Awakening the Blade Ritual
Windwalker and Dr. John
Awakening the Blade is an armoring ritual. Claim your power and be set on the path to responsible use of it. This is a mystery ritual that will challenge you to consider what it means to be a warrior, armor you with the blessings of the four directions, and end with the blessing of your weapon - symbol of your inner strength and power.
Preparing for the Awakening The Blade Ritual
Facilitators : Windwalker and Dr. John
We'll discuss what to expect in the Awakening the Blade Ritual, the Warrior Path, and the importance of owning your power. We'll discuss how to prepare for the ritual, what to bring, and answer your questions. Attendance at the workshop is strongly encouraged but not required for the ritual.
Craft Psychology
Dr. John
Come and learn how the brain sustains our spirit and an alternative view of magic. We solve problems by using an internal map of how things work. By mapping out how consciousness desire and emotion occurs we can work our will more effectively. The psyche is a deep place filled with elemental desires. With understanding we can cultivate more effective relationships within our own soul and know what is there. Dr John will reveal the universe to be an unfolding pattern of events. By knowing the nature of desire we can become wiser. Come and learn how the four elements manifest behind our everyday thoughts and relationships.
How Does Contemporary Paganism Assist Traumatized Military Personnel In Their Transition To Civilian Life?
Drake Spaeth and Windwalker
The transition to civilian life is not easy and is often complicated by physical and psychological injuries. An overview of contemporary and classical PTSD treatments will be discussed. Spirituality, particularly Pagan spirituality, can be used to augment these treatments. Contemporary Paganism provides roles and rites of passage for finding new paths, such as the Peaceful Warrior, that honor and incorporate military experiences. The Warrior path is not necessarily about fighting. It is about overcoming obstacles and limitations to achieve one's full potential. Contemporary Paganism offers ways of transforming the Warrior identity often formed during military experience into a useful tool set for accomplishing goals and finding inner peace. Methods of finding spiritual and psychological balance, healing, and inner peace will be discussed. These methods include meditation, prayer, and ritual work designed to bring one into alignment with the sacred directions, Deity, and the Ancestors.
Eiren Spiritbird Presents:
Tarot Poetry
This workshop is an interactive workshop where we will use the cards to answer a collective question. Bring your own decks if you would like, however cards will be provided. This technique is fun and will teach you a new method of reading on your own, with a study group or coven. All skill levels are welcomed!
Intro to Poi
In this workshop we will cover the basics of poi spinning. Forward and reverse spins, butterfly, two beat and three beat weave. Practice poi will be available for use. All skill levels welcomed!
Why is blood a universal principle? Earthkind from the very beginning has recognized the power of blood. History shows this is true for both the most advanced civilizations to the most primitive. All cultures have ritually collected and used blood to remove sins, heal, appease the gods, and facilitate blessings from them. Even today, among others, worshippers of Christ and of Satan believe in blood sacrifices and the power of the blood. So, why do we find the idea of blood to be off-putting, offensive or taboo? Here at Ravenstone, we stand at the gateway to Samhain; the third and final harvest of the Pagan Wheel of the Year; the blood harvest – and yet we hardly ever talk about that aspect.
Blood -- blood mysteries, menstrual blood, birthing blood, blood magic, ancestral blood, bloodlines, blood sacrifice, holy blood, healing blood, divine blood, blood as an omen, blood as sacred.
Join us as we explore the history and the mythology, ANCIENT and current customs connected to the river; the very substance of life that flows through our veins, and the memory of our ancestors that it contains within its code; followed by a short ritual.
Not for those of faint heart or queasy stomach.
“And what happened before that?” Part II: The Origins of Santa Claus (Angie Buchanan)
Who is the figure who stands behind the jolly old man of Christmas? Red robes and chimneys, ruddy face and reindeer; he’s known to many across the globe but, he didn’t just pop out of the May’s parade, or a Coca Cola advertisement.
His origins go far, far back, to a cold winter land and an unlikely forest inhabitant. He predates Christianity and even his connection to Odin was merely a step along the route of his evolution. He is the origin of the term “to get pissed” and he wears that red and white outfit for a reason.
