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Donata Ahern
 DONATA
AHERN MSW, CHT, Integrated Intuitive Counselor, is a Past Life Soul
Regression Counselor and Shamanic Practitioner.
She 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, and a 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, Reiki III
Master, and Dowser.
www.Donata.ChrysalisHeartCenter.com
Past Life Regression and Soul Retrieval
This 2 part workshop includes discussion of the relevance of past lives,
the meaning of Karma and how it operates, ways to release the limiting
bonds, beliefs, etc., from past lives that hinder us and work counter to
what we want now, and experiences of how to explore past lives for
ourselves. Methods to aid in this will be experienced. The workshops
will also discuss soul retrieval: what it is and how to resolve it. Many
people experience soul loss. Its integration can give wholeness and
peace.
One hour each part.
Shamanic Journey and
Fire Ceremony of Release and Renewal
Travel in shamanic journey to an ancient ruin to take part in a Fire
Ceremony of Release and Renewal. You will create two bundles or ‘fire
arrows’. One represents something you wish to release - an emotion,
situation, or pattern of behavior. This bundle or fire arrow is burnt in
the fire. The other bundle or fire arrow represents what you vow to
bring into your life or create in the coming year. You will bless this
at the fire and keep it with you all year as a reminder of your promise.
One hour.
David Hickey
 Based
in Mount Hope, Ontario, I perform with Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls,
15-20 of them. Each produces a pure note or tone, the purest there is.
You have to hear them to believe it. I play them in combination with a
Vibraphone, Santoor and 8-18 Paiste Planet, Symphonic and Sound Creation
Gongs. Every gong features a strong fundamental note tuned to represent
a natural harmonic series based on the orbital properties of the Sun,
the Earth, the Moon and the other planets. It's like having a full
orchestra.
I have been touring Canada coast to coast for the past seven years and
have performed over 700 shows, having released 7 CDs to date. I have
played the Bowls and Gongs accompanied by various musicians as well as
with the Winnipeg Chamber Orchestra in June of 2006.
http://crystaljourney.ca/david.html
Christin Dennis and
Beth Lambert
 Christin
has always held closely to his Native roots. Although
he was adopted, he remained free to maintain his indigenous
traditions and practices. As a youngster he returned
\ frequently to the reservation where he learned about his
heritage. As he grew older elders went out of their way to help him, and
even coerce him into learning more about his roots. He has been doing
Lodges for 7 years, apprenticing for 12 years, and still continues to
learn from the Elders. "The way we live is like a dance. It can be very
expressionistic, or passionate and imaginative. If we allow ourselves to
just be, our dance will be joyful."
http://www.christindennis.com
 Beth
Lambert is a new and avid student of The Old Ways.
With Christin Dennis, she is inspired to assist in rebuilding the
connection between what is now, and what has been.
Her compassion and respect for others and deep love for the
Ancient Teachings unify, igniting her role as Fire keeper.
The flaws in us are what makes us beautiful.
The beauty in us is that we are human.
The human in us is what causes us to search.
The search in us reveals The Spirit.
blambertphotos.com
Annii Everyone!
It is our hope that this ceremony will spiritually inform and create
awareness to all who visit and experience The Lodge.
The Lodge is a Sacred Ceremony where we come together to recreate, heal
, and celebrate the re-membering of ourselves as one.
We honour each other through the Creator in the Womb of Mother
Earth.
Each Sacred Direction is honoured.
In the Heart of Father Sky we allow the Grand Mothers and Grand Fathers
to speak into us with the vapour breath of
Life.
Allowing the Creator to speak through the Elements of Creation
within/without.
The Spirit re-uniting with all of Creation within itself in love.
Reuniting, "All My/Our Relations", in memory of our Ancestral self.
Allowing the ShaMan/ShaWoman within to Heal our Sacred Self and others
as well.
We honour the Sacredness of the lodge by honouring our true self through
the Lodge of the People.
Things you should know
-
Bring a couple of towels, one to wear in the
lodge and one to dry off after the lodge.
You may also want to bring a face towel.
-
Clothing is optional in the lodge. If you want
to wear something in, we suggest sarong,
shorts or a towel - something loose fitting
is preferable.
-
Avoid bringing metal items into the lodge (e.g.
jewellery, glasses etc.)
as they can become hot and uncomfortable. Contact lenses should be
removed as well.
-
Please abstain from alcohol and non-prescription
drugs for at least 3 days prior to the
ceremony. This is a sacred ceremony.
