We welcome you to share in ceremony, dinner, and the land with us, in celebration and commitment of our love. You are welcome and encouraged to camp on the land the evening of the 4th!

June 4th The fourth of June is the day we chose to love one another consciously, way back in 2017. In numerology for 2022, this date adds up to 7. The number 7 symbolizes the burning inner need of humanity to find depth and meaning. 2022 Coincidently (or not), this year is also the Tarot year of The Lovers. In it's most overarching terms, The Lovers card represents choices, meaningful relationships, and conscious connections. Linen You will notice linen used throughout the ceremony and celebration. It is featured as an alter cloth, as our hand-fast, and Stephen is dressed entirely in linen. This product of the sacred plant flax has been utilized and revered in Pre-British communities and indigenous European cultures. The entire flax plant has been honored for centuries as a garment fiber, medicinal plant, and food. Traditionally worn as undergarments by Celtic and Germanic cultures, Stephen honors his roots and ancestors by donning a linen suit. White In West African cultures white is a color of celebration, spirituality, and purity. This tradition continues in the diasporic community world wide. We have asked those in attendance to wear white and/or light colors. And we invite you to reconnect with your own root culture, by wearing whatever represents that for you. Whitsun In 2017 this date fell on Whitsun weekend, and this year it is the also falls on Whitsun weekend. Whitsun is "The English name for the christian church festival otherwise called Pentecost, held on the seventh Sunday after Easter as the commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit and the inspiration of the Apostles. . . Whitsun merrymaking had a long-standing and proverbial connection with the Morris dance, as evidenced in Shakespeare's Henry V (II. iv). Another widely reported custom, which apparently died out in the late 19th century, was the decoration of churches with boughs of [Birch] trees, another decorating custom. . . involved congregants processing around the neighborhood, in their best clothes and if possible wearing white, led by a local band. At key points there would be mass open-air hymn singing, and an outdoor tea at the end of the day." - oxfordreference.com

Seeds You will notice seeds feature heavily as a theme in our celebration. From seed embedded paper, seed packets as gifts, to seeds braided into Chrystal's hair, we have included plant seed as a large part of our symbolism. In many West African and Pan-African communities seeds are a manifestation of the spirit. Planting a seed into the soil (womb) of the earth (mother) can be experienced as a metaphor for our own growth and development as human beings. In order to be born again, one must die, cloaked in darkness and covered with soil. After rebirth, the seed becomes a plant which multiplies it's own life force. The act of covering seeds with soil remind us of our own divinity and reconnects us to our ancestors, giving us the ability to honor our birthright. Captured African women braided seeds into their hair, knowing and trusting in a belief in the future for their descendants. You may take the sacred Amaranth seeds (saved from 2021) we have provided, and plant them in your home garden to connect with the energy of transformation and ancestral lineage. Tulip Commonly known as the flower that represents deep unconditional love, for a partner, child, or friend. Peony Known to represent love, honor, happiness, wealth, romance, and beauty, the peony is traditionally given on special occasions as an expression of goodwill, best wishes, and joy. Lupin Lupin stands for imagination, admiration, and overall happiness. Whether given as a gift or grown in your garden, the lupin brings the energy of inner strength to recover from trauma. Ranunculus The ranunculus flower is a symbol of attractiveness and charm. Its name is derived from the Latin terms rana and unculus which translate to "little frog". The ranunculus was most likely named this because of its tendency to grow alongside streams in a plentiful manner. Rosemary Rosemary reveals to us our true love; it is a plant of remembrance and connects us to our human ancestors. Cedar Cedar represents strength and is a tree of nobility, pride and dedication. Kale Kale is known as the cabbage rose and has come to mean "the ambassador of love". Collards Collards represent the culture and life of Black Americans, specifically African Descendants of Slavery, and has shaped US foodways. Fern Fern is known as a plant that represents fascination, humility, and sincerity.

Clouds Cloud viewing connects us to nature. Clouds are an accumulation of water and air, bringing purity, light, and clarity of emotion. Air connects us to the astrological signs of Aquarius and Libra. You will find cloud viewers in the picnic area for your pleasure, and to connect with the air element.

Water Sharing Water is life! Our ceremony takes place at the head of the waterfall on the Philadelphia Community Land parcel. It is a place of healing and movement, and a reminder of the constant flow of the universe; the waterfall encourages us to let go and purify. During the Ceremony you will take in the sounds of the rushing water along with the tones of the upright bass and hand drums. This symbolism continues into the printed fabric of Chrystal's bridal dress. Ankara print has a complex history with colonialism. And, it has emerged as a cultural staple of West African daily garment fabric and has been transformed to be uniquely African in it's design. This dress was designed and made in London by African design house Ankara London. Referred to as Record print, in Nigeria it is said to resemble a record spinning. In Ghana this print is named Nsu Bura, in the Akan language (Twi), or "Water Well" in English. The image consists of small dots in concentric circles that depict ripples when an object is placed in water. It serves as a visual reminder to practice mindfulness because our actions have a wider effect on our surrounding community. We take water as the essence of our being. Christ transformed water into wine; walked on water; Buddha sent the student back to the muddy pond for a drink; these acts can be taken to symbolize transcending our earthly condition. Water, more specifically the ocean, was the place of Chrystal's ancestor's refuge and pain. By connecting with it's truly miraculous powers of cleansing, feminine energy, and transformational birth, we can connect to our ancestral stories and honor the richness of the Diaspora. To give someone water is to give someone life. To share in life and love we can interpret the act of carrying and pouring water as community care. We will share water in ceremony.

Torches The torches surrounding the central area of land are a reminder to always look to the light, in one another and the greater world. These also serve as "All Clear" representations. We are all safe here. We are here to take refuge from our daily struggles. Bonfire We use the bonfire to represent the symbolic purification by flame, rebirth, and celebration. And of course the astrological sign of Aries is ruled by fire. We will have a bonfire for your pleasure and to connect with the fire element.