An invitation to the Trillium community
Meeting location: Kubota Garden Lower lawn
9817 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Photos from our gathering last year captured by Hannah Letinich
As summer sunsets get shorter and fall whispers a cool hello, I invite you to join the Trillium community in ritual, celebration, and connection to mark the autumnal Equinox.
Human community, past, present, and future, thrives on celebration. In fact, this practice is absolutely necessary for collective well-being.
Intact indigenous cultural celebrations are deeply anchored in seasonal and natural transitions and cycles. Our ancestors knew very well that our survival is impossible without the gifts of this generous Mother planet.
No gratitude, no thriving.
We have so much to celebrate in this season of balance: the abundant harvest of the land, summer's weaving of community resilience, and most especially for me, the blossoming of the Trillium community that you all have lovingly tended 🌱🚿💚
We also have so much to grieve. The losses and pains go beyond genocides, ecocides, and deportations. Whatever you are grieving, I invite you to bring it to the event’s altar. This altar will be adorned and candle-lit by what you offer.
This year, I picked Kubota Garden to bring us together.
Most importantly because it's nestled in a precious remnant forest that the Trillium community has been stewarding. It's also spacious, serene, and rich with beauty. Access to the garden is free for all.
If you have ever been to a Trillium wilderness walk, workshop, or event, this gathering is for you.
If you have been a student or mentee, this gathering is for you.
If you are a partner, collaborator, colleague, or comrade, this gathering is for you.
If you are a neighbor or part of my extended communities, this gathering is for you.
If you are looking to meet and weave with like-minded tenders and open hearts, this gathering is for you.
If you are new and curious about Trillium and what we're up to, this gathering is for you.
Some Details
Harvest Table 🌽
We will set the table for a seasonal potluck—an altar of abundance.
Bring a simple or elaborate dish or beverage to adorn and break bread.
Cultural dishes are especially appreciated.
No stress if you are unable to contribute. Come as you are. Your presence is the gift
We will not have access to electricity or a stove!
Grief Altar 🕯️🕯️🕯️
The altar space will be open to receive any items that name and honor the loss and the pain.
I invite you to bring items for their beauty, medicine, or elemental significance.
The meaning of the items you bring is for you - no explanation necessary.
Examples: bits of nature, herbal medicine, flowers, incense, photos, art, fabrics, heirlooms, written words, or ancestral items.
We won't be able to light a bonfire, so instead, I ask that you bring candles to light this altar. Any shape and size will do. Preferably unscented.
Lanterns are also welcome.
Guided Garden Walk
Arrive at 3:30 if you would like to join on a short walk to celebrate a bit of the wonder of Kubota Garden. We will tell some stories and touch the sacred waters of the creek that fills its necklace of ponds.
Guided Reflection
I will guide the group in a short grounding and contemplation practice.
Bring a journal if you like.
Paper and writing utensils will be provided.
Storytelling
In the spirit of celebrating the harvest, I'll share stories of what I have received and experienced from my recent return trip to Palestine and ancestral lands.
Stuff to bring
Chair or blanket
A seasonal dish or drink to share
Plate/cup/utensils
Serving utensil for your dish
Grief alter items + candles
A journal and pen (optional)
Layers or a blanket in case it gets chili. The lawn is in a shady “bowl”
A to-go food container
REGISTRATION
This event will be a fundraiser.
A portion of the funds will go to support my family in the Levant.
My three aunts and their families in Syria and Lebanon have had their lives endangered and disrupted by Israeli bombs and the chaos they sow.
No donations required!
You can use $0 on the registration page, which I encourage you to fill out so I can reach you with info leading up to the event.