Workshops for 2010

 What is a Medicine Wheel - February 21 2010 from 10 am to 5 pm. Located at 10155 – 89 street, Edmonton, Alberta.  Cost $100.00

The Medicine Wheel is a symbol that can be found to represent many aspects of spiritual cosmology. It is a cross within a circle. The Medicine Wheel is an intuitive, complex, multi-leveled and deeply profound symbol.  

 In the universe there are four directions – east, south, west and north. There are four winds; four ages of man,  four seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter; four races of people; four types of creatures that breathe – those that fly, birds, those that are four-legged (the buffalo), those that are two-legged (man) and those that crawl (insects).  Each part of the wheel, each of the 36 stones has a meaning, spiritual associations and messages. 

There are four elements on earth – wind, fire, water, and air. The directions used in the wheel are always used in a clockwise direction because that is the way the sun moves, rises and sets.

The Medicine Wheel is a very complex tool.  I have used wheels for healing rituals, for drumming circles, as protection around sick trees. They have become a very integral part of my spiritual search and understanding of the world around me. 

I invite you to join me for the intense day of spiritual learning. I have studied the Wheel in various forms, from various cultures and have found practical and spiritually meaningful ways to incorporate it into my shamanic practice.

 If understanding yourself within the web of all things appeals to you, then join us on February 21, 2010.  We will walk the wheel and come away with a greater understanding of our place within the WHOLE.

 Kriket  780-934-8222

Practical Shamanism – January 10 2010; 1 pm - 5 pm.  - a rerun of the course we completed on Oct 25, 2009. Cost $60.00

Practical Shamanism – Part 2 - January 17, 2010; 1 pm to 5 pm - The Discussion will focus on altars, changing of the seasons, further study on alternative forms of healing, different types of journey work and singing.  There will be less overall material covered in this workshop, but there will be a large component of experiential work. Cost $60.00

Basic Journey class - January 18, 7 – 9 pm.  Location 10155 – 89 street, Edmonton- this will be a two-hour evening event to introduce you to the concept of shamanic journey work.  If you are experiencing difficulty journeying, have never journeyed and are just curious, or attend the circle and are still finding out more information – this is the class for you.   We will be working specifically on techniques for journey work.  There will be very little discussion of theories of shamanism.

The classes are experiential.  My intention is to teach indepthly the basic tools of shamanism that have helped me further my understanding not only of myself, but of the world around me.

Asking for Thoughts

Kriket’s Drumming Circle meets every first and third Friday of the month.  We meet at 10155 – 89 street in Edmonton.  Doors open at 18:30 and circle begins at 19:00. The cost is $5. We based our teachings on the principles of shamanism.  Kriket is hanging up her drumming stick as of June 4 2010.  So if you have always wanted to come and never have this will be your last season to join us.  Kriket at 780-934-8222.

I am still seeking ideas for the 2010 Edmonton drumming season. I ask that your ideas be a bit more specific than to just say shamanism.  Something like ’spirit of water’ or ‘alchemy and shamanism’ or ‘nature spirits in the middle world’.  So far we have suggestions for hungarian shamanism; divination; psychopomp work to name a few. Keep them coming

I look forward to your ideas.  If you also have comments regarding the way circle is currently operating I would be happy to hear those to.

So far we have the following circles planned…

WHAT A CELEBERATION ON SEPT 18 - We met and holy moly WHAT A DRUMMING CIRCLE!! What an amazing turn out!! Thank you to everyone who came and brought their ideas and discussions. Further to our discussions here is a listing of some what we have planned so far this year.

Oct 2  – POWER RETRIEVAL - Often times I have treated patients for what appears to be power loss.  We will discuss power, power loss and how to get it back.  We will be working with partners as well as our own journey work.  – CHANGED

As some of you may be aware a powerful earthquake (7.9) has struck near the city of Padang on Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Wednesday, September 29.  There are conflicting #’s with respect to death.  The death toll is likely to rise as many buildings in the city of 900,000 people had collapsed.

 We are dedicating our circle to psyhcopomp and energetic clearing.

 For those with experience in dowsing, please bring your tools.

For those with experience in Reiki and other healing modalities, please come prepared.

For those who have been with me for other psychopomp work, come prepared to work.

