Archetypal Perversions
Re-Storying the Signs of the Zodiac with Julie Simmons & Molly Swan Bringing together the wisdoms of astrology and the practice of meditation.
The journey of life has many expressions – every culture uses some kind of myth, imagery, ritual, and practice to help understand and navigate the journey from birth through death.
In this workshop, which will be offered via Zoom, Julie will share her wisdom and inquiry about the symbols of the zodiac, inviting us to see them as a prototype, a template, for the journey of life; a way of interpreting and inspiring the Journey with myth and stories. Molly will lead us in ways to be receptive to, embody, and integrate our understanding, using the teachings of the Buddha and meditation as a support and guide for being present with compassion and non-reactivity.
During the two days of this workshop, we will use the Twelve Great Myths (signs) of astrology to explore the transformative power of crafting a different narrative for these zodiac symbols. What can we learn by unpacking long-held perceptions of what lives in the shadows and what in the light? How can we know if something is a weakness or a strength? Can a new narrative emerge which allows us to bring into being a self/a world/a perspective that truly resonates with the values we cherish?
We will meet on two successive Sundays in October which will allow us to settle and practice with the content of the workshop. We will be a small group of people (maximum 20) who have a prior connection with astrology or Insight Meditation and who are interested in how they may intersect. We encourage all participants to be fully present on both days and the use the week between to reflect and practice.
Molly Swan: Just as Julie has been immersed in astrology for over 4 decades, meditation has been a constant companion for me for about 40 years as well! The Buddhist tradition I practice in and teach from is Vipassana (or Insight Meditation). Julie and I have been overlapping for many years – each supporting the other with what is dear to our hearts – sharing from our own experience and from the tradition we each live and practice in. Given the uncertainty and vulnerability many of us have been experiencing, as well as some degree of isolation, we are grateful to offer Archetypal Perversions as a support, a ground, that will encourage ease, receptivity to how we perceive ourselves and others, and the joy of connection with each other, and perhaps even more importantly, with ourselves.
Julie Simmons: I have been an astrologer for over 4 decades. I had no idea when I set out on this path where I was going or how long it would last. Life is like that. At roughly the same time I discovered astrology I also stumbled upon meditation. They did not arise together as connected disciplines. In fact astrology seemed to be an entirely intellectual path while meditation for me at that time was connected to the body, to movement through yoga. In more recent decades I had the good fortune to meet Molly and benefit from her teachings. Bringing the two paths together in this way feels like a particular blessing to me at this time. I look forward to seeing what we conjure!
This workshop will be held on January 22 and 29, 2023 at 9:30am – 1pm & 3pm – 6pm both days. It is offered on a sliding scale: Recommended between $50 - $250 as well as a pay-what-you-can option, whatever that is, as support to Julie & Molly
Contact Julie (juliemooninvirgo@gmail.com) or Molly (molly.swan12@yahoo.com) if you would like to attend and can commit to both sessions in their entirety.
To hold your place, please send an e-transfer to juliemooninvirgo@gmail.com.
Thank you! Julie & Molly