"Women need not be empowered, but are the very essnence of power"
^SEHU?!.
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
OUR YOGA
GODDESS CENTERED
Come learn the yoga of the Goddess, her Mantras and the art of Lunar Breath Work.....>read more
Valentine's Day Event! Masculine Divinity & the Goddess, Kamaria .....>read more
Goddess HERstory Museum of Art
Goddess Centered art works....>read more
Visit Astarte for your life archetype reading using our very own newly developed moon oracle at fiverr.com/astarte
The Lakshmi Holistic Arts Center
Our Center
In 2009 Goddess Herstory launched its first initiative to establish a center dedicated to the study of feminine divinity. The Lakshmi Holistic Arts Center, named for Lakshmi a Hindu Goddess of wealth, prosperity, light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm is the manifestation of that objective. Such attributes are in keeping with our forward movement as a Goddess centered arts organization and our objective towards success on all levels of life. We host numerous events, workshops and classes for those interested in developing their lives from a spiritual artistic perspective. We are located inside of the newest artist community project know as Castle Braid in Bushwick located at 114 Troutman St., Brooklyn, NY 11206. .
Our Philosophy
"Where the mind goes the body will follow". Founded in 2006 by Jawanza ^SEHU?!. Amennun and Jennifer Astarte' Lane, Goddess HerStory is an organization whose collective body is dedicated to teaching the legacy of early matriarchal societies and their contributions to history. As an organization through our disciplinary practice we provide personal development tools such as yoga, meditation, pranayama, visualization and tantric philosophies as a platform for creative artistic expression and community support for women and interested men looking to bring about transformation within their lives and who have a desire to educate themselves in the feminine arts. This is done in an effort to reconnect our community to powerful images of matriarchal philosophies and practices from an obscure but not lost era.
Our Mission
Weprovide support to every interested woman's pursuit of the realization of the sacredness of femininity by assisting in the process of awakening them to the truth that “women need not be empowered, but are the very essence of power”. We seek to re-connect women to an active awareness of this power as it appears naturally in the cyclical nature of the lives of both ancient and modern women. We also seek to extend these efforts towards men-of-good-will-towards-women who are interested in the study of HerStory.
This mission is accomplished through the administering of instruction by way of workshops, lectures, social gatherings and providing community support towards the education and enlightenment of all to the legacy of women of all races and colors. Our main medium of expression is effected through the Theatrical Ritual Players. Via the performing arts we retell mythological stories of the ancient Goddesses in ways that are
both entertaining and expressive of the colorful nature of women. These stories are performed with poetry, belly dance, and song to convey the timelessness of the feminine centered philosophies and ideas.
“So Mote It Be!”
Our Yoga
Chandra Namaskar (Lunar Yoga)
Chandra Namaskar (Lunar Yoga) It involves the isolation and control of the lunar energies present in the body which modern science has
associated with the parasympathetic division of the nervous system. Here the student is introduced to a practice that demonstrates how the unification of body, mind and spirit may be achieved through the combination of movement, breath control, visualization and sacred sound. This relaxation technique is known as Chandra Namaskar, or Salutations to the Moon. It utilizes a sequence of static and dynamic movements combined with breath control in the form of 8 postures, 6 of which are repeated in conjunction with the chanting of the names of 14 principles associated with special aspects or attributes of the Divine Feminine associated with each posture. This practice is intended to assist the student with a means of awakening and activating these Goddess archetypes until they become integrated parts of their functioning. The practice of yoga has proven to improve
stamina, concentration and overall health.
Chandra Namaskar Practice
Mon. 7:30pm
Note From Co -Founder
The very powerful foundations of what yoga is are expressed through feminine means. There is nothing more creative than the feminine principle itself. That is not to say that the masculine force has to be effeminate but there has to be an appeal to the feminine force and the realness of its power because it's presence is in all of us whether we are male or female. I am convinced that the approach to yoga is primarily internal and not an external or physical approach. Although, there are physical components when applied and practiced that lead to these internal feminine aspects, powers and attributes that spawn creativity. So as a yogi and an artist, my objective is to present yoga in such a way as to be a means from which to create.
