Franco Santoro's Blog: Astroshamanism, page 40
June 7, 2017
Happiness: the greatest cause of unhappiness.
Happiness is the greatest cause of unhappiness.
The obsessive search for happiness, the addictive idea that we should be happy and if this is not the case then our life is a failure is what primarily causes our pain and misery.
The reality is that our happiness is regularly frustrated and is always bound to end at a certain time
We may be happy in a certain moment and unhappy in another.
Moreover, someone may be happy now, whereas somebody else may be unhappy. In this way happiness also becomes competitive, a source of conflict between those who are happy and those who are unhappy.
Happiness is the greatest cause of unhappiness, when you believe that you should be happy, that life is beautiful, and there is something wrong if you are not happy or your life is miserable.
The pragmatic reality is that happiness and unhappiness are part of life, that life can be beautiful as well as miserable.
When you fully realise this then all that counts in your life involves accepting both happiness and unhappiness, joy and misery.
Acceptance becomes your guiding principle, what you learn, which also includes accepting that you cannot accept.
June 6, 2017
Unlock Your Hidden Talents: The Way of Holistic Manifestation, 28 October – 3 November 2017, Findhorn (Scotland)
28 October – 3 November 2017, Findhorn (Scotland), with Franco Santoro.
Unlock Your Hidden Talents: The Way of Holistic Manifestation
This holistic workshop is for those who wish to take a decisive leap into the discovery and manifestation of their unique potentials and talents, to benefit themselves and their whole environment.
Drawing from his shamanic and holistic skills, Franco will guide you into a pragmatic and shamanic journey of discernment aimed at unveiling your true calling and gaining clarity on how you can best express yourself in the world. You will discover your life’s blueprint, enabling you discover and make use of aspects of yourself you might not yet know about:
What kind of work and projects will be most fulfilling to you
What life directions will help you grow
What activities will bring you abundance
How you can best serve the world
The workshop takes place during the climax of autumn and the Celtic festival of Samhain, associated with the shadow aspects of life, our ancestors and whatever is hidden from our awareness. The week also aims at showing how obstacles, crises and areas of darkness can be transformed into fertile grounds for manifesting our most luminous dreams.
The astroshamanic circle and the sacred landscape at Cluny Hill will be employed to map your experiences and receive further guidance on your potentials and their connections with the web of life.
June 4, 2017
Nothing and the usual something
Along the path of truth, whenever I move as far as I can, I end up to the same point: a completely empty place, with nothing at all.
No truth, no belief, no God, no vision, no teacher. Absolutely nothing and nobody, not even me.
Since I am still rather embarrassed about all this nothingness and feel in need of something, I still keep looking for something when I reach the furthest point I can reach on the path of truth, but there is no way I can find anything. Hence I move back to the other spaces, where I can find spirit guides, angels, forgiveness, love, power, joy, relationships and more controversial or unpleasant things.
Yet I know that once I move back, after a while I become dissatisfied about what I find. Then again, I move on along the path of truth, till I reach the same empty place again, where there is just nothing. Every time I keep repeating the same story. It is either nothingness or the usual something.
Tired of doing so, I ask the empty place if there are other alternatives apart from nothingness and the usual something.
The reply, if I heard it well, is:
“If you want something alternative, do it yourself!”
Franco Santoro
Multidimensional Astrology, 17-18 June 2017, Merizzo (Italy),
Experiential astrology workshop with Franco Santoro.
17-18 June 2017, Merizzo (Massa, Italy)
According to Multidimensional Astrology we simultaneously exist in many dimensions and parallel realities. The world we live in is just one of those realities, yet since it is a separate reality our consciousness is limited and we believe to exist only here. All human pain and misery is due to this separation, and the incapacity to be aware of who we truly are.
Multidimensional Astrology is an astrological application of Astroshamanism developed by Franco Santoro. Its aim is to help us understand who and where we are from an expanded perspective, and what our purpose and function is in this reality.
This workshop is an intensive basic course on astrology for participants interested to apply astrology for spiritual and personal growth, in the counselling and shamanic arts, and for discovering and manifesting their potential.
