with Deana Paqua of Embody the Sacred

In this series, we will work with the contemporary practice of Shamanic Journeying, a meditative practice to the beat of the drum, where we will deepen our relationship with the Heart of Pachamama/Mother Earth. We will also learn traditional mystical teachings of the Andes, where we will learn about the Seven Layers of Pachamama. We will safely explore these energetic layers of our beautiful Mother Earth, learn how to work with them in our everyday lives and healing practices, and strengthen our connection and appreciation of Pachamama's abundant gifts. We will also learn about gemstones, essences and plant allies that can assist us in understanding these beautiful teachings.

We will also cover how to journey safely in sacred space, incorporating energy clearing and protection techniques along with some basic practices from the indigenous healers and mystics of the Andes.

This is an introductory and foundational course for beginners and more practiced students to learn techniques for their own personal use. It's best if students have some basic shamanic journeying experience. This course; however, is not training to become a “Shaman.” A Shaman is a medicine person who hails from specific tribes in Siberia, Mongolia and a few other places across the globe who has been given this title of honor by their community, and practices their healing work in specific ways by going into trance and embodying the spirit of one of their ancestors. The teachings we will be learning are from contemporary Shamanic practices and from the Andes, directly from Don Mariano Quispe Flores of the Q'ero tribe. Don Mariano is a Priest, Healer and Mystic, known as a Paco, and as an elder with over 45 years' experience, he is also known as a Kuraq Aqullak. Though the Q'ero are frequently referred to as Shamans, technically they are not, as their practices differ from traditional Shamans but are equally beautiful, potent and life-changing.

These earth-honoring, spiritual practices are open to all of us as we honor indigenous cultures by respecting their specific titles and traditions, and sharing the traditional teachings that we have been given permission to share. In this way, we work with integrity and learn to connect to our own experiences of the Divine and deepen our connections to each other, our Ancestors, the Heavens and the Earth.

Dates: May 14 & 21, June 4 & 18, 6:30-9pm

To register, contact Deana Paqua at deana.paqua@gmail.com, or 203-994-5045. Cost is $227 for this program including materials. Discount available for current Twin Star Students and Shamanic Practitioner Program (through Embody the Sacred), $197.