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Please click on the presenter's name to link to their website or email.
Alex Baron Has been an active Pagan since 1978, she is a third generation pagan, and follow the celtic traditionalist faith. She has a strong base in herbs and folk lore and pursues many traditional crafts such as spinning, knitting, basket and lace making.
Spinning
The spinning workshop will include processing wool from its off the sheep state
all the way to actually spinning it on a drop spindle, on the way we will
touch on some of the history of spinning, traditional prayers for spinning & some
meditation/ magical applications for spinning. There will also be a brief
discussion on washing & dyeing wool.
Ariana Lightningstorm, of the musical group KIVA, has been a professional Palmist and Tarot reader for the last 28 years. She has been doing her readings at the MD Renaissance festival, other Medieval and Renaissance Fairs, a professional reader at parties and from her own home.
Ariana's Chant
In this workshop you will get to chant/drum/listen to sacred chants
from around the world. We’ll have chant lyric sheets to share.
I’ll be using chants that I have learned over the years as well
as ones that I have written. I will also do a little story telling
about the cultures/deities we are chanting to/about including my own
experiences doing these chants for more than 30 years and also have
some time for sharing both what chants the group has learned and also
about what we have experienced while doing the chanting. Bring a drum
or rattle if you have one. Bring a voice if you have one. Come prepared
for bliss.
Palmistry 101
In our first hour Ariana will show and teach
you the basics so you can do a basic palm reading for yourself or others
when we are done. We look at our own and each other's hands and have
lots of fun learning what this fascinating part of our bodies can tell
us about ourselves and each other. You will learn interpretation of
shapes, skin texture, color of the hands, fingers, nails and thumb.
You will also learn the basic lines and what mounts are.
Palmistry 102
In our second hour of the class we will go into detail on the lines
and mounts and interpretation. We will do some experiential work and
start to read each other's hands, learn techniques of reading the palm
as a whole and integrate the details to give helpful advice to others
as well as learning the more "esoteric" aspects of palmistry.
By the end of the workshop you should have a working understanding of
the basics of palmistry and can refine and go from there. There’s
lots to memorize and know and this will give you a good strong start.
Ariana also will be doing palm and tarot readings throughout the festival.
Conny has been belly dancing since 2005. She has performed Egyptian, Cabaret and Tribal styles while also being proficient at incorporating zills, veils, fans and sword in to her dance.
Bellydance
Conny will be hosting 4 workshops this year
with concentration on connecting the elements to the Chakras. Earth,
Air, Fire and Water.
Diana has studied various disciplines such as dance, aerobics, yoga and pilates. She became interested in yoga when she met Ali McGraw at a trade show in the 90's where Ali was promoting her latest yoga video with yoga Master Eric Shiffman. Diana immediately started to study yoga and then certified in classic Hatha yoga with a private instructor in 2001. She has taught in schools (teachers, kids), camps (kids), fitness centres and small, private groups in their homes. Diana also teaches the Pilates method (mat work) which is more fitness oriented and based on many yoga poses.
Rise & Shine:
Pilates
The Pilates "method" was created in the 1920s
by the physical trainer Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) for the purpose
of rehabilitation. Pilates is an exercise system focused on improving
flexibility, strength, and body awareness, without building bulk. It
is comprised of various poses, (many of which are based on yoga!) and
which are performed as a series of controlled movements. The focus
is on strengthening the core ("Powerhouse") and attention
is given to the breath. Many of the poses are performed seated, on
the back and on lying on the stomach and side body.
The class structure and poses will largely depend on the fitness level and
experience of the participants. All levels. Novices Welcome! Bring
your own yoga or pilates sticky mat (some will be provided, but I may not have
enough). For those who are Pilates novices or who have neck
issues, I recommend you bring a small and firm pillow (or folded blanket)
to prop your head up during the supine poses.
Rise & Shine:
Yoga
What is Yoga: What is commonly referred to
as "Yoga" can be more accurately described
by the Sanskrit word “Asana”, which refers to the practice of physical
postures or poses. Asana is only one of the eight "limbs" of yoga,
the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being
than physical activity. The Sanskrit word Yoga has many meanings, and is derived
from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to control", "to yoke" or "to
unite" In this case, it is the union occurring between the mind, body
and spirit. Yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing
both strength, balance and flexibility. This is done through the performance
of poses (“Asanas”), each of which has specific physical benefits.
The poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the
tradition in which the teacher has trained. The class consists
of a series of yoga poses (asanas) such as seated and standing poses, forward
and
back bends, balance poses and twists. The poses target various areas
of the body and offer different benefits. Some poses will be held for
an extended period of time, while others may flow from one to another
on the breath ("vinyasa"), as in the Sun Salutations. Variations
of the poses will be offered to cater to the fitness levels and experience
of the participants. Attention is given to the breath ("pranayama")
in order to create more mind/body awareness. The class will conclude
with final relaxation ("savasna"). All Levels. Novices
Welcome! Bring your own yoga or pilates sticky mat (some
will be provided, but I may not have enough)
OPTIONAL: If you're really stiff, it would help if you could bring a yoga strap
OR pilates band OR very long man's neck tie and 2 yoga blocks
Donna is a full time mom of 4. She has been Pagan since 1988, and has raised and homeschooled children in a Pagan home since 1989. She has also been heavily involved in the London Pagan community since 2000; facilitating Coffee Socials, Workshops and Rituals for various community groups, as well as a Pagan Chaplain.
Donna and her husband Rod, have been part of the SOTEF team since it's birth, and have mastered creating and facilitating the Children's Programming. Donna is also the Regional Director for Spiral Scouts Canada, and heads up the Spyder Circle in London.
Writing Child Friendly Rituals
Whether you are a parent, a community leader or just someone who attends
community events; eventually you will be attending or writing a ritual
that will include children. This workshop will teach you how to write
ritual with our young people in mind. We will cover topics such as
child safety in ritual, do’s and don’ts, how to keep children
focused and interested, and encouraging them to take an active part.
Franco Minatel is somewhat of a Renaissance man: a professional engineer, athlete, artist/musician. He has been involved in the study of various esoteric arts such as energy work, tarot, runes, astrology, numerology, herbs, crystals and magick for the past decade. Franco has notice that all is interrelated. He is the Vice President of Astrology Toronto an organisation which promotes astrological knowledge in the Greater Toronto Area.
Astrology and Magick
Did you ever wonder sometimes certain workings work well and other
just as well planned and executed do not? A lot of this has to do with
timing. Franco will explore how to use astrological factors to set
up your workings in order to get the maximum bang for your magickal
buck.
666 - Explained
This number is referred to as the "number of the beast" in
the New Testament Book of Revelations. There are many opinions on the
author of this work and it has come to light that he was an astrologer.
Franco will lead you through astrology, numerology and the religions
of the era to tell you the most probable meaning behind it. Hint: It
ain't da Devil!
Ritual by Square Dance
In this ritual Franco and Lupa will take you to a ritual place à le
hillbilly....yes by casting a circle with a square dance. It will be
fun and games but it will have something that you can take from it
too.
Jenna Minerva has been to SOTEF several times, and returns to teach medieval dance before the Feast on Friday night. She can be found on Facebook and welcomes the chance to introduce these fun and social dances to the pagan population..
Aidan Sceotend is a medieval dance instructor with years of experience. He has taught beginner dancers at many historical reenactment events. He assures you that “if you can walk – you can do these dances!”
Medieval Dance for Beginners
Ever wonder what a Hobbit wedding reception would actually be like?
These are fun and easy dances that will add an authentic flair to any
medieval-themed event. Selections include the aptly named “Goddesses”, “Lord
Sun and Lady Moon”, plus more depending on the number of dancers
who come out. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear, bring
lots of water, and get ready to party like it’s 1499!
Jerry is a Political Organizer, Humanist, Poet, Artist, Folk Singer, Song Writer, Percussionist, and Student of life. He may be old but he's not stale. He may be straight but Be's not narrow. He may be white but he can dance!
Environmentalism
is Pagan Fundamentalism
This workshop is best explained as: An environmental
CALL TO ARMS to the all Pagan Communities.
Dragon Souls
Kate (Iris O.) has been an intuitional astrologer for over 20 years. She is a self-proclaimed eclectic ecstatic ritualist who believes in direct personal engagement with the world of spirit and the Gods. She shares her experiences with those curious to walk along a similar gnostic path.
Local Food Starts in Your Backyard
Kate grew up on a farm dreading weeding the family garden, now she's
expanded her own backyard garden to a half acre market garden at
a family farm. Learn how to grow you own food, even in buckets on
a balcony, perserve and freeze your own winter supplies. Even if
you don't have room to grow, you can still source good local food
at your local farmers' market. Come and discuss how to be an ant,
not a grasshopper.
Herbology for Dummies
From seed to weed to tea! Learn the basics of growing, harvesting and
preserving your own herbs in the backyard or simple herb pots on
a porch. Not about to explain what all the herbs are for (lots of
books do that!) Kate will review some simple ways to use herbs -
from cooking spices, to teas to tinctures. Nothing beats fresh from
your own green thumb!
