Schedule

 Program Descriptions

THURSDAY 4:15 – 5:30

• Caroline Kenner and Apprentices – Shamanic Healing Ceremony:  Shamanic healing has survived every human cultural shift from the Neolithic to the Information Age for one reason: shamanic healing works.  The intent of this group working is to perform as much healing as possible for each person in the circle, within the constraints of time and energy.  The spirits will choose who receives which aspects of shamanic healing.  The three major shamanic healing protocols are extraction, soul retrieval and power animal retrieval.  Other possibilities are the lifting of bad magic and depossession.  Each person attending the ceremony will receive healing.  If you choose to attend this ceremony, you will find that miracles are a distinct possibility.

THURSDAY 7:30 – 9:00

• Ivo Dominguez Jr.– The Structure of Karma: A New Look at Cause and Effect: Much is said of karma in spiritual and magickal communities, but little is said of its metaphysical structure and mechanism of action. This workshop explores how karma arises from the web of life, both physical and subtle. The relationships between individual and group karma will also be explained and clarified. This topic will be explored with the inclusion of material from various traditions and systems. I will also be making suggestions on how to work with karma and on the limits of what is possible in one life.
• Michael G. Smith – Through the Hidden Door: An Introduction to the Fae:  The Fae, in Their numerous forms, have been the fascination of humans since our two Lines first came to be present in the World with one another. This class will give an overview of some of the most commonly held beliefs concerning the Fae, their Realm, and their connection to Us. Then we will look at some additional ways of looking at and interacting with the Fae and how to find, and perhaps open, the Hidden Door.
• Beth Ann Mastromarino – Tarantella: Italian Trance and Conjure Dance: In this class participants will learn about Tarantella (the Dance of the Spider), it’s history, music and chants. We will also practice various dances and techniques to induce trance, connect with Deity, and celebrate. This class is a wonderful introduction to trance dancing and geared towards both novices who have never undertaken such a journey and old hats who wish to learn new techniques. After the class, participants may have the opportunity to use their new techniques at the conjure dance. Long skirts are encouraged.

THURSDAY 9:30 – 11:00

• John Michael Greer – Victorian Sex Magick: A talk about some of the little known ancestors of contemporary Pagan spirituality in the late 19th and early 20th century, ranging from the first major African-American occultist to a Welsh Druid who was convinced that Jesus was a phallic symbol, and much more.
• Gwendolyn Reece – Ogham and the Wisdom of the Grove:Each tree in the sacred grove of the Druids has its own wisdom.  This wisdom is embodied in the trees themselves and in the ogham.  Ogham can be used for divination, it can be used as a system to enable shamanic consultation with the trees of the grove, and it can be used to encode and decode knowledge and power.  Students in this class will learn about ogham and each of the 20 sacred trees, and will go on a journey to the grove to meet a tree ally.  This workshop is derived from both study and from Gwendolyn’s direct experiences working with ogham and her allies in the grove.
• Firesong – Trance Possession Rite for the Spirits of Community: The Universal Temple of Spirits presents a Global Spirits pantheistic trance possession ritual. This includes song, dance, drum, art, and Spirits. Optional to bring: a Spirit you wish to honor; a song and design for them, if you have them; drink; altar items; drums. Participants may come and go at will. FAQ sheets provided for further information. 

