Workshops

Workshops, Conferences, Gatherings, and Circles
January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	Ongoing
To View Past Workshops click here

2012 Workshops

**If you would like to pay for your workshop with a credit card please contact us.

2012 Workshops

January 2012

Medicine for the Earth/Lightness of Being
January 28th: Session Five (closed)

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Introduction to SHAMANISM for TEENS:
Exploring the Shamanic Path

January 29th, 1:30 - 3pm

Ages 10-15

Ages 10-15 cost: $20 due by Thursday January 26th; add $5 if later

Location: Grand Ledge, MI directions upon registration.

Class will introduce participants to Shamanism, an easily accessed ancient spiritual practice that addresses our connectedness to ALL Life’. Participants will experience the shamanic journey to meet their personal power animal. This spiritual practice fosters self-confidence, personal power, increases creativity, improves decision-making, and helps us to live a positive life. This is a wonderful spiritual practice, easy to learn, and one which can be practiced for a lifetime with incredibly positive benefits to all.

The shaman is the one person in the tribe who must be able to walk their walk with truth and power. Adolescence is that time of life when on leaves childhood, and must start walking as an ‘adult’. This is a trying time, with lots of changes and adjustments. For the Shaman, nd for each of us, it is important to learn to handle the challenges and issues that come up in our lives. Shamans are those who walked without fear, and who stay balanced, healthy, and live true to themselves.

Participants will also have the opportunity to hare with each other their experiences, and to drum, dance, and sing, to connect and experience the gifts of their power animal/totem, through the use of rattles, frame drums (available for use) and a 24inch ‘pow wow’ style drum (provided).

-International Youth Peacemaker Conference: Consciousness of Peace; Cleveland, Ohio; 1994
-International Conference on War and Peace, in St Petersburg,Russia, in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Youth "Roots and Shoots" organization. 1994
- First International Conference on Children's Spirituality 1990
- We Want the Music Festival, Michigan - Children's spirituality workshop
and more.
- Sparrow Regional Healthcare- Bring Your Child to Work day. (worked with 60 11-14 yr. olds

Questions? Email Kate at Spiritweavers@gmail.com Phone: 517 667-0694 cell

SHAMANISM for Children Ages 6- 9

January 29th, 11:00am - 12:00 noon
Cost $15 for one child /one parent
location: Grand Ledge, MI directions upon registration.

We will draw, sing songs, and dance to become more familiar with our animal friends, and the wonderful plants on the earth, using rattles and drums. We will discover which animals may be our special helpers, using the drum to ‘journey’ in the ancient method of Shamanism.

People of every age may have profound beliefs and meaningful spiritual experiences- throughout our lives. Young folks may be more ‘in tune’ from a very early age! In this workshop, participants will ‘journey’ to discover their ‘Power Animal” or Totem. In traditional cultures spiritual beliefs, power animals are animal spirits which reside within each individual and keep us safe, and are like our ‘guardian angels’. They lend us their strength, and share their abilities and wisdom.

EAGLE may see clearly and know what is happening at any time;
FOX may be good at blending in, and avoiding trouble;
BEAR may offer their strength and protection;
SPIDER may share her ability to weave and create beautiful art.
WOLF may show us the path, where to walk, how to live!
DOLPHIN may show us how to be comfortable with others!

Participants will also have the opportunity to share with each other their experiences, and to drum, dance, and sing, to connect and experience the gifts of their power animal/totem, through the use of rattles, frame drums and a 24inch ‘pow wow’ style drum (provided).

about Kate:
KATE A. DURDA is a developmental psychologist, spiritual healer, teacher, researcher and consultant. She has had extensive training in various spiritual healing traditions in the past 20 years. She has offered spiritual healing and advising, as well as spiritual training programs for the past 11 years. She has taught in the U.S, Canada, and internationally, as well as locally at Sparrow’s Center for Health, Humanities, and Well-Being.
She has been a presenter at numerous academic as well as spiritual conferences inside and outside of the U.S. While her primary audience is adult, as a developmental psychologist, she is well suited to work with all age populations, and has worked with youth specifically at the following:

