Moontime &
Menopause
Medicine Wheel
Weddings Healing Circles Other Rites of Passage HEALING CIRCLES
LOVE MANTRA FOR LETTING GO
I bless you
I release you
I set you free
I set me free
I let you be
I let me be
Combined Mesa (shamanic altar) of Aumdoc & Mr N ready for
The 3rd Annual 'Psy-Lin' Pipe Ceremony
Black Rock Desert, 2002
As long as anyone can remember people have been gathering together with the intent of healing, of making whole. Evidence of this can be seen in almost every indigenous culture and most world religions. Sometimes these gatherings were to benefit an individual, sometimes a family or community. More frequently I see healing circles held for the benefit of Mother Earth, and the family of WoMan (all of us!).
I have been called to learn how to facilitate healing circles. This is my training ground.
In my transition from physician-healer to healer-physician I have been increasingly called to participate in community education and healing. Over the last 30 years I have participated in a wide variety of healing circles from many different traditions. Recently there have been a great many friends in my social community facing difficult health issues and other life challenges. While this community comes together often in joyous music, dance and celebration (all of which are incredibly healing), I felt there was a space needed where we could come together for the specific intent of healing. Because of this I have started a series of 7 healing circles based on The Inca Medicine Wheel. This is my training ground and you are my teachers. I am learning to facilitate healing circles by facilitating healing circles. All are welcome!
For more reflections on HEALING CIRCLES go to the bottom of this page.
What to expect?
A soft eclectic space inviting your personal exploration of healing intent. Always a space welcoming to beginners. Participate or just observe as you desire. The circle will be facilitated by Aumdoc. A facilitator bring grounding and focus to a group of diverse individuals. The circle will open with gentle easy chanting followed by periods of silence invoking healing intent; each individually within themselves and together as a unified circle. Energy work will focus our group intent. This will be a safe space to explore healing. and to feel your prayers.
My purpose is to bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds and create a circle unity through common experience. Bring with you intent for healing self, another, a family or tribe, a country and always, Mother Earth.
This is what the Circle will be like:
These are soft eclectic circles where people should relax and not worry about doing it right or wrong. Make yourself at home. Engage at the level you desire. Maybe you give yourself fully to this sacred space or maybe you sit out of the circle and just observe. As you wish, all are welcome.
Bring a chair or something to sit on in case these are needed. The circles are held in many different physical circumstances. Sometimes they are held around a fire, sometimes indoors at a studio or maybe in the waiting room of Millennium Healthcare.
HERE IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS…
I will introduce the circle and then engage in some simple energy medicine exercises to focus everyone’s attention.
Then we do some vocal exercises to try to get everyone to loosen up and make some noise together.
We may have trouble thinking the same thoughts but it is pretty easy to come together and make the same sound.
Then we chant Aum in a continuous rolling fashion.
Then we move into an invoked period of prayerful silence.
Then we chant again… what we chant depends on where we are in the series of 7 circles.
Then we again move into invoked silence.
Then we take the opportunity to briefly voice and witness peoples healing intent for the evening, very powerful (participation optional).
Then we close with another continuous rolling Aum.
Suggested reading for this series:
SECRETS OF THE LOST MODE OF PRAYER: The Hidden Power of Beauty, BLessing, Wisdom and Hurt by Gregg Braden
Aumdoc has been facilitating eclectic ritual and ceremony for over 30 years...
For this event he will draw on his varied experiences in healing and spirit including his 5 years as an organic farmer, 35 year interest in sacred plants and natural healing, 14 years experience delivering babies and performing surgery in Atlanta (18 years in medical practice), 5 year series of full moon fires, 16 years study of cross cultural shamanic practices (with an emphasis on Peruvian Shamanic Tradition).
THESE SERIES OF HEALING CIRCLES ARE FREE... OUR GIFT TO OURSELVES!!!
For questions or more information contact Aumdoc (Dr. Rick Clofine) at 770-633-4257 or Aumdoc@aumdoc.com
A Series of 7 Healing Circles based on The Inca Medicine Wheel
I have been working with personal eclectic cross cultural medicine wheels for a number of years. In 1994 I was introduced to the Inca Medicine Wheel in a one year training with Alberto Villoldo (Four Winds Society). This was very powerful work for me and lead to a prolonged interest in Peruvian Shamanism including 10 years of apprenticeship with Don Oscar Miro Quesada (MESAWORKS) . Over the last 5 years I have been working regularly with a Peruvian jungle shaman. My personal ritual is also greatly influenced by the natural world, my plant and stone teachers and a lifelong love of meditation.
