Format: We will speak on a conference call, each person calling in to a central phone number, and having some basic study materials that will be read and worked with during the 4 week period. You may call from any place in the world! There will be 35-45 minutes of presented material, and 15-20 minutes of questions and conversation, totaling one hour each week.
Topics and Details:
Class one: Orienting to the Four Directions, and East
The Four Directions—basic history of traditions which have used the 4 directions and 4 elements and some review of those meanings. Our emphasis will be on the Celtic Wheel—North (earth); East (air); South (fire); West (water), though the principles we will study can be applied to any pattern. The additional Three directions (Above, Below, and Within) will also be explored.
We will speak about the ways to call in a circle, and start with a practice for individual transformation. We will explore the East, and the element of Air. This is the place of New Beginnings.
Class two: The Energy of the South and West
We will more deeply explore the South, place of Fire and Creativity. How can we bring more of this passion into our lives? And the West, place of Water and Reflection; can you feel the contemplative vibration of the setting sun? We will speak about the ways to feel the emanation of these directions, and how to go from using words to using energetic extension and magnetism.
Class three: The Energy of the North
We will deepen into the Wisdom of the North, place of Earth, Ancestors, and Ancient Knowing. You will make connections to your own Ancestors. And we will honor the Above and the Below. We will speak about the power Within, and the importance of gnosis, or direct experience.
Fourth hour: Persona and Community Practice
We will explore ways to set up altars and create invocations to these directions. We will speak about personal, community and public ceremonial practice. You will establish a commitment both to a personal practice and to a community service.
Other materials and homework:
Each woman will be e-mailed a series of questions and experiential practices before and during the one month session. It is important that you have at least one hour a week to work on this material in addition to the phone call time. You will be asked to maintain elevated awareness for longer periods of time through the month, and given ‘observation exercises’ during normal activities.