-
Please bring tobacco so you can make tobacco
offerings as a prayer.
-
Water will be provided during the ceremony, but
you may want to bring some water with you,
to keep yourself hydrated after the
ceremony.
It is advisable to fast before the ceremony, but
not necessary. If you wish not to fast, please
eat lightly. Eating before sweat puts a strain
on the circulatory system. If you have hypoglycemia, it is
advisable for you to eat a small meal, like fruits
and vegetables.
Jen Howey
Toronto composer and performer Jen Howey along with her right hand
man and drumming as art “tour de force” Sara Witalis, string sensation
Toshio Tatsu Oki, “magic fingers pantastic”
Alex Snow on bass and others, will be presenting excerpts from Jen’s
upcoming concept album “Plantgirlelectric”. Surprises are expected.
Songs from the archives are also likely. Other sensitive musicians and
magicians are welcome to join in.
Jen Howey’s music has been called folk alternative, eco-pop-rock, and
spine chilling. Her musical interests range from baroque classics, to
bad girl rock and roll and breath bending ragas. She is deeply involved
in spontaneous sound and enjoys blending the certainty of created works
and the uncertainty of having musicians on stage with her who have never
heard them! Her deep connection to the earth and the indigenous language
of community and ritual informs and inspires her work. Jen is also a
yoga instructor and music teacher. She is currently studying composition
with renowned composer, Dr. Roman Toi at the Royal Conservatory Of
Music. She is grateful to be sharing these creations with the community.
www.myspace.com/jenhowey
Lidia Tremblay
 Lidia
Tremblay is a 2nd degree Alexandrian Priestess, who has for the past few
years been practicing a more eclectic form of paganism. One thing that
has not changed in the transition is her love for the Goddess and the
joy in serving as Her priestess. She is involved with the Hamilton
pagan community and the Hamilton Pagan Pride Day. She is the founder
and facilitator for Red Tent Hamilton, administers a Facebook group
"Dreams, Dreamers and Dreamwalkers", and generally likes to stir her
cauldron just to see what mischief will result from it.
Red Tent Movement
What is the Red Tent? This workshop, which is for biological women
only, will explore the origins of this fast-spreading movement
that invites women to explore the Sacred Feminine within
themselves and within other women around them. Lidia is the founder and
facilitator of Red Tent Temple Hamilton, and this group has celebrated
their one-year anniversary in March of this year. Come join this
workshop which will take you on a journey of self-discovery and perhaps
inspire you to start your own Red Tent!
Dreams and Dream Journaling
Dreams have been a source of fascination and mystery every since the
dawn of time, and even today, no one is quite sure as to what dreams
really are. However, we all dream and all of us have woken up with the
words, "Wow! Was that ever a weird dream!" resounding in our minds.
Dreamscapes can be very confusing places. Join Lidia as she tries to
unravel some of the mysteries behind our nightly journeys. Here we will
learn the benefits of keeping a journal and the various methods of doing
so, as well as looking for interpretations and patterns.
Melissa Gold, Spiros Parashis, and Stephanie Gray
Melissa Gold has studied Classical Antiquity at the University of
Toronto. She is a founding member of
“Hellenic Spirit”. Hellenic Spirit offers workshops and public
celebrations of ancient Greek holidays in Toronto.
Spiros Parashis practices Hellenic spirituality and has been involved in
the local pagan community for over fifteen years. He organizes public
events in Toronto to celebrate the Ancient Greek holidays. In the past,
he organized the Toronto Pagan pride Day and the Toronto Spring Dance.
Stephanie Gray holds a BA from the University of Toronto in English
Literature. She is has been a practicing pagan for over 15 years and has
been an active part of the pagan community for the past 5 years. She is
the creator of Embolden, a group dedicated to supporting those who
practice and celebrate both ancient Greek and Celtic practices. Embolden
hosts public celebrations in Toronto for both Greek and Celtic
traditions.
Hellenic Spirituality
This workshop is an introduction to ancient Greek
spirituality and religious practices. It
includes an outline of the major Greek festivals including the Eleusinian
mysteries. This is a great opportunity to
discover what the Greeks celebrated and why.
Aphrodite Celebration
The Athenian rite to Aphrodite including ancient hymns and a
procession. Come and celebrate with us as we conduct a ritual dedicated
to the Goddess of love.
Silver Gray Sylver Gray learned tea
leaf reading from her mother and grandmother over 40 years ago. When she
was in her 20's she had a teacher that taught
her how to switch her gift to be able to it use with different mediums.
