
The campground was Beautiful!!! I am saddened that I had no time to take pictures as there were many landscapes that were just perfect. I will be happy to hold another gathering there again.
To Luisa Fernanda Castillo - You are beautiful girl. I love you!!
To Charles McBride - Remember that true strength, and true powers isn’t always found in being tough and hard. I love you much.
To Aimee Becker & Gabriel Calderon - Thank you for helping me with the end of things since I had to leave earlier than expected. You guys are awesome!!
To Dan McCann - Your Volunteering and help around the Kitchen was more help than you realize. Thank. You. So. Very. Much!!
To Talon Trevor MacDonald- Your help with the kids….just...thank you. Seriously. Thank you. Meeting you was awesome and I can’t wait to meet with you again.
To Karen Schwob-Ticknor - You did wonderfully!! Im glad you came.
To Andy Spalding - I feel horrible for not thinking to ask you to stand with Charles as one of my nominators. It was there, it was in mind, but when it came down to it I spaced XD I think we all were spacing out by then though… You have stood steadfast by my side for years and believed in me all this time. I love you and can’t wait to see you again. *Hugs*
To Opie - Cool Cat I am glad we got this chance to stand side by side, shake hands and share hugs like we used to. Keep on keeping on. ((can someone please make sure opie see's this? He left this group page..))
To Perris Cartwright - It was great to have the opportunity to stay up with you guys I feel like I didn’t have enough time to devote to each of you and to share that special time frame with you and the other “Knights to be” Was really fun despite the exhaustion. I want copies of all your archives by the way!! please!! I’ve been trying to put a large history document together and those would be sooooooo beneficial!!
To Alex Bird - LOVE the snow flake! I am seriously framing it and hanging it on my desk!!!
To Michael J Hannigan- Glad we got to stand beside eachother during the Knighting Ceremony and to have our little talks and catch up We will see you again *hugs*
To Eric Vasquez - We are still holding the torch, the gathering isn’t over yet
To Laurent Malaquais - Seriously. Wow. You. Are. Awesome!! Don’t you dare be a stranger!
To Chris Langer - I am so excited to see your work!! Im sorry i didn’t get to spend much time hanging out with you.
Aaaaand……..Yea, I know im missing peeps here! Still it was great! I had fun. Thank you each and every one of you.
The Gathering: A Memory Journey
By Charles McBride
The First Memory: Amazing car ride with Paul and Misty. I was so nervous about seeing Lui again! Discussing what we were going to do once Lui got there we decided to make her dream come true and take her to the Air and Space museum.
The Journey: Walking around the A&S and most of Washington with Lui in toe. Warmth and happiness the whole time. It felt so good to see my friend again. We got to walk as brother and sister the whole time through the museum. Afterward the days were a mix of Archery, Restaurants, Martial arts training and gym time, sword practice, and the Star Wars Movie Marathon. Then it was off on the train to Michigan.
The Arrival: The trip up was a long but joyous one. Lui and I talked about a lot of things, forged the bond of friendship stronger, and prepared ourselves. Upon arrival I trusted the Force to guide us to Gabe and Hannigan and we surprised them by arriving right were they where waiting. I remember giving them both a big hug, then the ride back to the apartment. I remember clearly seeing Elih and Crystal again for the first time in a long time. I remember being made to feel like a hero by Elih that very first day. I remember also very well the dinner and getting to meet new people, see old faces, and enjoy great memories with Bulldog, Tom, Ross, Boom, Dan, and Opie. I also remember being interviewed a lot during this, explaining the Force and the Path to Laurent.
I remember meeting Dan and slowly introducing myself as a mystic, learning what he practiced, talking the Force, Philosophy, Training, Testing. I also remember bragging up my apprentice on the car ride to Michigan. Dan showed himself to be not only a capable Jedi, but a fun and open person who touched my soul on that car ride up.
Upon arrival I remember squeezing Kit so hard I thought I’d break her and her me. I remember seeing and hugging my friend Li again and getting to meet Rosalyn for the first time and giving her the long overdo hug she deserved. We had wonderful steaks, corn bread, chilli, and other such noms during that day thanks to mommy Kit. I got to reconnect with her starting there and it was so good to feel at home again in MI.
