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A Letter From the Chair of the Board: “What We Tend Together”

Dear Wisdom Community,

I live in a cove tucked into the gentle embrace of the Appalachian mountains in North Carolina. We raised our children here and joined in a Halloween tradition of trick or treating where costumed adults and children would pile into the back of a few pickup trucks and visit nearby neighbors who were expecting us. I was always struck that it seemed as fun for the older neighbors as it was for us. Especially for Ruth and Nancy who would decorate their house, put on their disguises, play spooky music, and jump out from behind the door, making us all scream in delight. It was a time in the year where we interacted with neighbors we often didn’t see. 

We got a group text this week from two young mothers who are ready to revive the tradition and asked if they could bring their young ones trick or treating this year. The response from all of us ‘old timers’, whose children are now grown, was an enthusiastic YES! We are ready to host the new little ones being birthed and raised in our midst.

There are so many ways we join this dance of giving and receiving. We are given endless opportunities to tend and invest in one another. Sometimes Wisdom Waypoints feels like a neighborhood to me. Often it is a place of intimate gatherings where we are drawn together by a shared hunger for this mystical Christian lineage. We receive our daily bread as we gather to meditate, to chant, to participate in Lectio and Visio Divina and to deeply engage in Cynthia’s books and courses.

We also find ourselves exploring new forms of connection that evolve as we listen to your needs and what supports you and your communities in this shared work:

  • We are increasing our small-group offerings to support formation in this lineage and hosting gatherings for postholders to resource one another in this work.
  • On our website you can now locate each other more easily by pulling up our global practice circles map and finding a local or virtual group to join.
  • During Advent we will be offering a free weekly Wisdom accompaniment—a writing, video teaching from Cynthia, and live practice invitations—to aid in deepening into the season.
  • We will be hosting an in-person Wisdom School in 2027 for those yearning to be together and taste the rhythms of prayer and work.

Please join us as we continue to invest in this lineage transmission which anchors us in the mystical Christian way, guided by the Benedictine tradition, and deeply informed by the body of work and practices disseminated through G.I. Gurdjieff. We are grateful to Cynthia Bourgeault and her continued teaching and guidance. 

Thank you for being our collaborators and global neighbors in this work. Please consider supporting us with your end of year giving. Every gift we receive from you amplifies our capacity to participate in what is being birthed and nurtured. 

With a full and grateful heart,

Jeanine Siler Jones, Board Chair

The Christ Incarnate

Hello Cynthia,

I am ordained as an ELCA and currently retired. I first I read your book. “Wisdom Jesus” about a decade ago. I have always been a spiritual seeker and studied with some Buddhist meditation teachers and a shaman. I could never fully accept my denominations views on Jesus. I am rereading your book now and have purchased more. The one question I have is you refer to the God entity that incarnated as Jesus rather than Christ. I have always viewed Jesus as the man that the Christ incarnated into. I would love your thoughts on this.

Hello,

It’s really difficult to respond to your question in traditional theological categories, which attempt to set up fine, nuanced distinctions without any awareness of the Ray of Creation, which furnishes the grand metaphysical roadmap on which all these names find their rightful homes. In World 1, the undifferentiated, endless ineffable Godhead, the “name” is as yet formless, carried as pure seed in what Jacob Boehme calls the “sciential”—the hidden purpose as yet to be revealed. In World 3, the primordial Trinity, he is the second person, second force, “Agios Ischyros” in the great Trisagion prayer, the backbone of all that is to be. In world 6, he is Logos, the fundamental template. In world 12 he is “Son,” the perfect image of what the divine fullness looks and feels like when compressed into finite and human form; in world 24 he is Christ, that logoic inner seed that will incarnate in world 48 into the man, Jesus—just as you have spoken. There is nothing wrong in what you have observed, it’s just a bit partial, like a theological flower cut off from the living sap flowing through it from world to world, to world: always that same sap, that same flowing, self-manifesting love, only manifesting at different degrees of density and fixity. The scale of this love, flowing forward like a river from from the unspoken heart for eternity, simply staggers the mind. Christ and Jesus are simply two-way stations on that same river. It is the same river, always and everywhere.

Thanks, Cynthia

Imaginal Mysticism with Cynthia Bourgeault

How can the power of imagination transform ourselves and our world?

