5-week online class via Zoom

Tuesdays, July 2 – July 30, 2024
7:00 pm EST – 9:00 Ppm EST
$170 Paid Patreon Members / $185 General Admission

PLEASE NOTE: All classes will be recorded for those who cannot attend live

This five week class—led by archetypal educator, mythologist and dancer Selena Madden PhD—will combine lecture, discussion, dance and meditation to unveil the enchanting layers of the feminine lover archetype. Drawing inspiration from Mesopotamian, African, and Greek pantheons—as well as the powerful symbol of the witch—we will unravel the lover’s multifaceted aspects through an exploration of creativity, sensuality, sexuality, abundance, intuition, and the wisdom embodied in various goddess archetypes. We will forge a stronger connection with their sacred feminine with bellydance practice and embodied ritual.

The class will consist of lectures and discussions on archetypal psychology, mythology, and cultural contexts as well as practical sessions integrating bellydance as a somatic practice, guided meditations and rituals for connecting with goddess energies, and suggested readings and reflections.

Course Essentials

1. Archetype of the Feminine Lover

• Understand the universal archetype of the feminine lover, exploring its manifestations across cultures and time.

• Examine how creativity, sexuality, sensuality, abundance, and intuition are interwoven within this archetype.

2. Goddesses Across Pantheons

• Study goddesses from Mesopotamian traditions (e.g., Inanna), African traditions (e.g., Oshun), and Greek pantheons (e.g., Aphrodite), connecting with their unique expressions of the feminine lover archetype.

• Explore myths and symbols associated with these goddesses to unveil deeper insights into the feminine experience.

3. The Witch as Lover Archetype

• Uncover the empowering archetype of the witch, transcending stereotypes to embrace the magical, intuitive, and transformative aspects of the feminine.

• Examine historical and cultural perspectives on the witch, understanding her role as a symbol of independence, healing, and spiritual wisdom.

4. Bellydance as a Somatic Practice

• Explore bellydance as a somatic practice, connecting movement with emotion and self-expression.

• Learn the history and cultural significance of bellydance, understanding how it serves as a powerful tool for reclaiming the body and celebrating feminine energy.

5. Connecting with the Sacred Feminine

• Craft rituals and practices to connect with the sacred feminine

• Cultivate a deeper understanding of the relationship between the feminine lover archetype, personal empowerment, and spiritual growth.

Selena Madden PhD is a dedicated mythologist, archetypal educator, and somatic muse. Her profound passion lies in the exploration and integration of diverse archetypes and mythic narratives, unraveling the mysteries of the human psyche.

Selena has been teaching and performing bellydance since the age of 17. Performance credits include Nat Geo, L'es fleur des Sans cabaret, music videos, and countless stage performances. She holds a degree in dance from Loyola Marymount University and taught ballet for children and adults. She is also a martial arts practitioner of Capoeira, Shaolin Kung Fu, Aikido, and Filipino Martial Arts. She culminates her dance and martial arts expertise into a ritualistic practice to connect with our feminine power and heal our feminine wounding.

Images: Tomb of the Triclinium, c. 470 B.C.E., Etruscan chamber tomb, Tarquinia, Italy; Aphrodite and Ares Pompeii Wall painting