In this interactive workshop, we dive deep into the Inuit creation myth of Sedna, to see what is waiting to be revealed in the depths of the ocean.
Sedna, the goddess of the sea and marine animals in Inuit mythology, is known as the "Mother of the Sea" and it said to control the supply of sea animals, which are essential for the survival of the Inuit people.
We will explore the story using tools from the Story Arte creative toolbox like Gestalt therapy, expressive arts therapies and psychodrama.
As we swim alongside Sedna in her watery world, we will discover how this myth resonates with us on a personal and group level.
Fairy tales and myths are multi layered, when we gather around the virtual fire, we can discover some of the hidden messages which may have been encoded in this ancient myth. For some people this story may evoke images of transformation, for others the importance of respecting nature and keeping the natural world in balance. We will also consider how it might be used in a therapeutic setting.
We will also take into consideration the planetary configuration of the dwarf planet Sedna and do a little ritual for the new Moon.
This workshop is experiential, and participants will be invited to explore the story in depth and engage actively in the creative activities. Please have some paper and something to write and draw with handy.
Stories have been with us since the very beginning of humanity when we gathered around the fire to listen to myths of creation to connect us with our inner selves, our clan and the universe. Stories have accompanied us through dark times, of war and plague and they are here to accompany us now, with their medicine, in this challenging time.
In this workshop:
- We will call upon the ancient wisdom of this Inuit myth to guide us.
- We will step into the story through drawing, journaling, and if time permits, psychodrama.
- We will explore the symbolic language of the story.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- You will see how to work with fairy tales/ myths in a therapeutic setting.
- You will see ways to work with some of the themes that this story may bring up in the group.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
- Therapists, counsellors, storytellers, and anyone else with a deep interest in exploring the symbolic world of fairy tales and myths.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- Stories are a powerful tool to have in your toolbox as symbolic language can provide a way for clients to explore their inner world from a safe distance.
Course Content
Presenter
Jennifer Ramsay is a professional storyteller. She has told stories in more than 2,000 events and trained hundreds of people in the ancestral art of storytelling. She works with story medicine in private practice and as a group facilitator in unique workshops, weaving stories into Nature Based Art Therapy, Gestalt therapy, Symbolic Psychodrama and Embodiment work.
She has a degree in Biological Sciences and is part of the global network of Earth Storytellers. The rhythms of nature are very present as she incorporates the Celtic wheel of the year and the lunar cycles into her work.
She is the founder of Story Arte, a centre for Art Therapy and Storytelling in the village where she lives, in the foothills near Madrid.