When I held the first HEALING CIRCLE on Wednesday April 12, 2006 I really didn't have a plan, other then "I need to do healing circles". During and shortly after that circle the ceremonial series came to me in it's entirety, I did not have to think about it or plan it.
My intention for the 7 cycle series of HEALING CIRCLES is to create a space where diverse individuals can be unified through prayerful feelings and intent for the purpose of healing self, others and Mother Earth. I use my MESA (shamanic altar) as the focal point of the ritual. The HEALING CIRCLE usually lasts around 30 - 45 minutes.
HEALING CIRCLE #1
Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 7:30 pm
location: Plastikos / Millennium Healthcare, Dunwoody, GA (directions)
presentation: Overview of The Inca Medicine Wheel
HEALING CIRCLE #2
Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 7:30 pm
location: Plastikos / Millennium Healthcare, 4370 Georgetown Square, Dunwoody, GA
(Directions to 4370 Georgetown Square )
presentation: How Shamanism Has Influenced My Medical Practice
healing circle: South ~ Earth=Body ~ Physical Healing ~ Pachamama (Mother Earth)
HOW SHAMANISM HAS INFLUENCED MY MEDICAL PRACTICE (by Aumdoc / R. Clofine D.O.)
I have been interested in the study of cross-cultural shamanism for over 30 years. Some anthropologists, such as Christine Van Pool, define a shaman as an intermediary between the natural and spiritual world, who travels between worlds in a trance state. Famed scholar Mircea Eliade concluded that shamanism under lays all the other spiritual traditions on the planet. Anthropologist Michael Harner helped define: core shamanic practices: (such as drumming, dancing and singing) that we can see in many different indigenous cultures around the globe. Thus comes the concept of cross-cultural shamanism; seeing common similarities and archetypes in widely differing indigenous healing practices.
My interest in the eclectic study of cross-cultural shamanism long preceded my becoming a physician. I was an organic farmer for five years as a young man. I had my first healing herb garden in 1972, the farm was a bhakti yoga center as well. This is where i first learned of how healing, and the rhythms of nature, intertwine and dance together. Throughout my years of classroom and clinical training, and then my 17 years of medical practice, this interest in spiritual medicine has only intensified. My most valuable training in energy medicine has bee watching so many births, and first breaths being taken. My years as a surgeon allowed me to see the human body-temple inside and out. I learned about compassion by touching people on a daily basis through healing bodywork (Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy).
I have been deeply influenced by my study and experience with different shamanic practices and teachers. I feel these things influence my life and medical practice on a daily basis. This presentation will be a brief introduction to how that is so.
After the 30-minute presentation I will facilitate a HEALING CIRCLE. We will come together or the purpose of personal, community and global peace and healing. Together we will hold sacred space through the use of voiced intent, toning and silence. We join together as the human family; all are welcome to join this eclectic circle. Feel free to contact me with any questions at Aumdoc@aumdoc.com.
HEALING CIRCLE #3
date: Friday, August 4, 2006 at 8:30 pm
location: Lori Guarisco's Shoal Creek Studio (www.shoalcreekstudio.com)
Directions to Shoal Creek Studio's below
presentation: Healing Tools & Healing Partnerships
healing circle: West ~ Water=Blood ~ Emotional Healing ~ Mamakilya (the Moon)
I feel very fortunate to have such a wide spectrum of Healing Tools available to support my patients. The ART OF MEDICINE is wise use of these tools, appreciating that they all have pros and cons, benefits and risks. The best tools to use are those resonant with what the patient wants for themselves. Here is my holistic philosophy (developed over the last 30 years) honoring the power in all healing tools, both alternative and medical.
Healing Partnerships are relationships with health professionals that empower us to create health in our lives. There are certain characteristics common to these relationships, regardless of the specialty of the practitioner (be they your reflexologist or your cardiologist). We will explore what makes up a good Healing Partnership. Understanding these issues can help us develop long-term relationships with caring professionals that support more empowered and informed healthcare choices.
