artistic somatic ceremonial workshop with Joanna Brook

Every 18 months the planet Venus, one of the most recognizable lights in the morning or evening sky, disappears for 40 days.

This is the time of the Labyrinth Ceremony, channeled by the late, beloved Connie Bender Grandmother Indigo Jewel.

In person dates: October 16, November 6, November 20 (all dates required to participate) 7:00 pm.

Optional field trip to a local labyrinth and/or the ocean, date to be determined.

• Learn the symbols of Venus and how to apply them in your practice

• Gain the skill of fearlessly walking the labyrinth

• Create your own labyrinth and goddess artwork

• Go on a guided meditation journey to meet the goddess

• Contemplate your personal Venus astrology

Celebrate Venus Return by making vows of personal significance

• Experience the wisdom of working with Venus in retrograde to reclaim your soul’s intentions

The Goddess Venus - also known as Ishtar, Astarte, Mare, The Queen of Heaven, Aphrodite, Freya, The Morning and Evening Star - leads us into the underworld to reflect and set conscious intentions for release and reclamation. Joanna traveled this path 5 times with Eugene’s beloved pagan and feminine mysteries teacher Connie Bender. With Connie’s blessing, Joanna now leads the way for you. The 2026 ceremony will be Joanna’s 10th Venus return ritual. By learning this Venus Return practice, you will make strides in living your values and improving your relationships with yourself and others.

The planet Venus disappears for 40 days because she is in retrograde. Her orbit appears to move backwards from our point of view on Earth. During retrograde, she is above the horizon only during daylight hours and cannot be seen in sunlight. Venus retrograde is an excellent cosmic moment to gain perspective on your values and sense of self. A strongly developed sense of self reduces your vulnerability to change, conflict, and chaos. This is a time to absorb messages, signs, and information; reflect on your values; and consider how to proceed in life.

The 40 days the planet Venus is in retrograde represents time spent walking the labyrinth through your inner worlds. By participating in this ceremony and learning this practice, you will come out on the other side transformed. The beautiful cycle of Venus has been known from times of old. Myths have been written. Now is the time to create your own!

Cost: per traditional ways, I do not set a specific price for ceremonies. You choose to bring a gift reflecting the value of the ceremony to you and appropriate to your financial status.

All genders welcome.

4 spots remaining as of 8/14.

Please RSVP using the contact form below. Include a brief statement (200 words or less) about why you want to attend and how you will benefit from learning this practice. This is so that I can customize the experience for your needs. If you have it, include your Venus placement in your natal chart or date, time, and place of birth. If you don’t have this, it is okay - you can still participate.

You will receive a Brightheart Alchemy Guides certificate of completion.