Featured Guests

June 23 - 27, 2010

   

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This Year's Theme: “Our Common Roots”

We invite you to explore the traditions we feature by taking part in a ritual or more.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome for the first time, Elders of the Feri tradition, Willow and Niklas. We hope that you will join us in welcoming them as we explore the ways in which we are similar. You will have the opportunity to attend rituals and workshops of the following traditions: Feri, Asatru, Yoruba, Mayan way, Céilí Sídhe, Eclectic Wicca, Druidism, Indigenous and more.

Our list of presenters this year includes:


Joan Goldberg
 
Storytelling for adults:

Over the past 36 years, I have been doing performance work as a storyteller, focusing on the historical, sociological and psychological underpinnings of folktales and myth. At countless workshops and Elderhostels I have introduced such topics as Warrior Anger and Inner Peace, Demeter: The Real Story, Cinderella: The Real Story, The Inner Hero, and countless others. The venues have ranged from prisons to Goddess Conferences, from convents to Chairs of Poetry at various local colleges. My work has ranged from Toronto to Syracuse, and all over New York State.
 
I enjoy the quirky humor of the old stories, which often mask their deep wisdom, so that my presentations are full of fun as well as the deep wisdom of our ancestors.
 
As a mask-maker, I am interested in the mask’s ability to both conceal and reveal the true self. All my work uses non-traditional materials such as stones, feathers, shells, bark, leaves and other natural materials. My work has been exhibited in Western New York for years, and they have homes in homes and offices both here and throughout the US. I have also been doing workshops for Human Services Organizations, using mask-making as a healing and expressive form.

1. Mask-making workshop. I have all the materials including mask forms. This workshop asks for $5 for materials (which are extensive).
 
2.
The Story of Demeter which we know comes out of the classical Greek, and therefore, patriarchal period of Greece.. The Story I tell (with a mask), is culled from fragments of much earlier songs and prayers, and is much more powerful. (It lacks the seizure and rape of the Classical tale, for instance, and is far more empowering).
 
3.
Reclaiming the Image of the Crone, a workshop which has been presented for both Jungians and pagans, and everything in between. Based on Barbara Walker’s The Crone: Woman of Wit and Wisdom, it relieves us of the disturbing and damaging uses to which she has been put.


Willow Moon

Willow Moon has been a Feri initiate since 1980 and is also a 3° in the Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Minoan, Hereditary and Traditional Craft. He is also a Black Cord in the NROOGD Tradition. He studied Egyptian Dance/Tribal Dance with various teachers and is also an initiate of the Odissi Temple Dance Tradition of Orissa. As one of three members of the Feri Dance Troupe “Painted Fan” together with Feri Grand Master Anaar and T. Thorn Coyle, he brought his unique style of dance to the creation of new forms in relating our Feri myths. Willow started learning herbal medicine from his Grandmother, and he holds a Masters in Chinese Herbalism.

Willow’s workshops:

Divine Embodiment: Feri Myth in Movement, Breath and Dance.

We will learn to synchronize breath with movement and mind, in order to learn to generate life force from our bodies, connecting us to the Gods through Mythic Dance.

Plants, Potions, Philtres and Preparations: The Practical Art of Wortcunning

An exploration of herbal remedies, the making of herbal preparations, as well as the nature and potencies of herbs; talking and praying with herbs; herbs as familiars.


Niklas Gander

Niklas Gander's Witchcraft odyssey began in 1968. He was brought into English Traditional Wicca in 1987, and into the Feri Tradition of Witchcraft in 1993. He is also a 3° in a Gay men’s tradition of the Craft, the Minoan Brotherhood, as well as in the Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Hereditary and Traditional Craft families. He was affiliated with the Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT) in the early 1990s. Leading public ritual as a NROOGD Red Cord in the Berkeley coven Black Oak was a rewarding public priesthood between 1987 and 1991. He is an active Feri Elder, teaching Feri Witchcraft through Night Hares Cuven, led together with his life-partner Willow Moon. His interest in Craft magical lore led him to aquire a PhD in Scandinavian Folklore.

Niklas’s Workshops:

Introduction to the Feri Tradition: History, Structure and World View.