 For those who feel this circle would be too deep or painful for you, I honor your decision not to come.

 We will do a return of Power another time.  We still have some circles that are not yet planned.

  16 Oct  Topic –Raven – We are coming close to Samhain (Halloween) and we are often reminded of that big black bird this time of year.  So through story, exercises and drumming we will connect to the Spirit of Raven.  Doors open at 18:30, circle starts at 19:00.  It is located at 10155 – 89 street, Edmonton.  Cost is $5.

6 Nov   Topic of discussion are the differences and similarities between shamanism and witchcraft.  I am planning on having a special guest, and if I do… well fun will certainly ensue. Through discussion, story and exercises we will uncover some truths and some not so truths.  Doors open at 18:30, circle starts at 19:00.  It is located at 10155 – 89 street.  Cost is $5.

Wow was this ever Fun!! Thank you Jane for an interesting thought provoking evening.  We discussed

Singing and Music ~ View of the Dead ~ Role in the COmmunity ~ Animal Spirits ~ and View of the Human Soul

 20 Nov –We have a special Movie Night – we will not be holding a regular circle.  Instead we are going to be viewing the movie Shadow Side.  It addressed what the shadow is, how to work with it and how to befriend your shadow. Doors open at 18:30, circle starts at 19:00.  It is located at 10155 – 89 street.  Cost is $5.

This was great.  Debbie Ford was the force behind this movie.  The feedback has been very positive and enlightening.  After we relaxed to the soothing sounds of Monty’s Crystal Bowls.  Thanks Monty!!

 4 Dec – Scandinavian Shamanism – specifically the practice of Seidhr and Joiking.  Through story, techniques and demonstration we will introduce you to a very ancient shamanic practice.  Doors open at 18:30, circle starts at 19:00.  It is located at 10155 – 89 street.  Cost is $5.

Okay this is one of the those circles that was more organic than planned.  We discussed the Goddess Nyx – Goddess of the Night.  She is one the archetype/foundation goddesses.  She is so old that there are very few references to her in written stories.  I drew my inspiration from Greek Mythology.  We joiked and did journey work to meet some of the children of Nyx – like death, moros, the three fates, Eros, Erobos, Thantos.  It was a deep night dedicated to the crowning of our darkest night – Winter Solstice.

18 Dec – Kriket’s Drumming Circle is cancelled for Christmas.

15 Jan – CANCELLED - Due to the inevitable Murphy’s Law I am unable to be present for my first circle of 2010.  We will revisit this theme later in the season.   Our first circle to welcome in 2010. We will be discussing prophecy, divination and divination tools.  Through Demonstrations, Journeys and hands on work we will take an interesting tour through our senses. Doors open at 18:30, circle starts at 19:00.  It is located at 10155 – 89 street.  Cost is $5.

 5 Feb – Our Circle will be dedicated to Drum Healing and Drum Energy work.  We will work in groups, partners and individually to experience the awesome healing power of the drum.  Bring your strong drumming arms! Doors open at 18:30, circle starts at 19:00.  It is located at 10155 – 89 street.  Cost is $5.

19 Feb – Our circle will be dedicated to Dragons. We are moving East on the Medicine Wheel.  East, in relationship with the element Air, if often associated with the Winged Ones.  Today we are focusing our attention on the Winged Dragons.  We will look through Eastern mythology and the sacred place Dragons hold in ancient cultures.   Doors open at 18:30, circle starts at 19:00.  It is located at 10155 – 89 street.  Cost is $5.

5 Mar  – There will be a special guest leader, Erin. More later on what she intends to bring to the circle for teaching. Doors open at 18:30, circle starts at 19:00.  It is located at 10155 – 89 street.  Cost is $5.

We have some great ideas; Buffalo work with our altar made of four large buffalo skins and skulls; Fox and wolf; A second discussion regarding witchcraft and shamanism.  Stay tuned 2010 will be a fantastic season.  

Thanks…

Kriket

Workshop – Practical Shamanism

Due to the success of this workshop I would love to run it again.  I have not picked a new date, but stay tuned!! We ended the workshop just after 5 and I was even nice enough to give my wonderful participants one 15 minute break.  We did not have enough time to discuss, altars, specific journey work or singing.  Thank you to everyone who came.  If you know someone who would be interested in this workshop, please pass along the message that I will be holding it again.

