The aesthetic emphasis in modern paganism often takes precedence over substance. Many pagans center their aesthetics around pop-culture projections as opposed to authentic lineages. As a result, others de-emphasize aesthetics to pursue a deeper essence. However, the more we sacrifice spiritual expression, the less translatable our work. How can we rectify this conflict between flare and substance? The answers lie with a tenth-century Tantric philosopher named Abhinavagupta, whose influence extends beyond his role as a guru, as he was well-educated in the humanities. He believed aesthetics were fundamentally spiritual, born of the intersection between spirit and emotion, and (vibration/resonance), described as the very basis of reality. By applying Abhinavagupta theories to pagan practice, we may imbue our aesthetics with the spiritual depth of the rasa, thus counteracting the superficiality of these expressions by anchoring them not to the contrived projections of popular culture, but the soul itself.
This course is designed to help participants reconnect with their inner strength, reclaim their personal power, and integrate it into their spiritual and everyday lives through witchcraft practices. We will explore rituals, spellwork, grounding techniques, and transformative exercises that nurture self-confidence, boundary-setting, and inner resilience. The course combines ancient wisdom with practical applications, offering a deeply transformative path to spiritual empowerment.
Gardening with the Moon is an ages old practice that uses the zodiac and the moon to determine all gardening chores such as planting, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, and resting. Join Trisha Parker to learn how easy it is to grow beautiful, healthy, powerful plants and connect more deeply with the Universe.
In this workshop, participants will learn how to use divination for radical care while connecting with themselves and others. Attendees will discover simple ways to incorporate tarot and oracle cards into personal routines, leaving the session grounded and replenished with a new self-care practice. This workshop will also include a guided meditation, collective tarot reading, and a Q&A session.
In any magical tradition, understanding the core principles is key to unlocking the deeper layers of practice. One such foundational concept central to Western magic is the three-fold world, a framework and perspective that permeates not only Western esotericism but also many pagan and Indo-European traditions. In this workshop we will peer through the lens of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, one of the most prolific magicians of the late medieval period; his writings on this three-fold world and how it lends to a unique and nuanced understanding of magical correspondences, the powers permeating the natural world, the three-fold law, and many other key concepts that continue to shape modern occult philosophy.
Rediscover your innate ability for connecting telepathically with the animal kingdom. In this enlightening workshop, you will explore the blocks that may be hindering your intuitive communication and explore practical techniques to awaken your third eye, reactivating your natural telepathic powers. Led by Bird Woman, a gifted Animal Communicator, this session will include insights from her personal journey of rediscovering the art of speaking soul-to-soul with animals. Whether you are a beginner or looking to deepen your connection, this workshop offers foundational tools to help you tune in and begin communicating with animals.
This paper offers a transnational feminist interpretation of the 21st century pagan voice. A multiple minority within a minority religiously, the concept of religious voice can only be taken . Articulated by Charles Taylor, Talal Asad, and Homi Bhabha in 2021, through their commentary on ethnic-religious minorities with further critique and examination of several models including a post secular and dialogical model, an anti-secular traditionalist model, and a pro†secular and vernacular model,recent events emphasizes how Pagan voices need to be re-examined in the light of how pagan, Heathen, and polytheist views are presented through highlights of intersectional aspects of identities that appear in contemporary society. Through this lensthis article looks at how utilizing several models to dispel stereotypes of neopaganism in concert with the continued rising popularity of non-monot
Join Leandra Witchwood as we explore the transformative power of Chiron, the wounded healer and how this unique placement in your natal chart holds the key to deep personal healing, empowerment, and magickal growth. In this immersive workshop, you'll explore your Chiron wound through the lens of astrology, herbal magick, and shadow work, journeying through practical techniques and practices designed for meaningful healing. This workshop will help you transmute your pain into profound strength, compassion, and wisdom by engaging in guided shadow work, meditative exercises, and practical tools.