Psychic tools and techniques such as the Pentacles of Iron and of Pearl, The Three Souls, their energies and alignment, The Importance of being “Kala,”Spirits of the Tradition, The Seven Guardians of the Tradition, and the Feri-identified Deities, plotted along the lemniscus, or infinity glyph.

Swedish Folk Sorcery (klokskap)

Swedish folk magic as a tradition distinct from Asatru Reconstructionism. Many of its tools and practices have much in common with what we understand as English cunning craft. This lends credence to the English claim to the older origins of modern Wicca. This will be a brief overview of the tools and techniques of Swedish folk magic and healing, folk belief and practice. We’ll be making some comparisons with English practice and belief, to illustrate a wider European practice of folk sorcery.

Willow & Niklas

A Feri Midsummer’s Dream Rite. Bring your own cups/goblets, potables and edibles.


Prince Bamidele Bajowa and ODUA DE

Born into the Royal House of Rebuja Ruling Dynasty in Igbotako, Osooro, Ondo State, Nigeria, Bamidele started drumming and dancing at an early age. Bamidele’s music embraces traditional folk and contemporary gospel of the Yoruba people of western Nigeria.

My traditional rhythms are set to sacred songs and chants in praises of the Orishas (Orunmila, Ogun, Oya, Egungun, Yemoja and other Yoruba deities) Playing Bata, Sakara, Gangan (Yoruba talking drums), Kpalongo, Djembe drums. I perform with ODUA DE – Ensemble. The group also performs contemporary gospel music in English and Yoruba.

Bamidele’s efforts in preserving Yoruba heritage both in Africa and in the New World are being blessed with many opportunities of travels amongst the Yoruba people in Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago. He uses music and storytelling to bring awareness to his efforts in preserving Yoruba heritage and culture. As Ifa (Orunmila) initiate Awo L’orisha (Shaman), Prince Bamidele divines with sixteen cowries and palm nuts. He is also the custodian of his family’s ancestral masked dancer Egungun Ayeloja from Igbotako, Osooro, Ondo State, Nigeria. He is now sharing his experiences in Canada through music, dance and spiritualism.

He has appeared at many Canadian festivals including: Muhtadi International Drumming Festival (Toronto) Hillside Festival (Guelph), Iriefest (Queens Park, Toronto), Spirit of the Earth Festival (London), African World Festival (Detroit), International Drum and Dance Festival (Mississauga) playing music and conducting workshops on drumming and Yoruba spiritualism. He recently performed at the Trinidad/Tobago International Drumming Festival, in Tobago.

Bamidele is a resident of King township and is happy to be sharing his culture through music in Canada http://www.princebamidelebajowa.ca

Exploring the ways of Orisha

We will explore the history, system of belief and spiritual ways of the Yoruba peoples of western Nigeria and Benin, West Africa; The Yoruba deities, their attributes, functions and powers. A Spiritual circle will include incantations, prayers, drumming, chanting and songs to the Orishas: ( Eshu, Orunmila (Ifa), Oshun, Yemoja (Olokun), Ogun, Shango, Egungun) The use of Ifa Oracle (Yoruba system of divination) will also be explored.

Yoruba Drum Rhythms

Learn the techniques involved in creating Yoruba drum rhythms. This Workshop is designed as a drum circle. Different Yoruba rhythms and their use will be explored including drum communication such as call and response and drum language using Sakara, Bata, Djembe, and Kpalongo drums.

Egungun Drum/Dance Circles

Egungun – Yoruba ancestral masker is ushered into the circle with drums. Blessings are received from the spirit world through the Egungun. This ritual presentation involves incantations, prayers, songs, chants and sacred dances.


Zsuzsa Namaste: The Firewalk

Zsuzsa will be offering The Firewalk, a truly magical process that will change profoundly the way you see and experience the elements.

Human beings have discovered fire a very long time ago.  Their relationship to the fire developed as the years went by.  Eventually they learned to harness its power and use it to warm homes, cook food, forge tools, fuel factories, cars and planes, clear land, and kill bacteria and virus.

The way indigenous cultures celebrate fire may be different.  The way we celebrate fire may be different.  Yet, we can all agree, that fire is one of the four elements, along with earth, air and water.  The elements can be harsh teachers and gentle nurturers. All cultures agree that the elements are to be respected.

