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Thriving in the Dark
A Practice in Winter Folk Magic and Wisdom
December 2024-January 2025

About The Course:
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This is a series of classes that focuses on age-old methods for thriving in the dark cold months of Winter. You will learn about the magic, folkways, and wisdom of deep Winter. We will explore the lore and practices that hail from pre-industrial Scandinavia and Northern Europe, and we will also weave in some modern practice. 

 

In this course you will learn these methods and how to apply them to your life to thrive in darkness, even outside of the winter months. What you will learn has been practiced for hundreds years; their age and persistence is a testament to their efficacy. 

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We will take a winding path through the Winter Solstice traditions, New Years practices, and Candlemas. This class will have much hands-on practice. We will be making Doftvatten (talismanic perfumes) and Välsignelser (Blessing/thriving spells). We will learn about local spirits, spirits of the home and land, and do some light ancestral work that is common around this time of year.

 

All materials are included in the course fees. Materials include perfumery oils & extracts, bottles, plant material, candles, oils and wax, and more. The plant material and some of the fragrances are hand foraged or grown by Hayley.

 

Complimentary fika will be included and an integral part of each class (Fika is a Swedish practice, known as a time to enjoy dessert and hot beverages with others). This will be a time to marinate in what you learned, a time to ask questions, and also a time to socialize. What is given will typically be home baked sweets and personally blended and foraged herbal teas. 

 

If you are interested in spirituality, folk wisdom, animism, and folk magic that is rooted in a long standing lineage this would be a great course for you to join.

 

The Course Contains:

Five 2 hr classes. Class runs Sundays from December through January. You will have access to emailing Hayley with questions and reflections throughout the class. All materials included in the price.

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About the Teacher:

I am a spiritual teacher and traditional folk healer with a decade of experience and training. I am a lineage holder in the Trolldom tradition, trained by my teacher who is considered to be the foremost expert in the subject. Trolldom is the practice of Scandinavian folk spirituality and wisdom. After training with my mentor to become a professional folk healer, I then worked to become a teacher of the tradition under his guidance. There are only a few teachers of this ​tradition located in the US. I have been internationally recognized by my colleagues and mentors in Trolldom as being gifted in working with plants and herbs. I now specialize in Lövjeri (leaf-craft), which is the practice of spiritual healing with plants. I also specialize in Bota and Återställa (spiritual curing and healing).

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In addition to my training in Scandinavian folk ways, I have been trained in energy healing, spirit work, shamanic healing, traditional divination, and plant spirit medicine. I have been lovingly encouraged by my teachers to share my gifts and experience with others. ​I have found that working within traditional systems of healing has brought thriving and growth to my own life and I am passionate about introducing these ways to others. ​

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Course Fee Sliding Scale:

Tier 1: $205(one ticket at this price)

Tier 2: $350

Tier 3: $515

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The course fee needs to be paid in full by December 1st. A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required to reserve a spot, this will go towards the overall cost. Class is non-refundable by December 2nd. By signing up you are agreeing to this policy

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If you would like to sign up for the class please email me at Hayley@hazelwoodhealing.com 

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​​​In person Schedule 

Some content is subject to change depending on who signs up and how the class progresses. Class takes place 3-5 PM on the Sundays listed below. 

 

Class takes place at Hayley's house, on the near east side of Madison. If you are allergic to cats please let me know

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December 8th

Foundational lesson in folk magic, the Autumn and Winter cycle and how to be in alignment with the season, Midwinter folk magic tradition

 

December 15th

Midwinter folk magic tradition, how to thrive in dark and difficult times, Annual Growth, Winter as the womb, Spirits and beings of Yule and Christmas, the Tomte and Rå

 

January 5th

Midwinter Tradition, Traditions of the 1st new moon, gift giving tradition, the color red, Bringing in warmth, Yule foods, Solstice and Christmas rituals, St Lucy's Night, Befriending Winter

 

January 12th

Releasing the old year, The language of Nature, Candlemas and St. Brigid’s Day, How to make a thriving spell​

 

January 19th

Stories & Beingness, Dedicated action,  The Star the Ship and the Ocean, thriving magic, moving beyond what is possible, Spell Casting: Making Talismanic Perfume

