Upcoming Events
Looking for our meditation and yoga offerings? They’ve moved to Firefly Studio!
Christmas with the Donner Party (Online)
“Children, eat slowly,” spoke Margret Reed as she stirred a pot of bubbling soup for her starving sons and daughters on Christmas Day in 1846, “for this one day you may have all that you wish.”
Reed and other members of the Donner Party – a group of pioneers who infamously resorted to cannibalism while trapped for the winter in the Sierra Nevada – prayed for God to end their gnawing hunger. Together we’ll explore the fascinating story of the Donner Party, with a special focus on how they spent Christmas… and what they ate for dinner.
The Psychedelic Origins of Santa Claus (Online)
Could Santa Claus have psychedelic origins? Some scholars believe the modern Santa Claus figure descends from Siberian shamans who delivered psychoactive Amanita muscaria mushrooms as gifts during the winter solstice; that his iconic red and white suit was inspired by these mushrooms; and that even his “flying” reindeer may have joined in on the trip.
Together we’ll explore theories around the possible psychedelic associations with Santa Claus and see what scholars have to say on his origins. We’ll also trace the evolution of this figure over the centuries and contemplate his present-day representation in American culture and society.
The True History of Thanksgiving
Everyone’s heard the tale of a supposedly peaceful gathering of “Pilgrims and Indians” as the basis for our modern Thanksgiving celebrations. But this story is far from the truth. In this class, we’ll divide fact from fiction to explore the real history of Thanksgiving and how it came to be established as a national holiday.
We'll examine how the historical narrative of Thanksgiving shifts over time with a focus on the ways in which this narrative often serves to disseminate propaganda around colonialism, genocide, and immigration.
Join from afar for this virtual event to unpack the many myths of Thanksgiving and why getting to the truth of this holiday holds great significance today.
Please note that this talk will be recorded and made available to participants upon request.
This event takes place Tuesday, November 21st, 7:30-8:45 pm EST via Zoom.
Sliding Scale $10-20 via Venmo @maya-rook or card when you pay online in advance.
This class will be streamed from Firefly Studio in Maine. Sign up here through the studio’s website to reserve your spot and receive the Zoom link.
Meet Your Teacher:
Maya Rook is a cultural historian, college educator, and yoga instructor offering conversations around cultural history through Illusory Time that include explorations into a range of popular and obscure historical topics. Participants have described Maya’s approach as welcoming, vibrant, creative, playful, humorous, delightful, informative, and fun. After attending a session with Maya, you will walk away with new knowledge, a deeper connection to yourself and others, and some fresh perspective in how you view the world around you. She is also the creator of Firefly Studio in Maine.
Trick-or-Treat: The Origins of Halloween
It is said the veil between the living and dead grows thin and that spirits freely roam the earth one day each year: Halloween. How did these ancient beliefs develop into modern customs of trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, and wearing costumes? In this online class, we’ll explore the origins of this spooky holiday and the various cultural traditions that weave together into our present-day celebrations of Halloween.
The Salem Witch Trials
“The devil came to me and bid me serve him.” These words of confession sparked the Salem witch trials in 1692, igniting a series of accusations, interrogations, and executions that continue to entrance people to this day.
Join in person or online for this hybrid class, led by a cultural historian Maya Rook (with ancestral ties to the Salem witch crisis!). We’ll dive into the details of these fascinating trials, as well as consider how the story of Salem and portrayal of witches has developed over the past three centuries.
Community Meditation
Join Maya for a donation-based Community Meditation session every first and third Tuesday. Maya will lead participants in a shamatha (peaceful abiding) meditation practice together, followed by a short teaching and group discussion on a different theme related to mindfulness. This session is suitable for beginners or experienced meditators. All are welcome.
Yoga, Massage & Cacao
It’s time to slow down with yoga, massage, and cacao! Join Maya Rook and Jessica Coffin for a restorative yoga session with hands-on massage, followed by a closing circle meditation with a delicious warm cacao (chocolate) beverage. Can you think of a better way to spend your Sunday morning?
Space is limited. Reserve your spot here.
