Please note: Until Akamai has a sensible policy in place concerning the use of copyrighted materials in course readers – and an IRB committee in place, this course will be delayed. You can still speak with Elliot about enrolling when those two things are in place.
Spiral Path: Sibley Volcanic Preserve – L. Kinyon – all rights reserved – 2012
Announcing! 2-credit course on Ritual Construction at Akamai (a progressive program in Psychology) – CE credits are available. Contact: “Elliot Benjamin” <ben496@_at_prexar(dot)com> for registration details. Ask me about contents. This class is “at-a-distance”, designed for students, but is also useful for the practitioner hoping to hone her/is skills in ritual creation. (Ecumenical approach, but very Pagan-friendly in its design.)
Course description: Beginning Ritual Construction (overview) This is an introductory course. (suggested: 6-8 weeks) Fully ecumenical in approach.
What makes for a meaning, beautiful ritual? Creating ritual in a spiritual community is an art form and a life-long learning process. Different kinds of ritual and ritual events, from a meal blessing or a full moon observance to a large, public event celebrating the equinoxes or solstices to rite of passage have been created with more (and, less) success. This course proposes to provide an introductory overview for the ritualist-in-training and the practitioner who wishes explore ritual creation in a deeper way.
Theory: Readings in reflection, wisdom, intent, and mindfulness. Practicum: readings and exercises in group dynamics & Human Activity Systems, organizing large & small events. There will be 3 short essays on selected topics a required final project.
We will explore the elements of a successful ritual:
- Differences & similarities between a ceremony, a liturgy, ritual performance, and a ritual
- The use of music, poetry, visual art, and dance.
- Adapting for specific occasions and differing spiritual traditions with some emphasis on weddings/handfasting and other rites-of-passage.
- Festival rituals for the “casts of thousands”
There will also be an on-line discussion forum for all students enrolled in the course for mutual sharing of knowledge & support. For SF Bay area students (and those willing to travel) we will meet bi-monthly for hands-on discussion. Those in training in specific Pagan traditions will be required to actively participate in 2 of the 8 major Sabbats, at least one Esbat and present feedback from their respective clergy. Other students in specific spiritual paths will have an equivalent requirement.
Roses & Wildflowers 