1.How does the course work?
The Creative Astrology Workshop is an interactive, online course that joins astrology and art. We will use a discussion list on Yahoo Groups as our virtual classroom, which makes the process highly dynamic: everybody can participate, according to their availability, and learn with others' experiences and observations. You will learn how to read important points of your birth chart and connect them to your life experience. Each session will include discussions and reflections, meditation, questions and answers, and exercises to develop your perception, intuition and creativity. Simultaneously, you will be producing a visual journal and submitting your artwork to the group, sharing your experience, perceptions and insights and connecting them to your birth chart, making an evaluation of your personal growth that week.
That's how it works:
- By Monday of each week you'll receive a PDF file containing texts, images, reflections and worksheets of the week's theme. You will also learn how to read your chart and how the energy of the planets and signs manifest in you.
- By Thursday you will receive instructions on how to develop your creative practice of the week. You will have the opportunity to watch videos and listen to mp3 files that will facilitate meditation and the creation of a sacred workspace. Until Monday of the next week, you are free to create and share images of your artwork with the group.
- During the week I'll be assisting you in your journey, with answers to your questions and comments on your discoveries and insights. I'll be also guiding you in the exploration of your birth chart, providing you with personalized information. You are strongly encouraged to interact with each other, exchanging ideas, insights and support.
2.What is included in the course?
Each participant will be granted an invitation to the list Artessence, on Yahoo Groups, which will work as our virtual private space for conversation and sharing of artworks. You will also receive a copy of their birth charts, which is an important part of the process. A weekly PDF file with plenty of information about the week's theme, reflections, worksheets with questions to ponder, and suggestions for creative practices. Videos and mp3s will guide you in your meditations and creative process.
3.What type of material will I need?
Basically, a computer connected to internet and a image capture device like a digital camera, scanner, cell phone, etc. For the art practice we will work with a variety of materials, like paper or boards, colored pencils, chalks, pastels, watercolors, brushes, old magazines, pictures, and support materials like compass, ruler, pencil, and eraser. Please, don't worry about buying the best materials in the market or being fully equipped for the course – you can very well adapt certain materials to your needs or even improvise, if necessary.
4.What's my commitment by taking part of the workshop?
By being part of the Creative Astrology group you will need to commit to a few activities that will enhance and enrich your experience. As human interaction is an important part of our journey, it is strongly recommended that you talk to the group about your experiences and also offer support and suggestions when necessary. Revealing your identity is not a request – participating in the experience under an alias is perfectly fine. You are also required to produce a piece of artwork every week and sharing it with the group, as well as your creative process.
5. Will the workshop schedule allow me to cope with my regular activities?
The workshop is designed to give flexibility to the participants. You won't need to be online at a certain time of the day to attend the classes, and you can take part in the discussions at any time you are available. Of course we have a structure to be followed, but the way you will organize your schedule is entirely up to you.
6. What subjects will be discussed in the course?
We'll be basically discussing astrology, spirituality, and creativity, both in a theoretic and personal way. Jungian analytical psychology and Mythology are constantly evoked. As the course develops, is not uncommon that other subjects related to the Arts or Mysticism come up!
7. Will I be able to read a birth chart in the end of the course?
The course is not intended to be a complete course on Astrology, which would demand a lot more time and a different approach on the subject. But you will be able to recognize some of the most important points of a chart and learn how to read them intuitively, connecting them to your own experience of life. You'll learn how Astrology can help us connect to the nature forces and the flow of life and the Universe.
8. What creative medium will be considered in the workshop?
We will be basically working on two-dimensional projects – drawing, painting and collage – to create a visual journal with mandalas. However, depending on the week theme, you are not limited to express yourself using only the suggested materials. Feel free to create and share artworks other than mandalas or two-dimensional pieces whenever you want!
9. Why creating mandalas?
Mandalas were chosen as the primary path to expression due to its power to heal and integrate fragments of our selves. Working in a circular shape can create focus and be at one time a meditative and calming activity. You are not limited to create always in a circular shape, if you don't feel like it – however you soul chooses to express at that time, it's the way to go. Read more about mandalas here.
10. Is there a minimum age required to enroll?
Due to the interactivity of the course, many times we may discuss subjects that parents may not find appropriate to a child or teen to participate in. A minimum age of 16 years-old is recommended.
11. I am not an artist. How can I benefit from this course?
This course is about creativity and attunement with your inner self. Is about to create bonds with your basic energies and use this connection to spark your creativity. Creativity is not an attribute of trained artists; its a quality that is in each one of us, a revelation of our Divine part. The creative process we will develop in this workshop has nothing to do with beauty standards, mastering of techniques or a high quality final product. Our big purpose here is the process we are in as we create. The joy. The fun. The discoveries about our inner selves. The connection with something greater, not limited by the intellect but ruled by the heart and soul. Since they are not tied to rationalizing about how their art is supposed to be, non artists can feel even more at ease with the process than trained artists, who may need a little more time to get “unprogrammed” and enjoy the process with freedom.
12. I am already an artist. How can I benefit from this course?
I truly believe that Creative Astrology can greatly empower practicing artists, by providing ways to explore their art-making in a most intuitive way, less committed to preconceived standards. By linking creativity to spirituality and self-awareness, you can experience more freedom in your creative process and understand that true art comes from the soul, from your connection with your true self and your experiences as an unique human being. When you are in tune with your special nature, art becomes a sacred practice. You stay in tune with the universal source of creativity and are less likely to experience blocks or inhibiting processes.
13. How much does the workshop cost? In case I realize the course is not for me, do you provide a refund?
The cost for the Creative Astrology classes is of $30.00 for each 10 days workshop. Refunds will be available up to one week prior the course starting day, minus a $10 administrative fee.
Still have questions? Please contact me at ariel@patricia-ariel.com It will be a pleasure talking to you!
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