-International Youth Peacemaker Conference: Consciousness of Peace; Cleveland, Ohio; 1994
-International Conference on War and Peace, in St Petersburg,Russia, in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Youth "Roots and Shoots" organization. 1994
- First International Conference on Children's Spirituality 1990
- We Want the Music Festival, Michigan - Children's spirituality workshop
and more.
- Sparrow Regional Healthcare- Bring Your Child to Work day. (worked with 60 11-14 yr. olds

Questions? Email Kate at Spiritweavers@gmail.com Phone: 517 667-0694 cell

February, 2012

Mid-Winter SHAMANS' DANCE & Ceremonies
February 4-5, 2012 Saturday-Sunday
Join us for our 4th MidWinter Shamans' Ceremonies!
February 4-5, 2012, 10am Saturday - 3pm Sunday
$150 shared room $175 single room ($10 discount if payment received by 1/27/12)

                                        Residential Gathering!
                                                  at 'earth-friendly'
                         Pierce Cedar Creek Nature Center                                                                       http://www.piercecedarcreekinstitute.org
GREETINGS!
We would like to INVITE YOU to join us for the 4th annual Mid-Winter Shamans’ Retreat.

Last year was the first time we gathered at the lovely, eco-friendly Pierce Cedar Creek Institute.
Our Circle nestled in to cozy surroundings, and settled in for two days of deep shamanic work punctuated by community mingling over delicious meals and in the evening. Added delight is the architecture: main building has a huge screened fireplace in the middle of the lobby, and is of stone and wood, (& the dining hall is a gem with huge wall-to-ceiling glass windows looking over the meadows and hills).

We can only say that folks so enjoyed the retreat, loved the space, were moved by the ceremonies, and asked that we make it longer this year! (last year we ended at 11a.m.)
It is a rare opportunity to live with like-minded folk and get to know each other, as well as deepen your spiritual practices.

At mid-winter, BEAR rolls over. This is a traditional time to look inward, and dream into the future! With this gathering, we honor the Spirits by honoring both who we have been and stepping into who we are becoming. We will hold and BE the Vision of who we are becoming and stepping into lightness of being. We host this Gathering every year, holding space for shamanic practitioners from Michigan and beyond to come together in community – to Come HOME, and remember who we ARE and are BE-Coming!

We will come together to journey deeply, and dance passionately- with intense drumming, sharing, feasting, and socializing as the shamanic kin we are! If you desire to desire to experience the ecstasy of your Shamanic Community, please join us for this weekend retreat!

SATURDAY
10-12 noon Welcome & Introductions; Cedar Blessing; SHAMANS GATHER: Calling Spirits; Creating Community Altar, begin journey work
12 noon Lunch
Move into lodging, set up and browse Shamans’ Bazaar, Walk the Land & Meet the Spirits of the Land, on your own!
2 -5pm SHAMANS’ GATHER: Journey, teachings, build power & work with Spirits
5pm Dinner
6:30pm POWER DANCE
after Dance Laugh, play, socialize, feast, and chat back at the sleeping lodge (for those interested!)

SUNDAY
8:00 am Breakfast (coffee/tea available at 7am)
9:15 am Pipe Ceremony with Barb Cowles
Prep for, and conduct Healing Ceremony, Talking Circle
12 noon Lunch
1 pm Shamans’ Dreams( Journey work for healing of world and self), Discussion Shamans without Borders; Talking Circle - Community work
2:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony

About the Power Dance and Healing Drum.
The Power Dance, a shamanic initiation, is a rare and unique opportunity. We have offered this only a few times in the past 22 years, in private trainings, and to our knowledge has not been offered anytime else in Michigan during that time. This is a traditional ceremony/initiation where we step deeply into our power. We will work together and with the spirits intensively during the entire day to in preparation for the Power Dance.

To Register click here.

NOTE: We need everyone to register early if possible, in order to accurately reserve meals and lodging to fulfill contract obligations with the Center.

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Shamanism: path of empowerment & healing
with Kate Durda, M.A.

February 11th, 2012 Saturday 11am - 5pm in the Lansing, Grand Ledge area.
$50 if pre registered by Thursday February 9th /$60 after that.
**only $15 for refresher fee, for anyone who learned the Shamanic Journey with Spirit Weavers or others.

Class is a pre- requisite for all other advanced Shamanic training and workshops offered.

