

Preconference Intensives
2023 Preconference Workshops
Preconference Sessions are intimate workshops held on Thursday evening (4.00-7.00pm), before the official Conference begins.
Arrive early and enjoy a bonus presentation from
one of Australia's leading Educators.
Purchase a $85 upgrade Preconference Package when you register your ticket.
Preconference Package includes
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Early arrival on Thursday (from 2pm)
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Thursday dinner
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Friday breakfast
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Your choice of Intensive Workshop on Thursday evening (4.00-7.00pm)
Learn with some of Australia's most respected educators

Shona Lee
In Conversation with Your Nervous System
What makes a good conversation?
For me, it’s about listening to understand – not judging / assuming / imposing.
It is supported by time and space without distractions; paying attention, adding new perspectives / insights / ideas; being engaged and following the flow (not a pre-set agenda) of where something goes and evolves. Feeling heard is often enough - you don’t need to be fixed, told how to solve your problems or what you should do. A good conversation is one where you learn something, both ways, the back and forth is it’s foundations - not monologuing. Conversations with connection, rapport and resonance.
We can cultivate these attributes with how we listen and respond to the sensory signals of our nervous system. This 3hr workshop explores the practical application of these principles that the Feldenkrais Method (of somatic education) is based on.

Jacqui Bushell
Mugwort Initiation Ceremony - Through the portal of the deep dreams
In old stories and tales, plants are often agents of transformation, sources of great wisdom that help us bridge the realms of psyche and body, earth and Other World. Mugwort is one such gateway herb, an initiator on the plant path. Known as the mother of herbs, she opens a portal to awakening ancient memory and activates the dreamlife, clearing blocks to insight. Through a sacred tea ceremony, let the spirit of mugwort, the way finder, open a path for you to attend to spirit and soul and deepen your nature connection.
You will receive:
• An exploration of the history and mythology of mugwort with its links to the ancient oracle tradition and the Seven Sisters.
• An understanding of the medicinal actions, uses and effect of mugwort physically, emotionally and spiritually.
• Learn about the healing relationship of mugwort with the womb, cycles and the power of your voice.
• A sacred tea ceremony to connect with the spirit of mugwort and receive its guidance for questions of a deeper nature and ancestral connections.
NB pregnant participants can attend the ceremony but should not drink mugwort tea.

Katherine Cailleach Howard
Cyclic Wisdom for Mental Health
The Cave of Shadows is the residence somewhere within your psyche and body of all those disowned, disavowed roles in you. They reside – pushed into the dark as things that are fear full or provocative or unacceptable somehow. A cordial meeting with the Keeper of the Cave is a necessary venture if you wish to become intimate with the unconscious in your life. It is the work of a lifetime to bring the shadows of the unconscious into consciousness. Only then will we have a choice.
We meet the Keeper of the Cave at the entrance to The Wheel of Woman’s Life: that seasonal cycle that has mirrors and layers depicting the movement of the sun, the moon, the seasons, the menstrual cycle and indeed the movement and rites of passage of a woman’s life.
In this workshop, we will explore the Cyclic Wisdom of a Woman’s Wheel of Life, we will consider western medicine ideas about mental health diagnosis and treatment, and finally , we will evolve a way of working with Shadow Wounding and the Healing Wisdom provided by each of the 8 Sabbats around the Wheel as well as the Centre of the Wheel.
