After a full year of events and management of Oak Spirit Sanctuary, the General Council takes a full month off from meetings and community events. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and look forward to getting together starting in February 2025.
This is a one-day, free, family friendly event. Arrive anytime and join the scheduled activities.
1:00 — Tree decorating, Crafts, afternoon snacks
3:00 — 4:00 Year and A Day Class
4:15 — Yule Gift Exchange
5:00 –Visit from Father Yule
5:30 — Potluck
6:30 — Ritual Prep, Ritual Conspiracy
7:00 — Ritual
Afterwards: Community time at Family fire circle and in Retreat center, which may include story time & holiday carol singing
Food to bring:
Yule Gift Exchange: (All ages) Anyone who wishes to participate should bring a wrapped gift (price limit of about $10). This can be something magical, silly, practical–really, anything that would make a good gift for someone of any age or gender. This is all ages: adults and children will play the same gift exchange game, and each child who participates will also need their own present to participate.
Other items to bring: A camp chair and some warm wraps or blankets if you want to be outside. A portion of the activities will be outside, so dress warmly! (If the cold is too much, you are free to stay indoors.)
It has come to our attention that some GPS maps send people to the wrong location. OSS is NOT the white house at the 90 degree corner on Cumberland Church Road. The property of OSS is not visible from the road.
Once on Cumberland Church Road, the route is pretty straightforward. You will take a 90 degree turn to the right where you see a white farmhouse. Don’t go straight ahead–there’s a road there but it looks less maintained. Stay on the larger, well-graveled road.
Proceed forward. You will pass a fenced, brown building that looks like a county maintenance building on the left. Just after this, you will see a green dumpster at the entry point to the OSS driveway. Make your right turn here. Proceed slowly all the way up the driveway making no turns. You’ll see a farmhouse up ahead and some fencing with an open gate. You’ve found OSS!
Follow the driveway, this will veer right. Parking is on the left side of the road once you are past the outbuildings and see fields ahead. If it has been raining, we recommend parking pretty close to the road, not all the way forward to the tree line when you pull off to park.
All are invited to Lunar Gatherings at Oak Spirit Sanctuary. They are family friendly and FREE.
If you are new to OSS, attending a Lunar is a great way to “dip your toe” into events at OSS and visit the land.
Lunars are generally scheduled during the waxing moon phase on a Saturday closest to the upcoming full moon during months OSS is not hosting a larger, ticketed event.
Lunars are a one-day event with an afternoon class from the OSS educational series: “A Year and A Day,” for training and information in basic Neo-Pagan topics.
Class is followed by a pot-luck dinner. Please bring a pot-luck dish suitable for about 10 to 12 people with an ingredients list.
Ritual follows the Pot-Luck dinner
After the ritual, merriment and camaraderie around the evening bonfire complete the night’s observances. Bring your drums and acoustic instruments, and (adult) beverages of your choice.
If you would like to camp overnight, please visit the Camping Information and Registration page for more information. You may also register and pay for camping the day of the Lunar. Simply let OSS personnel know and they will help you out!
Schedule:
4:30– 5:30: Year and A Day class
6:00: Community Potluck Meal
7:30: Ritual
Post-ritual: Community time around the fire
Note: OSS welcomes guest presenters. If you, as an individual or as part of a group, that is interested in presenting a community-oriented ritual at OSS, please contact us at info@oakspiritsanctuary.org
Image credit: “Samhain” by Wendy Andrews
Samhain is an important pagan holiday commemorating the end of harvest, the beginning of the Celtic New Year, and a time to remember and honor our ancestors.
Here is a PDF of the program for previewing. A printed program will be available upon check-in.
Art and Craft pieces are always welcome donations that help fundraise at the ticketed events for OSS. Your free-will donated item is greatly appreciated and will be used for this or future events.
Many hands make light work! We are asking participants to volunteer to help with the tasks of this event. Time commitment is minimal, with flexible timeframes to do the tasks so you don’t miss any parts of the event. Take Down crew would be the most vigorous and longer shifts of the available tasks at the end of the event.
Please sign up for a task onsite when you check in at registration.
The Oak Spirit Sanctuary Natural Laws is a document that summarizes the main rules and policies we need to know to be good stewards for the land and to the community. Please visit that page to familiarize yourself with the Natural Laws.
The grounds of OSS are open and do not have designated camping sites as one might expect at a state park campground. You may camp anywhere that is not a ritual or community space. Tent, pull-behind campers, and drivable camping vehicles are all allowed.
