With the retreat center Åsbacka, located in the southern Swedish woods, comes the opportunity to do more varied kinds of spirit work in a wild natural setting. These intensive weekends are intended to help people at all points of their shamanic paths. We come together in a small group to widen our experience of many possible ways of working with the Spirits - not only journeying, but also group healing, medicine walks, stone council, nature work, ceremony, song, dance and ritual. By sharing our experiences in the circle and learning from each other, it is hoped that participants will take away a deepening sense of their relationship to the Spirits, to themselves and to the world around them.

THEME: "Darkness"

Here in the North, Autumn moves us towards the Dark Time of the year. For many people Darkness carries negative or fearful associations, but there is much to meet and learn about this part of life. Darkness is what holds us at night and allows us to rest; it helps Nature to sleep during Winter and opens a space – a stillness - for the new year to fill.

On this workshop we will use journeying, ritual, dance and song to find out more about working shamanically with Darkness. We will learn from its power and its peace and ask for help to accept and appreciate what the winter months hold. Darkness can be a blessing - the void in which things come into being, and offers the potential of healing medicine.

21-22 Nov, 2015: Åsbacka, Skåne, Sweden. Taught by Jonathan and Zara in English. Contact Zara, email: courses@asbacka.org or tel: + 46 (0)431 441 220. Price: 2700 SEK, deposit 1000 SEK, includes food and accommodation. Max 14 places.

For more information about the venue, see www.asbacka.org

Participants must have completed introductory course The Shaman's Journey or agreed equivalent.

Shamanic Practice Weekends happen at Åsbacka every few months, each time with a different theme. Each workshop runs from 12 noon on Saturday to 16.00 on Sunday.