Return to Home page SOTEF Information Registrar SOTEF Highlights Features Contact Us via Email!

 

workshops2

We are now in the planning stages, please stay tuned for further updates
for Spirits of the Earth Festival 2012

Please click on the presenter's name to link to their website or email.


Charlene Crough

Charlene Crough is a Certified Natural Health Practitioner, specializing in aromatherapy massage, reflexology, and energy healing. She is a talented intuitive tarot reader, professional psychic, and is the Organizer of Firedance Drum Circle and Festival. Charlene has been studying astrology, tarot, holistic healing, and the esoteric arts since she was a young girl. She believes that intuition and synchronicity are our most valuable teachers, if one is only willing to "listen."

Body Pendulum:
Learn how to use your body for divination, magik, and emotional healing. We will learn to tap into our bodies’ innate sensitivity to our environments, and learn to use these skills in everyday life. Many of us don’t trust our intuition, and body pendulum is an active skill that can be used anywhere, anytime. Our bodies hold cellular memories of our childhoods, when our instincts are primal and necessary for our very survival. The emotions of fear, anger, sadness, happiness, safety and love are recognized in our bodies by the way we feel. Often we are taught to ignore those feelings, and it confuses us as we grow older. These skills can help you to trust your own instincts, by learning how our emotions affect us physically and work with them. Come and learn to “Listen.”


Cora Flora

Cora Flora is a blossoming musical goddess with roots in southern Ontario. She lives a passionate spiritual path, and loves to share the healing and inspiration she finds with Music. She presently has three albums of original songs and is in the process of recording her newest album, which will be released within our present moon cycle. After Spirits Fest, she is embarking on a musical journey across Canada and beyond! :)

Nature Spirit Music: Harmonizing with Mother Earth:
Learning to listen deeply, feeling the energy of nature spirits, and allowing this energy to flow out of me through music is one of my favourite things to do. When I'm in nature I feel a sense of peace, tranquility, and connection with the divine that is very sacred to me. I'm now feeling called to share this experience with others, so that together we can listen, feel, and share the wisdom and music of the nature spirits. This workshop must be outdoors, preferably in a sacred space of nature. We'll go on a journey together including meditation, sounding, and flowing with the energy of nature spirit music as it flows through us. All that is necessary to participate is an open heart, respect for nature, and a willingness to allow sound to flow through you ~ through your voice, your rhythm, or gentle instruments like bells or chimes. Our beautiful, healing, and generous friends in nature have so much to offer us. Let's harmonize with them and share their messages with the world. The possibility for magic is amazing and I'm excited to discover what we co-create! :)

Songwriters of the Universe: Exploring Music & Manifestation:
" We have entered the place where everything is Music." ~ Rumi.
This is a path that has been simmering in my soul for years now. I believe wholeheartly in the power of Music, and believe that it is beyond healing, soothing, and energizing. Music can lift the veil to worlds of feeling and inspiration beyond and within this physical one. The imagined limitations can be re-imagined, and we can literally sing into existence what we wish to co-create. Are you interested in tapping into the magical & mystical powers of Music? Do you listen to lyrics consciously, and feel the emotions of Music deeply? If so, I'd love to meet up with you (a group of enthusiasts will be amazing) to discuss, explore, and share what we've learned about the creative nature of Music. I have a lot to share, based on what I've read, written, listened to, sung, and intuited. In this workshop, I will share my understanding which includes using songwriting as a manifestation tool. There is so much uplifting and joyful possibility in working with the Spirit of Music. " Sound is the source of all manifestation. The knower of the mystery of sound knows the mystery of the whole universe."
~ Hazrat Inayat Khan

Soul Singing: Discovering the Healing Power of Your Own Voice:
" When hearts listen, angels sing." ~ Debbie Wagoner. I love exploring the amazing power of sounding and singing to open our throat chakra, release fears of expressing our Truths, and harmonize from the heart. Based on your participation we will co-create a workshop that fits everyone's intention. My path with singing has been from the heart, as singing has always been an expression of love, a way to release and understand emotions, and more recently, a way of opening to intuitive messages. If you have been drawn to this, maybe we have something to share with eachother. This workshop involves sounding, movement, and the awesome pleasure of singing in unity. " In virtually every culture throughout history, human beings have used toning, chanting, and singing to praise their creator and to heal their bodies and spirits... When we give expression to the voice within, it emerges from the place deep inside that is at one with the great mystery. Inspiration is a word that describes both the intake of breath and receptivity to the Muse. When we truly touch that place within, we may become inspired to release that breath in words, tone, chant, or song." ~ Joy Gardner-Gordon


