Here are descriptions of workshops (and rituals) that will be taking place at the conference. You can help us plan by indicating the workshops that interest you. There’s no commitment to follow your initial responses, but it will help us know which will be more intimate classes, and which will need the big rooms, and how many handouts to prepare. Don’t forget to check back every few weeks (and tell your friends) because we’ve been adding classes right up to a week before the conference. Thanks for your help!
Advanced Rune Workshop – Galina Krasskova
This workshop will explore the proper protocols for working effectively with the runes both in divination and magic. Both the elder futhark and younger futhorc will be explored with special emphasis on making proper sacrifice to this living family of spirits. Attendees should be familiar with the meanings of the runes. No other experience is required, though all attendees must be over 18 years of age.
Advance Tarot Workshop- Shale Rune 
Learn when to use enhancement cards, when to stop and how not to get stuck in the Tarot card quicksand of throwing too many cards. For fun we’ll figure out what type of reader you are (a teacher, interpreter, healer, mystic or alchemist) which will help you decipher what kind of reading style best suits you.
Discover techniques to work through cards that may be a problem for you. Learn how to expand or enhance a basic tarot reading including reversals and getting over blocks. Advance your knowledge of combination cards by working within the patterns, employing clues like numerology, astrology, and cognitive creativity so that you can relate more closely with your clients. You will learn how to phrase your questions, how to formulate and tell the client their story, and explore the major arcana vs. minor. We will brush up on the many faces of the Court cards and their multiple meanings, are they a male, a female or an aspect of the client’s life? We’ll also touch on a few secrets of double deck readings and work on creating your own spreads if we have time. (2 hours) Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of the meaning of the cards; basic understand of spreads & readings.
Akichita Wakan’: Way of the Sacred Warrior- Dennis Seavey-Windsinger
Throughout human history, there have been those warriors who have achieved metaphysical awaking and spiritual growth through the intense discipline and practice of their martial lifestyle. From the Shaolin Monks of China, the Native American Warrior Societies, the Samurai of Japan, the Holy Orders of Knighthood, etc., come some of the most selfless and enlightened people in history. Learn how the path of a sacred warrior can be used to achieve spiritual and metaphysical growth, as well as experiencing first-hand the calm eye of the storm center through actual physiomeditative exercises and techniques. Participants should wear comfortable clothing that they can move in and a mat for the floor if they wish.
Ancestors in the Dagara Tradition: Indigenous African Spiritual Technologies -Ukumbwa Sati
The Dagara connection and relationship to the Ancestors will be discussed. The presentation will cover topics such as invocations, offerings, prayer/communication, shrines and ritual. An Ancestor shrine will be put together and participants are invited and encouraged to engage their Ancestors during the second part of the workshop. Participants are asked to bring pictures of their Ancestors that only include the person(s) who have passed on. If pictures with living people are brought, they will be put on another secondary shrine. Pictures should be in plastic sleeves, glass or plastic-covered frames or copies of originals as pictures may get wet from offerings of water or other liquids. (2 hours- no admittance after first 15 minutes)
Ancestor Work – Laura Patsouris
This 2 hour workshop is an intensive introduction into ancestor work. Topics include creating and maintaining an ancestral altar, communicating with the ancestors, making offerings to the ancestors and working with the ancestors to ensure their blessings and protection on a daily basis. We will also touch on advanced ancestor practices such as spell work, accessing ancestral memories and channeling. The workshop will conclude with a ritual to connect with and honor our ancestors. No prerequisites required.
Art of the Longsword- Rob Kelly and Christopher Valli 
Learn the fighting arts left to us by our medieval ancestors! This class will introduce you to fighting with the two-handed sword, as used by knights of the 15th century. Taught by two instructors from the internationally-known Selohaar Fechtschule. No equipment or experience needed
Aspects of Pagan Death & Dying- Lyrion ApTower
The purpose of the workshop is to offer participants specific information and experiences in order for them to be of service to their Pagan home communities.
Because the topic of death & dying is so large, the workshop will explore select aspects of the process – and to maintain equilibrium, leaders will employ centering techniques throughout the session.
Initially, the workshop will explore the emotional, cultural and religious sides of the issue, but will balance with practical – and freeing – aspects of preparing to die. Using Pagan spiritual elements, attendees will examine alternatives to mainstream funeral preparations, burial sites, and end stage care.
