Celebrate solstice and equinox in New York City with egg-balancing ritual and bonfires to connect with the cosmos.
Donna Henes, a beloved figure in New York City for her role as an urban shaman, passed away at the age of 79 in Ossining, N.Y. on the eve of the fall equinox. Her partner, Daile Kaplan, confirmed that her death was due to cardiopulmonary arrest following a decline in health since a fall in 2021. Donna Henes dedicated her life to honoring the seasonal shifts and celestial events, reminding busy New Yorkers of their connection to the universe.
Donna Henes, also known as Momma Donna, was a pioneer in conducting rituals that celebrated the changing seasons. She organized a popular egg-balancing ritual at the World Trade Center during the vernal equinox and hosted winter solstice ceremonies with bonfires on Staten Island beaches. Her goal was to reconnect city dwellers with the natural world and the cosmos, offering a moment of reflection in the midst of urban chaos.
In addition to her public rituals, Donna Henes was a teacher, artist, and author. She shared her knowledge of art and world religions in New York City schools, performed spiritual cleansings, and created personalized rituals for various life events. She also led the Blessing Band in the Village Halloween Parade and authored several books, including “Celestially Auspicious Occasions: Seasons, Cycles & Celebrations” in 1996.
Donna Henes’s unique approach to spirituality and connection to nature resonated with a wide audience, earning her a devoted following in New York City and beyond. Her legacy as an urban shaman will continue to inspire others to honor the cycles of the seasons and find meaning in the beauty of the natural world.
Source: The NY Times
