2026 Program and Workshops
Highlights for what is planned for the 2026 festival.
It's Early Days and this page will change - so keep checking back!
More coming very soon!
2026 Theme
Element of Fire
We wll focus on Transformative aspects of Primal Fire
More coming soon!
Festival Sponsored Events and Activities
Rituals
Opening and Closing Rituals
Priestesses to be Announced
We will add information about the Opening Ritual after a Priestess comes forward.
The Closing Ritual Closing Ritual – Sunday at 10:30 AM
We will express our gratitude to the land of the Mendocino Woodlands, to the Goddess and the elements, and we will ground the space and each other. The purpose is to close the sacred space of the Festival and prepare ourselves for a return to the mundane world. Afterwards, stay for a little to be in a group photo.
Main Ritual
Priestesses for the 2026 Ritual are Donna T-Z and Ann Rene G.
The Goddess to call is being discussed now. (Feb 2026)
Please let us know by using the Contact Us form if you have suggestions for a Goddess of Fire whose traditions emphasize transformation. We are also having a discussion about it in the Elderflower Community Private Group on Facebook.
[from 2025] This year, we will be crafting the Main Ritual at camp, during two workshop sessions, on Thursday and Friday afternoon.
We welcome all voices to be involved! We will be planning the ritual from the ground up, with a focus on healing, clarity, and transformation.
Crone Ritual
Suzanne is the Coordinator for the Crones in 2026
Honoring of the Crones / Meeting with New Crones
Crone Gathering
The Crone Gathering is scheduled before the Crone Ritual on Thursday morning. If you wish to be Croned, or have never attended Elderflower as a Crone before, please come to the Gathering.
All initiated Crones are invited to attend the Gathering, the Ritual and the Meeting on Saturday to go over any business, discuss what may be coming up in the next year.
Croning Ritual
- More information about the 2026 Croning Ritual will be available later this year.
Crone Meeting
Saturday afternoon – Open to all initiated Elderflower Crones. Attendance is recommended. Topics will be decided later this year. (Feb. 2026)
Generally speaking – Below is some information from 2025 that might be helpful to new Crones.
- Crones are women of wisdom, age, and power. They embody all the wisdom gained through their experiences of the Three Phases of Womanhood – Maiden, Mother and Crone. We will each progress into Cronehood as our lives continue. At Elderflower, any woman 56 years old (or older) who chooses to claim her status as a Crone is invited to attend a pre-Croning workshop in preparation for declaring herself a Crone at the Croning Ritual. The Ritual marks the beginning of a woman’s transformation into Cronehood, into the beauty and expression of her inner Crone wisdom and her deeper Crone understanding.
- Not every woman who is 56 or older declares herself a Crone. When to make that declaration is every woman’s personal choice. If you are 56 or older and interested in becoming a Crone, check in with the Crone Coordinator (Suzanne) at the Crones’ table in the dining hall, and plan to attend the workshop for those interested in joining the Elderflower Crones.
— read more about Crones at Elderflower
Festival sponsored activities
In any given year, whether any of these activities happens
always depend on a woman or girl volunteering to coordinate the activities
and hold the ceremonies and rituals.
Maiden Activities and Ritual
Girls Activities
— read about Maidens at Elderflower.
Amazon Training Workshop and Ritual
Initiated by Artemis in the 1990s, and carried on over many years, Amazons have become an important tradition.
Mother Workshop and Crowning Ritual
Initiated by Suzy many years ago and carried down from Mother to Mother, this workshop and ritual includes opportunities for women in the Mother Phase of Womanhood to share wisdom and ideas and to possibly be Crowned as Mothers.
— read about The Mother at Elderflower.
Activities
Below are the workshop listings from 2025
Changes to these lists will be made as plans ripen.
The Wish Net - NEW
The Bead Exchange - Returns
Heather and other Volunteers
The Bead Exchange is Back!
Bring 45-50 beads in a bag with your name on them and leave them in the basket on the table in the Dining Hall at sometime early in the festival. On Saturday night, there will be a new bag in the basket with your name on it and in it will be a wonderful collection of one bead from everyone who attended (and donated beads) this year. It’s a fun way to give and receive beads and then create a memento of Elderflower 2025!
Once Upon a Time
Emcee Kathleen
Treasure Table
The Treasure Table is a long-standing tradition at Elderflower. The table will be set up in front of the dining hall and is not staffed. You may look at these treasures at your leisure and choose your favorites, please leave your monetary contribution in the box on the table. All Treasure Table proceeds support the general fund for next year’s festival.
Note: On Saturday evening, please remember to pack away whatever you contributed which was not bought someone else
Silent Auction
Curated by Freya
Another fun Elderflower tradition! The Silent Auction his is held outside the dining hall from Thursday morning to Saturday just after lunch. All items are new, or in like-new condition. Once donated, merchandise becomes the property of Elderflower Womenspirit Festival. If you have brought donations, please make sure the Silent Auction Coordinator Freya has them by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. Proceeds from the Silent Auction support the Scholarship fund, and help offset the costs of future festivals.