Firedance Drum Circle

Charlene Crough founded Firedance Drum Circle in 2005 in Toronto, we are a unique circle of drummers, musicians, dancers, artists, and earth centered individuals who honor our connection to Spirit in our music, magik, and events. Firedance has grown from a small handful of friends to a large community spanning all across Ontario. We perform and host workshops at summer festivals, various community events, and host opens jams throughout the year at various locations in Toronto. Firedance will be presenting the Earth Night Elemental Tribute with drums and chants. Please join into our drumming workshop if you would like to participate!

Intro to Freestyle Drumming with Charlene Crough and Firedance Drum Circle :
This is a beginner's workshop to introduce common rhythms played at drum circles, open jams, and festival fires. Freestyle jams are chaotic at times, and difficult to jump into, and we will focus on finding your voice in the circle. We will also cover drumming for pagan chants, drumming for rituals, trance, and meditation and drumming as a path of the Spirit.


John Huculiak

John "Corvus" Huculiak is an Romani 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, Divination Practitioner/Omnimancer, 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 greatly honoured to be returning to the Spirits of the Earth Festival; a “realm” where his many of his “Family” dwell. EMAIL

Awareness Seminar 1&2:
Part One is "Beginning Steps" which will include a walking meditation, breathing and such; with the six "Awareness Stations" around the site that people can do at their leisure; Part Two is "Revelations") is a follow-up to Part One exercises.

Meditative Tea Ceremony:
Looking to re-energize from a morning of workshops (or recovering from the night before) or wanting to digest what you have experienced at the Spirits of the Earth festival so far? Have a cup of tea, embrace the space, re-energize and prepare for the evening. There will be some movement, so bring something to recline on.

Community Ritual: Latcho Drom Rota Baksheesh
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. Bring your intentions, your voice and your community spirit and we WILL celebrate!


Kellianna is an American pagan artist internationally performing song and chant inspired by myth, magic, sacred places and ancient times. With guitar and vocals she brings to life the stories and sagas of the Gods and Goddesses. With Native American frame drum and chant she honors the Earth and the Ancestors via primal drumming and powerful vocals. She is a certified teacher of SpiritSong, a powerful tool for freeing your voice, for accessing the authentic sound that is you, and for entering into Spirit. Kellianna was trained by Shawna Carol in facilitating this unique approach to spiritual growth. Kellianna facilitates chant circles at festivals and shops all over the states She is a collector of chants and takes great joy in sharing these chants in her circles. She is experienced in the art of ritual chant, and uses the song to move energy, to celebrate the ancient mysteries, and to strengthen intention.

Elemental Chant Workshop with Kellianna:
Join international performer Kellianna in a circle of song dedicated to moving energy and manifesting intention. Song and chant are powerful tools for raising and directing energy. In this workshop Kellianna will help to guide the group with Elemental and Seasonal chants, and chants to God and Goddess. By joining our voices together in circle, we can raise pure, joyful and powerful energy and focus that energy for the purpose of manifesting our intentions. By understanding the properties of the elements, we can work with Water chants to help clear away blocks, Fire to transform thought into action, Earth to ground and anchor, Air to move energy and intention, and Spirit to celebrate and revel. Come and experience this ritual of song where many voices become One voice and all things are possible....

Spirit Song: Freeing the Voice, Sounding the Spirit
Music, song and sound have been used by countless cultures as extraordinarily effective vehicles for healing, communal bonding, and spiritual awakening. Author, composer, singer and sound-healer Shawna Carol has emerged as a leading figure in the contemporary revitalization of the art of sacred song as a transformative tool. She has developed “SpiritSong,” a unique approach to singing and toning based on a method of “singing without words;” a powerful technique that permits us to reconnect to the most primal form of singing. SpiritSong uses the voice to sound what you are feeling in the moment and this unlocks your power and unique beauty.

