We are about to embark on our journey as we present workshops on rites of passage in three cities on the West coast of the US. In each city we begin with an evening of myth poetry and song; the evening is open to those who cannot attend the whole workshop and features special guest musicians and poets (see the flyers). For those attending the workshop the opening evening serves to layout the territory to be traversed the following day. The Bones of initiation has a twofold purpose: to offer tools to those who are guiding others through life rites, and to foster an understanding of our own life crises as initiatory in nature. We hope you'll join us...
is a "Singer" in the old sense of that word, which involves being a
musician, a storyteller, and a maker of ritual. He has been a composer and a performing artist for more than three decades. As an independent scholar of myth Deardorff's emphasis is on mythopoesis [myth-making] and the performative aspects of mythic expression. He is the author of The Other Within: The Genius of Deformity in Myth, Culture, & Psyche on White Cloud Press.The Initiatory Process in Myth & Ritual
PERFORMANCE & WORKSHOP
with Daniel Deardorff & Martin Shaw
OAKLAND, CA June 2-3
see the flyer call 360-379-1489 info@mythsinger.org
ASHLAND, OR June 8-9
see the flyer call 541-301-7469 stevescholl@jeffnet.org
SEATTLE/TACOMA, WA June 15-16
see the flyer call 360-379-1489 info@mythsinger.org
Make the Journey
A CALL TO THE SOUL
OUT OF THE VILLAGE,
INTO THE FOREST,
AND BACK AGAIN.
Performance $20
Full Workshop $95
(workshop participants must attend the performance).
see the brochure: outside / inside
The Mythsinger Foundation
2023 East Sims Way #204
Port Townsend, WA 98368
USA
360-379-1489
is the Creator and director of an award winning Rite
s of Passage program entitled Stalking the Rebel Soul. Focusing on the study of old story, wild places, and poetic imagination, Shaw has leads individuals and groups (from at-risk youth to corporate directors) through the initiatory process. Currently, Shaw is working on a new book: The Leopard is made of Many Crows —an in-depth study of the relationship between culture, ritual, and wilderness.It has become increasingly clear that crossing life's inevitable thresholds without the requisite respect and intention has left many of us in a constant struggle to hide our wounds and pretend to be whole. Others wear their wounds as ornaments and decorations waiting for an elder to appear.
The overwhelming need for strong initiatory experience has called forth a search for instruction and information on what constitutes an effective rite of passage. One thing we have learned is that if the soul remains unconvinced then no transformation will take place. Looking into the world of myth we discern images and patterns that are deeply convincing—not to the rational mind but to the poetic soul.
We have taken the owl as our insignia because the Owl is the guardian and animal-guide of the initiatory passage—a journey sometimes called the "Dark Night of the Soul." The Owl can see a path where others go blind. The power of the owl and the initiatory elder can help us to keep moving even when everything around us is unknown and unnamed. In the words of Gary (Seahtlhuk) Hillaire:
“The power of the owl is moving through the dark remembering the light.”
Please Join Deardorff and Shaw in working together to bring understanding to the vital role of initiation in bringing meaning to our lives and to the hardships which inevitably befall us.
bringing the wisdom of myth back to our communities and culture.If you received this message from a friend please join the mythsinger news list.
LIVING MYTH, LIVING WORLD
with Daniel Deardorff
This will be 
a year long program based in Port Townsend Washington. Gathering five times throughout the year for four days and three nights. Our time will be divided between fireside teaching, and excursions to the mountains and the sea. The program will include a required reading list and assigned tasks to do between gatherings. For details write info@mythsinger.org