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2025
Presenters & Workshops (subject to change)
Creation Station Workshops listed here:
Meet The Fire Goddesses:
Alaric Albertsson
Alaric Albertsson is an author of books on magic and spirituality, including A Handbook of Saxon Sorcery and Magic, Fortune in Your Hands, and Travels Through Middle Earth: The Path of a Saxon Pagan. Alaric first embraced Paganism in the summer of 1971. Over the past five decades his personal spiritual practice has developed as a synthesis of Anglo-Saxon tradition, folk magic, herbal studies and rune lore. Alaric lives in Dubuque, Iowa, where he celebrates life and spirit with the Druidic group Wild Rose Hearth as well as with Dubuque's local Key City Kindred.
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Playing Card Divination
Until U.S. Games began distributing the Rider Waite deck in the 1970’s, Tarot decks were largely unavailable in the United States. So how did witches discern future influences? Author Alaric Albertsson will explain how to use ordinary playing cards in your magical practice. Still used in hoodoo and other folk traditions, playing cards are an effective tool for both divination and spell work. Alaric is the author of Fortune in Your Hands: A Witch’s Guide to Playing Card Divination and Magic. This is your chance to ask him questions and learn more about this traditional method of divination.
Wandcraft
The wand has been an iconic tool of wizardry for more than 4000 years. It may be the most personal tool you work with. A good wand should have a strong link with you, with symbols and imagery that express your personal power. Alaric Albertsson, author of A Handbook of Saxon Sorcery and Magic, discusses how to craft and enchant your own wand, and how to craft wands for specific intentions.
Rune Magic
Runes are more than archaic alphabets. The word rune literally means a mystery or secret. In the early 1980’s authors like Ralph Blum and Stephen Flowers popularized the use of runes for divination, but these potent mysteries were also used traditionally for magical protection and empowerment. Learn how the runes were used by our ancestors, and how you can utilize their power today.
Hugh T Alkemi
Hugh T Alkemi, also known as Trevar Acuna-Hughes, D. Div, is a shamanic minister, educator, and host of the EntheoRadio podcast since 2010, where he explores Psychedelic Science, Shamanism, and Altered States. With over 14 years of experience in the Sacred Plant and Fungi space, he integrates sacraments like Magic Mushrooms, Mescaline Cactus, Sonoran Desert Toad, and Salvia into ceremonies aimed at healing and spiritual growth. Trevar has practiced Toltec dreaming techniques for eight years, drawing from the teachings of sorcery, the Nagual, and "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. He also specializes in herbalism, alchemy, and ethnopharmacology, with expertise in onierogens—plants enhancing dreams—and aphrodisiacs. As a ceremonialist, astrologer, and musician, he creates transformative experiences that balance ancient wisdom with modern practices. A devoted father and community leader, Hugh T Alkemi’s retreats and teachings inspire personal transformation and reconnection with nature. His work embodies a unique fusion of science and spirituality, positioning him as a leading voice in the psychedelic renaissance and a guide to the depths of human consciousness.
Toltec Dreaming and Oneirogens
Explore the transformative art of dreaming with Hugh T Alkemi in a workshop that bridges Toltec and Nagualismo traditions. This immersive experience introduces the powerful practices of dream destruction and sowing/seeding, guiding participants to reimagine their subconscious landscapes. Drawing from eight years of dedicated study, Hugh will share profound insights into navigating the dreaming realms and achieving lucidity. The workshop features an exploration of five sacred oneirogens—natural substances revered for their dream-enhancing properties. Participants will learn the unique benefits and traditional uses of Lotus, Sage (Artemisia), Mint (Salvia), Fungi/Mushrooms, and Calea (Aztec Dreaming Grass). These sacred allies will be presented in teas for a sensory experience that deepens the connection to their dreaming potential. Breathwork exercises designed to promote lucidity and conscious dreaming will complement these teachings, empowering attendees with practical tools for expanding their dream awareness. Whether you are new to dreaming practices or seeking to deepen your journey, this workshop provides a unique fusion of ancient wisdom and practical application. Join Hugh T Alkemi for this sacred exploration and awaken the power of your dreams. Step into a space where the boundaries of reality dissolve, and the seeds of transformation are planted in the fertile soil of the subconscious.
Pagan Mushroom History
Join us for an enlightening event where we explore the profound role of fungi in ancient rituals and spiritual practices. Led by Trevar Acuna-Hughes, an amateur mycologist and shamanic teacher, this gathering delves into the fascinating history of entheogenic fungi in European Paganism, Mesoamerican traditions, and ancient societies like Eleusis. We'll journey through the mystical use of Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric), the most iconic entheogen, whose red-and-white cap has roots in Paganism and even ties to the origins of Christmas. The ceremonial use of Teonanactl, or Psilocybe mushrooms—known as the “Flesh of the Gods”—will be examined, particularly their significance in Mesoamerican rites and their possible connection to the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries. Additionally, we'll touch on other notable fungi like ergot, which may have influenced early rituals, as well as reishi and lion’s mane mushrooms, which have long been revered for their medicinal properties. This intimate gathering will not only deepen your understanding of these powerful fungi but also provide an opportunity to reflect on their role in human consciousness throughout history. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this event is sure to expand your knowledge and inspire your personal journey.
Mervyn Alphonse
Mervyn has taught and practiced both Hatha and Kundalini Yoga extensively. He is a certified Reiki Master and utilizes a 34” gong in his Sound Healing practice. He has also sat Zazen for several years and has presented Yoga workshops and healing sessions at many festivals across the country. He currently teaches Hatha, Vinyasa, and Kundalini Yoga, as well as Tai Chi and Chi Qong classes, in Bloomington, Indiana.
Silver Linings
In a word, Shadow-Work. In order to effectively reach for the Light, we have to address the darker, less evolved areas of our consciousness. In this workshop we will look at ways to delve into said areas with the goal of providing a road map with which to navigate this delicate and sometimes precarious task, allowing for more enlightened perspectives on the nature of the traumatized elements of our psyche.
Burning the Box
Breathe. Flow. Vizualize. Animate. This workshop releases the ties that bind. We will dissolve our oft-calcified self-images to unveil the inner being in all its playful and prayer-ful glory in the safe company of others that are revealed to be just that – other versions of one’s Self. This is achieved via synergistic exploration of healing and expressive modalities such as Yoga, pantomime, energy work, authentic movement, sound healing, and sound circles.
Sharon Angelina
Sharon is a certified hypnotherapist and Reiki Master Trainer, with 10 years as a certified Bradley Method natural childbirth teacher who trained students in deep therapeutic relaxation. In the past 5 years she studied shadow work and recently attended an 8 week course called The Reclamation with Andrew Genovese and learned to do effective shadow work and shadow ritual.
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Dance Meditation in Motion - Part 1
We begin with a group activity (which is paradoxically very private) to facilitate unheard-of movement and reacquaintance with our body-selves. Breaking free of inhibitions, we allow the animal humans we are to express unconscious thoughts, pains, dreams, fears... Using familiar and inspiring dance music, this class leads participants back home into their skin and bones. This class is not for shared dance per se, but for turning inward deeply and dancing with ourselves, building from slow and intimate, to fever pitch, and back down until we're on the ground. We will use our feet, all of our limbs, and even our voices at times, to stay zoned-in and encourage one another on the journey. Attend with a refreshing beverage and comfortable clothing, and bring a yoga mat or blanket for resting if desired. Quiet sharing and discussion at the end.
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Dance Meditation in Motion - Part 2
Once you've experienced the first Dance Meditation in Motion, a wilder dance can ensue! Newcomers are also welcome, and attendees of Part 1 will get a chance to feel the joy on a higher level. Radical and radiant, this is not ecstatic dance, but a courageous inward self-connection that resets the nervous system and clears stagnant blocks. In our age of individual struggle and ache for connection, this class can help participants bridge personal inner territory with a vulnerable and yet supportive group dynamic. You will come away feeling exhausted, elated, amused, freer, and with greater self-confidence as a dancer...even if you've never danced before. Bring a refreshing beverage and wear comfortable clothing, and bring a yoga mat or blanket for resting if desired. Quiet sharing and discussion, and feedback at the end.
Anne Apynys
Anne worked as a psychiatric nurse for over forty years and retired in June of 2024. For the next chapter of her life she is following her passion of playing therapeutic music on the harp as a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP). She became a CMP in 2010 and played on the Behavioral Health Unit in the hospital where she worked. Now she plays in a variety of settings including a hospital and memory care homes as well as having private clients.
Therapeutic Music
As a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) I play therapeutic music. What does that mean? Therapeutic music is a specific type of music meant to be soothing, healing and comforting. In this workshop I will explain the difference between therapeutic music and entertaining music (both wonderful but different) and how I became a CMP. Can anyone become a CMP? What’s involved? Can you play therapeutic music on other instruments besides the harp? I will also have my harp and give a demonstration of playing therapeutic music.
The Science of Therapeutic Music
Yes, listening to music is wonderful but can it actually affect you physically? Can it help you feel better if you are ill? In this workshop we will discuss the latest scientific research in the Music as Medicine movement. Hint: there is a LOT of evidence in this new and exciting area of research. And more is coming!
Rodney Azagra
Why Rodney? He's fun, has several years of active, live experience with cajon, drum set, piano (technically a percussive instrument), auxiliary percussion, pit drums & percussion in musicals, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music at Rutgers University, 2000.
Introduction to Cajón
What is it? Where did it come from? There's something "fishy" about this instrument! In this class, we will learn the basics of cajón and will be uncovering the many possibilities of its usage. Essentially, you can make up your own rules with this instrument. Bring your own cajón. Some will be provided.
Learn Filipino Folk Music
We will narrow down to the Spanish influence of Filipino folk music, which won't be a stretch from the Western music we are already familiar with, and maybe we'll learn at least a few songs. Does any one dare attempt to sing it in the original tongue? English translation will be provided—and it might even rhyme! Bring any instrument, especially the stringed kind. Authentic Filipino rondalla (ron-DOLL-ya) instruments will be available for show-and-tell, and "test driving".
Byron Ballard
Byron is a Western NC native, teacher, folklorist and writer. She is a senior priestess and co-founder of Mother Grove Goddess Temple and the Coalition of Earth Religions/CERES, both in Asheville, NC. Her essays are featured in several anthologies and she writes a regular column for Witches and Pagans Magazine.
A Great and Subtle Weaving-Animism as a Political and Economic Force
So much of the interconnected global economy is dominated by capitalism and the domination language found in Genesis that is foundational to these global movements. This workshop proposes a return to animism and the incorporation of this ancient notion into the political arena as well as the economic one. 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. How would this change these systems in the face of global climate transition? Is it even possible? Returning to ancient concepts of mutual aid societies and sustainable agricultural practices are two ways to create the circles on the ground that will ease our human transition to stronger resilience in the face of cultural collapse. As we redefine leadership and weave new containers, where do we go for inspiration, for solace, for delight?
The Tip of the Spear—A Feral Church & the Return of the Primal Mothers
All around us, we are observing the image of the Goddess, of Divine as female. As we listen to our hearts, search for the kernels of wildness that bring joy and hope, we are all looking for a place where personal and cultural freedom is possible. These places are in our souls, in the wilderness, in the astral…and in your backyard. These gathering places of spirit and earth are all around us, waiting to be explored through the lens of historical and modern Goddess culture. We are taking the next step of removing ourselves from situations, people and places that no longer nourish or nurture us. 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.
In Search of Endarkenment—Deepening the Connection with Dark Cycles
We expend much energy on the idea of enlightenment. But there is healing, wisdom and delight in the realm of Night: Endarkenment. It is a place to recharge your creativity and find your innermost self. There is guided meditation, poetry and journeys to uncomfortable places in this workshop as we explore grief, knowing and transformation. Sometimes our work or curiosity leads us to places we probably wouldn’t go if we thought about it, but not all things in the dark are to be feared, nor all things in the light trusted.
