Ritual Practice assignment for class script

For Context: 

I follow no one set tradition or path; I simply refer to myself as a bardic witch or pagan for simplicity. As such, music/poetry/story telling of any kind are my sacred texts. The sacred text I’ll be presenting is one such example. 

This is the lyrics to a song called Half-Woman Half-Universe that I have tweaked ever so slightly; to which would be recited as an affirmation at a glamour magic ritual. This is a ritual whose intention is about honoring and calling on the divinity of one's self with primary focus on self love and honoring of one's beauty of spirit and body.

The function of this is to essentially be a form of imitative and contagious magic. 

We are divinity and so we essentially love ourselves as a way to manifest and imitate the love the divine has for us. 

By loving ourselves and calling on our power, we call forward blessings and are able to manifest our intentions. The intentions being our own happiness, beauty, abundance, and love -- as a form of self love.  

Also the more love we give to ourselves, as an offering to the divine, the more love we become capable of giving to other forms of divinity like other people, the earth, spirits, etc. 

The more love we give them - the more love they give us. The more love they give us, the more blessings and success manifest in our lives. 

Its all a big sort of feedback loop.

Structure: As part of a group ritual this could be done as a call and repeat; or as a solo ritual this could be said face to face with one's self  through a mirror if you wish. Or simply reciting it a few times over a candle or incense can be enough. We are divine. Our words hold power regardless of ceremony.  

These words are aimed more so at women, but I invite anyone who does not identify as a woman to substitute with whatever term you prefer. This could be Man, this could be person, this could be being, etc. Same with the term "Femininity" - substitute this with "humanity" or "Masculinity" or if you have another word I invite you to use it. 

I implore you to repeat these affirmations with whatever gendered context hold true for you, as opposed to choosing not to say them at all. 

********

[Bell or Drum] Everything I desire, desires me more. (Group Echoes back) 

[Bell or Drum]  My presence is addicting. (Group Echoes back) 

[Bell or Drum]  My mind is worth millions,  (Group Echoes back) 

[Bell or Drum]  My body is a temple. (Group Echoes back)

[Bell or Drum]  I receive just by existing. (Group Echoes back) 

[Bell or Drum] I am femininity,  (Group Echoes back) 

[Bell or Drum]  I am divinity. (Group Echoes back)

[Bell or Drum] I am the universe,  (Group Echoes back)

[Bell or Drum]  I am who I am. (Group Echoes back)

[Bell or Drum]  Moon dust pours from my lips, (her) (Group Echoes back)

[Bell or Drum]  crystals form when I cry  (she cries) (Group Echoes back) 

[Bell or Drum]  Galaxies pull you into my eyes. (her)  (Group Echoes back) 

[Bell or Drum] Gravity in my kiss will distort space and time. (her) (Group Echoes back)  

[Bell or Drum]  Skin sprinkled with stars that light up the dark. (Hair) (Group Echoes back) 

[Bell or Drum] I am half woman, half universe. (Group Echoes back) 

****

Thank you!

Although now I realize that I can't use this.... it has to be a STORY. 

Ritual Final paper outline and ideas

Welcome all to this ritual of transition! Let us gather in this space with open hearts and open minds. 

Go through grounding visualization and breathing. 

Set the intentions: On this day, in this sacred space, we move into this ritual to explore what transformations are we going through or what changes must we embrace to accept and live in the love and blessings that life brings us. Tonight we step through a portal to receive the messages of the divine through sacred journey. 

This may present and bring up vulnerable emotions relating to self worth, sense of identity, personal power and sovereignty, or even take you through time. This is a place of deep connection, open energy, and safety - you are asked to honor wherever and however you experience this journey with the knowledge that you are supported and loved. Together let us open our sacred space.

open with a calling of sacred space through the gods, the guides, and ancestors. 

Give an offering of gratitude. --- call and response?

Now, I ask you to take up one of the instruments from the center if you feel so called, as we join in music making. If you prefer to use the natural instrument of your body, of your voice, or your visualization, we thank you! I shall begin our song, and I ask you to join whenever you feel Spirit move you. 

tell the story of the maiden and the selkie - sing it while others add music. Perhaps there are people who wish to act out the story through dance.  

We have joined our energies together and blessed this space. Now let us enter into dialogue with the sacred, the divine, the gods, the spirits, The Creator, God, Spirit, The universe... 