FRIDAY 10:00 – 11:30

•  Michael G. Smith – The Personal Puzzle: Working with the Parts of Self: Many traditions hold that the Individual is made of distinctive parts which represent specific aspects of the Whole. We will explore several of the systems for ‘dividing’ up the Self, means of using this paradigm for understanding one’s Self, and techniques for strengthening and balancing the various Parts. As we come to better understanding of the Parts, we become more complete in our expression of the Whole.
• Robin Fennelly– The Seven Veils of Hathor: The Egyptian Goddess Hathor is most commonly known as the goddess of love, beauty and music. If we look at these components as Metaphors for The Triad of Creation and enlightenment we come to know Hathor as the cosmic serpent This workshop will open us to the gifts of the uraeus as we move through the seven veils (our subtle bodies) of HER mysteries . We will use sound, drumming and movement to connect with this energy of creative outpour and reclaim the power of our Divine Kingship. Please wear comfortable clothing.
• Lyratah Barrett – The Alchemical Self: The concept of alchemy has been ignited the modern populous; its roots trace back before the time the Christ. Like many of the Great Mysteries the truth of the alchemical process seems to be obscured in misunderstanding and glamour. Its influence has impacted the sciences, philosophies, transpersonal psychology, arts and theology. For those who have the eyes to see, it is brilliantly present in the possibility of every moment. The Great Work called alchemy allows for us to tap into the hidden source of creative power and fundamentally transform ourselves and our life situations.  In this workshop we will study the alchemical self and be divinely inspired to achieve a deeper manifestation of the coveted Philosopher’s Stone.
• Gwendolyn Reece  – Thought Forms: The conscious creation and maintenance of thought forms is essential to the magickal arts.  Unruly thought forms, often unconsciously created, are both product and cause of much human suffering.  Furthermore, it is through special thought forms, sometimes called telesmic images, that humans partially create their gods.  This class will ground the practice of working with thought forms in theory, including understanding the intimate relationship of thought forms and elementals.  Each participant should walk away with at least one good practical application. 
  

FRIDAY 1:30 – 3:15

•  Debbie Chapnick – Occult Themes in Popular Culture: As humanity progresses out icons and symbols change with every age, along with the way we communicate. In this workshop we will explore occult and initiatory themes in the likes of Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz. Even less fantastic tales, contain the themes echoes in occult and mythological teachings. Look forward to some fun facts and some interesting information to broaden the way you look at movies, books and sitcoms!
• Mark Pemburn – Qabalah for Personal Evolution:The Path of the Seeker is never an easy one, but understanding that the trials are for a purpose and that we do not travel the road alone provides some comfort. This class covers some of what is known about spiritual evolution and how it is aided by the study and practice of Qabala. Practicum: The Lesser Rituals of the Pentagram and the Qabalistic Cross.
• Ivo Dominguez Jr. – The Triple Shadow: The Shadow of the Lower, the Middle, and the Higher Self:   There are many traditional systems for describing the various parts and layers of the Self. Some of these systems are rooted in the Four Elements, modes of describing the chakras, or in the layers of the aura that are also known as the subtle bodies. In this workshop we will explore the three-fold division of self. Although understood and labeled in many ways from different perspectives, this is the triple self connected to the lower, middle, and upper worlds. A portion of our conscious and being is present in each of these worlds and wherever there is light there is shadow. Commonly, the focus is on the shadow of the Lower Self, in this class we will explore it as well as the Shadow of the Middle and Upper Selves.
• Holli Emore – The Saavy Pagan Organization: Wish your group was less like the proverbial herd of cats and more like a model for Pagan action?  As a nonprofit organizational and fundraising consultant for more than fifteen years, Holli Emore has helped numerous small groups clarify their mission, find their communications voice, operate more efficiently, and better understand issues like public accountability.  Get a fresh look and tips from a seasoned pro for making your vision really happen.

