This year's Symposium featured presentations from:

Mervyn Alphonse
Mervyn Alphonse 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 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Kundalini Yoga – A Path to Self-Illumination
Kundalini Yoga has been called the Yoga of Awareness. This workshop takes the individual on an experience of Kundalini Yoga via participation in a ‘kriya’ - a prescribed set of exercises, asana, meditation, mantra and breath patterns designed to awaken and radiate the dormant spiritual power that lies within us.

Anne Apynys
Anne has worked as psychiatric nurse for over forty years. Currently, she is the Clinical Educator on a Behavioral Health Unit in a community hospital. Part of her job includes teaching workshops about communication and de-escalation techniques. She earned a doctorate in American Women's History and plays therapeutic on the harp as a Certified Music Practitioner.

Healing Harp Meditation

Byron Ballard
Byron Ballard, BA, MFA, is a western NC native, teacher, folklorist and writer. She is a senior priestess and co-founder 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.

Techniques for Practical Magic
Make magical practice a part of your everyday life—never be “mundane” again. From a nifty Parking Spell to the fun Marshmallow Hex, add some work-a-day spells to your work-basket for a more efficient, juicy life. Magic is afoot!

Jimmy Clark
Jimmy Clark has been a part of the Starwood community since 2017, serving as a teacher, performer, and contributor. He has been guiding clients and groups for 25 years, specializing in Life Coaching for Artists, providing Music Education, production support, and Spiritual development counseling.

Moon Magick & Manifestation Journaling: Winter/Spring 2023 Edition
This workshop provides an in depth glimpse at the current and upcoming aspects of the lunar cycle (in real time), as well as the Wheel Of The Year, for the purpose of life planning, and goal setting / achievement. This class will focus on The Winter and Spring Seasons for 2023.

Ian Corrigan
Ian Corrigan has been working, playing and teaching in the Neopagan movement since 1975. He is a founding member of the Chameleon Club and of the Starwood Festival, a Senior Priest and former Archdruid of A.D.F., and an initiate of a branch of traditional Witchcraft. Well-known as a teacher and performer at festivals and gatherings, he is the author of several books on Pagan occultism topics, including “Sacred Fire, Holy Well”, “The Book of Summoning” and “The Portal Book”. He is also known as a bard and singer, and the creator of popular bonfire-chants such as ‘Hoof and Horn’ and ‘We Will Kindle a Fire’. Together with Liafal they have created the Tredara Shrine at their home in NE Ohio. A Pagan stead that serves the local community, Tredara provides an outdoor temple and shrines, with worship and community space for local Pagans.

The Hidden Door – Getting Started In The Occult
Many of the strange and esoteric subjects in our milieu can be filed in the big weird category of ‘the occult’. A term used for heresy, sorcery, and fringe and forbidden knowledge, its mystique can range from the gothic to rainbows, and it attracts people of all kinds. The modern ‘occult’ bookshelf can be a confusing place to start, but it’s a garden of sanity compared to the occult presence on the internet. Ian presents a simple outline of modern occult ideas, groups and practices, gives some advice about choosing sources and teachers, and talks about just what ‘getting into the occult’ might be like.

Lilith Dorsey

Lilith Dorsey M.A. , hails from many magickal traditions, including Celtic, Afro-Caribbean, and Native American spirituality. Her traditional education focused on Plant Science, Anthropology, and Film at the University of Rhode Island, New York University and the University of London, and her magickal training includes numerous initiations in Santeria (also known as Lucumi), Haitian Vodoun, and New Orleans Voodoo.

Lilith, Maman Brigitte and Pomba Gira : The Dark Goddesses of Your Dreams
The ancient and powerful Goddesses of the night have been honored for centuries, and in some cases millennia. There is Lilith, mistress of the dark, draped in sensuality and strength who has long been demonized by a male dominated society. Next we have Maman Brigitte, Queen of the Dead, who devotees turn to for justice and protection. Last, but certainly not least, this workshop will discuss the bare breasted and un-apologetically sexual Pomba Gira who can spin the world. In this class we will talk about giving respect and tribute to these sacred feminine forces with shrines, spells, and more.