Sarah "Vessel" Belzile
Sarah specializes in creating grace, beauty and clarity by working with awkwardness, shame and fear. As an embodiment and intimacy coach, she helps people find authentic connections through creating a safe space for exploration and learning. Sarah has been on a yoga and tantra journey for twenty years, and is passionate about supporting others on a similar journey. She is trained in Akhanda Yoga from Rishikesh, India, The Somatica Method, The Shadow Process, Women’s Temple, Body Electric School, Cuddle Party, and Awaken as Love Tantra. She is currently a student at Dancing Shiva Tantra in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She leads retreats and workshops and also works with clients individually.
Intro to Eco-eroticism
Can getting turned on by nature transform your love life?
Eros is the most primal and transformative impulse in the biology of every creature. Flowers are the way plants make love. The next bird song you hear is probably one mate calling out for another, or even foreplay in the branches. And yet, we humans often suppress or forget our own genuine, raw, and untamed eroticism. Unapologetically connecting with the sensuality of nature can bring so much vibrancy, ecstasy, and expansiveness into our erotic expression. Thus, eco-eroticism can liberate us from the narrow-minded, couple-centric, and performance-focused view of human sexuality promoted by mainstream media. It may also enhance our sense of wonder and enchantment in our relationship with the Earth itself! During this workshop, Sarah Belzile, (sex geek and nature freak), will guide you through a gentle eco-erotic play practice to bring you a deeper sense of wholeness and connection. No need to bring a partner, unless you would like to.
Intro to Tantra
Have you heard the word "Tantra" and wanted to learn more, but don't know where to start? Tantra is often associated with sexuality and transgressive behavior, but Tantra is actually an ancient wisdom tradition that offers a profound path to self-realization that is very adaptable to the modern lifestyle. Join Sarah Belzile as she shares her understanding of the Tantric path, and how it has impacted her life. The workshop will include a practical explanation of some of the core principles and practices of the "Tantric path", both the "traditional" and the "neo-Tantric" movement as well as a breathwork practice.
Corvus Blackrook
Corvus is an amateur philosopher, biochemist and entrepreneur with 12 years of reasonably happy sobriety under his belt, having been completely abstinent from drugs and alcohol since 2012. He is an active participant and group leader in 12 Step Programs, however wishes to emphasize there are many valid and successful paths to sobriety.
So This Is Your First Sober Starwood?
Are you yearning to move past the party, and find new meaning? This group is an open forum to address challenges, celebrate victories and ultimately discuss how to thrive after putting down drugs and alcohol, both at Starwood and in society. The gathering also serves as a way to network with other clean and sober people. Have questions but not sure if sobriety is for you? Sober curious folks are also welcome!
Nothing Matters, Everything Matters
Modern life is at odds with the human spirit – so how do we survive and create meaning in an increasingly disconnected world without completely dropping out? This class will begin with a meditation and ultimately touch on topics such as identity, goals, money, relationships and suffering, as well as provide a paradigm shifting strategy to enable participants to embrace Full Paradox Living.
Wilde*Majiker (aka Rebecca Crystal)
Wilde*Majiker, also known as Rebecca Crystal, MSW, MDIV and minister of Church of All Worlds, finds herself moving towards Serving our Community in ways as of yet to be determined. Crystal takes each step like a Fool- landing as Wilde*Majiker. A practicing Feminist, Ally, and civil rights defender, she uses her education and skills as a facilitator, as well as her experience of decades of polyamory and Spirit work, to offer the best of her authentic self in her workshops. May her Wisdom and Mistakes help us all have the Lives we were meant to live. Thanks to all who have worked to make Starwood the reality it is today.
Poly Peoples Wisdom Circle
We gather together to share our triumphs and ask for advice on poly issues that are distinct from traditional heterosexual issues. Gather in a circle, gather together through chant then ask and respond in a facilitated supportive environment.
Wilde*Majiker Takes You on a Spirit Uber Ride
Participate by actively working with her or sitting in circle, Deep wounds, large blocks, difficult questions will be Majiked away through hard work by both questioner and WM. Called “the real deal” she doesn’t suffer fools but is gentle, if direct, in her healing/teachings. Bring what others have not been able to help you with and see if this down to earth, cussing Wise Woman can help you fix it. (No watches or pacemakers, No testing the psychic or spells to catch a Lover.)
Come Play With Your (Auric) Self
An intensely interactive didactic experience of the real psychic skills you have available. With short introductions of the skills, short demonstrations and then plenty of practice within the workshop - this can be where you first sense your own or others auras. Try telemetry. Using each of the senses, we will have fun playing with our skills.
The Clam Coven
The members met through local improv and community theatre. Budding friendships turned to closer bonds, turned to chosen family, turned to witches doing naked rituals 'round the fire, 'neath the moonlight. We consider improvisation, a sense of humor, and healthy boundaries as the staples that make the Clam Coven work. We each bring our own energy and strengths to the group, and want to help others find how they can do the same.
Bonfire Ass Off Preparation
Have you heard of the Bonfire's annual Ass Off Competition hosted by the Clam Coven?! This will be the 4th annual event and the Clam Coven invites you to join. But first, we want to help prepare the body, booty, and mind of anyone interested in taking a chance for the crown in this fun, inclusive, body positive space. The Coven will help you learn the ins and outs of the competition and how to have fun while doing it! While not required, we strongly recommend anyone planning on participating in the ass off to attend.
Clam Together! Ritual On the Fly
Join the Clam Coven to connect with your inner improviser and learn how laughter can be healing magic. This workshop will focus on low improvisational magick that is grounded in close relationships and the community that your small coven can build. Please bring water, an open mind and heart, and an offering you're willing to share with the group.
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Ian Corrigan
Ian has been working, playing and singing in the Pagan scene since 1978. He is a former Archdruid of ADF, a third-Degree priest of traditional witchcraft and the author of numerous books, including Sacred Fire, Holy Well; A Druid’s Grimoire, and The Book of Summoning. He is a founder of the Starwood Festival, and has devoted his life to the promotion of modern Paganism and occult spirituality.
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An Outline of Modern Pagan Magic
Have you found yourself confused at the many kinds of occult and esoteric practices and ideas in our communities? Ian draws on his decades of study and observation to provide a clear, organized outline of the world of magic and the occult. Includes the structure of traditional occult knowledge, catgories and types, and many practical hints.
Holly D'Angelo
Holly began her magical career when she joined Silver Circle of Penn State, one of the oldest college Pagan clubs in the country. She studied and practiced several spiritual paths before finding her calling in the Golden Dawn tradition, and in 2007 received initiation into Ordo Stella Matutina, one of the offshoot orders of the original Golden Dawn. Since then, she has practiced and taught many topics in the Western Esoteric Tradition through her work with the OSM and in her private classes which she has been running for over 20 years.
Let's make A Talisman!
Talismans are objects which are made to attract certain energies using the principle of sympathetic magic: like attracts like. This seems like a simple concept and it is – and can also be very confusing as well. Talismanic magic is one of my favorite subjects to practice and teach, and in this class I would like to guide participants through the creation and activation of personal talismans as a way to demonstrate how this may be done. On the way, we'll get into topics such as color, geometry and shape, sacred Names, natural magic and astrology. But don't worry - previous experience in any of these topics is not required! We'll have time to work on our talismans, then we will all do a short enlivening ceremony at the end to properly consecrate what we have made. Come join us on our journey into the world of Talismanic magic!
The Astrology Lounge
Time to lounge around and talk astrology! Anything goes as long as it is relevant to astrology, so come willing to contribute and learn from others. If you want to share your natal chart, please bring your birth data (including birth time as accurately as you can get it) and we'll see what we can see. All levels and approaches to astrology are welcome, with respectful dialogue the expectation as always. Come get starry-eyed at the Lounge!
Jeff D'Angelo
Jeff has been playing music since age 5 including piano, guitar, bass, and West African djembe and djun djuns. He has been teaching djembe workshops at each in-person Starwood since 2018. He has been practicing with a local West African drumming group since 2003 and has performed at various venues.
Water Drumming
To a drummer the world is a drum. Time to cool off and make a splash in the pond with a fun rhythm made of hands and water.
Solafo - a village rhythm
Solafo is a village greeting rhythm from Guinea. Come bring a djembe and learn the various parts, calls, bridge and solo.
Adam Davis
Adam is a multidisciplinary naturalist who is experienced with many ways of connecting with nature: energetic, meditative, scientific, artistic, ecstatic, ceremonial, shamanic, and more. He has been facilitating nature awareness and inspiration workshops of the Connecting with the Land Workshop Series since 1998.
Transformation Through Nature Relationships
You are invited to an exploration of ways to encourage and support insights, healing, wisdom, service opportunities, respect, inspiration, vision, equanimity, and other gifts through relationships with nature. Workshop celebrants will have opportunities to learn and explore techniques for engaging with diverse nature entities and energies in ways that encourage specific kinds of transformation. Space will be held after the designated workshop period for the continuation of magical work with the natural world.
Nature Medicines
This workshop is aimed at discovering and remembering how relationships with nature can support health, wellness, and resilience. Healing associated with landscape positions, raising the vibration of foods and herbal supplements, nature beings releasing their medicines, reverence and gratitude, ambient nature healing, healing ourselves and healing the whole, and emotional management are among the possibilities. Through discussion and experiential activities, we have opportunities to receive support for personal healing and other transformation work. Space will be held for continued and additional medicine journeys after the designated workshop period.
Kenn Day
Kenn is a nationally recognized lecturer and working Shaman with over 25 years experience. He maintains an active private practice with his wife at Body & Soul in Cincinnati, Ohio and offers a series of shamanic training seminars for those interested in exploring the teaching he received from the spirit who called him to this work of post-tribal shamanism. He has authored Dance of Stones: A Shamanic Road Trip and the recently released, Post-Tribal Shamanism: A New Look at the Old Ways. Both from Moon Book/John Hunt Publishing.
Animism and Shamanism - Understanding The Mother of all Religions
Historically, Animism is the root spirituality of our species. How does this very old practice have meaning for us today? How does it inform our religious and spiritual practices? How does it relate to the practice of Shamanism? Lecture, discussion, and some experiential practice!
Planting the Seed of Shamanism in the West
Shamanism has been around for 10-15,000 years, arising mostly in NorthEast Asia and finding its way to various other places on earth. We will address the best current theories of where it came from and what it IS, along with some practical discussion of what is involved in responding to the spirit’s Call.
Rev. Donna Donovan
Donna is the founder of Appalachian Pagan Ministry whose focus is on pagan prison ministry, reentry, and substance abuse recovery. Rev Donna is a member of the Athens County Reentry Task Force, Athens HOPE, Ohio’s Reentry Coalition, various West Virginia Reentry Coalitions, as well as several National Reentry Coalitions. Once formerly incarcerated herself, then 10 years later working for the state that incarcerated her, Rev Donna brings an inside perspective to the table of reentry. She has spent the past two decades plus working with individuals who are currently incarcerated, returning from incarceration, and/or in various stages in their substance abuse recovery journey. Rev Donna is a person in long-term recovery, beginning recovery of her meth addiction on Jan 8, 1989. As well to being a mother to a daughter who is also in long-term recovery, she lost her son to his battle with opiates on Nov 24, 2015. Rev Donna brings a perspective from all sides of the addiction issue and facilitates the Heilvegr (a Heathen recovery program) in various facilities nationally. Under the Appalachian Pagan Ministry banner, she leads a bi-weekly street outreach in Parkersburg WV, providing meals, hygiene products, and harm reduction supplies. www.appalachianpaganministry.com
The 12-Steps Without the God Part
A comment heard often in helping those with addictions is: “I tried AA or NA, but I just couldn’t get past the God part.” The God part, of course, refers to the references to God and spirituality that appear in Alcoholics Anonymous literature. For the Heathen or Pagan, as well as with the agnostic, atheist and humanist, it can feel like a distraction from the work at hand as well as a disturbing admonishment to check their beliefs at the door. For others, however, tapping into God’s power is the very thing that makes recovery possible. How, then, to ignore it? As part of her co-authoring the recently released book, “Steel Bars, Sacred Waters”, Donna Donovan wrote a Celtic pagan version of the 12 Steps. This workshop focuses on the different versions of the 12 Steps that those who do not follow an Abrahamic path can utilize in their recovery.