FRIDAY 3:30 – 4:45

•  Helena (Aislin) Domenic – Celtic Seership: Many of us work with Celtic pantheons in our personal and coven work. How many of us really know the cosmologies and belief systems that go along with these deities? The ancient Celts were a fascinating people with a great world view, societal structure, and legal system. Studying Celtic mysticism brings all of these things together with greater clarity and provides insight into this great ancient people. In this class, we will explore the ways in which the Celts sought information from the Otherworld.
• Maggi Setti – The Morrigan: Ecstasy in Shadow: The Morrigan is the triple goddess of the shadows, of death, war, dreams, and omens.  She can be your guide to the darker parts of the year, life and death and your very nature.  In this devotional ritual, be prepared to let out your primal nature and contact the personal shadow.
• Lyratah Barrett– From Devotion to Ceremonial Magick:  We stand poised between two Ages.  An interesting and pivotal place to be.  Through the age of Pisces a Devotional or 6^th Ray energy we experienced the rise of the Ahbrahamic religions.  We will examine the salient characteristics and their imprint on humanity.  In the Aquarian Age, a period ruled by 7^th Ray or Ceremonial Magic.  We will examine the future signature of that Ray and how it will affect you.  What to look for and focus upon to align with the incoming Aeon.  We are charged as Light Bringers with bringing in energies that are inbound. As Light Showers we steer or direct aspirants, and as Light Holders we hold in place that which has been anchored and light the way for all to come.  Learn and Prepare efficiently.
  
• Byron Ballard – Radical Self-Care: A Manual for Stressed-Out Clergy in Troublesome Times:Wearing her priestess “hat”, Ballard invites participants into a world where we have strategies to avoid burn-out and exhaustion.  Good for any clergy-person, but especially geared towards the unpaid souls who stand as clergy in modern Pagan communities.

FRIDAY 7:00 – 8:45

• Ivo Dominguez Jr. – Divine Embodiment: Assumption, Drawing Down, Aspecting, Posession:   Most magickal traditions  use some form of divine embodiment in their rituals in which a priestess or a priest becomes for a time the vehicle for the presence of one of the Great Ones. This is one of the most intimate and often one of the most powerful ways in which one can directly experience a Great One while incarnate.  When it works, it is awe-inspiring, it can act as a great catalyst for change, and is a great validator of spiritual faith. When it fails,  and is no more than role playing or ritual theater, it can encourage cynicism, disillusionment, and diminished expectations of what is possible in ritual. When it fails,  and there is magick and/or psychism, it can encourage mental imbalance, unwanted personality changes, and sometimes physical illness. This workshop will be an overview of these methods.  The strengths and the weaknesses of assumption of god forms, drawing down, aspecting, and divine possession will be compared to each other. Although this talk is about the techniques,  we will also touch upon the personal experiences they help to generate.
• A’alyvyne Hartwood– Embodying Sweetness: Journeys with the Bee: In considering the plight of the bee, and the long history of human interaction with bees, we will also explore the spiritual implication of that relationship.  We will look at how we, as humans, can reclaim our sacred roles as caregivers and Priest/esses for these incredibly sacred beings.  We will also explore the application of bee society to our own as a healing practice for the sacred land.  We will take that information into ritual space to connect with the Melissa–both the Spirit of Bee and the ancient orders of Priests and Priestesses that served the world by serving the bees.  We will journey within the hive–the Great Collective– to taste the sweetness of community in action and manifest the ideals of the hive in our day to day lives.  We will then explore how to take our inner work within the “hive” to pollinate the world with flights of creativity, joy, and industry which the Bees reveal to and with us through our work.  You do not need to attend “Blessings of the Bee” to attend and be enriched by this ritual journey, although it will enrich your practice.

FRIDAY 9:00 – ?

• Caroline Kenner – New Orleans Conjure Dance:  With the musical and rhythmic talents of Cat McGowan and Michael Gryffyn.  Join us to celebrate Mardi Gras in a sacred way!  The New Orleans Voodoo Conjure Dance is a ritual dance of spirit possession and manifestation.  It is inspired by the dances Marie Laveau performed on Sundays in Congo Square, New Orleans, before the Civil War.  All of our tutelary deities and compassionate spirit allies are invited to attend the Conjure Dance, in all of the myriad forms that divinity manifests, and from every pantheon throughout time.  During the Conjure Dance, those who wish may offer themselves as vehicles for our spirit allies while we move in rhythm towards ecstasy.  There will be food and alcohol available at the Conjure Dance, both as sacrifices honoring our divine guests and as gastronomic experiences for all our guests both human and divine.  King Cake will be served and there will be Mardi Gras beads for all.  We will be dancing to manifest Compassion, Love, Honor, Prosperity, Peace and Joy.  Special Note: The Conjure Dance comes from the African diaspora traditions of New Orleans.  In the African diaspora traditions, initiates wear white clothing with headscarves for women.  If you have pale clothing and a scarf, and would like to wear it, please do so.  But there are no wardrobe requirements for the Conjure Dance.

