2001 Classes

Alteration of Consciousness - Charles Arnold

Alteration of consciousness is one of the primary goals of any mystical path. The workshop presents an alternative to other types of consciousness in that is uses only the application of temporary ritual body art to achieve this goal. Some of the specific designs to be discussed will include invocation of Goddess and God, work with specific Elemental forces, and Pathworking.

Ariadne's Thread. A journey of Trust -  Charles Butler

In this reversal of the traditional Maypole, pairs of people unwind the pole, one blindfolded ,one sighted. At the center of the pole are a circle of florist bottles with a pair of writings inside from the classic story of the Labyrinth: Minos and Pasipahae, Ariadne  and Theseus, Poseidon and Athena, Damon and Pythias, Aegeus and Aphrodite, and the singular Minotaur. Charles Butler leads the setup. Participants may dance or sit holding the pole as the minotaur.

The Ascent of Lugh - Alexei Kondratiev

Lugh, the little god who became one of the most important divinities in the Celtic world, rose in influence as he acquired all the skills that had been the specialties of other gods, making himself the Many-Gifted Lord. We will see how the elements in this myth can be used in one's own spiritual path.

Astarte and Her Worship - Charles Arnold

She is Goddess of healing and joy, pleasure and sensuality as well as Goddess of war. The Lady of the Evening Star, was first named by the Ca-an-an-nu or Canaanites and whether She was the purifier of warriors, returning home from wars, or Queen of the Qadishti, Astarte held a powerful place in the hearts of Her people. Come and learn about this cousin of Ishtar/Inanna, discuss how She can help you in your life.

A Visit to Granny’s Closet - Theresa Harp

Granny’s closet has more that a broom and a carpet sweeper. It has TOYS! And not just toys for the grandchildren. Granny’s closet has games for adults too. Come for a visit, enjoy a cookie, and maybe a light flogging for dessert. See the softer side of S&M and how it is used to both stimulate and heal. This class is for persons 18 and older.

Bardic Circle

Do you sing, recite poetry, play an instrument. Come join us in a open Bardic Circle, sharing music and joy with the others! Hosted by Black Lotus.

Basic Human Rights as they Relate to Sacred Sexuality - Charles Arnold

Though they aren’t often used, there are some incredibly nasty laws out there that we all need to be aware of when it comes to sexual interaction. This presentation and exchange will focus on some of them and how they might be changed. Handouts will be provided.

BBMMDC - Blessed Be and Merry Meet in D.C. - Cronelady

No skill level and no pre-requisite required. A roundtable discussion of religious liberty, including first hand account of this year's (October 13-15, 2000) activities and rituals at the Jefferson Memorial, and, at the FDR Memorial, where Haven=s ritual was interrupted by thugs. Information on plans for 2001, web sites etc from a member of the committee. Participants will have the opportunity to win a drawing for a BBMMDC souvenir!

Becoming One Heart: The Native Drum - Standing Bear Wilkes

According to Native American tradition, the drum is a model of both the universe and the individual.  In this session, you'll learn the etiquette and practice surrounding the large standing drum used at pow-wows. In this method of drumming, coming into harmony with others at the drum is more important than musical virtuosity. Participants will learn a Cherokee welcoming song, and other songs (time permitting).

Breathing for Tonality - Kodiak Sunwatcher

The class will be on breathing and support techniques for proper tonal vocal production both speaking and otherwise.

Celebrating Mother Earth ( Youth Program ) - Women of WOISC

We will read a story that asks, "What can we give our Mother?". We will offer our pictures and words as a thanks for all She has given us. Each participant will take home their art to remind them of all She gives everyday.

Cherokee Demon Mask Dance: Exorcism by Satire - Standing Bear Wilkes

(Part 1, background and preparation)

One way the Cherokees deal with the constant erosion of our way of life is with satire and parody, with the goal of exorcising or at least de-fanging the external threats. Known formally as “The Mask Dance” and informally at the “Booger (Demon) Dance,” this ceremony begins with a group of outsiders (whites, blacks, Asians, anthropologists) intruding on a Cherokee ceremony, being challenged, and eventually being included. Misunderstandings with the heavily-accented strangers almost lead to blows, but lead instead to slapstick incidents. The strangers are finally brought into the circle to dance with the Cherokees. This workshop begins with an overview of the old ceremony and its characters. The participants will then identify what they consider  “outside threats” to their community today,  personalize them, and built masks to represent each character. Frustrated theatre majors wanted! Participants must commit to return the next day to perform the ceremony as a group!

