2005 Classes

Advanced Candle Magick - Erik Burch
Candles have long enjoyed a special relationship with the practice of magick, from the Watchtowers on our altars, to the wishes made on a birthday cake. Every Wicca 101 book has a chapter on candle magick, even if it's only "light a pink candle and think of love." Learn a more serious version of candle magick by creating a candle talisman for your own use.  All materials will be provided.

Anglo-Saxon Magick- herbs, chants, amulets – Tchipakkan
The Anglo-Saxons used spells, chants, amulets, runes, and other sorts of magick (energy manipulation) well after they were nominally converted to Christianity. This workshop gives an overview of the material that has survived- as what was acceptable changed from year to year and place to place in the first millennium as in the second.

Aspecting Divine Forms - Erik Burch
Add Divine energy to your magic and find a use for all those esoteric gods you've been reading about.  Learn how to assume the mantle of a god and access his power.

Bardic Circle. – Hosted by Black Lotus
The three "P"s -- Perform, Pick, or Pass.  Join our circle and share a story, song, or poem.  Or ask someone else in circle to do a piece you've heard before and liked.  Or smile and say, "Not now."  Black Lotus, as Facilitator, makes the final decisions (he can be bribed with chocolate!).

Body of Energy - Jonathan  Dickau
The Ancients viewed Energy as an essential component of the Self.  Modern Science has shown that all matter is comprised of energy, but many scientists view living things as though they were mechanisms, or collections of lifeless chemicals.  Do you?  In this workshop, Jonathan explores the matter-energy equivalence, and talks about the ways we can experience energy for ourselves.  He relates some of the topics of Quantum Mechanics to Taoist and Yogic energy practices, and beliefs and teachings of various cultures (ancient and modern) regarding energy.  We will discuss the scientific description of energy, and its relation to the material world, but no prior knowledge of Science is required. This workshop includes some exercises for raising energy, and will attempt to give an overview of energy practices.  We will focus on the range of practices available to us, and how we can utilize various techniques to have more energy in our lives, to be able to move energy and to transmute one form of energy into another, and also how to create calm or dispel bad vibes.  There will be an overview of the energy centers, and the character of energies flowing in each.  Participants will learn how they can use energetic practices to aid their ability to cope with adversity, how they can bring energy to bear during ritual observances, and how to ground themselves.  There will also be some discussion of both healing practices and movement techniques involving energy, if there is time.

Creation Of A Magical Guardian For Victims And Survivors Of Disasters - Marcia L. Pickands
This class is for advanced practitioners only.  It will be a planning session using magical techniques to create an appropriate guardian (perhaps artificial angelic construct would be a more accurate description) for those who have suffered the effects of the recent Tsunami as a whole.  If time permits we will go on to plan how to spin off appropriate individual guardians for each individual victim and/or survivor that would willingly accept such help.  If it can be arranged, I would like to put this ritual into action sometime after this class at the conference.  (Note several hours after this class would be best, or even the next day as scripts, etc. will need to be prepared.  I do not want this ritual to compete with the Norse working, however.)    

“Come as You’re NOT” Costume Ball / Open Drumming – EtheraCon Staff
Come Party with DJ Todd Hulslander of the Flamekeepers! Chips, Dips, Music and Fun! The EtheraCon Open Drumming and Dance follows Bring a candle, your drum ( or other noise maker ) and dancing feet. Celebrate Life !

Divine Twins, The – Alexei Kondratiev
Among the most ancient and fundamental deities of the Indo-European peoples are the Divine Twins, who rule the third-function domain of sexuality, fertility, health and material security, and who exercise their healing role by bridging the worlds of life and death. We will survey the mythology of these figures throughout the Indo-European world while concentrating on the often neglected part they play in Celtic tradition.

Dousing Games and more- playing with energy. – Tchipakkan
Pendulums, bent wires, kinesiology- using your the way your subconcious speaks through your body to tell you the things you don’t know that you know- from diagnosing illnesses to finding lost items. We also play with wands, Mana plates, pyramids and other “toys” that increase or channel bioenergy.