Practical Shamanism workhsop.

 The workshop Practical Shamanism is about ways to utilize your tools in a everyday life.  We will be discussing:

•  How to clear a house
• How to set energetic boundaries
• The use of stones and crystals
• How to make different smudges for different occassions
• Alternative forms of diagnosis
• Moon water, why and what for
• Rattles, why and what for
• Drums, why and what for

This is an informative class.  There will be very little experiential work.  We cover a diverse range of topics.  Please bring with you pen, paper and as many questions as you would like.

The cost is $60.

 Please let me know if you would like to join us.  Send me an email or call me at 780-934-8222.

The Mysterious and Sacred Raven

Surely we have all heard the legends of raven. Raven, like coyote and other spirit beings of the Northwest mythology, was as fickle and unpredictable as nature and its seasons. Raven was a shape-shifter, who could assume any form – human or animal.

The Raven Stories are both entertaining – as raven’s mischief often backfired, but also instructive – teaching us about the Northwest Indians’ way of life and the origin of their customs.  The raven is traditionally associated with death and blackness, acting as intermediaries between us and the afterlife, or associated them with sorrow and dying. In fact, carrion birds were usually the first scavengers on the scene after a death, and feasted on man and beast alike. Their reputation among such peoples was grim one, and many scorned the birds, or cursed their presence.

Among other peoples, however, it was the wit and curiosity these birds displayed which colored their spiritual significance. They were associated with joy and laughter, and a spirit of mischief. The native tribes of the pacific northwest were among the latter of these two. They called Raven the Great Trickster, and boasted that the creation of mankind was Raven’s doing. They also claimed that Raven’s tricks brought fire to mankind so they wouldn’t freeze in the darkness; Raven supplied water during a great drought; and Raven made Salmon for the people to eat (Of course that was after he stole it from the Beaver!). When totem poles were erected to honor the spiritual guardians of these tribes, Raven was a common feature on them. There are also totem poles which depict raven and beaver together, of course raven is on top!

The idea of Raven as a creator was not unique to North American peoples, even in Siberia there were myths and stories told of how Raven created the world. It appears that as humans we could watch and admire the raven for its creativity and fortitude. In Australia, kookaburra is the laughing trickster, so the raven (the story of Whan) has a slightly different role, a bird of sorrows. He takes the sadness from humanity, and flies away with it. The Australian raven’s mournful call reflects the burden he carries.

But when I read European mythology in doing comparison work I found that they were mostly messengers, or an alternate shape for various deities and spirits. The ones that I can call to mind are Bran, (whom I have met in my journeys both as god-form and raven form) the Morrigan, and of course Odin

A circle mate explained more to me about Odin’s ravens, Huginn and Muninn, when we were together for the Three Worlds workshop.  I read a bit further and it seems that there is a split between active and passive roles; Huginn is Thought (active), and Muninn is Memory (passive), and Odin sends these two birds off around the world at daybreak, to bring him the daily news.

 Wolves and ravens have an old and close relationship in the wild. In countries where both animals live together, a great deal of a raven’s food comes from scavenging carcasses left by wolves, particularly in winter. Both animals would have been a common sight on the battlefield, scavenging on the bodies of the slain

 Ravens are fascinating birds.  I guess what attracted our ancestors to them, still attracts modern people to them.  Ravens are very common spirits in our circle.  There are people who have taken the name Raven.  Raven is still referred to as Grandfather by the Haida people.  Raven is still considered a trickster when it arrives at pow wows and others ceremonies. 

 How could they not capture our imaginations? Ravens have been a part of our global history for over 3 million years, it is obviously embedded into the global psyche.

 References:

Raven’s End – Ben Gadd

The Celtic Shaman –  John Matthews

Mind of the raven: investigations and adventures with wolf-birds – Bernd Heinrich

Medicine Wheel Thoughts

Medicine Wheel: Symbol of the universe in all its dimensions. The outer circle is the presence of Spirit that surrounds everything. The quarters are the four elements of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. The lines between them define the roads of the quarters. Each of the 36 stones represent an aspect of the powers, seasons, moons, clans, and teachings they possess. It is the symbol of infinity that penetrates all dimensions.