As a trained facilitator for the Robert Moss School of Active Dreaming, Nikki Wardwell Sleath will talk about an innovative way of working through dream material called the Lightning Dreamwork process. Participants will go through the steps of working a dream in this manner, working their own dream internally. Some dreams will be worked aloud with the group as time allows, and class will conclude with a fun synchronicity game using the dream material that will provide each participant an organic answer to the question "how can I connect more deeply to the earth at this time?"
Have you ever wondered about the pre-Christian origin of the Grim Reaper? Who was this ancient collector of souls and how did practitioners commune with them? In this presentation, we will explore the deep-rooted pagan origins of this European medieval figure and the quiet veneration of a lesser-known deity of Celtic origins who brings comfort to the dying and leads them on their journey. Join us on an adventure to uncover and understand one of the most enduring and interesting divine characters in European folklore and traditional approaches to ancestor and funerary rites.
Few figures in Norse paganism and Germanic heathenry are as well known as Berserkers and the Ulfdenar. Serving Odin, the All-Father, these mighty warriors charge into battle in a furious rage while taking on the shape of bears and wolves. When hearing of these warriors, one might assume they are nothing but myth and legend. However, truth can often be stranger than fiction. These shapeshifting warriors of Norse paganism and Germanic Heathenry have actual historical inspirations ranging from bear-wearing Germanic mercenaries of the Roman Empire to as far back as the Indo-European Mannerbund. In this workshop, we will explore the fascinating history and archaeology of these warriors of Norse paganism and Germanic heathenry.
The position of the moon in your natal chart can have many meanings in astrology, but for Witches and Pagans, it can be a powerful window into the aspects of the Goddess that speak most directly to you, and through you. We will explore how our moon sign shapes our initial experience of the Goddess as children as well as how it provides a framework for our lifelong path of spiritual Work. We will also explore how the phase of the moon on our birthdate shapes our natural goddess power. An accurate time of birth will be very helpful for this workshop but is not absolutely necessary. No prior knowledge of astrology is required.
The labyrinth is a powerful spiritual tool, a special type of maze with only one path leading surely to the center and safely back out again. It is especially connected with the ancient Minoans. As modern Pagans, we can reconnect with its potent symbolism via labyrinth-walking rituals. In this ritual, you'll meet Ariadne, the Lady of the Labyrinth; the Minotaur, the kindly Guardian of those who tread its winding paths; and the Serpent Mother, who is in a sense the Great Labyrinth itself. Discover the secrets of your own spiritual essence as you receive the gifts these deities have to offer you. Our floorcloth labyrinth has 36â€_x009d_ wide paths to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, and we will have finger labyrinths available for those who prefer to remain seated but still participate. Come join us as we create new paths in life by walking a very, very old one!
In this workshop we will examine and discuss: Good versus evil, black versus white, male versus female, light versus dark. In America today, we are all too familiar with these moral absolutes, aren't we? We may be a diverse mix of folks here, but the dominant cultures from which this patriarchy emerged ”the British Isles, and European Christianity”built moral codes on stories of good vs evil. These codes have dangerous repercussions as they are used to ascribe moral value to ideas, things... and even people. Who helps us to examine this state of juxtaposition, this friction? Artists. Poets. Storytellers. Taking inspiration from a collection of “Hanged Oneâ€_x009d_ tarot cards, and exploring the artists' interpretations, we will examine concepts of flipping, of being upside down, of turning absolutes on their head.
In this discussion we will examine the roll of dolls and effigies throughout various magical traditions, as well as examine practical ways that we may meaningfully incorporate them into a contemporary practice based upon established history.
Going beyond the mislabeled and maligned “voodoo dollsâ€_x009d_ often found horror movie tropes, we will discuss the use of poppets, doll babies, and effigies for all manner of magic from works of healing, love drawing, reversal magic, and of course hexing. We will then explore the more advanced applications of this art by discussing methods for creating and employing effigies as spirit houses and devotional objects. And finally, we will conclude by discussing the various materials and methods we might use for the construction of effigies, as well as techniques for consecration and enlivening them towards a magical purposes.