Firewalking is one way to celebrate the element of fire and its teaching.  Fire can teach us to take care of our physical needs, rationalized by our mental mind.  It stands to reason, that fire can teach us to heal our emotional and spiritual selves.

Firewalking is one of the world’s oldest and widely spread rituals.  It is so ancient that no one really knows where it began or why. Perhaps, simultaneously across the globe, in the beginning of evolution, when volcanoes still erupted, early man had to cross the cooling lava to get to their hunting ground.

What we do know, is that the ritual (the teaching of the fire) and the ceremony of Firewalking, was passed down from generation to generation, according to the natives’ oral history.  Many indigenous cultures around the world, independently of each other, celebrate the ritual of Firewalking for a variety of reasons.  

The Kung people, bushmen of the Kalahari desert in Africa , light a fire and the dance begins when healing of the community is needed.  The most gifted healers dance and walk, while the rest of the tribe sit around them in a circle and make music and sing.

The Anastenarides, an unorthodox Christian sect, in the Greek village of Ayia Eleni , walk over and over across the burning coals until grey ash remains, at every spring festival honoring Saint Constantine who walked into a burning church to save its icons from the fire.

The head priests in some Shinto Buddhist temples of Japan , prepare for a primarily religious experience, conducting the ritual and ceremony for a specified reason, by marking each step of the way as the fire is built, lit, and prepared for walking.  A prayer is offered for the greater good and the walk begins with the highest order of priest first down to the general public, anyone who chooses to walk.

Other cultures with a Buddhist influence such as India , China , Tibet , Nepal , Sri Lanka , and Brazil tend to follow the Japanese formality of Firewalking, where the priests are definitely in charge of the event.  The path of the burning coals are straight, raked out and patted smooth for the walk.

In Bali , the firewalk is a coming-of-age ritual for seven year old girls.  The Hawaiian Kahunas dance on lave flows to demonstrate their power and the healing of the community. Throughout Fiji people walk over heated stones and is viewed as a special trait or power of the individual and their own healing.

Benefits of Firewalking 

Firewalking teaches us about the infinite power of healing energies, the release and letting go of our self imposed limitations that we place on ourselves. It is method whereby all participants can manifest tangible proof that they can overcome any obstacles and move forward more effectively in their lives.

Firewalking is a practice experienced for thousands of years to teach us to open our minds and our lives to unlimited human potential and creative possibility. It further illustrates the unified understanding that anything is possible as long as we work together, respect ourselves and each other.

 It teaches us what is possible and can be a catalyst for personal transformation,shows us a way to let go of fear, assumption and negative judgment,presents us with the challenge of approaching life with our minds open, so that we may broaden our understanding of ourselves, each other and our planet. It asks us to pay attention to our thoughts and responses at each step along the way so that we may become more aware of the impact our choices have on ourselves and others and gives us an opportunity to go beyond our self imposed limitations. It reminds us that it is not necessary to walk on hot coals in order to become aware of the teaching.  What is necessary is to be willing to take a risk and step into the possibility that we are greater than we think we are. It aids us in transforming our belief system and supports us in creating a more effective way of dealing with life’s challenges and gives us an opportunity to go beyond our self imposed limitations !

The Firewalk

The Firewalk is a six hour continuous evening workshop in paying attention to our responses and thoughts each step of the way, where the individual will become aware of their actions and make clear choices for themselves.  When we are willing to take a risk and step into the possibility that each one of us has a definite impact upon the world, we become responsible for ourselves and our actions.  The workshop offers solutions on how to approach life with mind wide open, not in fear, assumption or judgment, rather in conscious choice so that we can broaden our understanding of ourselves, each other and our planet.

Zsuzsa has studied and worked with Shamans from different cultures, including the Q'ero Elders of Peru, the Shuar Medicine Men of Ecuador and the Ayahuascaro's of the Amazon, exploring all realms of existence and the practical application of the Shamanic way of life.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, she brings a unique and comprehensive understanding of the self with honesty, integrity and compassion.  She nurtures self awareness, coming into harmony and balance with respect and responsibility.

She has the ability to move, inspire and support people at all levels by means of demonstration or a course of action, developing rapport for trust, building “win/win” teams and relationships while maintaining confidentiality.  She instructs people to persevere and take manageable risks to initiate change as they confront the confusion and frustration associated with integrating different views and approaches with their own.

