This page lists the classes and workshops we will be presenting at this year’s Conference. It is arranged in alphabetical order by class name.
*** A NOTE ABOUT PREREQUISITES ***
Any prerequisites specified by the presenter are included at the end of the class description. IT IS THE RESPONSIBLITY OF THE ATTENDEE TO MAKE SURE THE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.
In-Person Classes
A Brief Overview of Glenn Perry’s Developmental Age Method (DAM).
Presenter: Kathleen O’Brien
The Developmental Age Method is the statement that both the houses and the signs of the zodiac represent divisions of time that are tied to the psychological development. This system applies to the Placidus house system which is that which is used commonly in Western Astrology. Based on the position that a planet can represent a person, place, thing, or event, the planets in a house are representative of events in that house at a certain physical age. This method ties time periods to BOTH houses and signs. Each house is associated with a specific physical age and a period of duration. The position of a planet in a house of the natal chart can indicate when certain experiences in a person’s life will occur. This is based on psychological developmental stages of life. For example: “The sign Leo, for example, is virtually synonymous with the psychology of adolescence (14 through 19).
Accessing the Deep Fire
Presenter: Badger
Often when we think of fire, our minds go to open flames: drum circle fires, candle flames, cooking fires. But fire goes far deeper than that, into the earth; it lies beneath our feet and comes to the surface as an upwelling of creation, bringing forth new, fertile land. This workshop is a ritual/meditation, an exercise intended to assist attendees in accessing and channeling the deep-rooted creative energies of the Earth’s Deep Fire.
Ancestors Not of Blood
Presenter: Raven Kaldera
Many of us work with our Ancestors to add power and strength to our lives … but not all Ancestors need to be related to you. Let’s talk about ancestors of the heart, the mind, the spirit, and lineage – when it’s OK to approach them, and how to integrate the recently-dead and the soon-to-pass into your ancestor altar.
Attracting Good Luck
Presenter: Catherine Kane
People talk about good luck like it is rare, precious and hard to lay hands on;
But what if good fortune was as accessible as the air we breathe?
Join Cathy for a tour of good luck- how to increase it, how to tap into it and how to make the best use of whatever luck comes your way.
A Way of Syncretism
Presenter: Brandon E. Hardy
Somewhere in the grey area between pantheism and polytheism lies the practice of syncretism. Often it gets talked of in terms of larger events in religion and politics, but what does it mean to be called to this practice in a much smaller, personal way? We will go over some bits of history, modern examples, and current discourse (all with a healthy dose of terminology nitpicking) before exploring what this can bring to personal devotion. Lead by someone who has been stumbling down this beautiful and frustratingly unclear path for nearly a decade.
Color and the Yearly Calendar
Presenter: Rev. Gretchen A.L. Schork
By working with the artist’s color wheel, most of the basics of astrology can be understood more easily. Using Golden Dawn colors, basic colors and the zodiac, many relationships will come to light.
Depression, the Ancestral Gift
Presenter: Terence P. Ward
The mental state typically called “depression” has been referenced in writings dating back at least 25 centuries; struggling with the condition is nothing new. There is no question that our ancestors were touched by depression,and emerging research hints at the evolutionary role that it plays in humanity.
This workshop will be focused on the wisdom of our collective ancestors when it comes to understanding and engaging with depression. Participants will draw insights from guided meditation, ancestral correspondence, and personal experience of ancestor veneration into the presence of depression in their own family trees, as well as in their communities. Ideally, they will be able to identify an ancestor who is willing to serve as a mediator with the spirit of depression.
Divination with RPG Dice- Roll for Initiative
Presenter: Tchipakkan
In the time-honored tradition of doing divination with what you have on hand, Tchipakkan has come up with a system of divination using the traditional set of gaming dice. Dice are not just for gaming (or collecting) anymore!
As there are several spreads with Tarot or methods for reading runes, there are several different “Sorts” we’ll cover in this workshop (and handout). These sorts of divination will include answering questions about problems we often need help with. When will something happen (or is the most opportune moment to try)? Who should I ask for help? What is the likelihood of success? (you guessed, it “Roll a D20”) There are also modifiers, and some sorts include facets from Numerology, Astrology, and Tarot. Bring your own dice: D4, Dg, D8, D10, D12, D20, D100, or I’ll have sets available if you don’t have extras lying around.
Prerequisites
Bring your own, or there will be a dozen or so sets of dice available to practice with (and optionally buy $5). Many of us have so many at home already. Everyone gets a handout.
