African Ritual and Sacred Art

The Esalen Institute

September 9-13, 2024

Participants immersed themselves in a transformative retreat blending visual art, traditional African cosmology, and ritual, inspired by the Igbo myth of The Four World Ages. This workshop provided profound engagement with ancient wisdom through breathwork, guided visualizations, personal discovery, oracles, and creativity.

Rooted in Nigerian-Igbo myth-science, which divides human history into the Four World Ages—Divine Unity, Separation, Civilization, and Chaos—participants explored these eras by watching a thought-provoking film and experiencing their themes through guided visualizations and breathwork. They also created oracle card decks inspired by images from the film, intended to guide them in the dream realm.

Through breath and dreams as portals, attendees explored both individual and collective consciousness, following practices of ancient cultures. This intimate week-long workshop offered participants a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.