Workshops
We will once again have 4 Workshop areas... Earth, Air, Water, and Fire.... workshops on a variety of topics that matter to the pagan community will be scheduled all weekend! Below are the Workshops currently scheduled to be held at this year's picnic.
A Paranormal Investigation - what is it?
Presented by St Louis Paranormal Research Society Team 1
Do you watch Ghost Hunters, Most Haunted, or other shows and wonder what they really do? Come ask your questions of members of an actual St Louis based Paranormal Investigation team. We will discuss what we don on an investigation, talk a little on the equipment we use and look at some evidence we have gotten form investigations around the area. If you have pictures or audio you have collected, bring it along, we will be happy to discuss it, as time allows. Bring your curiosity and questions, and lets see what we can find together.
A Personal Preview of “The Voice of the Trees, A Celtic Ogham Oracle”
Presented by Mickie Mueller
Sit beneath the trees with Mickie for an up close and personal presentation of her upcoming deck “The Voice of the Trees” The deck she authored and illustrated coming from Llewellyn 2011. She will discuss the inspiration behind the deck, insider information on each of the 25 cards art, background, and meanings, the process of writing the accompanying book, and the many ways it can be used for divination, meditation, and magic. Due to popular demand, she will end with a demonstration of “The Summoning of the Trees” ritual for balance and protection.
Astrology and the Qabala
Presented by Rev. Bill Duvendack
Astrology and the Qabala will introduce the audience to how each system ties into the other. Attendees will see how the seven planets of the ancients correspond to the body of knowledge known as Qabala. Also covered in this presentation will be a cursory glance at numerology and how it relates to both systems.
Book Publishing 101
Presented by Elysia Gallo
Thinking of getting published? Don’t miss this workshop! Get all your questions answered, including: where and how to submit your proposal, the timeline and the process, the money question, the agent question, covers and titles, working the publicity machine, and much more. Well-known authors such as Ellen Dugan, River and Joyce Higginbotham, and Don Lewis-Highcorrell will give you the inside look from the author’s perspective, while Elysia Gallo from Llewellyn Worldwide will provide information on acquisitions, publicity, marketing, and distribution from the perspective of a mid-sized publisher. Q and A will follow presentation.
Children’s Craft: Fire Dream Drums
Presented by W. Lyon Martin
Children 5 and up (adults, too) can craft their own fire dream drum. Craft requires the use of hole-punch, scissors and glue and is not suitable for very young children. (Parents are requested to accompany their children.)
Creating your own Book of Shadows
Presented by Ellen Dugan
Every Witch has one... but how do you take a plain collection of notes and rituals and turn it into something more? In this lecture, award winning author Ellen Dugan presents, tips, tricks and creative and crafty ideas for creating your own personalized book of shadows. This lecture will include a hands on demonstration on altered books and includes plenty of enchanting ideas with which to make your own personalized book of shadows into a one-of-a-kind work of art. Bring your creativity with you and be prepared to conjure up some fun. ** Please bring a paper and pen for notes.
Experiences at the Parliament of the Worlds Religions
Presented by River Higgenbotham
In December 2009 Pagans from around the world joined with representatives of most of the worlds religions at the Parliament of the Worlds Religions (PWR) in Melbourne, Australia. The St. Louis Pagan community was represented there by River and by the blessings of the local community infused into the “shakers” that went PWR for a greater magickal working. In this workshop we will discuss the impact Pagans are having on the PWR and the potential benefits to the greater Pagan community that are realized by our participation and ongoing engagement in interfaith activities.
How to Catch the Red Dragon!
Presented by W. Lyon Martin
For many newcomers, spells discovered in books are their only choice when they wish to begin to practice magic. A great majority of these pre-packaged rituals suggest waiting until a certain moon phase or season. Some include 'ingredients' which are either hard to come by or unavailable at all. Not only is this frustrating, it is also impractical for many modern day practitioners with work, school, children and other demands on their time. With the use of a humorous rendition of a red dragon tale participants learn how to craft spells and rituals to suit their current needs, with every day ingredients already at their disposal, without having to wait for the "proper" Moon phase or seasonal energies.
Introduction to Hermeticism
Presented by Rev. Bill Duvendack
An Introduction to Hermeticism will give attendees a brief history of the Royal Art of Hermeticism. The presentation will go from history up to current, showing the evolution of this body of work. There will also be clarification as to what is and what isn’t Hermetic.
Lifting Our Hands: Pagans and Prayer
Presented by Ruby Sara
What does it mean to pray in a pagan context? Come explore this rich practice with us - we’ll talk a litt le about the history of prayer, discuss its meaning for contemporary pagans and magical practitioners, explore diff erent types/methods of prayer (including the role of prayer in spellcraft ), and write some prayers/invocations of our own for ritual purposes.