That next day we did sword fighting and I finally had a chance to show off my strength and test my valor and skill that I have honed over this year. It was incredible both the whoopings I took and gave. I was so glad to help Rosalyn with her stick work. I remember the group battle and how much fun that was. I remember the one on one fights.
Day 3: I remember getting up and Kitsu saying she would take care of my clothes for me so I could go to the range. The smell of gunpowder, the kick of the revolver and pistol, the power and spread of the shot gun, and the high precision of the AK. I remember the comradeship. I remember going to eat at a restaurant, nutella pie, an awesome pasta dish combination, Lui going wild over the pie, and me savoring it in a taste explosion.
I remember the kids running around and playing at various points, I remember getting their awesome hugs and how great it was to have seen them grow up into open sharing little girls who love everyone.
The Main Gathering: I remember the arrival, the late night having a cold beer with friends, opening up into conversations with them, I remember the council debating politics into the wee hours till we could no longer see straight from the “concentration” and convening to meet again the next day once our minds were clear with rest
I remember the trials. I remember going first through with Gabe and testing him fully, the pains he suffered, the things he had went through, and then ultimately the culmination of this into his release of all his pain both caused and received. I remember him giving up his false fears. I remember after his trial complete his ultimate test and how he won over cruelty with love. He inspired me then. I wanted to be like him.
I remember Kitsu’s trial. I remember her answer even when she had not voiced it of her hidden fear that she knew was not true. I remember the tears streaming down her face at the confrontation of suffering. I remember my pride in her as she banished this with The Force fully into the rock. I remember her sternness and strength during the questioning. I remember her pride at proclaiming herself a mother first and foremost and all other things second.
I remember Lui’s journey also. I remember her pain as she weeped openly. I remember my own pain as it was with Kit before I could not embrace this dear friend and help them. I remember her resolve to be a Jedi, to never run away from what she is.
I remember both of them overcoming the same Challenge I placed before Gabe and doing so with a master-fullness each their own.
I remember each persons trials, Opies, Parris, and Mike’s. I remember how each handled their own fears, their own pains, and their own insecurities. How alike all of them were, how strong and proud, how each of the people talked of before understood the core of what it means to be a Jedi. These were my Knights I thought. I own them in the way a dog owns a person. I will fight for them, protect them, die for them and live for them.
I remember the ill fated council in which we tested our first Knight to the breaking point and yet she did not falter. I remember how only once alone did she let herself break. I remember my sorrow beyond sorrow at that moment. I remember my anger and rage that I had let this happen. I remember my pain and anguish that I could do not more to help her. I remember sleeping not at all and going back to the labyrinth where the trials took place. Walking in her foot steps I asked myself what we had put her through and why we had need to do so twice.
I remember telling the council that my duty was to The Force first, and in that to the Code, to Compassion, Truth, and Justice. To serve and help those in need not to rule over them.
I remember standing toe to toe with the only other monster in the room. Both of us shaking, and I only the one with a cool enough head to stand down for it was the faster root to help my friend.
I remember carrying the swords and gear in and being commented on how hot I looked.
I remember meeting up with my best friend again, explaining what I had done, why I had done it, how proud I was of her, and her taking me gently in her arms. I remember having make up put on me, I remember walking with my best friends, for I have many of those, two of which were to be Knighted. I remember arm in arm coming out of the trials and then arm in arm going up to the Knighting with them. Proud of them, MY KNIGHTS, I could never be more proud of them than at that moment.
I remember presenting Kit her sword, and my pride in her. She had finally shown what I knew to be in her heart. I remember presenting Lui her wand and being so proud of her. Here this shy girl had faced down incredible odds, and became a Jedi Knight to stand among us all.
I remember swimming, and a lot of rushing around to make things happen. I remember being a man on a mission stressed to the breaking point and beyond. I remember good food, good conversations. I remember healing Katie and Dan, I remember the pendant given in friendship, and also I remember too giving my personal healing stone to Katie to aid her. I remember giving away all manner of Charms. I remember being seen as a super hero by a young man. I remember helping set up the blot, making the paint, helping build the fire.