The Way of Song is based on the premise that singing has two primary purposes: first, to release any disease we are carrying, and second to connect us with the Creative Source. In a sacred song circle we will create a community in song as we practice loving witness of ourselves and one another. The act of being witness to someone’s song is s a great honor. It is a sacred trust. It is a practice of a very special kind of loving, to empower someone to be freely themselves in the moment. As we witness one another a communion of healing and unity is created. Our hearts truly open to each other as we embrace each other’s song.


Kimi Bois

Kimi has been studying the uses of essential oils for over 9 years. She enjoys sharing the wonderful benefits of essential oils with everyone in workshops as well as with products through Gypsy Scents.

Chakra Balancing: Wednesday
Have you heard the buzz word on chakras? Find out what chakras are and how ro connect with them. Learn where they are, and how they show themselves in our lives. What parts of the body are reflected with which chakra, and how we react emotionally in relation to our chakras

Chakra Balancing: Thursday
Open up to each chakra using the power of colour and meditation. Each chakra will be given its due, and learn how to find each one. Connect with how your body and mind reflect the state of your chakra, and learn how to balance them.

Chakra Balancing: Friday
Connect with each chakra using aromatherapy and crystals, combined with the ways learned on Wednesday and Thursday. Learn how to manage the care of your chakras on a daily basis. Discover the many ways we can use to focus and balance our chakras.

Chakra Balancing: Saturday
Balance and connect with your chakras using all the methods previously used. Learn about the chakras that reside outside our body, and how to connect with them as part of your chakra therapy. More advanced learning using aromatherapy practices will be covered.


Kristin Dawn 'Lady Selene'

This is Kristin’s first visit to Spirits Fest and she is very excited to be here! Kristin Dawn is a local London musician, born of the Celts and Highlanders of Scotland, with her feet deeply mired in Spiritual teachings of any kind, and her head lost in the melodies of the world. Kristin has been singing for over 20 year, and involved in the Spiritual community for 15 years. Kristin has currently begun to write and record celtic/new age songs, chants, and lyrical rituals - similar to what is heard in her Chakra courses offered here at Spirits Fest this year - for her first cd release to happen in early 2013.

Chakra Voice: Cleansing your Centers through Music and Voice
Ever wonder why some sounds, and tones just make you feel good down to your core? While some noises just make your skin crawl? Want to begin to clean out your chakras, begin fresh, start the healing process of your body and soul without spending lots of money or having lots of equipment? Then you’ll want to think about this course…
In this course we will learn about the basic relationship between sound, vibrations, color, and your chakras. Start to clear out the sludge from your spiritual centres, deal with the issues and emotions locked in them and move on to a healthier more balanced life – all with the use of our own voices and a guided meditation.

Chakra Voice: Energizing Your Centres for Physical Change
In the follow-up course to Chakra: Cleansing your centres, we will cover what to do, now that your working with a clean slate, or at least a cleaner one. Through an ecstatic guided chant/ritual that utilizes all the ideas learned in the first course. We will re-energize your centers properly to improve your ability to ground yourself better, experience a more centered state of emotional well-being, and improve your connection to Mother Gaia, and the Divine.


Mike West

Coming Soon!

Open Mic with Mike!
Join Mike and friends on the Main Stage at the Muses theatre to play, perform or just have some fun feeling like a rockstar plugged in to the sound system! Bring your instruments and singing voice to the Main stage for an impromptu good time!


Soolah Hoops

As an instigator of fun & merriment, Soolah Hoops brings joy and a sense of play to the community through her love of sharing her hoops with everyone. Soolah is Hoop & Fire Dance Performer as well as a Hoop Dance Instructor and facilitates classes and hoop meditation workshops around the country. Hoolah hoops officially entered her life in 2007 with a beautiful group of friends as she shared Reiki by using a hoop as a healing tool. After putting the hoop down for a year she picked it back up in hopes of working with fire in 2008. She began fire dancing in 2009 and Soolah has performed at many festivals and events bringing the love and art of fire to the public. Soolah performs with a fire hoop, staff, poi, orb, swords and umbrella. You can check out her website!

