Ever since Sir Arthur Evans publicized the bare-breasted women in Minoan art in the early 20th century, academics and the public alike have assumed that women figured much more prominently in Minoan art and society than men did. This assumption has formed the basis of theories suggesting that ancient Minoan women held an authoritarian position similar to that which men now hold throughout much of the world. However, the few items that Evans focused on are not representative of the whole of Minoan art and give an inaccurate view both of the art and of women's place in Minoan society. A careful investigation shows that there is, in fact, an almost exactly equal representation of male and female figures overall. Using this more accurate data suggests that, rather than a female-dominated society, the Minoans were most likely a gender-egalitarian culture.
Fairy Tales were not only to entertain but taught lessons to young and old, but hidden within many of these tales are symbols of alchemy that nestled in our unconscious mind. In today's world where information is just a click away. Now we can explore Alchemy which was once only known by a chosen few. These elite hid their knowledge in stories and art. In this workshop we will learn about the Art of Alchemy, Alchemical symbols and their explore meanings. We will dig deep into the stories, and create our own map and a new way to read Fairy Tales and make them relevant in today's world.
This workshop will approach the concept of the witch wound (either generational or childhood/adult trauma that causes us to doubt and question our gifts and abilities) with looking at inner child work. Somewhere in your life, external forces (relatives, religion, or self-doubt) impacted your magical or spiritual curiosity, and still haunts your belief in yourself and your practice. What if you could begin a path of addressing your hidden trauma that causes you to doubt who you are magically and spiritually, and instead step into the person you imagined you could spiritually be?Come with an open mind to find tools to help you in your own work. Step onto the path of "knowing thyself" more fully with the tools you will learn about in this workshop.
The Crooked Path has always been a bit twisted... a little unconventional, a little queer, right from the start. Join us for an exploration that delves into the fascinating topic of finding modern inspiration from ancient queer spirits. We will explore the connections between the Anglo-Saxon Aelfr and our modern gay Craft ancestors, shedding light on the intersection of city Elves and queer spirituality. This thought-provoking presentation will offer new perspectives on the paths available for the queer male witch to explore in today's world. Don't miss this opportunity to explore ancient customs and their relevance to modern queer spirituality.All are welcome.
Awaken your dragon as we work through our personal rites of passage using the Major Arcana of the Thoth Tarot. Join us as we use the psychological and intuitional information we glean from the cards. We'll begin with a guidede meditation to burn through our roadblocks and come roaring out the top!
Artist, designer, and author Laura Tempest Zakroff will share with you the processes behind the creation of her art and the items she designs, and where it merges with magic, spellcraft, and devotional work. She will also guide you through how to consider integrating art and design into your own practice.
"We are the Living Magic of the Cosmos; The Cosmos is also within us. We are made of star star stuff.We are a way for the cosmos to know itself“ Carl Sagan. The elements in our body come from astrophysical origins. We are connected to the cosmos as the nuclear level so the energy that permeates this universe is part of our body and bones. If we connect to the origins of these elements we can enrich our magical practice. Come learn how the elements are created and how we can use this science in our energy work.
Animism is the belief that objects, places and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. Potentially, animism perceives all things "animals, plants, rocks, rivers, weather systems, human handiwork and perhaps even words”as animated and alive. When we expand this ancient understanding into our workaday world, how does it affect our live as citizens, activists, voters and representatives of a growing Pagan movement? When animism is applied to economic and class struggles, it informs both thought and action. This paper looks at the practical aspects of being animists in the clutch of capitalist systems.
When most pagans hear the term Heathen, they instantly think of the Norse gods and goddesses. Although our best sources come from Scandinavia, Heathen beliefs existed across most of Northern Europe, not only in Scandinavia, but also England, Germany, and nearby regions. This will be a panel discussion by Heathens who practice Norse, Anglo-Saxon, Frankish, and Continental Germanic Heathenry. The panelists are Joseph Beofeld (Anglo-Saxon), Jenn Dodson (Norse/Continental Germanic/Anglo-Saxon), Dane Roberts (Norse/Frankish), and Donnie Schultz (Urglaawe).We will look at the similarities and differences in these Heathen practices and deities. We will also discuss issues in modern reconstruction of these practices, such as written sources, folk traditions, and archaeological evidence.