I remember talking with an old dear friend after he had words with the master of ceremony. I remember him and I discussing the harm I caused another by my mistakes. I remember asking him to help me make right all I had made wrong.
I remember gifts exchanged and given to the heart. I remember parting hugs with friends who had to leave all too soon. I remember promising to toast to the honor of a house and full filling that promise many times.
I remember the bloat. I remember bold words from the heart from Rosalyn and Ross as they understood the core of their hearts.
I remember taking on the path of the healer. I remember Odin, Freya, Loki, and I remember Thor. I remember the power of the Thunderer coursing through me yet again. I remember toasting to the Ar’ran house hold. I remember the sacrifice of the oldest charm I held. I remember sacrifice of a second charm charged over months and months. This second charm I remember as dedicated to the Ar’ran household.
I remember standing guard over others with Mike Hannigan. I remember making sure everyone was ok. I remember him saying to me “You’ve earned some sleep now boss man, get into bed” after nearly 3 days with nigh but one hour sleep.
I remember waking up, showering, getting things ready at the last minute. I remember parting goodbyes to friends I would not see again for another year perhaps. I remember meeting again at the McDonalds, tired, hungry, but glad to be here with my family.
I remember the last night when great spirits shown themselves in the house of angels and were accepted freely as part of the family. I remember pain and hurt, yet resolution to drag a brother back from darkness.
I remember the last of the partings. I remember the train ride home. I remember turmoil in my house, healing it one step at a time. I remember a parting all to brief but intense and a promise that we would see each other again.
Attendant List!!!
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1 Aimee Becker
2 Jen
3 Charles
4 Crystal Neuman
5 Daniel McCann
6 David Bird
7 Eli Neuman
8 Gabe Calderon
9 Hannigan
10 Jendra
11 Jeremy Cowen
12 Katherin Mock
13 Kevin Trout
14 Kitsu
15 Laurent (Media)
16 Li-san
17 Lui
18 Mindas
19 Rosalyn Johnson
20 Ross Greenberg
21 Talon
22 Talon's Wife Nikki
23 Tom Christie
24 Matt David
25 Jedi Karen
26 Vishwa Jay
27 Perris Cartwright
28 Audrey Escalante
29 Andy Spalding
30 Chris Langer (Photographer)
Knighting Ceremony!!
Picture set Below
Knights of 2014
"I'd like to formally congradulate our newest Jedi Knights. Michael J Hannigan, Opie Macloud, Jedi Lui, Perris Cartwright, and Gabriel Calderon, and Kitsu Tails While many of you were recognized as Knights before, you have now been found worthy of the title by your peers, in person, after rigorous evaluation and testing. I can attest to each of you passing the trial of the Spirit and Courage as I was either the one to conduct that or aided in the harshest part of it. You each and all have the heart, mind, and soul of a Jedi." - Charles
Gaberial Cauldron
Hannigan
Opie
Perres
Kitsu Tails
Jedi Lui
2014 Jedi Gathering Information
Since the year of 2002 Jedi Gatherings have been hosted all over the United States (and a couple in the U.K.) every summer of every year. Sometimes these gatherings have occurred a couple times a year and have taken up key words to describe the type of gathering that is being held.
Such as, but not limited to:
* Annual (Focused on worldly connections)
* Regional (Focused around neighboring states – Michigan, Illinois, Indiana & Ohio as an Example.)
* Local (Focused on the hosts area - Such as Chicago).
This year, 2014 the Annual Jedi Gathering is being hosted by the Michigan Force Alliance Chapter in Almont Michigan. We will be holding several fun and educative events and will also be welcoming Laurent Malaquais: Director & Creator of the “Brony” documentary film, into our circle this year!
To learn more about the 2014 Jedi Gathering please read the information below:
Gathering Host(s):
Trisskar & Mindas Ar'ran of the Michigan Force Alliance
Gathering Dates:
Pre-Gathering Dinner: In Chicago at the 3rd Coast Cafe. June 24 2014
--------These two locations are dependent on Travel Arrangements some flew into Chicago and will caravan out on Thursday 26 together, others flew into Michigan and will stay at the Hosts household until the Gathering Start Date.
