The Old Woman is our beginnings and our endings, and our beginnings again. Enriched by the experiences of living, she is the missing link in the sacred circle. - Jeanne Brooks Carritt

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Winter WomanSpirit 2003 PDF Print E-mail
Women of Radiance Blossoming

Women of Radiance Blossoming


January 31, February 1 and 2, 2003

Clock Tower Convention Center, Rockford, Illinois

We have reached the time in all our lives, maiden, mother, crone, when it is our charge to share the gathering of all of our knowingness and the gifts of our hard work…..All the art, music, love, nurturing and caring * All the knowledge of our bodies, sensual, sexual, mysterious, and tangible *All the emotional and relationship skills * All the practical, hands-on, nitty-gritty, know-how of LIVING in this world * All the awareness from battles won…and lost. At this changing time….this transition moment….We must seize the day….We must be a power to be reckoned with….. It is our world to transform…… Blessed be!

The featured keynote speaker was Wendy Doniger, the Mircea Eliade Distinguished Service Professor of the History of Religions at the University of Chicago. She received her PhD from Harvard in Sanskrit and Indian Studies and received her D.Phl. in Oriental Studies from Oxford University. Her topic is The Kamasutra, expanded upon from her new translation of the text for Oxford University Press. The Kamasutra, a text from ancient India, elucidates sexual techniques and the sexual roles of women within a man's world.

Over three hundred women and maidens attended this conference, planned by women from three UU Churches in the area - Stockton, Rockford and Rock Valley. The theme was Women of Radiance Blossoming, and women blossomed in Indian saris, salwar camises and bindis, as well as the outstanding creativity shown at each and every conference.

WS2003 committeeWendy Doniger, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Chicago, the major speaker, discussed her new translation of the Kama Sutra. She demonstrated that, though ostensibly written by a male for a male audience, the text illustrates the freedom that women had at the time of its writing and illustrates attitudes men had towards women. Several workshops developed aspects of female sexuality from a female point of view. The Coffeehouse provided a forum for talented women in the District to display their singing, humor, drumming and dance. A drumming circle Saturday night pounded out high energy that filled everyone who came near. Rituals developed the Indian theme and a powerful Tara dance was one of the highlights.

-- Misty Sheehan, W&R Secretary

Trying on our new Salwar Kameez are members of the WS 2003 Committee: Sharon, Laura, Jackie, Gina, and Christy!
Last Updated on Thursday, 20 August 2009 08:30
 
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