Letter From The President
by Paul Robear
The work, research and teachings of the Cuyamungue Institute (CI) continues to reach students around the globe. My wife and co-teacher Laura Lee and I feel such excitement after our recent Initiatory Training which included students from Switzerland, France, England, India and across the US. For our advanced workshops this month and next, students will be traveling from Australia and Singapore. It is inspiring to have people from such diverse backgrounds — teachers, researchers, scientists, media professionals, environmental activists, doctors and musicians come here to embrace the work of CI. We learn so much from each other as we dive deep into Alternate Reality experiences using Ritual Postures. Thank you to all who have attended and all who plan to attend in future.
I’ve shared the story in the past how Thunderbird became a personal inspiration for me during construction two years ago of CI’s new modern-day “hogan style” building which carries the name Hall of the Thunderbird. Join me in further exploration of the natural forces of thunder, lightning, and storms, found in Native American mythology across the U.S. in this month’s featured article: Thunderbird and the Trickster ” by Steve Mizrach, Ph.D.
I’ve come to better appreciate the Trickster / Sacred Clown element through my long friendship with David Nighteagle. David has the wonderful ability to approach topics both serious and sacred with humor and balance. His Lakota grandfather was his inspiration. David inherited the ways of “Heyoka” the Lakota path of the sacred clown. It is the path of the contrarian, showing the opposite way of looking at things while at the same time revealing deeper insight into sacred ways and rituals.
In this article, Professor Mizrach provides a insightful look at the connection between Thunderbird and Trickster:
“As a representative of Thunderbird and Trickster,” writes Steve Mizrach, “the heyoka reminds his people that the primordial energy of nature is beyond good and evil. It doesn’t correspond to human categories of right and wrong. It doesn’t always follow our preconceptions of what is expected and proper. It doesn’t really care about our human woes and concerns. Like electricity, it can be deadly dangerous, or harnessed for great uses. If we’re too narrow or parochial in trying to understand it, it will zap us in the middle of the night.”
Have questions or comments or research of your own to share? Reach me directly at paulrobear@cuyamungueinstitute.com. We welcome all correspondence.
Blessings,
Paul Robear
President / Executive Director
Cuyamungue: The Felicitas D. Goodman Institute
I am happy to share the following news and articles.
- Article: “Thunderbird, and the Trickster” by Steve Mizrach, Ph.D.
- Article: Land Expansion update – Conservation of Our Surroundings
- Article: What is a Pueblo? Understanding the land of Cuyamungue
- Announcement: Debut Novel by Barbara Hand Clow
- Initiatory Training: July Initiatory Training last minute opportunity? Few spots left.
- Advanced Training: Initiatory Training– Phase II
- Advanced Training: Instructor Training and Certification August 11 – 16, 2015
- Advanced Training: Masked Trance Dance August 18 – August 23, 2015
SCROLL DOWN for Articles and Links
“Thunderbird, and the Trickster” by Steve Mizrach, Ph.D.
I want to examine how the myths and legends of the Thunderbird tie into the sacred clowning/trickster ritual complex of Plains tribes such as the Lakota. I will show how the Thunderbird is intimately connected to this complex, and attempt to explain why. It is the intimate association between these two traditions that may help explain some features of Plains culture and folklore. Aspects of the Thunderbird myth only make sense in light of these associations. ——> Complete Article
Land Expansion – Conservation of Our Surroundings by Paul Robear
In last month’s newsletter we proudly announced that we have added two parcels of beautiful land totaling over 192 acres. So this means we have expanded the land of the Cuyamungue Institute to over 470 acres.
We have received many requests for more details and if there was a map to better show the location. So I have added a map ——> Complete Article
What is a Pueblo?
The Cuyamungue Institute land is historically Pueblo land before it became a Spanish land grant, and eventually sold as private land. CI is completely surrounded by Pueblo land and has a deep connection to the Pueblo people. When we shared this connection with our recent Initatory Training workshop, which included several international students, the question arose”would you explain what is a Pueblo?”
Pueblos are modern and old communities of Native Americans in the Southwestern United States. The first Spanish explorers of the Southwest used this term to describe the communities housed in multi-story structures built of stone, adobe mud, and other local material. In Native American usage, pueblo has a deeper meaning. ——> Complete Article
Announcement from a long time member and supporter of the Cuyamungue Institute, Barbara Hand Clow. The following is from her press release:
Revelations of the Ruby Crystal
A Debut Novel Filled with Romantic Suspense.
In her debut as a novelist, bestselling author and acclaimed teacher Barbara Hand Clow weaves together a story of romance, deep earth forces, psychic powers, aristocracy, and Vatican world control centered on an ancient ruby that inspires mystical visions. ——> Complete Announcement
2015 Workshops, Events and Training at Cuyamungue:
Each workshop contains a specifically designed series of ritual postures to provide the context for a journey of self-discovery. We go deep within utilizing the Cuyamungue Method – which includes a established ritual journey method. Introductory workshops are are prerequisites for advanced classes.
July 8th to 12th – Initiatory Training – Phase I – introductory course.
A powerful, compacted introduction to this work.
July 22nd – July 26th, 2015 – Initiatory Training– Phase II – advanced course.
explore the next level of ritual posture experiences.
August 11 – August 16, 2015: Instructor Training
How to teach the safe and effective process
August 18 – August 23, 2015: Masked Trance Dance
Guided inspiration using masks, costumes for a ritual dance and more…
How to Submit an Article: As part of expanding our Cuyamungue Institute community, you are invited and encouraged to participate. Share how you use the Cuyamungue Method in your chosen field. We are also open to other topics, with the emphasis on the posture work, and research and or experience. More information
Thanks for reading! Please forward this to your friends and acquaintances who will enjoy learning more about us, and please let me hear from you! I am most happy answer any and all questions about the Institute or the Cuyamungue Method. We welcome all correspondence. Not already subscribed? Subscribe Here.
Email me directly at paulrobear@cuyamungueinstitute.com .
Blessings,
Paul Robear
President / Executive Director
Cuyamungue – The Felicitas D. Goodman Institute