Liquid Veil – an introduction to adding the water element to your dance
Presented by Ami Amoré & Exotic Rhythms Bellydance
In this one hour workshop we will explore using a veil for self expression in dance and creative movement. The fluidity of the veil represents the water element of this dance. This workshop is free-flowing fun, no prior knowledge of bellydance required. This is suitable for all ages and levels and is designed to be therapeutic as well as a great arm workout.
Magical Jewelry, How to Make It, What Does It Mean?
Presented by Mickie Mueller
Mickie has been creating magical jewelry using beading methods and magic since 1999, and now she has created her own sterling silver jewelry line with the world renowned producer Peter Stone, you could say jewelry is her passion. Join Mickie in a discussion on how to create your own magical pieces using any magical beads and charms. Learn what kinds of magic works best with specific kinds of jewelry, and what each piece means. Mickie will also demonstrate 2 simple beading methods and a handout listing gems, metals and symbols will be included.
Magick TV
Presented by Rev Don Lewis
Magick TV was begun in rural Central Illinois to provide Wiccan, Pagan, and Magical programming via Internet TV. It was our particular hope to help those who were geographically isolated or closeted feel more connected to the Wiccan/Pagan community. For the last five years Magick
TV has offered instructional programming, entertainment, and interviews ranging from the most prominent leaders and authors to random attendees at picnics, PPD’s and Witches Balls.
Psychic Protection
Presented by Ellen Dugan
Award winning author Ellen Dugan presents a one hour lecture on psychic protection. There will be a discussion on the different types of psychic abilities, and what the strengths and weakness of each of these particular psychic talents are. Included in this down-to-earth lecture, are many techniques and tips for working with the gifts you have for effective psychic defense. Also you will learn how to best protect yourself from emotional and psychic vampires. This is a practical and enjoyable lecture that will make you think, learn and laugh- all at the same time. ** Please bring a paper and pen for notes.
Releasing Your Inner Goddess Through Bellydance
Presented by Ami Amoré & Exotic Rhythms Bellydance
In this one hour workshop we will cover a lot of the basic movements of bellydance in a supportive, fun environment. Designed to get you in touch with your inner goddess, this workshop is for women and men alike. You will feel empowered, confident and energized after taking this workshop.
Requirements: Bring an open mind, water, and a hip scarf if you have one. Limited numbers of loaner scarves will be available.
The 3 R's of Writing Chants
Presented by Ember Grant
In this workshop, Ember Grant will be providing information on techniques to write chants for ritual.
Some Sticks and a Pot of Soup
Presented by Grandmother Elspeth
For thousands of years humans have used storytelling to carry messages, to teach lessons, and to change minds. We use words to convey more thasn the obvious. A story can be both entertianing and instructive.
We are living in a very special time - a time of great opportunities cleverly disguised as insoluble problems! We cannot continue to block out the fear and anger around us, the changing needs of the world and of our own species. The things that worked before don't anymore. Our approach to these opportunities must be from a new way of perceiving. We're an adaptable kind of creature. Stories may hold the key to our next step.
Soul Retrieval
Presented by Rev. Don Lewis
A discussion of the practice of Soul Retrieval and the role it plays in a healthy Spiritual life. Th is is the form of Soul Retrieval practiced in the Correllian Tradition, which diff ers somewhat from the more familiar form of Shamanic Soul Retrieval. Soul Retrieval releases the energy that naturally becomes trapped through Karmic Att achments. How Karmic Att achments are formed, how they affect energy, and how they may be healed.
Tarot
Presented by Melissa Tarot
Join Melissa Tarot as attendees are taught tarot card basics.
Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM)
Presented by Rev. Rose White (Luna Firehawk)
This is not simply a passive meditation to be practiced only when you are sitting in a chair, cushion or before ritual. It's a meditation to be practiced all of the time, especially when you do your daily activities, or when you are in pain or feeling down. So many times we walk around in a mental haze of random nonsense thoughts. It will help you learn to calm your mind. You can use Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation whenever you are walking from your house or to your car to your job. It will help you notice what your mind is doing in the present moment and let go of these distracting thoughts. It help will you stay more grounded in your daily life. This is smiling meditation and will help bring happiness to your life.
Requirements: So people can be comfortable I ask that they bring a blanket, pillow, mat or folding chair.
Writing for the Wiccan/Pagan Market
Presented by Elysia Gallo, Charlynn Walls, Ember Grant & Kathy Nance
Do you have something to say? Do you want to share your ideas with others and spread them far and wide? Do you have dreams of becoming a writer? In this workshop, we’ll look at different outlets for your creative energy in the field of writing for Pagans and Wiccans, from book publishing to magazines to blogs. Elysia Gallo will talk about the demands of publishing with a mid-size publisher; Charlynn Walls will speak about pitching articles to Wiccan and Pagan magazines and e-zines; Ember Grant will fill you in on writing articles for almanacs and annuals; and Kathy Nance will speak about blogging.
