Earthlodge Center for Transformation

The Earthlodge has the only urban Earth Healing Pit in Southern California. The Earthlodge provides a multitude of year-round programming including four annual seasonal ceremonies (Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Fall Equinox, and Winter Solstice), our popular Drumming for Wellness Circles, bi-monthly Sangha and Meditation Circles, Celestial Astrological Training, Summer Youth Rites of Passage groups for youth 12-26 years old, Dream Circles, Trauma-Informed Teens on Paths to Healthy Adulthood, Children's Ceremonies, Peer Groups, African Drum and Dance Workshop intensives, Reconciliation Circles for Conflict Resolution, Trauma-informed yoga, Global Meditation for World Change, Community Gardening and Land/Farming permaculture principles, Earth sustainability, and monthly community work days at the Earthlodge's physical community space called Hands on the Land.

The Earthlodge stands at the intersection of racial capitalism and environmental racism. The inclusive space provided by the Earthlodge is vital in the absence of a Black LGBTQI center in Long Beach. We have created an ecosystem and permaculture oasis of over 20 trees, plants, and flowers to clean the air of an underprivileged community and to combat respiratory and cardiovascular diseases from pollution caused by the 710 freeway, oil refineries, and the second busiest seaport. The Earthlodge community has found that meaningfully connecting to the Earth is one of the best ways to ground the mind, body and spirit and address trauma, particularly for the Black community. Critical to the mission and origin story of the Earthlodge vision is the transference of African American indigenous principles or "passing down" of the knowledge from one generation to the next and in this way these sacred teachings and practices remain viable and accessible to our communities.

Testimonials

My name is L Belle Down. On December 18th, I visited the Earthlodge for the very first time. This event was titled Healing Through the New Year and the activity was a drumming circle. We sat in a circle under the avocado tree. There were many people there, and everyone played an instrument. Drums and percussion instruments were provided for all the attendees. I could feel the vibrations of the drums throughout my entire body. I was moved deeply and felt light surrounding me. However, I also did not know what to do because it was my first visit. So I focused on a space through the avocado branches, that allowed me to see the sky and the light. As the drums vibrated the tree danced. My heart was open and my soul was full. We each had a turn in the center of the circle. Once my turn came, strong powerful emotions took over me. I released so many things into the circle. When I returned to my seat. I knew everything would be okay.

The very next day, I received the call that my Maternal Grandmother passed away. Gertrude Wells is my Mother, my strength, my love, and my light. At the time of her transition, she was 95 years old. My wife stated that she believed I handled my grandmother's transition so well because I attended the drum circle. I whole heartedly agree. The medicine I received from the Earthlodge provided me with the exact healing I needed for the new year.

The Earthlodge is the most magical place I've ever experienced in the concrete jungle. I'm honored and privileged to be a part of such an amazing experience.