Associated with the talismans of Picatrix, Ficino and Agrippa, a major magical tradition arose during the medieval era called the Science of Images. It was a complex union of astrology, theurgy, minerology, and evocation that boasted vast power to warp reality. It was employed by princes and popes to alter the fates of both individuals and entire nations. Albertus Magnus, Joseph Smith, William Lilly, Paracelsus, Lorenzo de' Medici, Giordano Bruno, and Pope Urban VIII were practitioners. Codified in the Middle East, it was transmitted into Europe where it flourished for six centuries. Today it is undergoing a revival. In this class we will cover the history of this tradition as well as the writings, beliefs and practices of its disciples.
The Elder Futhark create a beautiful system of divination, though finding good information about them can be difficult - especially for queer, progressive, modern heathens and witches. Norse mythology includes an incredible diversity of gender and sexual expression, but this has been largely excluded from books published on contemporary heathenry or runic divination. Even worse, the runes have been wrongfully co-opted by white supremacists and heathens have to actively fight against this stereotype of the rune reader. In recent years, rune readers have been reclaiming the feminine side of the runes, bringing nuance to the craft. In this talk, Siri will explore the queer qualities of the runes through understanding pre-Christian Nordic gender concepts, translating that through a simulation and simulacra, and carving from this root culture a modern future-facing divination system.
The great Orisha Oshun represents the sweet waters that sustain life on planet Earth and the fertility that makes dreams come true. Her ancient magic of honey and gold can restore self-esteem, freeing us from toxic relationships, negative work environments, and emotional imbalances. Oshun is, among many other beautiful things, the orisha who has mastered the art of self-love. Her magic supports the cultivation of healthy boundaries, self-care routines, and well-balanced relationships. In this class, we will explore herbal recipes for self-care, African philosophical concepts that encourage self-love, as well as prosperity and love spells—since Oshun is also known for bringing wealth and abundance. You don’t need to have a prior connection with Oshun to join—just an open mind!
What is it like to be part of an initiatory coven? What do they do? What is a lineage? What does it mean to be part of a priesthood? What is a mystery religion? What is required for initiation? Join Temple of the Rising Phoenix Matriarch and several Priests and Priestesses of this American Wiccan Tradition as they present a panel on what it is like to be part of an initiatory lineage. Members will share their personal experiences "both challenges and rewards“ of being part of a longstanding lineage of over 45 years and learning and growing in this kind of structure. The Tradition is a syncretic, initiatory, mystery religion dedicated to the worship of the Goddess and God through ritual practices, magick and esoteric processes for the purposes of enlightenment, spiritual advancement, and attunement with nature.
For two years now a group has come together to celebrate our curves, lumps, and bumps and to fight a system that shames us via self-love and community. This process of creating our own sacred space, of community, love, sharing, support and healing, became a beautiful ritual once again in 2024. We want to create that sacred space again, to dive deeply into the love, healing, and revolution needed for body liberation in all spaces - from ritual to residential, classroom to coven! We will explore and celebrate shape with reflection, movement/music, and make time for everyone to share their feelings and experiences, as well as how these connect (or don't) with their ritual/spiritual experiences. And spend time talking about ways to advocate for accessibility for all bodies. Everyone is welcome, whether you were in previous circles or not!
Hans Dieter Betz, editor of the Greek Magical Papyri in Translation (PGM), proposes that “In its Hellenistic transformation, the Egyptian religion of the pre-Hellenistic era appears to have been reduced and simplified, no doubt to facilitate its assimilation into Hellenistic religion as the predominant cultural reference. I argue that in contemporary Paganism, revival and reconstruction continues this process. In 1999, I was an experienced Wiccan ritualist and magic worker who read the PGM. Eyes opened to a faraway time and magical culture, I was eager to try a PGM ritual for myself. I chose the copper cup divination from PDM XIV: 395-427, and with the overconfidence of youth, performed it at a public ritual in my local area. Focusing on this case study, I will demonstrate that the rite was reduced and simplified in an attempt to facilitate its assimilation into the Neopagan framework of the early 21st century CE.
