Whatever path you walk, you are sure to find a class that's interesting and expanding for you.  Below you will find everything from the Argentine Tango to Mayan culture to Sacred fire tending... we know it's difficult to choose between them all!

2009 Mabon Festival Workshop Schedule
*The schedule is subject to change based on the whims and wishes of the Universe :-)

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Class Descriptions & Presenter Bio's

Megalithic Monuments of Northern Europe

            A presentation with slides from Gavin and Yvonne’s trips to world-wide megalithic sites. Here you will see a few of the 50,000 standing stones and stone circles in northern Europe, and glance at other sites around the world. In addition to the mysterious carvings of Gavrinis and the non-alignment of the five-thousand-plus stones at Carnac, the talk discusses ley lines and the Measure inherent in your own ritual circle. For the mathematicians there will be a few generalized observations on the Megalithic Yard, the Earth-Commensurate Foot, the Golden Section (known to and used by Frank Lloyd Wright) and ‘e’, the root of natural logarithms.

Wicca 101- The Modern Spiritual Path

            Here is a general overview class on Wiccan philosophy, something which many Wiccans need. This presentation is designed for Wiccans, pagans, and the general public as information that (we hope) will lower fear and increase understanding, thus reducing danger to all Wiccans.

            It presents a detailed exposition of the underlying philosophy of the Church of Wicca as it has developed over the forty-some years since the Church’s founding. Understand the Deity and the god-esses, together with a look at each pentagramic tenet, ranging from the Wiccan Rede through Reincarnation. We use the pentagram and progress the tenets through the three circles, to  give an in-depth comprehension of a path to enlightenment.

            Wicca (the Craft) is not a fixed, dogmatic religion; it continues to evolve since the Frosts founded the Church and School. The tolerance of diversity found in the Church of Wicca nurtures a truly democratic way of spirituality. Here is your chance to reach a definitive understanding of each of the Church’s tenets.

Gavin and Yvonne Tell All

            This lecture/discussion, first given at Springfield (Arkansas) Pagan Pride Day in 2006, has increased in popularity since recent libelous attacks on the Frosts on the Web. It is an unscripted chat from Gavin and Yvonne on the how, where, when, and why of the founding of Wicca. The weird and wonderful myths about the foundation of Wicca have grown so strong that they have replaced true objective history with history-as-wished-for. Learn the truth of the roots of Wicca from those who lived through its conception.

            Wicca is based on a solid philosophical foundation grounded in independent thinking that started with the Age of Enlightenment and continues into the modern period. In this presentation we will meet many overlooked heroes and martyrs who turn out to have been formative in Wicca.

            Despite the accounts in several recent books and Wikipedia, the founder of Wicca was not Gerald Gardner. Nowhere in his works did he use the word Wicca; moreover, he never defined a spirituality to go with his magical path.

            Their anthropological, scholarly, objective approach has earned the Frosts non-stop criticism from the Christo-pagan section of the so-called modern pagan/Wiccan movement, whose members have done little or no real research.

            Gavin and Yvonne will answer all your questions, provided only that they are sensible and not ad hominem attacks.

Nintey-nine Ways Good Witches Go Bad

            This fun workshop is guaranteed to make you think. One of the most popular of Gavin and Yvonne’s repertoire, it is a crossover presentation aimed at those with some experience of ritual workings, and explores a lot of the BS presently in print. You will suddenly experience a fabulous improvement in your working if you simply get rid of the errors we all commit.

            This how-not-to workshop offers some clues about ways to correct the goofs that we all make, whether through accident, ignorance, selfishness, or stupidity. It offers a cautionary tale based on Gavin and Yvonne’s new book Good Witches Fly Smoothly. Plan to join in the discussion and to share your own autobiographical experiences; they may open the eyes of other attendees to how magic and lifestyle can go wrong and be corrected.

            Imagine a Witch on a broom flying backward and falling off. Well, here the Witch has a parachute. Come and figure out the errors in the story Gavin tells, and win a copy of the book (though you have to promise to review it on Amazon).

Wicca 501 - Power Raising and Circle Dancing

            In this workshop, everyone can join in and have fun. If you need a psychic healing, come to this one!

           Psychic healing is one of the most rewarding priorities any coven can have. Pursuing the practice to the fullest extent possible requires the ability to raise and send power. The workshop starts with the basics and shows how you can add to your reportoire methods effective in storing, tuning, and sending power -- methods known since time immemorial. Learn to understand traditional tables of correspondences and to construct a new one fine-tuned to fit you best for the group you work with. 