A Firewalker with over fifteen years of experience, she shares the journey of the Fire with individuals and groups to “cement” the possibility and capability of achievement through unlimited human potential.

Zsuzsa is the owner of Desired Results.She is a facilitator of self esteem and stress reduction workshops and a Firewalk Instructor, with a passion for writing and poetry. She continues to reflect and listen to her inner voice to create the possibility of her dream, which is "World peace through loving ourselves, each other and our planet."

What to bring and details of the Firewalk

Bring an open mind and big smile. This is a Six hour continuous event starting at either 6pm to midnight or 7pm to 1am (check on site schedule) No alcohol or recreational drugs the day of the Firewalk until its over (be responsible, it is fire we are dealing with) Bring a comfortable lawn chair or blanket to sit on for the first part of the workshop. In case of light rain, bring an umbrella or rain poncho (yes, we do it in the rain unless its torrential) Dress comfortably, remember bug spray to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.


Catherine Starr

Catherine is an elder in several different traditions and has been leading groups and performing public rituals for over 20 years. She is a former First Officer of Covenant of the Goddess, and is the Canadian representative to the CoG Board. She represented CoG at the Parliament of World Religions Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. She continues interfaith work as the coordinator for the University of Toronto Campus Chaplains Association as the Wiccan chaplain. As a Founding Member of Magical Acts Ritual Theatre, her play, "Oracles from the Living Tarot" has been performed annually since 1998.

NROOGD Tradition

Formed from a class project in 1968, NROOGD has been doing public Sabbat rituals in the San Francisco Bay area ever since. Many rituals have become powerful, yearly traditions such as the May Day ‘Os and the Eleusynian Mysteries ritual every September. In this workshop, Catherine will share information about the history, the rituals, and some of her favorite experiences in working this Tradition.

Oracles of the Living Tarot

Oracles of the Living Tarot is a ritual play in which the cards of the Major Arcana are brought to life in order to create a tarot reading for a community. This workshop will go over some of the processes of creating this ritual theatre piece. It includes a reading for our community that we will do with the participants of this workshop.


Jason Mankey

Jason is a High Priest of Pan and a Disciple of Dionysus who has been practicing his Craft for the last 15 years. Jason is a recognized authority on the Horned God and has been a popular figure at Pagan festivals across North America for the last nine years. Whether initiating people into the infamous Morrison Clan or teaching people about his beloved Pan, whatever Jason does is sure to be educational and a heck of a lot of fun. Jason mixes humor with a scholar's attention to detail in all of his many varied presentations. He also has the best hair in at least Michigan, possibly the Midwest, and maybe North America. You can visit him on the web at www.panmankey.com

"What We Really Know About Druids"

Druids have been immortalized in the writings of Julius Caesar and the music of Spinal Tap, but what do we really know about them? Find out the truth about Druids, as Mankey takes you on a trip through Celtic Mythology, and Greek and Roman travel writers. Every piece of the ancient Druid puzzle will be analyzed to provide you with the clearest picture yet of what we really know about Druids. This workshop is a must for anyone interested in Celtic Mythology or Druidism!

The Horned God

Few archetypes in modern Pagan practice are as revered and as misunderstood as the Horned God. He’s a cultural universal, but his message has changed over the last few centuries. Come explore the history of the Horned God with us, see where he has been and where he is going. We'll explore not only the generalized Horned God archetype, but also look at him in some of his most well known roles. From the Greek Pan to the Celtic Cernunnos to Kokopelli of the American Southwest. We'll explore what has made the Horned God a favorite in a multitude of Pagan pantheons.

Led Zeppelin and the Occul

Magickal and mysterious the band called Led Zeppelin has been the subject of a great deal of speculation the past three decades. From the start they were accussed of selling their souls to the devil, and while that's probably not true, the band was definitely involved in some occult and Pagan things. From song lyrics to album covers to Jimmy Page's fascination with Aleister Crowley, we'll take an indepth look at what made the Zeppelin soar. Jason has worshipped at the altar of the Zeppelin since he was 18 years old and he has no plans to quit now. Find out why Zeppelin has steered so many people into modern Paganism.

