Rescuing Our Lost Souls

A Shamanic Soul Retrieval Training
Friday, Sept. 20 2024, In person in Milwaukee or virtual on Zoom

In the Western Shamanic tradition, the vibrant, vital aspect of our soul that many of us lost due to childhood trauma is sometimes referred to as the Dragon’s Breath. Here in this Training, led by Tamarack and Lety, we learn about the ancient shamanic practice of Soul Retrieval, which in essence is stealing our Dragon Breath back from the Dragon who robbed it from us for safekeeping.

The Dragon is our inner demon: our wounded self who made off with our child-soul and stashed it away, which lies deep in the inner reaches of our soul. Soul Retrieval is a quest to slay the Dragon and retrieve our captive soul. We have no choice but to slay the Dragon, i.e. to find peace with our woundedness, because his fire-breath is a vital part of who we are.

For the sake of our wellbeing, the Dragon will not give up his breath, i.e., relinquish his life, unless we can prove that we now have the maturity and centeredness to enter the void of our inner realm and return victorious. In this Training, we learn to embrace our fear, because as Joseph Campbell said, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”

Our fear is our deep-seated, paralyzing apprehension over revisiting our trauma. To overcome that fear is to find peace with our trauma history. Through a series of shamanic self-confronting and revealing exercises, we find out if we are ready to embrace our wholeness.

 

Preparation

  • Prepare a quiet, comfortable place where you can stand, sit, or lay down uninterrupted
  • Wear comfortable clothes to stand or sit outside on the ground for periodic exercises. Have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, or an umbrella if rainy.
  • If participating online: Have one prechosen spot outdoors by a tree that is no more than 3 minutes away from your indoor space. You will be with the tree for a couple of 15–30-minute periods during the day, and will have 5 minutes to get there, as well as 5 minutes to return indoors and for a bathroom break. If a nearby tree is not available, a bush will work, or you can sit by the window with a view of a tree, or in front of a plant.
  • A personal Power Object. A Power Object catalyzes your energy and helps you focus it, to access your own intuition for healing and manifesting. This can be a stone, a feather, a piece of jewelry, or any object with which you have resonance and a feeling of empowerment.
  • Arrange to have as quiet and silent an evening as possible after the Training.

 

Materials

  • A cleansing essential oil or herb, to either crush or burn, for a Clearing Smudge.
  • Another essential oil or aromatic herb that you find comforting and uplifting.
  • A mask that disguises your features, such as an African/voodoo type mask (https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/african-mask) or any other suitable mask. Masks are provided for in-person participants.
  • A mirror for viewing your face. In-person participants: bring a mirror if you can. We will have a few on hand for those of you who cannot bring your own.
  • A pair of Deer or Elk antlers, or a pair of antler-like forked branches. Antlers are provided for in-person participants in need.
  • A blindfold or bandanna, etc. that will serve as a blindfold.
  • A stout candle that can burn all day.
  • For off-site participants: a portable device that keeps you connected to the Zoom Room.

 

Schedule (all times are approximate)

9:00 to 10:00    Welcome, day’s overview, and introductions.
10:00 to 11:00  Embracing the Dragon metaphor and Dragonslayer archetype.
11:10 to 11:30  Candle Lighting ceremony.
11:30 to 12:30  Breathing Fire with Cocoon Breath and Breathing with Trees.
12:30 to 1:30    Ancestor Dish Ceremony and lunch (in silence).
1:30 to 2:30     Tell your story—what is the Dragon holding for you, and why?
2:30 to 3:15     Journeying into the Dragon’s Lair, and debriefing.
3:15 to 3:30     Tea break.
3:30 to 4:00     Grand Heist preparation: Candle Meditation and Breathing with Trees.
4:00 to 4:30     The Dragon Slaying — coming face-to-face with your raw, essential self.
4:30 to 5:30     Reflections, revelations, and guidance, then the Closing Ceremony: Internalizing The flame.

Registration

Tuition: $175 in-person, $160 virtual

To register and pay tuition, click the Register Button and pay under Workshops and Trainings (with Jim Morningstar, Ph.D.).

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