Camping is rustic and primitive: There are no electric or water hook-ups, no flush toilets, no RV waste disposal. Porta-potties are available on site.
There is a shower house for hot showers, with both “open air” and a private stall available. Showers are generally open to “mixed company.”
OSS does not offer trash disposal services. Please plan to remove your own trash and recycling. If you pack it in, plan to pack it out.
Pets may attend but must be leashed and under control at all times. Owners must clean up pet waste.
Fires can only be made in established fire circles. Please do not start new fire circles All fires are sacred and no trash is ever thrown into the fire. Please dispose of your cigarette butts in your own camp trash, not into the fires.
If you have accessibility challenges and need more information about the grounds or amenities at OSS or how we can help you, please contact info@oakspiritsanctuary.org.
For full information regarding land use, camping, and expectations of conduct, please see the Natural Laws.
Ice will be available to purchase on site: $3.00 cash $3.25 card payment per bag.
| Early Registration Sale Price 10/1 to 10/7 (11:59pm) | 10/8 to 10/22 (11:59 pm) | At the Gate | |
| Full Event | $55 | ||
| Saturday Day Pass | $20 | $25 |
Online Registration is now closed. “At-the-Gate” registration is available
If you have work vouchers you would like to use, we’ll have a list of them for At-the-Gate registrations and you can use them at this time.
Friday: Gates open at 3:00 PM and close at 9:00
Saturday : Gates open at 9:00 and close at 9:00 (for new entries, you can leave as late as you wish)
Sunday: Gates open at 9:00. Event ends at 3:00 PM
When you arrive, please check in at the Registration area first.
If you anticipate arriving outside of open gate times, please contact info@oakspiritsanctuary.org to make arrangements.
Please email info@oakspiritsanctuary.org
All are invited to Lunar Gatherings at Oak Spirit Sanctuary. They are family friendly and FREE.
If you are new to OSS, attending a Lunar is a great way to “dip your toe” into events at OSS and visit the land.
Lunars are generally scheduled during the waxing moon phase on a Saturday closest to the upcoming full moon during months OSS is not hosting a larger, ticketed event.
Lunars are a one-day event with an afternoon class from the OSS educational series: “A Year and A Day,” for training and information in basic Neo-Pagan topics.
Class is followed by a pot-luck dinner. Please bring a pot-luck dish suitable for about 10 to 12 people with an ingredients list.
Ritual follows the Pot-Luck dinner
After the ritual, merriment and camaraderie around the evening bonfire complete the night’s observances. Bring your drums and acoustic instruments, and (adult) beverages of your choice.
If you would like to camp overnight, please visit the Camping Information and Registration page for more information. You may also register and pay for camping the day of the Lunar. Simply let OSS personnel know and they will help you out!
Schedule:
4:30– 5:30: Year and A Day class
6:00: Community Potluck Meal
7:30: Ritual
Post-ritual: Community time around the fire
Note: OSS welcomes guest presenters. If you, as an individual or as part of a group, that is interested in presenting a community-oriented ritual at OSS, please contact us at info@oakspiritsanctuary.org
At this work day we will focus on preparation for next weekend’s Yule and also clearing out the culverts on the driveway.
Work Days and Weekends at Oak Spirit Sanctuary not only help with the upkeep of the land and facilities but are also a great way to get to know other people at OSS. Working together is a great way to build community.
There will be jobs and or projects for everyone regardless of capabilities. Please don’t think because you can’t do heavy lifting or swing an ax there is no way to contribute.
A Work “Day” is the Saturday of a weekend and usually starts around 9:30 am and lasts until about 5:00 pm. Arrive when you can and stay as long as you are able.
A Work “Weekend” spans Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. These are scheduled before a few of the bigger events.
Attendees are asked to check in with the work day lead, immediately upon arrival to the property. Be sure to sign the attendance book. (If you are new, ask anyone who has been to OSS before to show you where!)
A main dish is provided by OSS for the lunchtime meal for most work days unless otherwise indicated. If you have food sensitivities, you may wish to bring your own lunch.
Overnight camping is free for the day you participate in a work weekend.
Volunteering at a work day earns a $5.00 digital voucher. Vouchers up to half off the registration price may be used for any OSS ticketed events. (Does not apply to outside events hosted at OSS.) Please remember to sign the attendance book so your attendance is recorded to be sure to get a digital voucher.
Please Note: Winter work days generally focus on the Retreat Center, but this will be contingent on winter weather conditions. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced here and on OSS’s social media pages.