The Myth of Jim Morrison

Since the late 1960's many in the Pagan community have been captivated the lead singer of The Doors: Jim Morrison. What is about it Jim that has made him such a beloved and mysterious figure? We'll explore his interests in Native American Shamanism and Greek Mythology, and look at his foray into Witchcraft. We'll explore the circumstances of his death, and the rumors that he's still alive. If you like your Paganism mixed with a dash of rock and roll you'll love this workshop.

Pan: The God of All

In Greek, the word "Pan" translates to "everything" or "all". Find out just how important Pan was to the ancient Greeks in this exciting new workshop. We'll trace the history of Pan from his humble beginnings in the mountains of Arcadia to his rise into the pantheon of the ancient Greeks to his re-emergence in the 19th century. We'll explore how Pan was worshipped and perceived in the ancient world and why he might be even more important today.


Laurie (a.k.a. "Herb Walker")

Laurie has led Herb Walks and Talks from Starwood to Kaleidoscoope, after being inspired by the Wic-Can Fest walks Nick Morcinek of Faunus Herbs led in the 'eighties. She has studied with Susun Weed in Ontario and New York, having been initiated by her as a Green Witch. Laurie is a certified Vinyasa Flow Yoga and "Centergy" Instructor and also teaches electic tribal "Belly Fit" Dance in the Cannington area, as well as continuing her career as a teaching and exhibiting artist. She loves to pass on all the knowledge she can gather to her extended Pagan family at the Festivals! Don't be shy to ask her for guidance on the Green Healing Path.

Herb Walk #1

Edible and Medicinal Herbs (Meet at the Dining Hall and continue down the main road).

This is an easy walk, starting by the Dining Hall where we can find dozens of useful plants within a few yards. We will continue down the road to the swamp to identify meadowland herbs and useful wetland plants. Find out what you can do with cattails

Herb Walk #2: "Up the Hill" Walk. 

The environment above the main site is very different from the lowland meadows. Come and see what the woodlands have to offer in terms of healing and ritual herbs. This is a challenging hike with hills and cliffs involved, so wear appropriate footwear.

"Herbal Dream Pillows"

A "Hands-On" (and sitting down) workshop where we will experiment with some of the different herbs used to induce sleep and dream states, their combinations, and learn an easy way to make a dream pillow or pocket to insert in your pillowcase to bring about the desired effects. Don't worry if you don't sew - there is always "Jiffy Sew" or hot glue to help! If you have a special piece of fabric you want to work with, bring it, otherwise we will have lots of different swatches to choose from.


Castalia

Castalia has been part of pagan community for thirty years. She has studied everything from Astrology to Anthropology with gusto and delight, and has training and initiation into different forms of witchcraft and ceremonial magic. She has been teaching publicly and privately since 1990. She often tours different parts of the continent celebrating her musical arts and her seminars which are based on private research as well as experience being in community for nearly a lifetime. www.castaliamusic.ca

"Being a newbie...the ups and downs of entering the pagan world."

In this seminar, we will examine the ways in which people are attracted to paganism or magic and how they become part of community. A wide range of experience will be drawn upon, and the seminar will include a discussion of the experiences people are having or have had in entering both the online and the in person world of paganism.

Group member or Solitaire: the upsides and the downsides

People who wish to develop their skills and their experience of worship or connection with the divine join groups or study alone.There are books as well as online or mailed courses that allow people to practice alone. There are also many types of groups. We will examine the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.


Reynard Lohleit

Reynard will teach us all about edible miracle health-bringer mushrooms as well as take us on a mushroom discovery walk.


Brian Walsh

Brian has been actively interested in Paganism for 28 years and a priest in the Céilí Sídhe tradition of Celtic Paganism since 1990.  He holds a B.A. in Celtic Studies and Religious Studies from the University of Toronto, as well as an M.Phil. from the University of Wales. His book, The Secret Commonwealth and the Fairy Belief Complex (2002) was based on his Masters thesis on fairy beliefs and Second Sight in Early Modern Scotland.

Within the community he strive to emphasis a personal, intimate, and joyful relationship with the deities, ancestors and spirits of nature in the Living World; preferring to emphasize magical Religion over superficially religious Magic. He also feels it is important to have a good grasp of religious history of one’s faith, acknowledging the collective wisdom and insight of who and what has come before us, as well as the differences that make each deity and each culture distinct and valuable.

