Co-Creative Gardening Study Group
2010 Syllabus
Jennifer Vyhnak and Shari Bell, Organizers
If students have any questions, comments, etc., please feel free to call Jennifer at 453-6411 (best way to contact me) or e-mail vyhnak@sover.net or Shari at 425-6281 or e-mail shari_bell@yahoo.com.
Introduction:
Welcome! Heres our syllabus. Many exciting topics and adventures await us. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind regarding the class.
Because of the wide breadth of material covered, we want you to consider the idea that we are Surfing the sea of possibilities. What we mean by this is, first, read to become familiar with the concepts. For some of you, this could be like learning a new language and customs from an unfamiliar culture. So just allow yourself to be exposed to what is presented without energizing the old paradigm of having to master whatever material is in front of you. For most of us, that is likely an impossible task. Pace yourself with the readings and always read with a notebook near by to record questions and observations for discussion. This is a new, exciting paradigm of learning which supports the unique path of each student.
Second, be on the look out for what we term a-ha moments. These are moments in which you begin to notice that what you are reading is really having an exciting body reaction from you. Ask yourself if you want to try this energizing idea in your own garden. Note these insightful moments in your class journals to perhaps share at the next discussion. Also, if you get an intuition to supplement your reading, please follow it.
In addition, give yourself permission to let go of whatever reading material doesnt seem to have much meaning for you. This could be considered the bland moment, or, Not for me, thank-you moment. Then just read the material to become familiar with other possibilities and let it go.
Textbooks:
We have two required texts: The Perelandra Garden Workbook, Second Edition: A complete Guide to Gardening with Nature Intelligences by Machaelle Small Wright. The advanced text is the Perelandra Garden Workbook II: Co-Creative Energy Processes for Gardening, Agriculture and Life also by Wright. This will be referred to as (II) in the syllabus. Both of these texts can be purchased locally at Spirit Dancer in Burlington or on-line directly from the Perelandra website.
What to Bring:
Please bring texts to each class. Please also bring a small snack to share at break time for Saturday morning classes. On Tuesday evening classes, bring your own brown bag dinner. Some of the evening meetings may be potluck. This will be determined by the group and notice will given to all participants. You may also want to bring a bottle of water and/or a mug for tea.
Class Format:
Each class meeting will include the following elements:
1) Sharing circle or check-in to reflect on how the reading material is influencing, or interacting with, ones own gardening and other processes, (i.e. learning, spiritual, world view, etc.)
2) Sharing and discussion of A-ha moments from the readings of the textbooks and any supplemental readings from the lending library: What did you really resonate with? How might you apply the ideas to your own gardening or life?
3) Questions and Answers over homework or related material
4) A 15-20 minute break for snacks and stretching/walking/visiting at about half way through the class.
5) Access to a class lending library for ground breaking supplemental readings which emphasize working with a conscious connection to the intelligence of nature. These books include but are not limited to:
The Findhorn Garden Book, by Findhorn Community;
Behaving as if the God in All Life Mattered, by Machaelle Small Wright;
Summer with the Leprechauns, by Tanis Helliwell;
The Magic of Findhorn, by Paul Hawkins;
Call of the Trees, by Dorothy MacLean.
To Hear the Angels Sing, by Dorothy MacLean
Do-It-Yourself Space Clearing Kit: Working with Nature to Transform the Energies of Your Home, by Christan Hummel
Voices of Our Ancestors, by Dhyani Ywahoo
The Secret Life of Plants, by Peter Tompkins
Some class meetings will also include:
1) Opportunities to balance ones own energies with flower essences in class, including locally created ones.
2) Special Demonstrations when scheduled such as dowsing/kinesiology practice, energy processes, and nature experientials.
3) Special field trips to students homes or other inspiring places relating to class themes.
Meeting Location:
No classes are scheduled at this time. Please contact us if you desire a class in your area. Creative options available.
Meeting Schedule:
Classes run from February through October. Meetings average two times per month, including Solstices and Equinoxes. During the summer months of June, July and August, we meet just one time per month. For those interested, there may be opportunities to present our experiences at expos, festivals and conferences.
Syllabus Detail:
Class 1 Getting Acquainted
Date:
Reading: None
Introductions/Sharing Circle
Review course information & syllabus
Discuss soil-less gardens, projects, partners
Activity: Communication Exercise
Notes:
Class 2 Introduction to Perelandra/Definitions & Possibilities
Date:
Reading: _____ Introduction 4
_____ Ch 1 Why Bother? 16
_____ Ch 19 Co-Creative Partnerships 6
_____ Ch 20 Overlighting Deva of the Earth 7
_____ Optional: Foreward(II) 12
Activity: Definition mnemonics
Notes:
Class 3 Cracking the Communication Code/Kinesiology
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 2 Cracking the Communication Code 28
Activity: Kinesiology practice
Notes:
Class 4 Nature Sanctuary, Breaking Ground, & Celebrating Solstice
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 3 Establishing Your Partnership 8
_____ Ch 4 Breaking Ground 14
_____ Ch 15 The Solstice and Equinox Cycle 8
Activity: Equinox ceremony/sharing
Share ideas for projects
Notes:
Class 5 Setting Up
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 5 Setting up to Receive Devic Info 12
_____ Ch 7 Seed 15
_____ Ch 8 Transplants vs. Direct Seed Planting 4
Activity: Experienced members share their set-ups; seed exchange;
Dowsing check-in/practice for garden layout
Notes:
Class 6 Garden Layout/Devic Blueprint
Date:
Reading: _____Ch 6 What Goes Where 28
Activity: Share garden layouts and related experiences
Notes:
Class 7 Soil and Planting Rhythms
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 9 Soil 24
_____ Ch 10 Planting and Fertilizing Rhythms 10
Activity: TBD any ideas?
Notes:
Class 8 Maintenance and Intro to Energy Processes
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 11 Planting Process and Maintaining the Energy 4
_____ Ch 12 Succession Planting 4
_____ Ch 13 Maintenance 6
_____ Introduction(II) pp.14-18 5
_____ Ch 18 Energy Processes for Garden (pp.235-246) 12
Activity: Intro to balancers (soil kit) and stabilizers (essences);
Practice opening a coning
Notes:
Class 9 Energy Processes
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 18 Energy Processes for Garden (pp.246-282) 37
_____ Optional: Ch 3(II) Atmospheric Balancing Process 5
_____ Optional: Ch 4(II) Geopathic Zones 8
Activity: Practice energy processes
Notes:
Class 10 Optional: Solstice Celebration/Ceremony
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 15 The Solstice and Equinox Cycle 8
Activity: Ceremony and sharing
Notes:
Class 11 Furred, Feathered and Winged Garden Companions
Date:
Reading: _____Ch 14 Furred, Feathered & Winged Garden Companions 15
_____ Ch 7(II) Insect Balancing Process 10
_____ Ch 8(II) Insect Triangulation 14
Activity: TBD
Notes:
Class 12 Field Trip (Location TBD)
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 9(II) Calibration 12
Notes:
Class 13 Harvesting/Making and Using Essences
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 16 Harvesting 42
Activity: Guest speaker on making essences
Class 14 Autumnal Equinox
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 15 The Solstice and Equinox Cycle 8
Activity: Project presentations!
Notes:
Class 15 Putting the Garden to Bed
Date:
Reading: _____ Ch 17 Putting the Garden to Bed 4
_____ Ch 12(II) Final Thoughts 18
Activity: Presentation of certificates; course evaluation
Notes: