Just as the cyclical seasons in nature show us the inevitability of impermanence and change, so too there is a cyclical procession of living and dying within our own lives that compels us to pay attention. Sometimes, there is a beckoning from deep within, and you know it’s time for a change. Perhaps it’s a classic life transition, such as a marriage, divorce, pregnancy, or the death of a loved one. Or perhaps there’s an inexplicable stirring in your heart or belly, a knowing that some aspect of your life has become too small, outworn, lifeless. A new life energy is knocking on the door of your heart from the inside. This stirring, this calling, will not leave you alone. It is uncomfortable, exciting, daring, terrifying, carrying with it all the vitality of the life that is yours to live.

To grow is be to be willing to allow our old life to die, so that some new and yet unknown aspect of ourselves can come forth. This requires tremendous courage, tenderness and fortitude, and the wise and compassionate support of those familiar with this turbulent terrain to guide us through. Guided by the wild earth, cosmos, and the wisdom of elders, initiation practices throughout time immemorial have stewarded the continuance of life as sustainable, kind, and respectful of all living beings. From the beginning, our survival has depended on it.

Our EarthWays programs offer deep, experiential support for these transitions. Universally, rites of passage can be seen as having three distinct phases. When you sign up for one of our programs, the first phase is initiated… Severance. Already, you begin a separation from the old life. You might notice hopes and fears, resistance, obstacles, all the natural responses to having said ‘yes’ to a journey into what is yet unknown. Your guides will support you to clarify your intention. What in your heart calls you forth? What of your life is dying or needs to die? What are your hopes and fears? Pondering these questions will support you in consciously moving towards your longing. When your rite of passage program begins, you will have the opportunity to speak about your intent, and have it witnessed and supported by your guides and the other participants in your circle.

The second phase of a rite of passage is Threshold. Time to cross the threshold into the sacred space of wild nature, alone, with minimal distractions. Whether wandering along local trails for a few hours, resting beneath an ancient tree, or sleeping under the stars of a vast desert landscape, we slow down enough to listen. We listen for the stories the wind has to tell, explore our sensual connection to the landscape, notice what the animals, plants, and rocks might be teaching us. Perhaps there is a message from your ancestors. This time is marked by fasting and solitude, where we meet our own inner challenges and gifts. Listening deeply, we discover the path of our heart’s movement toward the authentic life that only we can live.

The return marks the third and most difficult phase of any rite of passage… Incorporation. How do we now embody this guidance, this vision? We begin by returning to the circle of our people and telling our story. Our story is deeply witnessed, our intention confirmed and empowered. When we return home, we find our way into the new terrain, keeping the flame of what was revealed to us alive. The gifts we bring home benefit both ourselves and those we love. The life of our family and community will be nourished by how we learn to show up and offer from our full selves.

Whether for a local daylong or a multi-day program further away, we prepare you to live in the wilderness. Depending on the program, we may offer a variety of teachings that may include deep listening and the practice of council, ceremony and ritual, community building, the Four Shields of Human Nature, the effects of fasting, wilderness safety and orientation, the local terrain, flora & fauna. It is not necessary to have prior experience in any of these areas to participate.