He currently works as a spiritual care provider at a major Toronto hospital, and as a Pagan (Celtic and Reconstructionist) chaplain at the University of Toronto.  Also, as a licensed Wedding Officiant, he is able to perform legal weddings in the province of Ontario.  For more information go to www.newtara.org 

Into the Valley

Story telling was not just an amusing past-time to our ancestors. Sacred stories were powerful, holding the power to bless and transform.

In this workshop we will briefly review the role of sacred stories in the traditional Celtic culture; hear a tale or two; then use a folktale as guided meditation or 'path-working'.  Come discover the powerful, passionate, and sometimes playful, power of myth.

Introduction to Vedic Magical Chant

Why do people chant 'OM'? What is 'OM', anyway? What other sounds are part of Vedic mantra magic and why would a modern pagan care? Come explore these questions, and the powerful seed syllables that go into the are of mantra yoga, the harnessing of sacred names, words, and sounds. We will also explore how some modern pagans have experimented with seed syllables for western cultures in an effort to gain deeper attunement with the gods or certain powers.  

Pan-Indo-European Foundations of Celtic Religion

"Too often we short change our pagan ancestors, preferring to seek wisdom in the exotic East. In this presentation we will explore sone links between Celtic and Vedic religion; comparing unfamiliar indigenous concepts with familiar ones from far away. Come discover Celtic understandings akin to dharma, karma, ishtadevata (patron) and more. We even have words for them! We will also look at the Celtic cosmology and revisit the importance of stories and stories of importance. "


Donata Ahern MSW, CHT.

Integrated Intuitive Counselor, is an Alexandrian and Gardnerian HPS and a Druid in OBOD. She is an apprenticed shaman in the Huichol and Inka lineages and is a priestess of the Mayan Temple of the Deer, Reiki III Master, member of the Grey Council and faculty of the Grey School of Wizardry. Member Seneca Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge, Native American Council of Monarch Bear Foundation, American Society of Dowsers. Workshop presenter since 1990 in U.S. and Canada; key note speaker at Druidcon ’05 in Glasgow. She recently published "The Medicine Wheel: Path of the Heart and is completing  Sacred Energy Within and Without"

(www.Donata.ChrysalisHeartCenter.com)

Teachings of the Maya Temple of the Deer

You will be guided on a Shamanic journey to the Child’s Fire, at the Center of the Medicine Wheel. This is your Fire and your Center. Here you will learn the teachings of the Mayan Temple of the Deer. Jaguar is the Guardian of the Center. If you do not have Honesty, Humility, and a sense of Honor in your heart, Jaguar will eat it. You will walk on paths of Light that begin at the Child’s Fire and connect to all beings and qualities on the web of life. Center is also the place of the Sacred Tree that connects the Upper and Lower Worlds with the Middle World of normal consciousness and that gives you access to these Worlds.

Child's fire workshop

A sacred fire burns within you. This is the fire of your Spirit. Your Sacred Child lives at this fire, which is the Child’s Fire.  This Sacred Child is your intuitive self, the dreamer and visionary, deeper than your literal linear mind. Learn to care for your Child and your Sacred Fire through simple meditation and ceremony. One of the ancient teachings of the Americas is, “Protect the children”. Your own Sacred Child is one of these children. How well do you care for your Child and tend your fire? Discover this meaningful connection. Learn a simple daily exercise to connect with your inner Fire and energize it with the Sun.


Rikki LaCoste

RIKKI has been a musician and a composer since his choir school days as a boy.  Rikki has also practiced Ceremonial Magick for over 15 years, and is a III° member of a contemporary Templar Order.  As a composer and engineer, he is the creator of a “magickal musick” project called Panthea.  As a Magician and musician, he has endeavoured to share the fruits of his journeys with others through various workshops, storytelling, and ritual.

Banishing ritual Workshop

With RIKKI LACOSTE.  A Banishing Ritual is the primary and most essential ritual to prelude and conclude all other ritual and ceremony.  This workshop will illustrate and take you through a comprehensive understanding of the components and functions of such an important and essential ritual.

Patakin: Drum tales from around the world

With RIKKI LACOSTE.  Patakín, pronounced pah-tah-KEEN,  is an Afro-Cuban word meaning “story” or “legend.”  Ancient stories in which the drum plays a prominent role are more common than most people realize. Every culture has a drum tradition. Bring your drums and other instruments and experience the myths and legends from cultures around the world, and learn and play the traditional rhythms from the individual cultures from which the tales come.