This in-depth intensive seminar teaches the basic tools of experiential astrology as applied to astroshamanism. The workshop provides a thorough experiential introduction to astrology and its healing applications, with visionary explorations of the natal chart and the starry sky, understanding of the basic elements of the astroshamanic binary system. We will employ the astroshamanic circle on the floor to directly experience the essential individual features of the birth chart and reconnect them with the collective planetary rhythms. The aim is to employ experiential astrology to support major processes of transformation, discovering, acknowledging and implementing appropriate and beneficial uses for our healing resources and talents. By examining the essential astrological grammar we will learn simple and effective ways to employ astrological information and use it to enrich and support healing work.
Cost: Euro 140
For booking and info about accommodation, please contact info@astroshamanism.org,
The event takes place at:
Casale in Lunigianai
Via del Piano, 17 località Merizzo
Villafranca in Lunigiana 54028 (Massa, Italy)
June 1, 2017
Intimate communication
Intimate communication with someone is not sharing private details of your life, what you already know about yourself.
Intimate communication involves opening the doors of your inner world, communicating what is unknown to you.
May 29, 2017
Happiness
You have reached the gateway to eternal happiness when you can smile at your greatest unhappiness.
May 27, 2017
On Astroshamanism
The term astroshamanism identifies a holistic system of healing aimed at enlarging human perception through the integration of shamanism with experiential astrology, the archaic mystery traditions and the context of contemporary society. Its present form is the result of research developed by Franco Santoro since 1976, thanks to the contribution of shamans from various cultures and the experience gained with the Findhorn Foundation, where Franco has worked since 1999.
Astroshamanism employs different tools that facilitate the exploration of non-ordinary dimensions and help create a bridge with conventional reality aimed at providing benefits and healing for the human and planetary environment.
Shamanism is the most ancient and widespread method of healing. In all parts of this planet and in all ages there is evidence of shamanic practices. A shaman is an individual who, out of his will, is able to enter into an expanded state of consciousness to relate with realities which are alien to ordinary human beings and use this connection to get wisdom, ecstasy, power and for healing purposes. In engaging in their activities shamans move between different states of consciousness, regularly relating with ecstatic and enlightened realms. Yet, differing from mystics or other spiritual masters, shamans do not aim at enlightenment for its own sake. Their main purpose is that of moving into other realms and then coming back to help their community.
In shamanism, as with astrology, there is no separation and everything is perceived united and part of the same web of life. The chief trait of shamans is their clear perception of this unity. They are very familiar with states of consciousness that allow visions and explorations of the dimensions which exist beyond the physical reality. In order to travel to these spaces, shamans use various tools and receive the support of Guides (also called guardian spirits, power animals, spirit allies, angels, etc.). The relationship with these beings and their integration in ordinary reality is one of the main characteristics of shamanic cultures and represents the basic work of astroshamanism.
Astrology is the oldest form of communication and symbolic language, which in astroshamanism is used to access information on the geography of states of consciousness, allowing their identification and safe exploration. Here the traditional horoscope reveals itself experientially through emotions, movements, dances, sounds, rituals, images and situations aimed at expanding awareness and supporting strong transformational processes. In archaic times astrology did not deal with personalities. It was meant as a study of energy patterns and was expressed collectively. In those times the stars were not only above in the sky. Their archetypal energies were accessible here on Earth, and its inhabitants could freely sense them in their bodies, minds and hearts. It was a direct relationship, devoid of any symbolism or rationalisation. Astroshamanism represents the willingness to retrieve this wisdom and integrate it with the challenges of our present environment.
Astroshamanism does not involve judgements or interpretation through the ordinary functions of the mind, neither does it require the belief in a specific religious doctrine. What matters in this work is laying aside prejudices and fixed ideas so as to open up to an authentic exploration of the mysteries that exist within and without ourselves. Astroshamanism means to access the hidden energy of the zodiacal signs and planets: to feel it in the body, the emotions, the mind and spirit. It is not about studying or analysing the theoretical significance of astrological archetypes. It requires that we are available to actually become those archetypes: to experience their power and to move through an intensive process of transformation. This attitude causes a deep inner revolution which it is important to face with gentleness and respect for our rhythms and each part of our being.