Attendees will experience the fun of creatively “giving it all away”, writing an obituary and looking at some legal issues involved. We will go on a gentle guided journey for illumination and compassion.
Finally, attendees will create individual interpretive death masks and discuss writing and conducting a Passing Ritual.
(4 hours- there will be a break for lunch)
NOTE: This workshop will deal with various aspects of death and dying and therefore at times discussions will be dark, possibly disturbing, evoking strong emotions. Attendees should be emotionally stable and able to explore this topic in a mature manner. This workshop is not intended for children or young teens. This is not a grief therapy workshop. However, workshop leaders will make every attempt to lighten and lift the mood throughout so emotional balance can be maintained.
Astrology as Divination: An Introduction to Horary- Christopher LaFond
Anyone who has been around magic or divination for more than three days or so has heard the expression “As Above, So Below.” But what does this really mean, and where did it come from? Horary Astrology is the clearest example of this maxim. In this branch of astrology, the querent asks the astrologer a question; without any necessary reference to the querent’s birth chart, the astrologer casts a chart for the moment that the question is heard and understood. The answer to the question is in the chart for that moment. How is this possible? As Above, So Below. In this workshop, I’ll provide an introduction to this specific branch of astrology, talk about what it can and can’t do, and discuss the (very tiny) roll of intuition in Horary and in Astrology in general.
No previous astrological knowledge is necessary. Handouts will be provided.
Body Congruence – Joshua Tenpenny
Everyone has an energy (or astral) body. Some people’s energy bodies match their physical ones closely, and some don’t. This workshop discusses how to discern the energy body, and what impact its similarity or difference from the physical form has on physical, mental, and spiritual health. We’ll also discuss when remedies should be applied, and when the energy practitioner should leave well enough alone.
The Breath of Life: Herbs and the Respiratory System- Sean Donahue
Breath flows in and out of us, connecting us to the world. Grief and trauma can interfere with normal patterns of breathing, altering our relationship with our world. In this workshop we will explore the spiritual and emotional roots and energetic patterns associated with some chronic respiratory illnesses and the use of wild and feral New England herbs to help the body release grief and trauma and allow air to flow freely in and out of the body.
The Celtic Otherworld- Morgan Daimler 
This lecture will discuss some of the mythology surrounding the Celtic Otherworld and it’s inhabitants. Specific examples will be given from folklore both of human experiences in the Otherworld and interactions between Otherworldly beings, commonly called “faeries”, and people in this world. Celtic mythology is rich with stories of people blessed or cursed by their interaction with these beings; by studying these stories – old and new – we can learn how to enrich our own spirituality, safely and with respect to them.
Channeled guidance- Richard Gould
The importance of being a clear and deeply connected Channel for your own highest good, and the highest good of others. gain greater insight on how channeling works, various techniques of channeling and integrity when working with guides. Dispel the myths and learn advanced techniques to channel yourself, and be able to discern the quality of a Channel, medium or reader.
Chant – Ellen Waff
Shamanic practice uses the voice to call and raise energies, and to heal. The healers and sorcerers of ancient Europe did the same. These echoes of our ancestors have come down to us as “enchantment” or “singing down runes” as well as hymn-singing and Gregorian chant. Let us explore together the use of voice, music and vibration in healing, and in magic.
Clearing and Releasing Negative Programs - Catherine Kane
I know what to do- so why don’t I do it? Most of us have beliefs (conscious or un-) that sabotage our ability to learn, grow and live our dreams. It’s time to clean house. Join us for a lightning tour of an assortment of methods (including an amazing 30 second release) of clearing negative energy, releasing dysfunctional beliefs, increasing positive energy and putting ourselves back in the driversí seat of our lives. Better energy attracts a better life.
