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We are now in the planning stages, please stay tuned for further updates
for Spirits of the Earth Festival 2008

Down & Dirty With The Runes



5 Keys to Wellness
Catherine Cher

The 5 Keys to Wellness is a great introduction to all the tools that you need to be truly well. Topics covered include Nutrition, Supplements, Exercise, Sleep &...can you guess the last one?! Guess you'll have to come to find out!


Active Tea Meditation
John Huculiak

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.


Breaking the Binds That Chain You
Franco Minatel

How many times have you been told you can’t do something or that you’ll never amount to something? Has it been a parent, a teacher or yourself? What are the road blocks that have held you back and prevented you from moving forward? This ritual is to help you move forward in achieving your goals. But keep in mind, in order to win the lottery - you need to buy a ticket!


Carefully Treading on Mother Earth
Amhranai

Pagans have long been defined as "earth centered" but we don't always consider our impact on Mother Earth. We'll discuss the spiritual nature to being eco-friendly, and how our relationship with the Earth can alter our relationship with divinity. Also, we will talk about practical every-day tips to help lessen our impact on the Environment. Please bring ideas to share!


Connecting with Earth & Tribal Belly Dance
Ruthanne

The element of earth is the focus for this workshop. Connecting & staying connected while travelling to the divine energy within us with movements such as choo choo swish & gather, walking circles, and Ghawazee (Gypsy) touch tickle & swing. Playful movements that connect us with our inner child & energize our spirits!


Down & Dirty With The Runes
Ursa

Runes are widely used by modern Pagans for many purposes, including spellcraft, meditation and chanting; yet straight forward divination often vexes both the beginning and seasoned runester! In this workshop we will discuss whether or not the lore and common UPG gives us enough to do a straight forward divination; and look at a rune throw together. Includes a take-away rune scroll with some 'quick & dirty' rune meanings.


Drugs, Trance & Magick
Amhranai

Even before recorded history, humankind sought to enter altered states of consciousness in order to reach the divine. One path to this state includes the use of narcotics in ritual, trance and meditation. We will discuss how we have used drugs in religion throughout history and discuss if they have any place in modern magickal practises. We will follow the talk with a group discussion. This workshop is for adults only due to sensitive content.


Easiest Way To Save Lives, The
Sean Wilde

Have you ever wanted to do something good? Something meaningful? Do you think about donating to charity or volunteering somewhere but something holds you back? Are you looking for something that can incorporate your spirituality while helping other people? Come learn about an easy, free and time efficient way of helping others.


Ethical Eclectic, The
Ursa

Many, if not most, modern Pagans are self taught through books, on-line sources and personal experiance. We are often forced to piece together our own way of doing things from available sources. How do we avoid the pitfalls of becomming so eclectic that we create a 'dog's breakfast' instead of a workable sytstem - or even worse - oftend exsisiting traditions (like some of the Native, Afro-diasporic; and European) by pinching their most sacred practices or spirits/gods? In this workshop we will explore the issues around eclecticism and syncretism; and explore how we can be concsious eclectic adepts without doing violence to sacred traditions.


Experiencing the Elements
Amhranai & Ulysses

We often work with the elements in magick, but how often do we take the time to feel and experience each of them? Join us for a comfortable guided meditation designed to experience each of the four elements in turn. Please feel free to bring a chair or blanket as you will be sitting quietly for an extended period of time.


Express Yourself
Tameika

During this interactive workshop we will use dance to explore the uncharted, unspoken Universe within. We will experience the dance of life and existence, past and present, and connect to the deep centers within ourselves that we have no words to express. Dance is fun and comes naturally to us. We hear a beat and WANT to move. It makes us feel good, whole, expressive and connected. This workshop will leave you feeling rejuvenated and bestow upon you an overall feeling of well being.


Flowing Air with Tribal Belly Dance
Ruthanne

The element of air is the focus for this workshop. Balancing & channelling the flow of energy within us with sweeping & floating arm movements such as : snake arms, spirit sweeping arms, spirit reach, brushing the thymus, & heart song. All movements that coincide with the heart & throat chakra energy centres. An end meditaiton will be created by combining these movements together at the end of this session.


Goddess Traditions of the North
Ursa

Can the Northern Tradition be a 'chick thing' too? The Northern Tradition has been viewed or misrepresented as a 'manly-man's' tradition. Yet there is more to the Northern Traditions than just playing viking or huffing about looking tough or getting drunk. I wish to dispell some of the stereotypical myths around the Northern Trads that may alienate women; and discuss the development of 'womens work' both spiritually and magically. This is not intended to negate men's roles, but to explore complimentary ideas for women (and men) who wish to focus the lore and roles of the goddesses.