DNA Magic- Taylor Ellwood
What is DNA magic? Can we really work with the physiology of our body, and if so how? What risks are there? These questions and more will be answered in this workshop, where I present how I have been working with DNA magic since 1997. Come with an open mind and be prepared to think about your body in a whole different way. You will also learn how to incorporate body fluids, hair, nails into magical workings.

Dreamworking - The Fellowship Of Isis
Hints on how to invoke dreams for problem solving from a spiritual approach. Dreamwork discussion ranging from dream invocation in ancient world to experiences with Montague Ullman, M.D, founder of the Dream Laboratory at Maimonides Hospital in New York City. Participants are welcome to discuss personal dream experiences

Elemental magical workings - Taylor Ellwood
In this workshop I present some of my experiments with elemental magic. These experiments are designed to take a person's workings with elemental magic into new directions, beyond what is currently known. For anyone who's wanted to explore the elements, you'll find this workshop to be very informative

Esoteric Music Therapy – Peter Blum
 Sound and music are powerful tools for healing. They can lead us to deep meditative states where we can access our inner wisdom and intuition. The particular resonant qualities of the metals employed in creating the Tingshas (hand-cymbals), Gantas (ritual hand-bells), and "Singing Bowls" of the Himalayas were known to ancient shamans and healers to be uniquely well suited for these purposes. Following a short introduction to the physics of sound vibration, and the concept of entrainment, participants will experience a mini concert, and have the opportunity to play these marvelous instruments. The instructor will bring his collection of over 40 such instruments. In addition, we will also learn about and practice Shamanic Journeying using the framedrum, Sacred Vowel sounds and placement in the body, and Magical Overtone Singing.

Fellowship Of Isis, The - The Fellowship Of Isis
The Fellowship of Isis (FOI) was founded in 1976 at Clonegal Castle in Enniscorthy Ireland. From its modest beginning in 1976, the FOI has grown incredibly. Today one can find FOI Groups around the world. Class includes a) description of the work of the Fellowship of Isis through its 3 branches i) Iseum/Lyceum System,  ii) The Druid Clan of Dana (DCD) and iii) the Noble Order of Tara (NOT). b) Fellowship of Isis Devotional with group participation.

****If VCR Equipment is available, I will present a fifteen minute video featuring a chat with two of the founders of the FOI, the Hon. Olivia Robertson and the late Rev. Lawrence Durdin-Robertson at Clonegal Castle, Ireland.

Five Elements and Four Directions - Ancient Truths in Modern Times - Jonathan  Dickau
The Alchemical Elements and Four Directions are persistent themes across many cultures, since Ancient Times.  Scientists claim that a view of reality with only 4 or 5 elements is far too simplistic, yet Science affirms an order of the universe which is in perfect agreement with the conceptual framework this ancient belief system suggests.  It is almost as though time travelers or ancient scientists left seeds of meaning for us, in these metaphors.  Jonathan offers a unique perspective on the Elemental Archetypes which shows how they form the basis for Identity and relate to the Natural Forces described by Science.  People too can be examples of a particular Elemental Archetype, or they can blend the alchemical elements, forming a unique combination of personalities, or flavors.  Alchemists have always been interested in Transmutation, but the secret meaning is that what is being transformed is ourselves.  Jonathan will explore both Western and Eastern concepts of Alchemy, to highlight all aspects of that transformation process.  The Five Elements and Four Directions are as meaningful now as ever, and they have plenty to teach us.

Grounding 101 / So this is Your 1^st EtheraCon - Conference Staff
The skill of "grounding" is very important to many magical or ritual settings. It is also a skill that is needed for you own spiritual well being not only here at EtheraCon, but in your everyday life. All EtheraCon attendees that have NOT taken this class before are urged to attend.