The Heilvegr
The Heilvegr is a Nine Step Recovery program for Heathens who suffer from Addiction, Depression, or PTSD. This program differs from Twelve Step Programs in a key and fundamental way: as Heathens, we accept responsibility for our actions. Those of our faith who have these issues have had to look outside of our faith for help, chiefly to programs that tell us that we are powerless, and to submit ourselves to a thinly veiled higher power. No longer must we do this in order to put ourselves back on the path to health and holiness, the Heilvegr. The principles outlined in this program draw on the work of Carl Jung and Germanic mythology in order to create a path to healing that can help not only addicts, but those with depression and PTSD as well. What makes us stand apart from the traditional addiction recovery and twelve-step programs is that we feel that it is within our own personal power and that we are responsible for our own recovery.
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Dust Bowl Faeries
Dark Carnival Dream Music “Americana by way of pagan cabaret” according to The Bay Area Reporter . Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale fusion of dark cabaret and gothic polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. The accordion-driven freak-folk ensemble hails from the New York Hudson Valley and draws inspiration from sinister circus songs, murder ballads and Eastern European folk music. Singing saw, piano accordion, lap-steel, bass, percussion and acoustic guitar combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries otherworldly sound. Dust Bowl Faeries was founded by Ryder Cooley (faerie queen) and the band's taxidermy spirit animal, Hazel the Ram.
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Musical Saw Demo and Faerie Sing Along
The musical saw, also known as the working person's violin, was a popular instrument in traditional Eastern Europe and Appalachian folk music. Join Ryder & Dust Bowl Faeries for a musical saw demonstration, then join the ensemble in a sing along, instruments welcome!
Robbt Erisbright
A student of Discordianism for over three decades, Robbt Erisbright has developed Discardianism, an offshoot focused on dumpster divination. This practice explores the magical aspects of discarded items and advocates for a sustainable lifestyle amidst hyper-consumption. Beyond his spiritual pursuits, Robbt has worn many hats, including free software programmer, dumpster diver, squatter, media activist, collage artist, community center organizer, and community radio broadcaster. He joined the Order of Emergent Magi after meeting them at the Starwood Festival in 2021. He offers workshops exploring the metaphysics of DiY religions and creating an altar out of trash.
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Invocation of Dumpstradamus
A ritual where participants can release beliefs, ideas, possessions, and relationships. It encourages embracing the notion that one's needs might be met through discarded items. Participants will create an altar from scavenged materials and donations. Attendees are encouraged to bring found objects to collectively craft this altar, which will remain dynamic post-ritual, allowing additions or removals as desired. The event culminates in a symbolic dumpster fire.
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Introduction to Discordianism and Discardianism
Explore the creation of personal religions, using Discardianism as a lens. Rooted in principles like "Trust in Trash" and "Discard your Faith,". embracing aspects of chaos magick and the notion that we can sculpt our beliefs as much as they sculpt us. It will invite reflection on one's beliefs regarding the world, be they spiritual, religious, personal, or intellectual. We will also reflect on The Principia Discordia and discuss how these teachings apply to today's chaotic world. The session includes a guided group discussion where individuals share their journeys in defining personal beliefs and we will talk about the prevalence of disinformation, conspiracy theory and the interplay between beliefs and reality. Fnord.
Dr. Kirk Everest
Kirk directs and teaches theatre studies at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he also conducts experiments in collective consensus creation via improvisation. He has presented at Starwood before on subjects ranging from polyamory, to pagan christians, to mnemotechnics.
Epic Polyamory
It's been 35 years since Oberon & Morning Glory's "Bouquet of Lovers" introduced the terminology and methods of contemporary polyamory in the pages of Green Egg. How have polyamory and polyamorous relationships evolved and adapted over decades of experimentation and practice? This discussion examines how polyamorous people and communities operate in the long term, on a large scale, and develop an epic future.
Public Polyamory
In popular culture, polyamory is becoming a recognized approach to relationships. Poly terms are not only spreading beyond poly communities, but bringing broader and more complex understanding of relationships to other communities. At a time of cultural backlash against experimental and marginalized identity, how can polyamory contribute to the public conversation? Join this group discussion and reflection on how openly and publicly polyamory can be practiced today, and to what ends.
Phil Farber
Phil is a magician, a teacher, and the author of High Magick: A Guide to Cannabis in Ritual and Mysticism, among other titles. He has taught seminars and workshops throughout the USA and Europe and maintains a private practice in NLP and hypnosis. Phil lives in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Visit him online at www. meta-magick.com.
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Cannabis Magick
Can cannabis save the world? We are finally seeing legalization of our favorite herb, both in the USA and internationally. At the same time, though, we’ve witnessed a resurgence in authoritarianism and bigotry of all sorts. Rastas call ganja “the healing of the nations;” is there any basis to this idea? How does cannabis use change the individual and does the same apply to larger groups of people and even nations? Is it already too late, or can the spread of legal cannabis offer some hope in hard times?
Hedonic Engineering
2024 was a particularly difficult year for me. With a little help from my friends and family, though, I learned that there’s always at least a little bit of joy to be had, even in the darkest times. Not only can we personally find a little respite from our troubles, we can offer our joy to others, as a light in the darkness. Let’s play around with some techniques drawn from hypnosis, NLP, and magick to locate that glimmer of happiness and nurture it until it blazes like a Starwood bonfire! Bring a partner to play with or find a new friend at the workshop.
Mass Hypnosis, Psyops, and B.S.
Over the last ten or so years, we’ve watched as domestic and foreign powers subverted global media to achieve their greedy ends. We’ve seen a major chunk of the U.S. population persuaded to vote and act against their own interests. How does this happen? What kind of psychology and technology influence and sway tens of millions of people at a time? Observing local and world events through a lens of hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming, and magick, can we find some resources to fight the powers and make a plan to be free of psyops?
Andrei Freeman
I am the founder and chief developer of Pagan Almanac. An Educational, Divinatory, and Community app for Pagans, Wiccans, and others on similar spiritual paths. I have been working on the project for 10 years and as a result have wound up doing active study in many aspects of craft (Runes, Herbs, Tarot, I Ching, Ogham, Astrology) I have also tried to find what resources best help serve those who are solitary, unable to find a group, or are unable to publicly pursue their spiritual path. It's my hope to help discuss all the options available through technology (apps, servers, social groups) to better learn and expand the work they do on their path.
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Finding Spiritual Tools in Technology
There are a group of Pagan, Wiccan, and others on similar paths; who find they cannot find resources to help them learn and develop their craft. Modern Technology has so many offerings of Information, Practice, and Community; but few people know where to look or how to filter. This workshop lets people discuss and share the resources they use and how to best filter the noise from the signal.
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Astrology and Tarot reading discussion
Bring your decks and your charts. We'll talk about the different methods to read and interpret. Finding simple ways to remember all the symbolism and how to try not to scare the person you are interpreting for.
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Sarah Goodrich
I believe that pleasure holds enormous transformational power, both for individuals and also for our culture collectively. Shedding shame and fully enjoying sexual pleasure are revolutionary acts. I especially enjoy working with aging adults, to empower fulfilling sexuality throughout the lifespan, as well as supporting sex-positive parenting. I’m a certified holistic sexuality educator. I completed my certification with the Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment (ISEE) in 2024. I also hold two master’s degrees, both earned at the University of Vermont (UVM): • M.S. in Natural Resources (Environmental Thought & Culture concentration), where my focus of study was the human-nature relationship (2015) • M.Ed. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a self-designed concentration in sexuality (2024) These credentials are the fruit of a long exploration into the human-nature relationship and human sexuality. I have cultivated a rich connection with the natural world beyond myself, and I have a felt sense that I am nature
too—an animal who interacts with countless other organisms on this miraculous planet. Reveling in sexual pleasure brings this human-nature relationship home, into my own animal body. I conducted my thesis research at Starwood Festival 2008 on the human-nature relationship and faerie faith. Starwood has been a community where sexual expression can blossom because the culture of consent is so strong. I’m thrilled to contribute to an ongoing sex-positive culture of consent and pleasure at The Starwood Festival!
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Bringing nature connection home through sexual pleasure
As Pagans, experiencing a sense of awe and wonder at the miraculous natural world is a central part of how we move through life. A close connection with nature helps us feel at home among trees, in natural bodies of water, and walking and dancing on the Earth. A deep spiritual connection with the miracle of your own sexual pleasure can be a practice in bringing your nature connection right home, inside your own body. In this workshop, we’ll explore how the spirit of place and the spirit of your unique sexuality are similar. We will also practice embodying nature god/goddess archetypes in our sexual expression, although there will not be any sexual contact during the workshop. A deep reverence for the importance of consent in interactions with nature and with other human beings will be central to our exploration.
Sex-positive parenting
How do we raise kids to love and respect their bodies, to enjoy pleasure without shame, and to practice and expect consent in every interaction? How and when do we talk with our kids about sex? How do we help keep them safe and happy as they blossom into sexual beings? This workshop is a chance for parents to come together, share their questions and struggles, and learn some of the best ways to set our kids up for a fulfilling sexual future with less shame and more pleasure. This workshop is appropriate for parents of kids of ALL ages (even babies). Yes, we can be sex-positive parents in a sex-negative world—and it makes a big difference for our kids—and for us!
Dannie Horton
Dannie is a massage therapist and consent educator who works with Cleveland Embodiment Collective. They are focused on building community, expanding access to safety and connection through touch, and imagining alternatives to capitalism and hierarchy in the wellness world.
Three Minute Game
A touch-based consent workshop that offers space for participants to explore how it feels to communicate about and exchange platonic touch in a safe container.
Blindfolded Movement Practice
An opportunity to step further into our bodies as we explore movement and touch in a nonverbal, blindfolded container.
Genevieve ‘Water Song’ Houck
Genevieve is an aqua therapist, music therapist, massage therapist, and song leader from Pittsburgh, PA. She holds regular song circles in Pittsburgh and beyond. Genevieve is a Priestess of the Family of Fire, who has started her own ritual art fire circle gathering each spring called ‘Fire, Sacred Fire,’ centered around the sacred fire arts. You can find her @songcircleforthepeople.
Aqua Therapy in the Pond with Aware Self Care
Join us for an aqua therapy session in the pond focused on stability, flexibility, and strength. Balance poses will be incorporated into butt and back strengthening exercises. We will explore the extra movement and support we get from the water, and practice ways to tone, lengthen, and strengthen our bodies in the pond with 80s workout music keeping us going!
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Aqua Pilates in the Pond with Aware Self Care
Join us in the pond to develop core and back strength through the use of pool noodles, water weights, and water resistance to pulse, balance, and tone our bodies with no wear and tear on our joints! This class will be a combination of back glute and core strengthening.
Jack Ingersoll (aka Iacchus)
Licensed Clinical social worker for 42 years,2 years as an analyst in training at the Jungian Institute of Chicago,2nd degree Gardnerian, Ordain CAW Clergy and Senior Clergy at Sweetwood Temenos.
The Moon God, Polyamory, and Bi-friendly Heterosexual Man
The Moon God: Who was he? Myth and archaeology describe him as the Archetype of a mature male/man, King, Warrior, Magian and Lover. He ruled the white blooded life, plant life, and the waters. The Lunar aspect suggests an Intuitive-Feeling psychological type. As the Sun Goddess’ Horned God, myth has him in a loving and companionate relationship. They are Poly having lovers of mortals and Deities. He symbolized partnership relationships and mature masculinity in the Neolithic Matriarchal cult of the ploughed and planted land. My discovery of the Moon God helped me recognize myself as individuating the Moon God’s archetype and facilitated my personal and spiritual path of psychological wholeness, similar to the story Sothis tells us. The workshop will include my personal story in the integration as a bi-friendly heterosexual man, achieving a complex partnership Self, based on Equality, Reciprocal Altruism and Eros.
You Believe in the Gods, Don’t You?
