With Jennifer Vyhnak and Shari Bell, Facilitators
And Advanced Student Assistants
Syllabus
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! Here’s our syllabus. Many exciting topics and adventures await us, which become evident as you look over the syllabus. Many valuable lessons were ‘harvested’ from last year and provided wonderful compost for class development this year. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind regarding the class.
Because of the wide breadth of material covered, I want you to consider the idea that we are ‘Surfing the sea of possibilities’. What I 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 doesn’t 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.
We have two required texts: The Perelandra Garden Workbook, Second Edition: A complete Guide to Gardening with Nature Intelligences; This text will be referred to in the syllabus as (SE) for ‘Second Edition’. The advanced text is the ‘Perelandra Garden Workbook II: Co-Creative Energy Processes for Gardening, Agriculture and Life’, and will be referred to as (II) in the syllabus. Both of these texts are written by Machaelle Small Wright.
Please bring texts to each class along with the following: A journal notebook to record class notes and your garden experiences away from class; The journal should also include a separate section on kinesiology or other spiritual dowsing methods, to keep a record of your development in this area, including challenges and inspirations you’ve received. Please also bring a small snack (I suggest nuts or fruit) to share at break time and a bottle of water for Saturday morning classes. Tuesday evening classes or Solstices/Equinoxes will be pot luck classes with locations to be arranged.
Study Group meets approximately two times a month, with the exception of Summer months, when we will be meeting one time each month. Each of the meetings will follow this basic format:
1) Sharing circle to reflect how the reading material is influencing one’s own gardening and other processes, (i.e. learning, spiritual, world view, etc.)
2) ‘A-ha’ moments to share from the readings for both required texts readings 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) Special Demonstrations when scheduled such as dowsing/kinesiology practice and nature experientials.
5) A 15-20 minute break for snacks and stretching/walking/visiting at about half way through the class for Saturday mornings and evening pot lucks. Please bring snacks to share when we meet on Saturdays.
6) Opportunities to balance one’s own energies with flower essences in class, including locally created ones.
7) 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
8) Special fieldtrips to student’s homes or other inspiring places relating to class themes. See schedule for suggested field trip dates.
Study Group Dates, special topics/activities and homework assignments:
Schedule:
On Saturday, February 9th, Tuesday, February 26th and Saturday, March 8th, we will be meeting at the Ten Stones Community Center in Charlotte, Vermont. On Saturday, April 5th and Saturday, May 3rd, we will be meeting at the Awakening Sanctuary in Monkton, Vermont. On other dates, we will meet at places to be announced in the near future.
Classes are from February through October, with an average of two times per month, including Solstices and Equinoxes. During the summer months we meet one time per month. Dates are somewhat flexible regarding unavoidable absences. Opportunities will be available to make up missed meetings by coordinating times with second and third year students.
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Schedule Summary:
Saturdays Tuesdays Other
Feb. 9 Feb 26
Mar. 8 March 20 (Thurs., Equinox, 5:30 to 8:30pm)
April 5 April 22
May 3 May 20
June 20 (Fri.,*field trip & Solstice, 5:30 to 8:30pm)
July 15
Aug. 16 * field trip
Sept. 6 * field trip Sept. 22 (Mon., Equinox, 5:30 to 8:30pm)
Oct. 21
(Optional) Dec. 21 (Sun., *field trip & Solstice, 6to9am
Schedule in Detail:
(Homework Pacing Tip: The space in front of homework chapters below can be used to’ plan backwards’ by noting the date a chapter reading is to be completed. Homework for 2/9: Create a ‘planning backwards’ example for Feb. 26 reading assignments).
Feb. 9, Sat. 9:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. at the Ten Stones Community Building in Charlotte:
Topics for first class: Class Introduction and the New Learning Paradigm - Learning on the Spiral - Cultivating Beginner Mind- The Living Library; Sharing our stories: What draws us to this class and what would we like to get out of it? Communication Exercise. Decide location of next meeting pot luck.
