Evolver Calgary October Spore: The Shamanic Journey

In tribal societies, shamans are healers and visionary leaders who go through dangerous initiations to gain knowledge from the spirit world. Modern culture repressed and dismissed shamanism as archaic and irrational. Today, our society seems increasingly irrational, unable to change its course in the face of looming environmental and economic catastrophe. Meanwhile, shamanic practices such as soul retrieval, journeys with sacred... plants, and ecstatic dance are gaining popularity. This month, 40+ Evolver Spores will explore what meaning and value these techniques have for us today. Can a reintegration of these practices provide a new framework to address the immense problems facing us?

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The evening will consist of a few exciting happenings :). We are asking for love offerings (donations) at the door which will be split between The Area (for so generously offering their space) and an Evolver fund. Thank you for your continued support ♥

***Cob Oven Pot Luck***

No need to eat dinner before since we will be kicking off the evening by sharing some delicious food cooked in a cob oven. Please bring some item prepared in advance that we can throw in the oven. Food such as pizza, bread, pie, stews, cookies, etc. can all be cooked in a matter of minutes in a cob oven. Cast iron is ideal to put in the oven as temperatures reach upwards of 700 degrees. You can bring anything you want - the cob oven is available :)

***Speaker Panel***

- Matt Kay - "The Shaman and Shamanisms: A History and Overview"
- James Jesso - "Contemporary Shamanism: Psychedelics and Self-Exploration"
- Clifford Wessel - "Shaman vs. Witchdoctor: The Embodiment of Paradox"
- Karen McDermott - "Labyrinths as Sacred Space"
- Sequoyah Trueblood - "We are all Shamans"

Sequoyah is a returning favourite - he spoke at our Rites of Passage spore last February and we are excited to have him back! If you are interested in learning more about him, search on google! :)

***Music Circle***

We will finish off the night with an open music circle. Bring down any instruments you have (extras are nice for people who don't have one) - it can be anything - drums, didgeridoos, guitars, spoons, maracas, etc. Let's release some positive healing energy back to our Mother Earth with a truly ancient and primordial practice ♥

See you there!