Chandra Bhedana (Lunar Breath Work)
Chandra Bhedana (Moon breathing) This practice begins with a study in the Lunar Nature of breath and its healing and regenerative qualities. It emphasizes how you can become more aware of, increase and harness your own body's energy. It introduces the practice of an ancient breath control exercise and accompanying visualizations for healing and increased awareness. These are based on three major elements of practice, namely, breath control, focused muscular
contractions and visual focus.
The Mantras of Chandra Namaskar
To accompany the yogic postures of Chandra Namaskar are corresponding manrtas or ancient prayers to the Goddess. Salutations and invocations of the feminine's power and divinity. Co-founder and song writer Seshait Astate had taken these most ancient words and arranged them in song to be perfomed with the postures of Chandra Namaskar.
Our Classes
Hatha /Vinyasa Yoga
with Jawanza Amennun
Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun 12pm-1pm
$10 per class
Hatha Yoga, pronounced in Hindi, is also known as hatha vidya or the "science of hatha" yoga. The word Hatha comes from combining the two Sanskrit terms "ha" meaning sun and "tha" meaning moon. The word "ha" refers to the solar nadi (pingala) in the subtle body and "tha" the lunar channel (ida). However, when the two components of the word are placed together, "hatha" means "forceful", implying that powerful work must be done to purify the body. Yoga means to yoke, or to join two things together, hence hatha yoga is meant to join together sun (masculine, active) energy with the moon (feminine, receptive) energy, thus producing balance and greater power in an individual. Traditional Hatha Yoga is a holistic yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical postures (asana), purification procedures (shatkriya), poses (mudra), yogic breathing (pranayama), and meditation. The Hatha yoga predominantly practiced in the West consists of mostly asanas understood as physical exercises. It is also recognized as a stress-reducing practice.
Hatha represents opposing energies: hot and cold (fire and water, following similar concept as yin-yang), male and female, positive and negative. Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical postures or "asanas", purification practices, controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance and strength and are practised to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation in the pursuit of enlightenment. However if an individual has too much phlegm or fat then purification procedures are a necessity before undertaking pranayama.
Vinyasa Yoga is characterized by a focus on viyāsa, or a dynamic connecting posture, that creates a flow between the more static traditional yoga postures. Vinyasa translates as linking and the system also implies the linking of the movement to the breath. Essentially the breath dictates the movement and the length of time held in the postures. Unlike some Hatha yoga styles, attention is also placed on the journey between the postures not just the postures themselves. The viyāsa 'flow' is a variant of Srya namaskāra, the Sun Salutation. The whole practice is defined by six specific series of postures, always done in the same order, combined with specific breathing patterns (Free breathing with the ujjāy sound).
There are six series altogether. Each sequence typically begins with 10 Sun Salutations and the standing poses. This is referred to as the "opening sequence". The student then moves to either the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, B, C, or D, depending on his or her skill level, a back-bending sequence, finally closing with a set of inverted postures, referred to as the "finishing sequence". Ashtanga Yoga is traditionally taught in Mysore style (supervised self practice), where each student moves through the practice at his or her own pace and level. In the West, it is more common to find classes devoted to a specific series, often at a standardized pace, and guided by an instructor.
Chandra Namaskar & Pranayama
Yoga of the Goddess
Mondays at 7:00pm
$10 per person
Chandra Namaskar (Lunar Yoga) It involves the isolation and control of the lunar energies present in the body which modern science has associated with the parasympathetic division of the nervous system. Here the student is introduced to a practice that demonstrates how the unification of body, mind and spirit may be achieved through the combination of movement, breath control, visualization and sacred sound. This relaxation technique is known as Chandra Namaskar, or Salutations to the Moon. It utilizes a sequence of static and dynamic movements combined with breath control in the form of 8 postures, 6 of which are repeated in conjunction with the chanting of the names of 14 principles associated with special aspects or attributes of the Divine Feminine associated with each posture. This practice is intended to assist the student with a means of awakening and activating these Goddess archetypes until they become integrated parts of their functioning. The practice of yoga has proven to improve stamina, concentration and overall health.