Dagara Cosmology and Numerology: Bringing Balance to Body, Spirit and World – Ukumbwa Sati
The five elements of the West African Dagara cosmology of fire, water, earth, mineral and nature will be explained and discussed. The workshop will cover how the understanding and engagement of the cosmology is used in healing, divination, numerology and stands as a powerful tool for understanding ourselves. Some participants will be asked to provide information so that a numerological reading can be done for them during the workshop. (1.5 to 2 hours)
Dagara Divination: Overview and Open Divination Sessions -Ukumbwa Sati
Dagara cloth divination as brought to the West by Malidoma Some’, initiated Dagara Elder, diviner and shaman from Burkina Faso, will be explained and discussed. The application of Dagara cosmological elements and other Spiritual energies will be put into perspective with regard to the divination process. The benefits and cultural relevance of divination will also be covered. Short divinations will be done for participants. Divinees should have a few coins that they will turn over to the diviner during the divination process. In Dagara culture, divinations are considered a community healing process, so other participants of this workshop are invited to observe the divinations. The Dagara is a tribe indigenous to Burkina Faso, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. (2 hours)
Dances with the Earth Juniper Talbot
Since ancient times, our ancestors have expressed their connection to the earth with joyful, meditative, celebratory and sacred movements. Join together to experience the spiritual and up-lifting movement practices of ancient earth-centered traditions. We will learn and develop spirit-filled movements that call up our deep connection to the natural world, as we open to our roots, our wings and our source. By honoring the mysteries, we celebrate life! Wear loose comfortable clothing and soft shoes or bare feet.
Deaf Pagans and ASL: Taliesin aka Thor Halvorson
The purpose of this panel is to discuss the current state of affairs, and to formulate the groundwork for development and research into establishing a framework of religious expression in ASL that mirrors and exemplifies the mindset and intentions of the Deaf Pagans, for eventual inclusion and recognition into the larger Deaf community and inclusion into the ASL language.
Dealing With Deities: Managing A Polytheistic Pantheon – Raven Kaldera
An exploration of Pagan theology, including comparisons of different views of the Gods in different traditions. Are you a polytheist (hard or soft), a pantheist, a panentheist, an archetypist, theistic or atheistic? How do the Gods manifest in the world, and make contact with human beings? If you’re not sure what all that means, that’s OK – we’ll explain! This is a workshop with additional moderated discussion; please come prepared to be courteous and respectful.
Divination: The Techniques Behind the Tools Galina Krasskova
In this workshop shaman and diviner Galina Krasskova will explore the universal techniques inherent in divination, what happens beyond the use of cards or runes, and how to better develop one’s inherent skill. She will talk about reading fate, learning how to suss out potentialities and possibilities within the flow of fate, issues the diviner should be wary of, and problems that can arise with clients. She will offer numerous techniques and suggestions for bettering one’s craft in ways that are applicable to all forms of divination.
Dream a Little Dream Catherine Kane
For most of us, the first place psychic ability surfaces is in our dreams. While not all dreams are psychic, insight gained through our dreams can help solve problems, gain insight into ourselves and others, and even access our sixth sense. Come learn a simple and practical method of interpreting your own dreams.
Druid Magic: Morgan Daimler
This lecture will discuss the use of traditional magic in the modern religion of Druidism. There are many misconceptions about what is and is not actually druidicly-based magic and this class aims to sort fact from fiction. Although the main focus is the modern use of magic within a druidic context it will also be discussed from a historical perspective. We will discuss a wide range of specific spells and charms, as well as several basic concepts seen within Druidic magic. Time will be given for a question and answer period to allow the audience to ask about anything relating to the topic that is not covered in the lecture.
Elemental Herbal Energetics: Northern Tradition Herbalism 201- Raven Kaldera 
A “Pagan Herbalism 201” class, for those who already have some grounding in herbalism. Both herbs and physical ailments can be divided by the elements, according to energy, taste, and action. This class will discuss how to find the right herb for the job, and how to tell if it will work for the body in question. Derived from old European herbalism and some spirit-taught traditions, this will illuminate herbalism as much more than just a “cookbook” of plants. (direct progression from Greenwights, below)
Energy and Healing the Quaker Way- Friend Honour Horne-Jaruk
Quaker Meetings are both creators and users of energy. How does a Called Meeting for healing work? What can you and your family or group learn from techniques Quakers have been using successfully for centuries? there will be a brief explaination and discussion followed by practice.
Germination & Development of Early Christianity – Father John Shumaker
This presentation is a basic understanding of the birth, development and struggles of early Christianity. Beginning as a Messianic Sect within Judaism during the rivalry between the Hebrew-cultic worship centered at the Temple in Jerusalem and Rabbinic Judaism of the Diaspora, with the great Hellenic influence of the day (within the Roman Empire) and its own internal struggles, Christianity develops into its own independent spiritual path. We will be looking into some of the things that has caused ‘mainline Christianity’ to be what it is today in its basic belief and practice.