"But even Bacchus boomeranged on us; we were finally struck down and left in terrified loneliness. 12&12, Step Five, p 57. I will invite participants let go of that terrified loneliness in an open discussion 12-Step meeting. I welcome the sober-curious, newcomers and old-timers. I will open the discussion with a reading from 12-Step Literature. My share will serve as an invitation for others to share their experience, strength, and hope in open discussion. The meeting format includes a Four Elements Prayer of Serenity and traditional readings from AA. At 45 minutes we will pause for a moment of divination. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experience with recovery and their personal spirituality, naming their ancestors, deities, etc, in prayer.
How many of us carry around crystals, talismans, and charms to help us manifest a wish, a hope, and a dream? What do you do with it after its work is done? My guess? You store it away to be found years later with no memory of what it was for. Why not let it continue to work for you afterward? To use all that manifesting energy to help your future endeavors. To have one jar act as a battery and energy booster, a manifestation source for all your hopes and dreams. This workshop talks about how to create that Hope Jar and how you can use it to carry that energy into the future.
Sigil magic is one of the simplest and most effective techniques of modern operative magic. In this workshop we will cover the basics of chaos magic as developed by Austin Osman Spare, how to select effective magical targets, and how to create and activate sigils to make those targets a reality in the ordinary world.
The workshop includes practice: paper and pencils will be provided, but you may want to bring your own, as well as a clipboard or other hard surface to write on.
What is shamanism? Where is it from? What are the requirements to become one? Anthropologists tell us that the word "shaman" derives from the Tungus language and traditions, but few understand the full scope of what that means. In this class, we will explore the history and practice of shamanism. We will walk through the landscapes of North Asia,the region known as the Cradle of Shamanismand the largely hidden and unfamiliar traditions of Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic shamanism, exploring the subtle and unique aspects of each tradition.
This comprehensive class will explore: Indigenous spiritual and shamanic traditions and beliefs of the Turkic, Mongol, and Tungus peoples. Broad cosmology and mythology of these shamanic cultures. Shamanic tools used by these cultures. Practical concepts and methods that can enhance your own practice
This class will largely draw from David's book "Spirit Voices: The Mysteries and Magic of North Asian Shamanism."
A gentle, all levels class of stretching and meditation designed to work the conference kinks out. Playlist will focus on witchy empowerment songs from the well known superhit W.I.T.C.H. by Devon Cole to the lesser known mystical stylings of Arkansas native S.J. Tucker. Bring your yoga mat or a towel and prepare to sit for a "spell."
Our modern world has largely forgotten the power of marking the shifts in our lives through rites of passage. It is time to reclaim this transformative untapped energy. In this session, we will look at the various transitional times of the human life cycle from birth to death. We will discuss practical ideas for rites of passage for every stage of life including the Mother Blessing, First Moon, Handfasting, Divorce, Eldering and many more. We will learn how to incorporate the three aspects of ceremonial flow into any rite of passage, including personal and community rites. You will leave with the tools needed to tap into this forgotten power for yourself or as a pagan celebrant for your community to create memorable, life-changing ceremonies that facilitate deep healing.
The fifteenth century philosopher George Gemistos Plethon led a small, secret group worshiping the Greek gods. He hoped to establish a universal Pagan religion based on Ancient Greek Paganism and Neoplatonic theology. His ideas inspired Renaissance mages such as Marsilio Ficino, thus reviving ancient Pagan thought in Western Europe and awakening Hermetic and Neoplatonic spirituality and magic. In this talk I will present an introduction to Plethon's religious rituals and spiritual ideas, as presented in my recent book, "The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism: A Practical Guide to the Restored Pagan Religion of George Gemistos Plethon" (Llewellyn, 2022), which explains and includes the first complete English translations of the parts of his work that survived destruction by his Christian enemies.
How can we ground the growth of paganism in projects and communities which are dependably sacred, accessible and just? This workshop will explore the general features of inclusive organizational tools and techniques. Afterwards, we'll discuss related challenges (and opportunities!) we face while developing our diverse pagan, polytheist, magical and mystical activities.
