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THIS PROGRAM IS PRESENTED BY

Vickie Reeves Cowan

Vickie is a “weather worker” or granicera (one who works with hail and storms) in the Nahua indigenous tradition of Mexico. She has returned each year to the highlands of Mexico to honor her commitment to this tradition and to lead her community in building a reciprocal relationship with the weather.

Read more >>

Read more >>

Harvest Festival

A celebration of gratitude

WHEN:

October 3, 2026

WHERE:

Blue Deer Center, Margaretville, New York

TUITION:

Donation-based. Registration is required.

In the rhythm of the seasons there is the time for gratitude. It is a time to gather to celebrate, to give offerings and thanks for a bountiful weather season across the land. Giving thanks to the Weather Spirits for the rains that have made this harvest and our lives possible.


We invite you to join this time of joy and celebration that is held in the Nahua tradition of weatherwork and healing. As an initiated Granicera in this Tradition, Vickie is honored to lead this ceremony of deep gratitude for our Region and Community.


Blue Deer Center

Nestled in the New York Catskill Mountains on ninety three acres of land and forest, the Blue Deer Center is embraced by “Saskawhihiwine,” the river of peace. This land, known for millennia, as a place where conflict is resolved and illness gives way to health. Blessed things happen here that cannot happen even a short distance away, for this sacred place offers unique medicine that restore and heal.

A celebration of gratitude

In the rhythm of the seasons there is the time for gratitude. It is a time to gather to celebrate, to give offerings and thanks for a bountiful weather season across the land. Giving thanks to the Weather Spirits for the rains that have made this harvest and our lives possible.


We invite you to join this time of joy and celebration that is held in the Nahua tradition of weatherwork and healing. As an initiated Granicera in this Tradition, Vickie is honored to lead this ceremony of deep gratitude for our Region and Community.


Blue Deer Center

Nestled in the New York Catskill Mountains on ninety three acres of land and forest, the Blue Deer Center is embraced by “Saskawhihiwine,” the river of peace. This land, known for millennia, as a place where conflict is resolved and illness gives way to health. Blessed things happen here that cannot happen even a short distance away, for this sacred place offers unique medicine that restore and heal.

WHEN:

October 3, 2026

WHERE:

Blue Deer Center, Margaretville, New York

TUITION:

Donation-based. Registration is required.

THIS PROGRAM IS PRESENTED BY

Vickie Reeves Cowan

Vickie is a “weather worker” or granicera (one who works with hail and storms) in the Nahua indigenous tradition of Mexico. She has returned each year to the highlands of Mexico to honor her commitment to this tradition and to lead her community in building a reciprocal relationship with the weather.

Read more >>

Read more >>

PROGRAM DETAILS

For more information

Please contact us with any questions about this program or registration

  • We will be placing traditional offerings from each person which includes flowers, bread and fruit. Additional offerings can include your special offering, anything that speaks to your heart signifying the abundance, beauty and joy of the harvest and our lives.

  • Once we have laid an altar and placed our offerings , we will enjoy a meal together on the porch, while the spirits enjoy their feast. After the meal we will return to the Altar to close the Ceremony.

  • We request everyone to please bring your own personal food for yourself and immediate family members attending. (Picnic Style)

  • Please dress for the weather as we will be outside under the Fire Tent. Women please wear skirts or dresses, and men long pants.


Registration is required for this event. There is no admission cost to attend. Free will donations to the Blue Deer Center  will be gratefully accepted.


Please plan to be on-site from 2-5 pm. Further instructions & information will be emailed to you.


Blue Deer Center


1155 County Highway 6, Margaretville, NY 12455


Nestled in the Catskill Mountains on ninety three acres of land and forest, the Blue Deer Center is embraced by “Saskawhihiwine,” the river of peace. This land has been known for millennia as a place where conflict is resolved and illness gives way to balance. Blessed things happen here that cannot happen even a short distance away, for this sacred place offers unique spiritual medicine that supports your transformation.


* All of our programs are made possible by the generosity of our donors and volunteers.

  • We will be placing traditional offerings from each person which includes flowers, bread and fruit. Additional offerings can include your special offering, anything that speaks to your heart signifying the abundance, beauty and joy of the harvest and our lives.

  • Once we have laid an altar and placed our offerings , we will enjoy a meal together on the porch, while the spirits enjoy their feast. After the meal we will return to the Altar to close the Ceremony.