 The wheel acts as a portal between the worlds… combine earth and sky stones… some light and some dark… outer stones are dark – night sky and the void that holds all potential energies… the light stones in the wheel are the earth stones, they are our bones, the messengers of the earth that share and instil within us their secrets…. the light and the dark, two halves to the whole of the universe

It is a spiral creating a holistic foundation for human behaviour and interaction; the teachings are about walking the earth in a peaceful and good way; they assist in helping to seek healthy minds (East) strong healthy bodies (South), inner peace (West), strong, inner spirits (North).

 The Centre Stone (stone #1) is the ‘Many worlds’ stone containing the essential person – the deepest inner soul.  Some post-European descriptions of this stone refer to it as ‘The Creator’ stone. This stone can also be called the Cosmos or Multiverse Stone ;

 Four Directions Stones (stones 2-5): Butterfly; East (Teacher), Thunderbird; South (Warrior), Frog; West (Visionary), Turtle; North (Healer) These stones sit at the four corners of the centre stone.

 Seven stones (stones 6-12) surround the Centre stone, and stand for:  Father Sun, Mother Earth & Grandmother Moon.  The centre stones go by many names, and I have been known to change the name of the stone depending on the purpose of the medicine wheel I am building.  Grandmother moon for me is the connection between me and the places beyond me.  She smiles at us as we progress on the path, integrating dimensions into our way of being. The Star Nation, the milky way – a pathway celebrated in many myths and songs. Other Worlds (Planets), I read once that a pygmy could see Jupiter.  We all know that the pygmy could describe every aspect of the planet much the same way as scientists went on to describe it after they received photos from their probes.  These three stones are the pathway for the Spirits to Cross Over bringing with them a multiple perspective not only about us, but also otherworldly, perhaps supernatural perspectives we are entitled to.  The Centre is a metaphor for a multiple perspective, sans Judgment, it is the spiritual road. The multiiverse  that contains and enfolds all that there is. Without judgment, simply being satisfied that everything is exactly where it should be.  These stones rest near the top of the circle to watch over the other elements. The top of the circle for me is North.  For some of you it may be different.

Shamanic Drumming Circle

We started our shamanic drumming circle for the 2009/2010 season on September 18, 2009.  Wow what a celebration that was!! We had lots of new faces and we discussed lots of new ideas. 

I have found over the years that sometimes the mind gets in the way and then we start thinking that we’re this or we’re that or that we’re separated. The circles planned are a way for you to take your time to feel your heart and locate an open avenue to Spirit. We ask that you engage your imagination, that much maligned muscle. If you take the time to just sit down, close your eyes and open your imagination & well imagine what you will experience.  Circle allows you the opportunity to sit with yourself and get beyond the monkey chatter and beyond the fishbowl with a bunch of fish.  Each circle invites you to hear your true voice, the soothing, gentle, non-judgmental one and touch with world around you.

We open our circle with smudge, prayers to the Directions and a rousing drum and rattle session designed to bring your spirit into the room, engage the spirits around you, raise your energy and prepare you for your own sacred journey.

 Our circle tends to center around Native American Cultural Drums and rattles but is primarily focusing on the spiritual rather than the musical aspects.  We are facilitating a shamanic journey type process rather than a musical event. Shamanic drumming is generally simple and repetitive, often considered as a form of prayer or method of trance induction, rather than as music or entertainment. During a shamanic trance or shamanic journey, the shaman uses the steady beat of the drum as a “lifeline” to find the way back to the world of ordinary consciousness.

Circle Starts and Dates

Hail and Hello Fellow Drummers…

Who knew Edmonton Alberta would have such an alive and healthy shamanic community.  Our 2009 – 2010 drumming season will begin on Sept 18, 2009 at the Temple in Edmonton, located at 10155 – 89 street, Edmonton.  The doors open at 6:30 and we start at 7. The cost to attend is $5.  I have asked for suggestions for circle topics  from present and future shamanic drumming circle attendees.