Kimi has been studying the use of essential oils for 9 years. She uses them in every part of her daily life and is building a business so she can offer her specialty blends to others.
Essential Oils for Everyday Use
Essential Oils for use in daily life. This will included using essential
oils in household cleaners, healing the body, using essential oils
safely and more often. There will also be recipes provided to trying
at home.
Mama Jamie has been a henna artist for 4 years, specialize in Pregnancy henna and henna on drums. She is a mother to a little boy named, Solomon Royce, the most wonderful thing in her life. Mama Jamie offers original and traditional/modern designs. Henna has become one of her passions. She loves the body art and the energy exchange between herself and her clients and friends. She is also a homebirth midwife in training. This is by far the biggest passion that has ever happened to her.
Henna Party
Come on out and learn about HENNA and about the designs. Be prepared
to bring out your inner artist and experiment on yourself, your friends,
or your drum.
Matt is 38 yrs old, communicates with the dead, and helps the living with issues such as haunted houses and scary experiences. He is versed in Egyptian, Norse and Totemic magic and study, and he is writing a book on how to see spirits. Matt does an amazing Anubis shadow puppet, and has seen ghosts since the age of twelve.
Paradigm Shifting
Ghosts. Anyone can see them; all it takes is a mostly empty cemetery
and an open mind. If you would like to share experiences, need advice,
and would like to learn how to speak with the dead, then come join
our workshop. I will share experiences spanning 26 years, offer practical
advice on how you can see ghosts, and answer any questions you may
have.
Fairy Walk
Catch a glimpse into the world that lies unseen.
The Fey are around us if we know how and where to look.
With a few pointers, and lot of practice, you can learn to recognize
important landmarks that help us see the fairy folk. Come for a walk
in the woods and discover mushroom paths, lighted trees, and if we
are really lucky, a fairy mound.
Please note that as this workshop is held outside, it is of course
weather dependent.
Raun has been a semi-professional drummer since age 15 and has added hand drumming, percussion, drum making and repairs to his resume. Largely self taught, Raun has studied and drummed with Babatunde Olatunji, Leo Brooks, Arthur Hull, Jeremy Tool, Kathleen Gillis, The Firedance Drummers, Port Drum Group, Hand Drummers of Ottawa and Jean Breretton to mention a few. Raun is the drummer for Ottawa Valley band 'Common Ground' and the Voodoo Blues All Star band, and also the creator of the facebook drummers group Drummers United Across Canada. Now employed part time with Treefrog Percussion, Raun makes and repairs all kinds of drums and still produces his own designed drum called a Squonga. I teach drum heading sessions for them or will build to suit.
Drum Making
Raun will be offering daily drum making workshops whereby interested
parties can MAKE THEIR OWN DRUM! He is offering or taking orders
on three kinds of drums this year including 11" and 12" Sonotube
frame drums; 13 sided - 15" cedar frame drums and his redesigned
Squongas. He will also have a selection of drums for sale including
Treefrog Percussion djembes, ashikos, frame drums, flower pot drums,
sonotube drums, imported drums, cases, drum straps, CD's, music boxes
and keepsake boxes, and instructional drumming books with CD's by
Leo Brooks. Raun will also do minor repairs and drum head tightening
for a reasonable fee.
Ron is Southwestern Ontario’s newest pagan author with his book "13 Mountain Mystery Brews. Book 1: The Elixirs". Drawing on his skills as a veteran DISNEY animator, he has beautifully illustrated this unique book containing 47 pages of never before published drink recipes and instructions on how to mix them. This is a collaborative multi-media package, containing an exclusive CD of original music performed by the Dragon Ritual Drummers. The pages and content along with the music will bring you into the realm of Appalachian animal totemic mysteries as well as never before seen by the public, sections of writings from the Grand Council of Conjure Craft (Est. circa 1925). This book and disk will change your life!!
13 Mountain Mystery Brews
We invite you to come out to experience the lessons of the animals,
and learn the art of Elixir Mixin’. A top quality back woods
party with the animals that you won’t want to miss!
Sisters ~ blood sisters, heart sisters and sisters from another life (or so the psychics say....) For years we have weaved magic, together and apart, bound by honour, love and the intense search for F-U-N! Join Tameika, Diana, Ursa, Leslie and Faith this year as we celebrate Woman as Lover and Hunter.
