
New Moon, Wednesday, October 2nd in Libra
Libra themes = Air element, graceful, charming, fair, symbolized by the scales, create delicate harmony
Vocal Medicine
Overtone Singing
Saying the word “HURRY” very slowly
Do this with a drum, gong, or singing bowls
Begin to connect to your intuitive vocal magic
Intuitive singing
The Primordial “A” Sound
Guttural “A” sound is the first sound we make when we enter the world an the last sound we make when we leave this world
A baby’s sigh, shriek, coo, or cry
Most basic and fundamental vocalization
“A” is the mother or creator sound and the primordial sounds of all manifestation
Mantras, Medicine Songs, Circle Songs, Icaros
Mantras
A mantra is used to calm the mind, body, and spirit through repetition. Much like using a mala or reciting a “prayer.” Mantras are used to amplify, celebrate, or connect to energies beyond ourselves
Medicine songs can come from any language and tradition. They are the broad category for uplifting, conscious songs that were written to honor the spiritual process.
Circle Songs typically are repetitive, can be sung easily and used often to connect people in song.
The Quechua term Icaro refers to a medicine song that is typically sung during a plant medicine ceremony, specifically Ayahuasca. The rhythm, tone, volume, style of the Icaro is used to guide the ceremony. They are sung by the Shamans/Curanderas and guide the participants back from the ether to the ceremony space. Icaros are said to be the language of Aya herself and Ayahuasca is very responsive to sound and vibration.
Group Ceremony Creation
Tools and physical space
Choose a physical space that feels safe for you and others, if a new space be sure to try to vet for noise-level, what props/tools are available, and what you need to provide.
In pre-event emails be sure to let people if they need to bring additional props/items to be comfortable.
Have your tools near you during an event so they are easily accessible, if you are sharing tools with participants be sure they have what they need when they are going to need it.
Provide clear instructions at the beginning of the event so people have some idea of what to expect.
If there will be a break be sure to indicate that ahead of time.
Group Facilitation & the Group Field
Group Field = Group energy automatically amplifies individual energy, so whatever individual energy your participants are walking in with or create during their time together will become more intense when part of a group.
This happens on a small-scale in a yoga or movement class but as the length of time increases and so does the ask to be vulnerable, experience something new, meet their edge increases so do their energy levels and interactions within a group. This is why a retreat is a much larger undertaking not just for the facilitator(s), but also for the participants.
Working with group energy
Create Group Cohesion
Say names and intention for attending
Breathe together
Partner exercises like co-breathing or soul gazing
Offer space for a Sharing Circle during the event and allow everyone a chance to express something to the group
Before facilitating space, ensure you:
Are feeling resourced
Have prepared the energy of the space and yourself to be protected
Have set an intention for instant connection with the group
Trust your intuition as your participant(s) need to feel and know that you can hold them
Are ready and able to stay grounded and present for the entire session
Initiation Invitation
Schedule a dyad session with your listed partner during the next week
You will set a date and time for a 30 min connection
Send a Zoom link
Practice:
One of you will be the Facilitator (A) to start and the Receiver (B) to start, you will switch roles after 10 mins and then discuss for the last few minutes.
As the Facilitator (A) you will take a moment to ground yourself and your energy and then ask the Receiver (B) to do the same.
Then do this together, attuning to the shared energy of the space.
The Facilitator (A) will then lead the Receiver (B) through a guided experience around one of the elements from last week’s content. You can either ask Receiver (B) which element they want to focus on, or Facilitator (A) can inuit and choose.
Each session should last about 7-10 minutes and then spend some time discussing your experience and sharing feedback.
Recording
Thursday, October 3rd, 2024