Ancestor Altar
Located on the path to the Main Meadow, this altar is set up on Wednesday and will be present for all to view and pay respects for the length of the festival.
Anyone may bring pictures or mementos of their beloved dead. Take some time to stop by, sound the bell, if you are moved to do so. Let your loved ones know you remember them!
Thanks go to Nancy, who began and hosted this space for many years. We carry on this important opportunity to honor our beloved dead.
Please make sure to pick up your items Saturday night.
Barefoot Meditation Path
A path, leading from the foot of the bridge by the Ancestor Altar to the trail that leads to the Fire Circle (about 100 yards), will be swept clean of all debris, rocks, sticks and other detritus. You may safely walk this path barefoot, and commune with the trees, and the Goddess.
The Isis Tent and the Wine Tent
“And never the twain shall meet!”
The Isis Tent is a cushy place to hang out, for conversation and meditation. This is a strictly no-alcohol zone! Mosquito netting all around, comfy pillows, soft drapes; this is a lovely feminine space to hang out. Please be aware that some workshops take place here.
The Wine Tent, like it sounds, is a place for those who wish to imbibe may do so, in a relaxing, bug-free environment. Feel free to share your adult beverages with your sisters!
The Talent Show
Emcee Kathleen
On Saturday evening we gather in the dining hall to enjoy the unique talents of our sisters. If you have a song to sing, a poem to read, a skit to dazzle and delight, we are your captive audience! Listen for the announcement about signing up.
The Resource Sharing Table
This is an opportunity for everyone to share pieces of wisdom, inspirational messages, magic tips, and experience with their sisters.
We will set up a table outside the Dining Hall, with a big bulletin board and some index cards. This is where we will share books (to show and tell, not to give away), items, cards, memes, etc. The cards may have more recommendations of more books, music, even movies, crafts or rituals. The goal is to let other women see what has helped each of us on our magical journey.
Cardinal Direction Shrines
This year we will again be setting up altars near the Assembly Area, in all four cardinal directions. These will have a banner above them, and a yoga mat to sit on, if you would like to meditate with the element. These will be accessible to all, and you may visit with friends or by yourself.
Each altar will have items pertaining to their Cardinal direction. For Elderflower purposes: East = Air, South = Fire, West = Water, and North = Earth. Please feel free to place your own objects on the shrines.
And remember to pick them up on Saturday evening before heading to your cabin!
Goddess Altar - Dining Hall Eastern Hearth
The fireplace on the right side of the Dining Hall will be designated as a permanent altar to the Goddess, for the duration of the festival. We will place a few items out to inspire you; please feel free to place your own offerings and sacred items on this altar (plan to pick them up again by Sunday morning). You may visit by yourself, for quiet time with Her, or with friends for group blessings.
The Wish Net - NEW
The Bead Exchange - Returns
Heather and other Volunteers
The Bead Exchange is Back!
Bring 45-50 beads in a bag with your name on them and leave them in the basket on the table in the Dining Hall at sometime early in the festival. On Saturday night, there will be a new bag in the basket with your name on it and in it will be a wonderful collection of one bead from everyone who attended (and donated beads) this year. It’s a fun way to give and receive beads and then create a memento of Elderflower 2025!
Once Upon a Time
Emcee Kathleen
Treasure Table
The Treasure Table is a long-standing tradition at Elderflower. The table will be set up in front of the dining hall and is not staffed. You may look at these treasures at your leisure and choose your favorites, please leave your monetary contribution in the box on the table. All Treasure Table proceeds support the general fund for next year’s festival.
Note: On Saturday evening, please remember to pack away whatever you contributed which was not bought someone else
Silent Auction
Curated by Freya
Another fun Elderflower tradition! The Silent Auction his is held outside the dining hall from Thursday morning to Saturday just after lunch. All items are new, or in like-new condition. Once donated, merchandise becomes the property of Elderflower Womenspirit Festival. If you have brought donations, please make sure the Silent Auction Coordinator Freya has them by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. Proceeds from the Silent Auction support the Scholarship fund, and help offset the costs of future festivals.
Ancestor Altar
Located on the path to the Main Meadow, this altar is set up on Wednesday and will be present for all to view and pay respects for the length of the festival.
Anyone may bring pictures or mementos of their beloved dead. Take some time to stop by, sound the bell, if you are moved to do so. Let your loved ones know you remember them!
Thanks go to Nancy, who began and hosted this space for many years. We carry on this important opportunity to honor our beloved dead.
Please make sure to pick up your items Saturday night.