SATURDAY 10:00 – 11:30

• Linda Ours Rago – Deep Herbalism: Working with Plant Spirit Allies: In this class we will join the energies of the Green World, those powerful forces that crack great stones with tiny roots and turn barren places into verdant paradise.  We will explore ancient ways to cultivate deep and loving relationships with our Plant Spirit Allies for personal, professional and planetary healing.  This class is experiental and active.  Be prepared to move, laugh and learn to quiver with joy like the bee gathering pollen.
• Firesong – Make It and Take It: Spirit Beads:  Through their different colors and patterns, Spirit beads (necklaces, bracelets, strands) are wearable altars for a particular Spirit.  This class covers some traditional meanings of Spirit beads.  We’ll take a short meditation to get in touch with your Spirit, explore techniques, and make yours.
  Workshop Fee: $6.00
• John Michael Greer –Healing through the Elements: Plenty of people have wished out loud that Western occultists had the kind of rich, fully developed healing system that the mystical traditions of East Asia have handy. Guess what — we do, it’s just that most American occultists haven’t done the research. This will cover theory, practice, and resources for learning.
• Byron Ballard –Hillfolks Hoodoo: Reading Signs and Omens: This practical workshop come from the heart of the Appalachian folk-magic tradition and looks at signs (for planting, harvesting and weather) as well as omens (if your hand is itchy, you’re going to meet a stranger). Both researched and experienced, it is a peek into an often misunderstood set of practices, with deep roots in the British Isles and the Cherokee Nation.”

 SATURDAY 1:30 – 3:15

• Helena (Aislin) Domenic – What NeoPagans can Learn from African Traditions: In this course, taught by a Professor of African Art, we will learn about the cultures and deities of West Africa and the people who worship them. We will explore these traditions as living and changing traditions from which we can learn much as a community. We will specifically explore the Yoruba, the Igbo, the Dogon, and the Akan peoples.
• Lyratah Barrett – The Authentic Self: Awakening to your authentic self is a transformative experience.  Is what you present is truth not fictitious?  Is that which you say are, you love enough to stand for.  With so many smoking mirrors around us, being clear as to who you are is not simple.  We will explore authenticity in discussion and feeling.  The more you go there, the better you feel.  We each hold a place within that is truth, free and pure.  Accessing it is key.  We will travel the route to the authentic/pure self and come away with the knowledge of the route, the doorway and staying there.
• Holli Emore – Journey through the Darkness of the Egyptian Duat: The Ancient Egyptians did not have a season of darkness like our Samhain (being equatorial). Instead, the boat of the sun carrying the gods entered the place of darkness, the Duat, at the end of every day.  Throughout the night, the gods journeyed through this dark labyrinth, battling monsters, and being challenged at each gate for the correct “password.”  At some time in our lives, most of us will pass through what mystics have called a “dark night of the soul.”  We may embrace or dread the darkness, but we all must pass into it at some time.  How we find our way through the dark time will determine our ability to emerge with the returning light.
• Robin Fennelly –The Illuminated Wheel: This workshop will present a look at the Witch’s Wheel of the year through the lens of energetic practice and aligning the seasonal energies in support of the turning of the wheel within all parts of Self. Each sabbat will stand as a mini-workshop exploring the concepts of illuminated spark woven through the turning of the wheel. Beginning with Samhain, we will add our individual spark of light and presence to each of the sabbats and conclude with a pathworking to enliven the Illuminated Wheel we carry within.Samhain- Drinking From the Cauldron of Knowledge: To know the steps towards greater knowledge – The Will towards embracing transformation- To Dare to step on the path to the Higher  SELF -  and The Silence of crossing through the Gates of true Gnosis.Yule-The Inner Awakening: This is the time of reaffirming the light within and awaiting the birth of an awakened mind, heart and spirit.Imbolc-The Quickening Fires of Brighid: The triune Light of Healing, Power and Presence.Ostara- Seeds at Earth’s Core: What lay deep within the belly of the Great Mother and the Midnight Sun that quickens the seeds of new growth.Beltane-The Tantra of Beltane: The Tantric practitioner seeks to use the divine power that flows through the universe (including their own body) to attain purposeful goals. These goals may be spiritual, material or both.Litha- Igniting the Inner Sun: This is the time of power and strength, that if gathered in its fullness will carry us forward into the waning year.Lammas-Sitting in the Place of Sacrifice: What does “sacrifice” truly mean and how can we use it’s nature of potentiality as Magickal Beings.  Just as John Barleycorn willingly dies, so must we open ourselves to the place of sacrifice within that sits at the threshold of spiritual transformation.Mabon-Opening to the Anima Mundi (World Soul): The Anima Mundi is a “pure ethereal spirit diffused throughout all nature, regarded by ancient philosophers as being the divine essence which embraces and energizes all life in the universe”. It is the Soul of the World which animates and informs all things.