Cherokee Demon Mask Dance: Exorcism by Satire  - Standing Bear Wilkes

(Part 2, performance)

If there had been paved roads in Cherokee country, this might have been called “street theatre.”  The Mask Dance is performed to rid the community of the threat posed by intruders… and goes on to demonstrate that you can repel the threat without repelling people who might become friends and allies. Those who attended Part 1 will perform this ceremony. Spectators are encouraged. Be there, or risk being satirized in absentia!

Connecting With Lupercus (The Wolf God) - Arawn Machia

Lupercus is known as the Great Golden Wolf who drives away the wolves of night, and in this image one can clearly see the solar aspect connected with Him.  He represents both protection and freedom.  This workshop will allow participants the opportunity to release the wolf within; that which is untamed and unowned (even by ourselves).  Come meet the Wolven Sun God as we journey to His realm and join in the myth of transformation, renewal, challenge, and accomplishment.

Conscious Stretching - Djenaba

Stretch, breathe, and go beyond perceptual limits as you learn basic techniques of body alignment, bio-mechanics, and muscular balance. Release tension and maximize your physical potential for joy while increasing health. Stretch your body, lengthen your muscles, and extend your life.

Contacts with Spirit Beings and How to Make Them - Marcia Pickands

This class will focus on methods of making contact with and developing a relationship with Spirit Beings from Elementals to Archangels to Aspects of Deity. The techniques involved are appropriate for Intermediate to Advanced Students.

Divination by Design - Charles Butler.

A participatory class in creating a casting cloth from materials at hand, from sugar packets to cups, coffee stirrers to soap, all the things one can find in a hotel room. With the coins in one's pocket, a chance to read in a humorous fashion what the universe has to tell you.

Discovering the Land Goddess - Alexei Kondratiev

In Celtic spiritual practice it is essential to have an intimate relationship with the Land one lives on, and for that purpose the Land is usually personified as a goddess. Regions of the Celtic world have long had specific goddess figures associated with them, but what if one lives in a place that has not been historically Celtic? The Land Goddess is there, too, and we will look at ways of perceiving her and engaging with her ritually.

Divine Madness - A journey of words - Charles Butler & Kodiak Sunwatcher.

First in darkness, and then in light, three people, Morgan le Fay, Simon the Fool, and Pellinore the Mad King, talk of magic, madness, and contradictions. The roles change as people choose to explore different sides of themselves.

Dragons: Magick & Lore - Arawn Machia

Dragons did and still do exist. As we face increasing challenges in the world, our direction in life may become unclear; our purpose blurred. Dragons often have a broader perspective and may offer a unique advantage as we seek to uncover the mysteries of our daily lives. They are the keepers and teachers of arcane knowledge, the guardians of antiquity and the hidden realms, the secret familiars of the Old Ones, and the transmitters/transmuters of power. This workshop will allow participants to learn about the different types of dragons and rekindle the psychic bond with their own personal dragon.

Elemental Mosaics ( Youth Program ) - Women of WOISC

Join us as we create symbols of the elements. Using wooden tiles we will make pictures of earth, air, fire or water. Dress to get dirty(glue will be used). Each person will take their art home.

Entering the Trance - Philip H. Farber

Did you know that you are a good subject for hypnosis? In the modern conception of hypnosis, everyone is a good subject; everyone can experience hypnotic trance or self-hypnosis - if a unique and careful approach is taken each time. This session will be an experiential survey of trance states and hypnotic phenomena, including group trance work, aspects of specific change-work, and a simple method of self-hypnosis that you can practice on your own. If you've never worked with hypnosis, this workshop can serve as an enjoyable introduction. If you have worked with more traditional forms of hypnosis, this may be an opportunity to increase your range of effectiveness.

Exploring Our Sexual Identities - Charles Arnold

Who are we in our sexual identities? Are we even being honest with ourselves? Are we as straight or as gay as we claim? Are we truly kinky or do we just crave attention? Are we a giver or a taker? We can find out if, first of all, we admit that each of these is good and then we can learn to talk in a non-defensive manner.

