I am, like so many of you, a busy person and therefore careful with how I spend my time. I qualified as a homeopath 7 years ago, did a years post graduate course in Canada and since then have attended several seminars and conferences. My crazy schedule demands that I have no choice but to be selective and juggle my own educational needs with my busy practice, my family, writing, blogging and living between two countries. The point here is that my time is precious.
I don’t love Skype or webinars, but do them, reluctantly, where there is no choice. I far prefer the human touch and classroom teaching, preferably where the numbers are small and the dynamics, well, dynamic! I had carefully assessed this before recognising that I needed a huge boost to my homeopathic education; something was missing, or at least needed to be reinforced. If you ask any of my friends, or colleagues, they will often tease me that my standards are high. I don’t just do any old course to fill in the time, it has to be one that will give me the greatest benefit in the shortest period. I had heard of the Orion course and indeed was familiar with it when I first graduated 7 years ago from Mike Bridger himself, when he took one of our final lectures at Purton House (University of West London.) However, I am glad I waited all these years to do it. This is why.
I like the Contemporary College of Homeopathy’s philosophical approach. It is not trendy, nor proud to be advocating the latest in homeopathic approaches involving some weird new theory invented by mystics, which has absolutely nothing to do with homeopathy! It is this association with other so called ‘therapies’ that tars us with the same hippy-like brush. Homeopathy is not ‘magic’. We are not witches. I am consistently infuriated and insulted by these associations (although in the right context, obviously both these ‘skills’ have attributes in their own right.)
Homeopathy is a complex science and art, which many of us have spent years in the honing of our skills. We, as a profession have to adhere to the basic homeopathic principles and tenets. Many colleges have moved so far from these in their teaching that I am amazed they still have the gall to say they produce homeopaths. Some colleges, I know, rarely teach the Organon. The CCH advocates teaching homeopathy that is grounded in its fundamentals.
Mike discusses how confused we have become and that one approaches the conversation of ‘method’ with trepidation, knowing invariably that it will cause something close to hysteria among some, and sneering among others (I have personally witnessed this many times!) Quite simply there should be no argument. He states: ‘Homeopathy is the treatment of the totality of the characteristic symptoms of the individual expressed in their own unique way. That treatment is broad-based, unique and ought to be defined by the expression of the patient and not by any ‘method’. (Bridger, M: June 2016)
It is this simple, common sense and philosophically appropriate approach, that has attracted me to the Orion Post Graduate Course. Mike’s first lecture set the tone of the course by basically focusing on what Hahnemann said in Aphorism 6, that the ‘homeopathy is the reaction of the patient to what they have got first, not what they have got.’ He stressed to stick with what stands out and with what is going on now. We are looking for characteristic symptoms, those which are strange rare and peculiar are particularly useful. No more than six should be required. This should point to one remedy, which covers the totality of symptoms as expressed. It is this simplicity of approach that I needed to have reinforced and I have since used it effectively in my own case taking. I was finding that I was becoming overwhelmed with too much detail and my own inherent need to know everything about a patient, which would often send me off in cycles of confusion. The lesson learned has been simplicity in case taking and approach. Much time has also been spent with Mike on acute and chronic remedies, and remedy relationships and a focus on miasms; some covered in previous learning, the rest new and useful; all a valuable addition to knowledge and application in practice.
Dion Tabrett is a master of the old masters in my opinion and has covered many eminent homeopaths’ approach to prescribing, including Hahnemann, Kent, Burnett, Barker, Eizayaga etc. This has been beyond fascinating and has helped to develop my understanding in this field. Much time has also been dedicated to the use of LM potencies; with when a case demands and how to use covered in depth. LM’s are often a grey area, even for more experienced homeopaths, and I can now say that I will be more confident in using this method in my practice.
Marcus Fernandez has introduced us to ‘The Three Principles’. In my understanding, ‘The Three Principles’ is about helping the practitioner to recognize their own individuality. Marcus reinforces how it takes courage to be connected and how consciousness makes us aware and to recognize the information in ‘the feeling.’ The intention is to empower the homeopath in the recognition of their own wisdom and skills and to bring that alive and into the consulting room.
Mind, thought and consciousness are all key elements of our human essence. Sydney Banks, the ‘founder’ describes this as such: ‘Mind is not brain. Neither is it a thing or a thought. It is a psychic force that acts as a catalyst and turns thought, whether conscious or unconscious, into the reality you now see.’ (Banks, S:2016) The first lecture was sensitively given and sparked much emotion among many of us as witnesses/students. I have a feeling Marcus’s empathetic approach is well suited to this subject and look forward to further insights.
Many other subjects are covered on the course including cancer treatment and approaches, obstetrics, septicemia and depression. At the same time, analysis of our own cases is welcome.
So, three experienced lecturers, each with their own specialty and homeopathic passion. A brilliant observation by a colleague was: ‘Mike keeps it simple, Dion loves the complex and Marcus says: ‘Don’t worry, its all an illusion.’ This is making light of the depth of this course, but illustrates the good grace and humour with which it is imparted. The point being made here is that the course is diverse and profound, whilst keeping it as simple as possible and leading to consciousness and self empowerment. A very balanced combination of talents being shared, for our benefit and to enhance our skills as experienced homeopaths.
Gill Graham