Forming Personal Ethics
Presenter: Badger/Tarren Renn
Many pagan belief systems speak about the importance of ethics but unless someone has a teacher to explain ethics to them, it is easy to get a bit lost on how to form personal ethics and why they are important. In Norse society, keeping your word and following your own code of ethics was a way to build personal power (maegan). This can come through as a type of luck.
How do we form our own personal ethics though? Do ethics change in different circumstances and why? It is easy to get caught into the trap of thinking that what society says is right and ethical is what is right for our own personal ethics as well. There is also the fact that most of the world does not usually take into account ideas such as ethics when working in divination or magic.
This class will focus on how to form a set of personal ethics for both your personal and magical life.
How Healers Heal with Magnetism
Presenter: Lailani
All of us contain spiritual fluids within our spiritual anatomy. One of the ways Healers engage in hands on healing, reiki, etc, is by manipulating our spiritual fluids with the use of our magnetic field.
A discussion on the History and Case Studies of healing using the magnetic field. With demonstrations on how to manipulate our spiritual fluids.
Mathematical Magick
Presenter: Velahtar
This class will help strengthen and enhance your magickal (especially castings) workings with the addition of mathematical/ geometrical elements and concepts. As well as help you understand the magical tech behind why it has stood the test of time.
Metals in Norse Folklore
Presenter: Jane Sibley
Metals include iron, steel, lead, gold, silver, tin, and copper. Items made of these metals could be used for cursing, healing, warding, funerary rites, and other types of magical usage. Both Pagan and Christian ritual use of metals will be presented.
Meteorites and Tektites, Starborn Stones of Enlightenment
Presenter: Starwolf
Born is space or from a fusion of terrestrial and extra terrestrial materials these stones provide unique additions to both crystal collections and metaphysical work.
Norseworking
Presenter: Jane Sibley
This is a high-energy circle in the Norse tradition, in which we will do healing, fertility magic, charging of major tools, experimental magic, distance work, and whatever else needs doing. Once the ritual begins, the room will be sealed and guarded, so please come on time, fed and rested, and pottied. Due to the high energies we will be working with, anyone (no matter their expertise) who has never been to a Norseworking before must be present for a brief grounding excercise, just before the circle is set. It is also recommended that babies and children do not attend; due to the high energy levels.
Personal Protection: Level One
Presenter: Ariel Sirocco
The practice of magick can be considered a spiritual martial art. So, you begin by learning how to detect a genuine magickal or psychic attack and some basic techniques on how to best defend yourself. We’ll also review some of the effects destructive magick has on the “selfish practitioner.” This is a “must-take class” for anyone wishing to pursue spellcraft and serious magickal workings.
Join Ariel Sirocco in a lecture on how to set personal barriers of protection and how to block the influences of a negative attack. This class is a little more advanced but can give the novice the needed information to prevent the common “magickal mistakes” when warding or shielding.
Talking To The Spirits: Getting Better Signal Clarity
Presenter: Raven Kaldera
The issue of who can hear the Gods and spirits, and who can’t, is one fraught with pain, anguish, and often accusation, in the Neo-Pagan demographic and throughout history. How do we develop better signal clarity for otherworldly Beings, and how do we tell if what we’re hearing is real or just mental sock puppets? This workshop is a blunt look at what can and can’t be done, and how to improve what you have. By the author of “Talking To The Spirits”.
Planetary Time in Magic
Presenters: Rev. Gretchen A.L. Schork
When told to plan a ritual for a specific magical hour, can you figure out when to do it without an app on your phone? This session will give you the traditional methods of calculating planetary hours on your own. Geographic location, planetry hours, seasons, signs and more will be covered
Teaching Healing to Children
Presenter: Tchipakkan
As a parent I brought up four kids win a world where magick was real, and herbalism and Complementary and Alternative Medicine was a given. (Arnica and Bach’s Rescue Remedy, ‘Don’t leave home without it!”) There are so many quick and easy tips for healing cuts, bruises, diaper rash, nightmares, poison-ivy, allergies, and tummy aches. Whether you have kids, or would just like to learn a bunch of techniques that are safe, fast, and easy enough to teach kids, or use as a parent or anyone else, join us! I’ll cover simple herbalism, homeopathic medicine, crystals, energy techniques, flower remedies, mana plates, and a lot more. Feel free to bring questions, and your own tips for healing that have worked for you and your family. Remember: safe, effective, and easy.That’s what parents and kids need.