Work Days are an Opportunity to Visit Oak Spirit Sanctuary
Even if you are uninterested or unable to participate in the work day, these scheduled times provide a great opportunity to visit as there are folks present on the land, available to answer any questions you may have.
All are welcome!
Work Days and Weekends at Oak Spirit Sanctuary not only help with the upkeep of the land and facilities but are also a great way to get to know other people at OSS. Working together is a great way to build community.
There will be jobs and or projects for everyone regardless of capabilities. Please don’t think because you can’t do heavy lifting or swing an ax there is no way to contribute.
A Work “Day” is the Saturday of a weekend and usually starts around 9:30 am and lasts until about 5:00 pm. Arrive when you can and stay as long as you are able.
A Work “Weekend” spans Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. These are scheduled before a few of the weekend festivals or when there are bigger projects to work on.
Attendees are asked to check in with the work day lead, immediately upon arrival to the property. Be sure to sign the attendance book. (If you are new, ask anyone who has been to OSS before to show you where!)
A main dish is provided by OSS for the lunchtime meal for most work days unless otherwise indicated. If you have food sensitivities, you may wish to bring your own lunch.
Overnight camping is free for the day you participate in a work weekend.
Volunteering at a work day earns a $5.00 digital voucher. Vouchers up to half off the registration price may be used for any OSS ticketed events. (Does not apply to outside events hosted at OSS.) Please remember to sign the attendance book so your attendance is recorded to be sure to get a digital voucher.
Please Note: Winter work days generally focus on the Retreat Center, but this will be contingent on winter weather conditions. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced here and on OSS’s social media pages.
Work Days are an Opportunity to Visit Oak Spirit Sanctuary
Even if you are uninterested or unable to participate in the work day, these scheduled times provide a great opportunity to visit as there are folks present on the land, available to answer any questions you may have.
All are welcome!
This work day, we will focus on preparation for next weekend’s Samhain Festival.
Work Days and Weekends at Oak Spirit Sanctuary not only help with the upkeep of the land and facilities but are also a great way to get to know other people at OSS. Working together is a great way to build community.
There will be jobs and or projects for everyone regardless of capabilities. Please don’t think because you can’t do heavy lifting or swing an ax there is no way to contribute.
A Work “Day” is the Saturday of a weekend and usually starts around 9:30 am and lasts until about 5:00 pm. Arrive when you can and stay as long as you are able.
A Work “Weekend” spans Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. These are scheduled before a few of the bigger events.
Attendees are asked to check in with the work day lead, immediately upon arrival to the property. Be sure to sign the attendance book. (If you are new, ask anyone who has been to OSS before to show you where!)
A main dish is provided by OSS for the lunchtime meal for most work days unless otherwise indicated. If you have food sensitivities, you may wish to bring your own lunch.
Overnight camping is free for the day you participate in a work weekend.
Volunteering at a work day earns a $5.00 digital voucher. Vouchers up to half off the registration price may be used for any OSS ticketed events. (Does not apply to outside events hosted at OSS.) Please remember to sign the attendance book so your attendance is recorded to be sure to get a digital voucher.
Please Note: Winter work days generally focus on the Retreat Center, but this will be contingent on winter weather conditions. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced here and on OSS’s social media pages.
Work Days are an Opportunity to Visit Oak Spirit Sanctuary
Even if you are uninterested or unable to participate in the work day, these scheduled times provide a great opportunity to visit as there are folks present on the land, available to answer any questions you may have.
All are welcome!
Work Days and Weekends at Oak Spirit Sanctuary not only help with the upkeep of the land and facilities but are also a great way to get to know other people at OSS. Working together is a great way to build community.
There will be jobs and or projects for everyone regardless of capabilities. Please don’t think because you can’t do heavy lifting or swing an ax there is no way to contribute.
A Work “Day” is the Saturday of a weekend and usually starts around 9:30 am and lasts until about 5:00 pm. Arrive when you can and stay as long as you are able.
A Work “Weekend” spans Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. These are scheduled before a few of the bigger events.
Attendees are asked to check in with the work day lead, immediately upon arrival to the property. Be sure to sign the attendance book. (If you are new, ask anyone who has been to OSS before to show you where!)
A main dish is provided by OSS for the lunchtime meal for most work days unless otherwise indicated. If you have food sensitivities, you may wish to bring your own lunch.
Overnight camping is free for the day you participate in a work weekend.