In astroshamanism the astrological wheel is employed according to its original nature of Sacred Circle. The chief trait of the Sacred Circle is that through its use it is possible to establish a direct connection with the Centre, Spirit, the Divine, God or whatever name is used to call That, instead of an intermediary relationship with a spiritual human authority. Astroshamanism uses a Sacred Circle based on 12 basic astrological Sectors, which represent the various ways and energies leading to the Centre. In such a Centre, awareness is whole: there is no separation and there is only the experience of unity. Here the 12 Sectors are emanations of the Centre and the containers of all possible situations and experiences.
A major part of the work with astroshamanism has to do with undoing the illusion of separation through honestly acknowledging and releasing grievances and pent-up emotions. This process does not occur by escaping or transcending the physical dimension, but through using it as a teaching device to fulfil our true life purpose in this plane. Rather than ignoring or repressing grievances and hidden emotions, we can instead learn to open up to their true nature. Astroshamanism is about taking full responsibility about our presence in the material plane, giving up denials and patiently undoing separation.
Astroshamanic Practices can easily be related and integrated in our contemporary reality. Franco’s approach is to adapt shamanic work according to the characteristics of each individual and group who work with him. This is based on the experience that each one carries unique potentials, which astroshamanism aims at identifying and supporting through a large variety of tools. During group sessions participants are empowered to decide regarding the extent of their exposure to the work. They are also invited to share their feelings, and ask questions or support if necessary. The astroshamanic approach aims first at creating an environment based on safety and mutual respect, in order to provide a healing foundations for exploring challenging or less comfortable zones. In this context Franco allows participants to take their own risks and decide upon their best course of action, honouring their inner guidance as well as their resistances, without pushing, yet being available to provide tools and support for transforming blocks and unveiling authentic talents.
In the core practices there would be mainly shamanic journeys, where the individual typically goes through the three stages that characterise this approach: setting an Intent/connecting with the Spirit Guide – Release/transforming shadow elements – Healing/harmonising polarities and receiving guidance. The experience may be integrated at the end with the astrological chart providing further points of reference.
Group practices involve shamanic voyages, drumming and chanting, ecstatic postures, astroshamanic trance dance and drama, experiential work with the Sacred Circle based on the astrological sectors, ritual sharing, soul retrieval, astroshamanic touch or bodywork. This approach involves entering into expanded states of consciousness, trance states, experiences of ecstasy and unity with the divine, yet always aiming at reaching a full integration into everyday life and supporting the expression of one’s authentic potential.
One of the central practices is the Basic Ritual of the Sacred Cone which can be employed individually and in a group context, a powerful tool of release and transformation. After ritually opening a sacred space participants focus on their Intent and move clockwise around a Sacred Circle (the twelve zodiacal signs and a piece representing the Centre) that is laid out in the room. They stop at a place where they feel an intensification of their energy, allow their Intent to amplify and express it through movements, sounds, gestures. In the second stage they move anti-clockwise, again stopping in a place of condensed energy and there they release grievances, any kind of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual uneasiness that supports separation. These are given as an offering to Spirit. This again is fully expressed until all the blocked energies are released and there is opening to fully connect with Spirit. This happens in a third stage, where, moving clock-wise again, participants find a new place and, often in a still position, become receptive. The process may be supported by music and sound. At the end of the ritual what has been received, can be shared with others.
For further information:
Franco Santoro, Astroshamanism: A Journey into the Inner Universe, Findhorn Press, 2003
Franco Santoro, Astroshamanism: The Voyage through the Zodiac, Findhorn Press, 2003
For the Calendar of Events click here.
For Consultations click here.
