Workshop Details

Alchemical Divination & Yogic Chant

Saturday July 26, 11 to 5pm

at The Voice Loft, in Emeryville

Fees: $125

Alchemy, akin to shamanism and yoga, is the ancient art and science of elemental transformation – at physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Divination is a structured inquiry to access inner knowledge of the past, for healing and problem solving; and of the future, for visioning and guidance. We work in the spirit of the Roman deity Janus, god of doorways and passageways, whose two faces are turned to the past and the (probable) futures. We use concentrative light-fire meditation, supported by sounding and toning, to raise consciousness beyond the usual timespace framework and facilitate the integration of the insights received.

As part of the sacred sound experience of this workshop, we explore Indigenous shamanic traditions that use rhythms to induce altered state trance journeys, and 'spirit songs' for healing, as in Amazonian medicine ceremonies, and Yogic traditions that use mantras or sacred seed syllables (like OM) to bring about one-pointed concentration and deep inner states of absorption. As we delve into the transformative qualities of devotional chant, we learn about Nada Yoga (seed sounds), Shabda Yoga (mantra), Bhava Yoga (raga), Tibetan Tantric chant, and other practices of consciousness transformation, healing, and divination, facilitated by sound.

Advance Registration Required

Preferred by e-mail at: voxmundi@yahoo.com

or call: 510- 595 0819 (after June 7)

http://www.voxmundiproject.com

Ralph Metzner and Monika Wikman

The Six Life-Paths of the Human Soul
August 23-24th, 2008

Southwestern College, Santa Fe, NM

For informaiton and registration

Each of us, as a human soul, incarnates by choice with a purpose or vision for this life. The soul chooses one or more of six great archetypal paths or fields of action in society in which to express its qualities and realize its vision: the Healer/Peacemaker, the Explorer/Scientist, the Warrior/Guardian, the Artist/Visionary, the Teacher/Communicator, and the Builder/Organizer. These are all variants of the basic life-path of service to others and to the Earth, and they are correlated with and symbolized by the planetary archetypes of astrology.

In this workshop, participants will first learn how to identify their major life-paths, and the challenges and opportunities associated with them. We will then look at how that relates to the patterns of planetary archetypes in one’s natal horoscope and in major life transitions. And finally, we will practice alchemical divination meditation to gain a deeper insight into our soul’s vision for this life and how to realize it.

Note: Participants will be asked to bring a copy of their natal horoscope to the workshop. If needed, they will be given information on how to obtain it upon registration.

Ralph Metzner, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist and professor emeritus at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. His work has focused on the psychology of transformation and the development of ecological consciousness. He is the author of several books, including The Unfolding Self, The Well of Remembrance, Green Psychology and most recently, The Expansion of Consciousness. He teaches a program in Alchemical Divination, a practice for accessing inner sources of knowledge for healing and guidance. Visit his website at Green Earth Foundation.

Monika Wikman, Ph.D. is a Jungian analyst, astrologer and the author of Pregnant Darkness: Alchemy and the Rebirth of Consciousness (2005), as well as various articles in Jungian psychology journals. Monika obtained her doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego, where she studied the dreams of people with terminal cancer. She obtained a diploma from the Jung-Von Franz Center for Depth Psychology in Zurich. She lectures internationally on mythology and symbolism, dreams and wellness, alchemy and creativity. She lives along a creek and under starry skies in Tesuque, New Mexico.