Help and Healing when Disaster Strikes Far Away - Marcia L. Pickands
    This class is open to all practitioners.  The devastation created by the recent Tsunami generated in the Indian Ocean is mind boggling and has left many people wanting to help but feeling as if there is no way for them to do so other than donating money to the relief organizations that offer survivors a sort of First Aid.  Disasters of any size affect victims and survivors physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.  Help and Healing needs to be given in all of those ways, as well.  On site relief agencies do what they can and should be supported by donation from all who can contribute.  This class will examine how we who are so far away can help to heal individually and collectively now and in an ongoing manner.

History of  Pagan Conversion - Tchipakkan
This is, of course, a brief (hour and a half) overview. What I'm hoping to do is give modern pagans a more accurate historical background than is often bandied about in modern neo-pagan circles today. There is a reason that there is so much pagan tradition thoroughly mixed into modern Christian religion- some of it was intentionally incorporated, some just couldn't be wiped out. Modern Christianity is a synthesis- and continues to evolve even now. I'll be exploring some of the many ways the "people of the Book" worked to convince worshippers of other Gods and Goddesses that their way was better- from the earliest times of the Christian cult to 19th century missionaries.

How to Create a Pop Culture Entity - Taylor Ellwood
This workshop shows people how to go about creating an entity based off a pop culture icon or persona, as well as then using that entity to accomplish a specific task for the magickian. This workshop gets participants to do actual hands on work in creating an entity. The participants are walked through the process so that they have a firm understanding of how to create an entity and how to incorporate pop culture into that creation.

Hypnotic Pranks and Tricks - Philip Farber  ( 2 slots )
Thats right, youve heard all about the amazing therapeutic, evolutionary, and magical uses of hypnosis. This workshop addresses a much more important aspect of trance induction. This is about how to use hypnosis for sheer, unadulterated, tickle-ya-pink FUN. Among other frivolous techniques, you learn the secrets of instant handshake induction, how to eat or smoke your way to hypnotic happiness, and the newly-created ancient healing form of Feiki (much easier than Reiki!).

Integrating Magical Working into Every Day Life -  Marcia L. Pickands
This is a class open to all practitioners.  Carefully planned and executed ritual magic designed to affect specific issues in our lives are very useful when dealing with long range goals.  However on a daily basis we are often confronted by issues that would benefit from our  immediate magical intervention at times when ritual rooms, clothing, altars, and tools are not readily available.  This class will focus on how to do just that while maintaining the careful (if quick) planning and responsible actions that make our magical work efficient, effective and safe.

Introduction To Smithcraft Lore – Jane Sibley
The smith held a special position in ancient times; he stood next to the Celtic king, and his forge created wondrous things for gods and mortals.  In this class, we shall discuss the (magical) setup of the forge, forging supplies, the metal, tools, the approach of the smith to the forge, kindling the forge fire, smithing lore, "putting the forge to bed", and the ritual ending of a forging session.  This will not cover making horseshoes (though magical roles of smith-made products including horseshoes may be discussed), rather, it will be a presentation of the smith's art as ritual.

Is the coming age going to bring a new dawn for humanity? – Jonathan Dickau
Will humans be able to evolve to an extent where the long-term survival of the planet becomes possible?  This workshop is about the progression of individuals and cultures through the developmental stages leading to maturity, but goes far beyond what is taught in classes on Developmental Psych and Sociology.  In a world where it has become increasingly difficult to have meaningful loving relationships, and ever easier to be the slaves to our own machines, we can learn much from the life lessons of Aphrodite and Hephaestos.  They are among the elder deities who desire to lift us up to the level where we can all become gods and goddesses, but with great power comes great responsibility.  Those who have gone before don't want us to fall into all of the same traps they did, and they are ready to teach us if we are adult enough to use our power wisely.  Jonathan explains how ritual can open doors to new experiences for groups or individuals, what we can learn from elder beings, and what we need to know to allow this to happen safely.

