Wild Genius | Apprenticeship

Gatekeeper Apprenticeship? Not for the faint of heart.

Rationale

RATIONALE

Apprenticeship | Synopsis

In the very earliest time,

when both people and

animals lived on the earth,

a person could become an

animal if he wanted to,

and an animal could become

a human being.

Sometimes they were people,

and sometimes animals,

and there was no difference.

All spoke the same language.

Inuit Traditional

The overall vision of this program

The Wild Genius apprenticeship is suitable either as an introduction or a professional development for practitioners who are already working with people in varying capacities.

It investigates the question of "What is health and wellness?' from a perspective of traditional knowledge and ritual. The program encourages a radical critique of contemporary society combined with teachings, reflection, practice, coaching, and the development of a strong online peer group.

Participants will develop a skill and knowledge base that will refine and focus toward practical expression in community throughout the process. Apprentices will integrate their own unique skills and interests with a knowledge of the deep structure of ritual.

It is informed through a great influence of indigenous traditional knowledge, the oral tradition of myth, ritual sensibility, and a deep emphasis on discernment about the perennial argument between tradition and innovation.

The main metaphor of the apprenticeship is of a journey to recover some of the mythic lost waters of life and waters of death and return them to community as a healing balm.

As the desertificaiton of modernity spreads geographically and philosophically, the diversity of life and culture is under attack. At the same time, the initiated understanding of what death means is no longer a guiding force in a modern world hell bent on consumption. The real medicine for these injuries are peculiar, local, eccentric, and idiosyncratic, and because of this very fact, should rely on a disciplined foundation to activate.

The program is designed to accommodate both newer learners and experienced leaders through the self directed nature of activities and the ethic of village support, and requires personal maturity.

Who is it for?

WHO FOR?

Apprenticeship | Synopsis

"The shape of an

African Elephant's ear

is the shape of Africa;

The shape of an

Indian Elephant's ear

is the shape of India . . ."

Heathcote Wiliams

"Sacred Elephant"

The world needs a diversity of ritualists.

Your interest is a primary qualification.

Anyone with an interest in healing work or leadership is encouraged to apply after reviewing the relevant materials.

For those entirely new to this kind of work or healing work, participation at a weekend event or one of our other forthcoming training programs may be a more appropriate first step. This program requires that participants have some considerable maturity.

For leaders and teachers of dance, movement, community circles, ritual and ceremony, sound healing, or the like, you will find a treasure trove of knowledge to incorporate into your practice.

For counsellors, healers, or coaches, this will introduce you to perspectives beyond individual psychology about sources of anguish and offer tools to broaden your practice to include the village.

For storytellers, an opportunity to see the depth of the true tradition which held that the storyteller is a carrier, with all that implies—knowing how to draw a contemporary ritual from the story and knowing how to work with images in myth to activate healing.

For those being asked for Eldership from their community— a deepening of the answers you offer to impossible questions.

Outline

OUTLINE

Apprenticeship | Synopsis

"When lovers of life

get ready to dance,

the earth shakes,

and

the sky trembles"

Jalal ad-Din Rumi

"The world needs leadership from people who understand traditional knowledge deeply. People who know the language of spirit and are skilled enough to readily adapt that knowledge for real contemporary needs and situations."

. . .

"There is a need to be 'devotional' to the studies, to learn even the challenging instructions of spirit which invite us to go deeper than we thought possible. This is why teaching, coaching, and a supportive peer group is such a benefit on that kind of journey. You will be held with respect and encouragement."

"Medicine Without an Expiry Date: Indigenous Remedy for Modern Trouble"

Ritual Leadership Skills for the 21st Century

THE BASICS

Admission by interview
Closely supervised with a supportive peer group
Estimated an average of 4 hours / week plus programs
Group includes Australians and Canadians

ROBUST THEORY

Readings from primary sources
Weekly on-line group calls
Relationship building with the five Elements
Work with Myth as a compass

INITIATORY LEADERSHIP TRAINING

Co-Producing community ritual as praxis
Undergoing radical ritual
Understanding ritual design
Introduces you to guest teachers and other traditions

MENTORING

Monthly one on one mentoring calls
Coaching on trouble, jeopardy and opportunity
Highlight the unique nature of your own medicine

BRING RITUALS TO LAND, COMMUNITY, SPIRIT

[2] day long programs / year
[2] weekend programs / year

INVESTMENT

12 month initial commitment
Tuition $200—$300 CAD / month [Sliding scale]
Tuition includes all program attendance & tuition fees
Event food and accommodation costs not included

Training Began in May 2020 . . .

Study, experiential exercises and ritual work
4 hours per week should be scheduled
Online group video calls + interaction with your peers
Assist in bringing events to your community

2021 Update . . .

In person events on hold pending vaccination success.

See events at: 5 Journeys | Rituals

Spaces are available to join now.

Certified practitioners of Ritual Literacy:

Long term goal is to develop a group of practitioners competent in a range of skills — Ritual Literacy
Forming or refining a practice and body of work uniquely yours and also connected to traditions
Continued cohort interaction and coaching
Developing the business model of your practice
Potential for teaching with Wild Genius