Celebrate Imbolc with us at our Brigid’s Cross Weaving Workshop, led by artist and facilitator Eugenia Rosa, on Friday 31 January from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Art & Spirituality Centre in Edinburgh. In honour of Brigid, the Celtic goddess of fire, poetry, and healing, this workshop invites you to create your own traditional Brigid’s Cross. This symbolic cross, made from reeds or straw, represents protection, renewal, and the first stirrings of spring. Why make a Brigid’s Cross? Woven on the eve of Imbolc, Brigid’s Crosses have been placed above doorways and windows for centuries to protect the home and bless it with Brigid’s qualities of healing and creativity. What to Expect: Craft with Celtic Tradition: Learn the technique for weaving Brigid’s Cross using natural reeds, with guidance from Eugenia on its meaning and symbolism. Reflective & Inspiring: Immerse yourself in the warmth of ancient traditions as you prepare for the coming spring. Personal Additions: Bring small charms or tokens to tie onto your cross for extra personal symbolism and intention. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place and connect with Celtic heritage at the Art & Spirituality Centre. This class is sponsored by The Volant Charitable Trust Small Grants Programme, administered by Foundation Scotland. It is FREE and is aimed at WOMEN only from ETHNIC MINORITY BACKGROUNDS living in Edinburgh as per this funding application . This means “international”, from every foreign country. (Irish, any other white background, mixed ethnic, Asian/Asian British, Black/African/Caribbean, Black British, Arabic or other ethic groups) However we do welcome locals too so just sign up. We prioritize the area of Gorgie-Dalry-Saughton where our studio is based. By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending.
What Connects You to Edinburgh? Join us for a reflective and creative workshop in celebration of Edinburgh 900, inspired by the mission of Art and Spirituality CIC. This workshop, run by the Art Therapist Silvia Cirronis, invites you to explore your cultural and ethnic heritage while celebrating the rich diversity of the Edinburgh community. A key guiding question will shape our session: What connects you to Edinburgh? What to Bring: A personal object that represents your ethnic or cultural background. A photo of a place in Edinburgh that holds positive meaning for you or makes you feel connected. (Printed versions are ideal, but if that’s not possible, feel free to use a digital photo on your device.) If you'd like, you can also bring any additional materials from home that resonate with your story. What to Expect: We will provide a wide range of materials for you to explore, create, and reflect as a group. Through guided exercises and open sharing, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your connection to both your personal heritage and the collective identity of Edinburgh. We look forward to welcoming you into this enriching experience of creativity, reflection, and community. This class is sponsored by Edinburgh Council. It is FREE and is aimed at our International Community of the South West Edinburgh. (Irish, any other white background, mixed ethnic, Asian/Asian British, Black/African/Caribbean, Black British, Arabic or other ethic groups) By attending this class you release the chef, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending.
Ikigai is that thing that gives our existence a marvellous intensity, what gives meaning to life, or, as the French would say, its raison d’être. There is a fire inside us—it can burn brightly, weaken, and then reignite stronger than ever. Ikigai cannot simply be a mental concept; it is wider, deeper, and more absolute than the thinking mind. It is something to be lived, and only by living it can you truly know it. Living your Ikigai brings joy, satisfaction, and a profound sense of fulfillment. This ancient concept originates from the island of Okinawa, where iki means "life" and gai means "what is worthwhile," often described as “happiness” or your soul's mission. In this creative workshop, we will not rely on theories but instead embark on revelatory experiences designed to help you discover your Ikigai, which is, we have to say, a long journey. Through reflective exercises and hands-on creativity, you’ll paint your own Mandala of Purpose—a visual representation of what makes life meaningful for you. Join us to explore what is your soul mission. No prior art experience is needed—just an open heart and a desire to connect with your true self. Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot now and begin your journey to purpose, fulfillment, and living your Ikigai! This class is sponsored by Evoc. It is FREE and is aimed at WOMEN only from ETHNIC MINORITY BACKGROUNDS living in Edinburgh as per this funding application . This means “international”, from every foreign country. (Irish, any other white background, mixed ethnic, Asian/Asian British, Black/African/Caribbean, Black British, Arabic or other ethic groups) However we do welcome locals too so just sign up. We prioritize the area of Gorgie-Dalry-Saughton where our studio is based. By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending.
Japanese Yoga and Vegan Gyoza Cooking Class Join us for a unique experience combining movement and nourishment! This class begins with one hour session of Japanese Yoga, run by Giada, founder of Art and Spirituality and School of Shamanism. This is a dynamic and meditative practice that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in traditional Japanese principles, the yoga focuses on breath, posture, and gentle stretches to promote flexibility, balance, and relaxation. Japanese Yoga is part of Shamanic Yoga, which is ancestral, ancient, pre-vedic. It has the element of ecstasy, of a non ordinary state of consciousness, where you work with nature, animals, yantras, mantras, mudras, rituals, initiations in the imaginal forest, in the natural code, non the social code. Merceliade says that this yoga is the oldest form of yoga and we find it in various traditions: Hindu tradition (Shaktism), Himalayan (Naropa, Milarepa etc), South America (Andean yoga), Siberia, Mongolia, Japan (Yamabushi), Taoism, Alchemy. No experience required and mats are provided. After the yoga session, we’ll dive into the culinary world with a hands-on vegan gyoza cooking class, run by Gloria, founder of Madebyflour. Learn how to prepare delicious and healthy gyoza, a popular Japanese dumpling, using fresh, plant-based ingredients. Our step-by-step guidance will show you how to fold and cook these savory delights to perfection. Recipes in the class include gluten and other allergens. Please add a note in your booking if you have any dietary requirement or allergy. The lessons are suitable for all levels of experience and materials and mats are provided. This booking is non refundable By attending this class you release Giada Gaslini, Gloria Civillini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending.
Cacao Ceremony and Vegan Chocolate Cake Cooking Class Step into a heart-centered experience with our Cacao Ceremony and Vegan Chocolate Cake Cooking Class. We begin with a traditional cacao ceremony, run by Giada, Shamanic Teacher, founder of Art and Spirituality and School of Shamanism. This is an ancient ritual that uses pure ceremonial-grade cacao to foster connection, mindfulness, and self-reflection. In a peaceful and sacred space, you'll be guided through a journey of meditation, gratitude, and intention-setting, allowing the cacao to open your heart and deepen your inner awareness. Following the ceremony, we will move a fun and interactive vegan chocolate cake cooking class run by Gloria, Founder of Madebyflour. Using wholesome, plant-based ingredients, you'll learn how to create a rich and decadent chocolate cake that’s both delicious and healthy. Our simple, step-by-step approach ensures you’ll be able to recreate this indulgent treat. This class offers a perfect blend of spiritual nourishment and culinary creativity. Please add a note in your booking if you have any dietary requirement or allergy. The lessons are suitable for all levels of experience and materials are provided. The only medical contraindications are mixing Ceremonial Cacao with antidepressants, anti-psychotics, suffering from heart conditions, low blood pressure or serious illness.If you are on any anti-depressants, antipsychotics or any medication for mental health please get in touch with me. Ceremonial Cacao can cause serious interactions.Please arrive with an empty stomach - no food for 2/3 hours prior to the ceremony. Some light fruit is fine. Please avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy, red meat for 24 hours before and after - they do not mix well with Cacao. Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you smoke, please try to reduce as much as possible, especially if it is not pure tobacco due to the chemicals as cacao is a strong stimulant & detoxifier.If you want to get the very best out of the ceremony and support your integration, it is recommended to continue this diet for 48-72 hours before and after. By attending this class you release Giada Gaslini, Gloria Civillini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. This booking is non refundable