Shamanism is an ancient and powerful spiritual practice utilized throughout history and still today to restore spiritual and physical health and obtain self-knowledge. The Shamanic Journey has been called one of the “most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myth and dream”. Groundbreaking work in fields such as the 'new biology', quantum physics, and alternative medicine are validating what shamans and other wise spiritual healers knew and practiced thousands of years ago. We know that the mind/body/spirit connection is of vital importance not only in helping us to heal from illness, but beyond that, to truly 'thrive' and live in a state of 'wellness'.

This will be an experiential workshop, based upon the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (www.Shamanism.org) “Core Shamanism” approach (those aspects of Shamanism that were common cross-culturally, and central to all Shamanic practice). You will learn a practice to shift your your brain wave activity into more optimal states for healing. The benefits of one type of brain activity, the alpha brainwave, are the ability to relax and keep the mind on idle when not focused on specific task, heightened feelings of well-being and euphoria, increased creativity, and deep emotional healing. Yet it has been found that 20 % of the population does not engage in alpha brain waves. Also, another benefit of shamanic practice is that it allows us to engage in deep levels of self-healing, particularly on the subconscious level. You will learn methods for journeying to discover, and study with your own individual spiritual teachers in non-ordinary reality, a classic step in shamanic practice.

Bring a water bottle, snacks, journal, frame drum or rattle if you have them (I have extras if not!) Please wear comfortable clothing, warm socks, & bring a bandanna or eye cover. Bring rattles/frame drums if you have them. Since often people prefer to journey while lying on the floor, you may want to bring a mat to lie on and a blanket to cover up with. To register for this workshop, click here.

What did folks who took the last intro have to say about it?
"I had never taken a Shaman class before and had no idea what to expect. The first thing that struck me was how warm and welcoming Kate was as a teacher. During the class I felt completely comfortable allowing me to relax and really open up to the experience. Intro to Shamanism was a terrific combination of information and hands on experience. I would whole-heartedly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn more about Shamanism, journey, or even get in touch with their inner self. I am looking forward to taking additional classes with Kate and explore more of the world of Shamanism." Carol C.

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March, 2012

Shamanism: path of empowerment & healing
with Kate Durda, M.A.

March 3rd, 2012 Saturday 11am - 5pm in the Lansing, Grand Ledge area.
$60 if pre registered by Wednesday February 29th/$70 after that.
**only $15 for refresher fee, for anyone who learned the Shamanic Journey with SpiritWeavers or others.

What people said about the workshop:
"I had such a great time at your class. Not only was the instruction informative and compelling, it was done with such light-heartedness and fun. I have been practicing and am starting to feel more and more comfortable with trusting the experience. Thanks to you for trailblazing this important path through Michigan. I am definitely going to go to the March 24th class." Maegen G

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March 25th Sunday

Path of the Open Heart 1: Working with Power Animals
1st of 5 sessions in this series.
with Kate Durda, M.A.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Grand Ledge, MI (near Lansing)

May 6 - Upper World: Teachers/Guides... The Great Mystery

July 8 - Divination: methods of shamanic inquiry, including cross cultural.

The PATH of the OPEN HEART classes are the "next step" in our shamanic training. They can be taken by beginners, intermediate practitioners, and those who've been away from Shamanism for awhile.

This series is called the PATH of the OPEN HEART, after the program which I have taught for seven years as a Shamanic "Apprenticeship" training. In the past, the course incuded 5 Saturdays and you had to sign up for all five days. In the new 'format', you can earn the equivalent to the 'apprenticeship' by taking all the "five individual" classes over time! This is more flexible, allowing for you to take classes as you can, and still get credit for completion of the full apprenticeship when you've completed all the classes.

Each session will have a main focus, such as this one on working with your power animals. Please note, however, that EACH session will also include work with many other practices such as creating sacred space, altars, medicine bundles, ethics in spiritual practice, working with the plant spirits, the elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air) the seasons (solstice, equinox), plant spirits, spirits of the land, and much more!

Learn to work more closely with your POWER ANIMAL(s). Learn how to work with your power animal(s) for direct inspiration, guidance, protection and more. Explore and learn about the tradition of Power Songs. Practice the "Restoration of Lost Power/Power Animal Retrieval" healing method. Work with your P.A. for divination. Experience classic shapeshifting in the Power Animal Dance. Learn a cultural ritual for self healing.