The Five Roots of Mother Nature (Pancha Mula Prakriti): a lecture - Black Lotus

In the Shakta text, the <Srimad Devi Bhagavatam>, Prakriti or Mother Nature takes form as five Goddesses: Durga (source of all Power), Lakshmi (giver of Abundance), Saraswati (giver of Inspiration), Radha (sensual Delight) and Savitri (power of the Word). We will examine the interplay of these five Goddesses, how they relate to many other five-fold concepts in Hinduism, and will listen to a <kirtan> (chanting of holy names) by American Kali devotee and musician Bob (Babaji) Kindler.

Foundation of Ritual Magick Systems - Erik Burch

What is nessesary for a system of magick to function and be useful? This class will explore the characteristics and advantages of a coherent magickal system and what is nessesary to create a new one for personal use.

Grounding 101 - Tinker

Basic grounding, visualization, & energy moving Techniques , non faith specific * required for Norseworking!

Handfastings: How to Prepare for and Perform Them -  Martin and Marcia Pickands

Will present the process they use to work with a couple, their friends and family (Neo-Pagan and Non-Neo-Pagan members) in order to prepare for and ultimately proceed with a Neo-Pagan Wedding. All are welcome to attend this class.

The Healer's Path - Marcia Pickands

This class is a No Nonsense introduction to the Spiritual Calling of a Healer and his/her training, responsibilities, and challenges. Most of the information included in this class is appropriate to Intermediate and Advanced Students. However, beginning students may attend with the approval of the teacher.

The Hero's Journey - Erik Burch

A classic theme in many ancient mythologies, the Hero's Journey tells of the descent into the underworld and back again. The structure of the Quest is useful for rituals of great power and rites of passage.

The House of the Spirits -- A journey in silence - Charles Butler

In this class, Conducted in silence, one journeys through the positions of a Hounfor, or House of Spirits" from the Ifan tradition. One starts as (1) Elegwa, the maintainer of the crossroads, connecting the circle line by line to the altar and chair in the center, (2) Shango, the warrior who cuts the road, circling with a drawn sword, (3) Oggun, the drummer, who keeps the heartbeat and hearthbeat of Creation, (4) Obatala, the Elder, who sits in the center and raises each person to their true height, (5) Yemaya, who blesses all the waters of the earth with her chalice of the Moon, (6) Oshun, who dances at the heart of creation, (7) Orunla, who sees all things on his table of oracles, (8) Oba, who watches all things and sees one's true heart, and (9) Oya, the bringer of change. -- conducted by Charles Butler and all others called by the Orisha.

How To Activate A Tarot Card -Rachel Pollack

At the end of a Tarot reading many people choose one or two cards of special meaning, cards whose qualities they would like to see in their lives. How can we make this happen? We will go over a series of techniques, from drawing pictures of the card, to dressing up as a character in it, to inviting it into our dreams. Please bring your own Tarot deck.

Instant Evocation - Philip H. Farber

Evocation is the art of "summoning forth entities" into external form for the purpose of communicating with them. Traditionally, evocation of demons, angels, and entities of all types has been considered a difficult and dangerous practice (as opposed to the more commonly practiced art of invocation). As Philip H. Farber will demonstrate, this belief stems largely from the confusion and obscurity of the ancient methods. In fact, a basic form of evocation can be practiced easily and safely - often in just a matter of minutes! This new technique, developed from hypnotic and neuro-linguistic methods, can yield powerfully useful results - and can form the basis of more complex and rewarding forms of evocation.

The Instrument Of Our Wisdom - Rachel Pollack

the Tarot helps us find wisdom in two ways, first because its pictures contain complex symbols that codify ancient truths about the world, and second, because we can ask it questions. If divination allows us to communicate with the gods, why restrict the practice to personal questions? Why not ask the gods the kinds of questions we really would ask if we could sit down with them? Such questions as "What is the soul?" or "Did the Tarot exist before the creation of the world?" are central to Rachel's current project, a book in progress titled "A Walk Through The Forest Of Souls--Journeys In The Sacred Tarot."

Intro to Tonal Chanting - Kodiak Sunwatcher

chanting for people who say "but I can’t sing!" Because if you can speak in supported tones you can chant, cuz  chanting is only drawn out speaking tones, and from there it's only spitting distance to actual singing. it as a companion to the Breathing class.

Journey Within ( Youth Program ) - Women of WOISC

Find your peaceful center and make a reminder to have always. Participants will take home a self-made candle as a permanent reminder of what they found within themselves.