Using metaphysics based in Organismic Wholeness, I will synthesize philosophical concepts about how we know and the limits of knowing. Discussing psychology, Jung’s analytical psychology and Human (Family) systems theory, and theology/metaphysics we will create a mythopoetic narrative based on polytheistic wholeness. Key is the Jungian equation of the Ideal (the Archetype of Wholeness or Self; equal to the Image of Deity) with what makes the human psyche dynamic. The Self as the Image of Deity becomes the microcosmic pattern of the psychology of the macrocosmic psyche, its archetypical Ideal, reflecting the “Above So Also Below”. The Archetypes, World Soul and Tree of Life are woven into a Neo-pagan mythopoetic narrative that answers the workshop’s question. This presentation includes a guided meditation/active imagination and discussion of the projection of the imaginal realm upon the transcendental realm and its relationship to psychological wholeness and Neo-paganism in the age of Aquarius.
Nellie James
Nellie Has been designing shows for various theater groups for 35 years. Her clients include: Ohio Valley Summer theater, Actors Movable theater, Ohio University opera theater and The Peoples bank theater. Most recently, she designed and produced costumes for Song of Singapore, Hansel and Gretel and Kiss Me Kate. When not working on a show she runs a custom design business, RoseHips Creations for hard to fit folks, specializing in festive and Special occasion clothing.
Starwood Fashion Show:
The Light Phantastic! From trash to fantastic, fabulous transformations for a festival world We're looking for 5 designers or design teams to participate in a creative fun runway show. Also seeking 25 models to co-create with the designers. Each designer or team to create a 5 look collection.. No limits, imagination is unleashed. Ever wanted to show case your amazing festival wear? Show off your masks and makeup? Join me for the first Starwood Fashion Show! "Transformations" Throw your hat in the ring!
Heather Killen
Witch, Priestess, crafts woman, teacher, pirate. Heather is an ordained Wiccan Clergy Woman in the State of Ohio and actively practicing professional witch. Heather has actively taught women's and warrior mysteries across Northern America for the last 2+ decades. She isn’t a witch beholding to degrees, favoring practical application, heart, integrity, common sense, wisdom and skill. In addition to being the founder, organizer/field general of the Earth Warriors Festival, she is the owner of Violet Flame Gifts. Opened in 2003, VFG is a hearth-based Practitioner’s Shop specializing in all natural, hand blended body products, oils, and custom work. Heather is a down to earth witch who is frequently called an irrepressible force of nature. www.violetflamegifts.com www.earthwarriorsfestival.com
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Dropping Anchor
Centering ourselves while having to make a million decisions and being overwhelmed can be a huge challenge. Keeping your energy balanced, grounded and clear during stressful events is what Heather Killen brings to this interactive energy workshop. This class is packed with practical tools and exercises to develop the spiritual muscle memory that helps you hold your center in any moment.
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Cauldron of Transformation and Rejuvenation
Full out witchy class on how to use your bathtub and shower as a magickal tool to help you with love, money, healing, centering, and tranquility. Heather will also be discussing a new color ray technique for the bath that will blow your mind and not mess up your tub! Learn the magickal and therapeutic benefits of oils, butters, milks, and salts. 10 minute bolstering and fixes for even the busiest of practitioners.
Kharma Lindsey
Kharma is a hedgewitch and shamanic pratitioner who brides the worlds of Magick, science and psychology. She works with many plant medicines. She has a degree in clinical psychology and is a Death Midwife, is licensed in Oregon for Psilocybin Facilitation and integration and teaches at Emerald Valley Institute for psilocybin facilitator students. Kharma is a carrier of Sacred Drum Medicine and an AZ native. She uses drumming and breathwork to create non ordinary consciousness for healing without plant medicines as well. She teaches and speaks around the world and is an advocate for social equity in psychedelic healing.
Drum Birthing
Don't just walk to the beat of your own drum, BUILD YOUR OWN DRUM! Join Kharma in this hands on workshop to create your own Medicine Drum. We begin with a Shamanic drum journey to connect to the spirit of the animal, tree and waters that comprise the body of the drum. We will sing into the heartstrings a blessing song as we string the heart strings and breathe life into the drum. We will end with a Naming Ceremony and an opportunity to either paint or use flowers to print on the leather. this workshop includes all the materials needed for a 10 inch (travel size) drum and mallet. There is a materials cost of $45 for the 10inch drum.
The Tie Tyed sheep- Psychedelics, Society and being Human
Join Kharma for a sneak peek at the psychedelic renaissance and all it's growing pains and blissful moments. She will share a bit about her personal journey to the jungles of Peru, Mexico and academia. Learn what it has been to navigate as a black sheep (poly, pagan psychonaut from the psychedelic underground)to the academic teacher of the next generation of psychedelic facilitators as the tie dyed sheep she always was. Plenty of room with be left for laughter, Q&A and discussion.
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Craft your own Medicine Rattle
Join Kharma in Earthways traditions. We will gather, create a community circle and share intentions for our the birth of our medicine. Utilizing Shamanic Drum Journey, we will travel back in time to sit around the Fire with our Ancestors and tap dive into our ancestral wisdoms. We will come face to face with the Animal Spirit of our hide and stick. We will draw that Animal Medicine within and alchemize all we lean into our Medicine Intention.
Sacred waters will be created in the ceremony using herbs and stones to further reinforce our intentions for our Medicine Rattle. Songs of blessing will be sung to the waters as we immerse our hides in ceremonial space. We will inscribe our handles, birth our hides and string our rattles to our community heartsong. We will pack the rattle and set aside to dry. In the second part of our rattle workshop, we will empty the dry rattle, choose the contents of the rattle itself (beads, teeth, rocks, crystals, beans, corn, etc) and affix the rattle head to the handle. The final part of our workshop is the Naming Ceremony. We will share our Rattles Sacred Name and reintroduce ourselves with any Sacred Name that may have emerged with our journey signifying how we are reemerging into the world, forever elevated by the new connections and Medicies made.
Hides and their meanings:
Deer- Feminine, nimbleness, agility, family, play, fun,
Elk: Masculine, strength in stamina, powerful, watcher of the forest
Cow: Feminine, maternal, family ties, nurturing, motherhood
Deer will be provided unless other hide is chosen. Handles will be foraged from the site for extra magicks.
Please bring a yoga mat or cushion for sitting on the ground, a journal, water bottle, and open heart!
Katy Love
I would describe myself as an occultist and healer, with many synergistic intersections between these roles. In my professional life, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I primarily work with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse clients in individual, couple and family therapy. As a trauma therapist, I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help my clients activate organic healing so they can transmute the pain of trauma into a sense of authentic empowerment. I am honored to be a healer not only in a professional role, but also within my spiritual community. My personal magick was born in death. From this perspective I can fully honor the darkness, I can seek comfort and beauty in darkness. I greatly enjoy balancing the heavy work of healing with playfulness, fun, and a healthy nourishment of the inner child. As a Primary Narrator in the Order of Emergent Magi, I have found a comfortable connection of healer and occultist through planning and organizing events to build community through ritual.
Mothman, Sasquatch, and Frogman! Oh My! Cryptids We Love and Fear
Cryptid, n.: A creature who is believed to exist, but has not been proven to exist or has minimal evidence of existing. Despite many televised shows and enthusiastic investigations, we have minimal scientific evidence that cryptids do exist. We have blurry pictures, anecdotal stories sworn on the teller’s grandmother’s grave, shaky video and the lore lives on. Cryptids seem to tickle a collective conscious desire, they are deeply engrained in what it is to be human. Cryptids exist only in the context of community, connection and strong enough emotion to motivate us to pass the stories on. Please BYOL (Bring Your Own Lore) to share with others. All attendees will have the opportunity to become a cryptid themselves (no evidence of freshly created cryptids will be available).
Knotted Family and Not Family
“Is blood thicker than water”? Or is it that “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”? In many families there is an obligation that expects you to give time, energy, access to you and your own family, even if the relationship is unhealthy. This dynamic causes us to separate from our sense of self and be inauthentic to prioritize this obligation. This workshop, presented by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, will identify indicators of healthy familial relationships and suggest ways to develop a personal definition of Knotted Family - the people, biological or non-biological, you would tie yourself to intentionally. Attendees will have an opportunity to connect with their sense of self. We will discuss some ways to honor your Knotted Family and to maintain relationships with them.
Jack "Giacomo" Lowry
Giacomo is a musician who works with developing innovations in world fusion music through a confluence of musical influences and chi energy. Being a percussionist from a young age, he developed a keen ear for rhythm. A guitarist in his youth, he has become proficient in Oud and Cumbus which he plays along with a mini 12 string guitar as well as his voice in the band Gypsy Funk Squad. Jack has been in the music business for over 30 years and feels it is a form of prayer when he is able to connect and share his musical chi with people of the Earth.
FUNky Drumming Games, and tricks for more fun!
Spice up our drum jams with some back and forth call- response techniques and triplet solo breaks. Learn how less can be more. I will have 10 drums to share or bring your own.
Intro to playing Middle-Eastern rhythms
Learn basic ayyoub, chiftitelli and maqsoum rhythms . If we are feeling ambitious we can even try some odd 7/8, 9/8 rhythms! I will have 10 drums to share or bring your own!
Mark Mansfield
Mark has been a therapist for 24 years and currently works in private practice. He has attended Starwood for the past 28 years and has been exploring and interested in psychedelics and their potential for the past 33 years. In 2023, Mark graduated from Integrative Psychiatry Institute’s 10 month program in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and is in the process of becoming MAPS certified as well. As the field opens up, Mark’s plan is to offer affordable, accessible psychedelic therapy to those in need.
At-Home Brain Surgery: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) on a Budget
So you want to fix your head but find the cost or availability to be to high & low respectively? Don’t despair! Thanks to ancient modern technologies there truly can be better living through chemistry. For the cost of some time & intent you can work on your own brain (don’t forget the mirror.) We will explore the important elements of PAT preparation, session, & integration in-depth and learn how to apply them in your personal journeys to maximize effectiveness, growth, & healing. We will also discuss potential challenges and how to navigate them as well as other safety considerations. While there is no replacement for a good therapist, its amazing how much work you can do on yourself.
A Psychedelic Salon
As psychedelics’ role as teachers & healers are becoming more widely culturally accepted each experience, challenge, and insight are unique. What do these unique spirits teach us about ourselves, others, and the nature of deeper realities? How do we integrate these experiences for personal and collective healing? Starwood is full of brilliant people with a depth of knowledge across a breadth of interests. This salon is intended to be a loosely guided interactive exploration of the power, potential, and peril inherent in this path. The title is inspired by “Lorenzo” and his online psychedelic salons dating back to 2005. Everyone is encouraged to bring their experiences and expertise to collectively explore the breadth and depth of this unique gift & tool.
Louis Martinie
Dr. Louis Martinie is the content editor for Black Moon Publishing and its divisional imprint, Left Hand Press. His writings include the text to the New Orleans Voodoo Tarot (Destiny Books), Priest's Head / Drummer's Hands (Black Moon), and Dr. John Montanee; A Grimoire (Black Moon). Louie has been in service to the New Orleans Voodoo Spiritual Temple for 35 years. He is a drummer, elder, and spiritual doctor. His practice syncretizes Dzogchen Buddhism with New Orleans Voodoo. Blanc Dan-i is the Master of his Head. The Marassa and the Buddhas sing within his heart. His devotions are to Dr. John Montanee, St. Roch, and Lama Lena. Drum recordings include Ritual Drumming (Inner Traditions), Voodoo (Mambito - Best of New Orleans Music Series), and drum tracts for the movie The Skeleton Key (NBC Universal). His studio/band work consists of over 30 albums. He has received 3 grants from Xavier University in New Orleans to use drum rhythms to teach communication skills to persons with severe/profound handicaps. Louie has spent a year on sabbatical with Thubten Norbu, an elder brother to the 14th Dalai Lama, studying how Tibetans teach kindness to their children. He was made an honorary member of the Louisiana State Legislature in recognition of his work.