The Anatomy of Magic Circles
Presenter: Rede Nife
Picture the image of a European Magician summoning forth a demon. Imagine a magic diagram in grimoire. Remember the giant mandalas of lines and symbols from mages in video gams and anime. Chances are you are thinking of a magic circle, one of the most used pieces of iconography in magical practices.
How are magic circles made, what do the different parts mean and why do we use the symbols we do?
Lets explore the history of this central part of so many classical magic practices. From the basic pentacle to the Goetic Seal of Banishment, all magic circles are based on underlying principles rooted in how the human mind perceives reality.
The Magic of Mindset on Money
Presenter: Alacias Enger
This workshop is designed for anyone that would like to begin to understand their relationship with money and the manner in which their money story influences their beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes with money. Participants will be able to begin to identify their own patterns of thought and how it impacts to flow of abundance in their lives.
In this webinar you’ll learn:
How your past experiences create a cycle of influence over your results with money.
How to challenge limiting beliefs.
Whether or not you suffer from scarcity mindset.
What you can do to rewrite your money story.
What is Law of Attraction
How Law of Attraction is key to success in personal finance.
The Torch, Key, and Wheel Within You
Presenter: Sarah Bitner
In this workshop, learn about the Origins of Hekate, they might not be what you think! Discern the differences between historical record and the modern zeitgeist of this Great Titan. Come explore the historical interpretations of Her symbols and many epithets, including some that would make even Zeus blush! Take a guided journey to discover which parts of Her are most present in your life. Are you aligned with the energy of the Torch Bearer, the Keyholder, or the Spinner? A combination, or all three? Come find out how the energies and symbols of Hekate work and weave into the fabric of your life
Toys and Tools for Divination
Presenter: Catherine Kane
Divination is serious business- until it’s not.
It can be playful and fun as well. There are a lot of divination tools currently hiding in plain sight as children’s toys and party games;
And even though they’re presented as games, they still work as divination- and they can be a great way to introduce yourself to the unseen world.
Join Cathy for a visit to the world of divination toys that are also divination tools.
Vampires, Vila, Vodyanoy and More!: The Spirit World of the Slavs
Presenter: Patricia Robin Woodruff
The oft overlooked legends of the Slavic lands provide a missing link in the common beliefs of the European continent. Patricia Robin Woodruff will be talking about the Slavic spirits and their commonalities to the fairies, banshees, and Leanan sidhe of the Celts, as well as the trolls, nixies and draugar of the Norse. A great class for anyone who is curious about their Slavic ancestry and pre-Christian beliefs AND understanding just how far into the Paleolithic past these beliefs go!
Wire Wrapping A Crystal Talisman
Presenter: Maryalyce Merritt
You will be provided with a crystal cabochon, Copper wire, and a silk cord, and be able to use one of our sets of tools. The jewelry piece will be yours to take home. The tools stay with us. If you have wire wrapping tools, we encourage you to bring them, as ours are limited. If you have your own stone that you wish to use, please send Maryalyce a photo to make sure they will work with this method.
Requirements/prerequisites for students?
There is a $15 material fee.
Participants will be able to choose their stones from what we bring to the conference.
We have a limited number of wire wrapping tool sets available to use on site. If participants have their own, they are encouraged to bring them.
Virtual Classes
Building Community Through Cleaning House
Presenter: Lisa McSherry
The large umbrella of Pagan community has no governing authority or universal standard of ethics. Co-existing requires tolerance, a fact predators enjoy using tho their advantage. However, we have tools to recognize and neutralize them. This workshop is intended as a discussion rather than lecture.
Elements of Heathenry
Presenter: Diana L. Paxson
Heathenry? Asatru? Northern Tradition? Germanic Paganism? What’s in a name?
In this talk I’ll try to answer your questions, and perhaps correct some misconceptions about where this growing Pagan tradition came from, with an introduction to the beliefs, practices and deities of those who follow it today.
Energy Healing Tips and Tricks
Presenter: Sidney Eileen
Join me for tips, tricks, and stories aimed to help anyone involved in energy healing: healer, recipient, professional, or lay person. I will explain the importance of full consent, give advice for avoiding problematic healers or recipients, tell stories about unfortunate healings I have seen or received, and so much more, with the intention of helping you get the most out of energy healing. Among both casual and professional healers, I have seen a great many strange approaches, brilliant methods, easy blunders, and painful mistakes I look forward to sharing with you.