Join an event with Cynthia Bourgeault & Dr. Elizabeth Debold

Is our understanding of reality too limited? Can we tap the power of imagination to access different dimensions of the real? The modern mystic Cynthia Bourgeault would say yes, enthusiastically yes. She points to the work of philosopher and Islamic scholar Henry Corbin, who made an important distinction between the imagined and the imaginal. The imaginal world or Mundus Imaginalis was for him much more than arbitrary fantasy. He understood the imaginal as a transformative power, a unique human faculty, through which we can gain access to deeper and more subtle forms of reality. Following Corbin’s lead, Cynthia Bourgeault has researched deeply into the form of perception of the imaginal. For her, it is essential that we find access to these deeper, more subtle forms of knowing to deal with the crisis we are in as humanity.

About this imaginal perception she says in an interview with evolve: “We will not find the meaning that will allow us to pull us out of the crisis thrust upon us without beginning to widen the context of what human life really means. The spiritual traditions point to that bigger context, particularly when they access their own subtle teaching, which is the imaginal. In the broadest sense, the imaginal is the body of teaching and objective knowledge about human identity and direction that exists beyond sense perception and rationality. In other words, it is the body of objective knowledge, which draws on subtle, embodied capacities of understanding. That’s what we need to turn to. The culture has lost it. We have disowned the traditions that acknowledge collective human meaning.”

In this evolve LIVE! dialogue webinar we will explore together with Cynthia Bourgeault and the participants the nature of this subtle imaginal perception and why it is so meaningful in our time. The dialogue will open the space to try to move into the imaginal depth and co-creativity in our conversation itself.

Register Here

Event Details

When: Friday, November 27, 2026 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Where: Online

Cost: $28-$45, Scholarship available

Registration: https://www.evolve-world.org/programs/imaginal-mysticism

Contact for Organizer: https://www.evolve-world.org/contact-us

This event is organized and operated solely by Evolve World. Wisdom Waypoints is providing this listing for informational purposes only and is not responsible for policies, ticket sales, cancellations, or refunds.

Conscious Aging On the Wisdom Path – November Circle

***The November Conscious Aging On the Wisdom Path Wisdom Circle is now full. Stay tuned for future Conscious Aging On the Wisdom Path Wisdom Circle’s through our newsletter and Events page.

“Within the world’s Wisdom teachings, ‘conscious aging’ is not simply a polite euphemism but an active pathway of spiritual metamorphosis: in a sense, the capstone project of an entire life’s journey.” – Cynthia Bourgeault

What do we mean by the phrase ‘to age consciously’? How is Wisdom teaching and practice preparing and offering assistance to us as we age? What is it like to enter into this new territory; to ever so slowly begin to recognize the gentle descent of the mantle of Wisdom Eldership?  

Join us for a 3-part Conscious Aging Wisdom Circle as we work in an intimate gathering with these questions. We will open the circle with a centering practice in preparation before diving into what arises as we begin the tending required for our journey with conscious aging and elderhood. There will be time for silence, listening, reflecting, and processing. The Wisdom Circle will be facilitated by Wisdom Waypoints Board Member Emeritus Laura Ruth.

Our work will be anchored in Cynthia’s teachings on conscious aging and becoming an elder with anticipation for her upcoming book, “Conscious Aging: Ten Spiritual Guidelines for Growing Old,” set to be released in March 2027. 

Event Details

When: Fridays, November 6, 13 and 20, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: $40

Event Registration

The November Conscious Aging On the Wisdom Path Wisdom Circle is now full. Stay tuned for future Conscious Aging On the Wisdom Path Wisdom Circle’s through our newsletter and Events page.

A Centered Authority

Dear Cynthia,

I have heard you say in a lecture at https://wisdomwaypoints.org/courses/wisdom-jesus-encounters-disordered-world/ that the only way to combat evil is by authority, not Love. Love is not able to combat evil because it’s like showing your underbelly to evil. Can you provide more details on what kind/ type of authority is needed to combat evil? What form would this authority take? Thank you

Martha

Dear Martha,

Authority that is impartial.

Authority that is spacious.

Authority that is inwardly quiet and centered deep within its own ground.

Authority that it firm.

Authority that is kind.

Authority of the kind Jesus radiated when it was said of him, “He speaks as one with authority, not as one of the scribes or pharisees.” 

Cynthia

Conscious Aging On the Wisdom Path

“Within the world’s Wisdom teachings, ‘conscious aging’ is not simply a polite euphemism but an active pathway of spiritual metamorphosis: in a sense, the capstone project of an entire life’s journey.” – Cynthia Bourgeault

What do we mean by the phrase ‘to age consciously’? How is Wisdom teaching and practice preparing and offering assistance to us as we age? What is it like to enter into this new territory; to ever so slowly begin to recognize the gentle descent of the mantle of Wisdom Eldership?  