A Goddess’s Secrets: The Other Reason for Belly Dance- Lauren Grover
Legend says that belly dance comes from temple dances of ancient Eastern goddesses, meant to prepare women for the childbearing process. For them, sex and birth were part of a continuum of living, so training for one included training for the other. In this class, we will take the fundamental movements and relearn them as fabulous techniques for carrying and birthing a baby, giving yourself an orgasm without visibly moving, and being really, really good at sex, in an intentional and conscious way. Please have previous bellydance experience or attend the morning Belly Dancing class as a pre-requisit. [18+, closed room]
Gothic History of New England- Faye Ringel
The persecution of witches at Salem is the most famous expression of the failure of the Puritans’ attempt to create a Utopia in the New World, but it is not the only example of New England’s heritage of Puritan guilt. Connecticut and New Hampshire hanged witches as well, while the native inhabitants’ attempts to win back their lands were seen as campaigns by the Devil against the Kingdom of God. Later Puritans exhumed corpses suspected of being vampires, while others became the first scientific ghost-hunters and physical mediums. Today, this legacy has made New England the Halloween capitol of America. Bring your stories of supernatural encounters in the region to add to this ongoing alternate history.
Greenwights: Northern-Tradition Herbalism 101- Raven Kaldera
The ancient peoples of northern Europe had a working knowledge of herbs that included not only their medicinal uses, but also partnership with the plant spirits. The early-medieval healer of northern Europe was known as the Leike, and their course of study included this style of hands-on, soul-on herbalism, as well as spells and charms for working with the plant spirits and their patron deities. We’ll explore this form of medicinal and magical herbalism the way our ancestors did. If you’re a Pagan or Heathen and you call yourself a healer, this is a class you should take.
Guedra Trance Dance – Lauren Grover 
Guedra: North African Trance Ritual/Dance – This is a pre-Islamic community building ritual from Morocco and Mali. Although it is described as a dance, it can as easily be done seated. Come sing, chant, clap, and enjoy the bond of every mother and every lover in the world. Wear comfortable clothing, and no jewelry that moves or may fly off during vigorous movement. Traditionally, Guedra is only done by women. For our purposes, this ritual is open to anyone who identifies as female, regardless of what’s in your undies.
Guest Right- Modern Old Laws Series Part 1- Robert Nolan
The laws of hospitality in the modern world. A Socratic discussion on the roles the laws of hospitality play on modern pagan ethics and moral judgement, framed in a historical context. From Sodom and Gomorra, to the Lokshana, Together we will probe the expectations and obligations of guests and hosts in this world as compared to the ancient. When are you obliged to welcome someone into your house? If you are a guest, what should you do for your host? what shouldn’t you do?
Prerequisites: A brain, a voice and a willingness to use them(unattended brains will be fed to zombies) Max. 25
Henna as a Ritual Tool- Lauren Grover
In this two part workshop We will start with the basics of using henna- covering where to get the best quality, (vs. as stuff labeled henna which can actually harm you). We will be mixing up some fresh paste, and everyone will get the chance to try their hand at the art. Bring a design you want to copy, or use my design books, or just draw from your imagination! Unless you are already comfortable with henna basics, please consider this a prerequisit for the second hour, in which we explore Henna as a ritual tool. Henna is a very versatile natural dye which traditionally is used in skin designs for celebrations. For spiritual purposes, it can also be used to invoke, evoke, manifest, or banish thoughts and ideas. It can be a constant reminder, or a way of gradually letting go. It can be a constant visual symbol of change, or a constant visual symbol of permanency. It all depends on your intentions. (Materials fee $5) You may come to either or both hours- but the second requires either the first or prior knowlege of henna work.
The Holy Eucharist (A Christian celebration of the Mass, celebrated by a priest of The Episcopal Church)
Everyone is welcome to attend this celebration of worship on Sunday. You need not feel obligated to participate in the Liturgy if you do not wish to do so.
