During the First Spiral students are expected to participate in all eight Circles and to complete the homework which is given to you between each of the eight Circles. This requires time, energy and commitment on the part of all students. If you are absent for any reason you must make up the time lost at the discretion of the Tutors. At the beginning of the course you will be given a copy of “Priestess of Avalon, Priestess of the Goddess” by Kathy Jones as your resource throughout the year. The First Spiral culminates in a special Initiation Ceremony in which successful students Self-Dedicate as Sisters and Brothers of Avalon.
Throughout the First Spiral you will:
• Explore the seasonal Goddesses of the British landscape
One of the principal ways in which we learn about the many faces of Britannia, the ancient yet ever new British Goddess, is through experiencing the ways in which Her nature changes throughout the year in Brigit’s Isles. Early in the year at Imbolc She shows us the face and form of the young Maiden Goddess as plants begin to emerge from the dark cold earth. At Beltane in the fullness of springtime She shows us the face of the Lover, the fecund and fertile Goddess with Her blossoming flowers and fresh green plants and trees. At Lammastide we express our gratitude to the bounteous Mother Goddess, who give us everything we eat, drink and breathe, everything we have in this world. At Samhain we honour the Crone Goddess whose aged face we see as Her nature decays and dies back into the earth. Through the year students participate in a ceremonial cycle which honours these four major aspects of the solar Goddess, as well as the Mothers of the four directions, of Earth, Water, Fire and Air . We learn about their qualities, energies and totem animals as well as feeling the effects that the ever-changing Goddess has in our lives.
• Connect to the energies of the Isle of Avalon and the Goddesses who dwell here
Glastonbury, where this training is held, is the Outerworld expression of the Isle of Avalon. Avalon is both the Otherworldly Paradise where the apples of immortality grow in abundance, and it is also the Western Isle of the Dead, a place of healing, death, transformation and rebirth. Once surrounded by a large lake and before that the sea, the hills and valleys that make up the Glastonbury landscape mirror the landscape of the Isle of Avalon. Through exploring the Glastonbury landscape students learn to connect to the healing and transformative energies and beings of the Isle of Avalon. Students also learn about the Lady of Avalon, a Goddess of awesome love and compassion, who rules in Avalon. The Lady is an ancient yet emerging Goddess, first named in modern times by Marion Zimmer Bradley in The Mists of Avalon. Today She calls many of us to remember our heritage and to come and serve once again as Her priestess or priest. Students also learn about the Nine Morgens, the Nine Sisters of Avalon, who express themselves through the Wheel of the Year. Their names were first given by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century Vita Merlinii, and their individual qualities have been re-emerging over the last twenty years.
• Learn what it means to become a Priest/ess of the Goddess and of Avalon
Becoming a priest/ess is an ongoing journey of opening, challenging and sharing yourself and in this First Spiral you will learn how to serve and celebrate the Goddess, bringing Her into your life and community. To become a Priest/ess of the Goddess and of Avalon is to love and serve the Lady and the sacred land with your whole heart, mind, body and soul. This is a public role rather than a private fantasy. Often when we begin the journey to priest/esshood we are responding to a longing deep in our hearts to serve the Goddess in our lives, but we have no idea of what that might really mean for us. As is said in the song “She changes everything She touches and everything She touches changes”. To become Her priestess is to open oneself to change in many areas of life. You will be accompanied on your personal journey of change by your tutors and fellow students. By experiencing and understanding the ways in which the Lady transforms naturally and continuously through the cycle of Her seasons priest/esses also become aligned with Her natural cycles of transformation.
• Design and make your own ceremonial tools
Throughout the First Spiral during the weekend Circles there are opportunities to design and create ceremonial tools which you can use on your own altar and in your priest/ess work. These include making a Feather Fan, a Bridie Doll, a sacred Wand, a Chalice, a ceremonial Mask and special ceremonial Robes. You will be encouraged to express yourself creatively, sometimes for the first time since childhood, and to allow your imagination free range, expressing yourself in the design and making of your own ceremonial implements. This creative expression builds self confidence, ability and trust in the natural creative processes which lie within all of Her manifest world.
• Deepen your personal devotion to the Goddess
As well as expanding your knowledge of the Lady as the year progresses the First Spiral involves a deepening of your personal devotion to the Goddess as you bring Her more fully into your everyday life, journeying daily into Her worlds of mystery and spiritual awakening. Your spiritual practice will develop through sharing, reflection, ritual and being on the land, with the group and at home between Circles. Your communion with Her is direct and personal without the mediation of any other person and you are encouraged to speak to Her often. You are encouraged to create personal altars in your home and to spend time in daily prayer and conversation with the Lady. You are encouraged to write poetry for Her, to write songs for Her, to paint for Her, to make all kinds of art and craftworks filled with your love for Her and to share those with your fellow students. You are expected to complete homework between teaching circles that will sustain and deepen your devotion to Her.
