TRANSFORMING THE PREDATOR:

                                                       Shadow in the Psyche

     " What has no shadow has no strength to live."

                                                      - Czeslaw Milosz

There is a predatory quality to life.  We may find that quality in ourselves, our partners, in societal expectations and judgments, in governments, and in Nature Herself.  The predator also manifests in physical illness and limitations, addictive behaviors, self-sabotage, and negative beliefs.  We may find that we slip into denial, believing that "This is the best I can hope for" or "Things aren't that bad."  Consequently, we give away our power and deny responsibility for establishing and maintaining our true-life paths.

The wisdom of our ancestors comes alive in myths, fairy tales and stories.  The energies contained in these oral and written traditions provide psychic maps for tapping the treasures of our souls and reclaiming our power in the world.  The story of "Bluebeard" speaks directly about the predator within and a path of initiation that involves facing, naming, subduing, and sanctifying those parts of ourselves that attempt to destroy us and prevent us from living our truths.  It is a tale of the shadow, the part of ourselves we want to disown and fear but which also must be faced in order to become whole.  It is a story of initiation and integration.

Through storytelling, drumming, creative work and ancient rituals we provide opportunities to address these shadow issues on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.  Seekers enter a sacred space where inner work and transformation occur. This work is a modern manifestation of an ancient, mythopoetic and ceremonial healing tradition.

Phil Foster offers "TRANSFORMING THE PREDATOR" in three different formats:

       * A basic 2 to 3 hour presentation.  The story of "Bluebeard" is told in traditional, dramatic style.  Opportunity to process the experience through feedback is given.  This is a discussion and didactic introduction to the shadow initiation work, but is not initiatory or ritual in scope.

       * A day long workshop which involves creative processing and some ritual work to promote inner awareness and change.

       * A weekend workshop intensive.  This weekend experience utilizes creative processing and transformative ceremonial work. The intensive culminates in ancient rituals in the shamanic tradition that are energetically initiatory and transmutative.

The work is tailored to meet the needs of different groups.  Spiritual and religious communities, businesses and healers find powerful and exquisite value in the experience.  You are invited to join us for a challenging journey toward healing, self-discovery and empowerment.  To schedule a consultation regarding your group or individual participation, contact Phil (404-314-8325).

Phil Foster, LPC, NCC, DAPA, is a psychotherapist, supervisor and consultant in Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in spiritual, gender, gay, therapist and healthcare professional, and life transition issues.  He holds the Master of Divinity degree from Emory University and an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies. He presents numerous workshops annually on shamanic, initiatory, spiritual and mytho-poetic themes as well as consultation to groups, individuals and businesses around these concerns. Phil has performed ceremonial work for many years utilizing a cross-cultural shamanic,Christian and mythopoetic approach.   He has studied with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, the Four Winds Society, Native Voices and the Heart of the Healer Foundation.  He is an ordained Disciples of Christ minister.   Phil has played percussion since he was 3 years old.  He is a Past President, Chaplain and Trustee of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA) and the LPCA Foundation.  Phil was awarded the 2006 George C. Podien Counselor of the Year Award by LPCA.