Join me for an enlightening discussion on ancestry, viewed through the unique lens of modern druidic practices and the rich traditions of West Virginian folk heritage. Ashley Rodriguez, a newly graduated Bard and an Ovate in training with the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, has almost two decades of experience in magical practices. They combine culture and creativity to foster an alchemical transformation of spirit. Ashley's perspective on ancestry work as a folk practitioner from West Virginia brings a distinctive and heartfelt approach to understanding the profound ties of blood, land, and tradition that define our spiritual selves. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with your roots and celebrate the spirits of the past that flow through you.
An intro to Tantric Buddhist practices and their magical applications. We will look at core practices basic to all Buddhism such as Refuge, Bodhicitta, The Four Immeasurables, Mahamudra, and the Five Buddha Families. Making comparisons to basic magical practices, these will be viewed in light of the process of creating reality. The discussion will be followed by a short, guided meditation/awareness walking into the Pure Lands of the Buddha Fields.
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 →
Saturday July 12, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT Ravinia D
There is a disconnect between us, our food, and magic in today's world. This class will teach you how to bring out the mystical in your food so you can feed your body, mind, and soul. Discover how to infuse your cooking with intention, align your ingredients with energy, and bring out the magic beyond the surface. This will teach you to transform your meals into magical acts of self-care and deepen the connection to yourself and others. Together we will bring sacred space to your kitchen!
Delve into the untamed and shadowy aspects of Norse Heathenry in this thought-provoking workshop. Hail the Shadows explores the paths less traveled within the Norse tradition, focusing on Thursatru, a gnostic left-hand path religion focused on self-empowerment in working with the Thurses, and Rokkatru, a tradition venerating the darker deities and adversarial figures of the Norse pantheon, such as Loki, Hel, and Fenrir. Discover how these esoteric approaches challenge conventional perceptions, embrace personal empowerment, and illuminate the transformative potential of working with chaos, shadow, and primal energies.
While The Moon card does the heavy lunar lifting in our favorite tarot decks, where else does she pop up? This workshop will present a brief history about Pamela Colman Smith, the artist behind the famous Rider Waite Smith (RWS) tarot deck. Then, We'll dive into the traditional RWS tarot deck, reviewing the cards that feature the Moon. We'll be discussing how it appears, what phase it's depicted in, and how this might lend itself towards the interpretation of the card. We'll then expand, looking at other decks that attendees bring with them (suggestion: bring your favorite deck, and sort the moon-bearing cards out ahead of time - you might be surprised at how many times the Moon appears!).
Let's trace the history of prosperity magic from its earliest textual roots to today. Along the way, we will explore humanity's evolving attitudes towards wealth and how they influenced magical practices that span the centuries. Spiritual beliefs and wealth often seem to be at odds. Can modern practitioners bridge the gap between the two?
When we are tired and burned out it is easy to fall into the cycle of self sabotage. Cuchulain is often called the greatest of mythical Irish warriors. Despite this many of his stories are about how the hero sabotages his own success. Most famously he spurs the aid of the Morrigan, and she attacks him in the form of a wolf, heifer, and eel. Through these shapes we can explore where in our lives we have self sabotaged our own success. Through the lessons of these animal forms and the Morrigan's interactions with Cuchulain we can learn to heal the wounds within ourselves that leads
A few years back, we explored concepts of rewilding for ourselves and our spiritual communities. Now we are taking the next step of removing ourselves from situations, people and places that no longer nourish or nurture us. Stepping out into the world, where do you find the Divines and how do they look? How do you find the courage to engage deeply with the Spirit-folk we call Gods and Ancestors? Come explore the concept of feral church and how it applies to you, your life and the people that surround you.
"Our mysteries had a very real meaning: he that has been purified and initiated shall dwell with the gods.“ Plato, (Phaedo) 69:d, F.J. Church translation. Every Year, Spring Mysteries Festival brings the continuation of the Eleusinian Mysteries to the modern era. The Aquarian Tabernacle Church has been hosting these Modern Mysteries for almost 40 years. In order to bring the most accurate representation to a modern audience, the Eumolpidae (The Festival Directors) have done much research both academic and through personal gnosis. Come and learn about what the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries were about, what we know about them, and how Spring Mysteries Festival is bringing that ancient knowledge into the present to help humanity evolve into its next phase.
