2002 Classes

The Art of Quick Change - Philip H. Farber
Have you stuck with your New Year's Resolutions? It often seems that a great many people have a whole lot of difficulty modifying their habits or changing their lives in positive ways. This is your opportunity to learn a few quick and powerful methods for making lasting changes in your life. Amaze your friends! Astound your neighbors! Save thousands of dollars in therapy costs!

Astarte and Her Worship –  Charles Arnold and Danielle Mercier
She is Goddess of healing and joy, pleasure and sensuality as well as of war. The Lady of the Evening Star, first named by the Ca-an-an-nu or Canaanites, 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. .

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 and Sacred Sexuality – Charles Arnold and Danielle Mercier
They may not often be used but there are some 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.

Behind the Magic - Bart Lidofsky
In the practice of magic, we hear terms like "Human Energy Fields" "Auras", "Vibrations", "Will", "Divine or Cosmic Consciousness" "Shamanism", and "Spirituality". But what do these terms really mean? What are the basic theories behind magic? While other groups concentrated on the practice of magic, the Theosophical Society has concentrated more on the study of the theory behind it. Bart Lidofsky will present an introduction to magical theory.

Channeling And Mediumship:  The Dangers of Voluntary Possession- - Marcia. Pickands
This class is open to All.  In this class Channeling/Trance Mediumship will be defined and analyzed.  Safe alternatives which accomplish the same level of communication with the Dead, Disembodied Spirits, and the Divine generally associated with Channeling/Trance Mediumship will be discussed, as well.

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.

Creating Powerful Rituals – Charles Arnold and Danielle Mercier
Powerful and effective rituals are a major focus of Pagan rituals. This workshop discusses the various steps in creating and leading powerful, effective ritual. Specific points will include ritual organization, the use of props and special effects to suspend disbelief and create a magickal atmosphere and the major differences between indoor and outdoor rituals.

The 'Crooked Quarters' In Celtic Tradition - Alexei Kondratiev
Everyone knows the Celts celebrated the quarterly divisions of the sacred year with feasts on Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasadh. But did they in any way observe the other major points on the modern Wheel of the Year, the solstices and the equinoxes? Living Irish-Gaelic tradition recognises those dates as the "crooked quarters" of the year, and we will look at the evidence for traditions related to them in Celtic communities.

Dancing with the Earth - Juniper Talbot
Share in moving meditations for connecting to our roots, our wings, our center, our world.  We will explore sacred movements from several traditions with plenty of opportunity for discovering your own dance.  Wear clothing that allows for freedom of movement.

Divination: A Theosophical Perspective -Bart Lidofsky
Ever since humanity has had the capacity to plan for the future, we have wondered what the future has in store for us. Almost as long, we have wondered what were the basic laws and purposes of the universe. Science has certainly helped with some of the answers, but by no means all. In order to find the rest, people frequently turn to methods such as fortunetelling, divination and psychics, using tools such as Astrology, Tarot, and I Ching. But what are we really seeking? And what should we be seeking? We will see how these questions are answered, in a Theosophical methodology.

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.

Entheogens and Magick - Philip H. Farber
 Herbs, plant allies, and psychoactive substances have been a part of religious, spiritual, shamanistic, and magical practices throughout history, in every part of the world. Politically unpopular and ideologically controversial, the use of mind-expanding "ritual activators" has recently begun to be reclaimed by a wide range of people interested in consciousness exploration and magick. What are the pros and cons? How can entheogens be used safely, legally, and effectively? This workshop will include (safe, legal, and fun) demonstrations of some of the techniques involved.

Exorcism:  A Case Study -- Marcia. Pickands
This class is open to Advanced Spiritual and Magical Practitioners.  Intermediate Level Practitioners are invited to attend as long as they have access to the Guidance of a Spiritual Director for any necessary debriefing.  The Exorcism to be discussed occurred in the late Summer and most of the Autumn of 2001.  Many unique considerations were discussed between Marcia and her Companions before this Exorcism was designed and executed.

