Sacred SitesUnlocking Ancient Wisdom for Regenerative Futures
Indigenous teachers from around the world explore the spiritual and ecological significance of sacred sites for connection to the earth, nature and ancestors.
taught by Rachael Knight
Module 1Sacred Sites and Indigenous Spirituality
In this opening class, we will gain a nuanced understanding of sacred sites and their role in Peoples’ spiritual cosmologies, traditional practices and human flourishing.
Module 2Sacred Sites and Biodiversity
In this module, we will delve into the heightened biodiversity of sacred sites around the world.
Module 3Aligning with the Cosmos: Sacred Sites and Time
In this module, we will explore the confluence of Time and Space, which ancient civilisations have brought to life through megalithic stone structures designed to align the movements of celestial bodies in relation to our planet.
Chapter 1
Time & Space
Chapter 2
Synchronising Life with the Rhythms of the Universe
Chapter 3
Celestial Alignments: Time, Space & Consciousness
Chapter 4
Audience Experiences
Chapter 5
Closing Module 3
Module 4Sacred Sites as Places of Learning
In this module, we explore how sacred sites are places of learning, “unlearning” and deep wisdom.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Places of Learning
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Understanding Sacred Sites using Sacred Language
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Following the Sun and the Moon
Module 5Sacred Sites Under Threat
In this module, we will learn about the forces that threaten sacred sites’ sanctity, as well as the extraordinary acts of advocates to protect their local sites.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Sacred Sites Under Threat: Nature's Rights are Human Rights
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: The Amazon Forest Sovereignty of Ancestral Lands
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Listening and Patience: Reviving Rituals and Myths to Reclaim Sacred Sites
Module 6Becoming a Guardian of Sacred Sites
In this final module, we will explore how the rejuvenation and transformation of sacred sites can contribute towards climate resilience, increased local biodiversity, socioeconomic development, community transformation, and local and regional peacebuilding.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Grounding back into the Course
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Echoes of the North
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: The Mountain's Call
Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Flowing Sacredness
Chapter 5
Chapter 5: Carrying the Sacred Forward
Across the planet, there are places that hold an ancient wisdom. Places where the boundaries between humans, spirits, ancestors, and deities are thin. Often humming with powerful, otherworldly energy, these Sacred Sites have been guarded through time by the those who know them best.
Through 6 modules, you will learn about sacred sites from a spiritual, political, ecological and historical perspective, as well as how to work with them and protect them. On this exciting journey you will learn first hand from a faculty of wisdom keepers and academic researchers from more than 12 nations including India, South Africa and Colombia, who have dedicated their lives and cultures to honouring sacred sites. You will gain rare insight into knowledge systems that encode the wisdoms of our relationship with the earth, ancestors, and the cosmos.
Sacred sites are places where humanity can engage with the earth, the more-than-human world and the cosmos at large, transcending the limits of our everyday human perceptions, and opening into relational possibilities with the land, waters, plants, animals, ancestors, spirits and gods.
To many local people, these places are “portals” where humans may give offerings or make prayers to - as well as receive messages or gifts from - the more-than-human world. These Sacred Sites may include springs, rivers, lakes, islands, rock formations, caves, mountains (or whole mountain ranges), forests, groups of trees, and special ecosystems that house sacred species. In some places, humans have embellished the power of the site by constructing monuments, building mounds, burying their dead, and erecting temples, churches and mosques.
In our rapidly changing world, Sacred Sites offer valuable lessons about respect, and our relationship with the past, present, and future. By examining the long-standing relationships between humans and these special places, you will learn how to cultivate harmonious connections with the land and the broader natural world around us. You will learn about the rules and protocols designed, through millenia, to ensure that they are cared for and related to honourably and with utmost respect
While Indigenous and local people fiercely protect their sacred sites, there are many thousands more that have been lost to memory together with the peoples who once protected them. Paved over by parking lots, lost in public forests, huddled under skyscrapers and housing developments, or hiding in plain sight, they remain unacknowledged and un-tended to. Through the course, participants will learn how to discover local Sacred Sites in their home landscapes, and begin to learn how to relate to, honour and tend to them.
- 6 hours of lecture by experts from across the world
- Sessions are recorded to watch at your own pace
- Community discussion
- Readings and other resources
- Learn about sacred sites from a spiritual, political, ecological and historical perspective;
- Learn how to work with sacred sites, opening up relational possibilities and integrating them into your practice and worldview;
- Understand the reasons for the heightened biodiversity of Sacred Sites;
- Learn about the space-time connection between Sacred Sites on Earth and the relationship between our planet and other planets and solar systems in the galax How sacred sites are “ecoversities” of learning and culture transmission;
- Learn how Sacred Sites are under threat, and what you can do to protect them;
- How sacred sites are “ecoversities” of learning and culture transmission;
- Learn how Sacred Sites are under threat, and what you can do to protect them;
- Learn how to discover local Sacred Sites in your home landscapes, and begin to learn how to relate to, honour and tend to them;
- Learn the practical tools of how to tend to Sacred Sites as a path towards a more regenerative, resilient future collectively and personally.