DIRECTIONS TO SHOAL CREEK STUDIO, 1504 Oldfield Road, Decatur. 404-375-1736
FROM downtown Decatur---take South Candler Rd. South from College Ave.---go 1 half mile to blinking yellow light, Midway Rd. and turn left----at 2nd street which is Oldfield Rd. go right----follow the curve to the right----at stop sign go left (still Oldfield Rd.)----go 2 blocks and see 1504 Oldfield Rd. on the left---everyone must park on the same side of the street ONLY-you may have to turn around at the next corner----
FROM 285 Memorial Dr. exit---inside the perimeter----about 4 miles see a SHELL gas station on the right----bottom of a hill----Oldfield Rd. is on the right hand side just before the gas station----SHOAL CREEK STUDIO is the first place on the right----FROM downtown ATLANTA-----MEMORIAL Dr. towards Decatur (east) one mile after you cross South Candler Rd.----turn left just past the SHELL gas station---first place on right---need help 404-375-1736
HEALING CIRCLE #4
date: Friday, September 22, 2006 at 8:30 pm
location: Shanti's Fire Circle in Tucker, GA
presentation: Equinox Fire Ceremony
healing circle: North ~ Air=Breath ~ Spiritual Healing ~ Wirococha (Light Body)
FOR DIRECTIONS TO FIRE CIRCLE CONTACT:
Shanti - email shanti01@bellsouth.net
Aumdoc - email aumdoc@aumdoc.com
cell phone 770-633-4257
Our Healing Circle is a soft eclectic space inviting your personal exploration of healing intent, always a space welcoming to beginners. Participate or just observe as you desire. The circle will be facilitated by Aumdoc. A facilitator brings grounding and focus to a group of diverse individuals. The circle will open with gentle easy chanting followed by periods of silence invoking healing intent; intent within each individual and intent as a unified circle. Energy work will focus our group intent. This will be a safe space to explore healing and to feel your prayers. Healing circle lasts around 30 minutes.
Equinox Fire Ceremony will follow our healing circle. People have sat around fires throughout the history of human-kind, sitting around a fire naturally creates a circle. Our Fire Ceremony will be consecrating a new fire pit at Shanti's home in Tucker. This NEW MOON EQUINOX FIRE is an opportunity to honor our blood and spirit ancestors by embracing AND cleansing our lineages. This allows more balance in our lives and the lives of future generations .Individuals are encouraged to bring OFFERINGS OF CLEANSING, THANKSGIVING & GRATITUDE to the fire. These offerings may be prayerful and energetic, or they may take physical form. Physical offerings burned in the fire are always made of natural elements that burn easily.... wood, paper, twine, etc (no glass, plastic or metal) and should not be large. Very common are letters and drawings that have personal significance. I often create an offering from natural found objects bound together with vine or twine. Be creative. This is our opportunity to engage together the transforming power of fire.(Many different energies combine on this September 22nd including the autumnal equinox, a solar eclipse, the second new moon in virgo, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish new year), the ninth and final day of the Eleusinian Mysteries in ancient Greece, and the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.)
Feel free to come for one or both events. Be welcome and comfortable. Bring a chair or cushion as this event will be outside, weather permitting. Bring your music, poetry and other passions to share.
HEALING CIRCLE #5
date: Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 7:30 pm
location: Noetic Science Meeting at Millennium Healthcare in Dunwoody
presentation: Healing Circle
healing circle: East ~ Fire=Spirit ~ Mental Healing ~ Inti (the Sun)
HEALING CIRCLE #6
date: Friday, January 19, 2007 at 8:30pm
location: Millennium Healthcare's Holistic Primary Care Center
1867 Independence Square, Suite #155, Atlanta (Dunwoody), GA 30338
presentation: Healing Circle & Consecration Of Aumdoc's Office
This Healing Circle is being held in my office to consecrate it as Sacred Healing Space
healing circle: Center ~ Aum ~ Unity ~ Kuychi (Rainbow Energy Essence)
Consecrate: to make or declare sacred
Here is an essay I wrote on declaring our medical practice as "Sacred Space"...
TEMPLE OF HEALTH
Why have we renamed our radio show “TEMPLE OF HEALTH”?
These dictionary definitions are useful in understanding our reasons:
Temple: Something regarded as having within it a divine presence.
Health: Soundness of body, mind and spirit; A condition of optimal well-being.
Sacred: Made or declared holy.
Our “Temple of Health” is an archetypal Temple that is dedicated to the optimal well being of all individuals, and of mother earth. This archetype manifests in many different ways. The temple of all humanity is Mother Earth (Pachamama), who shelters all beings. She is full of divine presence. Her body is always under our feet, her blood quenches our thirst and her breath infuses us with life force energy (prana). Our entire life is lived in this temple. We are made holy and sound when we honor the Temple of Mother Earth.
We each have a personal temple, our physical bodies. This temple is the repository of our life force, and soul energy. We are blessed to have this Temple and are always within its hallowed space. Our personal temple is totally dependent on Mother Earth. These two temples (Mother Earth and our physical body) are ever present in our life. Thus we have the opportunity to live our lives immersed in divine presence every minute of every day. This becomes particularly meaningful when bring this into conscious awareness and make this awareness present on a day-to-day basis. These temples are “sacred space”. We have the option of living our lives in sacred space, regardless of where we are and what we are doing. Yet to live our lives in sacred space we need to be aware of it, and present with it.