Lotus versus the Lute, The - Black Lotus
Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Saraswati (the goddess of learning) are usually seen as in constant disagreement.  Only the presence of a third Deity (Kali, Durga, or Ganesha, among others) seems to prevent them from battling.  What do these peace-makers have in common?  And what is the special relationship they have with Krishna,  manifesting as a meditation and blessing of the worshipper’s hands?  We will learn this blessing, and other mantras of this argumentative pair.

Meet the Teachers / Authors
Come and join us in a reception, hosted by the conference, to meet all the EtheraCon teachers and attending authors! Wine ( over 21 ! ) Cheese, books, what more can you ask for? Celtic Harpist Candace Coates performing live!

Meta-Magick  - Philip Farber  ( 2 slots )
The drive to magical transcendence is a basic, if often unacknowledged, feature of the human psyche. We create magick – spells, sigils, talismans, rituals  in any number of ways that are so much a part of daily life that we take them granted. By identifying these existing elements of our daily behavior, we can learn to create new rituals of heightened power and beauty. Come learn a simple technique that can transform what you think about magick.

Monogamy vs. Polyamory in the Hindu Pantheon ­– Black Lotus
The Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism seem to pair off in couples like Noah’s Ark.  But some male deities have two wives, or long-standing relationships with Mistresses.  And one heroine has five husbands!  We will discuss the complex conjugal relationships of the Devas ­ what do Tulsi, Gayatri, and Ganga do while their boyfriends are busy with wives and family?

Moving With Energy - Jonathan  Dickau
All matter is made of energy.  In fact, it is energy, but can we actually experience that?  In this repeat of a popular workshop from last year's Etheracon, Jonathan leads participants in gentle stretching and slow dance-like movements, which awaken the centers and pathways of energy, and allow the individual to direct their own energy to create motion.  When movement comes from the flow of life-energy, and we are in tune with that flow, it brings greater vitality to both the physical and energetic bodies.  We'll explore what it means to feel the energetic component of the Self, and tap into that.  With a little bit of Tai Ji, some Chi Gung, breathing exercises, a bit of meridian self-massage, and a couple of Casteneda's Magical Passes, we will raise energy, and create motion and form.  This workshop is not about learning a particular form, however, but rather about evolving forms by unfolding our energies.

Norseworking: - Jane Sibly
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. 

Personal Sacred Mandala - Rachel Ginther
Tap into your Unconscious...  the place where e-motion live deeply.  Unlock your strengths and beauty...  find your Souls Essence through the symbology expressed in your Personal Mandala. We will utilize various media to construct Mandala then we will explore their symbolism and meaning through our individual and group interpretations and process.

Ritual Acrylic Painting Workshop – Jane Sibley
We will go on a guided meditation, during which each participant in the class will create an acrylic painting, guided by his or her Voyage/Companions/Visioning.  You may keep the painting which you have created. No prior art training, experience, or expertise is necessary, and materials will be provided.  There is a $8 materials fee, and participants must sign up ahead of time.  Limit: 15 people. Children over 6 welcome with supervision.  If you have them with you, please wear old clothes or an apron.

Rune stick and rune tile divination: - Jane Sibley
This intensive will be a hands-on practicum in Traditional (as opposed to New Age) divination with rune sticks and rune tokens.  The participants will learn divination techniques using both media. Rune divination is good for forecasting possible and probable outcomes in the coming year.

Runic Reiki - Tchipakkan
This is a system of energy healing like Reiki, but using Runes and another set of symbols given to Rodney Cox by Odin and Freya. This includes the attunement (there is only one in this system) and instructions on how to go out and heal using Runes.

Stupidity in Magic – Willow
A Stand up comedy routine loosely disguised as a lecture about the foolish mistakes people make when they don't think things through, focusing on the effects in the pagan community. Love spells, dealing with deities, being careful about what you ask for... all the usual gaffs we'd prefer to think that other people do.

Swedish card divination – Jane Sibley
Participants will practice with a deck of standard cards (9 through aces) (I will bring a number of decks) the technique of Swedish card soothsaying.  This technique is really good for the "tall, dark and handsome" type of fortunetelling; sort of the "National Enquirer" stuff.  More than a few folks want this type of delicious gossipy fortune! We shall also work on drama in soothsaying.