Pre-Gathering At the Michigan Force Alliance household June 24 – 26
Arrival Day (At the Campground): June 27th After 3pmEvent Day 1: June 28th
Event Day 2: June 29th
Departure Day: June 30 Before Noon
Gathering Location:
Camp Address:
Skyline Camp and Retreat Center
5650 Sandhill Road, Almont, MI 48003
Website: http://www.campskyline.org/
Payment & Gathering Fee’s
Please send all checks or money orders to Moonshadow (contact her at Moonshadowlight5@gmail.com for mailing address) I do not personally handle the money. They all go to JRC paypal accounts which is in Moon’s name, not mine, so please direct all inquiries on gathering fee’s to her.
Gathering Fee is = $150 which will pay for linens, swimming, catered food, and amenities
To make an online payment:
1) Go to www.paypal.com
2) Click on the "Send Money" tab
3) Put "web@jediresourcecenter.org" in the "To" box
4) Enter the amount you want to pay
5) Then select "I'm sending money to family or friends".
Pre-Gathering(s)
Pre-Gatherings is a transitional time. This is a time for all our traveling Jedi to transition from traveling to the Gathering. We have members who will be driving great distances, flying in by plane or arriving by train. This gives these Jedi a moment to rest before jumping into the Main Gathering Events on the 27th.
Chicago Pre-Gathering
Arrivals started on June 23rd 2014
June 24th group Dinner (and maybe a little lightsaber practice on the roof deck!) at the 3rd Coast Cafe...
Caravan out to Michigan on June 25 and 26 - Two caravans planned this year.
Michigan Pre-Gathering
June 24 - 26
Food: Please be sure to bring enough money to pay for your own food during the Pre-Gathering. Members will have to fend for themselves during meal time’s. Unless otherwise planned last minuet.
No major event’s are planned for this year’s Pre-Gathering since the attendance is varied throughout the week. We will wait to see what people want to do as they arrive.
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Our Gathering Schedule
Arrival Day
June 27 2014
Anytime after 3pm
Dinner
7pm
Lasagna Dish by our Host and Jedi Cook Trisskar
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First Day of Events
June 28 2014
Breakfast
8:30am to 9:30am
Plain & Blueberry Pancakes
Eggs
Bacon
Homestyle Potatos
Oatmeal/Cereal
Toast
Fresh Fruit
Juice
Assembly (Mandatory)
10am
Workshop
11am
Kali Basics by Alex Bird
Lunch
1pm - 2pm
Grilled Cheese
Chili
Potato Salad
Olives and pickles
Salad Bar
Brownies
Event
2:30 pm
Blood & Sand (Sparring/group battles)
Free Time
Swimming (Need Lifeguard)
3:30pm to 7pm
Dinner
7pm
BBQ Chicken
Parsley Potatoes
California Blend
Rolls
Salad Bar
Apple Crisp
Event
8pm - 1am
!!Council Meeting!!
Second Day Of Events
June 29 2014
Breakfast
8:30am to 9:30am
Biscuits and Gravy
Eggs
Bacon
Homestyle Potatoes
Oatmeal/Cereal
Toast
Fresh Fruit
Juice
Assembly
10am
Workshop
10:15
Rune Presentation with Andy
Group Pictures & Knighting Ceremony
11am
( It is Strongly suggested you attend)
Free Time
12pm to 1pm
(Walk in the woods, nap, arts n crafts....ect ect)
> or <
Optional Seminar on the Lessons of Ego
By: Vishwa Jay
Lunch
1pm to 2:30pm
Chicken Fajita
Green Peppers and Onions
Mexican Rice
Salad Bar
Dessert Variety
Workshop
3:00pm to 4pm
Feeling The Force: Jedi Karen
Free Time
4:00pm to 7pm (Need Lifegaurd)
Swimming
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Optional Building Chapters Discussion
By Angelus
Dinner
7pm
Hamburgers
Potato Salad
Baked Beans
Salad Bar
Strawberry Shortcake
Workshop
8pm
"Leadership: The power of you"
By Crystal Neumann
Workshop
9pm
Shamanic Journey with Angelus
Event
10pm
Blot - By Andy
Fourth Day & the end of another Year
June 30 2014
Pack - Up
All luggage and members must be out of the cabins at Noon.
