In this residential workshop we explore the four elemental powers primarily from a shamanic perspective, however this programme will certainly be of benefit for those who are interested and work with Transpersonal Psychology, Astrology, and the Tarot. As in Shamanism, the sophisticated, seasoned, and time tested divinatory practises such as the Tarot, and Astrology, which act as mirrors to the soul, all demonstrate that the elements need to be in balance with each other. This is the similar approach for traditional healing practices such as Ayurveda, Herbalism, and Acupuncture which work to restore the body’s balance, with the primary objective of maintaining wellness thereby preventing illness.
Our ancestors and indigenous shamans did not see perceive the Elements as symbolic or even a personification of a natural force, they were regarded as sentient powers in their own right that can be directly contacted and interceded with. In contemporary times, we perceive them as archetypal and personifications of qualities within ourselves. Both views are valid, so here is an opportunity for you to reunite these two perspectives, the outer and the inner. It is always a question of balance, as whichever way you look at it, the Elemental powers operating within our inner world have both enhancing and diminishing attributes, and in the outer world both life-nurturing and life-destroying attributes. As above, so below.
In this workshop programme, there will be the opportunity to experience what Carlos Castaneda expressed as ‘stopping the world’. His teacher, Don Juan tells Castaneda, ever since we have been born, we have been taught a description or an interpretation of the world. This description is based on society, culture, and collective values. This description is continually reinforced by people around us, and is rarely questioned. ‘Stopping the world’ was the term used to describe for stopping our unaware or unconscious participation in this collective programmed description of reality. This is similar in so many respects to what my teacher, Pablo Amaringo used to tell me “to look at it from the other way around, to change your perspective”. On this workshop, you will perceive the Elemental powers and indeed yourself from a new and different perspective.
On this experiential workshop we explore each of the Elements working with visionary methods such as the shamanic journey in which you will encounter and enter into a communion with the Elemental consciousness to support, guide, and empower you in your soul’s path.
One of the most important benefits of this residential workshop held in the beautiful nature and heart of the Piatra Craiului Mountains is that we are blessed by the gift of the elements, rivers, forests, and good clean fresh air in abundance. We also invite you to engage in the most intimate of connections with the element of fire, and that is a firewalk. No experience is required, so suitable for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike.
The four classical elements, Air, Water, Fire and Earth have a correspondence in spiritual, divinatory, and psychological systems. In astrology, the Zodiac is divided into these elements, and the Air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. In the Tarot, Air is represented by the suit of Swords, and they generally all describe the characteristics of mind, rational thought, intellect, knowledge, and being communicative. Those with ‘air’ tend to think through things, rather than being influenced by emotional considerations.
In astrology, the Zodiac is divided into these four elements, and the Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. In the Tarot, Water is represented by the suit of Cups, and they generally all describe the characteristics of being centred in the emotions, an orientation towards intuition, and creative potential. A ‘water’ person tends to emotionally ‘feel’ through things.
In astrology, the Zodiac is divided into these four elements, and the Fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. In the Tarot, Fire is represented by the suit of Wands, and they generally all describe the characteristics of having the qualities of energy, passion, enthusiasm and action, charisma, and warmth. These are clearly fiery and positive attributes, however just as an actual fire these temperaments can also be hot, volatile, unpredictable, and of course just as fire be destructive. These classical systems recognise and understand the power inherent in the element of fire, and that the fire needs to be in the heart, and utilised as force for transformation, taking right action, and love.
In astrology, the Zodiac is divided into these four elements, and the Earth signs are Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus. In the Tarot, Earth is represented by the suit of Pentacles, and they generally all describe the characteristics of having the qualities of practicality, reliability, stability, sensuality, and with the ability to function in a well-organised, methodical fashion to actualise or ground their desires into the world. These are all good solid attributes, just like the Earth itself, tangible, tactile, the only element you can actually stand on.
The Cost of this innovative residential workshop is 475 Euros
Booking Deposit: 100 Euros
There is a range of lodging options available. Please ask for info when booking.
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