When we recognize these living temples we have the opportunity to create other temples in our lives. Any physical place where we place our intent to experience divine presence can be a sacred temple. For those of us at Millennium Healthcare and Plastikos, this intent makes our offices and operating rooms our temples. We experience the divine presence here and try to infuse our day-to-day work with that guidance. It is through our intent to hold it in this way that the physical structure becomes sacred. Plastikos is our “Temple of the Body Beautiful” and is dedicated to comprehensive surgical healing. Millennium Healthcare is our “Temple of Sacred Medicine” where all healing tools (conventional and alternative medicine) are used to assist in creating health for our patients.
Creating Health is about individuals becoming empowered to live their lives in such a way as to optimize wellness of body, mind and spirit. This often involves the need to change deeply ingrained lifestyle patterns of diet, activity, emotions and thought. Our approach to Holistic Medicine seeks to be inclusive, non-dogmatic and service (not product) oriented. We honor the divine within all our patients and ourselves, and understand that the greatest healing power is unconditional love.
THE SEVENTH CIRCLE......This completes my FIRST series of seven circles!!
** The Seventh HEALING CIRCLE **
Saturday, March 3rd, 2007, 8:00 pm
1504 Oldfield Road in Decatur
I am pleased to host Don Santiago (Dr. James Williams, OMD) as our guest healer!
(Full information with websites and directions below)
This Completes This Series of 7 Healing Circles!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON Aumdoc's HEALING CIRCLES CLICK HERE!
Or contact Aumdoc (Rick Clofine, D.O.)
(email) aumdoc@aumdoc.com; (cell phone) 770-633-4257
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The Seventh Circle
Shamanic Healing Ceremony and Ritual of Sacred Reciprocity (Ayni)
Rituals of reciprocity in the spirit of Ayni honor Pachamama, or Earth-time reality, in a ceremonial way based on ancient Peruvian rituals. Pachamama is an all-encompassing sentient being. She encompasses the spiritual dimension and the material world, life and death, and place and time—all aspects of one continuous interwoven reality. To the Q’ero, time is not linear—one minute does not precede another. Time is a multidimensional process that spreads in every direction interpenetrating the three worlds of existance: ukhupacha (the interior world), kaypacha (the world we live in), and hananpacha (the highest world of spiritual beings). In the Andes, the individual is not the center of the universe but moves upon the Earth in the matrix of time. Maintaining a relationship based on mutual respect and reciprocity with Pachamama is central and vital to traditional Andean life. On a personal level, when Pachamama is approached in a respectful manner, routine consciousness becomes mystical. The work we will conduct together, which might be called experiential shamanism, will help take your closer to the great love of Pachamama.
Aumdoc’s guest healer for The Seventh Circle is Don Santiago.
Dr. J. E. Williams, “Santiago,” was adopted into a traditional Siberian Eskimo family on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea in 1967. His shamanic training and experiences among Native Americans have taken him from the Arctic to the Amazon and the high Andes mountains and spans more than 35 years. In 1994, he was given the name El Nahautl Sangtiago in Oaxaca, Mexico, and in Peru is known as Don Santiago where he has been working since 1996. In 2002, he was adopted into a traditional Q’ero Indian family and is recognized as a member of the Q’ero Nation, a distinction qualifying him to teach and practice ancient shamanic ceremonies. Because of his traditional orientation, he has been a reluctant shaman and waited to be called to teach, which came after the release of his book, The Andean Codex, in 2004. Dr. Williams also has a distinguished career in Oriental and Naturopathic Medicine and is an internationally recognized expert in Integrative Medicine. He is the author of three acclaimed health books (Prolonging Health, Viral Immunity, and Beating the Flu), and numerous scientific papers. He rounds off his professional career as a naturalist, published bilingual poet, and accomplished photographer. He resides in Sarasota, Florida and in Peru.
www.drjewilliams.com www.greenmedicine.net
Saturday, March 3, 8:00pm at Shoal Creak Studios (1504 Oldfield Road in Decatur)
Practical information on THE SEVENTH CIRCLE
- ATTENDEES: All ages and beliefs are welcome. No prior knowledge or experience required. Bring an open mind and an
open heart. We will start at 8:00 pm (though it is OK to arrive late & leave early if necessary). Sacred sage and tobacco will be used during the ceremony.
- CHILDREN: It is recommended that young children or infants not attend because the ceremony includes periods of
meditation. If mothers bring children, they will be asked to sit outside the circle for the main ceremony. Mothers should bring blankets and pillows for their children to rest comfortably.