Henna Party
Tameika

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!


Herb Gathering & The Lunar Calendar
Chris Marano

A workshop of plant-inspired fun and learning as we enter the realm of the Green World and investigate the ages-old and cross-cultural connection between plants, health, moon and stars. We will explore the relationship between the moon’s cycles and the life and energetics of plants. When are herbs most potent? When is it best to sow, harvest, wildcraft and preserve plants for medicine and food? When is it best to prepare herbal medicines? Come spend a day with Chris as he shares his wisdom and experience of the plants, health, and their relationship with the moon and zodiac. The workshop includes:

  • Plant identification: emphasis on getting to a know a few plants deeply, their history, scientific, traditional and folkloric uses;

  • Introduction to the Lunar Calendar: understanding the effects of the moon on plant life and energetics through its waxing-waning cycles and the seasons;

  • Understanding Zodiacal language as it pertains to the plant world, including elemental signs and influences of earth, air, fire, water;

  • Mapping an effective calendar for working with plants and making medicines in the home, garden, and wild.


Introduction to Energy Work
Sean Wilde

In this seminar Sean will be teaching basic energy terminology – chakras, energy meridians, the aura and how energy is manipulated. The lecture will be followed by practical work where all participants will be given the opportunity to sense energy, feel energy, feel an aura and to create balls of energy.


Introduction to Firepit Drumming: For the Beginner
Fox

A workshop for those who think they have no coordination or musical talent, but have always wanted to partake in the fire-pit drumming! Come out and learn the basics of firepit drumming etiquette, and learn how easy it really is to jump in to the drum circle! Fox will discuss how to find the most simple beats in any rhythm, while teaching you how to begin, and add on to those basics. Please bring your drum if you have one. Drums are not mandatory for this workshop - you can learn with the tools of your own body as well!


Introduction to Tai Chi
Michael Kaer

Learn the basic opening moves and the fluid movements of Tai Chi.


Juggling for Beginners
Michael Kaer

Coming Soon!


Living With Your Allies: Totemic Animals, Part 2
John Huculiak

Picking up where “Walking With Your Allies” left off, John Huculiak continues to guide you to better your relations with those animal spirits / spirit guides around you and those who you call upon through activities and meditation. To receive the maximum benefit from this workshop, you will need to be sensitive to spiritual essences, have knowledge of those Allies that might be with you, and a respect for diversity – attending “Walking With Your Allies” is preferred but NOT required.


Magick at the Hearth
Amhranai & Ulysses

Finding magickal in the everyday, Kitchen Witchcraft is essentially the magick of hearth and home. Join us for a tasty outdoor discussion about Kitchen Witchcraft. We'll talk about what practises define Kitchen Witchcraft - magickal cooking, herbs, oils and more. We'll also take some time to discuss environmental concerns, specifically related to the food we eat, including genetically modified and locally grown vs shipped food.


Magick for Two: Couples in the Craft
Amhranai & Ulysses

Join us as we discuss ritual and magick for the modern pagan couple. We will be focusing on the emotional and spiritual bond that couples form; how this can affect our craft, and in turn how our craft affects our relationship. We will also touch on a variety of topics throughout the workshop including energy work, ritual for two, handfastings and sex magick. This workshop is designed for couples who are both currently or considering practicing together.


Marshmallow Fire
Tameika & Fox

Have you ever wondered where the tradition of roasting marshmallows over the campfire came from? Who started the tradition of roasting them on the fire? No one seems to know. But the popularity of the tradition can be attributed to the fact that it is sanctioned fire play for children! Whether you like lightly toasted marshmallows or raging flamers, come and join in on the fun. So sit back, relax and roast a few.


Massage for Couples
Tovah & John

An introduction to massage. This workshop offers you the chance to learn how to do a basic massage for your partner’s back and feet. Imagine being able to make your partner feel great after a long day! You do not need to be a couple to attend this workshop, but you will need a body to practice on. Please bring a towel to lay on, some lotion or oil you can use on your partner (I recommend baby oil), and of course, someone to massage!!