Volunteering at a work day earns a $5.00 digital voucher. Vouchers up to half off the registration price may be used for any OSS ticketed events. (Does not apply to outside events hosted at OSS.) Please remember to sign the attendance book so your attendance is recorded to be sure to get a digital voucher.
Please Note: Winter work days generally focus on the Retreat Center, but this will be contingent on winter weather conditions. Cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced here and on OSS’s social media pages.
Work Days are an Opportunity to Visit Oak Spirit Sanctuary
Even if you are uninterested or unable to participate in the work day, these scheduled times provide a great opportunity to visit as there are folks present on the land, available to answer any questions you may have.
All are welcome!
Join the Sisters of the Sanctuary for a truly Magickal Women’s Retreat. This event is for all women of all ages. The only requirement is that you’ve had your first Moon cycle. Ages 13-17 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We’ll have crafts, Women’s mysteries workshop, meditation workshop, decide our spell work intentions, and make our meals together.
Saturday evening, we will have a Rites of Passage Ritual for any woman who is ready. Not sure if you’re ready? No worries we will have a discussion on the very topic.
This event will be held both outside and in the retreat center if needed. If you wish to sleep in the retreat please let us know so we can reserve your spot. You’ll need to bring a cot, or air mattress & your own bedding. If you’d like to camp, pack for inclement weather.
Online registration is closed. At-The-Door registration is available on Friday and Saturday
Children ages 13 to 17 are free and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
| Full Weekend | $30.00 per person |
| Saturday Day Pass | $15.00 per person |
Payment Options
Cash or Card payments can be accepted at the door.
Venmo and Cash App are also available options
Sunday
Below is a suggestion of what to bring for the meals. Bring whatever you like or follow this easy guide. Upon arrival bring your food/beverages to the Kitchen Witch. If you have a special diet it is suggested you bring what you can eat, to make sure your needs are met.
For the Stone Soup & Breakfast:
Astrology Potluck:
If you are an AIR sign bring fruit and veggies
FIRE signs- Chips, dips, breads, crackers
WATER– Desserts and Beverages
EARTH– sausage, bacon, ham, (meat for breakfast and soup) beans
This event is sponsored by Steve O’Dell and open to anyone who wishes to honor and celebrate his dearly departed wife, Angela O’Dell.
Join us as we celebrate Angela O’Dell’s life the way she lived.
With music, magick and rituals. SJ Tucker will join us as we pay tribute to all Angela was to each of us.
“Goddess, mother, grandmother, crone.
She was my wife of 26 years and my light.
We didn’t always see eye to eye, but more times we did.
We depended on each other and now that she is gone there is a giant void in my life.
Together we created a beautiful daughter,
And two beautiful grandchildren.
She loved her daughter and her grandchildren more than anything.
I hope she is in the summerlands.
I know she is in the summerlands.
She was so good, and her life was so short.
May you rest well ‘o love of my life.”
– Steve O’Dell
Angela loved the music of S.J. Tucker and she will be performing a concert in memory of Angela.
The concert is free and open to all who wish to attend.
Concert will be on Saturday at 9:00 PM.
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Camping is available and free for anyone who wishes to attend this weekend. Please visit this Camping page for more information.
The Memorial will be outside, please dress for the weather.
Additional things you may wish to bring–for those not camping overnight:
This special event is a favorite of many at Oak Spirit Sanctuary. A homecoming for Oak Spirits and for new and old friends alike! This year’s theme hearkens to the simple enjoyments of a country fair.
This family friendly festival includes long standing OSS traditions like our Triple Goddess Grape Stomp as well as our annual church meeting on Sunday.
Programming runs Friday to Sunday evening with a “casual camping” Monday, with no scheduled programming, for those who wish to stay over until Labor Day.
A full printed schedule will be available upon check-in.
Bring your best chili recipe and/or breads of any kind–loaf-style, sweet bread (examples: banana, pumpkin breads, cinnamon rolls)– for a taste-test judging contest and see if yours is the winner! Community Potluck will immediately follow the chili judging so your food items will become your contribution to the shared meal.
Do you sing, play an instrument, dance, or have a short, family friendly, comedic act? Is there a poem you’d love to share? Do you have a unique surprising skill that you could perform? At Saturday night’s Bardic Circle, in addition to drumming, singing, and chanting, a casually facilitated “talent share” may emerge if there are those among us ready to share our gifts!
Art and Craft pieces are always welcome donations that help fundraise at the ticketed events for OSS. Your free-will donated item is greatly appreciated and will be used for this or future events.