Faces of Freyja
Presenter: Diana L. Paxson
If there is one Norse goddess everyone knows, it’s probably Freyja, but She is a lot more than a goddess of love and beauty. She has many names, and many faces. Join us to meet her at Sessrumnir, the “many-seated hall”.
Inner Alchemy of Wintering
Presenter(s): Taylor Ellwood and Joanna Brook
In the Inner Alchemy of Wintering Taylor Ellwood And Joanna Brook present spiritual practices of rest and rejuvenation to help you in the season of winter, whether the physical manifestation of the season or the metaphysical and emotional experience of burnout that all of us go through.
Wintering calls for us to step back and reflect, go silent and still to give ourselves space and discover what we truly need in order to replenish our energy and ready ourselves for the next Spring of our lives.
Taylor and Joanna will share their own stories of wintering and the techniques they have used to turn wintering into an inner alchemical process that unlocks the creativity within and readies it for the Spring.
Psilocybin and the Irish Otherworld
Presenter: Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue
The Otherworld — the realm of the ancestors, the spirits, and the Faerie people, the Daoine Sidhe — shapes this world and our experiences of it, whether or not we see or believe in its existence. As the ancient Irish festival of Samhain approaches, this world and the Otherworld draw closer to each other. And autumn rains bring forth Psilocybe mushrooms. Join me as I share my own experience of how the medicine of these mushrooms can help us understand and relate to the Faerie realm.
Solomonic Seal: The Lunar Lock & Key
Presenter: Sara Mastros
The planetary pentacles of Solomon are a collection of Hebrew magical amulets. About the first lunar pentacle, the Lock & Key, the early renaissance grimoire, the Key of Solomon, says, “This and the following serve to call forth and invoke the Spirits of the Moon; and it further serveth to open doors, in whatever way they may be fastened.”
In this workshop, you’ll learn to make this pentacle and use it to open the doors of magical initiation.
Prerequisites for students:
You will need to print the provided file on cardstock. You will also need scissors, a small paintbrush, a tea-light candle (preferably beeswax), and a small amount of magical oil. You can use blessed olive oil, or any type of “Lunar”, “Abramelin” or “King Solomon” oil.
SONG OF WATER AND GRANITE: Wildcrafting Animism
in New England
Presenter: Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue
The hills of western Maine and the hills of western Ireland are part of the same ancient mountain chain. In this workshop, Seán will share his journey of crafting an animist spirituality with Irish roots transplanted into New England soil.
Storytelling with the Tarot
Presenter: Sha Blackburn / LoonWitch
A good tarot reading tells the story of your life in this moment. Though not everyone is a gifted story teller, it’s important to be able to create a cohesive message for each reading.
In this workshop you will learn how to develop the story of a tarot reading and clearly articulate the messages for yourself and your clients!
Be prepared to create a deeper connection with your tarot deck and your intuition!
The workshop will include sharing readings with each other as well as story telling with your cards.
Please bring the tarot deck that you use most frequently.
** as a bonus, anyone who registers for this class and shares their email will receive a link to my e-course “Tarot the LoonWitch Way; and Introduction to Connecting With Your Tarot Deck” **
Requirements/prerequisites
– A basic understanding of the tarot
– An open mind
– A willingness to learn something new
– A willingness to participate in class
– A tarot deck
– Notebook and pen
The Once and Future Religion
Presenter: Oberon Zell (OZ)
After an Age-long exile, Paganism is returning to the world. A proliferation of movies and TV with magical themes are only a few of the many ways in which the new Pagan Renaissance is impacting the popular culture. Joseph Campbell said it is time for a new myth that includes the whole Earth and everyone on it. Paganism and the Gaia Thesis offer such an all-inclusive mythos.
Modern Pagans are bridging the gap of millennia, to pass the torch of the Mother’s Love to our children—and our children’s children.
Turning Points that Changed the World
Presenter: Oberon Zell (OZ)
The histories with which we are most familiar usually have to do with human-controlled things—such as wars, rulers, discoveries, and the rise and fall of empires. But more often than we care to consider, our destiny and fate as a species has hinged on natural events completely outside our control: volcanoes, comet impacts, plagues—and on one particularly significant occasion, a windless day in June. Oberon’s latest book is Hystory’s Mysteries, which is all about such world-changing synchronicities and interconnections. In this talk, he’ll share a few of his favorites.