SOTEMS represents a vision of the Australian people in the world where a new
and vital spiritual force is created by a community of people dedicated to
healing all aspects of human life. It is a bold vision, but one which already
started to unfold. You may find that it speaks to you. Here is an opportunity to
explore your own needs, to find out what you can offer the society of the
future, and to be a participant in a vital experiment in human possibilities
So, SOTEMS is a community, which is evolving. It is growing through
involvement of people who have trodden many paths and who share the vision of a
heating community originating and resident in Australia. To date, SOTEMS has
made some considerable strides in its work. For example:
APPRENTICESHIPS
Training as a healer (Medicine Ways) in a system of mentorship. The period of
training is not fixed but varies according to the pace of development and needs
of the apprentice.
Becoming an apprentice and moving on to become a Medicine Person is a matter of
being accepted for initiation. There are three levels of initiation in the
Medicine ways path, which require very high levels of commitment, and a desire
to contribute to the processes of healing at all levels of Australian life, and
also to the world at large.
PATHFINDERS
A program of personal and spiritual development for youth. This is a unique
program in Australia. It draws upon the wisdom and techniques of many cultures
and the offerings of modem psychology and healthcare to provide youth with a map
and compass for their journey through the difficult time of adolescence. We
offer Vision Quest, rites of passage, healing, personal empowerment.
VISION QUEST
A powerful traditional meditation in nature in which through ceremonial
preparation, fasting and sleep deprivation, we can experience our connection
with nature, the spirit of all things, and discern our path and medicine
(personal healing power). An ancient ceremony, which speaks to our need for
connection in modem urban life.
SWEATLODGE
The sweat lodge is found in many parts of the work, including Aboriginal
Australia. It is a ceremony of purification of the body and spirit, which is
conducted, in a small, circular lodge. The symbolism and ceremony are related to
our lives as part of the earth, as being supported by the mother in the womb and
waiting for rebirth. It is a physical and spiritual ordeal through which we
rehearse life and renew ourselves over and over. Balance and quiet dignity
follow.
MYTH AND RITUAL
Throughout all of SOTEMS work, the community is actively working to create
relevant and viable ceremonies and spiritual practices, which reflect the needs
and lives of Australians now and in the future. This is an exciting project,
which is one of joint or co-creation. Song, dance, art, ceremony, drama and
healing are all flowing from this vital and growing energy. Ceremonies which
work for you.
An important part of SOTEMS work here is to develop new ceremonies, which
speak to the needs, and interests of modem Australians. For example, the much
needed rite of transition for youth, women experiencing menopause, birth, death,
marriage and divorce. SOTEMS offers the opportunity to create ceremonies, which
address these universal human experiences in a personally meaningful way.
EARTH MAPS
SOTEMS has undertaken development of a new series of programs which takes
people to places in Australia where the power and beauty of nature and spirit
can be experienced. With experienced teachers and healers, we can explore our
spiritual lives in nature with fellow travellers and enjoy the wonders of this
extraordinary, continent, the first out of the primal sea.
HEALING CENTRES
In 1996, SOTEMS established its first healing centre in Australia, located in
Freemantle, W.A. Similar centres in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney
will follow.
These centres will provide several services. The most important of these
revolves around the Spiritual Crisis Service SCS. This is a network of healers
in the community which can respond to the wide spectrum of crises which emerge
in today's society in a way which offers an alternative or complementary
prospective to those of psychiatry, medicine, psychology and other main stream
services.
The SCS will offer a number of additional services and opportunities:
- Internship for students in training
- Professional development seminars and exchanges
- Support services for healers in the SCS network
- Multicultural resources
The work of the healing clinics reaches people in all kinds of circumstances,
but some special interests will be pursued:
- Counselling the dying and bereaved
- Counselling and healing work with HIV/AIDS persons
To find out more about the Freemantle Healing Centre
click here