"Where are you, when you step through the portal? Perhaps it is not the harbor and sea shore. Perhaps you will find yourself in a Forrest. Perhaps you will find yourself flying through the air. Perhaps its not something you but rather you feel - is it wind? the heat of a fire? Do you smell the earth after it rains? Remember, there are seven senses (list them) as you go through this journey, you can engage all of them or maybe only one or two. There is no wrong way to experience.... just wipe your mind clear of expectations and try to find yourself open to whatever Spirit has to tell you. You may find yourself in unexpected territory! I ask you now to take a position that is most comfortable - that could be sitting or laying down. If at any time you feel called to movement, you are invited to do so!"

Begin the journey with light body exercise

Establish a home base, this is where you can return to if you find yourself overwhelmed. Your ancestors and guides are here, supporting you. From there... we open a portal. I invite you to step through this portal.  

The ritual leader drums, hums, and moves throughout the group as directed by spirit while music plays - helping to encourage

***Books that will be very helpful:

• The power of ritual: chapter 1 and intro
• Quinn - Chpt 1&2: power of voice, power of stories - chpt 4 - archytype 
• Callie Ore - Chapter 4 - the risk of ritual becoming theater, just reading a script (pg 37). This has less to do with theatrical performance as a part of ritual, but rather being disconnected. There is a risk of being disconnected, and so to help circumvent this I have tried to have as little formal script as possible as well as including a means to foster the deep connection to Spirit that is needed for the whole part to bypass the risk. PERFORMANCE vs PERFORMATIVE 
• Orr - chapter on setting 
• Orr - chapter 7 -- uber helpful. pg 78-79 questions to ask before ritual
• Quin - myth to magic. 6 key points of the story
• Ritual book - framing!! Time!! -- new  moon for the beginnings. when you enter the space of framing it centers you and makes you more respectful. alters, shrines, aid in as a focus lens. "effecting and affecting emotions" and "flow" section especially!!!!  

How does it express the thoughts, values, emotions, experiences?

How does it shape those participating?

Use of space? Use of voices? Week 3 lecture powerpoint. 

Whats the meaning of the myth and ritual? Whats the function?

what are the ritual drivers? intrinsic shifts into altered states using focus and intention/internal drivers; breathing exercises, trance,   and extrinsic drivers are external factor like candles and drumming. Polyphasic--- dreams, trans, visions, and altered states are reality and can lead to learning and healing. Western culture is monophasic and so to be polyphasic is weird and discouraged. the time to journal after the journey helps hold on the polyphasic experience since we are monophasic so we do not possess the tools to hold on to it.   Portal - mark boundaries, heighten anticipaition and focus, and prepare participants for altered states, and provides a narrow framework for transformation... liminal marker that you are leaving the ordinary and entering the sacred - incesne, herbs, candles,and alters can be used as gates. 

RITUAL - 149 - people believe with their emotions. story telling as healing. 

****In the story witchcraft book it talks about how there are stories that mirror our lives or what we want to embody. WHY I chose THIS story. Archetype. "The Romantic" -- also Chapter 7: pick a story that resonates with you and embodies the goal of ritual. 

My sacred texts

 So I just read this really cool chapter in a book that frankly I think every person should read and it’s about how to take “secular” books, songs, arts, etc and make them sacred. 

So I want to list a few things that I always find myself returning to, or I use to, and look at them later through a sacred lense. 

- the two princesses of barre 

- pride and prejudice (specifically the Lizzie bennet diaries) 

- gamer girl 

- tithe 

- “the maiden and the selkie” 

- “changing child” 

- “don’t give up (you are loved)” 

- “ashes” (Celine Dion) 

- “torches” 

- “alive” (Beartooth)

- want the have - poem by Danielle Steele 

- the mummy (1999 Brendan Frasier and Rachel Weis)

Definition of Ritual

 9/9: The intentional repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning or contribute to a desired outcome. 

9/22: The intentional or subconscious repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning or contribute to a desired outcome.

9/23: The intentional or subconscious repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning or contribute to a desired outcome through abstracted values, symbols, memories, or tradition. 

10/7: The intentional or subconscious repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning or contribute to a desired outcome through abstracted values, symbols, memories, or traditions that affirm the expression of life force experience in the material world. 

10/14: The intentional or subconscious repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning, or contribute to a desired outcome; engaging magic through abstracted values, symbols, memories, or traditions that affirm the expression of life force experience in the material world. 

10/31:The intentional or subconscious repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning or contribute to a desired outcome; engaging magic through the accumulation of energy embodies from abstracted values, symbols, memories, or traditions that affirm the expression of life force experience in the material world. 

11/24: Ritual; The intentional or subconscious repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning or contribute to a desired outcome; engaging magic through the accumulation of energy embodies from abstracted values, symbols, memories, or traditions that affirm the expression of life force experience in the material world. Ritual can be both simple or complex in its framing, the level of ceremony is not dependent on its success, but rather the connection between participants and the divine energy generated.

12/02: Ritual; Ritual; The intentional or subconscious repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning or contribute to a desired outcome; engaging magic through the accumulation of energy embodies from abstracted values, symbols, memories, or traditions that affirm the expression of life force experience in the material world. Ritual can be both simple or complex in its framing, the level of ceremony is not dependent on its success, but rather the experience of connecting to mundane to the sacred. 

egg free list

 Aldi - **Most Bremer brand is egg safe 

• plain protien wraps (for tacos or wraps) - 3.29
• chia seeds (extra protien, energy, and crunch texture) - 3.85
• garlic riced cauliflower - 1.89
• vegan oenus butter cookies (pk of 5) - $5.05
• cottage cheese - 3.19
• Bremer Alfredo Chicken Skillet, 21 oz - $4.65
• hashbrowns
• burritos
• Fusia Asian Inspirations - Asian Inspirations Chicken Lo Mein, 20 oz - 6.29
• Bremer Garlic Chicken Skillet, 21 oz - $4.65
• Fusia Asian Inspirations Teriyaki Stir Fry, 32 oz - 3.95
• toquitos
• Bremer Cheesy Ranch Chicken Skillet, 21 oz - 4.59
• Fusia Asian Isnpirations Pot stickers - 4.09
• Tofu
• Several of their pizzas are safe, several are not

Walmart:

• Helman's plant based mayo
• French's honey mustard
• Hidden Valley plant powered ranch
• Barilla Protein+ Plant Based Pasta

Food that I will have to make myself: Orange chicken, brownies, 

**RICE NOODLES, CHICK PEA NOODLES, BLACKBEAN NOODLES

EGG FREE RECIPES:

https://www.theallergyaspect.com/recipes/tag/Egg+Free

https://www.delish.com/cooking/menus/g63845743/egg-free-recipes/   ---- Vegan quiche?!

Reciepes to look up:

eggless meatloaf

eggless/tofu quiche

Anatomy of ritual

1. the use of symbols to convey a ritual’s messages;

2. a cognitive matrix (belief system) from which ritual emerges;

3. rhythm, repetition and redundancy: ritual drivers;

4. the use of tools, techniques, and technologies to accomplish ritual’s

multiple goals;

5. the framing of ritual performances;

6. the order and formality that often separates ritual from everyday life,

identifying it as ritual;

7. the sense of inviolability and inevitability that rituals can generate;

8. the acting, stylization, and staging that often give ritual its elements of

high drama, the fact that it is performed and that it often intensifies

toward a climax.

Not all rituals exhibit each of these characteristics; however, they are all

salient features of ritual in general, all part of the anatomy of ritual and its

capacity as a powerful communicative form.

Fall 2025 Semester schedule

RT4002 Understanding Ritual Experience - Tuesdays 5:45-9

• looks like all assignments will be via google doc?
• How long should a written assignment be? I strongly subscribe to the idea that better writing is shorter writing. The longer a written assignment goes on, the more likely that our thinking is muddled and unclear. I will not assign page or word lengths. My strong advice is to focus on what the assignment is asking for, and to write it early so that you have time to edit it for clarity and brevity. 
• Big assignments
• At the top of ritual observations (3) include your definition of ritual before anything else
• Engaging Discussion Leadership - week 3- lead a discussion on one of the readings
• Sacred Text and Sacred Story - week 10 --- present a poem, reading, or song that could be used in a ritual and how it fits. I am thinking the half woman/half universe song as a means of grounding onself at the beginning of a ritual. OR
• Chosen Rite of Passage: Ritual outline and commentary
• Integrated Work (Final Paper): Observations, Readings/Lectures, Experience, Story/Text

SD1001 The Art of Discernment - Thursdays 5:45-9

• Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have.
• Understanding Discernment Paper-Due: NOVEMBER 6 (25%): This paper should be 6-8 pages, double-spaced. It should include the following information:

• a.    How do you understand discernment?

  b.    What contemplative practices assist you in your discernment process?

  c.    What experiences or circumstances are hindrances to your discernment processes? How do you address them?

  d.    Discuss two authors that we engaged through readings, videos, or podcasts who influenced your developing understanding,

  e.    In what ways do you assess whether you have made a good discernment?