She was co-owner of the Ancient Earth Store in St. Catharines for 9
years. During that time she taught many classes for both Sand Scrying
and Tea Leaf Reading. She also conducted open discussions at a moon
class for several years.
She and her family follow a Sumerian Family Tradition, and she conducts
open rituals when possible. She also
makes salves, jewellery, candles, and is a bonafide " Foodie".
Sylver's battle with Breast Cancer in 2008 has inspired her to share
herself with all and any who are interested in anything she does.
Sand Scrying Workshop
The Sand Scrying workshop will start with handing out plates, sand,
and candles. We will have a short discussion about what Scrying is and
how we use it today. When everyone is settled i will do a guided
meditation, getting the participants to soften their gaze and let the
calming enter them. We will all then play with our sand and build a
relation with it.When that is completed we will trade plates and read
for each other. Discussion and fun to follow.
Zsuzsa Namaste
 Zsuzsa
has studied and worked with Shaman from different cultures, including the
Q’ero Indians of Peru, the Quechua of the Andes, the Mapuche People of
Chile, 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, she recognized the interconnectedness of all
things. She brings a unique and comprehensive understanding of the self
with honesty, integrity and compassion. Zsuzsa 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.
Zsuzsa is adept at taking complex emotional issues and putting them into
simpler terms, creating "bridges" in conflict resolution to honor both
sides. Presenting viable alternatives to overcome limitations, 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, on her own learning path since 1985, 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.
http://desiredresults.ca
Firewalking
Once again, we are thrilled to offer you, the ancient ceremony of
Firewalking. It is a method whereby all participants can manifest
tangible proof that they can overcome any obstacles and move forward
more effectively in their lives. The Firewalk shows us what is possible
and is a catalyst for personal transformation, teaching us lessons about
ourselves.It challenges and forever changes the way in which we relate
to Fire and the Fire Element. It further illustrates the unified
understanding that anything is possible as long as we work together,
respect ourselves and each other. The Firewalk is an unforgettable
experience that continues to impact and teach long after the actual
event.
Kenny Klein
 Kenny
Klein is a well known musician, author, and lecturer.
As a musician, Kenny has performed at dozens of festivals,
renaissance faires and music venues. Highlights include: the legendary
Folk City (NY), Speakeasy (NY), The Coffee Gallery Backstage (LA),
Starwood Festival, PantheaCon, Ancient Ways Festival, Arizona Faerie
Festival, Colorado Renaissance Faire, Bristol Renaissance Faire,
Southern California Renaissance Faire, and the New York Renaissance
Festival. Kenny has recorded many CDs of original music, and has played
on many CDs by other artists.
Kenny is the author of Through the Faerie Glass: A Look at the Realm of
Unseen and Enchanted Beings (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2010). His new book is
Fairy Tale Rituals (Llewellyn, 2011). Kenny is also a regular
contributor to publications like The Green Egg e-zine, and has
contributed to numerous poetry and prose journals.
Grimms Fairy Tales
What Your Mother Didn't Tell You!: Growing up, we
all heard the stories of Snow White, Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the
Beast. But each of these tales comes from older, darker tales, and carries
with it dark, erotic underpinnings. Kenny Klein explores the deep meanings
of the tales collected by the Grimms, adding material from traditional
songs and older myths to give a view of the real stories of these
characters. Kenny Klein is a well known performer and presenter, and
author of Through the Faerie Glass: A Look at the Realm of Unseen and
Enchanted Beings (Llewellyn 2010). Recommended for adults and mature
teens.
Fairy Tale Rituals
We grew up with the characters who inhabit tales
collected by the Grimms Brothers, and know them better than we know many
of our adult friends. Kenny Klein explores our connections to Snow White,
Beauty, and Red Riding Hood, who we learn are characters who have dark
secrets to reveal: and shows how we can use these friends of our childhood
to create rituals based on the iconic heroes and heroines of the Grimms
tales. Kenny Klein is a well known performer and presenter, and author of
Through the Faerie Glass: A Look at the Realm of Unseen and Enchanted
Beings (Llewellyn 2010). Recommended for adults and mature teens.
What is Traditional Wicca?
Kenny Klein explores the oldest traditions of the
religion we now call Wicca, from its roots in Neolithic animism to its
practice in such places as the New Forest of England and the Witches Tower
region of Alsace. How much has changed in the Pagan Wicca we practice
today? How much remains the same? Learn the lore and history of this
seminal Pagan tradition, and how its practice has changed in modern years.