June Full Moon Gathering: Five Senses Magic
Let’s gather together for the June Full Moon! Join Maya at her studio in Bath to tap into the magic of the five senses: touch, taste, smell, sound, and sight. Participants will engage in an opening purification ritual, receive meditative practices related to the five senses, and discuss practical ways to use the five senses to wake up to the present moment in everyday life.
Community Yoga and Sound Bath
Join Maya and Void for a donation-based Community Yoga session every fourth Tuesday. Maya will lead participants through restorative yoga poses and a yoga nidra (yogic sleep) meditation while Void offers sound through the healing frequencies of singing bowls, vocals, and more.
Community Meditation
Join Maya for a donation-based Community Meditation session every first and third Tuesday. Maya will lead participants in a shamatha (peaceful abiding) meditation practice together, followed by a short teaching and group discussion on a different theme related to mindfulness. This session is suitable for beginners or experienced meditators. All are welcome.
Let's Write Together with Ellen White Rook
"Let's Write Together" is a half-day program focused on meditation, mindful movement, and writing, led by Ellen White Rook. New and experienced meditators, aspiring and established writers, and writers of any genre are all welcome. For those new to meditation, instruction will be provided. This retreat presents a wonderful opportunity to connect with your inner self, unleash your creativity, and discover your unique voice as a writer. Dress comfortably and bring a notebook and pen or tablet.
SIGN UP HERE
Tarot Salon: The Hierophant
Tarot Salon is a monthly gathering led by Halcyone Wise and Maya Rook to discuss themes of the Tarot and practice intuitive reading. Join us every second Tuesday at 98 Front Street, Bath, ME, from 6-8 pm.
Suggested donation $10-20
May First Friday: Full Moon Gathering
Let’s gather together for the May Full Moon during the Portland First Friday Art Walk at Tara Rook Studios!
Join sisters Maya and Tara Rook for an evening of tarot card readings, hand and foot thai massages, spontaneous meditations, pop up art shop, and more. Chill out with ambient music, projected visuals, herbal tea, and new friends as we celebrate the full moon in Scorpio. Drop by anytime during open studio hours between 5-8pm. All are welcome.
Free with optional donation.
Tara Rook Studios is located at 142 High St., Suite #534, in Portland, ME.
Email maya@illusorytime.com with inquiries.
Community Meditation
Join Maya for a donation-based Community Meditation session every first and third Tuesday. Maya will lead participants in a shamatha (peaceful abiding) meditation practice together, followed by a short teaching and group discussion on a different theme related to mindfulness. This session is suitable for beginners or experienced meditators. All are welcome.
Community Yoga with Singing Bowls
SOLD OUT! Community Yoga is a monthly donation-based, all-levels practice to help connect mind, breath, and body through movement and rest.
April features special guest Void who will offer sound through the healing frequencies of crystal singing bowls.
Free with a suggested donation $20-40.
Yoga, Massage & Cacao at the Seguin Treehouse Gathering Space
SOLD OUT! It’s time to slow down and be held among the trees with yoga, massage, and cacao at the Seguin Treehouse Gathering Space! Join Maya Rook, Jessica Coffin, and Shannon Lora for a restorative yoga session with hands-on massage, followed by a closing circle meditation with a delicious warm cacao (chocolate) beverage. Can you think of a better way to spend your Sunday morning?
Reefer Madness: The History of Anti-Cannabis Propaganda
Maya will be back at SeaWeed Co. Cannabis Dispensary in South Portland to host “REEFER MADNESS” at their special 420 event!
Perceptions of cannabis took a dark turn in the early 20th century from being celebrated as a valuable resource to feared as a "burning weed with roots in hel!"
How could this have happened? Let's find the answer together by exploring some of the most absurd anti-cannabis propaganda.
This offering is FREE/ Donation based, drop ins welcome!
Learn more and sign up if you want to reserve your spot in advance HERE.