This workshop will explore inclusivity and "the Paradox of Tolerance" in different contexts such as in-person events and social media networks. we'll compare the basics of bureaucracy and decentralized systems, including decentralized computing, while focusing on accessible low-tech practices which can endure "Tower Time" systemic collapses. Related paganism topics may include divination, dogma, UPG, initiatory traditions, consent in ritual, and relations with ancestors and nonhuman entities. Let's journey together to explore paganism's urgently timely, inclusive and life-affirming potentials!
Have you always wanted to learn palmistry but found the books confusing? Amazingly, you really can learn to read palms in just one session!
Join palmistry expert James Divine as he teaches the fundamentals of the Divine Hand Method in this fun and highly interactive class. With this easy-to-understand method, you can start reading palms immediately with remarkable accuracy!
Modern Mayan Magic informs the audience on the diverse ancient and contemporary spiritualities of the indigenous Maya people of Mesoamerica. Solomon Pakal is a generational urban Maya Brujo---Ajitz Balam of Kaqchikel descent with over two decades as a practitioner and heir of this Neo-tradition. Let us dispel misconceptions and arm audiences with the fundamentals of this Mesoamerican cosmogenesis.
It is said that when the Tuatha De Danann arrived on the shores of Ireland they went in the four directions to four magical cities where they learned the magic they would need. They returned to the center of the land with this magic, wisdom and a talisman for each. I have developed a magical practice with these four talismans and the magical energies they convey that is at once a devotion, an incantation and a magical working for our lives in the world. When we view the destructive forces at work in the world, we as magical practitioners can feel overwhelmed and as if our magic is useless against such forces. The Four Talismans can help us be forces for the powers of love, wisdom and truth in the world. Participants will receive background and context for this practice, and then will participate in a group experience using it.
Modern botanical science has finally reached a point where the hidden lives of plants are not so hidden. Plant ecologists have been studying their behavior, strategies, and cultures for hundreds of years. But recent academic research on plant intelligence has allowed us to understand them as a unique group of species with agency. Add a dash of animism and what you discover is a rich accounting of their incredible lives and their full potential as partners. This presentation will shed light on the hidden lives of plants by focusing on their ecology and discoveries in the new field of plant intelligence. It will end with a discussion of recently published books by botanists, and their reporter fans, who may or may not know that their work is infused with animism. Works that provide valuable insights and offer an animism grounded in both the spiritual and scientific realms.
Do you farm, yet as pagans we follow the seasons of the year, maybe even do some gardening? Do you have a bigger need to recognize other things seasonally through the year? Create a liturgical calendar, or seasonal remembrances based on society, family, function of tribe, or based on the gods that represent each aspect of life. Have you integrated the wheel or times of the year into your practices? This workshop is designed to explore how you may want to create your own wheel of the year.
A lot of guided meditation focuses on visual imagery. Other senses, such as smells, touch and taste can deepen the meditation. Beyond the enhancing of meditation for all, it can help those with aphantasia be included and learn to mediate with these meditation styles. This will be an expanded version of the one from last year, including a couple of techniques to use to expand techniques for grounding, ways to use this at home by yourself, and for people you know. I will also be running an expanded and extended meditation.
For many Pagans, our spiritual journeys did not start in Paganism. Rather, we began in a different religion, and later on transitioned over to Paganism, stemming from a desire to continue having a religious and spiritual path, but a path that better matches who we are and allows us to follow our own calling. Such a transition is rarely easy, and as Mika experienced firsthand when she began her path in 2023, it can force us to confront the hardships, disillusionment, and trauma we experienced as a result of our previous religion. Oftentimes these barriers are kept mentally buried away or unrealized until we're given the opportunity to break free from them. This talk will focus on some of the difficulties and discoveries that can occur as part of one's religious transition, and how they can be important in reshaping and growing one's religious and spiritual path for the better.
Have you ever wondered why one ritual is so effective and another one can just leave you flat? Do you wonder what each part of the circle casting is for? Why do we do them in a specific order and what effect does each accomplish? This workshop is going to explore these questions. When we know what each part of the ritual needs to accomplish, it can make us more powerful ritual creators.
