2025 Workshops, Talks, and Other Activities
"Let's Do Something Beautiful!”
Forest Bathing
Honora Buras
Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku in Japan) is a way to connect with nature at a deeper level than a typical nature hike or stroll in the park. It offers many of the benefits of a walk, as well as similar (or stronger) Awen as that achieved through meditation, all while actively participating in an ever-changing dialogue with the world around you. We will move through a slice of the landscape of Fontainebleau at a very slow pace, pausing frequently to open the doors of our senses and fully engage with the healing powers and inspiration of nature around us and the beautiful landscape within us.
Honora grew up playing in the trees and woods of her neighborhood and has nurtured and been nurtured by her 8-acre haven for the past 40 years. She has a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and a Master of Natural Sciences in Botany and Geography, and is a Certified Master Naturalist. She has devoted her career to conserving, protecting, and restoring natural areas of Louisiana and helping people connect with and enhance the natural wonders in their own backyards. Now retired, she's reconnecting with the spirits of the land, both near and far from home.
Honora Buras
Forest bathing (shinrin-yoku in Japan) is a way to connect with nature at a deeper level than a typical nature hike or stroll in the park. It offers many of the benefits of a walk, as well as similar (or stronger) Awen as that achieved through meditation, all while actively participating in an ever-changing dialogue with the world around you. We will move through a slice of the landscape of Fontainebleau at a very slow pace, pausing frequently to open the doors of our senses and fully engage with the healing powers and inspiration of nature around us and the beautiful landscape within us.
Honora grew up playing in the trees and woods of her neighborhood and has nurtured and been nurtured by her 8-acre haven for the past 40 years. She has a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and a Master of Natural Sciences in Botany and Geography, and is a Certified Master Naturalist. She has devoted her career to conserving, protecting, and restoring natural areas of Louisiana and helping people connect with and enhance the natural wonders in their own backyards. Now retired, she's reconnecting with the spirits of the land, both near and far from home.
Growing the Beautiful Garden of Your Soul
Shirley Deasy
Is there beauty in prayer? Can prayer add meaning to your life as a Druid? How can it deepen your life? Let's discuss prayer from a Druid perspective using The Druid's Prayer. What does it mean? Is it relevant? What parts are meaningful to each of us? In this session we will take some time to think about what prayer is and our past and present understand of praying. Since the Druids Prayer unites all Druids, let's use it as our guide to a deeper understanding of it and create a personal version to use just for ourselves.
Always interested in nature and especially trees, Shirley was amazed to find spiritually based on nature. After studying Wicca for a year or two, she joined OBOD in 2011; she is currently reading and practicing at the Druid level. She finally finished a Masters degree in Public Heath in her 40s and retired after over 20 years in management of oncology research studies. She lives with her husband and a corgi on 3 acres on the side of the Blue Ridge Mountains in north Georgia. In addition to roaming the side of the mountain with Emily (the corgi), she makes quilts and teaches quilting classes, does machine and hand embroidery, and occasionally, pine-needle baskets.
Shirley Deasy
Is there beauty in prayer? Can prayer add meaning to your life as a Druid? How can it deepen your life? Let's discuss prayer from a Druid perspective using The Druid's Prayer. What does it mean? Is it relevant? What parts are meaningful to each of us? In this session we will take some time to think about what prayer is and our past and present understand of praying. Since the Druids Prayer unites all Druids, let's use it as our guide to a deeper understanding of it and create a personal version to use just for ourselves.
Always interested in nature and especially trees, Shirley was amazed to find spiritually based on nature. After studying Wicca for a year or two, she joined OBOD in 2011; she is currently reading and practicing at the Druid level. She finally finished a Masters degree in Public Heath in her 40s and retired after over 20 years in management of oncology research studies. She lives with her husband and a corgi on 3 acres on the side of the Blue Ridge Mountains in north Georgia. In addition to roaming the side of the mountain with Emily (the corgi), she makes quilts and teaches quilting classes, does machine and hand embroidery, and occasionally, pine-needle baskets.
Guided Meditation
Kate Kane Laborde
After many years away, we are finally heading back to our original gathering place of Fontainebleau State Park! This year’s meditation will focus on the tangible and intangible, while reconnecting with our surroundings. I look forward to seeing everyone again.
Kate is a native Louisianian who enjoys the company of all and sharing all the natural beauty her state has to offer. When not working as an accounting assistant, she enjoys music, going camping, and spending time with her immediate and grove families. She is an Ovate, and has been a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids since 1992.
Kate Kane Laborde
After many years away, we are finally heading back to our original gathering place of Fontainebleau State Park! This year’s meditation will focus on the tangible and intangible, while reconnecting with our surroundings. I look forward to seeing everyone again.
Kate is a native Louisianian who enjoys the company of all and sharing all the natural beauty her state has to offer. When not working as an accounting assistant, she enjoys music, going camping, and spending time with her immediate and grove families. She is an Ovate, and has been a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids since 1992.
Herbs for Spring Health
Beatrice Muhlenbruch
Beatrice is a trained herbalist and member of the OBOD. She specializes in all things women's health and studied herbalism with the Florida School of Holistic Living, completing a 3-part course, and with Dr. Aviva Romm in the Functional & Integrative Medicine program. She lives in SW Florida where she teaches and provides herbalist services through her small business, Crone House.
Beatrice Muhlenbruch
- Herbs for spring health—moving, clearing, and cleansing herbal medicine for your system. Awaken your body systems to spring. Learn how to use herbal and natural medicine methods to align with the season, awaken from winter's rest, and prepare for the coming busy summer months.
Beatrice is a trained herbalist and member of the OBOD. She specializes in all things women's health and studied herbalism with the Florida School of Holistic Living, completing a 3-part course, and with Dr. Aviva Romm in the Functional & Integrative Medicine program. She lives in SW Florida where she teaches and provides herbalist services through her small business, Crone House.
Bardic Astrology — Joy to the Sun!
Robert Pacitti
Join us as we connect to the beauty of each zodiac sun sign and create a personalized Affirmation of Joy to incorporate into our personal spiritual practice. At the crossroads of mysticism and self-discovery, we will learn how the Sun illuminates our path in life and how each sign shines their light! No astrology experience necessary.
Robert Pacitti is a professional consulting astrologer and the visionary behind Deep Earth Astrology. Specializing in psychological and vibrational techniques, he has honed his craft under the tutelage of mentors Linda Berry, Sarah Fuhro, Margaret Gray, and Yvonne Tarnas. Infusing his practice with a deep connection to nature spirituality, Robert holds the title of Grand Pendragon in the Ancient Order of Druids in America and is the Director of the MAGUS Gathering in Gore, Virginia.
Robert Pacitti
Join us as we connect to the beauty of each zodiac sun sign and create a personalized Affirmation of Joy to incorporate into our personal spiritual practice. At the crossroads of mysticism and self-discovery, we will learn how the Sun illuminates our path in life and how each sign shines their light! No astrology experience necessary.
Robert Pacitti is a professional consulting astrologer and the visionary behind Deep Earth Astrology. Specializing in psychological and vibrational techniques, he has honed his craft under the tutelage of mentors Linda Berry, Sarah Fuhro, Margaret Gray, and Yvonne Tarnas. Infusing his practice with a deep connection to nature spirituality, Robert holds the title of Grand Pendragon in the Ancient Order of Druids in America and is the Director of the MAGUS Gathering in Gore, Virginia.