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The men’s ritual will draw on “men’s proclivity to build devices—and specifically devices of power,” Malidoma says. “Unfortunately, in this culture men have forgotten that these devices are meant to wield spiritual power.

“There is a magical dimension to men’s work when it is rooted in purpose, spirit, and service,” he continues. “When one of these is anemic, there is a deep feeling of imbalance and a longing for meaning that cannot be sated in worldly ways. We men need to reclaim our magical dimension afforded by our spiritual powers.”

During the weekend ritual, men will work together to unleash medicine capable of realigning them to their purpose and their unique gifts for the restoration of balance and authentic power in their lives and the world. The ritual will begin with a communal meal at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 12, and conclude in early afternoon on Sunday, November 14.

Later in the month, November 19-21, Malidoma will lead a fire ritual for both genders on healing our relationship with the ancestors—without whose blessing nothing can happen, according to the ritual tradition of the Dagara. From simple ritual practices such as sprinkling ashes to focus one’s intention, to the several-week-long initiations, the names of the dead are called upon for assistance. Community, rightfully understood by the Dagara, involves the dead, as well as the living.

In the West, however, the dead are seldom considered, let alone consulted; they are simply gone. This is at the heart of many of our culture’s systemic problems, Somé believes. “The endless challenges faced daily in this culture could be traced back to a disturbing relationship with ancestors,” he says. “In this three-day ritual, we will engage our ancestors in an attempt to clear the unfinished business that we must do together. We will learn of their wishes and share ours with them. Together we will ritualize our mutual concerns in an initiative that heals our world and theirs.”

Workshop participants will journey through Dagara wisdom, remembering that we are, each of us, going somewhere purposeful in life. Through the healing interaction of ritual we will open ourselves to the desires and insistence of the ancestors. Participants will learn the practice of “calling in the ancestors,” and experience a deepening of that connectedness with the spirit world. Such practice is appropriate for anyone who, for whatever reason, and in whatever way, calls upon spirit for intervention in their lives.

Malidoma is well-known throughout the world as a result of his writings and travels, which bring a message of healing and reconciliation through the powerful tools of ritual and community building. Through his lectures and ceremonial rituals, Malidoma reminds westerners that life is made meaningful by the fulfillment of one’s purpose and the giving of one’s gifts, rather than by the accumulation of material wealth, power, or status.

Malidoma has earned two Ph.D.s—one from the Sorbonne in Paris; the other from Brandeis University in Boston. He is the author of several books, including Ritual: Power, Healing and Community, Of Water and the Spirit, and The Healing Wisdom of Africa.

Both workshops will take place at Temenos Center for Wholeness, a retreat center in Ojai. Temenos is a Greek word meaning “sacred space.” Registration for either workshop is $455, which includes all meals. The workshops begin with a communal dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Friday; runs from breakfast through dinner on Saturday, and until early afternoon on Sunday, including breakfast. Camping and yurt accommodations are also available on-site. A $250 deposit will hold your space; payment in full is requested by November 1. Make checks payable to Tudor Marinescu and mail to 2128 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405. For more information, visit http://doctortudor.com/Fire-Ritual.pdf, or contact info@malidoma.com, 407-574-5350.