Feb. 26, Tues. 5:30 to 8:30p.m., pot-luck at Ten Stones Community Building;
Second and third year students: Homework due: Share thoughts on Chapter 10, book( II), including phases I, II, and III of co-creative gardening and weekly garden meetings, utilizing more advanced processes when ready. Dowse which ‘Nature Sessions’ to read. Everyone: Homework due: Share thoughts on Introduction and Chapters 1,2,19 and 20, book (SE); Discussion on Spiritual dowsing: What are other ways of our knowing? Demonstration of kinesiology and practice; Flower essence traveling kit;
_____(Advanced Students)Chapter 10 (II) Using the Energy Processes, When, the Garden Meeting;(26 pgs)
_____Introduction and Chapter 1 (SE) Topics include: Why bother? A matter of Spiritual Integrity, A matter of the heart. Two Sessions with Overlighting Deva of Perelandra and one with Pan. (Introduction to book, 4pgs, Chapter 1, 16 pgs)
_____Chapter 2 (SE) Cracking the Communication Code
Kinesiology, Questions and the Universe, Asking Questions, Connecting with one’s Higher Self, (28 pgs) (See Appendix ‘A’ in book ‘II’)
_____Chapter 19 (SE) Co-creative Partnerships: From Potted Plants to Farms (a
bigger picture) (6 pgs)
_____Chapter 20 (SE) Overlighting Deva of Planet Earth (the biggest picture) (7 pgs)
March 8, Sat., 9:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. at the Ten Stones Community Building; Homework due: Share thoughts on Forward, Preface, Introduction and Chapter 1, book (II) and Chapters 3, 4, and 5, book (SE); Nature experiential; Dowsing practice; Ideas for location of next class pot-luck and Spring Equinox Ceremonies.
_____Forward, Preface and Introduction, book (II) (18 pgs)
_____Chapter 1, book (II) Creating and Working in a Coning, (12 pgs)
_____Chapter 3 (SE) Establishing your Partnership: Etiquette, Pan, and how to open
a Nature Spirit Sanctuary, (8 pgs)
_____Chapter 4 (SE) Breaking Ground: Obstacles, Energy Shifts, Garden Size, Garden
Shape, (14 pgs)
_____Chapter 5 (SE) Setting up to receive the Devic Information; Machaelle’s method
of Charts & lists; the Garden Chart; the Planning Cork Board; Tags, Squares, etc., (12 pgs)
March 20, Thurs.,5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., pot-luck location TBA, Spring Equinox Ceremony for participant’s own garden; Exact moment of Equinox is 1:48a.m. Homework due: Share thoughts on Chapters 15, 7, and 8, book (SE); Dowsing/kinesiology practice;
_____Chapter 15 (SE) The Solstice and Equinox Cycles, (8 pgs)
_____Chapter 7 (SE) Seed, (15 pgs)
_____Chapter 8 (SE) Transplants vs. Direct Seed Planting; Pan, (4 pgs)
April 5, Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Awakening Sanctuary in Monkton. Homework due: Share thoughts on Chapter 6, book (SE); Dowsing/Kinesiology practice; Nature experiential; Decide location for next meeting’s pot luck.
_____Chapter 6 (SE) What goes where? Deva of the Garden Connection; Letting go
of Control; Identification and Selection Process, including Receiving divine organization for position of vegetables, flowers, herbs, minerals and crystals, color, energy devices and generators, and other topics, (28 pgs)
April 22, Tues., 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., pot-luck location TBA; Homework due: Share thoughts on Chapters 9, 10, 11, and 12, book (SE); Dowsing/Kinesiology practice; Nature experiential;
_____Chapter 9 (SE) Soil; Approaching the Soil in a New Garden; Building and
Improving Soil; How to work the Soil. (24 pgs)
_____Chapter 10 (SE) Planting and Fertilizing Rhythms; Spring Planting Rhythm, Fertilizing Rhythm, Moon Cycles. (10 pgs)
_____Chapter 11 (SE) Planting Process and Maintaining the Energy of the Young
Garden. (4 pgs)
_____Chapter 12 (SE) Succession Planting (4 pgs)
May 3, Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Awakening Sanctuary; Homework due: Share thoughts on Chapters 13 and 14, book (SE), and Chapters 7 and 8, book (II). Ideas for location of next meeting pot-luck.
