Join Rachael of FAMILIAR for a day of magical lore as we deep dive into the living sauna traditions of northern Europe & the Nordic region. She will take you through her own six years of research & experience sweat bathing across the Northwoods of the US and on the lands of her people; we will discuss the elements of the sauna, etiquette & what to expect during traditional sauna, spirits of the sauna, sauna tools, sauna folk magic - and more! After discussion, we will have a chance to embody what we learned with Kindled Community Sauna, weave a collective spell together, relax with refreshments, and enjoy late winter.
This class is for you if….
You’re new to Sauna and curious what it's all about. Alternatively, you’re a seasoned sauna user & want to learn all about the history of this practice!
You want to learn more about your Nordic or European ancestry!
You’ve never gone to a sauna before or ever thought about bathing rituals!
You want to honor the season in an educational and cool way!
You’re a body positive, anti racist, queer positive ally prepared to hold similar space!
This class is NOT for you if….
You aren’t excited about animism, pagan ways or magic!
You have trouble playing well with others!
You plan to arrive late / leave early - this is not appropriate and won’t be allowed. The door will lock at the start of class. Please allow someone else to have that space instead and come to the next one that works better for you. I will be hosting more.
About the Teacher:
Rachael Gonzalez (FAMILIAR) is an artist, bodyworker, northern folkways educator and trollkunnig living and working in Milwaukee, Wisc. She makes herbal medicines and brooms, writes zines, tends sauna, teaches workshops and facilitates healing experiences. Her witchcraft is rooted in social justice and her mission is connecting her clients with their bodies and the natural world. You can find a full list of her trainings and connect via her website at familiarmke.com.
Learn more about Kindled Community Sauna here!
Cost: $95
Location:
This 4-hour workshop will be held at Hedge Meadow located at 140 S Winsted St. in Spring Green, Wisconsin. There is limited parking in the small lot in front of the building and ample street parking within the surrounding neighborhood.
What to Expect/Bring:
Please wear whatever you feel comfortable attending class in and be sure to bring whatever you feel comfortable using the sauna in (clothes that you can get sweaty in/wet). Some folks choose a bathing suit while others choose light athletic attire. Please bring two towels and a change of dry/warm clothes. Slip on shoes can be handy to move into and out of the sauna.
Herbal tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring whatever else you need to take care of yourself, including a water bottle for the sauna. Please also bring a notebook and pen for notetaking.
Accessibility:
This class contains elements of sitting, lecture, and discussion, as well as extreme heat and cold exposure (sauna and cold plunge). The sauna requires a step to get into. Participants can choose to spend time in the sauna and cold plunge to whatever extent they’re comfortable with.
Covid/Illness Safety:
Masks are not required but always encouraged and appreciated. Please use common sense and do not attend class if you’re sick (day-of refunds available for illness only). You must wear a mask if someone in your household is sick, or if you know you’ve been exposed to an infectious pathogen. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding around this.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
We reserve the right to cancel class at any point due to a lack of interest. If this is the case, anyone who has signed up will receive a full refund.
If you sign up for class but can no longer attend, please let us know at least 48 hours prior to class for a full refund. If you let us know the day prior to class, you will receive a 50% refund. Sorry, but if you cancel the day of class you will not receive a refund (unless you’re cancelling because of illness).