There are no unsacred places
there are only sacred places
and desecrated places.
~ Wendell Berry
Honouring First Nations' wisdom and connection to Country is deepening labyrinth facilitation. The ALN supports this focus as we continue Veriditas Facilitator Training with Australian trainers. In this Qualifying Workshop Christina will introduce the beautiful and inspiring Jessie Vasey labyrinth at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, designed and constructed by Simon Normand in consultation with Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO.
Our theme draws on ecological insights which affirm the inter-connectedness of all life, First Nations wisdom, and the archetypal significance of labyrinths for transformation and discovery. Uncle Shane will support a morning walk with his healing didgeridoo, and later yarn with us. With Christina’s input we will then reflect with meditative and creative responses. Group time will focus on the benefits of walking the labyrinth for all people in these lands now called Australia.
Details
This 5-hour in-person Qualifying Workshop is ideal for people interested in an Introduction to the Labyrinth and who are keen to engage in Veriditas Basic Facilitator Training which follows on 24th and 25th February in Parkville.
This Qualifying Workshop will be held in the Duckboard Function Centre, Heidelberg Repatriation Centre, on Acacia Street. Tea and coffee will be provided. You may BYO lunch, or purchase from the Hospital cafe. We'll be screened for fever related to COVID-19 at the start of the day.
Presenter: Christina Rowntree
My connection with the labyrinth began over 20 years ago walking a labyrinth at St. Andrew’s Beach on the Mornington Peninsula. It was as if I walked my entire life that day, noticing the turns towards and then away from the ocean. Soon afterwards I had the privilege to be trained by Lauren Artress and later accredited by Veriditas in Labyrinth Facilitation.
I continue to take many opportunities to deepen my practice with Veriditas, including the Design and Construction course with Lars Howlett in 2017. I enjoy leading labyrinth walks and retreats, building temporary labyrinths with simple materials, and leading people of all ages in labyrinth experiences. During lockdown I offered a Qualifying Workshop, “Nothing has Changed, Everything has Changed” on the theme of chaos and change, which was warmly received.
I draw on my experience as a performing artist with a Masters in Community Cultural Development. For 20 years my ministry role was in Theology and the Arts with the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, in the Uniting Church in Australia. I am currently Ministry Coordinator at Sophia's Spring, an eco-feminist faith community of the Uniting Church.
Presenter: Shane Charles is a proud Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung man, and Co-Chair of Reconciliation Victoria. His passion is to build relationships and bridges for reconciliation and healing with First Nations communities, currently creating healing trails and offering Didgeridoo Healing. For many years he has been intrigued by the labyrinth movement and how labyrinths on Country might offer a cross cultural bridge for healing.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel full refunds are available up until 16 Feb 2023, after that only 50% will be refunded. If we cancel the workshop full registration refunds will be available.
Image: Southern Cross mosaic in the centre of Jessie Vasey labyrinth, created by Simon Normand, photo by Christina Rowntree.
Click here to register. Registrations close Monday 20th February 2023 10am.
