Wild Genius | Apprenticeship

Ritual Leadership Apprenticeship? Not for the faint of heart.

Rationale

RATIONALE

Ritual Leadership | 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 Ritual Leadership training 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.

Ritual is meant to be a wild conversation between humans, nature, and the spirit world—meaning the realm of ancestors and mythic energies. Learning this improvisational skill could be compared to a jazz musician having a background in classical music. The point of ritual is meant to be that humans can't figure it out on their own: We need a way to consult with nature and the ancestors. This is the human knowledge alive for thousands of years in traditional cultures. It is meant to be updated for our contemporary world, but not whitewashed into a palatable mash for modernity to consume. These teachings sit on a strong foundation and one that has been shared specifically to help the modern world.

Who is it for?

WHO FOR?

Ritual Leadership | 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.

Performers and Artists including Storytellers, Poets, Actors and Dancers
Facilitators such as Ritualists, Leaders, Activists and Environmental Educators
Healers like ReWilders, Therapists, and others involved in Healthcare

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

Ritual Leadership | 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
Five 6 week semesters per year
3 one to one calls per each semester
A supportive cohort
2 hour zoom calls Saturdays
Australians (morning) and Western NA (afternoon)

ROBUST THEORY

Readings from primary sources
Develop literacy in modern ritual application
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

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

BRING RITUALS TO LAND, COMMUNITY, SPIRIT

Help organize live events with the teachers
Rituals in your location evening, day, weekend

INVESTMENT

Month by month committment
Tuition $397 to $497 AUD / semester
Tuition includes zoom calls and one to one calls
Event food and accommodation costs not included

Teachers

Head Instructor and coach is Randy Jones, author of "Medicine Without an Expiry Date: Indigenous Remedy for Modern Trouble." Excerpts of his book can be found on this site under BOOK.

Additional Instructors will join from time to time as well, see Team and Legal under RESUME on this site.