Barefoot Meditation Path
A path, leading from the foot of the bridge by the Ancestor Altar to the trail that leads to the Fire Circle (about 100 yards), will be swept clean of all debris, rocks, sticks and other detritus. You may safely walk this path barefoot, and commune with the trees, and the Goddess.
The Isis Tent and the Wine Tent
“And never the twain shall meet!”
The Isis Tent is a cushy place to hang out, for conversation and meditation. This is a strictly no-alcohol zone! Mosquito netting all around, comfy pillows, soft drapes; this is a lovely feminine space to hang out. Please be aware that some workshops take place here.
The Wine Tent, like it sounds, is a place for those who wish to imbibe may do so, in a relaxing, bug-free environment. Feel free to share your adult beverages with your sisters!
The Talent Show
Emcee Kathleen
On Saturday evening we gather in the dining hall to enjoy the unique talents of our sisters. If you have a song to sing, a poem to read, a skit to dazzle and delight, we are your captive audience! Listen for the announcement about signing up.
The Resource Sharing Table
This is an opportunity for everyone to share pieces of wisdom, inspirational messages, magic tips, and experience with their sisters.
We will set up a table outside the Dining Hall, with a big bulletin board and some index cards. This is where we will share books (to show and tell, not to give away), items, cards, memes, etc. The cards may have more recommendations of more books, music, even movies, crafts or rituals. The goal is to let other women see what has helped each of us on our magical journey.
Cardinal Direction Shrines
This year we will again be setting up altars near the Assembly Area, in all four cardinal directions. These will have a banner above them, and a yoga mat to sit on, if you would like to meditate with the element. These will be accessible to all, and you may visit with friends or by yourself.
Each altar will have items pertaining to their Cardinal direction. For Elderflower purposes: East = Air, South = Fire, West = Water, and North = Earth. Please feel free to place your own objects on the shrines.
And remember to pick them up on Saturday evening before heading to your cabin!
Goddess Altar - Dining Hall Eastern Hearth
The fireplace on the right side of the Dining Hall will be designated as a permanent altar to the Goddess, for the duration of the festival. We will place a few items out to inspire you; please feel free to place your own offerings and sacred items on this altar (plan to pick them up again by Sunday morning). You may visit by yourself, for quiet time with Her, or with friends for group blessings.
More coming very soon!
Schedule
Workshop Sessions (tentative)
- Morning Sessions: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
- 1st Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 3:15 PM
- 2nd Afternoon Session: 3:30-5:15 PM
Exact times will be in the Printed Program you receive at festival check-in
2026 Workshops
Ordered by day and approximate time. The schedule of workshops is tentative and subject to change.
Check the whiteboard for updates at the festival.
Orientation and Reintroduction to Elderflower
This workshop will be offered twice: Days Times TBD.
Whether it’s your first time at Elderflower, or you have been here for 20 years, this workshop is open to you. Different members of the Core Council will introduce the various traditions and tenets of the festival, some history, and some guidelines for navigating the festival.
Led by members of the volunteer staff and Core Council
Crone Pre-Ritual Preparation – Suzanne
More Information coming.
The Crone Ritual will be held on Friday afternoon. See sponsored events above for more information.
Elderflower General Member Meeting – Thu After Dinner
This is a short meeting held every year. The current Core Council reports the festival’s business status and shares the latest news. Every year we read and analyze the feedback forms and make changes where we can. We look forward to hearing from Festival attendees. Come let your voice be heard. We also recruit volunteers for next year’s festival.
Truth Circle – ?
This workshop is part of the EPN track, and is open to ALL Elderflower women.
You are invited to a ritual of telling our personal and individual Truth. Maidens,
mothers, crones, amazons, and all community members, including those coming to Elderflower for the first time – come to share about your experience of sisterhood.
Come with us to Remember how our hearts have been moved to joy & connection,
and to envision dreams of what we could create together.
Join us for this new process, attend both Thursday and/or Friday afternoon for an intimate listening circle while sisters respond Truthfully to questions posed by the facilitator.
In the Truth Circle we will co-create a safe container to hold space for individual
Truths. What medicine can be brewed when we open & speak with honesty
from the heart? The aim is simply to Let Truth Move. When Truth moves, it moves us.
We will hold the circle free of accusation, insult or offering our solutions….
What This Truth Circle Seeks
When we are giving voice to our true experience, Goddess can inspire us into creative solutions, into hearing one another, into conversations & insights. This is a circle to re-calibrate our compasses. By choosing to speak about joys and insights, heartbreak and fear … or give our pain a name, and by choosing to witness one another’s Truth – we can realign. We can see our shared desires for our community and where we may need to agree to work together at something. We get to know each other really.
Attend to invest in Elderflower, to invest in yourself and your sisters, to cultivate Truth evermore.
This Circle will be respectfully moderated. Shares are received & are not rebutted. All participants will have an equal amount of time to share. Everyone who attends is asked to participate. All are invited to attend. All shares are heard.
