This forest is a magical place, they say…a forest rich with enchantment and wonderment. I am referring to the Allegheny National Forest in western Pennsylvania, of course, where this year’s Rainbow Family Gathering had its national coming together of the tribes united by a vision of oneness and unity. From July 1-7 (and for some people several weeks before and after), a gathering of 15,000-30,000 like-minded individuals occurs somewhere within America where a temporary autonomous zone exists in which sparks of the infinite consciousness are able to live out utopic zenarchy. It is gatherings such as this one that excite a feeling of hope within the psyches of those who experience such an amazing event. This feeling of hope has the power to initiate such a fundamental social transformation that could only be described as being an evolution of consciousness. Becoming aware of our intrinsic and fundamental relationship with nature, as is possible with gatherings surrounded by sentient expressions of consciousness, helps us realize how much chaos and disharmony humanity has created and chooses to live with. It helps us realize how disconnected we have become from who we truly are. It helps us gain clarity and heals our souls in such a magnificent way that it is impossible to describe.

The Rainbow Family Gathering had its first communion in 1972 and for a few years prior to that, it was known as the Gathering of the Tribes. Every year since 1972, there have been national and regional gatherings not only in America, but in countries all over the world such as Australia, Italy, and Bulgaria. Much more than a gathering of so-called hippies, it is a coming together of everyone and anyone who feels that the ideals of peace, love, and unity can be the basis of human society. Sure, this may require a shift in consciousness from the ego-dominated mindstates of greed, pride, and fear, but it is a shift that is quite attainable, which can be reflected by many who come to the Gathering. There are always the exceptions, of course, such as the “drainbows” that called themselves Death Camp at the Gathering this year, but these are a small minority that can statistically be found in essentially any congregation of beings. By being and embodying the ideals of higher consciousness, the Rainbow Family Gathering is able to show the rest of the world that another way of living is possible, we just need to have the will and determination to create the quantum leap in consciousness within ourselves to a selfless and unity-oriented way of life.

Named the Gathering of the Tribes in the late 60s and early 70s, this name is quite fitting, given the wide variety of people that come to the Gathering. During my time at this year’s Gathering, I had met individuals who travel from gathering to gathering, choosing to live a life outside the confines of contemporary human society. These people are gravitated towards a life in the forest. They feel incredibly connected and in tune with the peaceful, serene, and healing energies of all the non-human expressions of consciousness. The forest is their home. When they are not in the forest, they are hitchhiking nomads who do not place any sort of ownership on anything, but treat the earth as if she was everyone’s and no one’s simultaneously, as the natives of this continent have done for thousands of years. This is because All is One. Separateness is an illusion. We are all in this together. Nobody is above anyone else. We are all unified through the Infinite Consciousness of Reality. It is a wonderful thing to see that there are people who choose to live in a way that they feel is closer to the ideals of harmony, love, and unity than the currently accepted model of society.

I have met people who have been coming to gatherings since they first started as well. These individuals are beautiful examples of being sparks of light shining in a world of darkness. They serve as inspirations to the younger ones and are able to act as elders who can give their council and wisdom when asked for. When there was a need for their services, such as one time when a violent confrontation broke out, they would get together, as a council, and deliberate as to what the best action and/or reaction would be suited to the given situation and circumstances. By shouting out “Shanti Sena”, rainbows (those who come to the Rainbow Gatherings) are able to alert the older Brothers and Sisters, as well as anyone else, to a situation that is projecting and radiating out negative energies of anger, fear, and other lower consciousness states.

Among the others who attended were children, who generally camped out with their parents and/or guardians in a big area of the gathering called Kiddie Village, where there was much merrymaking and good food. Out of all the places to camp out during the Gathering, besides a few places such as Shaman’s Edge, I felt some of the most peaceful energy at the Kiddie Village and would recommend it as a place to camp out even if you do not have children of your own. To see the young ones filled to the brim with feelings of wonder and awe is a beautiful and reassuring thing, since it gives you hope for the future generation in that it will be able to live in a consciousness-shifted society where more people will live out and express peace, love, and harmony within their daily lives.

With over 80 camps spread out all over the western portion of the Allegheny National Forest, there was plenty of different flavors of camp where people were able to pitch their tents and commune with like-minded individuals. The Main Meadow, as it was called, was surrounded by these camps from all sides and provided a place for all the tribes to gather and experience things that they will never forget. The bonfires, the drum circles, the weddings, the meditations, the fire spinning, the maypoles, the clear blue skies, and all else that was in the sprawling meadows of the Gathering helped enhance an already-beautiful experience of a temporary utopia.

The nudity that some chose to express seemed elegantly natural. The cool stream that ran through the Gathering invigorated one’s being and refreshed his or herself with healing energy and comforting pleasure. The barter system that was in place allowed for an adventurous, fun, and socializing experience. The cold nights allowed for the huddling and cuddling of kindred spirits and elementals in love. The dragonflies and monarch butterflies helped with the appreciation of nature and all that resides in it. The fern meadows made for enchanting views. The makeshift living spaces added to the aura of magic within the confines of this beautiful forest. The phrases one could hear everywhere like “loving you” put a smile on one’s face and in one’s mind. The cellos, mandolins, banjos, guitars, flutes, drums, violas, violins, harps, and all other musical devices captivated all those who had ears to hear them express their harmonics. The cymatics created by the musical instruments had the power to heal even the deepest of soul wounds.

This was my first Gathering and it will certainly not be my last. Out of all the life-experiences I have had, the Rainbow Family Gathering has been the most transformative and life-changing. I could not express any more sincerity than I am right now when I say these things. It is an experience I recommend to anyone that is gravitated towards living peace and love in their lives. Being completely free of charge to be a part of, it is very difficult to find a reason not to be a part of the Rainbow Family Gathering. I hope to see all of you at the next one, where there will be a special Peace and Loveism Camp. Let us create something that we will never forget. Let us create a model for a future society.  Loving you, Family.