- COMFORT: Since it is a dance studio and we'll be on a wood floor, people should be advised to bring their own cushion
and a blanket (though some cushions are available)or other soft cloth. We encourage you to sit on the floor. Folding chairs will be available for those unable to sit on the floor.
- SACRED OBJECTS: Attendees may bring their personal sacred or religious objects (crystals, necklaces, stones, etc.) for
cleansing and blessing. Instructions will be given as part of the introduction, before the ceremony.
- FORMAT: Don Santiago's MESA (shamanic altar) will in the center of the circle, as Aumdoc's mesa has been for each
circle so far. A clear introduction will be offered before entering into the formal ceremony. Depending on the flow of the evening individual healings may be offered. The evening may run late.
October Events: I am pleased to again host Don Santiago (James Williams, O.M.D.), for 2 events!
Saturday, October 13th, 1-4pm INTRODUCTION TO PERUVIAN SHAMANISM WORKSHOP
7pm THE SEVENTH CIRCLE (Ritual of Sacred Reciprocity)
(THURSDAY, October 11th from 7:30-9:30pm Don Santiago will speak
at Phoenix & Dragon book store - Full info at bottom of page)
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION!
Or contact Aumdoc (Rick Clofine, D.O.)
(email) aumdoc@aumdoc.com; (cell phone) 770-633-4257
(For Medical Appointments with Dr. Clofine at Millennium Healthcare in Dunwoody call 770-390-0012}
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Second series of Seven Healing Circles
Click Here for more information on Aumdoc's Healing Circles
HEALING CIRCLE #8
Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Lori's Shoal Creek Studio in Decatur, GA
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at Serenity Lakes Wellness Center in Lawrenceville, GA
Sunday, June 24, 2007 at Shanti's Fire Circle in Tucker, GA
Sunday, July 22, 2007 at Transformus festival in the city of Mysteria (at Deerfields in NC)
Thursday, August 16, 2007 at the Noetic Science Meeting of Millennium Healthcare in Dunwoody, GA
Sunday, September 2, 2007 at a big dance in northwest GA
THE SEVENTH CIRCLE
I am very pleased to again invite Don Santiago to host The Seventh Circle.
The last Seventh Circle was a wonderful heartfelt shamanic ceremonial space appreciated by all in attendence (65).
WHEN: Saturday, October 13th at 7pm.
WHERE: Shoal Creek Studio, 1504 Oldfield Road, Decatur, GA 30030
(Directions at bottom of page)
The Seventh Circle
Shamanic Healing Ceremony and Ritual of Reciprocity
Rituals of reciprocity, in the spirit of Ayni, honor Pachamama, Earth-time reality, in a ceremonial way. Based on ancient Peruvian cosmology, Pachamama, like Gaia philosophy, is considered an all-encompassing nurturing sentient being. She encompasses the spiritual dimension and the material world, life and death, and place and time—all aspects of one continuous interwoven reality. To the Incas, time was not linear—one minute does not precede another – but a multidimensional process that spreads in every direction and interpenetrates the three worlds of existence: ukhupacha (the interior world), kaypacha (the world we live in), and hananpacha (the highest world of spiritual beings). In the Andes, the individual is not the center of the universe but moves upon the Earth, in a matrix of place and time. Maintaining a relationship based on mutual respect and reciprocity with Pachamama is central and vital to traditional Andean life. It is important for modern people because it constitutes the basis upon which to build a new green philosophy of life. On a personal level, when Pachamama is approached in a respectful manner, routine consciousness becomes mystical. The experiential shamanism work we will conduct together will help take your closer to the great love of Pachamama and restore happiness and healing in your life.
Teachings of Earth-based, Heart-centered Wisdom
Slide Presentation of the “Circle of Healing”
Peruvian Shamanic Ceremony and Ritual Offering as an Act of Ayni
Personal Cleansing Ceremony
Aumdoc’s guest healer for The Seventh Circle is Don Santiago.
Dr. J. E. Williams, “Santiago,” was adopted into a traditional Siberian Eskimo family on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea in 1967. His shamanic training and experiences among Native Americans have taken him from the Arctic to the Amazon and the high Andes mountains and spans more than 35 years. In 1994, he was given the name El Nahautl Sangtiago in Oaxaca, Mexico, and in Peru is known as Don Santiago where he has been working since 1996. In 2002, he was adopted into a traditional Q’ero Indian family and is recognized as a member of the Q’ero Nation, a distinction qualifying him to teach and practice ancient shamanic ceremonies. Dr. Williams also has a distinguished career in Oriental and Naturopathic Medicine and is an internationally recognized expert in Integrative Medicine. He is the author of three acclaimed health books (Prolonging Health, Viral Immunity, and Beating the Flu), and numerous scientific papers, and The Andean Codex.He resides in Sarasota, Florida and in Peru.
www.andeancodex.com www.drjewilliams.com www.greenmedicine.net
***********************************************************************************************************
SECRETS OF PERUVIAN SHAMANISM
Introduction to Shamanism as a Spiritual Practice
s a Spiritual Practice
Dr. J. E. Williams, “Santiago”, author of The Andean Codex, presents, through lecture and remarkable photography combined with shamanic rituals and blessing ceremonies, an exploration on the secrets of the Andes and Peruvian shamanism.