FRANCO SANTORO
Shamanic healer, experiential astrologer, trance dance facilitator, resident member of the Findhorn Foundation, the developer of astroshamanism and director of the Sacred Cone Circle. In 1964 he started regular connections with non-ordinary dimensions that led him to live a parallel life which was often cause of conflict in his relationship with conventional reality. In 1976 he had a transformational experience which, after years of practice with shamans and medicine people, allowed him to find clarity about his connections and acknowledge his function as bridge between dimensions. His path of apprenticeship encompassed both the archaic traditions of his Italian natal descent and those of other adopted lineages. From 1996 he has run the Operative Training in Astroshamanism, an intensive programme for shamanic practitioners and healers. He is the author of A Guide Book to Astroshamanism; Astroshamanism: A Journey Into the Inner Universe; Astroshamanism: The Voyage Through the Zodiac, Iniziazione all’astrosciamanesimo and other works on the topic. He has also composed and produced various recordings, such as Drumming for the Astroshamanic Voyage, The Breath of Emuria, Astroshamanic Trance Dance, etc. (on CD). Franco lives in the North of Scotland, where he currently serves in the education area of the Findhorn Foundation and regularly runs workshops on astroshamanism and core programmes (Experience Week, Spiritual Practice, etc.). He also holds regular outreach workshops and events in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, such as Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain and South Africa.
Comments from participants to astroshamanic programmes:
“A very well crafted programme, beautifully balanced, finely taught out and excellent value for money.”
“It has been wonderful and heart-opening. Doors for me have opened about being in relationship in a new way and also my views on spirit guides have deepened in a very valuable way, and my inner sense of why I am on this planet and what I am to do here has become clearer.”
“This workshop brought me back to my true passion and feeling of being fully alive.”
“I gained a much wider and brighter picture of who I am, which I know I will continue to connect with.”
“My awareness has grown immensely. I have found clarity regarding my true intention on earth and the tools to manifest it”
“Franco is an excellent communicator and facilitator. He tailors the programme according to the nature of the participants, blending group dynamics with astroshamanic processes.”
“Franco is a gifted man with wisdom and sense of humour. He is down-to-earth.”
“Franco is a wise man who knows his work well, dedicated, inspiring, gentle, passionate, welcoming, available and open to questions.”
“I would like to affirm that this has been a mile-stone on my life’s journey. Thank you.”
“I worried at first that the course would conflict with my spiritual beliefs. In fact it not only complemented but enhanced my knowing.”
“I found most valuable to learn the techniques and hear the explanations first hand from a practitioner who was open, serious and light-hearted, knowledgeable, and very capable of creating and supporting the environment and energies we were working with.”
May 26, 2017
You are here
You can go anywhere in life as long as you know where you are.
The most detailed map will not get you anywhere unless you know where you are in the map.
Find out your core soul location, and then move on to your next destination.
Need some help?
Use our astroshamanic services.
May 25, 2017
Parts of the whole
Remember that every expression of your life, good or bad, happy and sad, is part of the whole.
There is day and night, summer and winter, not only during the cycle of the year but also simultaneously. On one side of the planet it is day or summer while on the other side it is night or winter. This is a basic geographical notion, which also applies to emotions, thoughts and the soul.
Life is a whole, which also includes death. Each part of the whole contributes to all other parts of the whole.
You are never alone and separate in the whole. You are always part of the whole.
In the whole you are always sharing yourself with the whole and the whole is sharing with you.
It does not matter how you feel, whether you are happy or miserable, luminous or dark, you have always something to share with others, gifts to offer and receive. One of the most important truths of shamanic work is that your greatest grievances can be used as compost to promote the greatest wellbeing.
We need to learn to share our experiences, no matter what they are, because they are all part of the whole. There is spring on one side, thanks to another side where there is autumn. Each side is useful for the other, nothing is in competition. What we need to learn first of all is that we are always useful for some parts of the whole just as some parts of the whole are always useful for us
We need to learn how to live in this awareness every day of our life.
May 22, 2017
Not of this world
Yet paradoxically this world could desperately need your presence. This world does not need you to be normal. It is this normality that keep preserving the misery and pain of this world.
Your abnormality, your feeling out of this world could be the greatest gift you can offer to this world. It can be a sign that you are intimately connected with this world, that you can hear its true calling, that you are the essence of this world.
Hence do something about it, take some initiative, allow your voice to be heard.
Astroshamanism
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