            Attendees examine construction and use of stone god-esses, why the dawn sign is usually not used, and ways to incorporate many other techniques that will raise your success rate.

            Starting with the basics of personal polarity and with the Wiccan shuffle, then moving on through the Gardnerian grapevine to more complex steps, Gavin and Yvonne will show you how to design a power dance. If you brought shoes without a tread, wear them; if not, be ready to dance barefoot or in your socks.

Argentine Tango

            This dance seems to have become a favorite at pagan/Wiccan gatherings. It is a snap for beginners, and it’s also the sexiest dance you can do in public. You don’t even have to hear the beat; instead you dance to the mood of the music, as you feel it with this partner. Ladies, if he doesn’t lead, you stand still. Believe it or not, standing-still is an official step : the parada. Gentlemen, you haven’t lived until you’ve danced the tango in close hold and raised your macho-index to its highest.

            Guys, remember : Joe Montana and John Madden are trained dancers.

            If you can walk, you can dance. All we ask is a hard floor.

           Gavin and Yvonne seem to have been around forever. They have written over 30 books published in five languages, and they are always at the cutting edge of Wiccan philosophy and magic. Founded in 1968, the Church and School of Wicca was first to articulate the Craft as an alternative spiritual path.

            In the last 40 years the School of Wicca has taught tens of thousands of students, articulating the Wiccan path worldwide. It is almost impossible to judge fully the impact of these two approachable, controversial, and candid speakers. Come and meet them while they are still able to travel.

Sacred Bellydance & Practical Magick
 
Imakhu shares the metaphysical Women's mysteries of the ancient art of Sacred Bellydance. Metaphysics, ritual, and dance techniques taught, history, as well as meaning of behind bellydance garb. No experience needed - Yes, men may dance too! Wear comfortable clothes that show body line and bring water. Drummers are invited to lend support and learn accompaniment."

Imakhu, the Renegade Wise Woman, is a career visual/performing/literary artist who openly lives her life as a Nubian witch out of the Broom Closet. Her uplifting Nu African pagan music blends eclectic and traditional folk, Goth, and soulful soft rock. Her vocals, storytelling, drumming, and folk guitar playing reflect her African and Native American roots.
 
Imakhu is also known to the world for her metaphysical podcast, NUBIA GODDESS RISING (also found on iTunes), and as author of COWRIE BLESSINGS BOOK: NU AFRAKAN WORDS OF WISDOM. She is Queen Mother and Elder High Priestess of a Kemetic/Metaphysical shrine, Shona water priestess, a keeper of the sacred Wise Woman (Rehu-t) traditions. Imakhu teaches the ancient metaphysical mysteries of bellydance.
Imakhu uses her art and spirituality to build universal bridges of peace.
www.imakhu.com
www.truelivingwaters.org
http://queen_momma_imakhu.podomatic.com
 

Sacred Fire Tending:  This class is required for anyone who intends to assist in tending the ritual fire.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to bring the festival fire into being?  Have you ever desired to be able to commune more closely with this conduit of power?  Come see if you've got what it takes to tend the bale fire.  Take some of our secrets home with you to use in your own fire rites.  This class will be open to everyone, however the interactive fire tending must be limited to those 18 years of age or older.  Make this festival, and this bonfire a little bit more your own.' * If you intend to assist in the fire tending, please be certain that you have not consumed any alcohol before your shift.  This is for your own safety as well as everyone else's.
 

Drew has been tending festival fires for six years now, but has been actively pursuing the art of burning for well over twenty years.  He has been heard to remark on occasion, "Everything burns, you just have to get it hot enough."

Honey Lovers Tasting and Recipe Exchange:
An opportunity for honey lovers to bring their favorite varietals to share and taste. Be prepared to share your favorite recipes and uses for honey.  Bring the children and introduce them to the world of varietal honeys!  Beeks, we'd love to hear your take on honey production!  Squeezable honey application apparatus preferred during honey tasting for sanitary reasons.

Sorchae Washburn has been a beekeeper for two years but one of those years doesn't count as she was out of the country, so she has to share her seniority with her friend, Lisa, who took of her bees while she was away.  Thanks Lisa!  Sorchae loves honey and is very excited to host a honey tasting and recipe exchange and watch kids enjoying the sweets!