Amethyst Lodge (Fest AA Gathering)

This is an informal gathering for those of us who have a difficult time at fests around the copious amounts recreational substances that are characteristically found in such abundance at pagan festivals. You are welcome to hang out with us if you want some positive support, on-site temporary sponsorship, or simply want to get some things off your chest, or just feel like hanging out with people like you. You're not alone, and we hope you'll come.

The actual site for the meeting, the presenter, and attendees will NOT be listed or posted, and should then be kept to ourselves after the daily meetings.  It will be as completely anonymous as possible.  Every day at 7pm, we will meet at a specific location.  If you would like to join us, please ask Admin, and please feel free to pass the word around by discreet word-of-mouth. A concept we haven't explored for a long while at our festival, we feel there may be a need that can be fulfilled between community members....so let's give it a shot, and don't be afraid to come to Fest. We've got your back!


Elizabeth Copeland

Elizabeth is a professional performing artist with over 25 years experience.  She has; toured with Second City doing improv comedy, sung & danced at the Charlottetown Festival, played the witch in 'Hansel & Gretel' with the Honolulu Symphony & performed in 'The Luminous Dark' at the Algonquin Theatre.  Elizabeth works extensively as a voice coach for singers, actors & professional speakers & has taught in such places as the Transformational Arts College. Mind Heart Connection & through Creative Voiceworks.  She lives in Burks Falls with her musician husband Glenn, & 2 cats.  Most importantly, Elizabeth believes in the power of expression to change lives.  Her work speaks of that belief. Elizabeth@songcycles.com

Reclaim your Voice using Song - a Playshop

For as long as we have been on the planet, we have been singing.  This sensuous experience can open us in ways nothing else can.  If you think you can't sing, but want to - please join us.  If you want your speaking voice to soar - please come join in.  If you have been silenced, the world of song calls to you.  Come and sing.

Elizabeth in Concert

'Elizabeth sings from the depth of her soul' (Mark Victor Hansen - Chicken Soup for the Soul)


Charmaine

Workshop Leader - coil (aka Charmaine) is a Priestess of the Spiral Grove, VA and has expereinced many forms of loss in this life time. She brings an open heart to all she does; Thanks to Trish and Treena for the inspiration for this workshop

Loss and grieving on the spiritual path

Explore the effects, and possibly the reasons, so many are experiencing so much loss and grief. Discuss methods for dealing. Participants are welcome to share their experiences, if they choose.


Bonnie Coursolle

Bonnie is on the road to discovering the spiritual path that is right for her. Along the way, her interest in prayer & meditation beads and how they can be incorporated into any spiritual practice was brought to light. Her company, Jasper Moon, makes and sells a variety of bead sets, along with jewelry, dowsing & divination products, tree of life pendants, pewter cloak clasps and other miscellaneous items. You can find her at a diverse mix of eclectic events across Ontario, including music festivals, pagan retreats, medieval faires & craft shows or online at www.jasper-moon.ca.

Design Your Own Pagan Prayer Beads

Beads have been employed as instruments of prayer & meditation in most spiritual traditions for centuries. Prayer beads have a variety of forms and meanings, but the basic purpose is the same: to assist the worshipper in reciting and counting specific prayers or incantations, for spell casting, or to help focus concentration during meditation. Learn about the difference in stringing materials, where to find beads & charms and how to put it all together to create a special set of prayer beads to enhance your daily devotions. Please be advised that we will not actually be making a set of prayer beads at this workshop but you will get lots of practical tips and ideas to help you design a set of prayer beads to reflect your own personal practice or purpose through symbolism, colour & material.

Time: 1 hour


Franco Minatel and Lupa Bardy

Breaking the Chains that Bind You Ritual.

How many times have you been told you can’t do something or that you’ll never amount to something? Has it been a parent, a teacher or yourself? What are the road blocks that have held you back and prevented you from moving forward? This ritual is to help you move forward in achieving your goals. But keep in mind, in order to win the lottery - you need to buy a ticket!