Journey with us to a place where you’ll find the missing pieces to the very mysterious puzzle that we know today as Santa Claus. Discover the origins of the holiday tree, and his connection to it; of the use of flying reindeer for travel and the reasoning behind that notorious drop down the chimney.
Chants (Forest Light)
Singing and chanting is a great way to raise energy and feel the pagan Spirit move you. Come learn and share chants to keep the music flowing!!
Demons, vampires, and ghosts... oh my! (Michelle Winchester)
A look into the Sumerian view on creatures neither divine nor human. This workshop will cover the views on demons, but also the rules that they had to follow, different types, and even some specific ones (like Lilith).
Myths, cupcakes, and the underworld. (Michelle Winchester)
This workshop focuses on for separate holidays, all relating to the fall season. I will also cover the goddess Ereshkigal and other underworld gods. The demons of the underworld will be covered in a separate workshop. The four holidays I will cover are Ne lzi Gar, or “the month of ghosts,” Kin Inanna “work of Inanna,” the Autumnal Equinox, and Duku, “festival of the sacred mound.” The Sumerians followed a form of sympathetic magic, and to represent the sacred mound (heaven, earth, and the underworld) cupcakes will be provided for physical representation.
Necromancy (Grimthorn)
The magickal art of Necromancy is often shrouded in mystery. Join Grimthorn as he shines a light on the subject, from Ancient tales, to Grimiores, and what might be Modern Day echoes of this Dark Art. Find out the differences between Necromancy and Ancestral Worship, and exactly what makes Necromancy such a dangerous Art.
Polyamory (Jimmy Butterfly)
As children we learn parents' love is infinite. As teens, we learn romantic love is for only one person. Polyamory teaches we can love many and no one must be everything. Let's come together in community to explore what polyamory is and its day-to-day implications. Come and learn and come and share.
Prayers and Sympathetic magic (Michelle Winchester)
This is a workshop in which we build our own cloth sympathetic dolls (yourself or others). Bring items of your own to connect the doll to the target (or you can do it at home). The Sumerians believed that like attracts like, so if you wished for money, you would use actual money to represent that desire/need, as opposed to say just the color green. I will also cover Sumerian prayer and worship, since the two are so closely woven together.
Samhain Spell Work (Riki Perdue)
It starts out as what you really want out of life in the next coming year. We then go on a scavenger hunt to find those item that relate to your spell. We then gather about an hour later to begin consecrating and writing the spells. Those who are magical, can play, those who are actors can come up with a play. Then once everything is gathered and the known spells are ready to be cast a play is put on with the audience’s strength to make the spells work.
Sigils, The Language of Powers and Spirits (Grimthorn)
Sigils can be one of the most useful aides in the casting of spells or conjuring of Spirits. In this workshop Grimthorn will discuss different techniques in making Sigils, and give practical instruction so that you can make use of these techniques in your own practice.
Sumer 101 (Michelle Winchester)
I brief overview of all things basic to Sumer. From the 7 who decree fate, to magical practices, how myths are stylized, and much more. This is a very basic workshop that will touch on a lot of different aspects, so please, feel free to ask many questions if more specific information is desired. I may not have the answer, but I will know where to find it. If you don’t want to ask during the workshop, feel free to approach me after or throughout the festival. There will be more in depth workshops to follow, but this will give you a taste of what is to come.
Talismans and Amulets (Grimthorn)
In this workshop Grimthorn will discuss the history of Talismans and Amulets, the difference between the two and how to create a Talisman or Amulet out of items you may already have in your household.
The Sacred Hunt Orientation Meetings Part I of III - SilverDrake
This is the orientation meeting for the Sacred Hunt ritual, during which time Hunters, Villagers, and Drummers will learn more about the specific mysteries associated with their respective roles. It is especially important that all Hunters attend this orientation meeting, or they will not be able to participate in the Sacred Hunt ritual.