SATURDAY 3:30 – 4:45

• John Michael Greer – A Magical Education: More oriented toward practice, and toward the development of a richer concept of magic and magical knowledge, this is a discussion of the things I’ve found useful, as a student and teacher of magic, to include in the curriculum of a mage in training. Hint: this ain’t Hogwarts…
• Sibyl Foxwood – Useful Magical Tricks: Useful spells for helping one drive more safely, and a charm (which can be either spoken or sung) to aid victims of accidents.  Also a brief discussion of energies which seem to relate to the fair folk, and a few bits about stones.
• Debbie Chapnick – The Fae in the City: I have been asked many time, “Can you contact the faeries in a city?” We all know how to work with the Fae in a field of wild flowers, but what if you are in the middle of a city? The Fae are everywhere, and can be contacted where ever you are. We will explore some methods to help contact the shining ones in any location. We will end the class with a short ritual to help everyone present to make (or strengthen) their own faery contacts.
• Michael Gryffn – Infinite OM: The Healing Power of Sound, Part I: Sound Healing, as the name implies, is the use of sound to create balance and alignment in: the physical body, the energy centers called “”chakras”", and/or the etheric fields. The sound may be applied by an instrument or by the human voice. Sound Healing is a vibrational therapy and can be understand as being energy medicine. While the use of sound and music for healing is ancient and can be found in many spiritual and sacred traditions, “”Sound Healing”" is a relatively new modality in the traditional (allopathic) and complementary healing arts. The current field of Sound Healing is enormous in its scope. Sound encompasses virtually all aspects of the auditory phenomenon–from music to nature sounds to electronic sounds to vocal sounds. Practitioners who use sound may likewise use anything that falls within this scope; from classical music to drumming and chanting to electronically synthesized sounds to acoustic instruments. The depth and variety of a “”Sound Healing”" may vary extensively, from a client listening to soothing music that calms and relaxes to a client lying on a specially designed bed that projects specific sounds into their body.This class focuses on awakening our abilities as humans to heal by the power of our own voices through a series of experiential exercises and techniques. It is held over two sessions.  Some of the topics that may be covered are listed below•             Vowels As Mantras•             History of Sound Healing•             The Spinal Bija Mantras•             Sonic Yoga of Listening•             Pythagorean Tuning Forks•             Toning the Physical Body•             Breath and the Merkabah•             Sonic Shamanism•             Overtoning Healing Technique•             Vocal Harmonics•             Color, Light and Sound•             Crystal Singing•             Angel of Sound Initiation•             Name as Mantra•             Daily Chanting and Toning