The celebration of The Holy Eucharist has been the most ancient practice of Christian worship up until about the 1500’s. It has been know by other names, such as: ‘The Breaking of Bread,’ ‘The Lord’s Supper,’ ‘The Holy Communion,’ ‘The Divine Liturgy,’ ‘The Holy Mystery,’ ‘The Holy Sacrifice,’ ‘The Mass’, and ‘The Great Offering.’
The Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament commanded by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper for the continual remembrance of His life, death, and resurrection, until His coming again. Because the Mass is the Church’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, it is the way by which the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is made present in our midst, and in which He unites us to His one offering of Himself by His living resurrected presence.
There will be a short explanation before Mass begins, and a time for questions and answers afterwards.
The Importance of Your Word- Modern Old Laws series- part 2 – Robert Nolan
Magical and Mundane Oaths and their affect on modern life. A Socratic discussion on the giving, and sometimes breaking, of your word in a mundane and magical context. Help us explore the way we give our word today in the context of Oaths of fealty, Warlockhood and the ancient concepts of Lein and Obligation. What does it mean today if you give your word? When is it acceptable to brake it? What are the consequences? What should they be?
Prerequisites:A brain, a voice and a willingness to use them(unattended brains will be fed to zombies) mox 20-25 people
Independent Pagan Publishing – Raven Kaldera 
The Neo-Pagan religion has always been a literary one, changed and driven by books and authors. This means that writers and publishers have a strong effect on the way our religion has been practiced. But Pagan publishing today is in an interesting quandary. Pagan-focused presses are small, and bound by market forces, which means what will sell a whole lot Now, which means Lowest Common Denominator. What are the alternatives? We’ll discuss the growing phenomena of print-on-demand, author’s cooperatives, and other do-it-yourself methods. We’ll also discuss quality control for the aspiring author. How can you get your words out there? Let’s find out.
Introduction to work with the Inner Convocation and Inner Temples- Kathryn Smith
This workshop will be a brief hand- on sample of the Inner Temple Traditions InnerConvocation meditations developed by R. J. Stewart. Participants will be introduced to the Timeless Convocation of Priests and Priestesses, where they may make connections for further study and exploration if they wish.
These techniques are grounded in the Western Esoteric tradition exemplified by adepts such as W. G. Gray and Dion Fortune, and are not specific to any one religious path. Experience in meditation and guided visualization is helpful, but not required. Max. 20
More information on the background for this work can be found on R. J. Stewart’s web site: http://www.rjstewart.org/wkshp-innertemple.html
Just ’cause It Says It’s a Shaman, Doesn’t Mean It Is One: Shamanic Practice for Personal Growth – Selina Rifkin
Shamanism is the oldest form of religious practice. It is not a religion itself, but a group of techniques that allowed the shaman to communicate directly with spirit and stay safe in the process. Join us and learn what shamans really do, (and don’t do), how to Journey, and how to contact your power animal.
Lithomancy: Telling Fortunes With Rocks! – Raven Kaldera
Stones have vibrations of their own, and they lend themselves to fortunetelling. You’ll learn how to make a classic lithomancy kit, and how to interpret it. You’ll also learn how to custom-create one from the rocks that speak to you. Bring your favorite polished, tumbled stones along, or pick some up afterwards at Dealer’s Row.
Manifesting Prosperity Catherine Kane 
The theme for this year’s convention is “Prosperity” – but how do we do that? There’s hard work and the weekly paycheck, of course, but how can we use our non-physical abilities to contribute to that abundance of all things meaningful in our world? Come join us for a lightning tour of the metaphysics of manifestation – an all you can eat buffet of non-ordinary ways of bringing prosperity into your life.
A Modern Code of Honour- Modern Old Laws series- Robert Nolan
Ancient codes of conduct finding a place in the modern world. A Socratic Discussion on how codes of honor are interpreted and incorporated in modern life. Explore ancient codes from bushido and cannas, to mana and soat, and contrast them with modern systems such as those found among inner city gangs. Should we care about honor? Is honor a private or a public part of ones self? Is honor universal? should it be? Can another persons actions affect your Honor? What is the difference between honor and respect?