• 
  

Week 0 (before classes)

• Monday 9/1
•  
•  
• Tuesday 9/2
•   Academic planning
• movie night with boyfriend 
• Wednesday 9/3
•  Davis-Floyd and Laughlin: Intro: What Is Ritual? - WK1 - 14pg
• Thursday 9/4
• Syllabus still not up.. so I can't access the assignment instructions. 
• Ter Kuile, Intro: The Paradigm Shift - WK1 - 31 pg - this book is beautiful.
• go through this with a highlighter. this is so good. - pg 3 and 18 esp. pg 23 with the quote on pg 3 to help define ritual for me.
• Friday 9/5
• Druid friends
• Saturday 9/6
• Finish academic planning
• nails @3
• Softball with Rach
• Sunday 9/7
• see Boyfriend <3
• See mom for dinner

Week 1 

• Monday 9/8
• Gym 
• Reading: Rose Mary Dougherty, Discernment: A Path to Spiritual Awakening - 73 pg
• Class Discussion Prep: How do you define discernment? How would you explain it to someone who is not connected to religion in any way?
• Before Class: Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have.
• In the reading discernment seemed to boil down to a few core pillars: mindfulness, authenticity, and prayer - in whatever form most suited your true self. What is a form of prayer that is unique to you? I find this interesting because sometimes the most mundane things in life to others can be sacred to oneself; I find the idea of a person's faith truly fascinating. For me personally, one such example of unique prayer for myself, is singing in the car. It is often through singing in the car while driving that I find myself most open to the divine and reflective on my life and self in my most honest and authentic voice. 
•   Read the interview series entitled, “What Is Contemplation?” in the Journal of - WK2 Contemplative Studies https://contemplativejournal.org/what-iscontemplation/#/
• page cannot be found
• Orr: Ch. 1: What Is Ritual? WK1 - please let it be here in time....
• Tuesday 9/9
• CLASS 5:30-9
• my working definition: The intentional repetition of an action or thought done to express significant meaning or contribute to a desired outcome. 
• My name is Pixie; I default to she/her but any pronouns are fine. I am currently in the Madison, WI area. I have been a practicing eclectic pagan since I was about 14, even before I had a name for it. I now would say that i am both pantheistic and polytheistic. I work with mostly Irish deities but am not limited to them, my ancestors, the fair folk, and like to describe my practice as primarily ecstatic bardic witch craft. I am a member of a  local druid seed group; I do not define myself as a druid but I find a lot of common ground there. 
• Bennacti - blessings in old irsh
• Gaelic Animism - Dispora Druidry
• Wednesday 9/10
•  Gym
• Movie night with boyfriend - out of town
• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin: Ch. 1 Symbolism in Ritual WK2 - 26 pg
• Thursday 9/11
•  CLASS 5:30-9
• Bake BF bday cake
• Ter Kuile: Ch. 1 (48pg)
• Friday 9/12
•  OBOD - BF stay the night :) - cook dinner 
• Ter Kuile: Ch 2 (31pg) Connecting with Self/Other WK2 - 31 pg
• Saturday 9/13
•  BOYFRIEND BDAY - - see the lights in the dells?
• Sunday 9/14
•   Orr: Chs. 2-3 What is Druidry; Sources of Inspiration Wk2

Week 2 ---- no BF in person.... maybe a day visit Sunday 

• Monday 9/15
• Gym 

• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin; Chs. 2-3 Beliefs, Myths, Paradigms and Rituals; The Process of Truing WK3 - 35 pg

• Tuesday 9/16
• Class 5:30-9

• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin; Chs. 2-3 Beliefs, Myths, Paradigms and Rituals; The Process of Truing WK3 - 35 pg

• MAKE PRESENTATION
• Wednesday 9/17
• Reading: Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness - p6 pg - Wk2
• ": keep your attention focused on the work, be alert and ready to handle ably and intelligently any situation which may arise —this is mindfulness. There is no reason why mindfulness should be different from focusing all one's attention on one's work, to be alert and to be using one's best judgment. During the moment one is consulting, resolving, and dealing with whatever arises, a calm heart and self-control are necessary if one is to obtain good results. Anyone can see that. If we are not in control of ourselves but instead let our impatience or anger interfere, then our work is no longer of any value. Mindfulness is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves"
• Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have.
• I personally found the second chapter's talk about Jim sometimes forgetting mindfulness and growing impatient with his son's homework as it feels like a waste of time. I personally have to deal with this sort of frustration when I am driving. Sort of like how there is washing the dishes to wash the dishes vs washing the dishes to have a clean cup... I find that sometimes I drive to get to a destination and its times like that in which my road rage flares up... but then there is driving to have the drive - I can sing, meditate, reflect, and be open to the gods while driving with mindfulness. What are some examples in your life that you feel you could be more open to the divine/presence if you practiced more mindfully, as opposed to completing the task for the sake of having the next step or completion?
  