Our circle dates for the 2009 – 2010 season in Edmonton are as follows:

Sept 18   Oct 2 & 16    Nov 6 & 20   Dec 4   Jan 15   Feb 5 & 19   Mar 5 & 12

Apr 2 & 16   May 7 & 21   June 4

See you round the drum…

Contact me at 780-934-8222 for more information or vixsin@hotmail.com

Kriket

Elk Island Shamanic Wilderness Camp

 

Shamanic Wilderness Camp August 21 – 23, 2009 Elk Island National Park   Come join us for a spectacular gathering of spirits and souls as we Search for the Secrets of Nature

 Join us and you will experience:

 

Direct Interaction with the Spirits Supporting Us Through

 

~ Opening and Closing Circle

~ Nature Spirit Trance Posture

~ Shamanic Drum Journeys

~ Fire Ritual

~ Healing Rituals

~ Stalking Games

~ Nature Spirit connection and communication

       ~ Mosquito Permitting – Star Journey Work

 

This weekend we are going to move through the world of the Unseen Spirits.  We are going to experience the Secret Life of Nature.  In recent years scholars have begun to acknowledge that our spiritual practices are not marginal enterprises but an integral part of the worldview of many of our ancestors. And surprisingly many of us!!

This year the focus will be Nature Spirits.  We will be immersed in clans again this year.  However, our clans are Elves, Dwarfs and Faeries… so far. I would like a fourth clan but no one has shown up yet to claim it. The way the clans work is you choose from the hat which clan you are going to be in that weekend.  I would encourage attendees to learn some stories or history for nature spirits so that we can share stories and little tid bits of information during our fire on Friday night and our discussions on Saturday morning prior to beginning our work.

Join me for a weekend in a wonderful wilderness playground and sharpen your senses to the world around you. I recommend that you have at least a basic understanding of shamanism and journey work.

 

REGISTRATION:  The suggested Investment for the workshop is $120/person. Please contact Kriket at (780) 934-8222 or vixsin@hotmail.com.  Once you have registered, you will be provided with a list of what to bring.

 

 After you have exhausted what there is in business, politics, conviviality, and so on – have found that none of these finally satisfy, or permanently wear – what remains? Nature remains. Walt Whitman

Basic Journey Class

Hello…

I am offering a short class during the evening of Wednesday July 22nd in Edmonton Alberta on how to journey.  We will work through journey techniques and discuss the role of the three worlds in our journeys.  If you are having difficulty with this area of shamanism please contact me to register to join us that evening.

The number of responses will determine the location. I don’t think I will charge much, maybe $10.  That too will depend on how many I have and how much I have to pay for rental.

Closing for Summer

Hail and Hello Fellow Drummers!!

Every year at this time I seem to be caught off guard by the speed with which the drumming season comes to a close.  We have two, count ‘em, two circles left before we close for summer.  June 5 and June 19.  We are not meeting again until September 18, 2009.  It seems like such a long ways away… but summers pass by all too quickly and before I know we will all be groaning that winter will be fast approaching.

But do not dispair for we STILL HAVE TWO CIRCLES LEFT!!!  Our June 5 circle will be focusing on crystals.  Now please don’t think I have an encyclopedic brain when it comes to all things shiney… cause I so seriously do not!! I do not know even 1/10 of all the cystals and semi-precious stones out there.  So… if that is the case why am I dedicating an entire circle to these shiney things?  Well, it is specifically because we do not spend enough time in circle working with the middle world.  In this circle we will be using our daily senses (middle world) to interpret an aspect of the world around us (ie crystals).  We will also journey in the middle world to work directly with the spirit of the crystal. 

Now if you are a newbie, don’t let that scare you.  If you have never journeyed to a crystal, or never journeyed at all. I will make sure that I have journeys designed just for you.  But if you are a newbie with a “dive in ask questions later” kinda personality… well come on down and try it out.

For us oldtimers, middle agers and all other journeyors in-between join me for what will be an interesting journey into the hard substance of crystals.  As you know every circle is different and we all try very hard to have fun AND learn something each time we gather.

June 19 – THE LAST CIRCLE OF THE SEASON – is dedicated to Summer Solstice.  Surprising I know since it is not even close to Summer solstice… or is it?? Summer solstice is the longest day of the year (I get a smarty prize for figuring that one out don’t I?) and we are going to look how different cultures celebrate solstice.  I may have a story lined up for us seeings how it is the last circle of the season.  I am currently searching for a story… so if anyone knows of any… please feel free to drop me a line and give me your suggestions.

I look forward to seeing your around the drum in June.