Cost: $50 if registered/paid by March 17th; $60 no exceptions, after March 17,and at door (cash only at door). must be pre-registered, to confirm that there is space available.

To register for this workshop, click here

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March 31- April 1

3rd Advanced Shamanic Healing Methods Training
with Stephanie Tighe, MSW

First Session

March 31 and April 1, 2012 10:00a.m. - 6p.m. Saturday; & 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm Sunday
$900 if registered by March1, $950 after this date.

Additional Dates are: April 21 and 22, May 19,June 9, July 28 (Shamans Dance), Aug 25-26, Sept. 15-16 Note: participants are expected to attend all sessions.

This six month long (10 Full Days) advanced training begins on March 31-April 1, other dates to be announced! We will meet from from 10 am until 6 pm on Saturday, and from 10 am until 5 pm on Sunday for this first Session!

Most sessions will be Saturdays only. Three of the weekends will be both Saturday and Sunday, due to the nature of the material being taught.

This will be a small, intensive, and experiential group. You will learn and practice advanced shamanic healing methods over the course of 6 months, with the same small group of colleagues. Past participants in long term trainings have found such training in small groups to be powerful, safe, and allow deeper exploration of the material in a safe, supportive circle of peers. We will also be looking at the issue of personal power and becoming "Persons of Power".

Shamanic healing methods to be covered in this intensive include: Soul Retrieval; Plant Spirit Medicine; Extraction; Restoration of lost Power; Psychopomp (working with those who have died or are in the dying process) and more.

We will also cover other spirit directed techniques, ethics, establishing a healing practice, sensing energy, shifting energy, and how to help your clients to receive healings. We will cover the use of ritual tools (i.e. soul catchers) and the use of regalia/masks.

This training is a wonderful opportunity! You can avoid the cost/time of traveling to distant workshop sites. You have the opportunity to participate where you live, as well as develop relationships with folks in our communities!!

Please plan to attend all sessions - please be aware that the time of session may change from session to session. Please note the time of the sessions in your appointment books.

Pre-requisite: Application is required for this training! The ability to journey as taught by the Foundation for Shamanic Studies or Spirit Weavers. Also needed is a good relationship with your power animal(s) and teachers and e-mail access with a commitment to checking it at least one time per week. You must be willing to receive and give healings during the course of the program. You will be expected to find persons in your life outside of the program upon whom you can practice your healing techniques as you learn them.

Cost: $900 (if you want to make payments please contact Stephanie)

For an Application, or if you would like more information about this program please contact Stephanie at StephanieTighe@gmail.com or call at 517 667-8448.

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April 2012

April 21-April 22nd

3rd Advanced Shamanic Healing Methods Training
with Stephanie Tighe, MSW

Second Session (Closed to newcomers)

10:00a.m. - 6p.m. Saturday; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm Sunday

NEW!!! April 28-29

WEATHER SHAMANISM

with Nan Moss/David Corbin from Maine

Saturday 10:00 - 5:30 and Sunday 10:00 to 4:30
Bengel Wildlife Center in Bath, Mi. (for more information on Bengel click here)

Authors of

Weather Shamanism: Harmonizing Our Connection with the Elements

This introduction to Weather Shamanism - a form of spiritual ecology - is a call to those who care about where our world may be heading, and who sincerely wish to safeguard the health of our planet.

At the heart of Weather Shamanism is Weather Dancing - the essence of the spiritual relationship, its practice and ethics.

Weather shamanism is not about controlling the weather. It is about Power, but not "power-over." Shamans are healers, and our goal in this workshop is to heal our relationship with weather. Through journeying and ceremony, we work with the Spirits of Weather directly to find out what they can teach us, what they want from us, and how we can work together on behalf of a viable world for all.

Many of us feel a strong sense of love and kinship with the weather. By nurturing this relationship, and our own personal growth, we can be a healing presence in these uncertain and potent times.

Shamanic journey experience required.

Nan P. Moss, C.S.C., and David Corbin, M.S., C.S.C., are faculty members of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (a worldwide organization founded by Michael Harner, Ph.D.) and are certified by the Foundation as shamanic counselors. They teach beginning and advanced courses for the Foundation at locations throughout the Northeast, including Boston and New York City. They also teach the Foundation's most advanced courses, the Two-Week and Three-Year Programs in Advanced Shamanism and Shamanic Healing on the East Coast.