This workshop is about nurturing different ways of facing illness, as alternatives to the usual approaches of Western medicine. The focus is on relating to illness, not diagnosis or treatment, regardless of context or modalities. This is not about shaming anyone for using the resources of Western medicine or disregarding its benefits. Rather, this space recognizes limitations & encourages you to move beyond the binaries, especially in regards to chronic conditions. Skye will share about their experiences (30+ years of chronic pain, 5+ years of Long Covid), most of which have been outside Western medicine. There will also be time for group discussion. If you've wanted more support, if you're curious, or if you're frustrated with Western medicine, this is a non-clinical space to learn & discuss, without pressure or anything prescriptive. The purpose is to cultivate relationship & ritual that nourish you & align with your values and practices.
Many people grew up reciting nursery rhymes about the collapse of famous bridges, children with their thumbs buried in baked goods, or the market practices of talking pigs. What they may not know, however, is that a great many nursery rhymes also have their roots in occult charms designed to predict the future, ward off bad weather, grant wishes, or work other magics. This session explores how many rhymes have their origins in magical charms and predictive rituals of bygone ages. We will also spend some time with old Mother Goose herself, who has some particularly spooky and supernatural origins as a witch-figure from European folklore (and possibly even a belly-slitting goddess named Perchta from German mythology).
The Witches' Pyramid is a concept that many witches hold in high regard as one the foundational pillars of witchcraft. It is both a learning tool for the beginner witch and a philosophy to abide by while performing magick. As Paganism grows in popularity, there is an increase in the need for good Pagan leaders. Join. Rev. Emily for this informational discussion of how you can apply the principles of the Witches' Pyramid to your leadership to help your community grow and to help you serve your community.
Pagan infrastructure is severely lacking, leaving us as isolated organizations connected by shared goals but divided by internal operations. While we often know about the activities of other Pagan groups, collaboration for common purposes remains rare. However, successful collective efforts, such as gaining recognition of Pagan traditions by the Department of Veterans Affairs, show what we can achieve when working together. The rise of Christian dominion theology poses a serious threat to the separation of church and state, jeopardizing the rights and freedoms of diverse religious and spiritual communities. This panel will bring representatives from various organizations and solitary practitioners and critically the audience to discuss how to unite to protect this fundamental principle. By fostering collaboration, we aim to ensure a future where the separation of church and state is preserved while supporting the growth and sustainability of both faith-based and secular Pagan communities.
How might one approach Babalon, the Goddess of sexual liberation, death, and annihilation? Babalon has emerged as a powerful symbol of the dark divine feminine, but she is more than just a symbol. She offers the practitioner a chance at empowerment and liberation along their spiritual journey. This talk will give you knowledge of her history, symbolism, meaning, and role in Thelemic mysticism. Her history is explored through the classic occult work of John Dee, the Vision and the Voice, Jack Parsons, and Kenneth Grant. Join me in an exploration of Babalon, the Mother of Abominations.
In olden times the village Witch made potions and brews to help people fall in love, create wealth or make someone more beautiful. In this workshop we will not only discuss historical formulas from old texts, but we will also discuss the herbs to use in creating your own formula and how to make potent potions and brews.
Join me for an enlightening workshop that blends the art of self-care specifically through the scope of your moon sign. In this workshop, we will explore your moon sign and the specific self-care needs of this vital piece of your emotional self. We will discuss all the moon signs, learn how to harness this moon energy, and do a small ritual to ignite your connection to the moon.
Many who have an inclination towards magic may not have a dedicated space set aside for performing spellwork and ritual. However, most of us have a front door, and it is here that we are invited to engage with and perhaps re-enchant a part of our homes which is often taken for granted. In this talk we will explore the front doorway of our home as a locus for spirit work, practical charming, and magical workings. We will examine diverse perspectives, folklore, and approaches towards engaging with our doorway as a nexus of power and potentiality. This work is practical, effective, and at times incredibly illuminating and enriching. And may be seen as an extension of working with and relating to the home as both a spiritual entity and an ecosystem of spirits that we might better know and form closer relations with.
