Words and pictures: Mama Donna

I have always been a moon watchers, even as a toddler, I would watch the moon. When one of my fellow full moon watchers suggested I get a copy of "Celestially Auspicious Occasions:Seasons,Cycles, & Celebrations by Donna Henes, so I did. To this day she regrets that suggestion or so she says because I keep quoting it. A few years later "the Moon Watcher's Companion" was published. And from then on I read everything written by Mama Donna that I could find.

Receiving this email reminded me of the fragility of life. Also the many, many, many things, thoughts, actions and beliefs that make up a full life. That the circle of ones life really does "begin at the tip of your nose and end at the outer edge of your interests" {thank you Mrs. Heath for putting that better than I ever could}.

Mama Donna, you are missed.

Daile Kaplan

Wed, Sep 25 at 3:33 PM

To friends, students, and supporters of Mama Donna Henes,

Our beloved Donna passed away on September 21, the eve of the Fall Equinox.A blessing to so many, Donna's special ability to access and share the power of spirit is a huge part of her legacy.

For decades Mama Donna led public rituals celebrating equinoxes, solstices and other celestially auspicious occasions. Many remember Donna for leading the annual Halloween Parade in New York City with her Blessing Band. Much of her work focused on helping women find their personal power.

Donna was the proud author of five published books, a CD, and countless articles. She was a spiritual leader who officiated over weddings, funerals, baby blessings and other kinds of ceremonies to see people through significant passages of their lives. And she was, foremost, a teacher who taught so many of us how to find wonder and make meaning in the world around us.

The celestially auspicious occasions she organized and celebrated, her performances with Disband, and a large body of visual work speak to her long standing career as a fine artist, who received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Donna’s public life was complemented by a rich personal life surrounded by loving friends and family, including her partner Daile Kaplan and son Omar.

Auspicious as always, spirit has taken her to a place of discovery and delight. Donna’s free.

Reverence to Her!

A tribute will be planned for a later date in the fall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Emily's List.