Protecting the Sacred Well
- Maria Vamvalis, educator
Beginning this March, I will
have the privilege of leading a series of three women's circles with Andrea
Mathieson, the creator of the Raven Essences project, at her beautiful heritage home and
retreat space in Maple, Ontario.
These circles have taken their time in coming into being. We first put a call out two years ago, and while there was interest, it seemed that we ourselves had more deepening and growing to do before being able to hold this space for women. As we pondered the nature of these circles, our intention came clearly into focus - we want to hold space for women who feel called to step into the feminine dimension of life in these pivotal times.
Some questions immediately come forward with regard to what the feminine means. Are we participating in reductionistic binaries? Are we saying that women are less destructive than men? Our answer is, No.
Andrea and I have both been deeply influenced by the ideas of Jungian analyst Marion Woodman, whose life's work has been focused on bringing the "feminine" to consciousness. Marion worked with thousands of dreams, and in these dreams the aspect of life associated with feelings, connectedness and deep relatedness were often symbolized by female figures. In a patriarchal culture, power often bludgeons interconnectedness in favour of control. Both men and women are deeply impacted by this mode of being. In addition, it is earth itself which has born the brunt of our lack of empathy.
I do not posit feminine as positive at the expense of masculine. Both are fundamental to wholeness.
The dominant culture is in a profound state of imbalance. The goal-oriented and rational dimension of our humanity has been out of touch with the truth of our interconnectedness. As a result, we are out of control at so many levels, and psychopathy is on the rise. The new paradigms in science are pointing a new way forward - one which reveals the truth of how synergistic life on this planet truly is. This "knowing" has been at the heart of Indigenous cultures for centuries.
What we will be gathering to honour in our women's circles is the sacred feminine - the core truth of interconnectedness at the deepest levels. When we do this, the sacred masculine "remembers" and rises to meet 'Her' within us and in the world. Social innovation, enhanced relationships, environmental healing, embodied justice, and a stronger sense of wholeness are all potential outcomes of such an inner union.
We feel that it's time to step forward for the sake of what we hold most precious in this world.
How about you?
Protecting the Sacred Well: Restoring Wholeness in Our Aching World is a series of three women's circles with Maria Vamvalis and Andrea Mathieson being held on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.; March 10, April 28, June 23 in Maple, Ontario. Maximum number of participants: twelve, including Maria and Andrea. Cost: $40 per circle. Please contact Andrea Mathieson at andrea@ravenessences.com if you are interested.
These circles have taken their time in coming into being. We first put a call out two years ago, and while there was interest, it seemed that we ourselves had more deepening and growing to do before being able to hold this space for women. As we pondered the nature of these circles, our intention came clearly into focus - we want to hold space for women who feel called to step into the feminine dimension of life in these pivotal times.
Some questions immediately come forward with regard to what the feminine means. Are we participating in reductionistic binaries? Are we saying that women are less destructive than men? Our answer is, No.
Andrea and I have both been deeply influenced by the ideas of Jungian analyst Marion Woodman, whose life's work has been focused on bringing the "feminine" to consciousness. Marion worked with thousands of dreams, and in these dreams the aspect of life associated with feelings, connectedness and deep relatedness were often symbolized by female figures. In a patriarchal culture, power often bludgeons interconnectedness in favour of control. Both men and women are deeply impacted by this mode of being. In addition, it is earth itself which has born the brunt of our lack of empathy.
I do not posit feminine as positive at the expense of masculine. Both are fundamental to wholeness.
The dominant culture is in a profound state of imbalance. The goal-oriented and rational dimension of our humanity has been out of touch with the truth of our interconnectedness. As a result, we are out of control at so many levels, and psychopathy is on the rise. The new paradigms in science are pointing a new way forward - one which reveals the truth of how synergistic life on this planet truly is. This "knowing" has been at the heart of Indigenous cultures for centuries.
What we will be gathering to honour in our women's circles is the sacred feminine - the core truth of interconnectedness at the deepest levels. When we do this, the sacred masculine "remembers" and rises to meet 'Her' within us and in the world. Social innovation, enhanced relationships, environmental healing, embodied justice, and a stronger sense of wholeness are all potential outcomes of such an inner union.
We feel that it's time to step forward for the sake of what we hold most precious in this world.
How about you?
Protecting the Sacred Well: Restoring Wholeness in Our Aching World is a series of three women's circles with Maria Vamvalis and Andrea Mathieson being held on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.; March 10, April 28, June 23 in Maple, Ontario. Maximum number of participants: twelve, including Maria and Andrea. Cost: $40 per circle. Please contact Andrea Mathieson at andrea@ravenessences.com if you are interested.
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| the author & facilitator Maria Vamvalis |
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