Workshop Synopsis
Kali Basics
A Jedi Gathering Workshop
Lead By: Alex Bird
Date & Time: June 28th 2014 - 11am
“The Sombrada drill is characterized by direct, streamlined attacks that emerge from a flow of movement. It teaches the skill of moving smoothly from technique to technique, including use of the live hand, to engage the whole fighter in the fight. This cooperative exercise is fun to learn and practice and can move as quickly or as slowly as the participants like.
Participants will require one kali stick. Anyone willing to bring extras is more than welcome. I have a few.
Time is short and there is a lot to learn! I look forward to seeing you there, warmed-up, limber, with stick in hand. My hope is that you will make your lightsaber an extension of your body and your motion and learn a new way to move with it.”
Blood & Sand
A Jedi Gathering Event
Lead By: Mindas Ar’ran & Andy Spalding
Date & Time: June 28th, 2014. 2:30pm
The Blood & Sand is an open, free sparring event for all members to participate in and enjoy. Instructors, Mindas Ar’ran & Andy will be on standby to help direct, teach, answer questions and demonstrate different theories of Martial Arts, Self Defense and Overall Fitness and Health.
Plenty of sparring equipment will be provided. Armor, Swords, Various weapon choices, shields, ect.
The Mysterious Runes
A Jedi Gathering Workshop
Lead By: Andy Spalding
Date & Time: June 29th 2014 - 10am
“An hour long presentation on how the Norse runes can be used to benefit an individual partitioning jedi. We will look at what a rune actually is. Break the myth that they are stone terot cards. Describe how words and images carry power to influence the world around them. Teach the elder futhark and its origins as pictographs.
All you need is an open mind and enough focus to sit though a power point. This was originally not meant as a class, but a scholarly research project for myself and my spiritual development. So, if your not interested in this subject it will probably be a bit dry. I will not take it as a slight if people do not attend because it is not their bag. I know i will have a few fish that bit on this bait. Notes welcome, and i will be willing to share the power point”
Ceremony for Knighting
!!Jedi Gathering Tradition!!
Lead By: Ross Greenberg
Date & Time: June 29th, 2014. 11am
Greeting: The officiant welcomes the gathered assembly.
Presentation: The sponsor puts forward the candidate.
Exhortation: The candidate then speak an oath to the Jedi.
Acclamation: The gathered assembly responds; “By the will of the Force [Jedi Name] is worthy. We give our approval.”
Knighting: The candidate is then knighted by the officiant. The teacher presents the knight with his/her weapon.
All Jedi present may then give a lightsaber salute or something similar.
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Candidates:
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Angelus Kalen (Gabriel Calderon)
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Trisskar (Kitsu Tails)
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Michael J Hannigan
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Opie Macleod (Kevin Trout)
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War Beauty (Perris Cartwright)
Important Note: As this is a formal affair. We ask that all members dress up formally for the occasion. This can either be in Jedi Garb or Modern wear: Khaki/Dress Pants & Collared Shirt or a modest dress as an example.
Feeling The Force
A Jedi Gathering Workshop
Lead By: Jedi Karen
Date & Time: June 29th 20014 - 3pm to 4pm
We will learn how to feel the Force, make an energy ball, and ground. If that doesn't fill up enough time, I will go into the Living Force and how to feel the Force outside of yourself.
Leadership: The power of you
A Jedi Gathering Workshop
Lead By: Crystal Neuman
Date & Time: June 29th 20014 - 8pm
“Often times, people think about the weaknesses they have, try to improve on them, and then lead. That is a nice plan. However, why not capitalize on your inner-strengths and use them to your personal and competitive advantage? Through interactive discussions and activities, find the power of YOU. Find out how to develop those strengths rather than focusing on improving your weaknesses. In this program, we’ll focus on self-development in order to become a better leader.”