Join us for a 3-part Conscious Aging Wisdom Circle as we work in an intimate gathering with these questions. We will open the circle with a centering practice in preparation before diving into what arises as we begin the tending required for our journey with conscious aging and elderhood. There will be time for silence, listening, reflecting, and processing. The Wisdom Circle will be facilitated by Wisdom Waypoints Board Member Emeritus Laura Ruth.

Our work will be anchored in Cynthia’s teachings on conscious aging and becoming an elder with anticipation for her upcoming book, “Conscious Aging: Ten Spiritual Guidelines for Growing Old,” set to be released in March 2027. 

Event Details

When: Thursdays, October 8, 15, & 22 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: $40

Note: This Wisdom Circle will be an intimate small gathering. If the Circle is full, please add your name to the wait list as we may likely be able to offer a second Circle in November.

Event Registration

The October Conscious Aging on the Wisdom Path Wisdom Circle is now full. Please add your name to the waitlist to be notified about the next circle offered: https://forms.gle/J2uDmP6z3TFhhTk48

A Wisdom Postholder Gathering

Wisdom Friends and Postholders:

Cynthia is calling us to an ‘all hands on deck’ moment and we sense that many are stepping forward in your local communities, churches, and online groups. Perhaps you are leading a Wisdom circle, offering a meditation sit, or volunteering as a leader in a book circle? We see you and want to offer nourishment on the journey.

Knowing that we work collectively, held in a network of connection, support and help—we invite you into a dedicated space of sharing and resourcing one another. Wisdom Waypoints will be hosting a gathering on Tuesday, October 13 from 3:00-4:15 ET for all in our community who are stepping into holding a post on behalf of Wisdom. 

This is a free session for both seasoned and emergent Wisdom postholders to support each other, facilitated by Wisdom Waypoints Board Chair Jeanine Siler Jones and Patty Forsberg. Together we will explore: What is arising in your local Wisdom gatherings? What are you experimenting with? What do you need? Are you experiencing challenges you would like support with? Join us in the field as we share, reflect, and grow together in this Wisdom work.  

Event Details

When: Tuesday, October 13 from 3:00-4:15 ET

Where: Online via Zoom. RSVP here

Cost: Free

Hosted by Jeanine Siler Jones and Patty Forsberg.

RSVP here for the Zoom link.

A Teaching with Cynthia Bourgeault: Eye of the Heart

Event Overview

In Eye of the Heart: A Spiritual Journey into the Imaginal Realm, Cynthia Bourgeault investigates the imaginal realm—an energetic field well known to the mystical traditions but often forgotten in our own times. While invisible to the physical eye, it is clearly perceptible through the eye of the heart. The imaginal realm has long been associated with the personal world of dreams, prophecy, and oracles, and it also points toward a higher vision of our human purpose that is both evolutionary and collective. In the book, Cynthia explores both aspects of imaginal reality and shows readers how we can cooperate more fully with its guidance in our lives. Eye of the Heart presents Cynthia’s spiritual journey with the imaginal realms and encourages readers to attune their hearts for the well-being of the world.

Join us Monday, November 16th from 5:00-6:30pm ET for a special live event as Cynthia teaches on the imaginal realm based on her book, Eye of the Heart. This event is designed as a complement to our fall Eye of the Heart Wisdom Practice Book Circles, yet is being offered to the entire Wisdom network as a special opportunity to hear Cynthia’s newest reflections on this topic. 

We will begin the gathering with a welcome and centering practices before moving into a teaching session with Cynthia as she explores the imaginal realms and our unique positioning, and potential, as humans on the Ray of Creation. Space will be created for reflections and questions with Cynthia. This event will be recorded and shared with all who RSVP.

Event Details

When: Monday, November 16th from 5:00-6:30pm ET

Where: Online via Zoom. RSVP here

Cost: A suggested donation of $25.00 This event will be facilitated by Marcella Kraybill-Greggo, Beth O’Neil, and Nan Delach.

PLEASE RSVP HERE TO RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM LINK.

Suggested Donation

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Email

Gospel of Mary Magdalene Wisdom Circle with Jennifer Hughes and Amelia Weesies

4.2.7

Icon Artist: Br. Robert Lentz

Join us this fall, across five Thursdays in October and early November, for a Wisdom Circle journeying with the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. 

As the days grow shorter and darker and much of the flora begins its final turn toward decomposition, we are drawn to spend time with Mary Magdalene—a woman who was not afraid to bear witness to the dark and to death. And, in her willingness to be with the conditions, she was able to receive the great light, Jesus’s resurrection, and become the first Apostle to the Apostles.  