Phil Farber
Philip H. Farber is the author of High Magick: A Guide to Cannabis in Ritual and Mysticism (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2020); Brain Magick: Exercises in Meta-Magick and Invocation (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2011), Legendary Blue Smoke (Hoo-Ha Books, 2014) and Futureritual: Magick for the 21st Century (Eschaton Productions, 1995), among other titles. He has produced several video courses on magical topics and teaches workshops throughout the United States, England and Europe. Visit Phil at http://www.meta-magick.com.

A Guide to Auras
In many systems of magick and mysticism, the human aura plays an important, though sometimes confusing role. Is there an energy field around the human body? Is it something that can be perceived or measured? What do auras tell us about ourselves and the world? In this experiential workshop, Phil will explore some of the common (and less-common) theories about auras – and will offer some techniques to experience and understand auras for yourself. Expect exercises that you can experiment with for yourself, along with guided trance to help understand and see, hear, and feel your own aura and that of others.

Penny Goody
Penny is a presenter at magical events nationwide. Born of Amish parents, she incorporates basic techniques when "crafting." Member of the Sacred Dance Guild since 1968,she's been initiated as a Crone,and received her Doctorate of Divinity.

Hexerie - A Magical Craft
While using basic "snowflake" papercutting techniques, we'll create and color an unique hex sign. Also a brief history of these protective adornments will be discussed.

Alicia Lynn

Alicia Lynn has been professionally entertaining since 2012. Taking the stage name of Sundae Service in 2019, she's continued to dance, sing, teach, act, write, model, and create jewelry! She feels blessed to continue working with Phat Man Dee and various crews including the Heroineburgh web series, First Angel Media/Modeling Agency, Venus In Furs, and more!

Flow Through It :
Taking Back the Body With Dance After Trauma

Join Alicia Lynn (aka. Sundae Service) for a workshop on the benefits of dance as a gateway to healing the body, spirit, and mind! Bring water and comfortable clothing you can move in. Shoes are optional!

Phat Man Dee

Phat Man Dee has been called a jazz provocateur, and she sings & duets her original compositions and eclectic repertoire of standards in English, Spanish, French, German and Hebrew. Her performance range is just as wide, spanning opera, theater and burlesque. From blues to filk, from opera to indie, Mandee’s range is nothing short of breathtaking.

Vocal workshop
Join Phat Man Dee in a vocal workshop where we will explore breathing technique, vocal stretching and exercises, and learn a song that will be included in the Starwood Festival Family Choir at Starwood Festival this coming summer!

Jason Mankey
Jason Mankey is a third-degree Gardnerian High Priest and helps run two Witchcraft covens in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Ari. He is a popular speaker at Pagan and Witchcraft events across North America and Great Britain and has been recognized by his peers as an authority on the Horned God, Wiccan history, and occult influences in rock and roll. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @panmankey. Jason is the author of several books, including The Witch’s Book of Spellcraft, The Horned God of the Witches, and Transformative Witchcraft.

The Witch's Wheel of the Year: Timeless. Ancient. Eternal. Modern?
The Wheel of the Year followed by Modern Witches is all of those things and more! Many of the sabbats we celebrate have truly ancient roots, while others are less than 100 years old. Journey round the Wheel and learn the history of all eight sabbats and the folklore and customs we associate with each of them. Learn how to connect even more powerfully with the change of the seasons where you live! It’s everything you've ever wanted to know (and more) about the greater and lesser sabbats!

Louis Martinie
Louie has been in service to the New Orleans Voodoo Spiritual Temple for 30 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 is an honorary member of the Louisiana State Legislature, perhaps the most dangerous political body on the planet.