David Turner
 David
has been a druid all his life (only gave it a name 20 years ago). A
solitary practitioner, living in the country surrounded by the local
gods, he is not one to belong to organizations but loves to practice
with a group. He has been a self described Druid of the woods now for
almost 20 years. He gives workshops all over North America but calls
Flesherton, Ontario home.
Druidry and How it Fits in Today
An overview of modern Druidry and the way if fits into today's everyday
life. How the modern Druid can still be in contact with the gods and
nature in a world full of technology. Come and explore.
Joan Goldberg,
Artist/Storyteller
 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 humour 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.
What the
Folk Knew
We came from people (all over the world) who had the
same hopes, dreams and longings as we do. Their stories reach across
time and culture, with wisdom and a sly humor which make you forget
you’re learning history/psychology/theology/ culture and much, much
more.
Stories of
Significance and the Celts
We are the meaning-makers for our planet. We yearn to
know why things happen. We yearn for release and completion. So did our
ancestors. We’ll look at stories from all over the world, religious and
otherwise, with an emphasis on Celtic stories, such as Dermauid and the
King of the Underwaves’ Daughter.
Reclaiming the
Image of the Crone
Crone, Hag, and other such names have been used
recently ( the past 4000 years) to put down older women. As each year,
some of us reach that stage, we should understand the early sacredness
of those words, and reclaim the holy tasks which were hers alone,
including birthing, healing, judging, deathing (welcoming into the Land
of Apples). The most sacred of the stages of life, our wisdom welcomes
us home.
Brian
Walsh
 Brian
Walsh has been actively interested in Paganism since 1982, 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. Within the community he
strives to emphasis a personal, intimate, and joyful relationship with
the deities, ancestors and spirits of nature in the Living World. He
strives to acknowledge and share 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 two major Toronto
hospitals, and as a Pagan chaplain at the University of Toronto. Also, as a licensed Wedding Officiant, Brian is able to perform legal
weddings in the province of Ontario. For more
information go to
www.newtara.org
The Young Gods and the
Mystery of the Fire in the Water
90 minutes
Who is Aengus? Who is
Mabon? Who is Maponos? Who is the Hunter, the Healer, the Musician?
One thing is certain, they are all Lovers.
With serious insight and
serious fun, discover the Mystery of these meddling kids through cool
history with hot tales. Follow these Young Gods in their original Celtic
context; come to know their stories of romance and love, sorrow and
victory, trickery and triumph, swan-maidens and fairy mounds, and
experience for yourself the Mystery of the Fire in the Water! This tell
all exposé will also reveal torrid tales of identity theft and
sex-changes in the wild 70’s that left our grasp of this god more
confused than ever!
Lugh and the Feast of
Lughnadadh (90
minutes)
Patron of shoes? shopping!?
horse-racing and hockey!?!
Lugh Lamhfada: lord of
oaths, protector of the harvest, god of kingship, and so much more… (Re)discover
a world of chaos and order, romance and intrigue, contests and battles,
magic and monsters… What does this god tell us about the world and
ourselves? And what does all this have to do with opening the harvest!
Discover the legends and seasonal customs associated with not only Lugh,
but the powerful goddesses in his story, and the August festival of
Lughnasadh.
Celtic Ritual for Nechtan
and Bóann (60 to
120 minutes)
June 17th is St.Nechtan's
day, honouring the patron saint of healing wells in parts of Ireland and
Wales. The saint however, was named for the Celtic god Nechtan (who is
the Celtic cognate of the Roman god Neptune).
Nechtan, is the god of
springs, fresh water, healing, prophecy, and wisdom. Bóann, his wife,
who freed the gifts that Nechtan held more closely, is the goddess of
rivers and cattle, fertility and abundance, wisdom and inspiration.
This ritual is to honour
Nechtan, and his wife, Bóann. We will gather around the great oak tree
for the start of ritual, process down to the water's edge, make
offerings, bring water back to the oak tree and bring the wisdom and
healing we have found back to our tribes. Drums you can walk with are
welcome. Green, Blue, and White are the colours of the occasion if you
so desire.
John "Corvus" Huculiak
 John
"Corvus" Huculiak is an Rromani Wayfarer, who is part of the Earth-based
Spirituality movement in the Greater Toronto area. An adept in several
fields of Divinatory Arts and Indigenous Spiritualities and wearing many
hats – Legal Wedding & Ritual Officiant, Shadow of a Sun King, Spiritual
Care Visitor; John is currently delving into the mysteries of
Fatherhood.
