Climate of Change: An Introduction to Astro-Climatology and the Nature of ChangeMichael Givens, L.Ac.

April 13-14th, 2013
12 CEU's
 

Course Description:


    This course is an introduction to the calendric sciences found in the Huangdi Neijing Suwen (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, Basic Questions). It covers the foundational material necessary to grasp and apply these theories such as an in depth investigation into the profundity of Yin and Yang, and that of the Wu Xing (five phases) and Liu Qi (six atmospheric influences). 
    As a starting point, this course begins with the oldest known treatise on the Yijing (Classic of Change), the Shuogua (Discussion of the Trigrams), for this text offers a primary view of the theories of Yin and Yang, and that of form and transformation. The theories of form and transformation are later investigated specifically through Suwen 5, in which a connection to flavor and qi is then made. Then there will be an exploration of calendric science, which will be the heart of the class, and in connection with the theories of form and transformation, flavor and qi, a basis of understanding the application of herbal protocols based upon the yearly energies and movements will be established.


Objectives:
    At the end of this course, students will be able to: 

1. 1.Grasp the deep mysteries of yin and yang as found in the Huangdi Neijing Suwen (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, Basic Questions). 
2. 2.Distinguish between form and function, flavor and qi as found in the classics. 
3. 3.Know and apply the methods of determining calendric changes and energies as found in the Suwen. 
4. 4.Apply methods of prescription that are based upon calendric science, yin and yang, wuxing (the five phases) and liuqi (the six atmospheric influences). 

5. Begin to engage with local weather and climatic patterns, as well as local medicinals based upon a foundation of calendric science.



Registration: Michael Givens teaches by donation. We are asking for a $75 registration fee to cover the costs of organization; when you come to the seminar please take into account Michael's generosity and how much it normally costs to come to a weekend seminar, and give him a generous donation in the basket we will provide!
Please use the link below to register, or feel free to contact Genevieve Le Goff at (415)250-8508 or [email protected] for more information.



About Michael Givens:


    Michael Givens has an MA in Eastern Classics from St. John’s College, where he focused on classical Chinese language, and Yijing, Daoist and Confucian texts, as well as classical texts from India and Japan. He also has an MS in Oriental Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), and is a Licensed Acupuncturist. In addition to his studies at NCNM in the School of Classical Chinese medicine, Michael studied directly in a traditional discipleship with Dr. Heiner Fruehauf. After graduating from NCNM in 2009, he established the School of Ancient Medicine (Fang Shi Ye), a teaching and training center for the art and science of directional medicine and ancient wisdom, and the Fang Shi Press. 
    He has written and published three books through the Fang Shi Press, and two books through Shenming Press. He also began teaching at NCNM upon graduation and continues to teach both privately and at the college. He has been in private practice since 2009 as well. He is currently practicing with the Anatara Group in San Francisco, California, and is the co-founder of Radiant Heart Center for Wholeness, LLC in Troutdale, Oregon, where he practices with his wife, Dr. Allison Givens, ND. Together, they are transforming their work, clinic and center into a three-fold, Anthroposophic organization. They live in the windy woods of in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, where they are raising their two children, Kai and Umi in the Waldorf tradition.



Detailed Outline:

Day 1 (9am – 4pm, with an Open Question period following)

I. (9-9:15) Introduction 
2. (9:15-9:30) Yin and Yang: foundational principles
3. (9:30-noon) Yin within yang, Yang within yin 
-- Trigrams
-- Inner formation
-- Outer expression
Break (10:30-10:45)
-- Qi: between mountain (air) and marsh (water)
-- Breath, vapor, dynamic movement shaped by invisible form
-- The child of heaven and earth
-- The human being
Lunch (12-1)
4. (1-1:30) Review: the breath of the bagua
5. (1:30-3:30) Form and Transform
-- 4 Directions and the Center
-- 4 Seasonal Conformations: original names
– Suwen 5: formative forces
-- Flavor and Qi; thick and thin; heaven and earth
Break (2:30-2:45)
-- Change and Transformation: 
-- Suwen 5: bianhua
-- Contraction and expansion 
6. (3:30-4) Conclusion: the spirit of form
(4-4:30/5) Open for Questions


Day 2 (9am – 4pm, with an Open Question period following)
1. (9-9:15) Introduction
2. (9:15-10:30) Wuyun, Wuxing, Wuzang: the five in the three
-- Ancient definitions 
-- Wuyun: planet, tone, tool
-- Wuxing: gesture and expression of form; flavor (resonance/ function)
-- Wuzang: resonance and function 
Break (10:30-10:45)
3. (10:45-noon) 10 Stems
-- Symbols of the yin and yang of the wuxing
-- Transiting energy
-- Tones, greater or lesser 
-- Basics of the calendar
Lunch (12-1)
4. (1-1:30) Review: the five wanderers
5. (1:30-3:30) Liuqi: the six atmospheres
-- Specifics from Suwen
-- Conformation correlations
-- Relation to the functions of the conformations
Break (2:30-2:45)
--12 Branches: symbols of yin and yang of the Liuqi
-- Conformational correlations
-- Inner trines from the Huainanzi
-- Calendar calculations
6. (3:30-4) Conclusion: Guisi, the year of the yin water Snake
(4-4:30/5) Open for Questions

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