Nomenus Wolf Creek Sanctuary
How It All Began
In the early 80's a group of Radical
Faeries on the West Coast started talking about establishing a Radical
Faery Sanctuary where they could hold gatherings instead of holding
them in public forests or on private land. In 1984, they founded Nomenus,
a tax-exempt non-profit religious corporation. Its purpose is to create,
preserve and manage places of spiritual and cultural sanctuary, for
Radical Faeries and their friends to gather in harmony with nature,
for renewal, growth and shared learning. Following a Radical Faery gathering
in 1986 at the Magdalene Farm in Wolf Creek, Oregon, a Maoist Sissy
commune since the mid-70's, the Farm was offered for sale to Nomenus,
and Nomenus purchased the Farm in 1987.
The Sanctuary
Originally envisioned simply as a place to host Radical Faery gatherings,
Nomenus's eighty-acre sanctuary in Wolf Creek has since evolved into
the home of a small intentional community of Caretakers and long-term
visitors, as well as a site for shorter personal
retreats and workshops.
It has become a place where we explore the nature of queer men's spirituality
and community on an on-going basis in our communal and private circles,
our discussions and our collective labor to nurture and beautify the
Sanctuary.
The Land
is located in a valley in the mountains of southern Oregon. Hillsides
forested with douglas fir, madrone, big leaf maple and white oak surround
a lovely rolling meadow and the flowing waters of Wolf Creek. In addition
to the communal buildings of Garden House and the Barn, there are several
cabins to house the Caretakers scattered about the Land. There are also
flower and vegetable gardens to nurture and play in and altars and holy
sites where we commune with the gods and the spirits of the Land and
the Dead.
Our Vision
Through our gatherings, circles and in the community at the Sanctuary,
we develop and foster our shared ideals having to do with faggot-oriented
spirituality, community and collectivity, living in harmony with the
Beings around us, and subject-subject consciousness. For a better description
of our vision and spirituality, check out About
the Faeries.
Gatherings and Workshops
Nomenus currently sponsors three gatherings each year, a Spiritual
Gathering for Radical Faeries in August, the Beltaine Gathering
the week around May 1, and the Samhain Gathering the week around
October 31. The August Spiritual Gathering is a men's gathering,
for male-identified faeries to come together in heart circles and workshops,
in the preparing and sharing of meals, performances and rituals, to
explore our faery spirituality. The Beltaine and Samhain
Gatherings are mixed-gender gatherings, for Radical Faeries and friends
to celebrate the pagan festivals of Beltaine (May Day) and Samhain (Halloween).
These holy days mark the transition points between the summer and the
winter seasons, when the veils between this world and the world of the
spirits are thinnest. The Sanctuary also hosts other workhops and gatherings
sponsored by the Radical Faeries and other kindred groups. See our events
listing for details.
Coming and Going
There are numerous ways to visit the Sanctuary. Both Greyhound and the
Green Tortoise (when it runs) stop in Wolf Creek, or you can fly into
the Medford airport, where we'll be happy to pick you up (with advance
notice of course). Plus we're located 5 miles off of I-5, so driving
is also pretty easy. For further info, see our Visitor's
Guide.
**New** — to participate
in our online community, visit our Tribe
on Tribe.net
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