Enchanting Experiences:
Goddess Classes
Persephone: Innocence, Experience, and Self-Healing
Persephone, the dual-natured goddess, represents both the innocent maiden and the experienced queen of the underworld. Her archetype is often connected with those who have undergone trauma and found a way to rise above it, becoming stronger and more resilient. But sometimes we are triggered into the realization of how our innocence has been irrevocably harmed, and our wounds, though healed over, still reside deep within us. Through them we can be dragged back into periods of overwhelming anxiety and depression.
Persephone offers a way to make those two sometimes dueling sides of our natures meet and collaborate to make us whole, cultivating connection with that innocent maiden side and finding its enormous power so that being pulled away from your tough-as-nails dark goddess of the underworld energy doesn’t break you down, but instead re-invigorates you. In this class, I’ll cover aspects of the dual natures of the Persephone archetype and suggest ways we can reframe our connections with our “pre-trauma” selves that will empower us. Suggestions for Persephone-specific rituals and altar offerings will also be given, as well as some breathwork and visualization exercises.
Hestia: Home, Hearth, and Spiritual Connection
The quiet and contemplative Hestia symbolizes hearth (which is Latin for focus) and home, cultivating wisdom and periods of connection with others on a similar path. Least known of the Olympians, she and Vesta, her Roman counterpart, are not even depicted in art in human form as much as they are symbolized in the flame, dancing in the center of the home or other spiritual place. Learning about her and her archetype can provide you with the tools to help you focus on what you need around you to feel as secure and safe as possible. We will focus on what is integral in your mind and body, what resonates as most meaningful, and use these touchstones as a guide to curate your own personal safe space, which protects you and makes you feel whole. We often feel so overwhelmed, but the Hestia archetype can teach us how to slow down, to mindfully and meditatively complete our tasks. Furthermore, a connection with her archetype can make us aware of those in the collective who are like-minded and help us practice discernment in choosing those we form a deep connection with, in person or over the miles. I will provide some experiences with breathwork and visualization in a supportive safe space, as well as information on her as goddess, as goddess archetype, and offer ritual suggestions as well as ideas for meditative practices.
Artemis: Sovereignty and Stillness Inside the Storm
Are you feeling dis-empowered? Weary of patriarchy? Having difficulties with boundaries? Indecisive and can’t find your focus? Are you passionate about human rights? Feel drawn to solitude? In an egalitarian romantic relationship, or none at all? Do you want to stand fully in your power?
If any of these questions resonate, then you may find this class to be enlightening and supportive. I have worked with this archetype at length, initially from trauma, then by choice, and Artemis is a goddess I call to regularly, especially when things are tough. I published a book called The Artemis Archetype in Fiction, Film, and Television in 2016, and I’ve approached and embraced her from both an academic/intellectual standpoint as well as a deeply personal spiritual one. I can guarantee that connecting more strongly with her can change the way you think about yourself and your resiliency. Studying her and understanding how her traits manifest in you aids you in interpreting your relationships to others, as well as your need for distance and sovereignty.
Through stories, correspondences, poetry, ritual suggestions, and visualization, I will provide you with knowledge and supportive encouragement to help you to connect with her power.
Ariadne and Labyrinths
For over a decade, I have been drawn to labyrinths, written fiction and non-fiction about them, walked them literally and metaphorically, and even had the Cretan labyrinth tattooed on my arm, as well as a tattoo of Ariadne’s thread, which connects symbols of all my rescued cats who have crossed. I even seem to subconsciously draw people to me who also have felt pulled to the symbolism of labyrinths. I’d like to share what I’ve learned in this years-long study of labyrinths to those drawn to their imagery and meaning.
In this class, you will discover how the labyrinth serves as a symbol of the journey inward, leading us to the center of our being where we confront our shadows and emerge wiser and more self-aware. We will examine both the Cretan and Greek depictions of Ariadne and consider ways we can connect with her energy and call upon her as a guide when we are deep in shadow work. I will take you through a guided visualization and simple prompts to help you identify a place in your life where you will benefit from “walking” a labyrinth to its center and back. I will also offer ritual suggestions, as well as practical exercises for incorporating labyrinths into your daily life for spiritual growth and healing.
