URBAN - It is strongly suggested to plan a journey of some distance and vigor. In the course we conduct Odyssey journeys in cities. Maps for Boston and Denver have already been created. If you are in another city, see the instructions below for creating your own map. If you create a map in an urban environment, similar to Boston and Denver, please submit it so that others in your city might benefit from it.

Boston Map                 Denver Map

   

(click to view Google Map)

Crafting your own urban map - Ideally the map will roughly shape out to be the shape of the tree of life, but this is frequently very difficult. What is more important is that the sephirot are placed in environments conducive for experiencing the enduring qualities of that sephirot. The following guidelines may be helpful:

1. KETHER (Crown, Unknowable Force) - a quiet and peaceful location at a high elevation with views of the city and all around, ideally
2. CHOKMAH (Wisdom, Father) - a location of great knowledge or creativity like a university or other seat of wisdom, perhaps a courthouse
3. BINAH (Understanding, Mother) - on the water; either a lake or large pond or a significant river, but peaceful (not a port)
4. CHESED (Mercy, Builder King) - a neighborhood that is thriving and succeeding with ethnically and generationally diverse population; a place that is emerging with new construction
5. GEBURAH (Judgment, Warrior) - a dangerous place; usually a location in a run-down part of town
6. TIPHARETH (Beauty, Balance) - a place of balance and beauty; usually a museum or sculpture park
7. NETZACH (Victory, Mystical) - a location of mystical significance; perhaps a church, cemetery, park or other publicly accessible building that is especially spiritual or conducive to reflection and/or spiritual wonder
8. CHOD (Splendor, Scientific) - a place oriented around scientific thinking; perhaps a museum of science and industry or natural history, or a university
9. JESOD (Foundation, Roots) - ideally one of the most historic parts of the city, either a cemetery or historic building or park giving the opportunity for reflection on the foundations (philosophy, citizens, and or structures) of the city
10. MALKUTH (Kingdom, Life) - where the odyssey journey always starts; usually in a busy marketplace area, frequently by the water if a port city, or a significant merchant/shopping area near governance buildings

PRIVATE - Build your own tree in your home or physical space of your choosing. A good semi-private location can be a large park. Detailed guidance forthcoming, but contact us now if you would like to develop this journey and we can help.

METAPHORIC - Conduct activities in your own space - either your room/home or simply in your mind. Detailed guidance forthcoming, but contact us now if you would like to develop this journey and we can help.

The Journey Checklist provides detail on how to prepare yourself for the journey in the following areas:

CLOTHING - natural materials, clothing, shoes, cloak

SATCHEL - things to carry

FOOD and BEVERAGE - cup, guidance

DOCUMENTS - Elements docs, journal, other reference items

TOOLS - candle, cup, knife, plate

TALISMANS - guidance

The General Journey Instructions provide detail for what to do at/on each sephirot/perch and channel/path of change.

RITUALS - activities for each sephirot and channel

OBSERVE - observe the world around you, eyes open for messages and aware of how you are feeling or experiencing the environment

WRITE - keep notes in your journal on what comes to mind and what you feel

ENGAGE - engage with people and objects you encounter - talk, touch, feel, smell, taste

COLLECT - collect specimens from each stage (one each of animal, vegetable and mineral)