BirchTree Learning Circle
A lesson plan for learning the path of Shamanic Wicca as practiced in the BirchTree Circle

Note: the subject categories listed are not ranked in any particular order.

Divination:
  • Tarot (multiple decks)
  • Runes (Blum as a starting point of exploration)
  • Scrying (Using multiple techniques, to find which harmonizes with student best)
  • Pendulum (May be cross-applied to learning how to talk to Spirits)

    • The Goal will be to learn many, and then go in-depth and specialize in at least one of these techniques. The end goal is to be proficient in one.

    Astrology Fundamentals:
  • Planets, Houses, Aspects, and Theory
  • Interpretation of Natal Data (beginning with student's own, then studying other's)

    • The Goal will be to become familiar enough with Astrology as a Science to determine how much (if any) impact it will have on the student's study and practice of macrocosmic energy systems.

    Meditation:
  • weekly 1 hour meditation for one year.
  • Silent, Focused Meditation (Experimenting with focus, such as mandalas)
  • Verbalized Meditation (Including mantras and chants)
  • Moving Meditation (Including Tai Chi, body motions, and yoga)
  • Guided Meditation (including how to guide others in meditation)
  • Unfocused Meditation (Free-association, following inner voices)

    • The Goal will be to discover which meditation technique works best, and to develop a regular routine of meditation and inner exploration.

    Energy Working:
  • Raising energy (multiple techniques)
  • Sending energy (within and without)
  • Receiving energy (from self, others, and earth)
  • GROUNDING energy (perhaps that will be the first lesson!)
  • Healing techniques (using energy modalities such as Reiki)

    • The Goal will be to find and define the personal energy flow, so that there is an understanding of how to use it successfully.

    Ritual:
  • Discovering personal Deities
  • The Elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Spirit)
  • Tools (Chalice, Athame, Wand, Pentagram, candles, incense, etc.)
  • Building a Circle
  • Group dynamics in Ritual
  • Ritual Mindset

    • The Goal will be to learn how to successfully craft and perform a ritual, both for self and group, with the additional understanding of the "why" of ritual, not just the "how".

    Magical Herbalism:
  • Magical properties of Herbs (energy signatures)
  • How to Grow and Love Herbs
  • Sachets and Amulet pouches
  • Sage
  • Medicinal uses (an overview)

    • The Goal will be to have a sound understanding of the plant world as allies.

    Study Journal:
    Which should include:
  • Notes from lessons
  • Dreams
  • Weekly post-meditation free-writes
  • Rituals
  • Observations of personal growth
  • Poetry and related snippets
  • Images and pictures

    • The Goal will be to have the beginnings of a Book of Shadows once the student's individual study is finished.

    Now obviously, the above items are not ranked in any particular order. We will meet for a few hours, twice a month. I'll set topics and goals for each session, but not script out a lecture. I intend for the study to be far more experiential. Note that most goals are designed so that I can help the student discover what works best for him/her. So when we cover divination techniques, we can probably determine fairly quickly where his/her natural strengths lie.

    Also, please note that some items are excluded merely because they do not lie in my area of expertise, therefore I don't feel qualified to do more than mention them in the course of study. Items included here would be: Quaballah (of the varied spellings), Medicinal Herbalism, and some psychic gifts like Telekinesis (although that does play a bit in the pendulum)

    ~Flame RavenHawk
       October 12, 1996