Retreats

Womens' Innerworld Initiation

Why is it called this?

In this day and age, an age which signals the death of the patriarchal paradigm within which we have lived for the past 2,500 years, women find themselves in a regular situation of conflicting energies. Why? Well, in order to survive in this world today you need a lot of Yang energy, just to get you out of bed and go to work, just to deal with the onslaught of money, housing and raising children & husbands.

See a photo-montage here.

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Yang energy and Yin energy- we have most of us heard of these Taoist concepts. We have all probably seen the Yin/Yang symbol: you can buy earrings and get T-shirts and practically almost everything else displaying its imprint. I consider this to be utterly wonderful.

Symbolism is so much a part of our lives as human beings, even if we don't fully understand it we are drawn to it, we yearn for it from our innermost senses. Symbolism, whether it be an animal totem for your favourite footy club or the cross you hang around your neck, is our spirit guiding us all the time towards wholeness and completion.

Yin and Yang play an even greater role in our lives than we realise. Human beings (and the whole planet) are made up of a balance of these two energies. In our workshops we play with these energies, see where they are helping us or hindering us, find out how to balance them in our female bodies.

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Women have no need of the Hero's Journey. Have you wondered why you have felt frustrated when reading fairytales and stories as to why the Prince is always out there rescuing the Princess? Why does she need rescuing? And who needs a Prince anyway? Deep mysteries of the underlying power of fairytales and mythologies are what we deal with in this workshop. Coming to understand the ultimate power of the Feminine, a force that has always been with us, a force that is of the very planet herself is what I offer to you. I will take you to your innerworld. Holy places are dark places, the places of the blood.

The Labyrinth

Be prepared to enter the Labyrinth

All rituals are performed within the protection of the labyrinth ceremony. You will learn how to bring this marvellous divination tool into your everyday lives.

A journey into the labyrinth is a journey towards reclaiming the energy of the Goddess. A journey to the Underworld is about honouring the energy of the Dark Mother. She who has been dismissed and denied within the patriarchal paradigm has arisen in her shadow form and now dominates the planet. Time to release her and honour her.

What do we do?

Friday night to Monday morning. A weekend of healing, creativity and self-alignment.

Evening rituals, morning cleansings and beautiful food. Introduction to your chakra energies, soul journeys, dancing and release work. Journeys through the healing powers of mythology and magic, unpeeling the layers to your deep, feminine intuitive self.

You will enter into a journey of self discovery, waking up to who you are, why you are here. You are energy. You are Spirit. Mind. Body. Awakening and Balancing your yin and yang and your Chakra Energies. Surrendering and Trusting to your Higher Self . (If you follow a particular religion you will focus your energies through those powerful forces.) Taking control and Letting go.

Our rituals are powerful and based in archaic sacred shamanic principles. Underworld and Innerworld processes. You will learn to honour the power of the Mystery.

Men make history, women make mystery.

Mothers and daughters

No better gift than a daughter bring her mother. Mothers can bring daughters who must be over sixteen. Did you ever want to know who your mother is? Are you ready to let her know who you are?

'These are 'fat' days'—Ann Frost, workshop participant

Program

Friday night to Monday morning:

Friday evening welcome and sharing

Daily Chakra breathing dynamic meditation practice: 6.45 am - 7.30am

breakfast: 7.45am - 8.30am

Morning Sessions: 9 - 1pm with a tea break

lunch: 1 - 2.30pm

Afternoon Sessions: 4 - 5.30pm.

evening meal: 6 - 6.45pm

Evening Ritual Journeys: 7.30 - 10.30pm

Monday: meditation, breakfast and final sharing and release work. Leave at 10am.

Participants must be able to stay for the Monday morning closure. Cannot rush off to the office by nine!

Accommodation & meals

SINGLE/SHARE - comfortable beds and linen, please bring your own pillow. Residents are responsible for keeping rooms clean and tidy. Shared bathroom.

All meals are communal and are prepared for you. We wash up together!

Special dietary needs are your own responsibility and should be discussed prior to arrival to see where we can help. The cuisine will be mainly vegetarian, some chicken, fish - no red meats. Seasonal tropical fruits and fresh vegetables, and real coffee! (decaf etc).

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No drugs or alcohol allowed. Smokers will be tolerated outside but only if they are not disturbing others - there is a lot of space outside!

How do I get there?

The workshops will be held at the personal growth centre- Vine & Branches. 27 Bonds Rd. Lower Plenty. Vic 3093 Melways Map 21 B12

Residentials dates Autumn - Winter 2002

Friday 6 pm to Monday 10 am

June 21-24th - (winter solstice)

July 12-15th - (new moon)

Costs

Workshop fees, full accommodation and materials $AU480.00/per person

Only ten places per workshop.

Non-refundable deposit required of $100.00.

Cheques made payable to SouthernLight Studio. Sorry no credit card facilities.

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If you would like to host a workshop in your city please contact me - I am a moveable feast. Womens' Innerworld needs a secluded residential space.

Contact

Email: susoulo@bigpond.com