Make-Your-Own Adult Beverage Forum:
An opportunity for brewers, vintners, cordial makers and all other make-your-own-alcohol makers to bring a small sample of their best conconctions to share and discuss. This will be an open forum geared towards the sharing of the home-made adult beverage craft and an opportunity to learn about "how the other guy does it". This forum is limited to legal drinking age participants only (21 and over).

Sorchae Washburn has been brewing mead for about four years (read newby) but would love to host an adult beverage crafting forum to promote the sharing of knowledge... And she loves mead... the sweet kind ;-)

Candle Making for Magical and Aroma therapeutic Use (2 parts!):
Did you ever want to find out how to make your own candles for a specific spell or ritual? In this class you will learn the basics of candlemaking, with an emphasis on the use of essential oils, their magical and aromatherapeutic properties, and how to add them to candles for effective magic. The class will get to choose what blend/magical intention they want for the votive candles we will make. Suggested donation: 2 dollars for the cost of supplies.

RedWolf (Jeanet) has followed the Pagan path since 1993, when she was introduced to Witchcraft by her sister. While RedWolf’s practice is mostly eclectic, her focus is on Shamanic Witchcraft and American Folk Magic. She has extensively studied magical herbalism, aromatherapy, and the use of stones and crystals for ritual work and personal transformation. She has taught workshops on a variety of practical magic topics, and for the last 6 years, has also led public rituals for several local Pagan groups.
RedWolf has been a member of the Circle Sanctuary community since 1996, and is currently enrolled in Circle’s Minister Training Program, which is led by its founder, Selena Fox. She is one of the founders of the Northern Virginia Pagan Network. She also co-owns The Pagan Peddler, an online Pagan ritual supply business she operates with her husband Dave and her 6 feline “work center supervisors”.

True Vampyres: The truth behind the media:
A basic class on what is a "real vampyre". The time has come to dust away the cobwebs of folklore and media and let the questions be asked. This will be a discussion open to questions so as to help those in search.

Scarlet Ravenwing has been on a Universalist/Pagan path for about 10 years. She has also been active in and out of the Vampyre/Otherkin community for a little over 10 years.

Women's ritual:
A ritual honoring the feminine Divine, and that part of ourselves.

Li Kane ~ initiated by BranwennWhiteRaven as a 1st degree Celtic Wiccan in 2001, but my interest in the Craft dates to high school. Active member, and Knight, in the Pagan Warriors Guild. Avid outdoorswoman: skiing, hunting, fishing, hiking. Been living in the Roanoke Valley since 1984, currently share my house with 3 spoiled cats, and a rescued greyhound.

Mark's Soapbox:  Stewardship to the Earth:
Explore the concepts of Pagan stewardship and responsibility to the Earth.

Mark Starnes ~ Tireless supporter of a clean and green world, and an avid tree hugger for 48 years.

Birthing & Raising Our Little Heathens:
Calling all parents or parents to be.  Let's sit together and discuss the future generations that we are adding to our paths.
A few of the subjects covered will be:
*Conscious conception and prenatal "conversations"
*Honoring our Spirituality through our birth practices
*Birth locations - Hospital vs Home
*Birth attendants - Dr., Midwife, Doula, partner, unassisted.
*Mainstream Baby Showers vs. Blessing Ways or other rites of passage
*Balancing everyone's needs
*What role does the community play in your child / children's life?
*What community activities would you like to see available for our children.
*Public school, private school, homeschooling, unschooling.
*Any other child related discussions that flow from our conversations.

Deb Striker ~  is a full time mom to her amazing magickal 3yo daughter, Serena.  She has studied childbirth practices in depth since Serena's conception and is fascinated by how many choices there are.  Serena was a home water birth with only John & Deb present.  Our midwife did show up 20 minutes after Serena :)

We Are The Stars:
A lecture on the origin and nature of the universe, covering topics ranging from the Big Bang and formation of galaxies, to the many different way we study the cosmos. The class will end with a guided telescope tour of the night sky.  I strongly encourage attendees to avoid alcohol, tobacco and any caffeinated beverage at least 2 hours before the lecture as this will adversely effect their night vision.

