FAQ for the 1st Initiation: Releasing the Culture
More about me...
In 2002, I embarked on a six-year apprenticeship with two Toltec shamans in Berkeley, CA, one of whom was HeatherAsh Amara, author of many books, including Warrior Goddess Training. Learning the Toltec wisdom through HeatherAsh was a beautiful weaving of her medicine with the work of don Miguel Ruiz, Starhawk, and Vicki Noble, her teachers. Learning sacred wisdom has been my life's focus and I am blessed with teachers who have shared so generously with me: Native American shamans and elders; African teachers, Sobonfu Somé and Orisha priestesses; East Indian teachers (I've been a devotee of Ammachi since 1999); Buddhist teachers; and many more. For the past 20 years, I have been committed to social justice and anti-racism work for white people. In 2018, after experiencing a significant loss, the chasm of my grief returned me to the wisdom of my ancestors, the Finnish! My Finnish relatives had the gift of Seeing and I grew up around the kitchen table learning their medicine, knowing I carried it too. All of this wisdom has shifted and evolved me at the most fundamental level, giving me a personal freedom I never before knew was possible. I am excited to share this with you, your friends, your people! For more, please read Rainbow's testimonials.
Do I need any special background or knowledge to participate in these teachings?
No. This group is designed for all people, regardless of background. You simply need an open heart (or a hunger to open it), as well as a commitment to grow and shift your perceptions of yourself and the world around you. People of all backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations are welcome! Must be 18 years or older to participate.
How will I benefit by joining this circle?
This is a dynamic time on our planet and many of us are being called to find how to accelerate our inner growth, live from our authentic self and reconnect with/preserve the natural world. When we look at the world today with all its conflict, it can seem impossible to change this paradigm. Yet, what if we could learn to dream a new dream? A Dream of Love. To truly remove the obstacles holding us back requires deep, personal introspection, transformation of the ego, willingness to adopt new actions, and a commitment to seeing the truth. While it is possible to do this on our own, having a circle of people encouraging, supporting and holding us accountable makes the process faster, kinder and easier. It is a gift like no other to have a group of people committed to your awakening as well as their own. The 1st Initiation: Releasing the Culture is designed to inspire your spirit and shift your perceptions of yourself and the world, which gives you access to increased personal power and freedom, connection with others and a new way of being.
What is the Dreaming ceremony?
This ceremony was originally taught to me as part of my Toltec apprenticeship. However, I have been learning and adapting the style of Dreaming to incorporate my Finnish lineage. The Dreaming ceremony is an opportunity to get still, to see and experience visions, to meditate and to receive the work on an energetic level. Participants will also work with the practice of lucid dreaming whereby through periods of wakefulness and sleep, students explore what it's like to dream while awake and to have access to one's will while asleep.
What is the schedule?
The 1st Initiation: Releasing the Culture meets once per month for six months. The next circle begins Summer or Fall 2020, dates tba.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost is sliding scale $120-$180/month sliding scale (further discounts are available if you pay for the 6 months in full). There is a materials fee of $25 for the 6 months. A deposit of $75 reserves your space and will be credited towards your last class. $30 of which is non-refundable to cover administrative costs. There are a limited number of partial barter/trade positions available upon request and where skills meet the desired need. Inquire for more information.
Are there any additional costs for lodging and meals?
Lodging for this circle is to be determined and might include an additional cost. If you know of a space you would like to donate or rent for this circle, please contact me. All meals are communal and potluck style.
What does my six month commitment involve?
Each participant needs to be willing to share in a group setting, integrate the lessons into their daily life, fully participate in the program, attend at least 5 out of the 6 weekends and pay their fees on time. We will spend time out on the land/in the elements, so participants can be prepared for hiking and walking. Also, there will be no drug or alcohol use permitted 24 hours before and during each weekend (except for caffeine, cigarettes, and prescription meds). Participants can attend the first weekend before deciding to commit. After the first circle, the group is closed until the six months is complete.
Can I participate even if I live in neighboring cities/states of Madison, WI?
Yes! All are welcome, however, you must be present to participate in the monthly weekends.
This is not a psychotherapy group, but what if I need more support during the six months?
This group provides a powerful container, however, there are times when individual support can be especially helpful. Participants are welcome to meet with me for individual sessions or I can provide referrals, as needed.
How do I register or find out more information?
If you have already talked with me, you may go ahead and send in your $75 deposit to reserve your spot! Your deposit is refundable, minus a $30 processing fee. This group is not suitable for everyone and I reserve the right to determine who is a good fit. For more information or questions, please contact me or 608.520.6207.
