The Golden Dome School presents:

Finding the Philosopher’s Stone: An Introduction to Embodied Alchemy

Ananda Ashram, 29 Palms, CA October 29th and 30th, 2016

Alchemy, the secret art of the land of Khem, is one of the oldest sciences known to the world. Alchemy is a complex early form of chemistry with psychological, philosophic, and magical associations that lead the seeker to immortality - an ecstatic state of communion with the entire Universe.

In this accessible two day course, Eliza Swann will be guiding us to use our own bodies, breath, and imagination as a laboratory for personal transformation from lead into gold. We will move systematically through seven stages of planetary energy to learn basic Alchemical concepts, images, myths, and tools for personal transmutation and planetary evolution. Additionally, we will work on a stop motion animated video as a group with video artist and High Priestess Sarah Manuwal. Together we will learn to overcome dualism and reconcile ourselves with our work, our community, and our world. As above, so below, as within, so without.

Visit golden-dome.org/upcoming to sign up.

Please e-mail info@golden-dome.org with any questions or concerns.

FAQ:

Where is the workshop? The workshop is being held at the beautiful Ananda Ashram in 29 Palms, the same site as our “Emperor” program. There is a golden teaching yurt, a hot tub, and plenty of outdoor space for star gazing. As per Ashram rules, there is no drinking or smoking on the premises. There is cell service but no wi-fi. We encourage participants to unplug as much as possible during their stay. There is no public transportation to the site - once you have signed up, we will e-mail you driving instructions and information for carpooling with other participants. We encourage you to look at past programs on the Golden Dome website to get a feel for what our programing is about.

What is included in this workshop? We will provide ingredients for a vegan dinner on the first night - all other food is your responsibility to procure and prepare. There is a full kitchen and grocery stores within short driving distance of the workshop site should you need anything. Linens and beds are provided - there are bunk beds and two fold out couches as well as a private room with a queen sized bed. You can choose single or double sleeping options on the check-out page. There is a “commuter” option for those of you who already have a place to stay in Joshua Tree. There are no work study exchanges available for this intensive.

What do I need to bring? Food, toiletries, notebook, clothes for chilly night time and warm day time, and an open mind and heart.

What time do things start and end? The introductory slideshow begins at 4pm sharp on Saturday and our final ceremony wraps up at 7pm on Sunday. You are welcome to stay over at the Ashram on Sunday night or leave after 7pm as you wish. Those staying over on Sunday night will have a chance to review the material and continue practicing together as a group. Please see below for the syllabus.

Syllabus

October 29th

3pm - Arrival

4pm - Slideshow on the history and imagery of Alchemy

5pm - Hermes Initiation

6pm - Saturn and Moon

7pm - DINNER

8pm - Alchemy and Collage - animated video making with Sarah Manuwal

October 30th

10am - Mars

11am - Venus

12pm - LUNCH

2pm - Mercury

3pm - Jupiter

5pm - The Sun - Initiation

Recommended Reading *not required*:

“The Emerald Tablet”, Dennis William Hauk

“Alchemy Unveiled”, Johannes Helmond

“The Forge and the Crucible”, Mircea Eliade

“Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology”, Marie-Louise von Franz

“Spagyrics: The Alchemical Preparation of Medicinal Essences, Tinctures, and Elixirs”, Manfred M Junius

This workshop is facilitated by Eliza Swann and Sarah Manuwal

Eliza Swann is an interdisciplinary artist and intuitive based in Los Angeles and New York. Eliza received a BA in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute, trained in hypnotherapy at the Isis Centre in England, Hindu cosmology and yoga with Dr. Vagish Shastri in Benares, India, Tarot and Western Magical Practice with the Builders of the Adytum Western Mystery School, and received a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Central St. Martins in London. Eliza is the founder of The Golden Dome School, a curatorial and educational platform that studies intersections of art, metaphysics and ecology.

Sarah Manuwal is a Los Angeles based experimental video artist and sculptor. She holds an M.F.A. in Experimental Animation from the California Institute of The Arts. Sarah also runs EMBASSY gallery in Chinatown, Los Angeles.