  • We request everyone to please bring your own personal food for yourself and immediate family members attending. (Picnic Style)

  • Please dress for the weather as we will be outside under the Fire Tent. Women please wear skirts or dresses, and men long pants.


Registration is required for this event. There is no admission cost to attend. Free will donations to the Blue Deer Center  will be gratefully accepted.


Please plan to be on-site from 2-5 pm. Further instructions & information will be emailed to you.


Blue Deer Center


1155 County Highway 6, Margaretville, NY 12455


Nestled in the Catskill Mountains on ninety three acres of land and forest, the Blue Deer Center is embraced by “Saskawhihiwine,” the river of peace. This land has been known for millennia as a place where conflict is resolved and illness gives way to balance. Blessed things happen here that cannot happen even a short distance away, for this sacred place offers unique spiritual medicine that supports your transformation.


* All of our programs are made possible by the generosity of our donors and volunteers.

For more information

Please contact us with any questions about this program or registration

Support Blue Deer

The spiritual healing and transformation of one person benefits all beings.

All programs at this Sacred Place are made possible by the generosity of our donors.

Blue Deer is a non-profit 501 c (3) Tax ID 22-3741704

Support Blue Deer

The spiritual healing and transformation of one person benefits all beings.

All programs at this Sacred Place are made possible by the generosity of our donors.

Blue Deer is a non-profit 501 c (3) Tax ID 22-3741704

December, 2022

December Healing Retreat

Winter 2022 – 2023

Winter Healing Retreat

April 23, 2022, 1 pm

Spring Forest Bathing

May 4 – 9, 2022

Spring Healing Intensive

July 2, 2022, 10 am

Summer Forest Bathing

August 25 – 29, 2022

Totems: Sacred Partnership with the World

September 10, 2022 6 pm

Autumn Forest Bathing

Sept. 30 – Oct. 5, 2022

Fall Healing Intensive

October 16, 2022

Advanced Totem

December 31, 2022, 1 pm

Winter Forest Bathing

March 5, 2023, 2-3 pm

(ZOOM) Eliot Cowan: A Memorial and Celebration of his Life's Work

March 5, 2023, 1-4 pm

(IN-PERSON) Eliot Cowan: A Memorial and Celebration of his Life's Work

HARVEST FESTIVAL PROGRAMS
BLUE DEER CENTER

1155 County Highway 6, Margaretville, NY 12455


Nestled in the Catskill Mountains on ninety three acres of land and forest, the Blue Deer Center is embraced by “Saskawhihiwine,” the river of peace. This land has been known for millennia as a place where conflict is resolved and illness gives way to balance. Blessed things happen here that cannot happen even a short distance away, for this sacred place offers unique spiritual medicine that supports your transformation.


Lodging and Meals

Lodging in rustic/charming farmhouses with private and shared accommodations available. To see pictures go to our  Visit page.


Exquisite, local, farm-to-table meals – dairy-free, gluten-free (with vegetarian options).


Arrival and Departure

Please plan to arrive at the Blue Deer Center between 4 and 6 pm on the first day. 


Travel information can be found by clicking on the link on your registration confirmation or on the Visit page. We invite you to check out the Participants Guide and How to Get Here to support you as you make your plans.


Cancellation Policy

Please review the specific cancellation policy for this program when you register. 

1155 County Highway 6, Margaretville, NY 12455


Nestled in the Catskill Mountains on ninety three acres of land and forest, the Blue Deer Center is embraced by “Saskawhihiwine,” the river of peace. This land has been known for millennia as a place where conflict is resolved and illness gives way to balance. Blessed things happen here that cannot happen even a short distance away, for this sacred place offers unique spiritual medicine that supports your transformation.


Lodging and Meals

Lodging in rustic/charming farmhouses with private and shared accommodations available. To see pictures go to our  Visit page.


Exquisite, local, farm-to-table meals – dairy-free, gluten-free (with vegetarian options).


Arrival and Departure

Please plan to arrive at the Blue Deer Center between 4 and 6 pm on the first day. 


Travel information can be found by clicking on the link on your registration confirmation or on the Visit page. We invite you to check out the Participants Guide and How to Get Here to support you as you make your plans.


Cancellation Policy

Please review the specific cancellation policy for this program when you register. 

PROGRAM IMAGE GALLERY

"An opportunity to pause and reflect upon the bounty that the land (and the beings) provide, and to honor those who have long called the Catskills home. What follows is a sentiment of deep reverence and reciprocity."

Lindsay from New York

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