Upcoming Gatherings:

Note: For announcements of smaller workshops and retreats, please visit the "Fruit on the vine" section of the Vessel Garden Community Forum. You can post events, too!

For additional listings, check out the event list on the Forum on Religion and Ecology website.

Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium
Presented by the Pachamama Alliance
(multiple dates and locations)

The Symposium explores the link between three of humanity's most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. Using video clips from some of the world's most respected thinkers, along with inspiring short films, leading edge information and dynamic group interactions, the Symposium allows participants to gain a new insight into the very nature of our time, and the opportunity we have to shape and impact the direction of our world with our every day choices and action.


Esoterism, Religion, and Nature
Association for the Study of Esoterism
May 29 - June 1, 2008
Charleston, SC

The theme of the conference is “Esotericism, Religion, and Nature.” The program will consist of paper presentations on the conference theme, plus a variety of additional topics such as magic, alchemy, astrology, esotericism and mysticism, spiritualism, occultism, hermetic thought, contemporary esoteric movements and teachers, and Asian influences on Western traditions.


International Conference on Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics
Institute of Theology and Ecology, Orthodox Academy of Crete
June 2-6, 2008
Chania, Greece

Since the beginning of the creation, God ("THEOS" in Greek) is understood to be an “ecological” God. From the fires of the early universe to the magnificent Life communities of Earth, God is venerated as a Living presence within these great processes. We, as humans, are beginning to re-envision ourselves as part of this glorious creation and as a member of an Earth community, at the same moment as Earth is entering a severe ecological crisis. This conference addresses the need for human response to the ecological crisis. It affirms human responsibility for the well being of the Earth and the vast communities of Life. It focuses on religious-based and scientific approaches to ecological problems and challenges. The goal of the conference is to create a multi-disciplinary and international forum for information and insight exchange among theologians, Earth scientists, economists, sociologists, politicians and historians working in the area of ecological ethics and responsibility for a sustainable future.


Thinking Through Nature: Philosophy for an Endangered World
International Association for Environmental Philosophy (IAEP)
University of Oregon
June 19-22, 2008
Eugene, OR

The International Association for Environmental Philosophy (IAEP) invites proposals for a conference to be held 19-22 June 2008 at the University of Oregon in Eugene. IAEP embraces a broad understanding of environmental philosophy, including not only environmental ethics, but also environmental aesthetics, ontology, and theology, the philosophy of science, ecofeminism, and the philosophy of technology.


Pax Gaia
Sisters of Earth Bi-Annual Conference
July 13-18, 2008
Los Gatos, CA

Holding the vision for Pax Gaia (the Peace of Earth) is seen as the most compelling challenge of our time. Geologian, Thomas Berry, introduced this theme after 9/11 in an essay reflecting the urgent need to embrace a cosmology of comprehensive peace. It is a peace that transcends Pax Romana (the peace of an empire) and Pax Humana (peace among humans). We are called to the Great Work that engenders Pax Gaia. To this end we create and foster deep cultural therapies that address the deep cultural pathology of our time that has brought about such ecological damage (T. Berry, Evening Thoughts, 2006).


15th Annual Protecting Mother Earth Conference
Indigenous Environmental Network
July 17-20. 2008
Newe Sogobe (Western Shoshone) Territories
SO HO BEE (Southfork Pow-Wow Grounds in Lee, Nevada)

"Answering Mother's Call for Healing; Reaffirming Our Roots." Traditional gathering - camping style. Topics to include: Traditional L.A.W.S. (Land, Air, Water, Sun); Energy, Global Warming and Climate Change; Rescinding the Doctrine of Discovery, and Youth & Elders.


Gathering of Elders Aasivik - Fire and Ice Ceremony 2008
Elders' Federation of Greenland
July 18-20, 2008
Near the Icecap at Kangerlussuaq Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland

Greenland is becoming a central place of the world because of what we have done to Mother Earth. The Icecap defines the North and is a living body born in another time long, long ago. To the people on the Top of the World, the Big Ice - the Grandfather - carries the ancient wisdom of the earth. Deliberately or inadvertently, we are the blunt instrument of our ignorance, our arrogance, and our disregard for the consequences of our actions. Actions that have altered earth’s balance, symbolized most dramatically by the melting of the ice. [At this gathering], Traditional Native leadership from Indian country will unite with members of the Elders’ Federation of Greenland, other traditional Elders from across the Far North – Alaska, Northern Canada, and Greenland, and people from around the world - in a camp near the Icecap on July 18-20, 2008. The Fire and Ice Ceremony for the Earth will be held in recognition of our common humanity and need to develop common perspectives raised by the melting of the Big Ice and global climate change.


Summer Peace Gathering / Save The Planet!
Peace Weavers
August 4-10, 2008
Thunder Mountain Retreat, Bath, NY

Join us for seven days of life-altering peace and wellness practices in a camp atmosphere - on the Earth and under the stars at our breathtaking 250 acre Retreat Sanctuary. Step into deeper connection with yourself and others. Get inspired by a variety of family-centered programs and activities. Our 13th annual Summer Peace Gathering is stepping up to become our SAVE THE PLANET GATHERING! With wars and environmental crises in the world we feel it's imperative to gather as extended family in the name of Peace. Let's come together to bring balance back to the Earth by bringing balance into our own lives.


12th Annual Gathering for Mother Earth
Tewa Women United
September 20-21, 2008
Pojoaque, NM