Celebrating Women: Artemis to Aphrodite
Women gather together for a variety of reasons. Support groups, ritual
circles, discussion forums, gatherings that nurture creativity - all
are ways in which women create community, banish isolation, and empower
themselves. Women's circles provide safe and nurturing spaces for participants
to own their feelings and experiences, to take creative risks, and
to allow their deepest yearnings to take root and blossom. Join members
of an established Woman's Circle as they work to make sense of our
feminine psyche, so long denied...and honour it!
Fox and Tameika have been practicing together for 14 years, and Tameika even longer. They are the founders and coordinators of Spirits of the Earth Festival, Founders of the “Mhorag” Coven founded in 1999, and a public face in the mystical community. Appearing in numerous media spots including newspapers, magazines, Radio shows, and Podcasts, Tameika & Fox strive to bring the local pagan community together to create unity, within peace and harmony. Tameika and Fox have made it a priority to include activity into their everyday lives. With years of experiences behind them involving both fitness, and nutrition, we are ready to help the community realize that it is easy to incorporate fun activity on a daily basis, to create a more balanced, happier YOU!
Cleansing & Blessing Ceremony
Fit Witch: Not Your Ordinary Sandwich
Smudge Making
Come and join us in Making our own smudge sticks, and cleansing the
campgrounds to attune the energies for the upcoming week. Make an extra
one to take home too!
Ritual Body Art
The term "Mehandi" is the Indian word for Henna,
and it is also the term used to describe the art of applying henna. Mehandi
is used to create temporary tattoos mainly to the hands and feet of a
woman. It is also used for dying hair and to color nails. Traditionally
it was used for its medicinal qualities. Henna is made from an herb which
is known by the same name. People have used henna in ritual skin painting
for years. The Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is supposed to have used henna
to color her hair. Today many popular Hollywood stars like Madonna and
Demy Moore use it. Come on out, as we place ritualistic designs on different
parts of the body whether it is the arm, the wrist or around the navel
in celebration of our spirituality and oneness!
Ultra Meditation
Using a special combination of sound frequencies to
shift your internal state into an optimal psycho-physical pattern for
deep meditation and
expanded awareness. The special audio matrix is subsonic—so you
don’t actually hear it but you feel it. What you do hear are
the sounds of an underground stream, Tibetan bells, and angelic voices.
Come and EXPERIENCE!
Tiffany Lazic is a transpersonal psychotherapist and spiritual counselor. She received a B.A.A.(with Honours) in Film Studies at Ryerson University and her psychotherapy training at the Transformational Arts College in Toronto where she also taught in the College’s Discovering the Total Self Program, Spiritual Psychotherapy Training Program, Spiritual Directorship Program and Esoteric Studies Program. She also served as a staff psychotherapist and case supervisor. She has been a student and teacher of Tarot, archetypes and alchemy for many years and has a deep respect for the depth these teachings bring to Inner Work. She is the founder of The Temple of All Goddesses, a monthly circle for women empowering themselves and each other and Hearthmother for the Aelwyd am Gwenyen Arian Novice Hearth of the Sisterhood of Avalon, a women's Celtic spiritual organization. One of her many joys is applying her life-long interest in myth and symbolism to everyday life in order to guide others to self-empowerment and choiceful living. She is currently a student in the Avalonian Thealogical Seminary.
Alchemy: The Beautiful Science
Contrary to Nicholas Flamel in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s
Stone, Alchemy is not the art and science of living for hundreds of
years. Nor is it the method to a scheme of riches by transforming lead
into gold, though the Elizabethan Doctor Dee was reported to have done
so. An ancient art with its roots in Egypt, Alchemy is an archetypal
system of observing and working with the patterns of the Universe that
spans science, spirituality, psychology and philosophy. Carl Gustav
Jung felt it was the foremost symbolic system for working with the
Collective Unconscious and its gifts to the human psyche limitless.
This 3 hour workshop will introduce participants to the history and
methods of Alchemy, primarily from a psychological perspective. Drawing
on the works of Jung, Huack and the primary source for hermetic teachings,
The Kybalion, the stages and principles of alchemical transformation
will be explored. The true art of Alchemy is in how we use its teachings
to turn our own inner lead into gold, learning how to attain true spiritual
connection and also how to ground that connection into daily experience.
In the last section of the workshop, meditation on hermetic principles
will allow participants to experience first-hand the potential scope
of an Alchemical approach to life.
Tovah Chickee has been practicing massage for over 3 years. She is a licensed massage therapist with a thriving practice in Windsor, Ontario. She specializes in Thai Yoga, Deep Tissue, Hot Jade Stone, and Swedish massage. She has been an active member of the Pagan community in Windsor for over 6 years. To find out more information, or to book a massage, please visit her website, or stop by her booth in the vendor area. Tovah has previously taught Paganism 101, as well as Couples Massage. She has enjoyed Pole Dancing as a form of fitness that is both sexy and fun!