What You Offer
Courage plus –
One heart. One mouth.
This is an activity of the felt sense – not the intellect.
Our Goal and Our Restrictions
The goal is to unpack – to open, that Goddess can transmutate & reorganize. This is a place for coming and hearing together – not for conflict. We aren’t fighting or creating new wounds.
Intensity
Yes – it may be intense to hear a truth that conflicts with your own. Attend to
see how human we are & to learn how to love what you don’t identify with.
The Elements Series: Fire as Transformation – CopperJet
Crone Gathering – Suzanne –
Crone Gathering – Faye – Sat PM
Open to all initiated Elderflower Crones. Attendance is recommended. Topics will include what roles and services Crones wish to offer the EWF Community.
JD Memorial Girl’s Softball game - ?
JD founded this Girls’ Softball game. We remember JD, who provided the mitts and much spirit! A.H. leads the game and will bring balls, wiffle bats, regular bats and some gloves. Please bring gloves. We laugh and get exercise and have a lot of fun! If you have a glove and want to play please bring it.
More coming very soon!
Schedule
Workshop Sessions (tentative)
- Morning Sessions: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
- 1st Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM – 3:15 PM
- 2nd Afternoon Session: 3:30-5:15 PM
Exact times will be in the Printed Program you receive at festival check-in
2026 Workshops
Ordered by day and approximate time. The schedule of workshops is tentative and subject to change.
Check the whiteboard for updates at the festival.
Orientation and Reintroduction to Elderflower
This workshop will be offered twice: Days Times TBD.
Whether it’s your first time at Elderflower, or you have been here for 20 years, this workshop is open to you. Different members of the Core Council will introduce the various traditions and tenets of the festival, some history, and some guidelines for navigating the festival.
Led by members of the volunteer staff and Core Council
Crone Pre-Ritual Preparation – Suzanne
More Information coming.
The Crone Ritual will be held on Friday afternoon. See sponsored events above for more information.
Elderflower General Member Meeting – Thu After Dinner
This is a short meeting held every year. The current Core Council reports the festival’s business status and shares the latest news. Every year we read and analyze the feedback forms and make changes where we can. We look forward to hearing from Festival attendees. Come let your voice be heard. We also recruit volunteers for next year’s festival.
Truth Circle – ?
This workshop is part of the EPN track, and is open to ALL Elderflower women.
You are invited to a ritual of telling our personal and individual Truth. Maidens,
mothers, crones, amazons, and all community members, including those coming to Elderflower for the first time – come to share about your experience of sisterhood.
Come with us to Remember how our hearts have been moved to joy & connection,
and to envision dreams of what we could create together.
Join us for this new process, attend both Thursday and/or Friday afternoon for an intimate listening circle while sisters respond Truthfully to questions posed by the facilitator.
In the Truth Circle we will co-create a safe container to hold space for individual
Truths. What medicine can be brewed when we open & speak with honesty
from the heart? The aim is simply to Let Truth Move. When Truth moves, it moves us.
We will hold the circle free of accusation, insult or offering our solutions….
What This Truth Circle Seeks
When we are giving voice to our true experience, Goddess can inspire us into creative solutions, into hearing one another, into conversations & insights. This is a circle to re-calibrate our compasses. By choosing to speak about joys and insights, heartbreak and fear … or give our pain a name, and by choosing to witness one another’s Truth – we can realign. We can see our shared desires for our community and where we may need to agree to work together at something. We get to know each other really.
Attend to invest in Elderflower, to invest in yourself and your sisters, to cultivate Truth evermore.
This Circle will be respectfully moderated. Shares are received & are not rebutted. All participants will have an equal amount of time to share. Everyone who attends is asked to participate. All are invited to attend. All shares are heard.
What You Offer
Courage plus –
One heart. One mouth.
This is an activity of the felt sense – not the intellect.
Our Goal and Our Restrictions
The goal is to unpack – to open, that Goddess can transmutate & reorganize. This is a place for coming and hearing together – not for conflict. We aren’t fighting or creating new wounds.
Intensity
Yes – it may be intense to hear a truth that conflicts with your own. Attend to
see how human we are & to learn how to love what you don’t identify with.
The Elements Series: Fire as Transformation – CopperJet
Crone Gathering – Suzanne –
Crone Gathering – Faye – Sat PM
Open to all initiated Elderflower Crones. Attendance is recommended. Topics will include what roles and services Crones wish to offer the EWF Community.
JD Memorial Girl’s Softball game - ?
JD founded this Girls’ Softball game. We remember JD, who provided the mitts and much spirit! A.H. leads the game and will bring balls, wiffle bats, regular bats and some gloves. Please bring gloves. We laugh and get exercise and have a lot of fun! If you have a glove and want to play please bring it.