Their interest in the spiritual aspects of weather is a longstanding one, and they have been teaching and doing research on this topic for more than 10 years. They have presented their introductory workshop, WeatherDancing: Shamanism and the Spirits of Weather, since 1999 in the U.S. and Canada. They have published CloudDancing: Wisdom from the Sky, a set of shamanic divination cards and guidebook using cloud images, as well as two articles on the spirits of weather in Shamanism, the journal of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. Their new book, Weather Shamanism, is available through Amazon or your local bookstore.

In addition to their training in core shamanism with Michael Harner and the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, Nan and David have also studied with indigenous healers from various cultures, including Siberian, Tuvan, Saami, Chinese, and Native American. They are founding members of the Society for Shamanic Practitioners.

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May 2012

3rd Advanced Shamanic Healing Methods Training
with Stephanie Tighe, MSW

May 19th Third Session (Closed to newcomers) 10:00a.m. - 6p.m. Saturday

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June 2012

3rd Advanced Shamanic Healing Methods Training
with Stephanie Tighe, MSW

June 9th Fourth Session (Closed to newcomers) 10:00a.m. - 6p.m. Saturday

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July 2012

3rd Advanced Shamanic Healing Methods Training
with Stephanie Tighe, MSW

July21st Fifth Session (Closed to newcomers) 10:00a.m. - 6p.m. Saturday

5th Annual Shamans' Walk & Healing Circle
Saturday July 29 from 10:30am - 4:30pm
*Open to experienced Shamanic practitioners -no newcomers for this event. Contact us with questions.

Shamans’ Walk Healing Circle Give Away Shamans' Bazaar

Community Networking Feasting & Socializing!

Our inspiration for this year's Walk will be announced in 2012 !
we are dreaming into it!

Location: Michigan Nature Conservancy, Bath, MI http://www.miwildlife.org

Background: We first experienced the Shaman’s Walk years ago with Canadian friends in Windsor, Canada & Brenda Atkinson, who hosted this event. We attended several Shaman's Walks over the 'border' and always found them to be a powerful personal and community event!

Now, we are celebrating our 5th annual walk in mid-Michigan for the shamanic community near and far! With this "Walk", we step up to our responsibilities as people of Spirit, who recognize our Oneness, and who embrace the idea

Come join us to re-commit ourselves to being all we can be, to 'DREAM the Good Dream', honor and protect Mother Earth and ALL Life, and to celebrate our connection to each other and all things with intense drumming, dancing, journeying, sharing and networking.

You are welcome to come with an open heart and a desire to experience the ecstasy of a large Shamanic Community.

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August, 2012

3rd Advanced Shamanic Healing Methods Training
with Stephanie Tighe, MSW

August 25th Sixth Session (Closed to newcomers) 10:00a.m. - 6p.m. Saturday

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September, 2012

3rd Advanced Shamanic Healing Methods Training
with Stephanie Tighe, MSW

September 15-16 Last (seventh) Session (Closed to newcomers) 10:00a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday 10 am - 4:30 pm

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October, 2012

2nd CELTIC GATHERING with Dr. Tom Cowan
open to graduates of Celtic Shamanism Two Year program
Oct 4-7th, 2012
at PIERCE CEDAR CREEK INSTITUTE near Hastings, Michigan www.cedarcreekinstitute.org
We will publish description of this Gathering later in 2012!
Contact us please for more details if you are interested!

SHAMANS without BORDERS Society for Shamanic Practitioners
Stephanie Tighe and Kate Durda OCTOBER 20-21, 2012
residential gathering at at PIERCE CEDAR CREEK INSTITUTE near Hastings, Michigan www.cedarcreekinstitute.org
open to all who know how to "journey".
~ More details to be announced... ~

Feast for the Dead

Solstice Gathering

Ongoing

Circles for Shamanic Journeying in Lansing. Prerequisite for attending is the completion of an introductory workshop in core shamanic journeying. In the Shamanic Journeying Circle, we build upon the journey skills we have and deepen our connections to our power animals and teachers.
No charge, $2 donation suggested to cover costs Contact us for more information.

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To contact Spirit Weavers, Kate, or Stephanie send an e-mail to
SpiritWeavers@gmail.com