•  Class Discussion Prep: Spend 30-45 minutes in an activity where you are slowing down from your normal pace. Be creative and intentional about choosing something that helps you to shift gears and get into a place of inner quiet. It could be, for example, a slow walk in nature, meditation, sitting still in your most comfortable place, making art or doing a craft—whatever helps you connect to a more contemplative way of engaging your life. What do you notice about yourself in this shift? - Wk2
• I find that when I slow down and focus, i do something mindfully and intentionally, I become more open. When I do this while walking my dog I become more open to messages and intuition. When I do this anywhere near paper - with nothing else to distract me - I find myself draw to write poetry or prose. When I actually slow down in life, I become more open and mystical. My heart rate slows, my breathing deepens, and I am moved by Spirit.
• Thursday 9/18
• Class 5:30-9
• Quin: Chs. 1-4 30 pg
• Friday 9/19
•  Druid friends?
•  Ter Kuile, Ch. 3 Connecting with Nature Wk3 - 36 pg
• Orr: Ch. 4--The Language of Ritual WK3 - 15 pg
• BF coming to town :)
• Saturday 9/20
•  Morning group meeting OBOD Ritual? -- observe for class essay 
• Write ritual observation essay pt 1 (&2 if jeramie walks me through it)
• Sunday 9/21
• Festival with BF

Week 3 --- BF Friday night, maybe Saturday night 

• Monday 9/22
• Gym
• Reading: Thibodeaux, Armchair Mystic - first 106 pg pg - wk 3
• Class discussion prep: Reflect on your experiences of doing the contemplation exercises from the Thibodeaux book. Which practices worked for you, and which were more challenging? - wk 3
• Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have.- wk3
• I have to be honest - this book was very uncomfortable to read. I have a big issue with how the book goes about "the human condition" and the judgment the author seems to have towards the inmates who would rather watch TV as opposed to listen to some preacher teach them how to pray. There, overall, seems to be a holier-than-thou tone to the book. My question to the author is this: Who is to say that God doesn't speak to people through every day occurrences - maybe there is a message that one of the inmates gets from the TV show they watch? Maybe the person working out at the gym with a contemplative mindset as they listen to music and quiet their mind through physical exertion and meditative breathing is "being with God." Who are you to judge? All of Chapter 3 pretty much made my stomach upset reading.
• PRESENTATION DUE
• Tuesday 9/23
• CLASS 5:30-9 --- PRESENT
• Reading: Thibodeaux, Armchair Mystic - 65 pg - wk 3
• Before Class: Pick two prayer exercises to engage from Thibodeaux’s appendix, pages. ix-x and do the prayer practice. - wk 3
• Rocking made the solitude time easier. (3 minutes)
• Exercise B: The Mantra - In sets of three, with one word in and one word out: Gods above, Gods around, Gods below. Spirits above, Spirits around, Spirits below. Divinity above. Divinity around. Divinity within. 
• Exercise H: this was the only prayer exercise in chapter 4 I felt I could do. There are several songs I sing as prayers; Ashes by Celine Dion as a prayer to Brigid; lately i've been singing The maiden and the selkie as a prayer to my spirit, to the sacred Spirit that unites all things, as a prayer for transformation. I will also say I could relate to the authors friend who received a "grace" through a song he sings as a prayer and how he sometimes hears God singing it back. 
• Exercise S: I did not do this but i will give it a try the next time i use my nightly prayers and find myself unable to focus. 
• Wednesday 9/24
• Thursday 9/25
•  Class 5:30-9

• Quin: Ch. 5 The Bard’s Craft--How to TELL a Story Wk4 - 10 pg

• Ter Kuile: Chs. 4 -5 Connecting with Transcendence; Already Connected Wk4 - 47 pg
• Friday 9/26
•  Boyfriend stay the night?
• Saturday 9/27
• Sunday 9/28
•  SEEING SLEEP TOKEN

Week 4 --- can see BF for movie night Wed?