John hopes to continue assisting others from all
walks of Life in their own spiritual endeavours and is privileged to be
a lecturer at this, the thirtieth year of Wic-Can Fest.
For more information on his services, lecture topics,
or for his C.V. or a list of his references, please feel free to contact
him at
john@heretic.ca or at 416-364-4806.
Community
Ritual – “Latcho Drom Rota Baksheesh” (a.k.a. “Rota”)
We come from different faiths & lifestyles, live in
different places, and have different “faces” which we travel with; but
for a time, we gather and make this place our meeting grounds, our
living space – our encampment & Kumpania. Let us celebrate this fact –
together.
About Rota
Latcho Drom Rota Baksheesh (Good Road Wheel
Celebration) or simply "Rota" - is one of the very few regular group
rites some of the Wandering Nation still do. When we come upon others in
our travels, whether by accident or by incident, we acknowledge that the
ground is sacred, the common laws are invoked, and the strength of the
new community is recognized – before we get to the drinking & dancing:).
The Rota rite for Wic-Can Fest is a modified ritual
based on the Rota from a Kumpania based in Southern Ontario officiated
by my mentor, Bala Barban ("Windblown Hair"). It is longer than a
regular one because it is meant to explain itself while we do it. There
are more elements to bring us together as community, it is more active
and everyone gets to participate.
Rromani History/Culture Lecture – “Latcho Drom / Narkri Chakano - Road
Wisdom”
What is the “Great Trick”? Why are the Rromani
actually called “Gypsies”, where did they come from and what did they
actually bring with them. Join Rromani lecturer and Wayfarer,John
Corvus , as he takes you on a journey along the Romani paths: discussing
their diverse histories, cultures, and their present struggles with
debunking some of the myths and fallacies surrounding this mysterious
and misunderstood ethnic group.
Castalia Alexandrian
 Entering
Pagan Community: Being Social in
Pagan Society
In this presentation, Castalia presents the general joys and challenges
of entering our collective community, at the level of festivals, local
events, and large and small organized groups. This workshop will help
newcomers adapt to getting the most our of the festival experience, and
go home with an idea of how to keep the community spirit alive, well and
stress-free all year 'round.
Old Songs, New Songs, and Friends
After 30 years of campfire songs, Bardic Circles, and a huge Ontario
community of songwriters and chant collectors, we have a rich collection
of music. Castalia will present songs that music not be lost, chants we
can have fun with, and new music that sings of the pagan experience from
a current point of view. This concert features the Celtic harp and some
other folk instruments.
Shaman, Witch,
Seer
specialists in the sacred around the world. Are we so different? Yes,
and no. Castalia will draw from Anthropology, from personal experience,
and from learning from friends and teachers over the last thirty years
to lead a discussion of comparative shamanic sorcery. All levels.
Mark
Seabrook
 Mark
Seabrook, B.A., B.Ed., is from the Spanish River Indian Reserve. He
grew up on Manitoulin Island, attended Georgian College Art School,
Laurentian University for Native Studies and Queens for Native
Education. He has worked for the native community for 21 years in many
different roles: actor, playwright, musician, artist, youth counselor,
elementary school teacher, and art therapist.
History of recent Anishnabe
Art which includes the woodland school and the subject matter, symbols,
legend, and mythical figures. 60 minutes.
Anishnabe spirituality in a modern context.
60 minutes
Self Discovery through Art
drawing with Ojibwe artist Mark Seabrook. All supplies provided, no
artistic experience necessary. 90 minutes.
Michelle Hrynyk
 Michelle
Hrynyk graduated from Carleton University with a double major in
Religious Studies and English. She is a Wiccan High Priestess with
over 20 years of service in the Ottawa region and founder of “The
Witches Gathering”, (a public Wiccan Samhain Fundraiser, which will be
celebrating its 13th year), and a public ritual group, “Raven’s Flight”
that performs outdoor ritual for the Sabbats in the Ottawa region.
Michelle is licensed to perform legal weddings and handfastings in the
province of Ontario. Specializing in inter-traditional and personalized
ceremonies Michelle has been helping couples write their vows and
personalize their handfastings and weddings for over 15 years. One of
her Handfastings was the inspiration for the infamous musical “My
Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding”.
Michelle moved to Manitoulin Island 2 years ago with her husband and
together they have renovated a century old farm home on a property that
the Manitou River flows through.