Why Peru is the spiritual center of our time and its importance as an ecological “Noah’s Ark”
The Five Principles of Andean Wisdom
The meaning of Ayni and how to learn in a sacred manner in a secular world
Instruction on caring for crystals and sacred stones
Creating your home altar and the elements of “la mesa”
Andean meditation practices and aware dreaming
Saturday, October 13 from 1-4:00 p.m.
At Shoal Creek Studio 1504 Oldfield Road, Decatur, GA 30030
WORKSHOP FEE: $45 Full information at WWW.AUMDOC.COM/EVENTS
Please RSVP to Aumdoc@Aumdoc.com or 770-633-4257
J. E. Williams, O.M.D., FAAIM was adopted into a traditional Siberian Eskimo family on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea in 1967. His shamanic training and experiences among Native Americans have taken him from the Arctic to the Amazon and the high Andes mountains and spans more than 35 years. Dr. Williams is an internationally recognized expert in Integrative Medicine and the author of Prolonging Health, Viral Immunity, Beating the Flu, and The Andean Codex. He resides in Sarasota, Florida and Peru.
************************************************************
Practical information for the upcoming workshop and ceremony:
- ATTENDEES: All ages and beliefs are welcome. No prior knowledge or experience required. Bring an open mind and an
open heart. We will start on time (though it is OK to arrive late & leave early if necessary). Sacred sage and tobacco will be used during the ceremony.
- RSVP: We would like to plan for workshop attendence so RSVP is appreciated to Aumdoc@Aumdoc.com or 770-633-4257. Response is not required and you are welcome to just show up.
- CHILDREN: It is recommended that young children or infants not attend because the ceremony includes periods of
meditation. Mothers should bring blankets and pillows for their children to rest comfortably.
- COMFORT: Since it is a dance studio and we'll be on a wood floor, people should bring their own cushion and a blanket (though some cushions are available) to sit on. We encourage you to sit on the floor. Folding chairs will be available for those unable to sit on the floor.
- SACRED OBJECTS: Attendees may bring their personal sacred or religious objects (crystals, necklaces, stones, etc.) for
cleansing and blessing. Instructions will be given as part of the introduction, before the ceremony.
- FORMAT: Don Santiago's MESA (shamanic altar) will in the center of the circle, as Aumdoc's mesa has been for each
circle so far. A clear introduction will be offered before entering into the formal ceremony. Depending on the flow of the evening individual healings may be offered. The evening may run late.
- DRUMMING: There will be a fire after the ceremony. Drums and music makers are welcome!
- COST: The 4 hour workshop is $45.00. The Seventh Circle ceremony is free though donations are greatly appreciated (a portion of which will go to the Qero Indians).
**********************
************************************
DIRECTIONS TO SHOAL CREEK STUDIOS
1504 Oldfield Road, Decatur, GA 30030
PLEASE PARK ON ONE SIDE OF OLDFIELD ROAD ONLY!!!
Walk up the drive and look for path to studio on your left.
FROM Downtown Decatur - take South Candler Rd. South from College Ave. Go 1 half mile to a blinking yellow light, Midway Rd. and turn left. At 2nd street which is Oldfield Rd. go right. Follow the curve to the right. At the stop sign go left (still Oldfield Rd.) Go 2 blocks and see 1504 Oldfield Rd. on the left. Everyone must park on the same side of the street ONLY- You may have to turn around at the next corner.
FROM 285 - Memorial Dr. exit - inside the perimeter----about 2.5 miles see a SHELL gas station on the right.bottom of a hill-Oldfield Rd. is on the right hand side just before the gas station----SHOAL CREEK STUDIO is the first place on the right.
FROM downtown ATLANTA - Take MEMORIAL Dr. towards Decatur (east) one mile after you cross South Candler Rd. Turn left just past the SHELL gas station. Its the first place on right.*********************************************************************************************************
Workshop and Round Table Discussion Group
Thursday, October 11 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Don Santiago at Phoenix & Dragon Book Store
5531 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA
http://www.phoenixanddragon.com/
Earth-Based, Heart-Centered Wisdom
Through lecture, discussion, slide and video presentation, Dr. Williams will guide the participants through a journey of personal mythology. In the spirit of hero’s journey and the epic tales of ancient times, our life journey takes on meaning and is just as relevant today. The evening will be filled with shamanic energy including a blessing ceremony from the Peruvian tradition.