• Work with others to create ceremony and invoke sacred space
During the First Spiral you will have the opportunity to observe and participate in many different kinds of ceremony in a safe and creative atmosphere which will help develop your innate talents. You will learn from personal experience of the power of ceremony and the different forms ritual can take. You will be taught how to ground and centre yourself within your soul prior to participating in many creative activities and learn how to move into that place of stillness within from which Her sacred space is generated. During each Circle students help invoke the Goddesses on Britannia’s Wheel of the Year with their qualities, animals, birds and energies. You will learn how to do this for yourself and as part of a circle of priest/esses, as much of the evolving ceremonial work of Avalonian priest/esses includes working in a circle of equals in a sacred way. You will learn how to create cleansing and blessing ceremonies using the elements of Her nature.
Workshop Times: Saturday 10.00am-6.00pm. Sunday 10.00-5.00pm
Venue: Georges Room, Glastonbury Experience and Sacred Landscape of Avalon
Fees: Full fee inclusive of all eight weekends in advance - £665-985 Sliding Scale dependent on income.
Contact Esther Lohneis at the Isle of Avalon Foundation for details
Fees payable to: Isle of Avalon Foundation, 2-4 High St., Glastonbury, Somerset. BA6 9DU.
Further Information: Tel. 01458 833933
Second Spiral 2007/8
Learn to walk the labrynth, an ancient Goddess symbol, in ceremony and on the slopes of Glastonbury Tor, so that you can guide others through Her amazing nature. A vital knowledge for priestesses.
With Ceremony of Dedication as a Priestess of the Goddess.
Workshop Times: Saturday 10.00 am - 6.00 pm. Sunday 10.00am to 5.00pm
Venue: Miracles Room, Glastonbury Experience & Sacred Landscape of Avalon
Fees: Full fee inclusive of all eight weekends in advance - £760
Instalment plan available with £20 admin. fee
Fees Payable to: Isle of Avalon Foundation, 2-4 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DU
Further info: Tel. 01458 833933
Over eight weekends those who have successfully completed the first year of the Priestess of Avalon training learn the practical skills of a Priest/ess of the Goddess and of Avalon and explore their role as Goddess ceremonialist, visionary, journeyer and spiritual friend. The year culminates in a special Self-Initiation Ceremony as a Priest/ess of the Goddess.
This second year training is taught by Ren Chapman with assistance from Kathy Jones. Ren is the skillful teacher of the First Spiral of the Priestess of Avalon training. Kathy is the founder of the Priestess of Avalon training, the author of several ground-breaking books on the Goddess, the sacred landscape and healing, and has an international reputation as an authority on the Goddess. She is a cofounder of the Isle of Avalon Foundation, as well as Glastonbury’s Goddess Temple and the annual International Goddess Conference. Kathy currently teaches the Third Spiral of the Priestess of Avalon training and other Goddess courses.
On this course you will learn:
• To deepen your dedication vow and understanding of what it means to be a true priest/ess.
At the end of the first year of training students take part in a special Self-Initiation Ceremony in which they dedicate themselves to the Goddess as Sisters and Brothers of Avalon. For this ceremony they write and speak their own Vow of Dedication. This Vow marks an important step that requires daily commitment and focus. On the first weekend of the second year of training students further examine what this dedication truly means as a focus for daily spiritual practice and as it affects the choices they make in their daily lives, in work, relationships, location, etc. Students explore what it will mean to become a Priest or Priestess of the Goddess, the goal for the end of the second year of training. The path of the Priest/ess is primarily a path of devotion to the Goddess as She expresses Herself through the cycle of the seasons of Her nature within the natural landscape, in legend and in present day revelations. On this training our devotion is particularly focussed on the Lady of Avalon, the Goddess of the Isle of Avalon and we need to know what that means.
• How to perform Goddess inspired ceremonies with practice
On two weekends students learn the basic principles of creating and performing Goddess-centred ceremonies and together look at the many rituals and rites of passage they may be called upon to perform as Priest/esses. In ceremony Priest/esses consciously create conditions in which they and others can experience the energies of the Lady, moving within and between us all. Students explore the nature of the archetypal Priest/ess self and how to call her/him into their bodies. They learn how to evoke the Goddess and how to create energy containers in which the Goddess may be experienced by all those present. They learn about finding and holding inner stillness, how to hear and respond to intuition and the ability to be sensitive to movement within Her energy field. Students receive instruction on performing ceremony and then devise and practice their own Goddess-centred ceremonies with feedback and discussion.
