Forest Circles
a spiritual center for community and healing

ABOUT FOREST CIRCLES

The dream of Forest Circles was first conceived in a vision Regina experienced in 2000. She was told to search for a sacred piece of land that was waiting for her, waiting to be rediscovered. Having experienced numerous solo pilgrimages, Regina used her "heart compass" and the assistance of spiritual guidance to find the land. In 2003 she found it. From the moment that her foot touched the earth, she knew, that "this was it."

The 47 blessed acres on which Forest Circles is located continues to provide visitors with uniquely personal mystical experiences. Overnight solo retreats in the forest are popular.

This land welcomes and heals you! Come for a gathering, a retreat or a walk. All are invited to experience this parcel of Earth that is eager to communicate and teach you how to find you way back to your heart!

Regina Strongheart has a BA in biology and a Master's Degree in the Art of Teaching from the University of New Hampshire. She previously worked in the medical field for eight years and as a high school chemistry and biology teacher for twenty-nine years. An intuitive reader, medical intuitive and healer, she uses various Shamanic techniques in her healing work. Regina has participated in numerous health fairs, seminars and lectures. Currently she has a healing practice and offers workshops and classes out of her Center for Community and Healing, at Forest Circles in Topsham, Maine. Contact Regina by telephone at 207.776.3152, by email at rstrongheart@gmail.com, or fill out a registration form on our Contact page.

Chief Oscar Mokeme (Traditional Arts Master: Traditional Healer, Maine Arts Commission) founder & executive director of The Museum of African Culture, Portland, ME, comes from a long lineage of Igbo royal family of the healer practitioners Umu-Dibia from Nigeria and is a direct inheritor of this ancient wisdom. He has over 35 years experience as a healer practitioner. Igbo traditional medicine includes: skill developments; creation of vision; solving addiction issues; pluralistic cross-cultural-psychotherapy; dealing with grief; Ill–Agwu–channeling of positive energy; divination (afa) clearing and fertility issues. Oscar's background include a BA in Humanities, New Hampshire College; an MA in Psychology, Union Institute; and a 2001 Jefferson Award on Cultural Diversity. Oscar is a Nigerian priest and teacher, internationally known for his work as a healing practitioner and performer of traditional African Mask Ceremonies.

Ray Reitze Jr., Teacher, Naturalist, and Master Maine Guide. Years ago, Ray was called to teach the skills and philosophy of the elders that have shaped him since he was a boy. Founder of Earthways, School of Wilderness Living, Ray brings to the world a gentle and humble presence that draws all who meet him towards the peace, light, and love that dwells within him. Ray is author of And We Shall Cast Rainbows Upon the Land, a book of wisdom and teachings from both Ray and Grandfather, a Mic Mac elder who greatly influenced Ray's life direction and purpose. He speaks on wilderness survival at numerous public schools and organizations such as L. L. Beans's Outdoor Discovery Schools and the Maine and New Hampshire Audubon Societies. Ray and Nancy co-authored a series of articles on primitive skills entitled "Grandfather's Teachings."

Barbara and Eric vanBok are true enthusiasts for the drumming culture of West Africa, specifically from Guinea. After years of study with the Boston based The DrumConnection, and ongoing workshops with the Taketina Method, sponsored by The Earth Drum Council, they moved to Midcoast Maine. In February of 2006, Barbara and Eric started co-teaching West African ensemble drumming to the Midcoast Maine area, first as The DrumConnection Maine and then as Resounding Rhythms: Drums of West Africa.

Barbara and Eric’s classes are energetic and fun, with a strong focus on proper technique and the teaching of complete West African rhythms. They enjoy focusing on the true ensemble experience in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, as that is how the music is meant to be played and enjoyed.

Barbara and Eric are on-going students of:

1. Famoudou Konate, West African Djembe Master and living legend
2. Mamady Keita, West African Djembe Master and considered the most prolific djembe master in the world.
3. Mamady "Wadaba" Kourouma, West African Djembe Master
4. Reinhard Flatischler, world re-known musician, rhythm teacher and founder of the Ta-Ke-Ti-Na Method
5. Greg Burrows and Marcus Sims, master teachers of the Ta-Ke-Ti-Na Method

Barbara attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.  She was in the degree program for Audio Engineering and Music Production with a minor in voice performance and vocal technique.
Eric attended Florida Tech, where he earned his BS in Computer Science.  He is a 17 year veteran of the computer industry with a range of experience in many aspects of the Information Technology field.