Dr. John Montanee: New Orleans Voodoo; a Loa of the Drums
Dr. John. Mind: Intellectual Understanding…Research will be presented focused on Dr. John as an historical and as a folkloric figure. His association with the drum in conjure will be emphasized. This is a session that focuses on acquiring knowledge of Dr. John through historical documents and folkloric remembrances from the eighteen hundreds to the present. High Contact: Feeding Dr. John Montanee’ Heart: Contact: This opens the door to an intimate contact with Dr.John. This contact speaks to the heart. Participants will be invited to allow Dr. John to gain strength by moving through, and partaking of, the elements in their bodies. This is both a sharing and an act of union with a strong emotional component. A talisman will be distributed to aide in this conjure. Session #2 will be discussed in the context of partial or full possession, the most holy gift you can give is the use of your body in full or in part. We are always possessed by something. Why not make a clear choice as to what? These serve as an introduction to the 2nd session though, if moved, participants can attend the other session without this initial introduction.
Taken by Spirit: Conjuring Dr. John Montanee
Dr. John will be called and invited to manifest through the participants’ bodies. Drumming and dancing. This conjure is best experienced by invitation. Talk to me or Maegdlyn. I relax into Blanc Dan-i, the Master of my Head, and give a yes or no. You can participate after receiving a negative response or without even seeking an invitation. It is an open conjure.
Cap'n Redboots (Ian McGee)
Cap'n Redboots, A self-proclaimed "navigator of the unknown," is a bold adventurer whose love for twisting paths and hidden corridors is practically etched into their soul. Their journey began over a decade ago, when their father, Cap'n Pat, undertook the ambitious task of building the Starwood Labyrinth. When they're not traversing winding paths, Cap'n Redboots enjoys teaching others how to approach life's challenges with the same problem-solving mindset they use to conquer even the most complex mazes. For Cap'n Redboots, no two labyrinths are ever the same, with every labyrinth a new adventure - One that always leads to personal growth and a deeper connection with the world - above and below.
Labyrinth Creation
This is a chance for a behind-the-scenes look at how to create a candle labyrinth. This workshop will include the labyrinth setup (layout and the actual setting of lights) along with education about the ritual and the proper cup-to-sand ratio.
Labyrinth Ritual
The Candle Labyrinth is a spiritual pilgrimage that will be specially prepared one night for your participation, enjoyment, and guidance. The time-honored tradition of walking the candlelight labyrinth mirrors an archetype dating over 4,000 years. However, our labyrinth is not made of rockface but rather it is a singular path weaving along candlelight to and from an inner circle where there will be a central fire. It is meant to be walked slowly, as this is a ritual to evoke mindfulness and spiritual transformation. If the stars are visible it may serve as a beacon to the universe, but it can also serve as a beacon to your soul. We encourage you, along this journey, to pause and reflect, and whether this is your first time walking the labyrinth or your fortieth, you can expect a sacred metamorphosis.
Kellie McGuire
I am a lifelong pagan with over twenty years of sobriety in two different 12-step programs. I have also taught for 12 years as a public school teacher. For the past three years, a circle of fellow pagans and I have been exploring how the Wheel of the Year aligns with the steps of our recovery process. I developed this workshop from that experience with the Pagans in Recovery 12-step fellowship to share this transformative journey with other pagans seeking recovery.
The 12 Steps and the Wheel of the Year:
The Journey of Recovery from Addiction through Steps & Rituals
Session 1
This workshop explores the alignment of the 12 Steps with the seasons, offering a sacred practice for recovery that emphasizes personal healing and natural cycles. It consists of two 90-minute sessions with lectures on seasonal and step correspondences, guided meditation and visualization. Q&A Materials include Handouts with the Wheel of the Year-step correspondence, a ritual outline, and a resources sheet. Session 1 of the two-part Workshop spans from Winter Solstice Through Early May. Winter Solstice aligns with Step1 (The cycle begins anew with surrender and hope). Cross-Winter and Early February align with Steps 2&3 (Awakening trust in the Divine’s restorative power). Spring Equinox aligns with Step 4 (Balance and renewal through alignment and self-reflection). Cross-Spring and Early May align with Steps 5&6 (Sharing truth in a sacred and fertile space; fire as a purifier).
Session 2
Spans from Summer Solstice Through Early November. Summer Solstice aligns with Step 7 (A time for transformation and calling on divine aid; power of the Sun, strength to change). Cross-Summer and Early August align with Steps 8 & 9 (Harvest, reaping what we’ve sown, the work of mending). Autumn Equinox aligns with Step 10 (Restoring balance and practicing accountability, maturity, letting go, and preparation for introspection). Cross-Autumn andEarly November align with Steps 11 &12 (Spiritual awakening, honoring the ancestors, and sharing wisdom with others). Winter Solstice again aligns with Step 1 (The cycle begins anew with surrender and hope).
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Vivian Meretrix
Vivian was ordained a Priestess of the O.T.O. in 2014 and served as Lodge Master of Chalice of Heaven Lodge in Chicago from 2016-2021, making her the only female lodge master in Illinois history. During that time, Vivian regularly hosted classes on ceremonial magic, occult history, tarot, astrology, Qabbalah, and various Western Hermetic subjects. In 2016, she lectured at Women of Fire, a convention focusing on women in occultism. That same year, Vivian began studying to become the nationally toured burlesque performer and teacher she is today! Currently, Vivian is the Head Hottie of the Illumi-Naughtie, an occult-themed burlesque review she produces in Chicago that educates audiences on the history of the occult and burlesque while presenting ritual theatre and the enchantment of cabaret.
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Self Care Sorcery
Learn how to develop a self-care regimen that builds on meditative practices, ritual awareness, and spiritual development! Building on over 15 years of experience as a health care worker and ordained priestess, Vivian Meretrix will show you how to better embody your inner divinity through self love and wellness practices merged with spiritual ones.
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Ecstatic Dance Rituals: Ancient to Modern
Vivian is the Head Hottie of Illumi-Naughtie Occult Burlesque, a review which explores the connection between the occult and cabaret, as well as the history of ecstatic dance and public dramatic rituals. We will discuss the long history of the esoteric and the erotic onstage, from ancient rites to modern burlesque, and how you can embody sacred dance in the day to day rhythm of your life.
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Merrick
(He-Who-Loves-Wisdom), Scribe of the Order of Emergent Magi and Devotee of Djhuety (Thoth) is best known to the esoteric community through his Youtube Channel, Scroll of Thoth, and his contributions as co-author of Emergent Magick: Rebuilding Our Tribes Through Ritual and Meaning. A frequent presenter of esoteric subjects at gatherings like the Starwood Festival, my animist perspective is shot through the lens of Ancient Egyptian tradition. After being called to my patron, Djhuety (Thoth), I expanded my practice to a deeper understanding of Ancient Egyptian Tradition. Unlike traditional Egyptophile occultists, who concentrate on the Hermetics and Gnostics of later Egypt, my practice follows the beliefs of 3,000 years of prior Egyptian history, which offer very different spirit and religious perspectives. It hangs upon the Ancient Egyptian concepts of Ma’at and Heka. My guides are the ample Egyptian funerary literature, other magical texts, and the works of the Egyptian priesthood. Yet my guiding magical philosophy is strikingly more modern, with a framework consisting of the tenants of Emergent Magick, co-developed with my brother, Zentra El. Emergent Magick focuses on building communities, ancestor veneration, and building your own magical tradition through what you learn by doing the magic itself.
Book of Gates – Guided Meditation
Beginning with a discussion on Ancient Egyptian practice and funerary literature we will include how these spells may have been used by the living as a form of journeying. We will explore the Egyptian underworld, its denizens, and place in Ancient Egyptian life. The event concludes with a guided meditation based on one of the lesser known texts – The Book of Gates. Bring a chair if you need one to get comfortable.
Underworld Perspectives
The earliest form of spiritual tradition for which we have evidence is the belief that we continue in some way after we die, as is evidenced by the discovery of grave goods left by the first human populations and our hominid cousins. We will discuss how this foundational practice lies at the heart of the Western Esoteric Tradition, including necromancy, ancestor veneration, as well as the modern study of near-death experiences (NDEs) and paranormal investigation. This workshop provides ways to add a chthonic perspective to your own personal practice.
Nancy Mitchell & Linda Murphy
Nancy is the current President of Rosencomet Project and Linda is a long time supporter and past organizer of the Starwood Festival. You may have seen them around the festival with Spicy "Carl" JR and Buddy their faithful support stuffed animals. Spicy "Carl" JR and Buddy love making new friends and hope to meet other support stuffed animals who are here to enjoy Starwood while supporting their human companions.
You Are Cordially Invited to a High Tea Party!
Hosted by Her Highness Queen Linda & Her Royal Highness Princess Petal
Dearest Esteemed Guest,
By royal decree, you are warmly invited to join us for a Majestic Afternoon of Comfort and Camaraderie, in honor of our loyal and beloved emotional support stuffed animals. As champions of emotional well-being and tender companionship, Queen Linda and Princess Petal are hosting this tea party to honor the mighty stuffed animals who offer us love, joy, and support through life’s most trying moments. Whether fluffy or felted, stitched or sewn, each animal holds a place of the utmost importance in our hearts. Let us gather to show gratitude, celebrate their unwavering presence, and partake in tea and delightful treats fit for royalty. We are eagerly awaiting your presence, along with your most cherished companion.
With Regal Affection,
Queen Linda & Princess Petal
Mortellus
Mortellus is a lineaged Third Degree Gardnerian High Priestex of the Long Island Line who are presently busy at work on their third book. Their second book The Bones Fall in a Spiral: A Necromantic Primer, is completed and arriving soon. In addition to their role as High Priestex, Mortellus is a Mortician, and holds degrees in Design, Education, Fine Arts, and Mortuary Sciences. Their areas of expertise include necromancy, necrobotany, mediumship, and the funerary rites of minority faith groups. They currently reside in Western North Carolina on three acres that doubles as the Covenstead for the Coven of Leaves.
Necromancy in the Age of Fascism
We will explore the intersection of witchcraft, necromancy, and political resistance in the context of authoritarian regimes. Focusing on how marginalized communities can use magical practices such as necromancy as a springboard for activism and community centered work. In addition we'll examine some historical examples of witchcraft as resistance, ranging from the occult resistance during the rise of fascism, to modern-day magical activism on—on both sides of the aisle. Students will explore how necromancy serves as a radical tool for reclaiming lost histories, amplifying silenced voices, and challenging oppressive ideologies, offering new possibilities for resistance and social change.
Mediumship for Beginners
Mortellus will teach you how to speak with the dead—even when it doesn't come naturally.
Journey to the Center of the Earth: Meeting Death Ritual
Embrace the profound mysteries of life and death in this unique ritual experience with Mortellus. Explore the depths of your own existence and discover profound insights that may reshape your perspective on mortality and the journey beyond. Step into the realm of Death under the protection of esteemed author and practitioner Mortellus as they guide participants on a profound ritual journey to commune with the essence of mortality itself. What Should You Bring? Be certain to wear something loose and comfortable that is, if not ritual appropriate, at least funeral appropriate. We may spend some time prone, so be certain to bring a mat, blanket, or pillow along if you’d like to have one.
Anadonis ("Ana") Nephilim
A longtime practitioner of the occult arts since the age of 12, Anadonis Nephilim has been and continues to be a student of mysticism and magick. Ana's experiences began when they developed a relationship with an ancient feminine deity who led them into the primordial ether. A noted dance instructor and sacred fire tender at previous festivals, Ana is no stranger to teaching and facilitating on a variety of workshops and topics, ranging from ethics to rituals to folkloric traditions. They have contributed articles of their thoughts and foresights on Occulture. A natural psychic who works tirelessly at their Craft, Ana's past and present forays include Sufism, Asatru / Vanatru, Left-Hand Tibetan Tantra, Kaula Yoga practices, Gnosticism, and more. It is Ana's heartfelt desire to bring their magickal experiences and mystic philosophies to the Starwood Festival community as a gift to bring forth clarity and manifestation goals to all who join.
