Wisdom Whispers
Through the Four-Fold Way
November 7-9, 2008

Discover the Path of the Warrior, Healer, Visionary and Teacher

“When we open to being powerful, loving, creative, and wise, we experience the world
and ourselves as the many splendid things that we are.” Angeles Arrien

WISDOM WHISPERS THROUGH THE FOUR-FOLD WAY will provide the groundwork to explore the archetypal patterns of the Warrior, Healer, Visionary, and Teacher that exist within our own nature from a cross-cultural prospective.

Through the use of story, myth, dance, music, bodywork, and ritual, participants will learn about these archetypes. Using the metaphor of the Medicine Wheel, the ceremonial circle of life, participants will call upon the part of themselves that is cloaked in mystery and will begin to soar to new heights of possibility, thinking, and inspiration. In our ever-changing world, people are being called upon to live creatively and the teachings of the Four-Fold Way can assist in helping to connect to the good, true, and beautiful aspects of our nature.

During this time together, participants will tap into their personal wisdom as well as the wisdom that has been handed down to us from indigenous peoples. Participants will have an opportunity to become “change masters” in their personal and professional lives as they begin to practice the four basic principles of the Four- Fold Way. Show up or choose to be present, pay attention to what has heart and meaning, tell the truth without blame or judgment, and to be open to outcome, rather than attached to outcome.

Core Concepts

  • Four Healing Salves
      • ~ Singing ~ Dancing ~ Storytelling ~ Silence
  • Rituals and Meditation
  • Body Movement
  • Empowerment tools
  • Humor and laughter

The Way of the Warrior

    Choose to be present

There are three universal powers of the Warrior or Leader archetype: the powers of presence, communication, and position. In Shamanic societies, “it is the warrior’s task to become visible, and through example and intention to empower and inspire others”. We must first show up and choose to be present in our own lives with grace, power and dignity before we accept the trust of leading others.

  • Empowerment Tool - Rattle
  • Healing Salve - Dancing
  • Meditation - Standing
  • Ritual - Totems

The Way of the Healer

    Pay attention to what has heart and meaning

Four human resources: love, gratitude, validation, and acknowledgment, are available to us if we pay attention and follow what has heart and meaning. It is the Healer archetype that helps reawaken and sustain the divine child within our nature and brings wonder, hope, and awe into our life story.

  • Empowerment Tool - Drums
  • Healing Salve - Story/Myth
  • Meditation - "Cradle Work"
  • Ritual - Tobacco Pouch

The Way of the Visionary

    Tell the truth without blame or judgment

It is through personal creativity, our “original medicine,” that people are able to bring life dreams and visions into the world. The Visionary spirit is the spirit that holds the four ways of seeing: insight, intuition, perception, and vision. Essential keys to developing our vision and intuition are truthfulness, authenticity and integrity. Indigenous peoples refer to the principle that guides the Visionary as "speaking with spirit tongue".

  • Empowerment Tool - Bell
  • Healing Salve - Singing
  • Meditation - Walking
  • Ritual - Maori Drawing

The Way of the Teacher

    Be open to outcome, not attached to outcomes

The qualities of wisdom are clarity, objectivity, discernment, and detachment. Shamanic traditions believe that wisdom is flexible and fluid. The Teacher archetype is called upon to teach how to trust and how to be comfortable with states of not knowing.

  • Empowerment Tool - Bones
  • Healing Salve - Silence
  • Meditation - Sitting
  • Ritual – Reflection
This retreat is based on the work of Angeles Arrien, PhD, a cultural anthropologist and author of The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary. The works of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, Rumi, and other great wisdom teachers are integrated in this experiential experience.

Location: To Be Announced

Lodging and other useful information...

  • Norris Dam State Park, Norris TN

Registration:

Cost:

Payment to:

    Ellen Hitchcock, POB 6606, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 or pay through paypal.

For questions call:

    Ellen Hitchcock ~ 865-482-9252, ext 1 or email: ehitch@comcast.net


Refund Policy: Cancellations received on or before 10 days before event will receive a full refund less a $50 processing fee. Cancellations received after that date will receive credit for a future retreat. Scholarship available.