The Letters and the Trees - Alexei Kondratiev

Ogham, the alphabet-code used by learned people in early Ireland, named all of its letters after trees, which were also coded symbols for learning and ways of relating to the world. We will examine this Celtic lore of trees in both its exoteric and esoteric aspects.

Little Witches' Web ( Youth Program ) - Women of WOISC

Explore how everything is connected; how everything you do effects (or is it affects??) everything around you. Using yarn and ourselves, we will create a web. Each person will take home a piece of the web as a reminder of the lesson learned.

Meet the Crone Not for beginners. - Cronelady

Many are afraid of the Crone, but She is not frightful, and She cannot be ignored. Come and learn how Her Power and Wisdom can help you. A Mini-Ritual follows a roundtable discussion. (Intermediate & Advanced only. )

Multimodal Healing - Erik Burch

A powerful healing ritual designed specificly for Etheracon, using techniques from a variety of different systems brought together. Due to the high degree of participation, students may be subject to teacher approval. Participants should expect not to leave until the end of the ritual. Not suitable for children.

Muscle Release and Energy Healing - Djenaba

Do you or someone you know experience muscle pain, spasms, or inflexibility? Long term muscle tightness can interfere with your ability to enjoy everyday activities and may result in permanent loss of function, depression, or imbalance. Participants will learn to identify some of the common causes of muscular discomfort and the release points associated with them. Innovative body/mind-work/play techniques offer the ability to free your natural movement and restore functioning. Release yourself from limitation and increase comfortable range of motion while you reprogram your nervous system for lifelong health.

Non-Contact Therapeutic Touch and Therapeutic Touch - Theresa Harp

We all have the ability to help heal ourselves and others. If you have the desire to help - come -  join - and we will explore some ways, using NCTT and Therapeutic Touch. All Ages Welcome!

Neo-Pagan Origins within the Western Inner Spiritual Tradition - Marcia Pickands

 Neo-Paganism which includes religious and magical traditions known as Wicca, Witchcraft, Druidism, The Craft, etc., is part of the Western Inner Spiritual Tradition. Neo-Paganism, as it is practiced today, evolved from the older religious traditions of the Western world. This class is open to all from Beginners to Advanced students.

Nine Gates to Magic - Andras Corban Arthen

Among traditional witches, a state of trance or reverie is a key element in the performance of magic. This workshop will explore the nine commonly used "gates" or methods that lead to entrancement.

Norseworking - Jane T. Sibley

This is a high-level, high-energy healing circle in the Norse tradition. If you have never before participated in one of these circles, you must take the pre-requisite “Grounding 101”, no matter your skill level. This ritual will take several hours, so please come rested, fed, and pottied. We will be doing intensive work, including (and as required) healing, fertility magic, experimental magic, distance work, etc. Please be *on time*, as the doors will be closed and guarded while the ritual is in progress.

The Old Ways in Scotland - Andras Corban Arthen

In this workshop we will look at pagan and magical survivals in the Scottish Highlands as recent as the first decades of the twentieth century, including witchcraft, seership, rituals, invocations, the concept of the soul, and the "Fair Folk".

Open Drumming and Dancing

Pagans in Recovery. Coordinated by Kodiak Sunwatcher

Session for all in recovery

Ritual Body Art; Drawing the Spirit - Charles Arnold

These workshops introduce the underlying concepts of temporary Ritual Body Art, meanings of colors and basic symbols, and aid learners to gain a basic understanding of the transformational process involved. The basic workshop demonstrates physical and mental healing. Attendance at this workshop is open to all and learners are invited to take an active role by being models.

Ritual Chants and Rounds - Andras Corban Arthen

Many of the pieces included in this workshop were composed by members of the EarthSpirit Community specifically for ritual use; others have been drawn or adapted from the folk tradition or other sources. Come learn and sing!

Ritual Transportation in Norse Cultic Practice - Jane T. Sibley

In this class, we shall examine the various methods of transportation, both supernatural and mundane, used in pagan Norse ritual practice and tradition. The wagon of Thor, the processional wagon of Frey, etc. Comparisons will be made to ritual transportation in earlier and in neighboring cultures. This class will focus on various means of transport for the deities and supernatural beings, whether in the realm of the gods or here on earth.

