Wisdoms of WaterAn Exploration of Mythology, Memory & Freedom
Unique course where global experts explore water through spiritual, scientific, historical and mythological lenses, revealing its profound significance and transformative power.
taught by Virginia Vigliar
Module 1Water in the Imagination
Every discovery must start with imagination. In this module, we explore bodies of water as ways to connect to the watery realm, and we will take a journey in the symbolism of water through the politics of enchantment.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Introducing Hydrofeminism
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: On Being Bodies of Water
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Imagination as Unthethering
Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Q&A with Astrida Neimanis
Chapter 5
Chapter 5: Introducing the Genius Loci
Chapter 6
Chapter 6: The Sphinx, The Dragon & The Siren
Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Q&A with Francesca Heart
Module 2The Story of Water
What do water creatures tell us about ourselves and the world we are living in? In this module, you will discover the stories that deep sea creatures and water beings can tell us, and let them be the agents of change in human-environmental relationships.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: An Exploration on Water Beings across Multiple Cultures
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Materiality & Hybridity of Water Beings
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Water Beings in Human-Environment Relations
Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Diving Deep
Chapter 5
Chapter 5: The Ocean's Invitation
Chapter 6
Chapter 6: The Ocean as Teacher
Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Q&A with Sara Campbell
Module 3Water as Liberation
We will discuss transatlantic oceanic memory through the lens of spirituality and the Black Atlantic. Dive into the ocean as a site of liberation.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Meaning of Sovereignty
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: From Oppression to Liberation
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Q&A with Charlotte Pulver
Chapter 4
Chapter 4: The Black Atlantic
Chapter 5
Chapter 5: Afrofuturism & Oceanic Imaginaries
Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Blackmed: The Sea as Instrument of Power & Resistance
Chapter 7
Chapter 7: Q&A with Peggy Pierrot
Module 4The Spirituality of Water
All religions use water as a symbol, sometimes of purity, others of clarity, and others as a healing spirit. In this module, we will discuss water from Christian mysticism to Yoruba deities.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Holding the Paradox
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Water as Justice & the Feminine: Hildegard of Bingen
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Water as Creativity & Compassion: Thomas Aquinas & Meister Eckhart
Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Q&A with Matthew Fox
Chapter 5
Chapter 5: Refusal to Sit Still: Awakening Yemoja
Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Saltwater and Smoke: A Myth of Love and Loss
Chapter 7
Chapter 7: The Parable of Drifting: An Invitation from Yemoja
Chapter 8
Chapter 8: Q&A with Bayo Akomolafe
Module 5Connecting with Water
We will explore the wise teachings of water from an indigenous perspective, and learn about water as a constant source of enlightenment and the divine.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Indigenous Water Wisdom with WHAIA - Sonic Weaver
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Going on a Sacred Water Journey with WHAIA
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Q&A with WHAIA
Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Setting-up Veda Austin's Water Workshop
Chapter 5
Chapter 5: Reading the Signs of Water
Chapter 6
Chapter 6: In Relationship to Water
Chapter 7
Chapter 7: The Living Language of Water: Veda Austin's Book
Chapter 8
Chapter 8: A Hydroglyph Overview: Q&A with Veda Austin
Module 6Water, Ecology, and Activism
Water, Ecology, and Activism - We will investigate the impacts of globalisation and environmental degradation on water systems, particularly for marginalised communities and women, and understand how community and care can help to overcome water issues.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Women and Water: An Introduction to Dr. Vandana Shiva
Chapter 2
Chapter 2: From Sacred Waters to Water War
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: In Need for a Perennial Economy of Water
Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Q&A: Vandana Shiva
Live ConversationsLive Conversations
Water as Imagination: Every discovery must start with imagination. This week, we will explore bodies of water as ways to connect to the watery realm, and we will take a journey in the symbolism of water through the politics of enchantment.
Q&A 1
Chapter 2: On Being Bodies of Water
Q&A 2
Chapter 4: Q&A with Astrida Neimanis
Our lives are deeply connected with water. From bodies to oceans, to rivers, to blood, water is everywhere; a connector, healer, and facilitator. To understand water means understanding our existence, where we are, and where we are going.
Together with teachers, healers, researchers, activists, and artists, we will dive into the spiritual realms of water, discovering the deep sea and the memories it holds.
We will resurface to understand how the way that we treat water is intrinsically connected with our bodies and our future. This is a learning experience for the senses, where participants will explore the ocean as a site of liberating symbols, intricate histories, timeless mythologies, and immense possibilities.
- 12 Sessions
- 6 Modules
- Community discussion area
- Curated reflections and resources
- Video and audio, and supporting transcriptions
- Connect to the powerful force of water to heal ourselves and our relationships with the world around us
- Learn water-based practices to enrich your life
- Meeting and connecting with a cohort of teachers and participants who recognise the connection between bodies and water, exploring shared elements in our bodies, and evolutionary ties to marine origins
- Understanding water’s role in history, storytelling, and cultural symbolism
- Explore the relationship between water and liberation
- Understanding how globalisation, privatisation, and destructive, modern forms of production threaten ecosystems and the lives of marginalised people
- Connecting to how our understanding of the more-than-human through water can help dismantle systemic issues we inhabit and that inhabit us
- Understanding the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade through the Atlantic Ocean
- Understanding the influence of religion in our connection to water
- Iconography of water in the Mediterranean
- Transforming worldview