Shamanic Journey
A Jedi Gathering Workshop
Lead By: Gabriel Caldron
Date & Time: June 29th 20014 - 9pm
“Shamanic Journeys are designed for the participant to reach a different state of consciousness (or trance). The leader (or Shaman) will typically use guided imagery and sound (drumming or rattling) to help participants reach this altered state. In this particular journey, we will encounter different versions of ourselves, who we are and who we might be. These visions may help in gaining a different perspective on one’s life and what one can accomplish.”
BLOT
A Jedi Gathering Event:
Lead by: Andy Spalding
Date & Time: June 29th 2014 - 10pm
“This will be a social activity as well as a spiritual ceremony. If you come, you are required to participate. No looky-loos.
Blot is the Asatru (modern viking religion's) worship to the gods. This is going to be a actual ceremony. It is multifaceted. We will begin with an introduction, concerning the mindset one should have during the ceremony. It is an informal formal setting. Participation is ENCOURAGED. Jests and ribbing welcome, feel inspired to speak? DO SO.
The ceremony will consist of an introduction, a lesson, a giving and receiving of energy and a Sumble.
The introduction will set the ground rules. Which are lax. Opie Macleod, has volunteered to help with this. During this we will speak about the force, and the masks of god. The gods being personifications of that greater god-head broken down so they are easier to relate to on a mere human level.
The lesson will consist of a team of presenters that will take on a god or goddess to help illustrate a few of the god aspects and what a Jedi can learn from them in themselves and from the force.
The actual Blot is a giving and reviving of energy. Which we will do after the lesson. We will receive from the gods (force) energy that we will actually imbibe. We will also give of our own energy to the gods (force) in the form of sacrifice. This may take the form of offerings, energy or personal commitment. It is a classic energy exchange.
You may bring any object or offering or nothing at all. You get what you give it is said. "from the gods, to the earth, to us. From us, to the earth, to the gods."
This is followed by the Sumble. A formal toasting ceremony in which we have three rounds. The first is to the gods. Or the force, or what ever god-head you identify with. The second is to your ancestors, kin or remembered loved ones. The third is for an oath or boast. If you have done something worth speaking, speak it. If not, this is the time to oath to do it. The one who presides will determine if it is a good oath or not as an unfulfilled oath brings ill luck to everyone.
We then end, give final word to the gods and open the floor to open toasting and revelry.
This experience has been described as a culmination for a wonderful weekend. Bringing people together in celebration.
You are going to need to bring something to toast with. It can be water, it can be wine. The only requirement is that you must hoist a beverage with your fellows.
For the blot, i will bring my own mead. Made by my hands. It is my offering as well as the fluid in which is imbibed during the the formal blot. If you do not wish to imbibe, simply raise the horn when comes time for your toast.
It is traditional to stand during the sumble, but once it is over, you may sit or stand and toast the night away if you please.
ALL are welcome, but if you come, be prepared to toast and learn of the shamanistic religion of the northern Europeans.”
A Jedi Documentary!!
A Special Guest!!
We would like to welcome a special guest this year to the 2014 Jedi Gathering!!
Laurent Malaquais!
Filmmaker and Director of the Bronies Documentary.
This year he has been working tirelessly to Film and Document the Jedi Movement. Interviewing various Jedi from all over the United States!
Now, at last! His journey has guided him to us here at this years Jedi Gathering and he would like to film what we do, how we do things, and how we interact with eachother.
He hopes to have the opportunity to take people off to the side to ask questions and film answers.
Myself (Kitsu/Trisskar), Mindas Ar'ran, Opie, Kai-An, Perres, The Chicago Jedi and others can all vouch for Mr, Malaquais integrity and honesty in his efforts to film us.
We are all very excited to welcome him into our circle and wish to impress upon you
Sisters and Brothers of the Jedi of our trust in him.
If you are interested in taking part of this Documentary.
Please be sure to sign the forms below and hand them back in to Laurent Malaquais immediately after signing. This is important and will allow for us to move forward with this historic and special event for us as Jedi and the Jedi Gatherings we all so enjoy.
Thank you for your time and understanding!
*Bows*
May The Force Always Be With You