Mastermind Meditations
Day/Time: TBD
Fee: FREE
This class is about enabling one's self to cultivate an awareness of stillness that leads to clarity of thought and emotions thereby training the mind for creativity. A clearing of energy draining thought patterns making it possible to affect change for the better. Students will engage in silence and select mantras to bring about a self induced state of peace and serenity that leads to reduction of stress, fatigue, restlessness and many other benefits.
No previous knowledge of meditation is necessary to participate in this class. Simply a willingness to learn and an open to the possibilities that the art of meditation can bring.
Daily_Schedule.pdf
Rites of Feminine Divinity 2010
Our Program
"I Am Goddess"! - What does such a statement mean to you? For many women the very word "Goddess" is foreign and unknow. The Immortal Feminine: Rites of Divinity was created to bring about the full awareness of the legacy and HerStory of all women. For women to engage themselves in awakening, reprogramming their spiritual states of being and bringing about transformation, rebirth and healing.
"The hand that rocks the cradle rules the nation" is indicative of a women's worth and vital importance and we must begin to take our places as the origin of all humankind. The core objective of a Divine Feminine Initiate is to awaken yourself to your own immortality. To the endless possibilities that creation has to offer. With the healing of women comes the healing of the community and lands. The Path of Initiation is a process that encourages the redefining of ourselves, the nature of our sexuality and to recognize the power that is inherent in every woman. Where the mind goes the body will follow, is a no-nonsense axiom that has stood the test of time. Self-esteem and confidence are both best developed through activities that teach the attainment
of goal-oriented tasks that involve the combined use of the body and the mind.
INITIATION
The Door of Transformation
The Initiate is charged with the study of Her ancient science and its power. This entails a
ceremonial willful act that declares the Initiates' commitment to the path to seek spiritual
enlightenment in all things. The ceremony is witnessed by the Initiates family and friends.
Re-Naming Ceremony
"What's in a Name"? The very sound vibrations of the names we are known by should carry with
them meanings of significance and positive power. Each Initiate will choose a new name
representing their new identities as travelers on the path and share in a charging of these new
identities.
Feminine Health & Healing
Our bodies are temples and should be treated as such. The Initiate is taught that the feminine
form is worthy of praise, veneration and worship not just by our mates but by ourselves first. This
is a lesson in what foods fuel the feminine body.
TRANSFORMATION
AsThe Womb: Menstrual Mysteries
What is the meaning and purpose of a woman's menstrual cycle? Society has placed upon this
process within a woman's body taboos that have inspired a gross mis-perception. We will explore
the "monthly flowering" from an ancient perspective and it's power in relationship to the cycles of
the moon as well the study of the womb as an oracle and it's magickal power.
Sacred Sexuality
In this segment we take a look at how women feel about their bodies and the herstory of the
feminine body as sexually sacred, ancient sexual practices and the temple priestess. We examine
how to reclaim this power and utilize it for ourselves.
Mask Making
Many of us hide our true selves behind a mask. Sometimes more than one personality is taken on
depending upon the situation. How can looking at these varying shades of the self assist you in
better knowing who you are? In this session the Initiate constructs a mask expressive of a
particular Goddess archetype to energize and assimilate into their everyday lives. Amazon,
priestess, midwife or mother are all expressive of the different periods and fazes of our lives.
Which one are you?
