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2012 GODDESS WORKSHOPS TIMETABLE
All workshops will take place on the 2nd Saturday of the month at a central location in the Forest of Dean.
*Venues, times and prices will be added nearer the date for each workshop*
Scroll down to the next section to read more details about each workshop.
11th February - Bridget's Fire
Northwood Green. 10.30am - 4pm
£46
10th March - My Inner Wisdom Cards
Rainbows, Lydney. 1.30 - 4pm
£13
14th April - Celebrating Spring
12th May - Embracing Aphrodite
9th June - The Wheel of the Year
14th July - Elen of the Ways
11th August - Movement Meditations
8th September - Moving Guided Visualisations
13th October - Tarot Dances
10th November - Descent of Inanna
8th December - Goddess Shapes
Booking Form - email helen@goddessdance.co.uk for a form.
Map and directions will be sent on receipt of booking fee.
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GODDESS WORKSHOPS
Scroll down to find more information about the spiritual benefits you could gain from the workshops.
General Information for Every Workshop
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bare feet or soft footwear will be fine.
If you need medication, please ensure that it is with you.
Bring a pen, notepad and reading glasses, if you need them.
During workshops we will use a combination of drama, dance, movement, meditation, guided visualisation, writing, singing, craft activities, poetry, myths, discussion, pictures, symbols, drumming and anything else.
Notes will be provided where appropriate.
Be prepared to be involved, to have fun, to make discoveries and to meet like-minded women.
Some workshops include dance/movement. No previous experience is necessary but a general level of fitness and mobility is expected.
If in doubt, please email your query to helen@goddessdance.co.uk
BRIDGET’S FIRE 11th February
Bridget’s feast at Imbolc/Candlemas celebrates the first stirrings of spring when the light is getting stronger and the earth is beginning to warm. During this workshop we will welcome Bridget with ritual, deepen our knowledge through guided visualisation, make Bridget crosses, awaken our creativity through various activities and celebrate with a fire dance (using battery-operated tea-lights for safety).
Bring white food to share and snowdrops, if you can find any, in a small vase or pot.
CELEBRATING SPRING 14th April
Share the energy and the joy which returns to the earth in Spring. You will experience and learn about maypole dancing, May queens, bellydance, making a May crown, Maid Marion, singing, seasonal Goddesses, egg decorating, rituals, Eostra, stories...........Please try to wear spring colours - green, white, yellow/gold. Bring a large bunch of mixed flowers, selotape and felt -tip pens if you have them.
MOVING GUIDED VISUALISATIONS 8th September
Adding physical movement to guided visualisations adds another level of insight. You will experience 3 or 4 different pathworkings and share the insights gained.
THE DESCENT OF INANNA 10th November
Myth tells us how Inanna descended into the underworld, encountered her shadow sister and ascended, restored and resplendent. As the year moves towards the reflective stillness of winter, you will explore the story and its relevance to your life today and, like Inanna, you may also come to realise what is meaningful to you.
TAROT DANCES 13th October
Connect more fully with the wisdom of selected tarot cards through discussion and dance. If you have a set of tarot cards, please bring them with you but it’s not essential as pictures will be supplied.
MOVEMENT MEDITATIONS 11th August
You will perform movement meditations for the qualities of thirteen Goddesses (one for each moon of the year) and unlock the blessings and benefits which each Goddess can bestow. Bring a picture and/or symbol of your favourite Goddess. Try to find out about some or all of the following Goddesses: Athena, Bast, Cerridwen, Diana, Ereshkigal, Freya, Gaia, Hecate, Isis, Lakshimi, Spider Woman/Old Spider, Yemaya
GAIA AND THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR 9th June
Gaia is experienced as the earth moves through the seasons, through the wheel of the year. As we move towards the summer solstice, you will discover, share and experience the energies of Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas, Samhain, the spring & autumn equinoxes, the winter & summer solstices.
Please bring with you symbols and pictures of your favourite time of year, a drum, if you have one, a garden cane and veil if you can.
NB There is a lot of movement and dance in this workshop.
EMBRACING APHRODITE 12th May
Explore the Aphrodite archetype within yourself through the luxury of colour, adornment, dance, enticement, perfume and taste. Rediscover the pleasures of the five senses and prepare to pamper them. The indulgence doesn’t end with the workshop - find out how you can take Aphrodite home with you.
Bring as many of these as possible: mirror, something fancy to tie round your hips, your favourite perfume, an eye-liner pencil, a piece of floaty fabric. something delicious to eat/share and wear a longish, loose skirt or dress. Look like a Goddess. Bare feet or ballet-type shoes are fine.
MY INNER WISDOM CARDS 10th March
Using the intuitive collage process, you will make cards which reflect and reveal the varying aspects of your inner personality, your outer world and relationships, your spirituality and influential archetypes. You will learn how to consult your cards and tap into your deep wisdom. You may wish to share insights and experiences. Bring a pair of scissors and a glue stick plus magazines, greetings cards, travel brochures, catalogues, pictures and photos to cut up. Card will be supplied and laminated for you.
GODDESS SHAPES 8th December
Certain shapes are symbolic of the Goddess throughout the world. They are found within nature and within yourselves and have been incorporated into dance, particularly bellydance. You will explore the meaning and feeling of these shapes. Circles, crescents and spirals are some of the shapes associated with the Goddess. Wear a longish, loose skirt or dress. Bare feet or ballet-type shoes are fine.
ELEN OF THE WAYS 14th July
The antlered Goddess of the trackways, light, ley lines, inner & outer life paths, deer, guardian of the land............ and more. Discover Elen's origins, aspects and how to follow this elusive, ancient British Goddess in today's world.
FAIRY DANCING FOR GROWN-UPS 2013
Get ready for the UK Fairy/Fantasy Festivals by learning how to dance in the styles of different elemental fairies: Fiery Fairy, Aqua Fairy, Airy Fairy & Gaia Fairy. Bring your wings, a large piece of floaty fabric, wear your best fairy frock, abandon the adult world and be prepared to see fairies.
About your Tutor
Helen first became aware of the Women’s Spirituality in 1980 and over the years has broadened her knowledge of Goddesses throughout the globe. Helen is a qualified aerobics teacher who has also taught various forms of dance for nearly thirty years. She regularly attends the Goddess Conference in Glastonbury where she has given Goddess Card Consultations.
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CAN'T GET TO A WORKSHOP?
Helen will bring a workshop to you. You can have a half-day or a whole day workshop. All you have to do is invite four or more women to your home or venue of your choice. As hostess you provide the refeshments and a safe workshop space. For a full day, it is usual for everyone to bring a contribution for a Potluck Lunch. Contact Helen for current fees and travel costs.
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GODDESS PARTIES
A Goddess Gathering is more than just a chat with your friends: it provides an opportunity for women to say what they think and be who they are.
Invite your friends around for a Gathering -
morning, afternoon or evening
Create a party atmosphere and have fun -
doing the Goddess Personality Quiz
playing the Goddess Wisdom Game
playing "psychic" party games
consulting the Goddess Cards.
Discover what makes you the person you are -
Unveil your wisdom and reveal the inner wise woman. Ask everyone to bring a contribution for a potluck feast. Helen will facilitate the experience whilst you laugh, cry, talk, share, discover, inspire and connect with like-minded women.
£10 per person, hostess free.
If you live within reasonable driving distance of the Forest of Dean, then email helen@goddessdance.co.uk to book your Gathering.
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