Live From The Convention - Authors, Presenters And Vendors Are Invited To Come On The Live Broadcast To Discuss Their Classes And Offerings From The Glorious Mystic South Conference Weekend In Beautiful Atlanta, Georgia!
Dive into one of the most important and useful building blocks of ceremonial magick: the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP). This ritual offers practitioners a powerful tool to cleanse and fortify themselves spiritually. Your magick and spiritual hygiene can be taken to the next level with proper use of this ritual. In this workshop you will learn all about this classic ritual and practical advice on how to do it. Different versions of this ritual will be explored so that you can personalize this practice to fit into your individual beliefs. The LBRP can be practiced alone or combined with other types of magick or ritual. It is a highly customizable and adaptable tool. Additionally, as part of this workshop, you will receive handouts with the basic ritual and diagrams of the pentagrams.
Erich Brown, Frater Anubis, has been studying Ritual Magic since he was a teenager. He started self training in the Golden Dawn tradition and was later initiated into the E.S.S.G. (The Order of the Gnostic Star) by its founder, Frater Barrabas, in his twenties. Erich currently coleads... Read More →
As modern pagans, the diversity of our gods, systems, and practices is both a challenge and a strength. Rather than exacerbate differences, we should seek common ground to encourage a healthy and cohesive community. One thing many of us share is the presence of heroes in our mythologies. Central to the protection of humanity, these mighty warriors provide a cohesive undercurrent upon which we may build new avenues for community and communal practice. Please join us for an eclectic ritual honoring the various iterations of Pagan heroes, such as Sigurd the Dragon Slayer, Beowulf, Hercules, Cu Chulainn, and others. This ritual will involve several members of the Mystic South community, including Rev. Sr. Clio Ajana, Rev. Fr. Moonraven-luvantas, Jen Dodson, Atterkopp, Beofeld, and Sanat Kumara. Each participant will represent and invoke a hero relevant to their personal practice and/or pantheon and contribute to a communal altar-space.
Shamanic Manifestation is a powerful technique that blends shamanic traditions, meditation, visualization, and energy work to bring intentions into reality. Rooted in ancient practices yet adapted for modern times, this universal ritual is designed for practitioners of all levels whether you are an experienced magician seeking to enhance your practice, a shaman expanding your abilities, or someone new to magical rituals. Using guided meditation and rhythmic drumming, we will harness the power of focused intention to align with the energies of manifestation. This workshop will provide practical techniques that can be integrated into your personal spiritual practice, enhancing your ability to bring desires into form. Come explore a timeless method of energy work that has been used across cultures to shape reality.
Kispum is a ritual of relationships with the dead that began in Sumerian/Akkadian (2500 BCE) culture . The ritual explores practices for the Pagan and occult communities to maintain connections with departed loved ones and honor ancestors. I incorporate the Continuing Bonds Theory as a modern (1970s) alternative to the Western Detachment Theory of "letting go" of the dead. This perspective embraces the idea of ongoing relationships beyond death, focusing on rituals, commemorations, and sacred practices that sustain these connections. My modern take emphasizes the significance of these enduring ties, providing insight into how such traditions and rituals within Pagan spirituality foster a sense of continuity. The session includes an optional pouring water ritual, to which attendees are welcome to participate. Come with the names of beloved dead. The ritual will be explained.
Hello and merry meet! I am a Spiritual Director or Companion.I have been a practicing Pagan since the late '70s. I am a Priest and death/end-of-life doula. Although raised in the Jewish community, I always felt stronger ties to my spirituality and nature.A spiritual director provides... Read More →
You are not alone in the darkness. Rhiannon is a god who knows about riding the waves of grief, resilience, struggle, and sovereignty through the difficult seasons of life. Join us on a ritual journey to Rhiannon's well of healing, where you can make a gift of your grief and burdens, be healed by Otherworldly blackbird songs, and leave with a renewed sense of care and empowerment. Hosted by Jamie Waggoner and Izzy Swanson.
Drums are amazing instruments. So are other percussion instruments. What would it look like for you to create Sacred Space without using words and use drums or percussion instruments instead? This workshop explores the many different ways to create a Sacred Circle with drums and other instruments. This interactive workshop will challenge you, make you smile and laugh, and open you up to the possibilities of rhythmic casting!