_____Chapter 13 (SE) Maintenance; Pan (6 pgs)
_____Chapter 14 (SE) Furred, Feathered and Winged Garden Companions; (15 pgs)
_____Chapter 7 (II) Insect Balancing Process (10 pgs)
_____Chapter 8 (II) Insect Triangulation (14 pgs)
May 20, Tues., 5:30 to 8:30p.m., Pot-luck location TBA; Homework due: Share thoughts on Chapter 16, book (SE), and Chapter 9, book (II); Essence testing in class with flower essences; Nature Experiential. Also, come ready to share what has been most meaningful to you regarding this class experience. Feedback may be shared in a future article regarding a class up-date. Discuss Summer Solstice field trip general details. Sunray Peace Village?
_____Chapter 16 (SE) Harvesting
_____Chapter 9 (II) Calibration: Finally a step for the Gardener.
June 20, Fri., 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Pot-luck location TBA; Summer Solstice Ceremony for participant’s own garden. Exact moment is 7:59p.m. Homework due: Share thoughts on Chapter 15, (SE), and first part of Chapter 18, (SE), see specific pages below, with a class demonstration of processes covered in Chapter 18. Discuss ideas for next pot- luck study group.
_____Chapter 15 (SE) The Solstice and Equinox Cycles, (8 pgs)
_____Chapter 18 (SE) Energy Processes for the Garden and, Coincidentally, the
Planet; Creating and Working in a Coning; The Energy Cleansing
Process. Read up to p. 252, inclusive, and stop. The remaining processes will be read and practiced for next class.) (18 pgs)
_____Chapter 2 book (II) The Workbook Energy Processes: Just read through the Energy Cleansing Process and up to the Battle Energy Release Process. Stop on p.35, (5 pgs)
_____Chapter 5 (II) Plant Triangulation: Making the Triangle Identification Chart;
Plant Triangulation Process Steps.
July 15, Tues., 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., pot luck location TBA; Homework due: Share thoughts on the rest of Chapter 18, book (SE), and the rest of Chapter 2 book (II); Participate in a class demonstration of processes covered in this material. Discuss possibilities for potential field trip on August 16.
_____Chapter 18 (SE) continued; Start on p. 253, The Battle Energy Release Process
and read to end of chapter. Other topics included: Soil Balancing and
Stabilizing Process.
_____Chapter 2, book (II) The Workbook Energy Processes: from p. 35 to end,
(10 pgs)
August 16, (Saturday), potential field trip day, time and place TBA, Homework due: Come ready to share what three new ideas or experiences have been most meaningful to you regarding this class. Please have these written up outline or descriptive form, and turn in at end of class. Feedback may be shared in a future article to spread the word about this important work. Q&A for the Living Library and future learning possibilities – Working with Devas of the Earth, Devas of the human body, other exciting opportunities!! Discuss ideas for next field trip Sept. 6.
September 6, (Saturday), potential field trip day, time and place TBA; Homework due: Share thoughts on Chapters 3 and 4, book (II). Students participate in a demonstration of processes covered in this material; Ideas for location of Autumnal Equinox Ceremony for next class;
_____Chapter 3 (II) Atmospheric Balancing (5 pgs)
_____Chapter 4 (II) Geopathic Zones (8 pgs)
September 22, Mon.,5:30 to 8:30p.m., pot luck location TBA, Autumnal Equinox, exact moment is 11:44a.m. Student’s share about their ceremonies earlier in the day or paricipants co-create together an Autumnal Equinox Ceremony for their specific gardens. Homework due: Share your thoughts on Chapter 12, book (II); Decide location for October 21 study group, (last meeting).
_____Chapter 12 (II) Final Thoughts and the Overlighting Deva of Planet Earth
October 20, Sat., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., location TBA; Homework due: Share your thoughts on Chapter 17, (SE); Bring snacks to share; Presentation of Certificates; Study Group evaluations handed out to gather feedback for next Co-Creative Gardening Study Group 2009;
_____Chapter 17 (SE) Putting the Garden to Bed
December 21 (Optional) Fri., Winter Solstice Ceremony, 5:30 to 8:30p.m., location TBA