Tarot Salon: The Emperor
Tarot Salon is a monthly gathering led by guest teacher Halcyone Wise to discuss themes of the Tarot and practice intuitive reading. Join us at 98 Front Street, Bath, ME, from 6-8 pm. Suggested donation $10-20
Community Meditation
Community Meditation is a monthly gathering led by Maya Rook, who will offer shamatha (peaceful abiding) meditation instruction, followed by a short teaching and group discussion on a different theme. This session is suitable for beginners or experienced meditators. All are welcome.
The theme for this session is Waking Up.
Join us at 98 Front Street, Bath, ME, from 6-7 pm. Suggested donation $10-20.
April Full Moon Gathering: Conscious Connection
Let’s gather together for the April Full Moon!
Join Maya Rook at her studio in Bath to celebrate the full moon. We’ll engage with meditation, gentle movement, and group discussion around the theme for the month…TBD!
Community Meditation
Community Meditation is a monthly gathering led by Maya Rook, who will offer shamatha (peaceful abiding) meditation instruction, followed by a short teaching and group discussion on a different theme. This session is suitable for beginners or experienced meditators. All are welcome.
The theme for this session is Coming Back.
Join us every first and third Tuesday at 98 Front Street, Bath, ME, from 6-7 pm. Suggested donation $10-20.
Community Yoga
Community Yoga is a monthly gathering led by Maya Rook, who will lead participants in an all-levels practice to help connect mind, breath, and body through movement.
Join us every fourth Tuesday at 98 Front Street, Bath, ME, from 6-7:15 pm. Suggested donation $10-20.
Yoga, Massage & Cacao
It’s time to slow down and welcome spring with yoga, massage, and cacao! Join Maya Rook and Jessica Coffin for a restorative yoga session with hands-on massage, followed by a closing circle meditation with a delicious warm cacao (chocolate) beverage. Can you think of a better way to spend your Sunday morning?
Space is limited. Reserve your spot here.
Community Meditation
Community Meditation is a monthly gathering led by Maya Rook, who will offer shamatha (peaceful abiding) meditation instruction, followed by a short teaching and group discussion on the theme for the month. This session is suitable for beginners or experienced meditators. All are welcome.
The theme for this session is Taking Your Seat.
Join us every first and third Tuesday at 98 Front Street, Bath, ME, from 6-7 pm. Suggested donation $10-20.
Spring Equinox and New Moon Gathering
Let’s gather together for the Spring Equinox and March New Moon!
Join Maya Rook at her studio in Bath to celebrate the new moon as the seasons turn. We’ll engage with a lhasang (juniper offering) meditation, gentle movement, and conversation as we welcome spring.
Celtic Yoga Flow & Mocktails
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Join Maya for a fun Celtic-inspired yoga flow. We’ll incorporate Irish music and themes as we connect breath and movement. This is great option for a N/A way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for those who love their Irish heritage but don’t want to imbibe.
Green attire encouraged. Snacks and mocktails included!
$25 per person. Reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket here.
CANCELLED: March Tarot Salon
Tarot Salon is a monthly gathering led by guest teacher Halcyone Wise to discuss themes of the Tarot and practice intuitive reading. Join us every second Tuesday at 98 Front Street, Bath, ME, from 6-8 pm. Suggested donation $10-20
CANCELLED: Community Meditation
Community Meditation is a monthly gathering led by Maya Rook, who will offer shamatha (peaceful abiding) meditation instruction, followed by a short teaching and group discussion on the theme for the month. This session is suitable for beginners or experienced meditators. All are welcome.
The theme for this session is Taking Your Seat.
Join us every first and third Tuesday at 98 Front Street, Bath, ME, from 6-7 pm. Suggested donation $10-20.
CANCELLED: March Full Moon Gathering: Water Magic
Let’s gather together for the March Full Moon!
Join Maya Rook at her studio in Bath to celebrate the full moon and kick off her birthday week! We’ll engage with meditation, gentle movement, and group discussion around our theme of the Magic of Elemental Water.
Community Yoga with Singing Bowls
Community Yoga is a monthly gathering led by Maya Rook, who will lead participants in an all-levels practice to help connect mind, breath, and body through movement.
February features special guest Void who will offer sound through the healing frequencies of crystal singing bowls.
Suggested donation $15-30.