• Monday 9/29
• Gym 
• • Before Class: Read through “Discernment” in the Practicing Our Faith website

    https://practicingourfaith.org/practices/discernment/ (If you have time, skim through the other practices.) - Wk 4

  • Reading: Holmes, Crisis Contemplation - 138pg - wk 4
  • Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have - wk 4
  • I was intrigued to see the premise of darkness as  positive, s a synonym for mystery, or the opening of the void of spirit. This actually resonated with my own practices. Have you ever had an experience where you found meaning in the dark? Alternative question: We are all a part of  larger community - what is an example of a community trauma and how did your community come together afterwards? --- the mass shooting at pulse night club. The candleight vigils, fund raiser drag shows, etc. I also really liked how community was seen as the big C - it included the spirits of the ancestors. 
  •  Class discussion prep: Be prepared to discuss 1-2 ways that your definition of discernment has expanded and deepened since our discussion in the first class.
  • Contemplation -- seeing this as a perspective instead of an action. So discernment being the ability to sense and interpret the divine through a sense of contemplative awareness.  - wk4
  • I originally thought discernment was an interreligious term for being able to sense the divine in everyday reality. Before this class I didn't know it was specifically Christian nor that it was part of decision making in a religious sense. I have since learned that while Discernment is similar across religions, there is nuance differences. For now my definition remains roughly the same, but I have simply added that it involves sensing and interpreting signals from the divine through contemplative awareness. And that for this class, we do not approach it from an interreligious point of view. 
• Tuesday 9/30

• Class 5:30-9

• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin: Ch. 4: Ritual Drivers Wk4 - 23 pages

• Orr, Chs. 5-6 The Setting; Tools and Offerings Wk4

• Wednesday 10/1
•  Darts or BF movie night
• Thursday 10/2
•  Class 5:30-9
• Quin Ch. 6 The Craft of Ritual Wk5 - 6pg
• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin: Ch. 5 Ritual Techniques and Technologies Wk5 - 17 pg
• Friday 10/3
• Druid friends?
• Orr, Ch. 7 The Guiding orm Wk5
• Saturday 10/4
• Shamanism retreat
• Write Essay for ritual #3 --- finish essay
• Sunday 10/5
• Leslie Bday - no bf. 

Week 5

• Monday 10/6
•  Gym 

• Before Class: Listen to angel Kyodo Williams, “The World Is Our Field of Practice” on the podcast On Being with Krista Tippett, original air: April 19, 2018, updated: September 10,

  2020. https://onbeing.org/programs/angel-kyodo-williams-theworld-

  is-our-field-of-practice/ - Wk5

• Reading: Liebert, The Soul of Discernment, Part 1: An Invitation to Social Discernment, pages 1- 70. - wk 5

• Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have - wk 5

• The podcast talked ab out the need to do the internal work when we are in discomfort, sitting with our anger and healing to transform as oposed to just changing. This is called Shadow work in my practice. "In order for us to change as a society, we have to change as individuals". I Think this goes to speak on the importance of individual growth and progress, and how by individual work we progress as a society. What are some ways that we can discern the internal work needed in order to better ourselves so that we are able to better our community? I was also interested in the conflicted identities  - the warrior spirit with zen Buddhism. 

• Class discussion prep: In what ways does social context, culture, and power affect both individual and social discernment? What are the similarities? What are the differences - wk5
• Tuesday 10/7
• CLASS 5:30-9
• Finish homework from yesterday 
• Wednesday 10/8
•  Darts
• Listen to podcast on way to see bf
• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin: Ch. 6 Ritual Framing  Wk6 - 26 pg
• Thursday 10/9
•  Class 5:630-9
• Orr, Ch. 8--Rituals for Everyday Living Wk6
• Friday 10/10
•  OBOD
• Quin Ch. 7--From Myth to Magic Wk6 - 8 pg
• Boyfriend? 
• Saturday 10/11
•  Boyfriend? Visit mom?
• Sunday 10/12
•   Boyfriend?

Week 6

• Monday 10/13
•  Gym
• Before Class: Listen to the following podcasts on Learning How to See with Brian McLaren

  - Episode 1: “Why Can’t We See?” --- 37 min

  https://cac.org/podcasts/why-cant-we-see/

  - Episode 6: “Seeing, Doubt, Contemplation and Action” --- page not found

  https://cac.org/podcasts/6-seeing-doubt-action-andcontemplation/

•  Reading: Liebert, The Soul of Discernment, Part 2: The Social Discernment Cycle, pages 71-174.

• Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have - wk 6
•  Class discussion prep: Think of an experience of community decision-making you have had. In what ways did you observe or experience conflicts of perception in the community that became obstacles to what needed to be done? What did you do? - wk 6
• Tuesday 10/14
• CLASS 5:30-9
• Ritual Observations Due by midnight, Oct. 14
• Orr Ch. 9 Rituals for Eight Festivals Wk7
• Quin Ch. 8 Storytelling Skills Wk7 - 4pg
• Wednesday 10/15
•  Darts
• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin: Ch. 7 Ritual As Performance Wk7 - 30pg
• Thursday 10/16
•  Class 5P:30-9
• Work on reinventing ritual paper 
• Friday 10/17
• Work on reinventing ritual paper 
• Boyfriend?
• Saturday 10/18
•  Halloween candelight theater!! 
•  BF stay the night :) 
• Sunday 10/19
•  BF :) 
•   

Reading Week

• Monday 10/20
•  Gym
• work on your Understanding Discernment paper (Due: November 6th)
• Tuesday 10/21
•  Before Class: work on your Understanding Discernment paper (Due: November 6th)
• finsh
• Wednesday 10/22
•  Darts
• Thursday 10/23
• Reading: Brown, Coming to Light - 31 pg - wk 7
• Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have - wk7
• Class discussion prep: Reflect on a time in your life when you spoke to several people in a group setting about a decision that you had to make. What was helpful about the experience? What was difficult? - wk 7
• Friday 10/24
• Work on reinventing ritual paper 
•  Spooky shenanigans?
• Saturday 10/25
•  spooky shenanigans?
•  Boyfriend :) 
• Sunday 10/26
• Work on reinventing ritual paper  - FINISH

Week 7 

• Monday 10/27
•  Gym

• Start Understanding Discernment Paper

• Tuesday 10/28
• CLASS 5:30-9
• Quin Ch. 9 Next Steps wk 9 - 4 pgs
• Orr Ch 10 Rituals for Life’s Journeys wk9
• Wednesday 10/29
•  Darts
• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin: Ch. 8 Ritual: The Four Stages of Cognition wk9 - 23pg
• Thursday 10/30
•  Class 5:30-9
• Friday 10/31
•  Halloween!! Festivities? Boyfriend? (have to get up at freaking 9am....)
• Saturday 11/1
•  Shamanism retreat.. no obod ritual :( 
• Work on Understanding Discernment Paper 
• Sunday 11/2
• Understanding Discernment Paper-Due - Finish
• 
  

Week 8

• Monday 11/3
•  Gym
•  Before Class: Read Kathleen T. Talvacchia, “Disrupting the Theory-Practice Binary” in

  Queer Christianities: Lived Religion in Transgressive Forms. - WK8

• https://www-jstor-org.theoref.idm.oclc.org/stable/j.ctt13x0q0q.23?seq=1 - 11pg

•  Reading: Joseph H. Nguyen, SJ, Christian Contemplation: Theological Foundations and Contemporary Practice, Chapter 2 “Spiritual Discernment in the Contemplative Life”
• https://r1.vlereader.com/EpubReader?ean=1781725286733# - 30 pg? - wk8
• Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have - wk8

• Class discussion prep: Read “What Are the Spiritual Exercises?” in the website IgnatianSpirituality.com. - wk8

  https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatianprayer/the-spiritual-exercises/what-are-the-spiritualexercises 

• Davis-Floyd and Laughlin: Chs. 9-10 and Conclusion wk 10 - 60pg

• Tuesday 11/4
• CLASS 5:30-9
•   Reinventing Ritual Project Due midnight

• Orr Ch. 11 Rituals for Inspiration; Going Deeper wk 10

• Quin Appendices of Resources - 10wk - 10 pg

• Wednesday 11/5
•  Darts
• Reading: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom: Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants - 1-75 - wk 10
• Thursday 11/6
•  Class 5:30-9
• Understanding Discernment Paper-Due
• Friday 11/7
• 
  
•  Druid friends?
• Boyfriend stay the night, we get ready and then go get mom?
• Saturday 11/8
•  FANTASY BALL WITH MOM AND BOYFRIEND 
• Sunday 11/9
• Reading: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom: Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants - 75-150 - wk 10

Week 9

• Monday 11/10
•  Gym
• Before Class: Watch video on You Tube, a video from the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry, October 4, 2022. Dr. Melanie L. Harris, “Ecowomanist Spirituality in a Time of Climate Change” - 1hr - 10wk