Cannaid

Cannaid is of Anishnabe (Ojibway) and Irish descent and shares ancestry with the members of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.  She is a member of the Marten Clan and has lived in Simcoe County for 34 years.  She carries a passion for sharing Anishnabe life teachings and supporting community while walking her path with gentleness and humour.   The teachings of kindness and humility are very important to her and she endeavors to live her life in a positive way honouring the Seven Grandfathers and lifelong learning. 

The Good Red Road

This workshop will be an informational session introducing several foundational and primary philosophies of the Anishnabe (Ojibway) Medicine Wheel. Examination of holism, traditional medicines, relationship, seasonal activities and special ceremonies as they relate to the local Anishnabe traditional peoples will be offered. 

Appliqué Beadwork

Learn to create beautiful appliqué beadwork.  Many pieces created will carry spiritual significance and can act as helpers on your path.  The possibilities are endless and the technique will be yours to take home to apply to your journey. Materials will be provided with relaxed instruction so please bring your patience, creativity and humour as we bring colour to the pictures of your imagination.

(This workshop is limited to 12 participants aged 16 years and over. )


Hetoreyn

Hetoreyn was born in England and came to live in Canada in September 2008. He enjoys playing the concert flute, djemba and piano, and has been composing own orchestral music since he was 16. Hetoreyn has published several fantasy / ambient albums that stem from an exploration of Elven music. Hetoreyns two 'Elven Moods' CDs present musical pieces designed to let the listener engage themselves in the world of Faery and Elfkind. In addition to his symphonic projects Hetoreyn also provides music for independent films. Since 2003 he has been a regular visitor to Wiccanfest where he supported a number of musicians with the flute or on the keyboard, and played in group concerts. Hetoreyn is looking forward to giving his first flute concert at this years fest and will give an insight in Elfkind and Otherkin. You can find out more about his music at www.hetoreyn.com.


Michael Moon

Michael is an award winning international recording artist, composer, and performer of healing and transformational music. With 5 CD’s ranging from psychedelic pagan rock, to deep sound meditations Michael’s music takes the listener on a unique journey. Michael Moon also works as a sound therapist and astrological counselor. As an astrologer he regularly works for large corporations as well as private consultations.
www.thetempleofsound.com

Concert Saturday June 26

Michael Moon and friends Howl in the full moonlight with mystical songs of Faerie and Pagan Rock and Roll. Come ready to dance and fly to other realms while we harmonize the powerful eclipse energies.

Workshop

Learn the astrology of Saturday's lunar eclipse and how it may effect you and the world at this powerful time in history. Bring a copy of your astrology chart if you have it available.


Christin Dennis

Christin has been facilitating sweat lodges for 8 years and apprenticed for 14 years with various elders and shamans. Christin continues his shamanic studies and shares his journey when asked. Journey into the Inipi and explore your inner sanctum with the Grand Fathers and Grand Mothers.


AndolfR

AndolfR has been deeply involved in the North American pagan and heathen community for over twenty years.  He is a member of the board of directors of Wic-Can Fest, Harvestfest, and Ethos as well as serving on the board of the American Vinland Association.  He is an Elder in the Ásatrú faith and a past High Redesman of the Ring of Troth.   He is also a key organizer and board member of SiMuCOR (Simcoe Muskoka Coalition of Old Religions).  Andy holds several advanced academic degrees including Bachelor and Master’s degrees in both History and Environmental Science.

Alfdis

Alfdis is an Ásatrú Gyðia (priestess) who has been involved in the Pagan and Heathen communities in both the Montreal and Barrie regions for over 15 years.  She is a key organizer and board member of SiMuCOR (Simcoe Muskoka Coalition of Old Religions), the Ethos gathering, and the Barrie Pagan Pub Moot.  She is also a founding member of the Wayfarers’ Kindred and currently serves as its first priestess.  Alfdis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Anthropology) form the University of Montreal.

Ásatrú Blót

 Icelandic Ásatrú is the dominant religious expression of the Germanic branch of the Northern Tradition.  The Old Norse word “blót” – meaning “to blood” or “to sacrifice” – is the most common term used to describe one of the three principal forms of ritual commonly encountered in Ásatrú.  Those interested in participating in an authentic Ásatrú blót are invited to join AndolfR and Alfdis in our Midsummer celebration.  Come dressed in bright Midsummer colours and bring a drinking vessel.

Be advised: alcohol will be consumed throughout the ritual – so adults only please.


 

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