The Sacred Hunt - Part II of III - SilverDrake
This is an ecstatic ritual that utilizes physical exertion and the elements of firelight, a woodland setting, and intense drumming to facilitate consciousness alteration for the purpose of spiritual transformation or awareness. It involves an alchemical melding of the work of the Villagers (Yin element), Hunters (Yang element) and Drummers (Flux). The Hunt can be a personal odyssey to overcome challenges to spiritual evolution, eliminate toxic or unnecessary elements in one's life, or to quest for something integral to personal growth. Participation entails additional attendance at a prior orientation meeting as well as a debriefing meeting the day following. Participation is limited.
The Sacred Hunt Post Mortem - Part III of III - SilverDrake
This is the debriefing meeting that takes place on the day after the Sacred Hunt Ritual. Here all participants in the Sacred Hunt will be able to share their stories, perceptions, and feelings about the ritual, and more importantly, to process and integrate their experiences. Many participants have expressed that the ritual is not complete until the end of this meeting, which deepens their understanding of what has occurred. All participants in the ritual should plan to attend this meeting.
True Spiritual Reading (Riki Perdue)
Learn how to read the tarot, pictures, personalities, face, hands, reading a maypole, feet, while giving a massage all without a book. I bring out your true healing and spiritual divination psyche out. People will give readings once I give them a blessing meditation and they will have no clue which divination tool they will be given.
Vision Quest to the Elders (Riki Perdue)
It is a vision quest in which you travel to the other world to meet guardian angel, a past love, a past relative, or just someone on the other side. They will give you messages for you to share to the group. Afterward, you give you message to the group. You would be amazed who will receive messages from other people and how many you will receive.
Bembe and Ifa Traditions Parts 1, 2, & 3
Bembe (Drum Dance) for Ebora (the Warriors)
The resonance of very word, song, movement and drum rythm is an invocation. These invocations profoundly connect us to the invisible world where the Powers, or Divine Forces, reside. Every culture defines these Powers in their own language, and may have unique colloquial expressions of their manifestation. The principle, however, remains constant.
Our ancestors understood the importance of this sacred connection, as do some shamanic practitioners who are trained according to ancient lineages in this day and time.
Iya Luciana Shasta explains the nature of the Ebora, the Yoruba name for this group of Warrior, or Protector/Provider entities which include Eshu the Spirit of Communication, Oshosi the Spirit of the Hunt, Ogun the Spirit of Iron, and Oya the Spirit of the Wind. These Spirits travelled from Africa, through Europe, the Caribbean and to this continent. Their manifestation and messages are pertinent to Protector/Provider functions in every world culture.
Iya Laurie Goux offers an introduction to invocation via rythm and movement, calling upon the Ebora spirits to manifest more directly with the group of participants. Participants should bring percussion instruments, wear comfortable clothing, and be ready to learn simple body movements.
In the evening, a ceremony to honor the Warriors will commence, utilizing Afro-Carribean elements found in Vodun and Orisha practice. We welcome everyone who wishes to find profound connection with their personal Protector/Provider deity forms through the manifestation of Ebora energies. Participants should wear white clothing and head coverings.
Skeletization- SilverDrake
This is a guided imagery journey accompanied by a light shamanic drumbeat. It embodies a theme of "gentle dismemberment" and reduction to a skeleton, potentially offering a profound experience of spiritual awakening or transformation. Archetypally, similar death and rebirth experiences are common among those called to a shamanic or healing path. Please have prior experience with shamanic journeywork, and be open to significant life changes following this work.
Drumming – Jimi Shu
This drumming class will be for novice and up. Starting with counting to 4! Simple rhythmic concepts and techniques will be demonstrated. This will ready you for the drumming around the fire at any event that has drumming.
The Chant - Pan
Sacred and powerful tool to achieve Altered States of Consciousness, create group sentience and to facilitate the flow of energy, including Healing. We will explore the creation of and effective uses of Magikal chants and learn and share a few! We’ll celebrate the harvest thanksgiving aspect of Samhain with a chant of gratitude to Mother Earth. We’ll also learn an ancient Healing prayer/chant of the Anishinabeg peoples, recently translated into English, which is directed into a single individual. This prayer/chant is from a strictly oral tradition and not permited to be written. Depending on time and number of attendants, those in need of Healing energy will Receive from the group.