Find new energy, strength and purpose as a man, mentor and elder

The following events were run from 2001 to 2003. Plans to run them in 2006 and beyond depend upon demand. Please let us know if you are interested in attending these programmes in 2006/7.

These weekend events explore how men renew themselves; develop the experience and role of mentor; and invoke the spirit of eldership. We will venture together as a community of men in beautiful, secluded countryside. The Elder tree embodies healing, protection and regeneration. The Ash tree is associated with life-force, rebirth and connectedness.

 

THE ELDER AND THE ASH I - INSPIRING

Through a strong, safe, creative space, we will:

- renew the pulse and re-kindle the flame that burns within a man
- face loss of power and personal value
- awaken new channels of influence, roles and purpose in life
You will be supported by a circle of men and the facilitators sharing their skills and journeys. The venue is situated in 130 acres of organically maintained green fields and woodland rolling down to a water meadow along the banks of the River Axe.

The weekend will include:

- Valuing our roots, our ancestry, our strengths
- Untangling the thicket: using ritual and small group work to see and heal what holds us back
- Solo space: spend up to 12 hours in your chosen place in the wood or fields, listening for insight
- Gathering vision and tools to move forward

 
THE ELDER AND THE ASH II - RISKING

For those already inspired by The Elder and The Ash I, we will dare to confront the challenges of Competition & Sex; Money & Disconnection.

We will experience how men can make a living and meaningful relationship with suffering in themselves and in the world (James Hillman calls this 'soul making') and at the same time have the capacity to be in deeper states of awareness.

 

The Elder and The Ash Facilitators

Rob Waygood was a chartered accountant, potter and smallholder in the 60's and 70's. He has been in practice for the last 22 years as a transpersonal/Jungian psychotherapist, and also a supervisor, teacher and a director of a UK Council for Psychotherapy member organisation. Rob founded The Elder & The Ash events and has studied and experienced both Eastern and Western mystery & shamanic traditions. rob@oxford-transpersonal.co.uk (Tel: 01865 247851).
Hugh Dunford Wood is a painter from Shepherd's Bush and father to three boys and a girl. He took each on six week long initiatory travels over their respective fourteenth birthdays. A founder of The Elder & The Ash events, experienced in men's groups, vision quests and sweat lodges, he tempers gravity and grace with his playfulness. dunfordwood@talk21.com (Tel: 07932 677540).