Tony Bradley ~ Tony is a retired Firefighter/Rescue Diver currently living in Manakin Sabot Virginia. He owns Zero Gravity Video Productions LLC and is currently working on a documentary of Maya culture in the Highlands of Guatemala.  Tony is a long standing member of the Planetary Society and former member of the Richmond Astronomical Society. He has been involved in amateur astronomy for over 20 years including work as a volunteer with SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence).  At present, Tony is director of ground control operations for Team Synergy Moon, a Google Lunar X Prize entrant. Synergy Moon is a multinational team competing with other teams to be the first private sector entity to land an unmanned vehicle on the moon and deploy rover which will travel a minimum distance of 500 meters while beaming live video back to Mother Earth.   Tony has lived a life of service and high adventure. A veteran of the US Navy and Army, he further served his community as a volunteer paramedic in the city of Richmond. After working in police communications, Tony secured a position with James City County Fire department where we worked until he was severely injured in a warehouse fire and was forced to retire.  To further his desire to serve others, Tony is a board member of the Highland Support Project, an NGO that focuses on fostering independence and cultural preservation for the indigenous Maya Indians in the Highlands of Guatemala.  http://www.synergymoon.org

Dowsing/Divination for Everyday Life & Beyond:
I will demonstrate how best to utilize a pendulum for everyday use and concerning any aspect of life. I'll show how to use a pendulum, bobber, or other everyday items to get answers to questions, to help remove undesirable energies from yourself and others, to affect healing on any and all levels for yourself and your loved ones and our Earth Mother, and ANYTHING else that you can think of. The possibilities are endless.

Dee Bray-Ware ~ I'm an herbalist who has been studying herbs with professional training and personal studies, for over 15 years. I worked in health food stores for 12 years and was fortunate to be exposed to many alternative modalities of healing.  Several years ago I studied dowsing under Raymon Grace from SW Virginia, raymongrace.com. He works with other world renowned dowsers like himself to heal and improve our Mother Earth. They have taken on projects such as cleaning up and preserving all the waters of our world, stopping child and spousal abuse by clearing the abuser, working with law enforcement to capture dangerous criminals, etc., etc. My Grove, GOSH, with the help of Tyr, the God of Justice, and the use of one of Raymons techniques helped to capture the murderer of 2 young girls, one of which was the daughter of a friend of ours. He had been on the run for almost 2 years, and after our ritual, he was captured within a month.  In my healing work I find that the dowsing is the easiest way to discern exactly what is going on with a person and what would be the most effective treatment. Be it herbal or otherwise. Dowsing has changed my life, and the lives of those around me, in more ways than any single healing modality that I have been exposed to. I'm able to help others see their full potential in a more fully rounded way, by pulling together all the healing modalities that I have learned over my many lifetimes. Dowsing has allowed me to expand the effectiveness of my healing reach and reevaluate the possibilities of my life.

Ritual for the Animals in our lives:
Be prepared to honor our fellow earth-walkers, the furry, the feathered, the scaly, the wet and the tasty! Please feel free to bring your own altar adornments meant to honor the animals.

Lisa (Adams) Starnes has been practicing witchcraft since 1989. She began her career in Holistic Health as a Massage Therapist in 1995, continuing her studies by becoming a Reiki Master and obtaining certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner, where she learned to work with herbs, homeopathics, energy, TCM and more. To ritually affirm her desire to help others, she became ordained in the Order of Melchizadek in 1996, eventually becoming legally recognized by the State of Virginia as clergy in 2002. Lisa dedicated herself to the Goddess after re-locating to Charlottesville from the Northern Virginia rat race in 1998. Shortly thereafter, she met and fell in love with her hunky warrior husband –at the Charlottesville Beltane Festival. The following year, they and a group of friends, became involved with the festival, moving it to Heavenly Acres Campground. Lisa continued on the Beltane Festival committee until 2005 as workshop and ritual coordinator, and as treasurer for the Blue Ridge Pagan Alliance. Lisa and her husband are working partners in Celtic Faery Wicca as Second Degree High Priestess and High Priest, although their true paths are much broader including yoga and buddhism. Lisa has attended several of the Mid-Atlantic Pagan Leadership Conferences, and went on to organize the Central Virginia Pagan Community Conference in 2004, carrying forward the spirit of community organization she learned from the MA-PLC. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s in Religion and Women’s Studies in 2004.

Lisa lives with her wonderful husband, Mark, their two cats, and three horses in the National Forest.

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