The Story Creates the World:

An Exploration & A Conjure of Papa Legba
“Healing is needed to the extent we are separate from our highest ideal.” Priest Oswan Chimani; New Orleans Voodoo Spiritual Temple The Doctor’s John (Dr John Montanee of the eighteen hundreds the more present Dr. John) are Great Spiritual Doctors of New Orleans Voodoo. The Doctors will be called in a conjure to empower the participant voodoos to open a path for Papa Legba as Storyteller to enter the voodoo’s mind and request that he sit for a spell within and observe the stories told in words, pictures, patterns, and abstractions to create their selves ….otherwise known as “their” thoughts. Legba will then be asked to place these stories in his macoute (bag) where they will dance and blend one with another. The voodoos will then reach within the macoute and retrieve a message from Papa, it being a step to Spiritual Healing, a personal observation by Papa, or??? Legba is quite the trickster.

Raven Noir
Raven is a Fine Arts instructor who has been teaching for over twenty years. His visions in fine arts were rekindled after attending a Starwood festival 24 years ago. He specializes in realistic drawing. Painting collage and Traditional origami after spending some time studying in Japan.

A Bouquet of Flowers
Join Ravenoir to manifest a rose to a bouquet of roses using Origami squares. This will create an eternal gift-giving opportunity for any occasion, especially with the upcoming Valentine's day. We will work as a collective to utilize fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Bring your pre-cut squares of six or more to create your origami roses.

Wendy Raphael
Wendy, an eclectic solitary, has been intimately involved in the festival scene since 1992. Professional artist, illustrator, signwriter, creator of extraordinary ceremonial hairwraps, sketch journalist, painter and henna are just a few of her skills. She is always entertaining, approachable and willing to talk about art! wendyraphael.com

Manifesting Your Dream with Sketch Journaling
Bring your journals and create a page now! Festival is a wonderful time to begin your dreams. Learn manifesting techniques from an experienced journalist. List of 150 page suggestions and the tools to make it happen! Skills for a lifetime.

Miguel Sague Jr

Miguel Sagué Jr. is an artist, musician, and spiritual guide for the Caney Indigenous Spiritual Circle. He was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, in a region associated with the historic Indigenous town of El Caney, one of the most important centers of Indigenous tradition in the country.

The Golden Ratio Of Shamanism
An introduction to the shamanic implications of the Golden Ratio from a Latin American Indigenous Perspective.

Denny Sargent
A Seattle writer, artist and university instructor whose extensive global travels and esoteric studies informed the backbone to numerous published books. Involved for decades with numerous esoteric traditions, the author has published works on Alternative religions, Hermetic Magic, Taoism, Anamism, Shinto and Tantra. He regularly presents lively online workshops and lectures and previously hosted at conventions and gatherings.

Experiencing The NEXI (Chakras) Of The God PAN
This workshop will be a discussion and then active visualization-empowerment so that participants can discover and embrace the energetic body Centers where the powers of the Horned God reside. Each Chakra is imbued with the essence of one archetypal essence of the God Pan in his many aspects that we may call them forth for power and joy and more.
They are: Root Chakra = The Goat God. Sacral Chakra = The Bull God. Solar Plexus Center = The Ram God. The Heart Chakra = The Stag God. The Throat Chakra = The Green Wo-Man God. Third Eye = The God AN. The Crown = The Pan the All.

Erica Sodos
Erica is a lover of nature and all things unseen, she portrays mystical characters including elemental faeries and elves, while teaching magical lore and divination techniques to people of all ages. For over 30 years Erica has been entertaining, performing and helping individuals and organizations tap into their magic within. She is a speaker, magician, psychic entertainer and rare gem, one of only a handful of female mentalists in the world.

Kitchen Witchery
Join us as we explore a place of powerful magic-eating! While a fancy ritual can be special, it is not something we always have the energy to create. Infusing magic and meaning into our everyday activities is one of the most rewarding and magical things we can do. In this workshop we will explore how to bring more magic, fun and intention into our homes and kitchen, to meal prep and eating. We will explore correspondences , kitchen witchery techniques, recipes, folklore, deities and more. Everything is an opportunity to invite in magic, and in the kitchen the options are endless and fun. Everyday ingredients become magical tools, elements create alchemy and enchantment in a soup bowl.

