Workshops

The following is a list of some workshops that I have given at various sites and festivals over the years, and would happily give again (hint, hint).

Coffee and Piety

I have done this as either a one-shot ritual or a series of week-long morning (or afternoon, depending upon schedule) devotionals. I am a big believer in daily devotional practice, so this is one of my favorites. We discuss timing, what to focus on, and how to "anchor" your devotional so that it becomes a seamless part of your day.

Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter is Good

This was a series of services I gave at the Unitarian Universalist Church East in Reynoldsburg, where I discussed the religious traditions of a variety of faiths and what they all had in common, as a way for people who may not consider themselves religious, to still have a spiritual connection to whatever the season was.

A Hitchhiker's Guide to ADF Druidry

I have presented this at Wisteria's summer solstice, for those who will be unfamiliar with the cosmology and liturgical design of ADF. It is really just designed to give people an overview of both so that way they won't be too lost at our rite.

What are reconstructionist pagans?

I presented this at a local pagan pride day several years ago. I showed the similarities that reconstructionist pagans have with Wicca and Wicca-influenced eclectic neo-Paganism, and some of the important differences.

Indo-European Warrior Goddesses

War is typically seen as a man's game, so why were there so many goddesses associated with it? Explore the range of goddesses associated with warfare, (including some surprising ones), and what that might say about the role women played in the warfare in their societies, even if they didn't go to battle. We will survey some familiar and unfamiliar names, and discuss ways to incorporate those energies into our own lives.

The Warrior's Role in Ritual

Those who walk the warrior path may often feel that ritual is just for the bards, the priests, the seers, and the like. This workshop discusses the very important roles, both mundane and magical, that those called to the warrior path can hold.

Ethics of Defensive Magic

Join us for a round table discussion on the ethical dilemmas and solutions surrounding protection spells, binding spells, and yes, even curses or hexes. This session is designed to get people to think about such issues as where they draw their own lines, what their boundaries are before a situation arises, and how their emotions may cloud their judgments.

Practical Poppetry

We will explore the use of items shaped like people to do sympathetic magic. A little bit of history, a little sociology and anthropology, but then some fun constructing a tool on which to focus your energy on toward positive ends. Request a $5 materials fee.

Paganism 101

While organized monthly, they can easily be converted to weekly, or each one can be a stand-alone. A series for people who are interested in learning more about Paganism, covering a variety of topics.

I. History of Modern Paganism. An all-too brief history of the modern Pagan movement. We will discuss the beginnings of the movement, and the shared beliefs that modern Pagans CAN share with one another (although not always!)

II. Who’s Who. An overview of the gods, spirits, and other beings that are part of the belief structure of most modern Pagans.

III. What’s What . An overview of how the beliefs and beings from January and February’s classes are organized into different denominations and traditions

IV. APRIL: Getting Started. Now that we have a road-map, how to get started. We will discuss options for home altars and shrines, common tools, small devotional rites, and the importance of meditation.

V. MAY: Cycles of the Moon. We will talk about what is going on both astronomically and metaphysically with the cycling of the moon. Typically, we hear about full moons, but we’ll also talk about how to understand the energies of the other phases as well.

VI. Cycles of the Earth. Modern Paganism is earth-based in more than just philosophy. We will discuss they cycles of earth as they relate to four of the eight holy days.

VII. Cycles of the Sun. The ancients knew when the light would grow and decrease with the relationship between earth and sun. We will talk about what is happening astronomically and ways we can attune to these celestial rhythms.

VIII. AUGUST: Cycles of life. Modern Pagans celebrate various rites of passage, that align with the cycles of moon, earth, and sun. Discussion of ways to honor birth, adulthood, elderhood, and death.

IX. Navigating the Inner Planes. The world of Paganism is full of symbols, and understanding these symbols is how we can gain wisdom and divine knowledge. But we must do so safely and with intent. We’ll talk about dreams, trance, and journeying, and revisit the importance of meditation as developing mental discipline.

X. Divination. Our spirits seldom give us direct answers. Modern Pagans use a variety of divinatory techniques that draw upon symbolism to communicate messages. We will survey a variety of these, but each one could be a series of classes by itself.

XI. Helpful Works. Commonly referred to as “spells,” and “white magic,” we can explore why both of these terms are insufficient, and then discuss types of works that fall under this category.

XII. Baneful Works. What is commonly referred to as “black magic,” re-interpreted and re-contextualized, including historical reasons for the development of such practices, and how to apply them today in an ethical, responsible manner.