Registration Information
Begins May 15, 2010
First Session
August 10th - September 14th
Circle Time: Tuesdays _ 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Lenght: 6 weeks
Fee: $600
1st Payment $150 - Due June 1st
2nd Payment $150 - Due June 22nd
3rd Payment $150 - Due July 13th
4th Payment $150 - Due July 27th
Second Session
September 28th - November 2nd
1st Payment $150 - Due July 6th
2nd Payment $150 - Due Julye 20th
3rd Payment $150 - Due August 3rd
4th Payment $150 - Due August 24thh
Upcoming Workshops & Events
A growing interest has been on the rise concerning a phenomenon called Feminine Divinity. It has been described as a new Awakening of the Goddess. In the wake of this, a gross misunderstanding of what men's role in it actually is. Many men erroneously feel that they have no part in it. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. They are in fact, an integral part of it. Originally feminine divinity & masculine divinity existed side by side co-operatively. This course has been designed toafford men a look from the proper perspective of their divinity & not their gender that is based on the dynamic interplay of power sharing between masculinity & femininity. It offers the his/her story of ancient sacred sex practices & the true path of spiritual development for men as it existed outside of the distortions of the misogynistic perspectives that have come out of the imbalances we have inherited from traditional patriarchy. Most importantly, it uses practical exercises based on the information that are validated by the efficacy of their use. Such practices include but are not limited to yoga, meditation & individual, partnered & group rituals.
This rite will bring women into the full awareness of what it means to be Goddess. To understand the true power of the divine feminine as it relates to one another, men and our children. We will explore together the road of Inanna and the rites of Auset to bring about healing and the full manifestation of the crown that every woman has a right to. We will cover..
Moon Magic & the Cycles of the Priestess
The 13 Goddess types of Woman
Movement as Healing
Sexual Rites & Rituals
Oracles & Spiritual Gifts
Required materials are a journal and black ritual loose fitting dress. Bring a willingness to change, a burning desire to transform and the power to rebirth yourself into the fullness of your transformationi.
Oceans & Rivers
Kamaria Circle Workshops
with Lyn-z Fauntleroy
Sunday, September 18 at 5:00pm
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 8:00pm
www.kamariacircle.com
The mission of Oceans & Rivers is to make holistic medicine accessible to women in communities where it is not well-known or affordable. We aim to support women in achieving clarity, vitality and serenity so that they may reach their highest potential in all aspects of their lives.
The Kamaria Circle is a lifestyle & wellness support community for women.
Through monthly exploration of themes related to women's health and wellness, you'll learn practical tools to transform negative emotions and tap into your wisdom, confidence and creativity.
Each month features a workshop centered on an aspect of mental, emotional and physical wellness facilitated by experts in their respective fields. Optional weekly creative enrichment and reflection exercises deepen participants' understanding of the material and encourage practical integration into their lifestyle. Participants also benefit from the communal nature of the group, and being able to share experiences and wisdom with their "circle sisters".
Specialized Workshops include:
Holistic Nutrition, Sacred Sexuality, Mindfulness Meditation, Relationship Trance-Formation,
Qi Gong for Women, and more!
Visit our website for more info.
Max Dashu
Founder of Suppressed Histories Archives
Ancient Treasures of African Women
Lecture/Video Presentation
www.suppressedarchives.net
April 10, 2011
7:00pm Sharp
$15 Donation
BUY TICKETS
Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Max Dashu founded the Suppressed Histories Archives in 1970 to research and document women's history from an international perspective. She has photographed some 15,000 slides and created 100 slideshows on female power and heritages transhistorically.
For nearly 40 years, Dashu has presented hundreds of slide talks at universities, community centers, bookstores, schools, libraries, prisons, galleries, festivals and conferences around North America. Her work bridges the gap between academia and grassroots education. It foregrounds indigenous women passed over by standard histories and highlights female spheres of power retained even in patriarchal societies.
Dashu is known for her expertise on ancient female iconography in world archaeology, goddess traditions, and women shamans. She has also done extensive research on mother-right cultures and the origins of domination.