Sacred Bath:  Ritual Water Work, The - Rachel Ginther
Using the ancient cleasing principle of the Ritual Bath we explore the element of water and its necessity in our lives.  Each participant will make their own Ritual Bath with sacred alchemical ingredients - salt, flower essences, pure essential oils and the Divine energy of our Sacred Selves.

Sacred Chant Workshop - The Fellowship Of Isis
Ever get carried away by music and have a mystical experience? What is it about music that can cause this loss of the rational part of our mind? The ancient sounds of drumbeats, sistrums, lyres, harp, Sanskrit verses, Chassidic niggun, and Christian chant are ingredients for modern spiritual creations.Participants are encouraged to bring their own invocations to work into chant. No musical experience is necessary.

Scrying Game, The - Erik Burch
Mirror, Mirror on the wall... Well, there's lots of mirrors at EtheraCon, but here you can learn methods and techniques for scrying in a variety of materials.  Learn how to scry and crystal-gaze safely and effectively

Snakes In Celtic Tradition – Alexei Kondratiev
Although Ireland is famous for its lack of snakes, the snake is a basic symbol in the traditions of all the Celtic peoples. We will look at the role serpents play in the imagery of Celtic myth and ritual, where they represent both chaos and self-renewal, danger and protection.

Space/Time Tarot workshop- Taylor Ellwood
When most people work with Tarot they think of the cards as answering a specific question or depicting a specific future event. This workshop will give you a different perspective on tarot cards, looking at how tarot can be used to examine potential influences or events in your life, or examining the past or present events and how they affect you. We will also look at how each tarot card can be used as a gateway in space/time, showing you probabilities you might otherwise ignore.

Spirituality and Addiction: - M. Christine Murtagh
Open to all (addicts or family of, preferred).  This class is designed to demonstrate the value of personal spiritual growth in the treatment of addictions including alcoholism, drug addition, food addiction, etc.

Subversive Reiki- Taylor Ellwood
When most people think of Reiki, they think of a form of energetic healing or a new age fluffy feel good healing system. This workshop, while acknowledging the healing power of Reiki, has a different approach to Reiki, one with attitude. Learn how to be a subversive Reiki practitioner, healing the land, putting Reiki into protest activities or simply using Reiki as a form of defense. As with any system of magic, the uses we put our magic are only bound by the limits of our imagination.

Thanatology I:  Death and Dying - M. Christine Murtagh
Open to all.  This class will explore issues that we all face eventually. 

Thanatology II:  Grief and Bereavement - M. Christine Murtagh
Open to all.  This class will focus on how to deal both practically and spiritually with these issues.

Transforming:  Healing Past, Present and Future with Flower/Vibrational Essences & Aromatherapy. - Rachel Ginther
Create balance and healing in your life.  Learn ways of adapting to the changing energies that herald the new millennium.  Discover Essences & Aromatherapy as tools for transformation and empowerment.

Trees And The World Tree – Alexei Kondratiev A very basic and ancient motif in mythological systems around the world is the World Axis represented as a giant tree. This tree gives access to many worlds besides the one where humans live, and ensures that the proper ecological relationships between the worlds are maintained. Shamans and ritual sacrificers alike benefit from a knowledge of the world tree. We will explore the significance of this image (and that of the tree in general) throughout the Indo-European world (with special emphasis on Celtic lore), and contrast it with the way the image in used in some other culture areas, notably Finno-Ugric.

World-Mother Durga - Black Lotus
Durga, the heroine of the Devi Mahatmyam, is one of the most complex Goddesses of the Hindus.  She is called on by the other Gods when everything else has failed, to save the world order and preserve the earth.  We will discuss some of the unusual forms Durga takes, and conclude with a brief ritual (in Sanskrit and English) asking this Goddess to continue to protect our world.