SATURDAY 7:00 – 8:45

• Ivo Dominguez Jr. – Casting the Triangle of Stillness:   This is a gentle and durable casting that is valuable in and of itself or as an adjunct to other castings or rituals. When invoked, this casting creates a triangular area of stillness wherein the effects of causality and temporal forces are greatly diminished. In relative terms, this means that the force of synchronicity is notably strengthened. Many report that the Triangle of Stillness feels like a pocket of the Faerie realm, especially in the way that the flow of time is altered. It is also a supportive casting for trance states and divine embodiment.
• Michael Gryffyn – Infinite OM: Te Healing Power of Sound, Part II:  See the entry for 3:30 – 4;45

SUNDAY 9:00 – 10:30

• Kalyani Glass – Dancing with Shiva: A Transformational Technique: Dance of Shiva is a mind-body practice that can improve mental clarity, emotional balance, physical coordination, and spiritual development – in as little as 5 minutes a day! The practice is excellent for those with limited physical abilities or chronic illnesses – as it can be done with little to no movement. This introductory workshop provides a solid foundation in the basic principles and practice of Shiva Nata. Participants will learn enough to start a daily practice and soon be able to incorporate it into rituals. It is gentle and exploratory, including time for self-reflection, so bring writing or drawing materials.
• Leanne Pemburn – The Bindstar of Protection: A Casting in Development: In 2003 I was looking for a sigil to scribe over the windows and doors of my new home.  The juxtaposition of two existing symbols created a third, containing elements of both and many more possibilities that I am still uncovering.  We will discuss the Bindstar’s uses, possibilities, and learn to cast it.

SUNDAY 12:30 – 2:15

• Lyratah Barrett – The Ways of the Initiate:  With over 30 years experience in Contacted Mystery School, the way of adeptship and apprenticehood, afforded me a unique perspective and many experiences on the journey of the “narrow path” that many may never see or know.  It is hoped that what will be shared will be insightful.  The time for inner mystery school knowledge is at hand as we enter the 21^st c.  Many teachings once considered secret, only for the eyes and ears of the initiate are now ready to be heard and experienced by are now   We will examine The Path of the Disciple and its many benefits, traps and lures.  If you have ever wondered about this path.  This lecture is for you.
• A’alyvyne Hartwood – Faerie Light and Dark: The Natural World and Our Work with Them: In this workshop, we will consider not just our personal, individual relationships with the Fae and other Beings of the Natural world (eg. ancestors, elementals, animal/plant spirits, etc.) but how collectives of these beings effect humanity as a whole.  We will also explore how we, as earth-based spiritual practitioners are called by these beings to take action in the world.  Why do we connect with various faery, animal or other beings?  What is our responsibility in taking on these relationships, and what does this Work do for us personally, our contacts and the Land?  Do we effect positive change or do we collect teachings and contacts like spiritual hoarders?  Come to this class if you seek a deepening of your relationships with the spirit world–and come prepared for challenge in deepening your work and practice.
• John Michael Greer – Paganism and the Future: Paganism has nearly completed its post-1980 incarnation as a pop movement, and is probably going to need to deal with a few decades of fewer members and resources than it’s had; it also maps this onto the decline of American empire and the end of the age of cheap energy.
• Katrina Messenger – The Elements in the Realms of Time and Eternity
  Most traditions work extensively with the four ancient elements within the Wheel of the Year and the Sacred Circle. But how these elements present themselves beyond space and time in the planes of existence of the Gods, Ascended Masters, and the Archetypes of the Psyche is fundamentally different. Katrina Messenger will introduce the ways that the Powers of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water express themselves and interact with each other in the realms of time and eternity.