Shamanic Practice 2009

The shaman is a visionary practitioner who journeys into other states of consciousness - the worlds of the body, feelings, life energy, soul and spirit. To make this navigation possible, the shaman incorporates the world of myth and in so doing, becomes a living example of how meaning can be found or generated in the midst of despair and separation from all that can nourish us. Shamanism has re-inspired psychotherapy, medicine and science. It is an immensely practical profession that engages and expresses all the possibilities of human nature. It provides service to others through healing and ritual, and the re-creation of the self and our society.

Shamanism for Women

Shamanic Practice

SHAMANISM FOR WOMEN: Traversing the Worlds of Self

‘Traversing the Worlds of Self' is a four module residential program for women focussing on Pachamama (Mother Earth) , the Chakana and the Medicine Wheel. The program can be undertaken as single modules, or in sequence. The program focuses on - a deeper connection to women's traditional healing - discovering personal healing through ritual - self discovery of one's spiritual path - building a spiritual community of women's medicine

Traditional native people of South America have a strong connection to Pachamama, the earth mother and powerful feminine energy that pervades all life. They cultivate lives that honour Pachamama, and understand and practice the principle of balance and reciprocity in their exchanges with each other and the environment. The Chakana, the ancient Andean cross, is a ap and a symbol that embodies these understandings.

The Chakana, with its horizontal and vertical symmetry, represents cosmic balance. It is a bridge to different levels and aspects of reality, and is therefore seen as a symbol of the divine. The hollow at its centre represents the mystery of the Chakana that extends bridges between the human and the divine, between the living and the dead, between the masculine and the feminine, and between the past and the future.

‘Working with the energy of the powerful feminine Pachamama, we walk the Medicine Wheel and the Chakana, drawing on them for direction and guidance in our lives. They are ancient tools that allow us to focus our energies and move through diffi culties and challenges. They offer pathways to creatively re-envision our lives.

'Traversing the Worlds of Self' is for women who wish to face the challenge of navigating through their many selves, to reconnect with their own strength and resources as they weave their personal life stories. They are walking, or wanting to walk their spiritual path through ritual, community and assessing of traditional wisdom. All workshops will involve traditional sweat lodges, though they are not compulsory.

Program 1
East: Birth

In this first program beginning in the East, you connect to the powerful energy of Pachamama and call upon your own power as you plummet the depths of your life, shedding the past that weighs you down. Allow yourself to be stripped to your bones of a past that may cling too tightly, and in the process allow Spirit to grow and the virtues of the Chakana and the Medicine Wheel nurture you back to life. Surrender to death to be claimed by life, be born ready to continue your path around the Medicine Wheel, crossing the portals of the Chakana into the worlds and layers of the self.

Date: 6-8 March 2009
Course Code: SW1

_________________________

Program 2
North: Courage and Strength

This program is about walking bare, having been stripped to your bones, continuing your journey around the Medicine Wheel and the Chakana calling for what is needed for your path. The North is a call for courage and strength. This is a time to call Wiracocha (father), the masculine principle, into your life to enable you to forge ahead and move into and through difficulties that present themselves to you and your path. It is a time to find your voice and your courage. In this program, you will reconnect with the energy of Wiracocha, honouring it and call on the virtues of courage and strength to confront your fears and help you continue your path into the unknown.

Date: 15-17 May 2009
Course Code: SW2

_________________________

Program 3
West: Healing and Compassion

Continuing our journey around the medicine wheel, we arrive at the West the place of healing and compassion, the place of Pachamama, the mothers and grandmothers. As the flesh begins to cover your bones, we traverse the West reconnecting with the powerful feminine. A time to honour your female ancestry, receiving the gifts and wisdom of the women who have walked before you. It is also a time to heal any wounds that may still block the heart.

_________________________

Program 4
South: Questing for a Vision

We step through the doorway of the South into the darkness of the unknown. A time to step forward and be supported by the wisdom and strength which has fleshed your bones up to this point in your journey around the medicine wheel. Allow your connection to Wiracocha and Pachamama to carry you in this step as you call for a vision for your life, coming full circle around the medicine wheel and the Chakana.

Date: 20-22 November 2009
Course Code: SW4
Note: To participate in Program 4 you must have done at least one of the first 3.

_________________________

For all Programs:
Venue Residential: Coranderrk, Healesville Sanctuary
Cost $390 1 workshop $1400 4 workshops (Includes food, camping fees)
Note: Limited to sixteen participants

Facilitators

Maria Elena Bravo is a member and Ceremonial Leader of The Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society. Apprenticed to Dr Rafael Locke, she has undertaken rigorous training in shamanic work and medicine ways over ten years. Born in Chile South America, Maria Elena has a deep interest in South American shamanic traditions and has worked with healers in Peru and Mexico. She leads regular tours to Peru for Phoenix. A particular area of interest is in assisting women in and through ceremonial work. She has facilitated shamanic workshops and participated in ceremonial work with women elders of the Central Desert and Q’eros community in the Peruvian Andes.

Marina Appeldorff has been involved in the healing arts for twelve years. She holds a Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling and is a professional Reßexologist. She uses holistic methods working in private practice, and in the aged sector. Marina was born in Argentina where she began to discover her passion in healing. She co-developed an adult education course, which she runs to assist women Þnd their inner strength and soul gifts in a safe and nurturing space. Marina is a member of Spirit of The Earth Medicine Society.

¬ top

SHAMANIC PRACTICE WORKSHOPS

This workshop introduces participants to learning and developing a practical understanding of shamanic work for healing and self development. Students will be introduced to both theory and practice of shamanic technology, ritual
and journeying. The intention of the workshop is to provide practical skills to assist people to apply shamanic work in their lives and also toward community building. Areas such as soul loss, altered states and visionary practice will be covered. The
workshop will be practical and is for people wanting to develop and explore the shamanic path in a practical and psycho-spiritual orientation.

Facilitator: Martin Peake is Director of the PhoenixInstitute of Victoria. He regularly visits Peru and works with the traditional shamans and healers in the Cusco region in the Andes. He is a Ceremonial leader in the Spirit of the Earth Medicine Society.

Course Code: SP1
Date: 29-30 August 2009
Time 9.30 am - 4.30 pm
Cost $315* (2 days)
Note: *10% discount for Phoenix students, ex-students and Government concession card holders

¬ top