Tending the Altar | Oracles & Archetypes
Long before there were decks of cards, people were reading the world in symbols. Animal omens, the pattern of the stars, casting stones, sacred icons, the images painted on temple walls and tucked into home shrines. Across nearly every culture and tradition, human beings have turned to imagery to say what words can’t, and to ask the questions the thinking mind can’t answer on its own.
In this session of Tending the Altar, we’ll zoom out. Why have oracles, icons, and symbolic language been part of spiritual practice for so long, and in so many places? What are archetypes, and why do certain figures keep showing up in our myths, our dreams, and our altars? And what changes when we invite this kind of imagery into our own practice as a mirror, a prompt, a doorway to our intuition?
We’ll be joined by Megan Skinner, an astrologer, tarot reader, and clairvoyant with a deep knowledge of archetypal work. Megan is the creator of Couture Tarot and Couture Angels, which reimagine timeless archetypes through high fashion and sacred feminine power, and the author of Essence of the Tarot. There will be space for teaching, hands-on exploration of symbol and imagery, reflection, and conversation with others.
We’ll have lots of decks and icons for folks to explore and you’re welcome to bring your favorites to share, too!
Tending the Altar is part of our Community is our Medicine series. We gather on the 4th Wednesday of each month for a midweek sacred pause (adjusted this Nov/Dec due to holidays ;). In community we’ll explore practices and elements for tending to our spirits: smoke, archetypes, stones, ancestors, breath, and more. Nicole Greenwald, therapist and ritual maker, is our space holder and collaborates with other facilitators to create space for learning and experimentation.
Flow
We’ll gather in The Apothecary at Shelterwood Collective.
6:30 — Doors open (arrive, mingle, enjoy refreshments)
7:00 — Workshop + ritual (teaching, reflection, making, integration)
8:00 — Space for community connection
8:30 — Closing
Accessibility
The Apothecary is located on the ground level. The entrance requires one step up, but a ramp is available. The restroom is also accessible by one step and is not ADA accessible. Please let us know in your RSVP if you have any accessibility requirements so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Exchange
The exchange allows us to sustainably hold this space while allowing you to opt in what’s most sustainable for you:
$11 — Access point (we want you at the table)
$22 — True cost (covers the container: space, hospitality, facilitation)
$33 — Pay it forward (helps hold space for someone else)
Megan Skinner
I am a professional clairvoyant, Tarot card reader, and astrologer, with a private practice as a spiritual advisor and mentor. I am the author of books on the Tarot, astrology, and intuition, and the creator of the Couture Tarot Deck and the Angels Oracle Deck. As an artist, my work explores the connections between mysticism, beauty and creative expression.
Nicole Greenwald
Therapist & Facilitator
(she/her)
I’m an endlessly curious, creative spirit. I am a therapist who often shows up as a gatherer, weaver, and ritual tender.
I am the founder of Shelterwood Collective, a community of support and collaboration for healing practitioners, and the Apothecary, a neighborhood hub for offerings rooted in community as medicine.