Hoop Trance Dance Meditation:
" We come spinning out of the stars, scattering nothingness, the stars form a circle and in the center we dance." ~ Rumi
Through the use of the Sacred Hoop Sue Kemp, of Soolah Hoops, will present the flow of Hoop Trance Dance Meditation. Energy work, meditation and movement are the basis of this workshop. Learn basic body hooping to work your core as well as awaken the Inner Child Self. If you are an energy worker or healer the hoop can be used as not only a self-healing tool but also a universal healing medium channeling the energy through the hoop as you spin. If you have trouble with a daily mediation practice hooping can assist in creating a positive movement meditation flow.

Adult sized Hula Hoops will be provided if you do not have one. Please wear comfortable clothing for this workshop. Be sure to bring water to stay hydrated for this class. No experience is necessary just an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Family Fun Hoop & Drum Jam:
"And I say the sacred hoop of my people was one of the many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight, and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree to shelter all the children of one mother and one father." ~ Black Elk
It's time to play!! Soolah Hoops will be sharing her hula hoops in a fun family oriented hoop jam. To the sounds of drumming and with the essence of play we will connect in love, laughter and through the hoop. Hula hoops of all sizes and colors will be available to play with. If you don't hoop, then bring a drum or musical instrument if you have one and play for those who are hooping. Children of all ages are encouraged to join in on the fun! Please wear comfortable clothing for this workshop. Be sure to bring water to stay hydrated for this class. No experience is necessary just an open mind and a willingness to play. Drummers are highly encouraged to come and create a free form jam session!


Tameika & Fox

Fox and Tameika have been practicing together for 16 years. 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

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!


Tovah Chickee, RMT

Tovah is a healer. She feels that we can heal in many ways, not just what we can see or touch. In order to heal the body, we must heal the mind. Sometimes that means connection with someone emotionally, and sometimes it means fitness, and connecting with oneself. Join me in my workshops to find a deeper connection with yourself, and unlock the potential for healing!

Couples Massage: Connecting with the Physical Body
In this workshop we will delve into the world of touch, and what it means to touch your partner. You will learn how to provide a relaxing and sensual massage for your partner, one that can easily translate to the bedroom. You are only limited to your imagination! Please bring a towel to lie on, oil, an extra pillow or rolled towel, and clothing that exposes your back. This workshop is 18+.

Couple Massage: Connecting with Energy
In this workshop we will delve into the world of energy, and what it means to combine it with touch. You will learn how to sense energy, and how to use tools like energy pulling and massage to bring pleasure to your partner. Please bring a yoga mat to lie on, oil, an extra pillow or rolled towel, and clothing that exposes your back. This workshop is 18+.

Poi: Adding movement to your spinning
So you know how to spin basic patterns, but now you are stuck standing in one place. Would you like to be able to add movement to your spinning? Well you’re in luck! This workshop will teach you about places of movement, and how to easily change direction with your poi, allowing you the freedom to move in a full circle! But please, bring your own poi. (Try putting a tennis ball in a long sock)

Hoop Spinning: Isolations
Are you ready to take your hooping to the next level? Come learn how to do isolations! This style was made popular by such people as Baxter and Brekken (Look them up! They are amazing!). You will learn the movements necessary to make the hoop appear to float. Please bring a small and a large children’s hoop with you. The lighter, the better! This could change the way you hoop dance!


Witchdoctor Utu

Witchdoctor Utu is the founder of the Niagara Voodoo Shrine and the Dragon Ritual Drummers, and most recently became co-author of the 13 Mountain Mystery Brews: The Elixirs. The Niagara based temple has carried on and shared the Carolinian forest magik akin to the freedom seeking slaves that made the pilgrimage to Niagara, via the Underground Railroad led by Harriet Tubman. The Niagara Voodoo Shrine has traveled across international borders to share and bring awareness to the North American Voodoo traditions, with New Orleans at the epicenter. As the founder of the Niagara Voodoo Shrine, Witchdoctor Utu has been traveling and working for over a decade to help keep intact many branches of the North American Voodoo traditions, and to share them too. He is a member of the New Orleans Voodoo Spiritual Temple and a writer and staff for "Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly Magazine" . Email | MySpace

Voodoo Workshop:
Utu will lead a discussion on what exactly voodoo is and what it consists of with in its foundations and fabric, and how to fit it into your pagan practice. This will also be the time that some of the drum rhythms will be shown and discussed, as well as accoutrements and tools and their uses.

 

Email Tameika Copyright Notice