2025
Presenters & Workshops (subject to change)
Creation Station Workshops listed here:

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.

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.
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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.

Pagan Trauma Tribe
When Pagans go through Trauma it is different than when others go through it. “Thoughts and prayers” take on a different meaning. Psychic self defense and retro-healing may not be understood by all, but can preserve us and encourage us towards growth. What do we need? What do we offer others? How can we contribute to our People?

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.

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.
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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.

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 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.
 
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 – give a narrative. The Moon God, the Archetype of a mature male/man. King, Warrior, Magian and Lover. The Lunar aspect suggests an Intuitive-Feeling psychological type. He seems to be by myth in a loving and companionate relationship with the Sun Goddess. The Moon God ruled the white blooded life, plant life, and the waters. In myth they are Poly having lovers of mortals and Deities. He was her Horned God. He was part of a partnership relationship and symbol of a mature masculinity of the Neolithic Matriarchal cult of the ploughed and planted land. So the discovery and so remembering The Moon God and recognizing that i was individuating a psychological type of mature masculine as part of my personal and spiritual path of psychological wholeness. Sothis as tells the story of this process my experiences in achieving the integration of this psychological type. This will include my personal story in the integration as a Bi friendly heterosexual man. I achieved the creation of a partnership Self complex based in equality, Reciprocal Altruism and Eros... hence my narrative is about the Moon God and how I brought the Horned God from the Shadow and integrated its archetypical nature as part of my development of a mature masculinity, which includes Warrior, Magician, Lover and King.
You Believe in the Gods, Don’t You?
This is a presentation in the answer to this question. I will present a metaphysics based in Organismic Wholeness. It will synthesize philosophical concepts about how we know and the limits of knowing. Discuss the psychology and theology/metaphysics that proceed from there in creating a mythopoetic narrative based on polytheistic wholeness. The psychology will be based on combining Jung’s analytical psychology and Human (Family) systems theory. Key is the Jungian equation of the Ideal with what makes the human psyche dynamic. This Ideal is the Archetype of Wholeness or Self is equal to the Image of Deity. 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. This from my point of view becomes an Age of Aquarius Hermetic concept. The connections of the Archetypes, World Soul and Tree of Life is woven into this mythopoetic narrative that answers the question. This Mythopoetic narrative is decidedly Neo-pagan but one that comes forth from the Zeitgeist of the Age of Aquarius. This presentation will include 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.

Samuel H. Jobe
Samuel has been a practicing witch since 2013, a conscious pagan since 2019 and a votary of An Mórrígan (an Irish Goddess of prophecy and sovereignty) since Bealtaine 2021. He is an initiated Espiritista of Casa de Palo in Indianapolis, an Afro/Carribean Spiritual house (Oct 2017) as well as an initiated founding member of The Temple of the Hallowed Gods: Crow, Torch, and Feral Night Coven (Dec 2021). He focuses on folkloric/lore based traditional eclectic European witchcraft influenced by the guidance of his Ancestors/Spiritual Court. An accomplished Tarot reader whose love of interpreting cards has allowed him to read for a variety of clients.

SpellWork
Spells are one of the quintessential hallmarks of a practicing witch. From small charms placed in sachet bags to more formal ritualistic actions, spells are how the witch creates their own reality. This workshop will endeavor to teach participants not only how to write their own spells based on a Spirit led ideology. We will also discuss more complex cunning concepts such as proper substations and the art of incantation writing. Spells are the roadmap to inform Allied Powers of our needs and desires. We should endeavor to draw them as clear a map as possible so our wants manifest in timely and appropriate manners.

Ancestor Veneration: Working with our Dead
Ancestors are the foundation of who we are body and spirit. Honoring them as the primary support system for not only our magic but our lives is as necessary as ever. Ancestral Spirits are the ones that open all doors for us, shouldn't we endeavor to draw them close so that opportunity manifests in more blessed ways? This workshop will teach the foundation an ancestral veneration practice along with how to serve those spirits in traditional manners until such time you can communicate with them yourselves. With the guidance of a trained medium we will take this journey together into one of the most reciprocal relationships one can have with Spirits.
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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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