Frey, Freyja, Tyr, and the Vanir: The Old Gods of the North -   Jane Sibley 
Who were the Scandinavian deities worshipped during the Roman Iron Age/Migration Period?  We will explore the origins, development, worship rituals, and importance of the gods and goddesses of the land. We will also look at how these gods were mirrored by and in their adherents.  Mention will also be made of the Gothikon and of evidence from the archaeological record.

From New Age to Sewage: - Bart Lidofsky
Part of the occult movement in the late 19th and early 20th century revolved around the concept of a new Astrological Age. The various groups were centered on the concepts of self improvement, spirituality and altruism. Yet, today, the New Age is associated with self-empowerment, materialism, and selfishness. How did change come to pass? And, followers of the original concepts of the New Age, what can we do to reclaim the movement? .

Grounding 101 - Marcia Pickands and Tom Sheeley.
This is a basic ground and visualization techniques class. We will cover definition of terms, the basics of psychic self defense, grounding and movement of energy. The class uses visualization techniques. [Friday, 9pm] and [Saturday, 10:00am]

Journey to the Goddess - Carole Eagleheart
Journey 4,000 years back in time to ancient Crete, where the Minoan people celebrated the Goddess in their art, their dance and their daily life. Experience what it was like for the Minoans to descend into sacred caves and climb to mountain peak shrines to honor the Goddess. Together we will explore the Minoan culture and celebrate the Goddess through singing, meditation, and circle dancing.

Kali's Golden Form – Black Lotus
In much of tropical India, the winter is a comfortable time of planting grain crops.  The summer, on the other hand, is a time when the earth is scorched and nothing grows.  We will examine the myth of Parvati, Lord Shiva's beautiful wife, and how she split herself into Gauri, the luminous golden Goddess of grain who is born out of the darkness, and into Kali, the frightening black Goddess of destruction who is the darkness born out of the fire.  Then, like the hill-tribe girls of India, we will perform a ritual to synthesize these two very different aspects of the Great Goddess.

Lakshmi, The Goddess Of Abundance – Black Lotus
An introduction to the shy Hindu Goddess who fills your heart, your belly, and your wallet.  We will discuss the history of this very popular Goddess, especially dear to women.  Her origins among the Asuras, how she became the spouse of Vishnu, her various manifestations, and how she is worshipped in eight different forms.

Many Hands, Lotus Feet  (Hindu Iconography) – Black Lotus
Hindu deities are famous for their unique appearance - multiple arms and legs, odd skin-colors, animal attributes, complex ornamentation.  We will examine the origins and significances of these odd attributes, which represent the divine qualities of each deity.  If you have postcards or other images of Hindu or Buddhist deities you cannot identify, bring them and we'll attempt to determine who they are.

Memorial Service
For many of us this has been a year of losses, the loss of a loved one, loss of our sense of safety and security, loss of our sense of freedom, and the loss of our sense of balance in this world. Join with us to morn those losses, and to look forward, with hope, to a life after. Although this will be a “conducted” service, all those attending are encouraged to actively participate with personal stories and memories.  

Money is Not a Dirty Word - Bart Lidofsky
In the minds of many people, money and spirituality do not mix. Somehow, the concept of making money defiles the spiritual life. But, if one makes an esoteric examination of money, one will see that this is not at all true. We will therefore analyze the role of money, business, and livelihood in an esoteric and spiritual context, and examine more closely what it's role truly is.

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.

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 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 AGrounding 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.

Nuts, Bolts, Dollars & Sense – Charles Arnold and Danielle Mercier
This is a practical discussion of Pagan community creation and building. It will focus on dealing with personality quirks, personal differences, finances and day to day work to create and keep a community within a community thriving. The focus will be on Pagan communities within the Overculture rather than as isolated groups.