Sera Solstice
Sera Solstice: creator/maker via dance, electronic music production, and sculpture: with a formal education (BFA) in Design, and professional dance training in Ballroom and Bellydance: is most informed by fire-circles and dark warehouses. Sera began teaching dance in 1994 for TC Dance club International. Sera discovered her love for Middle Eastern dances in 1999, and began teaching/assisting classes in 2001. Sera studied and performed dances of Central Asia, in The Silk Road Dance Company. Sera formed the dance group, Solstice, in 2006, for the creation of East Coast Tribal instructional video, (produced by World Dance NY) and self-produced events in theater and night-clubs, and performed at festivals throughout North America. Sera has taught workshops throughout Europe, the UK, South America, and Ukraine. Sera studied sculpture and ceramics at Corcoran school of Art, and the University of Kansas where she received a BFA. Sera has performed with: Beats Antique, David Starfire, Sub Swara, Mz Imani, Dr. John, Haana, Raquy Danziger, Phat Mandee, Djinn, Beatbox Guitar. Sera continues to create music, and teach dance classes, and make sculpture.

Movement Prayer
Using dance, this workshop will introduce a specific sequence of simple movements which can serve as daily blessing, and a means of centering your being. Let us reclaim this ancient human practice of expression through the body. You can participate in whatever capacity feels good to you, even if this means not moving at all. You do not need to physically exert yourself in any way if you need (or wish) to remain still. You are encouraged to be comfortable in the way that is best for you regarding your camera and your participation.

Koshek Swaminathan
Koshek comes from Vedic tradition and studied Vedic chanting from the age of 6. A fourth generation member of the Theosophical Society, He first learned the principles of Theosophy from his grandfather. He has spent the last 20 years studying the process of intuition and giving talks on this subject at the International Centre of the Theosophical Society in Adyar, India as well as various Theosophical Society branches, Masonic lodges and Rosicrucian associations. Most recently, Koshek has been researching the connection between the Hermetic Tradition and magical traditions of the east.

Lord Ganesh, Hindu God of Magick
Is there a connection between Lord Ganesh and the Egyptian god Thoth? Even though Ganesha is one of the most known and most popular of Hindu deities outside of India, very little is understood of him besides being a provider of good luck and a remover of obstacles. But among esoteric practitioners in India, he is the god of magic and the lord of magical beings called the Gana. The Gana are similar to the Genies of the middle east. They are classified and invoked through formula and ritual. You will learn about the many exciting parallels to Hermetic Tradition. You will also learn the history and rarely revealed ancient magical lore that makes Ganesh, the Gana-Pati, the most important god of the Hindu Pantheon for the practice of magick.

Tom Swiss
Tom Swiss describes his spiritual path as "Zen Pagan Taoist Atheist Discordian", which usually baffles questioners enough to leave him alone. He is the author of "Why Buddha Touched the Earth" and "Punk Magick", and blogs as "The Zen Pagan" for the Patheos Pagan Channel. He loves to explore and talk about subjects spanning the gamut from acupressure to Zen and from self-defense to sexuality, drawing on his training and experience as an NCCAOM Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy, a sixth-degree karate black belt, a poet, a singer/songwriter, an amateur philosopher and spiritual explorer, and a professional computer geek.

Feeling Good with Acupressure & Shiatsu
Shiatsu (Japanese for "finger pressure") and acupressure are forms of Asian Bodywork Therapy, which use pressure and stretching to relieve pain and stress. According to the theories of Chinese medicine, these techniques help balance the flow of qi, or vital energy, in the body. We will discuss and practice the use of acupressure points for physical, emotional, and spiritual balancing, and also learn a simple self-shiatsu routine.

Panel Discussion

(Byron, Lilith, Louis, Denny, Ian)

The Rise of the Spirits:

Animism and Modern Conjuring
Demons’ modern magicians and Pagans are re-linking with ancient powers and modern expressions. Our Panel bring a variety of traditions, skills and experience to a discussion of modern animist spirituality in expression.