A practical contemplative model to help practitioners and participants to move through ceremony and change processes in an integrative and holistic way.
Think of the five as a principle underlying the architectural makeup of a ceremonial/transformational event. Each sphere of influence overlapping in different geometry depending on the particular practice. I call this model the Shift Schema.
Set is unique to the individual Seeker. It's the developmental stage, physiology and psychology, the mental framing, values, intentions, and how prepared one is when entering the Sanctum.
Sanctum refers to the setting in space and time, whether it's a temple, a therapists room or a zoom call or a bed. Outside or inside, night or day, silent or loud, sparse or complete with tools and fittings all compose the Sanctum where the Sacrament is served.
Sacrament/s are the applied technology of transformation. This could be plant medicine, music, dance, breath, bodywork, visualisation, talk therapy or a combination of myriad other modalities. Each Sacrament will have associated tools and practice, and significant overlap with Sanctum and the Server.
Server/s can take many forms: guides, sitters, DJs, facilitators, healers, and in some contemplative/prayer contexts could be a collaborative exchange between the Self and non-human energy constructs/entities. The role of a Server is to allow the Seeker to partake in the Sacrament, whether that's as a direct therapeutic/shamanic/healer dynamic, or more of a facilitator or sitter. The Server (along with the Seeker) also has the role of creating an environment for Synthesis, (and ultimately Stability).
Synthesis is integration. The landing, unpacking, and normalisation process. This can be helped along with solid follow up material, education and support, and dedicated practices/attention/specific intent to give the Seeker space to integrate. Often but not always so, the intensity of the ceremony will match the length of time taken for Synthesis to lead back to Stability.
My hope is that this model provides value to anyone involved in ceremonial change technologies, whether Seeker or Server, participant or practitioner.
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Rain