Runes 101 - Jane T. Sibley

This is an introductory class to runes and rune magic as used in pagan Scandinavia. Examples of actual rune spells will be discussed, as well as the role of runes in early Norse society. Reliable sources for further reading and study on runes will be addressed. This will not include New Age material.

Scrying & some of the vaguer divination techniques - Tinker

Emphasis on scrying in: water, smoke, candle flame, glass/mirror & whatever else we can come up with quick overview of some other techniques protective/defense techniques for soothsayers will be discussed briefly

Sei £tiseta - Jane T. Sibley

In keeping with the theme of this gathering, this will be a practical spiritual Voyage in which the participants are brought part of the way and the spkone goes further on, seeking answers to questions asked by the audience/participants. This type of trance travel was traditional in Norse magical practice, primarily performed by a v”lva or sei kona.

Skanda and the Seven Mothers: a lecture/ pathworking - Black Lotus

Shiva's other son, Skanda, was adopted by the Sapta Matrikas or Seven Mothers, a group of wrathful goddesses who represent animal powers, the chakras, the Pleiades, etc. We will discuss how these female furies raised the Spiritual Warrior, and lead a pathworking to confront our fears as the Mothers test us to make us stronger.

Songs and Tales of the Otherworld - Andras Corban Arthen

 In the folk traditions of the British Isles, there are many songs and stories that deal with magical or otherworldly themes. Some of these will be featured in this performance/presentation, which will also explore their origins and their mythic and symbolic content.

Spirit Guides & Animal Totems - Arawn Machia

Every one of us have other-dimensional guides whose purpose is to assist us in our personal and spiritual growth on the physical plane (the Plane of Demonstration). The non-physical planes are not another reality -- they are the rest of reality. We can train ourselves to perceive them just as surely and clearly as we can stand in front of each other and have a conversation. This workshop will place you in contact with those other-dimensional teachers and allow you to experience them directly

Storytelling ( Youth Program ) - Women of WOISC

Come listen as we read some of our favorite stories. We encourage audience participation.

Tara -- Goddess of Stars and Compassion: a workshop - Black Lotus

Scholars disagree as to whether Tara originated as a Hindu or a Buddhist deity. She is the patron Goddess of Tibet, consort of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, appearing in five very different aspects, some peaceful, some wrathful. She is also portrayed as the North Star, the straying wife of Brihaspati (the planet Jupiter) in Vedic astrology; and the second of the Ten Wisdom Goddesses in Hinduism, very much resembling Kali. We'll discuss her many forms, and teach a meditation on her healing aspect.

Teddy Bear Tarot - Charles Butler

A journey of self-discovery. This class, not conducted in several years, gives people an opportunity to create their own divination deck from their own pictures. In 1-1/4 hour we will create a deck of 25 cards and read for each other. If the class is longer, or we move faster, we can expand to up to 50 cards (out of 100). Handouts allow the participants to continue their exploration.

The Three Prophecies and the Seventh White Buffalo  - Standing Bear Wilkes

The year 2000 saw the birth of the seventh white buffalo calf, the culmination of the prophetic timetable for native American peoples. It also saw the creation of the Spirit Walkers, the first truly hemispheric Elders council formed since Columbus. These prophecies deal with a cycle of destruction and regeneration of life on Earth, and the adaptation of human beings.

To be a "Guardian" - Tinker

In the "Metaphysical" sense of the word-- job description mind set/attitude. a discussion & opinion cession  --- general concepts some philosophy, and some practical  (experimental class)

Visualization Calisthenics - Tinker

A series of short guided & unguided Visualization exercises & meditations. The    last 15 min are totally unguided & optional

Travelling/Voyaging Spellcraft - Jane T. Sibley

Here are practical, Traditional hints and spells including amuletic and other types of protection for the traveller, funerary travel, protection of ships and  sledges and transport animals, etc. This class will cover supernatural protection for human (and animal) travel in Migration through Viking period pagan Scandinavia.

Weaving the Web - Charles Butler

A craft class making a spider web on a potholder loom. Choose colors appropriate to the work you wish to draw into your life. Add beads to add a dream-catcher flavor, string several together as an eleke. A journey of hope.

What's This APAUSE@ Thing? - Cronelady

No skill level required. Pre-requisite - For men AND women who have APause@ partners; for men to learn about the Male APause@; for teens 13 and over who have APause@ parents (or think they do!) We will explore the differences and similarities of female and male APause@. Hints for all in how to deal with family turmoil during this very normal passage!