Primordial Tome I: Lilith
When the term "dark goddess" is mentioned, what comes to mind? What does the term Primordial signify? Join Anadonis Nephilim in this three-part interactive lecture series in uncovering the etymologies, geographical mythos and hidden messages, archetypal symbolism, and demo discussion on traditional versus modern day practices for these mysterious deities. There will be opportunities for Q&A and a short break in between. Bring a chair, hydrating beverage, a snack, a notebook and pen, and an open mind. Journaling prompt will be provided to gain more personal perspective on the Goddess subject. Tome I: The Archetypes of Lilith.
Primordial Tome II: Maa-Kali
Journaling prompt will be provided to gain a more personal perspective on the Goddess subject. Tome II: The Archetypes of Maa-Kali.
Primordial Tome III: Hekate
Journaling prompt will be provided to gain more personal perspective on the Goddess subject. Primordial Tome III: Hekate
Nightbird and Christopher McLaren
Nightbird (Rev. Karen E. Martin, M.Ed.) is an interfaith Minister, Reiki Master, Shamanic Practitioner, Sound Healer, Oracle/Tarot Reader, Speaker/Ceremonialist, Micro Publisher, and Educator/Trainer with a career continuum spanning 30+ years in both the Muggle and Metaphysical worlds. For decades, Nightbird has studied and practiced Meditation, Psychology, Yoga, Comparative Religion, Consciousness, Sound Healing (Drumming, Chant, Toning, Tuning Forks, Rattles, and more), Ecstatic Dance, and especially, Reiki, learning techniques to heal her own Body, Mind, and Spirit. Now, she lives as a Conscious, Joyful Creator and Manifester, working to bring like-minded people into orbit so that all may rise together. One of my primary missions is to empower people to heal themselves, to achieve Self-Realization in consciousness, and to live life as joyously as possible - in healthy ways that nurture our Spirit, consider our Mental Health, and honor the Temple of our physical body. This includes a sex-positive attitude that has emerged from working on my own unhealthy patterns, beliefs, and behaviors. Having walked this path and hit numerous potholes along the way, I share my experiences in the hope that others may benefit from the insights and skills I’ve learned.
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Meditation in Motion
Do you live in your mind (“never can stop thinking”)? Feel out of touch with your body? Want to meditate, but can't sit still? In this workshop, we will explore the all important Mind-Body connection by achieving a meditative state through participatory activities. Participants are invited to actively release thought, with mindful awareness of their body’s movements, to practice activities that shift awareness to the physical body and world, to cultivate a sense of the present moment through active observation. Each participant may start a Flexible Plan to integrate Meditation in Motion into their daily life including ways to (1) make being out amongst people more enjoyable, (2) alleviate in-the-moment stress and (3) become more meditative through repeated easy actions and decisions. Come dressed in comfortable clothes allowing individually adaptably gentle movements. Be prepared to stand and move about, but feel free to bring a favorite chair or mat.
Taoist Practices for Couples: The Energetics of Intimacy
This workshop is for couples in intimate relationships. Partners learn a Taoist meditation technique to practice alone or together, tapping into your body's sexual energy to supercharge your entire body, experience deeper healing and soul connections. You may choose to sit together in an intimate posture and naturally become aroused by the strong energy - exactly what you want to happen! You’ll learn to harvest and circulate energy through each other's body, using focused intention. At the Mental, Physical and Spiritual levels blockages recede, body cells revitalize and overall function improves. With practice you experience deep relaxation, a profound connection with your partner, increased peace and vitality, better immune response, lower stress, and increased sexual pleasure. Bring comfortable clothing, a blanket or chair if unable to sit comfortably on the ground. After practice we will share experiences and questions to help integrate these learnings into our daily relations with our partner.
Judy Ann Nock
Judy is the bestselling author of six books on witchcraft including The Modern Witchcraft Book of Crystal Magick, The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Runes, The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, and The Modern Witchcraft Book of Natural Magick. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and are enjoyed throughout the world. Judy Ann Nock is a popular musician, a metalsmith, a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, a member of Mensa, and has appeared in The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, The Guardian, Refinery29, and The Village Voice. She has been featured on numerous podcasts including The Witching Hour with Patti Negri, The Magick Spark with Tandy Guiterrez, Magickal Witchy World TV with Starr Ann Ravenhawk, among others. She is best known for being the only witch to have had multiple book signing events at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Recently, Judy Ann Nock presented the panel, Witches After Dark, at New York Comic Con in October of 2024.
Awakening to the Runes
Whether you are new to runes or an experienced rune caster, Awakening the Runes with Judy Ann Nock will appeal to practitioners at all levels. Beginning with a galdr, attendees will summon the presence and power of runes in an informative and hands-on workshop that explores both the ancient origins, as well as the modern applications of well known runic systems. Participants will gain a new understanding on the purpose and application of the Elder Futhark runes as well as modern systems such as the Witch Runes.
Crystal Magick
Crystals are a powerful and accessible way to attune to the energies of the earth. Crystals are used in many types of magic including spells, charms, as talismans, altar adornments, and more. Judy Ann Nock will guide practitioners through innovative and inspiring uses of crystals as they pertain to magick: as a grounding and focusing tool, a tool of invocation and manifestation, or spiritual amplification. No matter where your psychic or spiritual development desires lie, Judy Ann Nock will provide methods and materials to guide attendees into a deeper relationship with the energies of the earth through the use of crystals in magick.
Tamrha Richardson
Tamrha Richardson has been a practicing witch for 25 years, is an ordained Priestess of Hekate through the Temple of the Hallowed Gods and the High Priestess of Crow, Torch and Feral Night coven in central Indiana. Through the Indiana Dept of Corrections, she has volunteered in three state prisons since 2012 serving Pagan inmates, leading ritual and providing education. She specializes in public ritual, trance work, and magical herbalism. As a birthworker, Tamrha has served over 270 families as a doula and homebirth assistant, and has recently pivoted to providing Traditional Family-Centered Birth Companion services for those who do not wish to engage the technocratic birthing system. Skilled in clinical based aromatherapy, herbalism for women's health, nutritional support, placenta encapsulation and other postpartum services, Tamrha seeks to assist families through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period with compassionate, trauma-informed care.
Bringing Through the Gods - A Trance workshop parts 1 and 2
Like the sybils and oracles of the past, whom Kings and commoners alike sought out for insight and prophesy given directly from the Gods, modern Pagans and Witches can learn to conduct such rituals. In this two part workshop, participants will come away with a deeper understanding of the components, techniques and construction of such rituals that are true gifts to offer their communities. Part 1 - history, modern trance traditions, energy work, cosmology and psychology, Q&A Part 2 Continuing the learning around Trance work. In part 2, participants learn about the roles in trance, tools that can be useful, as well as problems and solutions. Those who attend both parts 1 and 2 can then practice these techniques in a safe space, and have the opportunity to participate in the public ritual being offered to the wider Starwood community.
Bringing Through the Gods - A Ritual
In this ritual, we speak to the Gods! Through trained Seers, and in sacred space, we will bring through the Old Gods in order to provide messages, insights and prophesy. It may be Hekate we speak with. It could be Pan. Maybe it will be The Morrigan or Brigid. All of this depends on the consensus of the participants in the 2-part Trance Workshop earlier in the week. That said, bring your drums, instruments, singing voices and questions, or simply your curiosity, and see what the Gods have to tell us.
Denny Sargent
(aka: Aion 131, Hermeticusnath) is a Seattle writer, artist, and university instructor whose extensive global travels and esoteric studies inform his books. He has visited 30 countries and lived in Japan for four years, teaching at a university and studying Shinto. Denny was first introduced to Mythology and Magick in New York City where he grew up. Since his early teens, he has been accepted as a member of many initiatory groups including Pagan Way, Welsh Traditional Wicca, The GSS, the Typhonian OTO, QBLH, Order of Chaos, Cult of Tara, and the Adinath Lineage of Tantrika. He is one of the founding members of the Horus/Maat Lodge and various other arcane cults too hideous to mention. He has written about Alternative Religions, Hermetic Magick, Taoism, Animism, Shinto, and Tantra.
Feral Trance Work with Nature Spirits
Let us come together in the wilderness, discuss primal nature spirits and then, together, enter a gentle meditative trance state where we will open ourselves to the nature spirits and Other World of wonder. When we open up, the Animistic spirits in nature are waiting for us. Together we will enter a primal state that opens us to direct connections with these spirits which will join with us and reveal and speak with us as our mind falls silent. Come and together let's connect with the feral nature spirits and share their wisdom!
Unleashing Your Primal Animal Self - Discussion and Ritual
In this presentation all will learn and ritually experience successful self-feral magick by unleashing the Animal Self, aided by your inner Primal Spirit. Accepting and unleashing your feral Animal Self will aid you in breaking free from the chains of civilization. All living beings emerged from the first DNA, including us: This is the origin and core of our Animal Self. Our ritual will help us release every animal spirit within us and embrace our own Animal Self! In this way we will emerge with the primal feral joy that has always been within us! Come and dance as the Feral Animals we are!
‘Spirit-Kin’ - Feral Group Ritual
If you are familiar with or now work with one or more ‘spirit animals’ then please join us in a powerful group ritual where all of us will call forth and weave together our primal spirit-kin animals in wild and joyful ritual! Like in other cultures it is common for Animal-spirit focused shamans to gather together and manifest primal energies. We together will do this and join in animal-cries, wild dance, and unleashing our animistic feral magick and joy. Gathering together, uttering-animal cries, and linking with each other in this way is powerful magick! When each of us and our animal-kin spirits all come together in a circle, expect exciting and powerful joy! Come! Howl, roar, hiss or caw and dance with us!
Josh Sherman
Josh is a hand percussionist specializing in Tabla and East-Indian rhythms, who has studied tabla for over two decades from several renowned Tabla teachers. Josh is a scholarship awardee and studies / performs with the Salar Nader Tabla Foundation. He performs solo and with several groups (including Indian-inspired fusion band Rudraksh Rhythm, the Indian devotional kirtan group Enchanted Hearts, and the world fusion band Global Connections). He has performed with musicians and dancers of many different styles from around the world. Performance venues of note include Starwood Festival (15th year!), Severance Hall, House of Blues, Cain Park, Ingenuity Fest, Tri-C Jazz Fest, Parade the Circle, Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Getty Center in Los Angeles. Josh has also conducted workshops for all ages on Indian Rhythm Theory and other drumming related topics for Starwood Festival, Ingenuity Fest, and for many Passport Project programs.
Drumming of India – Beyond Counting
Explore elements of Indian Rhythm Theory to apply to your unique rhythmic repertoire. Counting, aka dividing time into numbered units, can be a useful tool for understanding, analyzing, and composing rhythms. Through counting we learn to recognize rhythms intuitively and eventually move beyond the need to count. This workshop will give participants the tools to understand rhythmic frameworks more intuitively, which can unlock worlds of rhythmic potential. It can be applied to any instrument and all skill levels and styles of music. Bring an instrument, participate or observe.
Drumming of India – Elements of Musicality
This workshop will explore concepts from two decades of studying Indian drumming which can help make any drummer (or non-drummer-musician) more "musical". Concepts such as listening, adapting, leaving space, dynamics, accenting, groove, melody, and structure are some of the defining characteristics that make a drummer more than a drummer- it is what makes a well rounded musician. From drum circles to being more versatile as a performing rhythmic accompanist, we will explore these topics for use in your own musical path regardless of style, skill level, or instrument. Bring an instrument, participate or observe.
SadaNam Singh
SadaNam has been a mystical, nature-loving Pagan his entire life since childhood, but was also extremely shy and emotional. Yoga taught him to breathe, release pain and tension, and focus his mind through 8 years of college yoga courses since 2007. In 2009, he began regular Kundalini Yoga classes which led him into even more ecstatic states to live as his highest self with abundant energy and discipline! This transformation from fear to love and service has been so profound that he feels the greatest purpose in his life is to share these practices to uplift every soul he can. A certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, SadaNam completed over 700 hours of Kundalini teacher training in Cincinnati, Rishikesh, the Himalayas of Leh, Ladadk, India, and at his yoga studio Elevate Yoga & Healing Arts in Columbus. He named it Elevate because his life’s mission is to teach people to uplift their energy, health, and well-being to unimaginable heights!