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Reviews from Thriving in the Dark Students:

 

Rachel Hodapp, Madison WI

I had the immense privilege of taking Hayley’s Thriving in the Dark Season course this past 2023-2024 winter, and I wish there were words to describe just how transformative, grounding, informative, and gift-filled our time together was as a class. Alas, there are not, but suffice it to say that Hayley is an incredible teacher and the content/ space she offers for learning is unparalleled. Hayley is a patient, kind, peaceful, and generous teacher; she crafts a learning experience that is very special, and learning about trolldom (Nordic folk magic), dedicated action, materia magica, and other cosmologies has left me far more in-tune with the seasons and my natural surroundings. I cannot say enough good things about the many and varied ways in which this course has positively impacted my life. I am so grateful to Hayley and to the other people in our class for making our time together so special!

 

Taylor Ajamain, Madison WI

Participating in this course was truly a journey and one that helped me embrace winter in a new way. It was incredibly empowering to embody practices that connected me to nature, the earth, and to those who came before us. Hayley is totally knowledgeable about Scandinavian/ British Isles folklore and magic and has a super calming yet confident presence. She is a natural,  intuitive, and patient educator.  Hayley created such a psychologically safe environment for us to learn, grow, and practice together in, which is super important to me. Personally, my two main takeaways from the course are the concept of acting with intention as much as possible and to consider things in terms of cycles as opposed to lines or dichotomies. 

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Anika Rice, Madison WI

Hayley’s Thriving in the Dark class offered me several new concrete personal practices – both material and reflective! Through paying detailed attention to the changing season and the world around us, we learned how to use meditative practices, spells, sacred and everyday objects, an anointing oil, and cleansing waters to find meaning and healing. While Hayley based her practice in Scandinavian tradition and expertise, I was struck by how universal certain approaches are, and how much resonance they have with other traditions and cultures, ultimately making these practices accessible and meaningful.

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Elly Voigt, Madison WI

I would highly recommend Hayley's class, Thriving in the Dark! I loved how experiential and hands-on the class was, and really appreciated the peaceful container that Hayley held for us students as we explored what thriving means to us, and how to point our lives towards growth and life, even and especially during challenging times. 

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Avery Vilbert, Madison WI

Attending the class gave me a sense of community with others who also wanted to learn more about incorporating these older practices into their daily lives. I was even able to celebrate winter solstice eve by a walk and decorating an altar with a friend from the class! It was also great to chat with everyone in class over tea and treats about what rituals they performed or over our “homework” assignments.

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Wendy Becker, Madison WI

Thank you so much for hosting this class. When I signed up I didn’t really know what to expect, all I knew was that I was called to join. I enjoyed learning about the folk traditions and the spirits of the season. So much to take in and absorb, many of the subjects covered in one class could have their own series.
​I’ll definitely be watching for more classes like this one, I enjoyed it. I look forward to learning more about the folk magic and traditions of the other seasons as well, so you’ll probably see me again! ;)

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Justyn Huckleberry, Madison WI

I often left class with an increased sense of reverence and connection with the natural world and myself. The class taught me ways to transform mundane tasks into sacred practices. It's greatly enhanced my sense of gratitude, reciprocity, and care for multiple facets in my life. The class has truly opened up such a beautiful approach to life that I can't wait to explore more. I'm so grateful for the time spent with Hayley and the community she fostered!

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Allison Crook, Madison WI

I thoroughly enjoyed Hayley's class "Thriving in the Dark Season."  She created a nourishing and enriching environment, combining history and tradition with practical application and approaches.  It was a joy to get to know Hayley and the other students in the class, and I miss having it regularly in my life.  Thank you Hayley for the generosity you offered us all through your teaching.  

sliding scale
candle in forest
harvest festival
divination
julbocken
brigid's cross
igloo
cookies
sacred tree with offerings
Tjärved
handmade perfume enfleurage
stones and crystals

Images Pictured (Top to Bottom):

Candle in forest

1960's harvest festival at St. Mary's Church England

Hayley's Materia Magica

Julbock

Sun and Brigid's straw crosses (antique)

Igloo with candles

Ginger molasses fika cookies

Healing tree with shells

Tjärved

Talismanic perfume.

Materia Magica

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