A R T I S
Activism Revelation Transforming Imagination Skillz
REFLECTION, RELAXATION, RE-CREATION
Emotional Management & Conflict Resolution
Through Art & Structured Relaxation Techniques
For Inner City YouthWar Veterans Coping with PTSD
and Individuals In Recovery
A R T I S the acronym for Activism, Revelation, Transformation, Imagination, Skillz is a community based arts organization that was developed as a supplementary education division of Goddess HerStory, Inc. It's major objective is to extend an effort to bring wholistic arts programming to inner city youth and to provide adult personal and professional development via our Lakshmi Holistic Arts Center. By holistic or wholistic, we mean an educational and social and professional skills development process that takes into consideration the whole person or individual involved in the process of learning.
A R T I S is structured on just such an integral approach to education. We call it leadership learning. It is one that seeks to effect new creative learning processes on several levels of an individual's being through the cultivation of select experiences. It is in the midst of life experience where our most deeply seated learning takes place, namely, our physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual selves. Revelation about the true nature of our lives and our purpose in it may be more deeply and personally understood and appreciated by the individual through the symbolic language of the arts.
A R T I S utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to the arts in a combination of visual, audio and body movement based mediums to teach such social development skills as conflict resolution, emotional management, leadership principles and community awareness. It has been discovered that both adults and children retain more information and can more effectively use that information in decision making when they can relate it to an experience or the performance of a task that has personal meaning to them and emotional content that is self-affirming. This component we recognize as emotional learning. Whether it is in artistic activities like mask making or dance, poetry or song, lessons about how to appropriately interact in a group setting are more easily demonstrated when the rewards of co-operative efforts are readily apparent.
Some of the courses we offer are:
Yoga & Movement Mantra & Meditation Pranayama (Deep Breathing)
Journaling Wood Carving Drawing & Painting
If interested in having A R T I S conduct classes or workshops at your facility please complete our contact form expressing your interest and someone will contact you at your earliest convenience.
My Philosophy
Mythology is my theology and the Mysteries, my story. Ancient allegories grown cold become bold brush strokes on the canvas of the living artistry of life. We are all living mythological archetypes, expressions of our inherent divinity. The first and foremost of these is feminine divinity and in acknowledging Her presence in our lives we are born free. We are free to love, create and be just as the Creatress has made us to be. Artistry, whether in performance based disciplines or exhibition driven genres is our original expression of this acknowledgement of our freedom and the birthright of our divinity. Art itself is the skillful means of doing anything and thus it constitutes the earliest established concepts of spirituality through symbolism, gesture and is the foundation of the many guilds of various arts which were indeed the original priesthoods.
My Inspiration
My experience is that everything is alive and that all things in existence receive their life essence from the Great Mother Goddess of the ancient matriarchal world view. In this view art is the connectivity of the human experience to ALL life. Trees are composed of spirit and stones like wise have life. Metals are imbued with hidden properties that are felt more than measured with instruments. A fallen tree, a rusted piece of steel or a precious or semi-precious stone all have the capacity to speak to us if we would but listen. They have the ability to show us infinite things about the possibility of our being if we would but look. Forms peek from behind things that seem to have no form. My art is a discipline of active listening and an observable process of looking deep into the heart of the tree, feeling the deep into the depth of the pores of the stone and being affected by the vibrations of the earth's metals. It is an uncovering of what is not apparent, stripping it of its outer appearance, chipping away non-essentials, a cutting out and rounding it until what is hidden becomes seen by all.
My Mission
My life's work, my supreme objective is to establish a place where creativity and freedom can flourish, a house where the Great Mother's name is remembered and a place where her arts and sciences can be again practiced in peace. I call this place the Goddess HerStory Museum. Goddess refers to the open acknowledgement of feminine divinity that will be observed there. HerStory, a reference to the commitment to tell the obscured aspects of our origins in the world through the Great Mother.
Info
Form
Address
114 Troutman St. #121
Brooklyn, NY 11206 (Bushwick)
Between Evergreen & Central
Telephone
718-415-1594
Email
info_goddessherstory.org