• How to journey between the worlds for healing, guidance and soul retrieval
The Isle of Avalon is the Otherworldly Paradise that lies beyond the Veil of Avalon. This veil is both a misty or fiery Veil that hides the sacred land of Avalon from the ordinary world. And it is an etheric Veil, a Veil in consciousness that separates the visible from the invisible spiritual worlds. Students learn how to journey psychically and spiritually between the worlds into these unseen realms, for personal healing, guidance, and soul retrieval for themselves and others. Students are taught how to make safe passage through secret pathways to the Isle of Avalon using sound, visualisation and veils, and how to return safely. They take part in guided journeys between the worlds to Avalon.
• Explore the relationship between women and men and the Goddess
Having the Goddess in the centre of our lives changes the way that we relate to each other as women and men, and to the wider society in which we live. We shall spend a weekend exploring the many gender issues that arise on the Priestess path. These include the role of women as the human manifestation of the Goddess in the world, the role of men as Her Guardians and Protectors, where God fits in, etc., as well as the challenge of living in patriarchal societies that encourage power over competition within and between the sexes and how we can all be empowered from within to be who we truly are. Students have the opportunity to explore some of their own prejudices and truths about gender and the Goddess.
• To read the signs in nature and scry for visions
The Goddess’s nature is everywhere and part of the Priest/ess path includes learning to read the signs that are visible all around us within Her nature, if we have the eyes to see and the ears to listen. Students learn to develop their inner sight and inner hearing. They learn to listen to their intuition and respond to its messages. They learn how to scry for a vision (read the signs), using the elements of Her nature – air, fire, water and earth, and how to hear Her voice within Her nature. Students learn to look into the present moment to unravel the difficulties of the past and to reveal the possibilities of the future, through visions which can inspire themselves and their communities.
• To embody the Goddess in ceremony and daily life
The Goddess is both immanent and transcendent. She is within each one of us as our individual and collective Soul, and She is without, as the vast Source of All that is. Hers is the love that connects everything within Her universe. Students explore the nature of their own souls, learning how to manifest their soul’s energy in the world, as a source of love, creativity, generosity and compassion. Embodiment of the Goddess is an art which was once common in the ancient Goddess religions, and is being reclaimed within this Avalonian tradition. Students continue to hone the skill of invoking their archetypal priest/ess self into their bodies, and then learn how to call the Goddess into their own bodies and beings. They learn how to speak truly for Her, offering words of comfort, inspiration and love to those who wish to meet the Lady in a physical form.
• The pathways through Her labyrinth in life and on Glastonbury Tor
On the final weekend of the second year training students learn the secrets of the seven circuit Labyrinth as an ancient Goddess symbol, as a ceremonial pathway, and as a transformational journey. Together they find their way through the huge three-dimensional Goddess Labyrinth that encircles the slopes of Glastonbury Tor and learn how to guide others through its hidden pathways. During their time within the centre of the Tor Labyrinth students take part in their special ceremony of Self-Initiation as Priestesses and Priests of the Goddess.
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Third Spiral
The Practice of the Presence of the Lady of Avalon
To call oneself a Priestess of Avalon is a bold claim and requires a certainty of purpose and commitment that is only gained through having daily knowledge of and communion with the Lady of Avalon. This Practice of the Presence of the Lady of Avalon is a nine month daily practice which intensifies every three months, culminating in a special ceremony of Self-Initiation as a Priestess or Priest of Avalon. The Practice is based in a knowledge of the forms and energies of the Glastonbury Avalon landscape. Its purpose is to give you a deeper, more profound experience of the Presence of the Lady of Avalon in your daily spiritual life. Each individual practice session lasts between 25-45 minutes. This is an intense personal practice which takes time and requires daily commitment for She will bring change into your life.
This course is open to all aspiring Priestesses of the Goddess and those with relevant experience who wish to connect more deeply to the Lady of Avalon.
Introduction to the Practice of the Presence
20th/21st October 2007
A weekend of ritual, visualisation, meditation, practice and empowerment, walking in the landscape of Avalon, learning the basic Practice for you to perform daily at home. Please bring with you a journal, small personal altar, candle in a holder, incense sticks and holder, veil and resonant bell.
Intensification
26th/27th January 2008
Time to discuss experiences of the first three months. The Practice intensifies to two sessions a day - one in the morning and one in the evening. With ritual, visualisation, meditation and practice.
Immersion in Her Presence
19th/20th April 2008
Practice intensifies further to three times a day - longer morning session, short midday session and longer evening session - immersion in the Presence of the Lady of Avalon.
