Introducing Halcyon Institute for Spiritual Studies
Halcyon Institute for Spiritual Studies offers a two-year immersion program in spiritual studies. Participants will:
  • Study living streams of spirituality from around the globe with an open heart and mind.
  • Explore varieties and dimensions of mystical experience.
  • Clarify their understanding of the perennial wisdom at the heart of the world’s religions. 
  • Ignite their spiritual goals, values, and callings
​The Program

Program Components
  • A core curriculum designed to be completed in two years (see modules and reflections below).
  • Two exploratory groups on spiritual topics.
  • Two in-person spiritual retreats. 
  • Extracurricular guest presentations.
  • Monthly spiritual direction sessions.

The Four Modules of the Core Curriculum
Modules are offered each fall and spring semester. They are not sequential and can be completed in any order.
  • The Two Streams of Western Spirituality 
  • Wellsprings of the East
  • Mystics, Mystical Theologies, Perennial Wisdom
  • Spiritual Practices and Mystical Experiences

Ongoing Support/Participation: A private Facebook Group for each module topic with resources and discussions will be available. Office hours by appointment are available each month during the semester.

The Reflection: Each module is completed when a Reflection, in a medium of the participant's choice, is submitted, accepted, and evaluated by faculty. This Reflection may be written (narrative or essay), drawn or painted, recorded in video or audio, or some other product or project that reflects how the participant has grappled with each module’s subject matter. Reflections are graded as pass or fail.

The Institute awards a Certificate in Spiritual Studies when a participant meets all requirements. This typically takes two years
Institute Programs
While the Modules are only for those enrolled in the programs,
Groups and Retreats are open to the public
Strengthen the Spirit
August 13-15
with Heath Missner and Robert Bowler
Join us for a weekend of spiritual exploration and companionship. After a long journey of isolation during the pandemic, we are joyful to come together on retreat to explore practices to strengthen our spirits for the new normal that awaits.
Sacred Texts
Nine Sessions on the Fourth Sunday each Month
September - May
Beginning September 26 at 7:00 pm.
Each month, we will take up the study of a sacred text, core teachings of the world's spiritual traditions. Using Socratic dialogue, we will unravel hidden meanings and new understandings. We will share personal insights and experiences. Always, our discussions will be respectful, opening our minds and hearts to each other and perennial truths at the heart of the world's spiritual traditions. We will travel ancient but ever new terrain, paths long forgotten or dimly remembered. Like archeologists of the spirit, we will uncover new insights, inspiration for our personal journeys.
An Intro. to Celtic Shamanism
October 15-17 with Jane Burns
This workshop will lead you into the hollow hills, the icy sea, and the splendor of the sky, as they once were experienced by the ancient Celtic peoples. We will unravel their unique and poetic vision, their wild and courageous hearts.
​Hildegard of Bingen,
​Magistra, Mystic, Musician 
​December 3-5 with Ruth Cunningham,
Melinda Gardiner, and Robert Bowler
Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098 - 1179 CE) was a German magistra or monastic leader, mystic, healer, artist, author, counsellor, and composer. In this weekend retreat/workshop we will explore the several facets of Hildegard's prolific life.
Help Us Lay the Groundwork for Halcyon Arts!
Join Us...
Bringing the world of music and spirituality to New England through streaming during the pandemic -- and at venues near you through live, in-person events someday soon -- has a price tag that is not entirely covered by ticket and registration costs. Thanks for helping to lay the groundwork of Halcyon Arts.