Description
Persephone’s Path
“Humans are mythic by nature. Mythic imagination is one of the deepest powers of the human soul.” -Michael Meade
We will gather in person on winter solstice (from 1:30-3:30PM meeting at Unity of Birmingham) to dive into the themes and energies of the solstice, talking about the importance of consciously entering dark space, and crafting an elixir of protective, cleansing herbs to work with in dreams and meditation. Each participant may choose to customize their blend by adding plants specific for working with archetypal energies of their choosing. We will look at myths that can guide us deeper into our psyches through our time in the dark. While in modern times we may think of myths as something that is not true, the original meaning of myth refers to emergent truth. They are not about facts of the matter, they are about what matters most and what keeps happening. “Myths depict universal patterns and symbolic code that continue to speak to the deepest levels of the human soul and that can also inspire the highest levels of human imagination.” – Michael Meade
We will complete our solstice gathering with a guided meditation to meet those dark places.
Our next in person gathering will take place on sundown on Imbolc, 2/1 from 5-7pm at Unity of Birmingham. We will discuss the importance of this threshold date and continue working on the integration of the themes that arise in the dark utilizing myth, natural cycles, plant allies, and energy medicine. Each participant will receive an Amanita elixir, a plant spirit I have found indispensable as a guide in shadow work integration. We will journey inward into a meditation to examine all aspects of the self and draw them into the light of oneness.
Finally, we will meet in Fort Payne, Al, on spring equinox, 3/21. We will gather and take a journey into the heart of a beautiful, sacred cave- mirroring Persephone’s journey in this richly symbolic act. In the cave we will partake in storytelling, energy work, and sound healing to integrate our winter’s journey before emerging anew on the surface of the earth- bathed in sunlight and surrounded by blossoming spring ephemerals.
The complete path is available for $234- $333 honor based sliding scale with the additional donation going towards Manitou Cave of Alabama’s nonprofit. A la carte Solstice and Imbolc are available for $60 per person. For the Equinox’s cave journey we ask $144-222 per person honor based sliding scale, with the additional donation going towards Manitou Cave of Alabama’s nonprofit.
About your guides-
Joanna Mann has been on a healing journey for over 2 decades with training in massage therapy, yoga, cranio-sacral therapy, reiki, pranic healing, intuitive energy work, and herbal medicine. She has a passion for working with plant allies on an archetypal level in order to bring deep healing- mind, body, and spirit. Along with her husband, Trevor Mann she owns and operates Walden Farmacy where they grow plant medicines on their permaculture style herb farm in a way that brings deep health to both the land and the people. Born on Imbolc, liminal spaces are where she feels most at home- whether that is the dream space, seasonal shifts, birthing spaces, and life transitions.
