deep study for archetypal philosophers and scholars
(formerly known as “The Mystical Core”)
Next cohort opens in 2026
Class of 2026
Are you ready for some more archetypes?
In this advanced class we’ll take the seven Darkwood archetypes & the Wheel of the Year and add elements, planets, and ritual craft.
So, if you’re curious about how the Darkwood cosmology of seasons and archetypes overlays with other wisdom traditions, then this advanced level program is for you.
If you’re craving study, application, plus a deeper understanding of your Self, then you’re in the right place.
You will do an official “Archetype Walk” with one archetype for the year, deepening your intimacy and honing this area of your psyche.
You’ll also do a Year Ahead Spread, our signature oracle card layout.
If you are called to a path that is mystical, creative, and scholastic, then enroll in Darkwood 201 for a year of deep study and practical application.
details & FAQ’s
what are the Darkwood 201 classes like?
classes all online
We’ll spend 3 two-hour classes each season focusing on archetypal wisdom via astrology, elements, and elemental applications.
The seasonal flow is generally:
- Class #1: Planet + personal astrology
- Class #2: Element
- Class #3: Elemental application in ritual
Classes typically meet on a weekday, every other week, from noon – 2 pm EST. The schedule will be posted in September 2026.
The elements covered are: earth, air, fire, water, ether, center, light, and dark. You’ll learn how to identify, balance, and apply them.
You’ll also use a classic western astrology chart to learn more about your “archetypal hardwiring” of the Darkwood archetypes via planetary placement and zodiac sign. You will spend each season studying a planet and its archetypal significance. This approach will help deepen your understanding of astrology, the Darkwood archetypes, and yourself.
Using ritual, writing prompts, meditation, and divination in each class, you’ll gain fluency in these deep, core expressions of the Darkwood archetypes.
do I get one-on-one time with Katie?
7 advisory calls
To help you individualize your experience, you will have one 30-minute phone call with me per season (excluding the Dreaming Season). In these phone calls, I’ll listen deeply to your experience with the season’s archetype and offer potent reflection. These calls will help you understand how the archetype is contributing toward self-knowing, personal evolution, and your creative process. We’ll also discuss your experience with your “year-long” archetype.
what class materials are included in the tuition?
Course materials:
- Darkwood personal astrology report
- Darkwood 201 workbook
- 2026 Darkwood Almanac
- Archetype Mapping worksheets
- Student Library of all course materials, class recordings, and Student Resource List, which are downloadable
- anointing oils
- a year of the Darkwood Beat (weekly podcast-style recordings, plus!)
what is an “Archetype Walk”?
Archetype Walk
Each year the grad students and I align with a Darkwood archetype and “walk with” her for the full year instead of just her usual 6-week season.
At the beginning of the year, you and I will plan a phone call (outside of your seasonal advisory call) where I’ll help you align with the archetype you’ll be walking with.
Then, you’ll spend the year seeing through her lens, paying attention to her times of day, moons, and seasons, and noticing her patterns in Nature and yourself.
You will learn to alchemize her with every season and every archetype.
If you do the work, the Archetype Walk is a lovely, efficient way to evolve and upgrade your wisdom.
what is the “Year Ahead Spread”?
Year Ahead Spread
Using the oracle deck of your choice, you’ll create a layout that will help you understand the “work and wisdom” for each 2026 season.
Using a specific set of prompts, you’ll pull 1 or 2 cards for each season, then log this information for easy access and reference all year.
You’ll learn how to look for patterns, circuits, and deep meaning in this spread, and most importantly to allow it to unfurl rather than predict the future.
who participates in Darkwood 201?
Participants
This program is open to 6 participants, graduates of The Mystical Year aka Darkwood 101.
Participants are all interested in studying and applying the course material with devotion and organization.
These students are interested in the philosophical aspects of the course material with less emphasis on socializing and sharing (although we’ll definitely connect and have fun).
Darkwood 201 students are punctual, attend class regularly and with enthusiasm, and have a natural aptitude for study, philosophy, writing, and archetypal symbolism.
“Core” alumni who’d like to repeat this program to refresh their connection and fluency get $100 off tuition.
are there requirements for attendance and other things?
Requirements:
Attendance: students can miss no more than 1 class per archetype season. If a student exceeds this, we will consider dismissal with no refund.
Advisory calls: students can “no-show” or cancel without notice only once.
Tuition: students on the monthly payment plan will be invoiced and must pay on time, with a penalty fee for missed and late payments. Students who are dismissed for non-payment, late payment, or poor attendance are still responsible for making their monthly payments.
Intellectual Property: students will enroll with a clear understanding that Darkwood 201 is not a teacher training, and that participating in the program is not permission or preparation to teach this material.
Student Contract: before acceptance into Darkwood 201 all students will sign a contract clearly outlining requirements, rules, and agreements.
what’s the tuition?
Tuition:
You may pay in full or in 12 monthly payments.
Tuition will be announced in 2026.
how does enrollment work?
Enrollment:
This class is taught during even numbered years. Class of 2026 enrollment opens October 1, 2025
We will provide you with a brief “self-selection” application. You will fill this out, and based upon your answers determine if Darkwood 201 is a good fit for you. We will never read it, it is for your benefit only.
Once you’ve determined if Darkwood 201 is a good fit, you and I will plan a quick phone call to discuss your enrollment and answer any questions.
After that, it’s first come first served.
To be at the top of the enrollment list, email our admin goddess, Jess, at riverislandapothecaryassist@gmail.com and let her know you’re interested.