Aumdoc's Mesa holding space for grandson's birth
(Marley Cole Peyton, 7lb12oz, 1-29-07)
DIRECTIONS TO SHOAL CREEK STUDIOS
FROM Downtown Decatur - take South Candler Rd. South from College Ave. Go 1 half mile to a blinking yellow light, Midway Rd. and turn left. At 2nd street which is Oldfield Rd. go right. Follow the curve to the right. At the stop sign go left (still Oldfield Rd.) Go 2 blocks and see 1504 Oldfield Rd. on the left. Everyone must park on the same side of the street ONLY- You may have to turn around at the next corner.
FROM 285 - Memorial Dr. exit - inside the perimeter----about 4 miles see a SHELL gas station on the right.bottom of a hill-Oldfield Rd. is on the right hand side just before the gas station----SHOAL CREEK STUDIO is the first place on the right.
FROM downtown ATLANTA - Take MEMORIAL Dr. towards Decatur (east) one mile after you cross South Candler Rd. Turn left just past the SHELL gas station. Its the first place on right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The THIRD SERIES OF SEVEN HEALING CIRCLES....
I am pleased to announce the start of my third series of Seven Healing Circles with...
CIRCLE OF HEALING #15
Wednesday, November 14th , 2007
7:30pm at PLASTIKOS SURGERY CENTER
4370 Georgetown Square, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Directions below and at http://www.plastikos.com/directions.htm
Healing Circle #16 was a private circle held on April 19th, 2008 ("Bicycle Day").
Healing Circle #17 was on the top of Stone Mountain with Blue Thunder on May 17, 2008.
http://www.earthwisdomfoundation.com/stonemountainmedicinewheel.html
Aumdoc has been facilitating eclectic ritual and ceremony for over 30 years...For these events he will draw on his varied experiences in healing and spirit. This includes his 5 years as an organic farmer; 35 year interest in meditation, sacred plants and natural healing; 12 years experience delivering babies and performing surgery at three Atlanta hospitals(18 years in medical practice, dual board certified in Holistic Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology); 5 year series of full moon fires; 16 years study of cross cultural shamanic practices (with an emphasis on Peruvian Shamanic Tradition); and his family life (3 children and new grandfather of 1).
Aumdoc wishes to honor the beauty and support of his loving dearheart, Sara Evans.
SOME REFLECTIONS ON HEALING CIRCLES
Why I decided to facilitate Healing Circles:
I have had the opportunity of attending many different healing circles in the last 35 years. Most of these were eclectic spiritual or shamanically oriented events. Also I have been to several fundamentalist healing services. I have very little experience with native North American Indian tradition. Eclectic ritual and ceremonial spaces have always attracted me and over the years I have often reflected on what about these Healing Circles resonated within me and what about them put me off. I found that what attracted me was the experience generated by the sacred space that moved beyond ideas about how things should be done. Beyond religion, beyond philosophy, beyond tradition… “Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone beyond beyond… hail the goer.”
For the last 15 years I have seriously studied shamanic medicine from a cross cultural context and within the container of Pachacuti Mesa Shamanism as taught by Oscar Miro Quesada. Around 5 years ago I recognized that it was time to continue training NOT by taking more workshops and courses, but by doing, by putting my training into practice. This was part of the reason my medical practice went through such a dramatic shift during this time. It is also why I serve as a teacher of workshops and as a public speaker on many different topics. This is my training ground as I move from a physician who is a healer into being a healer who is a physician.
These healing circles are my stepping up to the plate as healer and Medicine Man. It is my community that has indirectly encouraged me to go ahead and do this work.
I experienced some VERY sad years through the second half of the 1990’s. One thing that helped light the tunnel at the end of my journey through that dark night was the social community I now spend a lot of time with. They invited my out to play and let me enter the water at my own pace. They reintroduced the concept of FUN to me. This was a radical concept at the time, for fun had drained out of my life completely. This community REALLY knows how to celebrate and experience the passion of life through music, dance and enjoyment of earthly pleasures. These people eventually inspired me to dance and sing, two things I had never done much of in my life. Now these are two of my favorite things.