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Kundalini Yoga: 3rd Eye Opening
If we go through life only seeing with our physical eyes, only consuming media that are fed to us, we miss out on a multitude of brilliant possibilities. The brain center associated with creativity and new ideas actually shrinks and stops working from excessive screen time. SadaNam Singh has learned and uses powerful methods of third eye opening, Kundalini teacher training in India, Reiki Master teacher training, and Shamanic medicine work.This awakening is most quickly and efficiently achieved through exuberant, full-body kriya sequences of exercises, stretching postures, and specific meditations given to us by the masters. The goal of this workshop is not only to open your sight beyond sight, but also to optimize your energy, full body well-being, and even open your heart so you can enjoy your Starwood to the fullest as your most radiant, centered, highest self! No prior experience or flexibility required. Gong bath provided.
Acroyoga, Thai Massage, and Tantric Meditation
You don’t need to bring a partner to this workshop. SadaNam and a co-teacher will take turns with anyone in need after a demonstration and help spot you. No experience or flexibility is required. We begin with simple partner exercises to build trust, balance, and loosen tight muscles with stretching & Thai yoga massage. Then, we work our way up to flying where we hold each other up on our feet (Acroyoga). Not only is this super fun, but it improves flexibility, relieves tension, feels amazing, and builds intimacy, especially when we get into Tantric partner meditation (non-sexual). Plus, you can get pictures of you flying and amaze your friends!
Erica Sodos
Erica has captivated audiences for 35 years and made over 6,000 appearances nationwide. Her journey began with a challenging upbringing, where she found solace in her imagination, theatrical realms and creating mystical characters, eventually transitioning to magic. As a magician, speaker, emcee, actress, and educator, she is also a rare gem in her field—one of the few female mentalists worldwide. Her passion lies at the intersection where real magick meets performance magic. All of her interactive performances and workshops, including her decade-long running Denver psychic show The Magic Within, empower audiences and encourage them to embrace their own magic. Her one-woman psychic show combines mind-reading, memory powers, divination, storytelling, and predictions. A versatile performer and passionate advocate for animal rights, environmental, and social justice, Erica's transformative shows leave a lasting impact on people of all ages. A lover of nature and all things unseen, she continues to perform as mystical characters like elemental faeries and elves while teaching magical lore, divination techniques and enchanting audiences all over the country.
Faerie Lore and Magick
Do you have a love for faeries? Are you curious about where faeries come from and how to meet one? Whether you call them nymphs, elves, banshees, brownies, changelings, goblins, leprechauns, household spirits, pixies, or pookas, mystical nature beings have existed throughout history and are found in cultures across the globe. In this workshop, we will explore enchanting stories of the wee folk from around the world, learn about the different types of fae, and discover how to interact and create magic with these very special and beloved beings. Join us for an immersive journey into the world of the fae!
Kitchen Witchery
Join us as we explore a place of powerful magic— the kitchen and eating! While grand rituals can be special, we don’t always have the time or energy for them. Infusing magic and intention into our everyday activities is one of the most rewarding practices we can embrace. In this workshop we’ll dive into how to bring more fun, magic, and purpose into our kitchens, meal prep, and eating— through correspondences, kitchen witchy techniques, recipes, folklore, deities, and more. Every moment of our lives offers the opportunity to invite in magic, and in the kitchen these opportunities are endless. Everyday objects become enchanted tools, elements combine to create alchemy, and enchantment can be found in a soup bowl. The possibilities of kitchen witchery are infinite and deliciously enjoyable!
Willowe Starling
Willowe first felt the call of the drums the same year she attended her first Starwood. She was soon inspired by the wide array of sounds that can be made on the single goblet-shaped drum known as the doumbek/darbuka. Willowe has studied and performed with internationally renowned darbuka player/multi-instrumentalist Raquy Danziger, including journeying to Istanbul to further study and explore the versatility of this drum. A long-time Starwood performer/presenter, she can be found most nights jamming in the didge dome.
Intro to Turkish Split-Hand Technique for Doumbek
Are you a doumbek/darbuka player ready to kick your drumming up to the next level? Come learn how the Turkish split-hand technique can enhance your playing. This innovative technique is quickly becoming the norm for professional darbuka players the world over. In this workshop, Willowe will go over the basics of this game-changing playing style, as well as show some of the ways it can dress up even the most basic rhythm.
Odd Rhythms
While the vast majority of Western music is based on even rhythms...4/4, 6/8, and the like... many people in other parts of the world have grown up on odd time signatures: those based on 5, 7, 9, and onward. In this workshop, Willowe will go over some traditional rhythms from other cultures based on these odd numbers and show you how much fun these odd meters really are! *Any type of drum/percussion welcome*
Doug Sundling
Doug has been involved with sweatlodges since 1986. He brought the sweatlodge to Wisteria in 1997. Since then, he has constructed and maintained a sweatlodge site at Wisteria and has facilitated sweatlodges for events held at Wisteria, including at every Starwood festival which Wisteria began hosting in 2010.
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Sweatlodge Orientation
At the Sweatlodge Orientation, a general overview of a sweatlodge shall be presented. We will discuss fundamentals of traditional sweatlodges, share personal experiences with sweatlodges, and advise how to prepare for an evening sweatlodge. Open to anyone, but those who wish to participate in a sweatlodge ceremony that evening must attend this orientation. Time for the evening sweatlodge ceremony will be determined at Orientation.
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Sweatlodge Ceremony
The cycle of birth and death fuels the flame of life. Nature embodies a process of seeking stability and equilibrium – of maintaining balance. A strategy for existence in such a world is movement through the cycles, built upon the four quarters of the directions, the elements, the seasons – fundamental to traditional sweatlodges. The sweatlodge is a ceremony to ascertain balance through cleansing and renewal. A sweatlodge ceremony is shaped by both the past and the present. Your spiritual sincerity is the most important thing you can bring to a sweatlodge. No Drugs or Alcohol; just the 4 Elements – Earth, Air, Fire, & Water. Number of participants and format for sweatlodge will be determined at the Orientation Workshop on the day of the ceremony.
Koshek Swaminathan
Koshek helps naturally intuitive people re-discover, reaffirm and strengthen their various intuitive capacities and sensitivities by helping them listen to the world around them and to their inner voices. He does this by showing his subjects the power of non-attachment and how to counter conscious and unconscious projections. He first gave his talk on “The Seven Levels of Intuition” more than twenty years ago at the International Centre of the Theosophical Society. Koshek has given talks and lectures at the International Centre of the Theosophical Society in Adyar, India as well as various Theosophical Society branches, Masonic lodges and Rosicrucian associations. Koshek comes from Brahmanic tradition and grew up studying Vedic chanting the stories of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Hindu Magick in the Yoga Sutras
Written more than a thousand years ago, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are written in the form of “strings,” or short sentences that are meant to be expanded upon through a commentary called bhasya. The different schools have different bhasya that expand the sutras to reveal the inner teachings of that school. There is also an occult Hindu school of Tantra that reveals the esoteric book that is hidden within the sutras. Accordingly, the four chapters become 1.) Intuition, 2.) The Practice, 3.) Magick, 4.) The Great Work. We will go through and highlight the most important ideas in this work and do actual practices that will help you realize that magick is indeed a real possibility. And there is also the likelihood that some of you will have an actual experience you won’t be able to deny. These practices are powerful. And with some luck from the energy we communally generate together, some of you, if you so dare, may also be able to invoke some friendly spirits to keep you company during the rest of your Starwood experience.
Intuition is Real
Let me show you that your intuition is real. We are all naturally intuitive. And we also have a gut sense that our intuition is extremely powerful. You can say we have a deep intuition about intuition. And yet, in this media saturated AI world, more and more people are doubting the power of their intuition. That’s because, even among the most intuitive among us, our intuition can go completely wrong. The reason? We’ve been training it to malfunction. Society, materialistic philosophy, technology has been aiding and abetting in our rapid decline. The “scripts” we’ve been feeding our minds consciously and unconsciously are clogging the pathways of our natural abilities. What we need are new “scripts” to increase the flow from higher sources. And I will give you those ”scripts” in this workshop. I will also give you the 5 Master Keys that will make intuition real for you right here and now. And I will reveal the 7 levels by which you can access your intuition. This is not just for the new intuition worker. The most intuitive people will also gain new knowledge to catapult their abilities to a new level. By the end of this workshop, my goal is to ensure that each and every one of you has the confidence to use your intuition with the same confidence that you have when you use any kind of technology.
Tom Swiss
Tom describes his spiritual path as Zen Pagan Taoist Atheist Discordian, which usually baffles questioners enough to leave him alone. Since the 1990s he has built a reputation as a lecturer on subjects spanning the gamut from acupressure to Zen and from self-defense to sexuality. He is a long time practitioner and teacher of karate and Asian Bodywork Therapy, a poet/singer/songwriter, an amateur philosopher, and a professional computer geek. He is the author of the books "Why Buddha Touched the Earth" and "Punk Magick" and blogs as The Zen Pagan.
The Sacred Masculine
Men’s mysteries matter. But today, young men are confronted on one hand with reactionary voices who advocate gender roles decades or centuries out of date, and on the other with “progressive” voices who seem to think the answer to the reactionaries is to eliminate masculinity and brand it all "toxic". Many find themselves lost in between. In this workshop we will discuss a system of eight archetypes of the mature and balanced masculine: the Magician, the Healer, the Lover, the Preacher, the King, the Captain, the Warrior, and the Trickster.
Zen Paganism
Since its beginnings 2,500 years ago, Buddhism has existed with, borrowed from, and lent to poly- and pan-theistic paths including Hinduism, Taoism, Shinto, and Bon. It even played a part in the Pagan revival, via the Theosophical Society and the works of Aleister Crowley. The same dissatisfaction with mainstream Western spirituality that has led to the rebirth of Paganism has also spawned greater interest in Buddhism in the West. Many modern Pagans are finding that Buddhist ideas can lend depth to their practice. We will discuss some of the history that links the Buddhist and Pagan revivals, and how the basic tenets of Buddhism (mostly from a Zen perspective) can be integrated with Neopagan practice.
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S. J. Tucker
Sooj has been the glad captain of her own independent music career since 2004, when she left the workaday world behind to travel the continent, singing songs and changing lives. Named a vanguard of the Mythpunk movement and even “the face of neo-tribal Paganism” by Witches & Pagans Magazine, Tucker is the voice of lore at the campfire and the sharp laughter of modern myth. With one hand anchored in her art and the other held out to you, she is songs and stories, community and wit.With over fourteen full-length releases to her name and several more currently in the works, Tucker has received awards for both songwriting and performance, and has traveled the United States, Canada, and Europe with her music. S. J. (called “Sooj” by fans and friends) believes that there’s more than one way to be a rock star. If you’re chasing your dreams and living your life in a way that keeps you happy and healthy, Sooj believes you’ve got it made.
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Gramma Wolf's Garden
Beloved Songwitch S. J. Tucker brings us a storytelling performance in a workshop setting, with songs interspersed and Q&A to follow. Author Satyros Phil Brucato gave S. J. his blessing earlier this decade to produce and release an audio performance of his short story, Gramma Wolf's Garden, along with the rights to perform it for a live audience. Loosely derived from the bloodier versions of the Red Riding Hood folktale, Gramma Wolf's Garden contains herb lore, magic, true love, great loss, respect for the natural world, a very intuitive wolf pack, and the triumph of a crone over those who would see her broken and gone from the earth. Preview S. J.'s performance of the story here if you wish, free of charge: https://sjtucker.bandcamp.com/track/gramma-wolfs-garden-live
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Inward Alchemy: Turning Fear Into Fierceness for the Sake of Your Creative Soul
In our day-to-day lives, we often face negativity aimed at our creative pursuits; sometimes it even comes from within. S. J. shares her own practical magic for facilitating the fantastical in the face of such nonsense: how she slays deadlines, cultural conditioning, and self-doubt with respect to writing & singing songs for a living. Expect a few lively live and unplugged numbers from S. J. and learn about many optional techniques which can be applied not just to writing music or stories, but also to spell work, ritual craft, serving community, and all artistic disciplines.