Discovered in 1896, the Gospel of Mary opens a portal into the Wisdom Jesus—a transmission delivered to his preeminent student inviting revelatory new understandings of Jesus’s teachings. Unburdened by a lifetime of interpretations or assumed meanings heaped onto the text, we will listen deeply to better understand what Mary is offering us about Jesus and the good work he is calling us toward—inner and outer, across the Ray of Creation.   

Much of Mary remains a mystery, and we won’t presume to know her fully. But we will aim to sense her presence, earthen yet connected to the realms below and above, gifted with a powerful spiritual seeing which is still illuminating a path for us today. 

Event Flow: Each Wisdom Circle will begin with a time of three-centered preparation before moving into a Lectio Divina style engagement with the text. Time for sharing and reflection will be nurtured. Emphasis will be placed on slowing down, listening with the heart, and allowing new meanings to wash over and inside us. 

The translation we will be using is, “The Gospel of Mary Magdalene” by Jean-Yves Leloup. *It is not required for you to have the text; however, if you’d like to purchase a copy, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Mary-Magdalene-Jean-Yves-Leloup/dp/0892819111

Event Details

When: Thursday, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, and 11/5 from 12:00 – 1:15pm ET.

Where: Online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent after registration. 

Cost: Suggested donation of $20-75. We never want cost to be a barrier to participation, so please pay from the heart as is sustainable for you. 

Registration: Click Here

Facilitators: Jennifer Hughes and Amelia Weesies work for Wisdom Waypoints and are tenders of this Wisdom web. Jennifer Hughes weaves her strands as a mother, a steward of hospice work, and in her final stretch of a Masters of Divinity. Amelia Weesies is tending the web as a graduate student of Ecotherapy and Counseling while deepening into the Christian Mystical and Wisdom streams.

This event is organized and operated solely by each of the facilitators: Jennifer Hughes and Amelia Weesies. Wisdom Waypoints is providing this listing for informational purposes only and is not responsible for policies, ticket sales, cancellations, or refunds. 

Introductory Wisdom School | Fall Wisdom Learning Circle

“Why do we walk around pretending we are all isolated, frightened, and on our own? When there are definitely palpable lay lines of connection, love, care, and accountability running through the whole damn thing. Our major purpose [at Wisdom School] is to help everybody get opened up, more receptive, and more joyously reconnected. Then the rest will pretty much take care of itself.” – Cynthia Bourgeault

This Fall, join Wisdom Waypoints in a guided learning opportunity to move through Cynthia’s “Introductory Wisdom School,”online course, newly filmed in 2025. Join us for five sessions as we immerse in the taproot of the lineage and deeply integrate the teachings into our daily lives.

What does it mean to live in Wisdom? What are the components of the tradition? How do I practice it in modern life? How can I begin to move in the world from a more awakened place of awareness and presence?

Across five Wisdom Learning Circles sessions, we will explore these questions together as we “awaken the yearning for a different kind of presence in the world and then develop the skills and the knowledge…to transform.” Following Cynthia’s vibrant teachings, the sessions will delve into the Christian Wisdom tradition, exploring two key spiritual streams: the ancient Benedictine monastic model of “Ora et Labora” and the Gurdjieff Work’s concept of three-centered knowing and presence. Cynthia will illuminate how Wisdom serves as a precise and transformative spiritual science, offering both theoretical insights and practical tools for embodying Yeshua’s teachings—the Way of the Heart.

Cynthia encourages both seasoned students and new seekers to “install the newest operating system of Wisdom.” While much of the material has perennial changelessness, this course reflects the evolution of Cynthia’s teaching in dialogue with the times and the participants who have become co-shapers of the Wisdom School field. Join us in co-creating a network-wide container for balanced transformation.

PLEASE NOTE: There are TWO separate purchases to make in order to complete registration.

1. Complete registration and purchase of the Wisdom Learning Circle for $75 at the bottom of this screen.

2. Complete the purchase of the Introductory Wisdom School Online Course for $175 (This is the learning material for the Circle). You can purchase the course here: https://wisdomwaypoints.org/courses/introductory-wisdom-school/. If you have previously purchased this course, you only need to register for the cohort. 

Wisdom Learning Circle Details

Dates & Times – Two options to choose from:

Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET, on Sept 23, Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 4, Nov 18 with Susan Latimer

Fridays at 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 16, Nov 6, Nov 20 with Marcella Kraybill-Greggo and Kellie Brown

-Due to the intimate nature of the cohort gatherings, sessions will not be recorded.

-Each session will meet for 90-minutes.

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: $225 (Introductory Wisdom School Course at $175 and the guided Circle experience for $75) *We never want cost to be a barrier; for scholarship options please email admin@wisdomwaypoints.org

Registration is now closed.