Prerequisites: A brain, a voice and a willingness to use them (unattended brains will be fed to zombies)
Morning Belly Dancing – Lauren Grover
A wonderful way to get your energy moving for the day! Bellydance, or balady dance, is a folk dance from Egypt which may have its origins in the temple dances of Egypt and the mysteries of eastern goddesses like Ishtar and Tanith. Most people know it today through Hollywood’s glittery veil, but more and more people are coming to see the direct connection in moving as the body is designed to, and expressing love, joy, and sensuality. Men and women are both welcome, but this is NOT a class for spectators, so come to boogie! If possible, bring a scarf to tie around your hips.
North American Magical Systems and Beliefs focusing on the Mic-Mac peoples of eastern Canada – Bob Bestwick 
At a deep level, old magical work is the same in all cultures. Europe lost a great deal of the old knowledge and has seen New Age practices fill the gaps. Many tribes lost a great deal of information due to the same forces that destroyed the Europeans’ own tribal beliefs and magical practices. In this class, we will look at Mic-Mac practices and lore. I cannot teach you the specifics of my tribal systems, but can point the way to understanding about your own ancestors, and working for and with the beautiful spirits that shape our lives and support them. We will cover the hows and whys of smudging. Done properly, it is very powerful, and can clear even the vilest of spaces. Also we will look at the importance of trance: how to develop it, and how deep it should be for specific workings. Contacts from /via the ancestors to the “Others” is very important, as is how your past lives and life experiences lead you to your work and how you create it, which will lead to much deeper work in the future.
Northern-Tradition Shamanism Raven Kaldera
This workshop introduces a shamanic tradition that is being slowly reconstructed by modern practitioners, based on the spiritual paths and tools of Germanic, Norse, Anglo-Saxon, and Saami ancient tribal peoples. We’ll discuss tools and techniques, Gods and spirits, roles and taboos, and the difference between a shaman and a shamanic practitioner. Come learn the shamanic traditions of my ancestors…and perhaps your own.
Ocean Crystals: How Seashells Support Energy Work - Michelle Hanson 
Crystals from the mineral kingdom have an established record of benefits for our mind, body and spirit. They are from the earth element. As we evolve, our energy shifts, and new tools step forward to work with us. Seashells are crystals created from the animal kingdom, connected to the water element. They contain powerful healing energy within their matrix. In this workshop Michelle will share the highlights of a 4 year journey with her seashell guides instructing her on how they partner in chakra work and activate our sacred geometry.
Ogham Divination 101- Ellen Evert Hopman
Explore the spiritual, mythological and medicinal properties of the ancient Irish Ogham tree alphabet and make your own beginners card deck.
Ogham Divination 201 – Ellen Evert Hopman
Finish making your Ogham card deck and learn to use the cards as a divinatory tool. (pre-requisite Ogham Divination 101)
Personal Gnosis: Judging the Spiritual Experience – Raven Kaldera
Most Pagans (and other polytheistic minority religions) would agree that personal experiences of Deit(ies) are fine when they’re kept to yourself … but what about when they’re not? How do we decide whose divine messages get incorporated into group practice, and whose don’t? How can we trust each other? How did the ancient world handle these issues? This will be a discussion group on how to healthily incorporate personal gnosis into group doctrine. Please come with intent to be courteous and respectful of others’ views; the moderator is a hardass and will not tolerate rudeness.
The Polytheistic Perspective – Galina Krasskova
Speaking from the twin perspectives of a Heathen priest and an interfaith minister, Galina Krasskova will discuss the nature of polytheism as it pertains to modern Pagan communities. She will specifically address the very real differences between polytheism and pantheism, why this is an important distinction within Paganism, the misunderstandings that can arise, and the impact this may have for people working in an interfaith context.
Preventing Witch Wars: Managing Overlapping Roles in Pagan Communities -Christine Hoff Kraemer
Pagans love to create intimate community, and the same close-knit network of friends and lovers often does ritual, crisis counseling, and various kinds of business together. This intimacy can turn explosive, however, when we identify conflicts of interest between multiple roles too late. In this workshop, we will do risk assessments on various kinds of overlapping community roles and look at ethical guidelines for decision-making around multiple role relationships.
Topics may include power differentials, projection, hot button issues, maintaining clear boundaries, peer consultation, and referral networks. This lecture and discussion is designed for group leaders and facilitators.
Pride And Hubris – M.R. Sellars
Pride in who you are and what you believe is important. But, how much is enough? Coming to us via skype.