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Wishing Well Spell for Kids, Teens, and Magical Beings
S. J.'s short workshop & spell involves rice paper, magic words, and a portable wishing well; all ages welcome! Sooj will hold space for participants to craft a wish for what they'd like to draw into their lives. Together we will work a brief spell and make an offering of our wishes to Sooj's portable version of a sacred well. Afterwards, if allowed by the site, Sooj will give our offering and our wishes to the land. Feel free to bring flowers to offer as well, if you like!
Wandering Spiral (Rick de Yampert and Michelle Davidson)
The music duo Wandering Spiral, featuring Michelle Davidson and Rick de Yampert, performs original East-West fusion, Buddha lounge and trance soundscapes, plus our arrangements of Beatles classics and Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” Our instrument palette includes sitar, Native American and Arabic flutes, metal and wooden tongue drums, digital tabla, bass, crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, tribal percussion and synth. Wandering Spiral has performed at mind/body/spirit events, art festivals and art exhibit openings, Pagan gatherings, UU programs, sound meditations, yoga sessions, sacred events, cafes, concerts and more.
Sound Bath with Wandering Spiral
Breath, blood, bone, drone, Om . . . Join our music duo for a trance-inducing Sound Bath. After briefly introducing the cosmic mechanics of sacred sound (perfect 5th interval, mystic psychics of music, etc), we will present a continuous 45-minute sound journey into bliss, trance and transformation via ethereal techno-tribal music played on sitar, Native American flutes, crystal singing bowls, metal and wooden tongue drums, world percussion and digital tabla. Please bring a blanket or yoga mat, and some sort of headrest for comfort while lying down. Sitting in a chair is allowed, but the benefits of a sound bath are optimal when lying supine on the ground. The goal of a sound bath is to alter your consciousness so you can “altar” your consciousness – quieten what Buddhists call the constantly jabbering “monkey mind” so that you can open your Third Eye and access the Sacred Realms. Or just listen and chillax.
Crows and Ravens: Birds of Myth and Magic
In the folk tales of the Pacific Northwest’s Native American tribes, Raven is a Trickster whose super powers include . . . making his poop and piss talk! OK, Raven . . . if that’s your thing! That’s just one of the legends Rick de Yampert explores in his new book “Crows and Ravens: Mystery, Myth, and Magic of Sacred Corvids”. In this program he will talk about the science of corvids (the bird family that includes crows and ravens), how they remember human faces and hold “crow funerals.” He’ll explore myths from the ancient Celts, Vikings and Native Americans, revealing how they see these birds as sacred, supernatural creatures. He will relate strange modern-day encounters with these birds and their uncanny behaviors, including seeing an upside-down crow in his backyard. This talk concludes with ways to build communion – both practical and magical – with these intelligent beings. Participants are invited to share their corvid stories.
Wild Well of the Heart
Kelly/Resin received the gift of dreams, stars, grief, devotion, peaches, movement, permission to rage and scorpions in the desert landscape of her rearing. Trained in reiki, yoga, and meditation, outdoor, experiential and interactive learning (where she honed her space holding capacities), she has an MA in clinical mental health and gets to time travel daily. She is an educator and ordained minister from One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in NYC, a circle holder, facilitator, and ritual leader in grief and women's circles. Dani found a sacred, forgotten home when she started participating in women's circles over a decade ago. She trained and learned from amazing teachers at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in NY, where she worked and lived in community and in the Priestess Path Apprenticeship in Western Mass, which deepened her ritual holding capacity. Certified as a health and wellness coach/mindful change coach, she is driven to learn how to better accompany people in the human condition. Resin and Dani have shared circle, dance, and community for many years. Their collaboration of Wild Well of the Heart was born from their mutual devotion to and recognition of the power and necessity of grief tending and depth work.
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Grief and Praise Ritual
As humans on this earth, there is no escaping loss and grief. Through this ritual, we create space to welcome grief into our lives, which allows for a fullness and wholeness in our individual and collective humanity. It is a gift to be held in our grief, witnessed in the beautiful vulnerability of our deep loving and in our courage to embrace the world and each other, risking ourselves to pain, all within an accepting and welcoming community of belonging. This gift allows us to deepen, widen, and continue to love this world with courageous hearts. “In the face of impermanence and death, it takes courage to love the things of this world and to believe that praising them is our noblest calling.” ~Joanna Macy
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Dream Appreciation Circle
Dreams have moved individuals, communities and nations forward throughout the uni-verse. Come learn a fun, interactive way to deepen into a dream experience! As a group we will choose one dreamer's dream to "work". This is not interpretation. This is a gift that anyone can take away and continue to use with others outside this Starwood dream-like realm. As my teacher writes, "The goal is to ponder the dream and to stir the imagery until the energies that lead to healing and growth begin to emerge". Be ready to offer your dream into the group; we will divine 1-2 dreams to engage with: All are participants in the process, as we deepen and appreciate the gift of dream. Maybe we will even create a world.
Jason Winslade, PhD
Jason is a scholar, teacher, writer, performer, producer, ritualist, and musician. He is the co-host of the YouTube show, Pop Occulture with Lilith Dorsey and Jason Winslade, now in its third season. He is the author of the Occultural Context blog on Patheos, and a list of scholarly articles and book chapters on pop culture and occultism. He is also the owner of Ritual Rhythms Chicago and Ritual Rhythms Creative Studio in Chicago, which produces live music, bellydance, and burlesque shows, including the Illumi-Naughtie Occult Burlesque Revue.
Along the Witch's Road: Tradition and Pop Culture
Last year's popular Disney+ show, Agatha All Along, taking place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was a huge hit among the Pagan community and beyond. While entertaining and fun, the show highlights the tension between tradition and innovation in witchcraft and witch culture. Using the show as a jumping off point, we will discuss how occulture is created and maintained through legend, story, film, and social media.
The Wisdom of Oz and What's Behind the Curtain
While the film version of the musical Wicked was a box office smash, bringing the land of Oz back to the forefront of cultural consciousness, L. Frank Baum's novels and cultural legacy have always been steeped in esoteric wisdom and history. We will examine the various iterations of the Oz stories and connect their themes and characters to occult teachings.
Zach Wolf
Zach is a Practitioner of Magick, Ceremony and Sound healing. He has been practicing Left Hand Magick for 19 years and sound and vibration for over a decade. He serves his community as a leader, organizer and ceremonialist for his coven in Metro Detroit, and serves as a liaison for the entire Midwest area. He is a natural Shadow Walker, illuminating the lower realms and shadowy spaces for healing and wholeness. Zach is the founder of Illuminous Frequencies, a brainchild project for holistic healing that is coming soon.
Ancient and Untamed With Lilith and Lucifer
Join Zach and Kharma in a ritual invoking the energies of the wild and untamed. Calling upon the dark feminine archetype of Lilith where we will reawaken a lust for our true passions and the Liberator, Lucifer, to illuminate these reawakened desires and free ourselves from the shackles of societal conditioning and shame. Seek your feral self in a scrying mirror, be cleansed of all that holds you back, be anointed into your own sovereignty and grant yourself permission to break free and rewild!
Dance with the Fae
We once danced together on this Earth-the humans and the Fae. Join Zach and Kharma in a portal crated for us to reunite and dance once more! Together we will reawaken to the primal magick of the Fae so they may remind us of the untamed magick within. Dress in your Fae finest with wings, silks, masks, etc and dance and be feral as the magick comes alive!
Rev. Billy Woods, Wandering Abbot of Spirit Gate Temple
Billy studied the Dao Dan Pai system He teaches workshops in Qi Gung and Tai Chi. He has been a professional drummer since 1962, performing at venues across the United States. By giving foundational instruction to folks who are not familiar with these forms (and to those with more advanced understanding), Billy shares his reverence for rhythm and a desire to open us to the higher good. This happy confluence of drummer and Daoist Abbot allows Billy to perform/teach his unique blend of mindfulness/playfulness. Learn how you can cultivate lifelong wellness naturally to nurture your Body, Mind, and Spirit. Whole person health is easy when you nurture your well being with Integral Qigong and Tai Chi.
A Complete Daily Qi Gung Program - Parts 1 & 2
Meditation, flexibility, internal energy movement, a way to mental, physical, and spiritual health
Oberon Zell
Oberon is a renowned Wizard and Pagan Elder. “The Father of Modern Paganism,” he was the first to claim the identity of “Pagan,” incorporating the Church of All Worlds in 1968 and publishing Green Egg magazine for 56 years. Oberon’s signature sculpture is “The Millennial Gaia.” Oberon is Founder of the Grey School of Wizardry and author of 21 books, including GaeaGenesis: Conception & Birth of the Living Earth, Hystory’s Mysteries and Handbook for My Future Parents. Now living near Asheville, NC, Oberon is married to Lady Rhiannon of Serpentstone.
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Pagan Solidarity under the current Administration
Right-wing Republican MAGA constituency is rooted in White Christian Nationalism, as expressed in Evangelical Christianity and Christian Dominionism. The Trump cult aims for the US to become a white Christian theocracy ruled by Old Testament Biblical law. The Republic of Gilead in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ is a utopian fantasy they want to live in. Trump has vowed vengeance and retribution against “enemies from within,” targeting LGBTQ+, immigrants, journalists, judges, prosecutors, and all his opponents. He has not specifically mentioned Pagans and Witches—yet. His Evangelical constituency considers us agents of the Devil. They will be shaping the Republican agenda with the blueprint of Project 2025. What can we expect and how to deal with it? A “Pagan Solidarity” coalition of hundreds of diverse Pagan leaders and practitioners has united to foster support and advocacy, empowering individuals, strengthening local and regional groups, and amplifying our voice. We invite you to join us!
Oberon & Rhiannon Zell
Rhiannon has been a Wiccan Priestess teaching the Craft for over 50 years, and is co-founder of the eclectic SerpentStone tradition. For 25 years, she helped organize grassroots Pagan gatherings throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, with attendance up to 2,000. With a Master’s degree in Counseling, she is a certified Master Herbalist, Sound Therapist, and Energy Healer, and works as a Psychiatric Nurse. She is also Chant Mistress for the Ouroboros Drum Circle in Candler, NC
Pagan Paths
Are you new to Paganism? Are you still searching for your Path and not sure where to look next? Join Rhiannon and Oberon for an introductory discussion outlining the beliefs and practices of different Pagan paths, including the Church of All Worlds, Druidism, Heathenry (Norse), Wicca, Native American, Santeria, Voudon, and others. Handouts will be available.
Water-Sharing Ritual
Founded in 1962 by Oberon Zell and Lance Christie, the Church of All Worlds (CAW) became the first explicitly “Pagan” church to achieve full legal recognition in the US (1968) and Australia (1992). Through the publication of Green Egg magazine over a 56-year span, CAW has been a major catalyst in the growth and unification of the worldwide Pagan community; its influence acknowledged in Drawing Down the Moon and over 100 other books on the history of the modern Pagan movement. Join Oberon and Rhiannon for a free-form oral history and a moving Water-Sharing Ceremony with the Founding Elder!
Zenobia
Zenobia is a Craft-trained HPS/Elder out of Perth, Western Australia. “I consider myself an EGSD- an Esoteric Geo Science Dilettante.” That means I have a split headline, with interest in both Science (Geology, Geography and Archaeology) and Metaphysics. These skills have been honed by +35 years at Renaissance festivals, across the US, as a Reader using various methods: Stones and gems, Bones, Third Eye, etc.
Bones Deux
The workshop presented in 2024 was such a success so this is the expansion! Be prepared to: - bring your bone set; - answer questions as to how, where and when you put your set together; - do a “cold” reading using your set. I look forward to our discussion! So start collecting, or adding to (if you wish), those bones. And, please stay away from Avian flu!!!
Tattva Mindwalk
Bring a towel or blanket to rest on to participate in a mindwalk, or creative visualization, that is set to music using the five Hindi Elemental Tattva symbols. A brief discussion of the symbols will be done before the mindwalk starts.
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