Writing your Handfasting Vow
90 minutes
In this 90 minute workshop Michelle will take you through the building
blocks essential to writing a handfasting vow and illuminate the
fundamentals that you want to ensure are underneath your vows when you
share them. She will also share some examples of the variety of
approaches that can be taken.
Handfastings 90 minutes
Whether big and fanciful or intimate and simple a handfasting is a rite
of passage to be honoured and treated with the respect and dignity that
you and your beloved deserve. In this space Michelle will go through
some common elements that people will often find in a Handfasting. She
will share the significance of these elements and where or why some
people may choose to include/exclude or reshape them.
Healing from a Break up Ritual 90 minutes
Saying goodbye to a relationship is rarely easy, regardless of the
causes of the split, or whether it was your idea or not. As you may have
already experienced, recovering from the termination of a long-term,
committed relationship is often difficult. There are very good reasons
for this.
When we are in a relationship we can be bonded with another individual
in many different ways, some examples are; emotionally, sexually,
psychologically, economically and intimately. A breakup by its nature
launches us into a life transition. Things are disrupted: your routine,
your home, your relationships, your responsibilities, and for some
people even their identity.
Ritual is one of the keys that we can use to turn the lock and opens the
mind and heart and shift us from unconsciousness back into
consciousness. Rituals can bring us comfort that connects us to the
Divine, regardless of our religion or spiritual tradition.
This ritual was written for anyone who has gone through a break up and
chooses to be involved with their own healing process, to take
responsibility for themselves and the journey of recovery from whatever
hurts were caused and the development of their own personal strengths
and understanding of self and personal development that this ritual was
developed. It can even be used by someone who went through a break up a
long time ago and feels that they have not fully and completely healed
from that experience.
Catherine Starr
 Catherine
Starr 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.
I’ve got a secret ….
What is all the fuss about secrecy in the Craft? Is secrecy still
relevant? Is it time to move away from secrecy to something a lot more
open? This workshop will look at the history of secrets in the Craft
and open a discussion about the future of Craft secrecy. Come join in
the discussion. Will we change minds? Will we change the face of the
Craft? Maybe… or maybe we will create some of our own little secrets!
Wiccan Traditions
So you think you know what Wicca is all about. Then take this pop quiz!
(True or False):
-
It takes 13 people to make up a coven.
-
Dianic covens never include men.
-
All Wiccan traditions follow the Wiccan Rede.
-
All Wiccans worship the same Goddess.
-
All Wiccan Circles start with a consecration or
blessings of the elements.
If you said “true” to any of the statements above, then there are things
you could learn about different Wiccan Traditions! Come and learn about
the differences – and similarities -- in different Wiccan Traditions,
from the various British Traditional Wicca (BTW), to Dianic, Reclaiming,
1734, NROOGD, and many, many more! It’s time to realize the there is a
lot more to being a Wiccan than just casting a circle!
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.
Laurie
Benson
 Laurie
has led Herb Walks and Talks from Starwood to Kaleidoscope, after being
inspired by the Wic-Can Fest walks Nick Faunus led in the '80's. She
spent a life-transforming weekend with herbalist Susun Weed where a
maple tree told her she was pregnant (that was Robin, now 22). Once she
became a mother, she learned to use herbs in salves for diaper rash,
developing her famous "Green Cream" which is sold as far as the U.K. A
teacher of both adults and children, she has recently completed her 350
hour Yoga Teacher Training and works out of a studio in Cannington
teaching Yoga and Belly Fit, and out of her house teaching practical
herbalism. She loves to pass on all the knowledge she can gather to her
extended 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 (Meeting outside the Dining Hall)
This is an easy walk where we
can find dozens of useful plants within a few yards. Catch up to us as
we meander down to the swamp to identify meadowland herbs and useful
wetland plants. Find out why the cattail is called the "Supermarket of
the Swamp"!
Herb Walk #2
Down to the
River with Mushrooms on the Way!
A longer hike will take us down
to the river and we hope to see some interesting fungi in the Pine
Forest, new edibles and medicinals and some "useful" trees, as well as
reviewing the meadowland plants we are getting to know so well!
Making
Herbal Salves
A "Hands-On" (and sitting down)
workshop where we will learn how to make herbal infused oils for massage
and for making salves. What can we use that is healing and
non-allergenic as a base oil? What about essential oils? Help Laurie
chop the beeswax as we make a magikal burn healing salve with St. John's
wort and Lavender.
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