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Was Santa and Alchemist?

Quick recap

Brooke interviews Michael Van Sciver, Ayurvedic Physician, Clinical Herbalist, Alchemist + guest faculty for The Wild Temple School for this delicious insight into the seasons and holiday spirit. This is our second interview with Michael (the first episode was in our first season: Myths, Battles + Awe: A Cultural Incoculation of the Seasons, Episode 2). 

Michael Van Sciver is located in Nevada City, California, and can be found at [email protected].

He and Brooke discussed the myths and lore behind the festivities of winter and the holiday season as well as the Astro cosmological events within the wheel of time,  the power of still currents in alchemy + the Solstices, shamanic reindeer culture, the soma of life and entheogens, and much, much more. Please enjoy, follow if you like and share if you can!

Summary Overview:

Cosmic Wheel of Time: Sun-Earth Relationship and Its Impact on Seasons
Symbols such as yin/yang and the analemma figure 8 pattern of the sun

Solstice Themes and Symbolism
Michael explained that the winter solstice is about letting go of the old and calling in the new, themes of celebration and joy, and feeding the essence of one's being. They also described the summer solstice as a time of harmonizing with something outside of oneself, understanding one's deeper truths and desires, and expressing one's longings. Brooke added that this process is also about connecting with others and recognizing the importance of interdependence. They also touched upon the metabolic processes involved in the solstices and how plants can help with digestion and radiance.

Inner Light Practices and Symbolism
Michael discussed various practices to brighten the inner environment during the darkest time of the year, including burning resins and candles, bringing fresh trees into the home, and the use of entheogens like Amanita and ergot. 

Fractal, Holographic, and Heart-Centered Meditation
Michael discussed the fractal, holographic nature of the world and the concept of the Taurus, a donut shape with infinite loops of energy. They highlighted the symbolism of a tree in the house as representative of the energetic field and emphasized the importance of being in the heart essence at the winter solstice. 

Winter Solstice and Vedic Tradition Discussion
Michael and Brooke discussed the significance of the winter solstice, emphasizing the importance of rediscovering one's childlike nature and reawakening the genome in its highest state- exhalting our being through the power of the Solstice energies. They also discussed a breathing practice to regulate the nervous system and foster stability and resilience.

Origins of Santa and St. Nicholas the Timeless Alchemist
Michael and Brooke engaged in a deep conversation about the significance of the history of amanita mushroom in spiritual practices, particularly during the solstice season. They explored how these mushrooms are believed to awaken one's inner child and connect them with the divine. The discussion also touched upon the relationship between Santa Claus and the amanita mushroom, with Michael presenting a fascinating interpretation of Santa as a sage alchemist who has learned potions of immortality and resides in the Arctic (dreaming) realm.

The discussion concluded with the importance of joy during the holiday season.

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