Elizabeth-Anne Stewart, PHD
 
The ancient Sufi text, The Conference of the Birds, presents the harrowing mystical journey undertaken by 30 reluctant birds who go in quest of the Simorgh or their Divine Source. Each bird has to overcome his or her primary addiction–the cloying love of the nightingale, the pride of the hawk, the melancholy of the heron, the greed of the partridge, the vanity of the peacock, the narcissism of the parrot, the self-righteousness of the duck, or the fear of the finch. The spiritual task of each traveler is to face this primary addiction and allow it to be burned away like a moth flying into a flame. The journey involves traversing seven terrible valleys: the quest, love, insight into mystery, detachment and serenity, unity, awe, poverty, and nothingness. Once the real Self is released, then the birds can finally discover the Simorgh within. Your first task is to identify which bird rules your life and how your primary addiction has shaped your personal story. Then, like the birds, you will spend time in each valley until the False Self fades away. A closing extended meditation will allow you to enter into your own mystical center to experience the divine unity within.

Course 082126 CEUs available
Date Thursday, July 24
Time 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost $30/25 payment 10 days advance

Devi Stern, MS, CEEMP
 
The mysteries of Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, can link you to Divine energy. Physical movement, breathwork, visualization, and study of the text provide the foundation to connect to this healing power. The letters of the Hebrew alphabet have different vibrations and numerical values. Channel this energy through your heart and hands to heal yourself and others. Discover the balance of yin and yang, the power of balance and union of male and female Divine energies. Look, as Kabbalists do, into the significance of the Infinity sign and its relationship to love and to the unpronounceable four letter Hebrew name of God sometimes referred to as Yaweh. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Kabbalah is necessary.

Course 082162
Date Tuesday, September 16
Time 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost $25/20 payment 10 days advance

Richard Rudis

Each day you turn the wheel of life and its samsaric mechanisms. Like cogs in an illusionary clock, you blindly circle a karmic center as you move from one realm of life to the next. This fundamental Buddhist teaching describes the twelve links of dependent origination; your mortal paradigm. Understanding and recognizing your individual roles and participation within this system will empower and liberate you from your nearly eternal entrapment in mindless wanderings. Engage in a dynamic meditative exercise through the use of sacred sound, visualization, and archetypal symbols. Utilizing ancient sacred Himalayan instruments, your consciousness opens into greater domains of comprehension. Expect an arousal or renaissance of spiritual, mental, and physical vitality.

Course 082166
Date Saturday, September 27
Time 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost $35/25 payment 10 days in advance

Thomas Ashley-Ferrand

Ganesha is the pot-bellied, benevolent son of Shiva and Parvati who is a favorite among those who read or listen to the mythical stories from India. For the advanced sages and mystics, Ganesha takes on epic proportions. He is the entire universe contained in a single form. He is Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva unified into one figure. When Brahma can’t create the universe, Ganesha comes to his aid. When Vishnu is asked to destroy demons, Ganesha shows him how to accomplish the task. In you, he sits at the base of the spine where every energy channel in the subtle body is connected to his location there. Join mantra master Thomas Ashley-Farrand to practice some Ganesha mantras that even experienced practitioners have never heard before. These mantras invoke his help in every aspect of your life such as stopping someone from trying to do harm to you; asking for immediate assistance on some matter; tuning into angels, the prophets, and beings in higher realms; removing energy blockages; or bringing success to your endeavors. Feel the charge and delight in chanting mantras that improve and help your life.

Course 082169
Date Tuesday, October 7
Time 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost $30/25 payment 10 days in advance

Carol Cobb, Ordained Minister

Alchemy is the science of the mystic and the forte of the self-realized person who is one with God or Spirit. Saint Germain exemplified alchemy by transforming the base elements of consciousness into the gold of a refined spiritual awareness. The real purpose of alchemy, then, is to transform yourself. Explore the nine steps of precipitation—formulas for self-transformation—and discover the alchemical key. Experience the creation of the cloud, infinite energy that is present everywhere but only manifests when it is called into action. Use it to increase your spiritual protection and power. Become a true alchemist and transform yourself.

Course 082167
Date Sunday, September 28
Time 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Cost $30/25 payment 10 days in advance