Join us for an insightful panel discussion on toxic masculinity within the Pagan community, featuring prominent voices Scott Brown, Dave Gaddy, Skyeris, Nicholas Newell, and Brian Peace. This engaging dialogue will explore how Pagan men can confront harmful behaviors, promote healthy masculinity, and inspire positive change. Panelists will share personal experiences and actionable strategies to empower men to be role models within the community. Attendees will leave equipped with tools to foster an inclusive environment, challenge stereotypes, and support one another in the journey toward healing and growth.
Come explore how the things we do everyday in the 'burbs can naturally and very easily have a magickal element to them. How to make your morning coffee magick, how to not accidentally curse someone while you're driving, how to not dismiss yourself as a witch just because you wear yoga pants to get dressed up for the store and not for yoga. This workshop discusses a suburban witchcraft practice by offering spells, mantras and other tools. Suburban life experience is just as magickal and spiritual as any others. Join me as we discuss the many advantages of being the witch next door. We suburban witches absolutely have an equal place at the witchcraft table.
In ancient times people would journey great distances to places like Göbekli Tepe and Skara Brae, to maintain relationships with their extended families, friends, and allies. In this ritual, we who have traveled from near and far will recommit ourselves to our Gods and ancestors, to the land and the spirits of the land, to caring for ourselves and supporting each other as we move forward in these difficult times. Because we cannot , and will not, go back.
Beloved friends at Mystic South, join us as we honor Sunna, radiant goddess of the Sun, and her brother, Mani, the luminous god of the Moon. Together, they guide the celestial dance of light and shadow, blessing our days and nights with their eternal gifts. Finish this day, spent in learning and fellowship, with us as we call upon the sacred presence of the Sun and the Moon to celebrate balance, renewal, and the rhythms of nature. Through offerings and prayers, we seek Sunna's warmth to illuminate our paths and Mani's calm to soothe our spirits. Come with open hearts to this sacred gathering, where we seek to weave bonds with the divine and forge fellowship with each other. Let us bask in the celestial grace of the Sun and Moon and honor the timeless cycle of day and night. All are welcome under their light.
The Grove SFL has been conducting an annual Hurricane Protection Ritual for the past 10 years. We invite you to join us in reenacting this tradition, which includes creating Hurricane Protection Candles that will be lit when the warning is sounded. Candles will NOT be lit during the ritual but will be for you to use when you are at home.
I'm Opal Luna, the author of Fiber Magick a witch's guide to spellcasting with crochet, knotwork and weaving. My craft of choice is crochet but anytime you create with your hands energy gets in there. Do it with intention.
Saturday July 12, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT Ashford
Come to a revelry for Pan, satyr-shaped Greek god of nature, wild things, border places, and music. Pan is a mixture of mayhem and melancholy, merriment and mysticism. A vessel of wisdom in his own way, Pan pushes those who encounter or call upon him to experience life more fully, and more intimately. Let us raise a ruckus! Tempest, Nathaniel, and Davis (The Mechanist & The Star Goddess) will lead the evening through improvisational music and dance that fuses together elements of Modern Traditional Witchcraft, Inspired World Music, and Ritual Performance.
The slumber party has been a locus for divination and fortune-telling for a very long time. Games of prognostication dating back centuries involve everything from eggs dropped in water to trance-induction to ouija boards and so much more! In this hands-on practical session, folklorist and author Cory Thomas Hutcheson will give a brief historical overview of some of these traditions including Concentration, Charlie Charlie, Red Door/Yellow Door and more. Then, he'll help to guide those who wish to play a few of them, as well! In the spirit of the slumber party and all things a little spooky, feel free to come dressed in your pajamas and see what spirits we can conjure up and what the future may hold for you.