Odin, Frigg, and the Valkyries: The Coming of the Aesir. – Jane Sibley
The Aesir were relatively late-comers to the Scandinavian pantheon.  Where did they come from, and how did they develop into their Asaga@ personae? We will trace evidence from the Continent as well as from Scandinavia, as well as the incorporation of these deities into Scandinavian lore .

Open Drumming and Dancing
Bring your Drums, rattles and dancing shoes ( or go barefooted!) Also bring any extra candles to add to our “indoor bonfire”!

Real Paganism - Andras Corban Arthen
What does it mean to be a pagan? Or better yet, what can it mean to be a pagan? In this workshop we’ll look at some traditional core pagan values, at pagan vs. mainstream culture, at some of the dynamics that undermine the modern pagan movement, and at ways to make paganism more real in our lives.

Ritual Body Art; Drawing the Spirit - Introduction: Charles Arnold and Danielle Mercier
 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 Body Art for Healing – Charles Arnold and Danielle Mercier
This workshop is aimed at those who wish to use temporary body art, alone or combined with other techniques, in the healing process. As such, it is focused primarily at a professional audience though it will offer techniques that can be used by anyone.

Sacred Traditions Of The Pacific- Alexei Kondratiev
The islands of Polynesia developed a rich tradition of cosmology, mythology and spiritual teachings, much of which is badly misunderstood today. We will present a broad introduction to the gods and goddesses, the emergence myths, and the integration of the mythology into daily life, focusing especially on the traditions of Hawaii and Maori New Zealand.

Songs of the Spirit - Andras Corban Arthen
A performance of both traditional and modern songs that explore themes of mystery, love, community, and the sense of wonder found in the heart of Nature.

Spiritual Healing And Curing:  Understanding the difference and the Healer's/Curer's role and responsibility. - Marcia. Pickands
This is an Intermediate to Advanced Level Class for those already working in this field and those who feel "Called" to enter it.

Strega: Myth & Magick – Arawn Machia
This workshop will introduce participants to a system of Witchcraft based upon the hereditary teachings of the Streghe in Italy. The purpose is to provide the serious seeker with some keys which can open previously closed doors to La Religione Vecchia (the Old Religion). Some topics covered will be: Various Clans/Traditions within Stregheria, Antiquity, the Watchers, Diana, the Wheel of the Year, the Gifts of Aradia, and more.

Thor, Donar, Dierbme, Perkons: The Northern European Thunder God. – Jane Sibley
One of the most important gods was he who wielded the supernatural thunderweapon and who called down not only lightning, but also the good rains for the farmers.  We will look at the Scandinavian, Saami, Baltic, Slavic, Celtic, and Continental Germanic thunder god, his appearance, attributes, and cross-cultural influences that shaped the Northern European version of this deity. In keeping with the theme of the convention, we will also explore how the thunder god and thunderbolt lore was (and still is) mirrored in modern religion, superstition, and folklore.

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.

Visit to Granny’s Closet 2 - Theresa Harp
Here is a golden opportunity to play in Granny’s closet.This class is for sharing and dabbling in the toys available or ones that you bring along. This class is for persons 18 and older.

Was There A 'Celtic Pantheon'?- Alexei Kondratiev
Attempts at organising the gods and goddesses of pre-Christian Celtic religion into ordered 'pantheons' like the one we know from Graeco-Roman literary tradition tend to give inconclusive results. Was this, in fact, the way pre-Christian Celts looked at their gods and goddesses? We will try to give a sense of how ancient Celtic worship approached divinities and ordered the relationships between them.

Welsh Myth, Mystery and  Magic - Juniper Talbot
In ancient Welsh mythology, the children of the Great Mother, Don hold the mysteries of transformation.  In this workshop, we will deepen our understanding of these veiled mysteries as told in the Welsh mythological sagas of the Mabinogion.  We will also explore the initiatory mysteries of the Triple Circle and the spiral castle presided over by the goddess, Arianrhod (whose name means "Silver Wheel").  We will look at ways to transform our own lives by embodying aspects of Welsh cosmology and its divine nature.