Opening and Closing Ceremony
by Lana Nasser
Lana Nasser’s description of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
“A dreaming hive, a safe abode buzzing with energy – where we forage in the lush fields of the imaginal and bring the nectar home. Each one dreaming their own dream, and depositing their ‘findings’ in a chamber of the collective dreaming-mind. In the IASD conference, we come together, in a unique hive with not one – but many kinds of bees. There are more than 360 species of bees in Oregon alone wild bees, solitaries, bumble- carpenter-and honey-bees, drones… just like there are many colors of dreamers. No two bees are the same -even within the same so-called kind. Not to mention the other creatures that sometimes stop by the hive with a story to tell: ant, dragonfly, caterpillar, butterfly, hawk, beetle, frog… O, much-to-say about hives and dreams, about the healing power of both, their potential to ease our way to wholeness – but we’ll leave that for the opening ceremony.
The intention of the ceremony is to establish an inclusive container for the conference participants with the hive as a metaphor. This within the larger container, which is the land on which we will gather, represented by Native Oregon plants incorporated in the ceremonial center piece.
The opening sets the stage: lyrical dreaming/bee-anecdotes, sacred geometry-inspired movement/dance and toning/singing. Concluding with inviting the participants to breath/hum together (bee-breath: Bhramari Pranayama.)
A bee-skep is introduced at the end of the opening ceremony– and a word about what to do with it.
The skep is to be placed somewhere during the conference up until the last midday. If inclined, participants may write one phrase (a few words or a sentence) and place it in the hive. This is the drop of nectar they’d like to offer to the collective. I’ll give clear guidelines that day- things like: written legibly in English, Arabic of Dutch – or if in another language then written phonetically so I can sing it (but with a translation next to it.)
During the closing ceremony, the phrases are poetically synthesized in an improvised chant/song –inviting the group to join in at the end by singing/toning, collectively closing the conference -before the ball.”
Many Ways to Explore a Dream
One dreamer. Six practitioners. Come to this new Featured Event where one dream will be explored by six experienced IASD practitioners using different, complementary, and always ethical approaches. There will be spaces for audience members to contribute as well. Experience the depths that a dream can touch
Dream Art Reception
Join us for the Dream Art Reception for the chance to celebrate Dream Art at the Conference. During the ceremony, we’ll announce the winners of the Dream Art Competition and award cash prizes, including the People’s Choice Award—so be sure to submit your ballot for your favorite artwork in advance!
Many of the artists will be present near their work and happy to talk with you, share insights, and answer questions. This event is one of the highlights of the Conference—don’t miss it.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare Directed by Marcela Lorca
This is a special event on Tuesday Evening 16 June that you don’t want to miss. IASD has reserved a select block of play tickets for Conference attendees, for the 8pm performance of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shakespeare’s timeless romantic comedy returns to the Oregon Shakespear’s Festival (OSF) with original music by Justin Huertas (Lizard Boy) in an enchanting production, under the direction of Marcela Lorca (The Count of Monte Cristo). The play is being held in the Angus Bowmer Theater at OSF which is in downtown Ashland. There will be plenty of time that evening to have dinner, perhaps in one of the fabulous Ashland restaurants, and make your way to the play.
The story: “The course of true love never did run smooth.” When Hermia, Lysander, Helena, and Demetrius flee into the woods, they do it in pursuit of personal freedom and their one true love. But making their way through the forest is particularly tricky under the influence of the mischievous Puck’s spells. The line between truth and illusion blurs as the couples are drawn into a dream world that is as dark and mysterious as it is marvelous and full of wonder, where magic reigns and nothing is quite as it seems.
Order NOW, sales end 16 May.
Special Labyrinth Event
“Solvitur ambulando – it is solved by walking.” Join us at Trinity Episcopal Church, 44 N. 2nd St., Ashland, as we take our dreams into a labyrinth set on the church grounds. We will be introduced to the use of a labyrinth and given suggestions for dream work/play in a labyrinth, then each participant will then be set free to use the labyrinth with their dreams. This special event will be schedule before a lunch so that you can take the time you need to experience the labyrinth and have lunch in Ashland.
Try Your Psi!
Conference attendees are invited to participate in our annual Psi Dreaming Contest. You will be given directions to sleep with the intention of dreaming of a target picture, known only to a “sender” who will attempt to broadcast the image overnight. Your dream accounts will then be reviewed by a team of judges, who will announce the most successful dreamers at the Dream Ball.
The Dream Ball
On the final evening of the IASD Conference, we invite you to step into a shared, timeless space where dreams come alive in waking life. Costumes are not mandatory, but you’re warmly encouraged to dress as character, image or element from your dreams and dance the night away. And bringing the groove back to the Dream Ball—Ashland’s own Rogue Suspects will be returning to get us moving and celebrating together on the dance floor!
Start dreaming up your costume now! A Dream Costume Parade will begin at 8:15 pm. Participants will have one minute to share how their costume connects to their dream (two minutes for groups). We hope you’ll enjoy this joyful dream community celebration and a truly magical close to the conference.
Where to Find Great Costumes in Ashland
OSF Costume Rentals: https://www.osfcostumerentals.org/OSF-Costume-Rentals
Deja Vu, Ashland: https://www.yelp.com/biz/deja-vu-fashion-consignment-shoppe-ashland-2
Three Penny Mercantile: https://threepennymercantile.com/
Magic Man, Medford: https://www.magicmanshop.com/
PLEASE NOTE: Cultural Appreciation
If your dreams are richly and diversely populated, that’s a beautiful thing. At the same time, IASD members sharing the dance floor will appreciate your awareness that cultural and/or racial appropriation can be harmful to others in waking life.
The IASD Principles of Community state that we value:
“Diversity: A constructive educational environment for participants at conferences and other activities that welcomes the multiplicity of approaches to dream studies and strives to create an open, inclusive atmosphere of mutual respect.”
We encourage you to explore the many creative possibilities for dream costumes while remaining mindful of choices that could offend or exclude other members.
The IASD Principles of Community also emphasizes:
“Dignity: Fairness, respect, and individual dignity. The promotion of a safe environment that is free from any type of harassment or abuse…”
If your dream costume idea could target or stereotype someone else’s religion, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sex, sexual orientation, or personal identity, it’s best to dream up a new dream costume idea.
Thank you for helping create a safe, welcoming space and for contributing to the success of the Dream Ball!
Additional Resources
Here is some valuable information that may help you decide what not to wear:
If you have questions, please contact the Diversity Task Force Advisory Committee at: diversityresponse@asdreams.org