Initiation Ceremony
12th/13th July 2008
Final weekend with Evening Ceremony of Self-initiation as a Priestess of Avalon for those who are completing the three year Priestess of Avalon training.
Workshop Times: Saturday and Sunday
10.00am-5.00pm
Venue: Miracles Room, Glastonbury
Experience & sacred landscape
Fees: Full fee inclusive for all four weekends
- £400
Instalment plan available add £420 - £420
Please book with deposit of £100 by Oct 1st 2007
Fees Payable to: Isle of Avalon Foundation, 2-4 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DU
Further info: Tel. 01458 833933
Contact Kathy
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here for booking form
The Mystery of the Nine Morgens
Four day non-residential Retreat
Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th October 2007
Click here to book this retreat online
Click here for offline retreat application form
Nine Morgens dwell on the sacred Isle of Avalon, nine holy Sisters famous for their magic and their healing skills, for their learning and knowledge of the seven liberal arts, for their music and sensuality, for prophecy and the ability to shapeshift. In legend they are nine women who encompass all the qualities of the Goddess, dark and light, sweet and sour, creative and destructive ranging in age from Maiden to Lover to Mother to Crone. Their names are given by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century Vita Merlinii as Moronoe, Mazoe, Glitonea, Gliten, Cliton, Thitis, Thetis, Tyronoe and Morgen la Fey. They teach us how to work together in ceremony and to love and support each other in circle.
In these four days we will explore together the mystery of the Nine Morgens, engaging with each of the Nine Sisters as they express themselves through the cycle of the seasons. We will call each one into our circle, asking them to reveal themselves to us so that we can receive their wisdom and give them the honour due to them. We will also spend time out on the land getting to know the Morgens in nature. We will spend an evening on Glastonbury Tor questing for a vision from them. We will create together a special Morgen ceremony, inspiring and empowering ourselves with their energy and wisdom.
Venue: Miracles Room, Glastonbury Experience.The
four day training is non-residential.
Times: The retreat begins at 10.30am on Thursday
25th October. Days run flexibly Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 10.30am-5.00pm,
ending Sunday 4.00pm, with some evening work.
Fees: Full fee for four days in 2007 - £280
Online (PayPal) payment - £290
Instalment plan available add £10 - £290
To ensure your place please book with a deposit of £70 by October 1st 2007 (not available if booking online)
Fees payable to:
Kathy Jones, 61 Tor View Avenue, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8AG
Further info: Tel: 01458 831518 Contact Kathy
Click here to book this retreat online
Click here for offline retreat application form
Goddess Retreat at Chalice Well
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Brighde’s Blessing Retreat
Thursday 31st January-Sunday 3rd February 2008
Four day non-residential retreat
Honour Brighde in Her many aspects at Her special festival of Imbolc. Brighde is the ancient Goddess of Brigit’s Isles, where she is Bridie, Bride, Brid, Brigit and Bridget, Lady of Fire, of the Sun and Moon, of the Springs and Wells, the Divine Midwife, Bride of the Isles, Bride of the Fair Palms, Mary of the Gael, Her green cloak covers all the land that belongs to Her. She gives Her name to the land of Brigantia and to our tutelary (guardian) Goddess Britannia (Brigit-Ana). Once Bride was well known in these lands as Maiden, Lover, Mother and Crone, ruling all the directions, now She is most commonly honoured at Imbolc in Her Maiden form.
On this Bridie’s Blessing Retreat we will be honouring all Her aspects, especially those connected to Her four fires, the fire of inspiration and poetry, the fire of love, the fire of healing and the alchemical transforming fire of smithcraft. We will walk Her sacred swan landscape here in Glastonbury, join in local Bridie ceremonies, make pilgrimage to Bride’s Mound, and visit the holy wells where She is honoured here today. We will journey to meet Her and bathe ourselves in Her healing energies, letting go of the darkness of winter and opening ourselves to Her renewing fires. We will open our hearts to allow the seeds lying dormant within to be touched by Her quickening rod. We will make Bridie Dolls and Bridie Eyes. Bring ribbons, beads and materials to decorate yours. We will also make a healing girdle to wear when we offer healing in Her name.
There will be a special ceremony for those who wish to dedicate themselves as a Priestess of Brigdhe. Please bring white ceremonial clothing, veils and headdresses.
Fees: Full fee for four days in 2008 - £280
Online (PayPal) payment - £290
Instalment plan available add £10 - £290
To ensure your place please book with a deposit of £70 by January 1st 2008 (not available if booking online)
Fees payable to:
Kathy Jones, 61 Tor View Avenue, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8AG
Further info: Tel: 01458 831518 Contact Kathy
Click here to book this retreat online
Click here for offline retreat application form