Many hands make light work! We are asking participants to volunteer to help with the tasks of this event. Time commitment is minimal, with flexible timeframes to do the tasks so you don’t miss any parts of the event. Take Down crew would be the most vigorous and longer shifts of the available tasks at the end of the event.
Please sign up for a task onsite when you check in at registration.
The Oak Spirit Sanctuary Natural Laws is a document that summarizes the main rules and policies we need to know to be good stewards for the land and to the community. Please visit that page to familiarize yourself with the Natural Laws.
The grounds of OSS are open and do not have designated camping sites as one might expect at a state park campground. You may camp anywhere that is not a ritual or community space. Tent, pull-behind campers, and drivable camping vehicles are all allowed.
Camping is rustic and primitive: There are no electric or water hook-ups, no flush toilets, no RV waste disposal. Porta-potties are available on site.
There is a shower house for hot showers, with both “open air” and a private stall available. Showers are generally open to “mixed company.”
OSS does not offer trash disposal services. Please plan to remove your own trash and recycling. If you pack it in, plan to pack it out.
Pets may attend but must be leashed and under control at all times. Owners must clean up pet waste.
Fires can only be made in established fire circles. Please do not start new fire circles All fires are sacred and no trash is ever thrown into the fire. Please dispose of your cigarette butts in your own camp trash, not into the fires.
If you have accessibility challenges and need more information about the grounds or amenities at OSS or how we can help you, please contact info@oakspiritsanctuary.org.
For full information regarding land use, camping, and expectations of conduct, please see the Natural Laws.
Ice will be available to purchase on site: $3.00 cash $3.25 card payment per bag.
Until 8/11 | At the Gate | ||
| Full Event | $60 | ||
| Saturday Day Pass | $30 |
Online Registration Closes Wednesday August 28th
If you wish to reserve sleeping space in the retreat center, it is an additional $10.00 per person per night. Space is limited and you must provide your own bedding/cot/camping mattress. Contact: info@oakspiritsanctuary.org for inquiries.
Please note: Payment is expected when you register. We do not allow for “RSVP” style registrations (sending in a registration without payment) to hold a price point. The payment amount is determined by the date you pay. Please see the chart with dates above.
Vending is allowed at this event with your paid registration. There is no monetary fee for vending, but we request that all vendors donate an item for the art raffle. We will still accept vendors with your onsite gate registration.
We welcome the following vendors! Please visit their booths and support them with your purchases!
Jim Murrey
Vintage Barbies in original packaging.
Sarah Rosenthal
Decorative stands, fairies, and feather jewelry
Tricia Gramarye
Nature crafts and Herbal Medicine
Friday: Gates open at 3:00 PM and close at 9:00
Saturday and Sunday: Gates open at 9:00 and close at 8:00
Monday: Event ends at 3:00 PM
When you arrive, please check in at the Registration Tent first.
If you anticipate arriving outside of open gate times, please contact info@oakspiritsanctuary.org to make arrangements.
We have answers! Contact info@oakspiritsanctuary.org
Image Credit: “Harvest Festival” by Alexander Grigoryevich
Work Days and Weekends at Oak Spirit Sanctuary not only help with the upkeep of the land and facilities but are also a great way to get to know other people at OSS. Working together is a great way to build community.
There will be jobs and or projects for everyone regardless of capabilities. Please don’t think because you can’t do heavy lifting or swing an ax there is no way to contribute.
A Work “Weekend” spans Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. These are scheduled before a few of the bigger events. We will be preparing the land for Harvest Homecoming–which is the following weekend.
Attendees are asked to check in with the work day lead, immediately upon arrival to the property. Be sure to sign the attendance book. (If you are new, ask anyone who has been to OSS before to show you where!)
A main dish is provided by OSS for the lunchtime meal for most work days unless otherwise indicated. If you have food sensitivities, you may wish to bring your own lunch.
Overnight camping is free for the day you participate in a work weekend.
Volunteering at a work day earns a $5.00 digital voucher. Vouchers up to half off the registration price may be used for any OSS ticketed events. (Does not apply to outside events hosted at OSS.) Please remember to sign the attendance book so your attendance is recorded to be sure to get a digital voucher.
Work Days are an Opportunity to Visit Oak Spirit Sanctuary
Even if you are uninterested or unable to participate in the work day, these scheduled times provide a great opportunity to visit as there are folks present on the land, available to answer any questions you may have.
All are welcome!
