Immersion Class: Traditional Methods for Creating Braids, Bundles, and Offerings
Date: December 14th 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Tuition: $60 (All materials provided)- Payments are through Venmo: @Adhi-TwoOwls
Location: The AdhiZen Studio, 103 Cottage Street 2B, Littleton, NH
Class Overview
This one-day immersion class offers hands-on experience in traditional indigenous methods for creating braids, bundles, and offerings to honor and express gratitude to the earth, fire, oceans, water bodies, deities, and spirits. Participants will explore the "where," "what," "who," and "how" of these sacred practices, learning proper usage of offerings, materials, herbs, and both contemporary and traditional methods.
The Day’s Schedule
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM:
Welcome & Introduction to This Tradition
Introduction to the history and significance of offerings in various indigenous cultures.
Overview of the elements (earth, fire, water) and how they are honored.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:
Exploring Braids
Materials used in braiding (grass, sweetgrass, wool, yarn, etc.).
Symbolism of the braid in connection with earth and elements.
Hands-on braiding activity to create a simple offering braid.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM:
Creating Bundles for Offerings
Discussion of traditional herbs and materials used in offering bundles (sage, cedar, tobacco, etc.).
Meaning behind bundle shapes and their uses for different elements and deities.
Hands-on activity to craft an offering bundle.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM:
Lunch Break
(Light refreshments provided, or bring your own lunch)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM:
Offerings for Earth, Fire, Water, Deities, and Spirits
The "where" and "how" of making offerings to natural elements and spiritual beings.
Understanding location-specific offerings: honoring bodies of water, sacred fires, and geographic locations.
The role of gratitude and intention in offering practices.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM:
Combining Contemporary and Traditional Methods
Integrating modern materials with traditional practices while honoring the sacred traditions.
Ethical sourcing of herbs and materials, respecting the earth and indigenous cultures.
Creating personalized offerings with contemporary elements while preserving indigenous significance.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM:
Closing Ceremony & Final Offering
Participants create a final group offering to honor the elements, ancestors, and spirits.
Reflection and sharing circle: personal insights and applications of the practices learned.
Materials Provided
Braiding materials (sweetgrass, wool, yarn)
Herbs for bundles (sage, cedar, tobacco, etc.)
Additional materials for creating personalized offerings
This class will deepen participants’ understanding of the sacred nature of offerings and help them cultivate a deeper relationship with the elements and spirits, fostering a sense of gratitude and respect.