This is an aging community (I am 53) and it is a common thing for people to have more health problems manifest as we age. It was alarming to some how many individuals were having serious health problems. I often wondered what I could do around these circumstances. During this time I had the opportunity to attend a healing circle held by Fernan Poulin, D.C. Fernan is an amazing energy worker and trains people in energy medicine through his White Winds Institute (http://www.whitewinds.com/). I have known Fernan around 8 years and the medical practice I work for repeatedly asks him to speak at our practice because he is so good. At one of our free monthly meetings Dr. Poulin held a healing circle. His circle inspired me to begin holding them myself.
I realized that in my community there really wasn’t a space held with HEALING as a primary intent. I also realized this might be one way for me to give back to my community. Around this time I received an email from a friend concerning a severe depression in one of her children. For some reason this was the final push and I immediately decided to hold a healing circle. Later that day I received a call that there was a speaker cancellation for one of our upcoming lecture forums and was I was asked to fill in, topic of my choice. Well, HELLO!!!! I went ahead and scheduled it be a Healing Circle, around 10 people attended.
During that circle, I had a flood of information come to me around concerning this work. I realized I needed to train at doing these circles and immediately saw that circle as the first in a series of 7. These 7 circles would serve as my training ground. There is no better way to learn then by doing.
I came to recognized that the circle was not to be about each individual’s personal drama. I had been to many circles whose focus was to bring one of more individuals into the center of the circle and have the circle focus healing intent on their particular crisis, on their personal drama. I personally experienced mixed results with this type of focus and realized it wasn’t what this series of circles would be about.
The circle needed to empower people to experience themselves as healers (we all are). Rather then turning over healing to the circle they needed to experience themselves as an integral part of the whole and learn to immerse themselves in healing intent.
The role of facilitator at these circles is to lay the roadmap for everyone to follow. The facilitator makes sure the circle runs like a labyrinth as opposed to being a maze. The facilitator needs to clearly voice the intent of the circle, practically explain exactly what is going to happen and then lead the people gathered through the event so that everyone knows what to do. In this way it is not a maze which is very confusing and needs to be thought about and figured out. The healing circle should be more like a labyrinth. Labyrinths can be quite complicated pathways but you never have to think about them to navigate through them. They are not confusing. All you need to do is look down and continue to follow the path that is clearly laid out for you to follow. No thinking or figuring out involved. Labyrinths leave you free to explore and experience inner spaces.
People hear about these Healing Circles in a wide variety of ways. They here through my medical practice emails or newsletters, through mailing lists and through personal invitations. It ends up being a very diverse crowd with many people who do not know each other. One purpose of this circle is to bring this diverse mix of people together and move beyond the diversity of the mind into the unity of the heart. This is done by moving beyond theory and philosophy into the commonality of feeling and experience. We all may have different ideas about what happens after we die but we all know the common painful experience of losing a loved one.
These are prayerful spaces we move into. These are not religious prayers voiced and dictated by tradition and orthodoxy. I encourage all attending to move beyond words and thinking into the experience of prayerful states. If someone does not relate to prayer then I could just as easily describe it as moving into the experience of positive attitude. I ask individuals to have very specific intent about whom or what they wish to heal. We may hold healing intent for ourselves, another individual, a family or community, a tribe or society or for Pachamama (Mother Earth). By focusing on a specific situation we can allow the circle to act as an amplifier and our intent to act as a lens. We all know the power of a lens to focus the suns light into a searing ray.
One way to hold this space is to visualize the situation in wholeness and wellness. To hold prayerful healing intent for my father’s lungs, I see my father strong and whole, with healthy lungs. I visit that experience and hold it deeply, filling myself with it in every way I can. I draw on past experience of knowing him in good health and also on my creative visualization of that healthy state.
It is a common experience to feel a deep shift in your state of being during the healing circle. This is your system entraining to the high vibration developed through our group intent. Very specific physiologic states occur that have to do with deep relaxation, quieting of the mind and a calming of the stress response. When you feel this shift I recommend you let go and dive deep into it. Invite into your heart all the wisdom givers you have personally known and welcome them to sow seeds of compassion there. Compassion first for ourselves so then we might send it to others and to Pachamama (Mother Earth). FILL YOURSELF WITH THANKSGIVING AND GRATITUDE. Blessings!
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Dr, Clofine is board certified in Gynecology and Holistic Medicine and has been practicing medicine in Atlanta for 17 years. His interest in HEALING CIRCLES is influenced by his years as an organic farmer and student of cross-cultural shamanism; as well as his many years delivering babies and practicing medicine and surgery. Dr Clofine's current practice at Millennium Healthcare includes holistic office gynecology. He sees all women but specializes in menopause including drug-free support programs as well as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. He has been using energy medicine with Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (hands on bodywork) for over twenty years, specializing in deep relaxation and stress reduction.
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