Returning to the Earth & Becoming an Ancestor

In the northern hemisphere, the fall equinox turns us towards the dark and preparation for winter, slowing down and returning our energy inward. As many of our plant kin shed leaves and die back, winter brings an opportunity to meditate on our own mortality. Whether we wish to be returned to the belly of the earth or released by fire, our reflections on life and death and our preparations for the journey onward matter. Meditating on death can provide a rich source of meaning-making and guidance at any age or stage of life. Death can be an ally; mortality a compass. Communicating your perspectives on death and final wishes is a generous gift to your loved ones and families.

In this eight-week series, we’ll seek more intimacy with death while imagining our most beautiful return to the earth and to the greater mystery.

Moving from the end to the present, we’ll explore spiritual perspectives, cosmology and consciousness and how our maps of the universe inform our understanding of our place in the greater web of life. We’ll let those perspectives inform our dying requests, rituals, disposition and end-of-life wishes. Then, we’ll work on the practical ways to communicate these requests to loved ones.

This course is for folks at any stage of life or health who wish to:

• Greet death with courage
• Explore spiritual perspectives on life and death, cosmology & consciousness
• Lean into the mystery
• Learn about different modes of body disposition
• Participate in experiential journeys including a longer Death Meditation
• Seek wisdom from the ancestors regarding death and the journey onward
• Engage in practical planning and document preparation (Five Wishes, Advance Care Directive)
• Engage in writing prompts and imaginal journeys
• Consider ritual technologies for supporting transition for ourselves and our loved ones

Each class will include a teaching, Q&A, a guided practice, and an opportunity to connect with fellow students. Lessons will include practical support and will reference global traditions of religion and ritual, death-inspired art and music. After each 90 minute lesson, there is an optional 30 minute sharing circle to close the class. Depending on class size, folks may split into breakout groups for this.

The timing of live calls is based on the Eastern Standard Time, where Heartward Sanctuary is located. Folks are welcome to join from anywhere in the world. Calls will be recorded. However, the live calls have a particular richness so attendance is strongly encouraged.