classes

Judika Illes

The Blood Countess

Elizabeth Bathory ~ Was she a serial killer, vampire, werewolf or witch? Let's explore the history of this controversial and notorious woman. We will discuss actual spells used by Bathory as well as the magical traditions from which they were derived.

Crafting and Using Conjure/Condition Oils

Essential oils are plant magic in a bottle. Bottled, concentrated plant extracts, essential oils are the basis for aromatherapy, a much-misunderstood therapeutic, ritual and magical botanical system. This hands-on workshop introduces essential oils and their various blessings, hazards, and powers associated with them. Participants will create their own magickal oil blend.

Spirits: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Among the challenges of identifying your guardian angels and spirit allies is learning
to distinguish between truly malevolent spirits and those who, although generally
benevolent, are victims of centuries of slander and bad press. Spirits come in all sizes,
shapes, permutations, and natures: we will discuss how to navigate the spirit world
without fear.

Haley Garwood

The Fourteen Commandments of Writing

The idea is to intrigue your reader to want to buy your novel and actually read it. A
buyer will spend only a few seconds with a book. They look at the front cover, read the
blurb on the back, flip open and read the first paragraph all in seven seconds. That's
your window of opportunity. Scary, right? Good writing will get you notice. Bad writing
will get you noticed. The choice is yours. The first workshop will consist of going over
the principals of writing. You will write a paper for the second workshop which will be
read and critiqued.

Jack Montgomery Gray Owl Shadowdancer

Living with and talking to The Others: spirit contact and communication

This workshop will focus on learning to contact, and communicate with spirits and other non-physical entities. We will discuss the mechanics of contact and interpretation of the information received from spirit contacts. We will also discuss visioning and personal safety. We will have exercises on learning to open and expand your awareness so you can begin to make meaningful contacts.

Jack has studied world religions academically and personally since the early 1970s. Jack is a folklorist and practitioner of Powwow and Hoodoo, both historically American shamanic traditions. He has written numerous articles for Pagan magazines and is the author of American Shamans: Journeys with Traditional Healers published in 2008 by BUSCA Press which is selling really well in the US and abroad. Jack has been a professional musician since 1968. His first CD, Onward to Avalon enjoyed success in the US and abroad, and was awarded 5 Broomsticks (highest rating) by NewWitch Magazine. His later CDs Everywhere I Look and Tradition with a Twist have also received wide airplay on radio stations and pagan streaming radio nationwide. Jack performs regularly with the band Watersprite at a variety of venues nationwide and their CD "Magical" will be released soon.

Renata Halsell

Picturesque Tarot: Making the Images Work for You

This class will take you on a self-guided journey though the Tarot. Whether you bring your favorite tarot deck or the one you just bought that you haven't quite figured out yet, you will walk away with a new perspective additional insight. Whether you have never done a reading or whether you have been doing readings for years, this class will teach you some techniques that will allow you to get to know your cards very intimately and quite possibly yourself in the process. Imagery in readings can often be more relevant than the traditional meaning written in a book. This class will help you use your intuition to guide you towards the best interpretation based on the images in your cards, whether you are reading for yourself or others.
Materials: Pen, Paper, Imagination, & a Tarot Deck. Extra decks will be available during the class if you do not have one.

Symbolism, Archetypes, and the Major Arcana I and II

This is an advanced tarot class that digs deep into the evolution of the Fool's journey in the Major Arcana from beginning to end. This class focuses on the images and symbols that are found in more traditional tarot decks such as Tarot of Marseilles, Rider Waite, Robin Wood, and others. The history behind these symbols will be examined alongside their traditional interpretations while exploring their relationship to various archetypes. At the end of part II, there will be a self-exploration exercise using the Major Arcana.
Requirements: A good working knowledge of the traditional meanings associated with the Major Arcana. A tarot deck (preferably one that uses traditional images)

Renata is a Tarot reader who has been working with Tarot cards for 15 years and has a Bachelor's degree. She specializes in using the tarot for self exploration in order to foster personal and spiritual growth. She does readings privately and works part-time at the Center of Symmetry in Nashville, TN.