• https://www.youtube.com/watchv=T2LTkyM7I0M&ab_channel=BCCloughSchoolofTheologyandMinistryCont.Ed - Wk 10
• Tuesday 11/11
• CLASS 5:30-9
• Reading: Rachel Mann, “’Queering’ Spiritual Direction: Towards a Trans*-Literary Praxis,” Theology and Sexuality, volume 20, number 3, 2014, 214-224. - 10pg
• Cindy S. Lee, “Introduction” in Our Unforming: De-Westernizing Spiritual Formation, pages 1-14. - wk 9
•  Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have  - wk 9
• Wednesday 11/12
•  Darts
• (Happy birthday momma)
• Before Class: Listen to Parker Palmer and Cortney Martin, “The Inner Life of Rebellion”

  on the podcast On Being with Krista Tippett, original air: January 8, 2015, updated: September 22, 2016. https://onbeing.org/programs/parker-palmer-courtneymartin-the-inner-life-of-rebellion/ ---- pg not found! :)

• Thursday 11/13
•  Class 5:30-9
• Reading: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom: Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants - 150-200 - wk 10
• Friday 11/14
•  OBOD?
•  
• Saturday 11/15
•  No BF
•  
• Sunday 11/16
•  No BF
•   

Week 10

• Monday 11/17
•  Gym
• PRESENTATION DUE --- present folksong for ritual as a means of bardic offering to the fae; inviting them into the sacred space. OR present half woman half universe as a form of meditation for a new moon ritual. New moon being the time to plant new seeds of intention to grow into the full moon, one such part is honoring your own divinity.
•  
• Tuesday 11/18
• CLASS 5:30-9
•  PRESENT STORY 

• Reading: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom: Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants - 200-300- wk 10

•  
• Wednesday 11/19
•  Darts
• Reading: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom: Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants - 300-364 - wk 10
•  Class Discussion: Reflect on both the video and the reading. What are the images or ideas from both Harris and Kimmerer that are the most vivid to you? - WK 10
• Reflective assignment due every week: For each week, please come to class prepared to share with the class one question from the assigned materials that you have reflected upon, why that question was of interest, and what response you have - Wk 10
• Thursday 11/20
•  Class 5:30-9
• 
  
• Friday 11/21
•  
•  
• Saturday 11/22
•  
•  
• Sunday 11/23
•  
•   

Thanksgiving week

• Monday 11/24
•  Gym
• Review of the course questions and objectives; 
• 3 “what helped” questions; 
• discuss final project
• Work on final paper 
• Tuesday 11/25
• Work on final paper 
• Wednesday 11/26
•  Darts
• 
  
•  
• Thursday 11/27
• Work on final paper - finish 
• 
  
• Friday 11/28
•  Druid Friends
•  
• Saturday 11/29
•  Shamanism retreat
•  BF stay the night?
• Sunday 11/30
•  
•   

Week 11

• Monday 12/1
•  Gym
• Work on final project 
•  
• Tuesday 12/2
• CLASS 5:30-9
•  Work on final project 
•  
• Wednesday 12/3
•  Darts
• 
  
•  
• Thursday 12/4
•  Finish final project 
• 20 MIN PRESENTATION ON FINAL PAPER
• Class 5:30-9
• Friday 12/5
•  My Birthday  - shenanigans with BF
•  
• Saturday 12/6
•  My Birthday  - Recoup with BF
•  
• Sunday 12/7
•  MY Birthday - spiritual right of passage?
•   

Week 12

• Monday 12/8
•  Gym
•  
• Tuesday 12/9
• CLASS 5:30-9
•  Final Integrated Project due midnight
• 
  
• Wednesday 12/10
•  Darts
• 
  
•  
• Thursday 12/11
• Final Integration paper due! 
• 
  
• Friday 12/12
•  OBOD
• 
  
•  
• Saturday 12/13
•  Shamanism retreat
•  
• Sunday 12/14
•  
•   

Mid Course feedback: some of the readings are a bit too traditional Christian. whether nondenominational Christian, pantheistic Christian, a more spiritual/mystic Christian, or not Christian at all - there are many people who may struggle with the Armchair Mystic book. I myself was VERY uncomfortable with it and due to its high degree of traditional Christian language could not relate to about 80% of the book nor to almost all of the "helpful exercises" that were the whole point of the book being assigned. The only useful chapters that I found was Chapter 2,9, and 10 - which gave an overview of the 4 stages of prayer and how to differentiate if a message/discernment was from God or from self. Chapter 10 pretty much teaches you how to go about discernment in a nutshell. The entire rest of the book was pretty much useless and several times I almost quite trying to read it. For future classes I would either assign specific chapters or look for a different work book completely.