Massage for Couples: Back
You will learn to search
out tight muscles in the back, relieving tension, as well as adding
a bit
more
sensuality,
using
a mix of shiatsu, compression, and swedish techniques. This can improve
your skills of seduction! This workshop is not just for couples!
Please bring a towel to lay on, some lotion or oil (I recommend baby
oil),
and someone to massage!! Women should wear a bikini top or bra that
can easily be undone.
Massage for Couples: Feet
You will learn how to massage
your partner's sore and aching feet. We will cover shiatsu techniques,
swedish
techniques
and some minor reflexology. Once you learn how to give a great foot
massage, your partner will be putty in your hands! This workshop is
not just for couples! Please bring a towel or blanket to lay on, some
lotion or oil (I recommend baby oil), and someone to massage!! I will
supply baby wipes to clean off the feet before we begin massaging.
Paganism 101
This workshop will cover some of the basic information about Paganism,
such as religions classified as pagan, spellcraft, ritual writing,
and more. Please keep in mind this is just a small amount of information.
There is much more out there. It is recommended that you do your own
research on a particular subject you may like. Time will be allotted
at the end for discussion.
Pole Dancing for Beginners
In this class you will learn basic pole dancing moves such proper posture
for pole dancing, as well as the One Step Twist, Salsa Twist, Fireman,
Captain Hook, Mermaid, and a few others, as well as proper dismounts
from each move. Depending on the skill level of the class, and time
allowance, a few intermediate moves may be taught as well. Please come
dress in clothing that leaves your legs bare, and no long sleeves.
All genders welcome, but you must participate if you attend!
Ursa, (a.k.a. Rosaleen Dawn Bellchamber) has been Pagan for 20 years. She is a polytheist, a Witch, a Heathen, a mother of two, a wife of one, a university student, a Tarot and Rune reader, and humble servant to two handsome cats and one Siberian husky. She drinks way too much coffee; and frequently quits smoking. With her sister Thalia, Ursa organizes and hosts "Sophia's Sohbet", an occasional salon that offers discussion on various spiritual topics in a diverse environment. For the last 9 years she has been focused on the 'lore of the North', working to understand the native spiritual traditions of northern Europe as well as practical uses of the Runes. While motivated by her own ancestry to plunge into the Northern Tradition, Ursa is emphatically non-'folkish'; and will raise a horn, share mead and talk runes with anyone willing to sit there long enough! In addition to Northern Trad stuff, Ursa also has a passion for Greco-Egyptian Paganism, Hermetic philosophy and Isis worship. She has worked as a professional children's entertainer, an actor, a belly dancer, a hula dancer, a waitress, a highway repair person, a Tarot reader and a book seller. Rumour has it that she can bring you good luck if you rub her belly!
Stumble Through the Sumble
The sumble is one of the most sacred (if not the most sacred) of rituals
in the Northern Tradition. Yet, this is often viewed as a mere 'piss
up'. I like to explain the content, ediquette; and meaning of the sumble
taking a group through it step by step. Usually ale or mead is used
(and I would like to keep with this), but a non-alcoholic drink can
be substituted or used in addition for non-drinkers).
Wendy is the mother of three young adults and many of their friends! She has enjoyed the journey toward the sacred that she has been on for most of her life. Being raised as a Unitarian has allowed for in depth looks into many spiritual paths but when Wendy discovered the Earth based pagan path 15 years ago, she knew that she had found the path the resonated within her soul. As a Lay Chaplain with the Canadian Unitarian Council, Wendy found great joy in officiating at over 300 rites of passage during her 9 year term. She leads pagan based rituals on some Sundays for her Unitarian Fellowship, her women’s group and the community at large.
Unitarianism
This living tradition began the 20th century as a liberal
Christianity and ends that same century also embracing the riches of
humanism, feminism, mysticism, natural theism, the Jewish tradition
and many other world faith traditions. An evolving faith that requires
its members to build their own theology while covenanting together
about how we will live in community with all of our diversity. No dogma
or creed required!
Wisdom of the Crone
A workshop for all ages. Juicy, wise women in this third
phase of life have learned to use their time, energy, and vitality
well. This phase can be an opportunity to take more chances, experience
shifts in roles, and develop talents and interests. Crones can make
a difference thru mentoring others and using our healing influence
for good. With vision and intention, and in numbers and influence,
crones together can change the world. Exceptional men welcome at this
workshop!