As Summer opens, we'll embark on a day-long illuminating introduction to natural magic, astrology and music. Rooted in antiquity and flowering in the Renaissance, natural magic harnesses sonic, botanical and cosmic energies for self-discovery and transformation. Astrologer/herbalist Debbie Stapleton and musician/soulworker Brian James guide participants through a multi-sensory workshop on each planet's themes, herbs, time cycles and musical tones.
Participants take home a workshop booklet to guide ongoing reflection and practice.
Introduction to Natural Magic
Overview of natural magic and its historical roots.
Introduction to the seven traditional planets, their archetypes, and time cycles
Planetary Attributions
Introduction to each planet's herb, stone, and sound. Known as "sunthemata" (Greek for "token or symbol), these attributions in the Neo-Platonic tradition form a "chain of correspondences" that binds the cosmos to humanity and the natural realm.
Live demonstration of musical modes corresponding to planetary energies.
Sampling of planetary hand-crafted incense.
Interactive Sound Meditation
Participants practice sounding the modes associated with each planet.
Group reflection and meditation to contemplate each planet's themes.
Responsive Mark-making
Participants may create painted reflections with watercolor on watercolor paper throughout the workshop.
At the end of the day, there will be time to experiment with translating potent or meaningful imagery onto dyed fabric scraps from the round using handmade inks distilled from last fall's dye workshop. Then, these will be pinned to the Redwood Round in a particular location or time that resonates with each individual participant.
This event is a part of Redwood Time, a multi-year project made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.calhum.org. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the Redwood Time program do not necessarily represent those of California Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