In 2002, I embarked on a six-year apprenticeship with two Toltec shamans in Berkeley, CA, one of whom was HeatherAsh Amara, author of many books, including Warrior Goddess Training. Learning the Toltec wisdom through HeatherAsh was a beautiful weaving of her medicine with the work of don Miguel Ruiz, Starhawk, and Vicki Noble, her teachers. Learning sacred wisdom has been my life's focus and I am blessed with teachers who have shared so generously with me: Native American shamans and elders; African teachers, Sobonfu Somé and Orisha priestesses; East Indian teachers (I've been a devotee of Ammachi since 1999); Buddhist teachers; and many more. For the past 20 years, I have been committed to social justice and anti-racism work for white people. In 2018, after experiencing a significant loss, the chasm of my grief returned me to the wisdom of my ancestors, the Finnish! My Finnish relatives had the gift of Seeing and I grew up around the kitchen table learning their medicine, knowing I carried it too. All of this wisdom has shifted and evolved me at the most fundamental level, giving me a personal freedom I never before knew was possible. I am excited to share this with you, your friends, your people! For more, please read Rainbow's testimonials.
Do I need any special background or knowledge to participate in these teachings?
No. This group is designed for all people, regardless of background. You simply need an open heart (or a hunger to open it), as well as a commitment to grow and shift your perceptions of yourself and the world around you. People of all backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations are welcome! Must be 18 years or older to participate.
How will I benefit by joining this circle?
This is a dynamic time on our planet and many of us are being called to find how to accelerate our inner growth, live from our authentic self and reconnect with/preserve the natural world. When we look at the world today with all its conflict, it can seem impossible to change this paradigm. Yet, what if we could learn to dream a new dream? A Dream of Love. To truly remove the obstacles holding us back requires deep, personal introspection, transformation of the ego, willingness to adopt new actions, and a commitment to seeing the truth. While it is possible to do this on our own, having a circle of people encouraging, supporting and holding us accountable makes the process faster, kinder and easier. It is a gift like no other to have a group of people committed to your awakening as well as their own. The 1st Initiation: Releasing the Culture is designed to inspire your spirit and shift your perceptions of yourself and the world, which gives you access to increased personal power and freedom, connection with others and a new way of being.
What is the Dreaming ceremony?
This ceremony was originally taught to me as part of my Toltec apprenticeship. However, I have been learning and adapting the style of Dreaming to incorporate my Finnish lineage. The Dreaming ceremony is an opportunity to get still, to see and experience visions, to meditate and to receive the work on an energetic level. Participants will also work with the practice of lucid dreaming whereby through periods of wakefulness and sleep, students explore what it's like to dream while awake and to have access to one's will while asleep.
What is the schedule?
The 1st Initiation: Releasing the Culture meets once per month for six months. The next circle begins Summer or Fall 2020, dates tba.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost is sliding scale $120-$180/month sliding scale (further discounts are available if you pay for the 6 months in full). There is a materials fee of $25 for the 6 months. A deposit of $75 reserves your space and will be credited towards your last class. $30 of which is non-refundable to cover administrative costs. There are a limited number of partial barter/trade positions available upon request and where skills meet the desired need. Inquire for more information.
Are there any additional costs for lodging and meals?
Lodging for this circle is to be determined and might include an additional cost. If you know of a space you would like to donate or rent for this circle, please contact me. All meals are communal and potluck style.
What does my six month commitment involve?
Each participant needs to be willing to share in a group setting, integrate the lessons into their daily life, fully participate in the program, attend at least 5 out of the 6 weekends and pay their fees on time. We will spend time out on the land/in the elements, so participants can be prepared for hiking and walking. Also, there will be no drug or alcohol use permitted 24 hours before and during each weekend (except for caffeine, cigarettes, and prescription meds). Participants can attend the first weekend before deciding to commit. After the first circle, the group is closed until the six months is complete.
Can I participate even if I live in neighboring cities/states of Madison, WI?
Yes! All are welcome, however, you must be present to participate in the monthly weekends.
This is not a psychotherapy group, but what if I need more support during the six months?
This group provides a powerful container, however, there are times when individual support can be especially helpful. Participants are welcome to meet with me for individual sessions or I can provide referrals, as needed.
How do I register or find out more information?
If you have already talked with me, you may go ahead and send in your $75 deposit to reserve your spot! Your deposit is refundable, minus a $30 processing fee. This group is not suitable for everyone and I reserve the right to determine who is a good fit. For more information or questions, please contact me or 608.520.6207.