Midsummer Chant Circle
Kellianna

Kellianna offers this Mid-Summer chant circle to assist participants in consciously tapping into the power of the changing seasons. By focusing the energy raised while chanting with a group, we can help one another to manifest our loving intention. This sacred circle helps us to connect to the rythym of the Earth by becoming fully aware of the changing seasons and the unbroken circle of life. By working with the energy of the seasons through chant, we are able to achieve powerful manifestations in our lives. Kellianna will lead seasonal and elemental chants in celebration of Midsummer and in honor of the God and Goddess. Kellianna facillitates chant circles at festivals and shops internationally.
She is a student, teacher and collector of chants and takes great joy in sharing these chants in her circles. Experienced in the art of ritual chant, she chooses the songs to move energy, to celebrate the ancient mysteries, and to strengthen intention


Mosaic Mandalas: 3 Part Series
Karen Andrews

A mandala is a geometric pattern used to mark sacred space. Learn about the history of mandalas in various cultures and spiritual paths, while creating your own personal mosaic mandala from stained glass. This workshop will be offered in three sections. First we will learn about and design our own mandalas. Next we will create our mandala in stained glass and in the final workshop we will grout the mosaic to complete the look. All materials will be supplied.

This workshop is limited to about 12 people to make it manageable, and we request that participants be 16 and up in age (with some flexibility) as this does involved cut glass and is not safe for children.


Old Mother Hubbard...What's in YOUR Cupboard
Catherine Cher

Confused with what's healthy & what's not? Lost in the grocery store? Look no further. Katie will explain the basics to healthy eating made simple. It will all make sense after this!


On Fire with Tribal Belly Dance
Ruthanne

The element of fire is the focus for this workshop. Increasing & channelling the dynamic energy within us with hip shimmies, chest shimmies, shoulder shimmies & walking shimmies! Combining these techniques with cues & dancing together.


Paganism 101
Tovah & John

A basic knowledge of paganism for those who don't know. This workshop will cover some of the basic information such as religions classified as pagan, wicca, spells, rituals, myths and more. Please keep in mind it isn't everything. We recommend you do your own research on a particular subject you may like. We will leave time at the end for discussion.


Poi 101
Carol & Carolyn

Fun and easy to learn, this workshop is open to everyone.We will cover some history,and learn the basic beginning patterns and planes.We will also cover homemade poi...Everyone attending will receive a booklet.There will be practice poi available on a first come, first served basis, or bring your own.Poi can be purchased at Gus's booth,Pagan Murmers.
Instructors:Carol Abrams &Carolyn Kindornay


Poi 102
Carol & Carolyn

In this workshop,we will begin to learn to put tricks together, as well as learn some of the more difficult tricks. Do you have a new trick to share, or one you have trouble with? We will start with a review of the basics, and work our way up. Practice poi available...


Practical Solar Collectors
Michael Kaer

This workshop is a hands on workshop that will teach how to make a own solar collector. It also shows a basic, small scale, unit of how solar panels work.


Smudge Making and Cleansing
Tameika & Fox

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!


Stars! Camera! Astro-Play!
Franco

This workshop will help you gain some insight into astrology in a fun and yet educational way. They say that the planets are the actors, the houses the stages and signs are the scripts. We will explore the charts of individuals or situations by acting out the roles of the planets in the signs and houses with in the charts. Not to worry guidance will be provided. Nevertheless, for those not familiar with astrology and those who are, both will gain valuable insight. Bring your astrological chart to have it acted out.


Stumble Through The Sumble
Ursa

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).


Urban Spirituality
John Huculiak

Today’s society is finally starting to emphasize our interdependence with the world and all its inhabitants. Through environmentalism and the reemergence of many earth-based spiritualities, we are either turning away with urban environments or marking them with negative monikers. According to Statistics Canada, 50% of Canadians aged 15 years and older live in one of Canada’s nine largest cities & 80% live in urban areas. Part of true spirituality comes from addressing & calibrating our energies with our habitat. Join John as he discusses how urban spirituality can benefit your faith and can bring you closer to the nature many of us want to protect. Warning: You will have to do some walking & scrounging, so wear appropriate clothing & bring a positive mind-set.


Walking With Your Allies: Totemic Animals, Part 1
John Huculiak

In this time where many people are re-discovering Humanity’s spiritual ties with the worlds around them; totemic animals, spirit guides and essence attunement have been hot topics with countless texts and chat groups being devoted to them. Walk with Wayfarer John Huculiak, as he discusses the inroads and pitfalls to realizing if you have Allies walking with you and how you can better establish a spiritual rapport with them.


Waving Water with Tribal Belly Dance
Ruthanne

The element of water is the focus for this workshop. Calming & soothing the waving energy within us with hip & chest circles, figure 8's & undulations. Deep muscle movements made simple to increase the vitality we experience individually & combining with cues to dance together as one unified energy source.


Working In & Working Out: The Universal Balance
Adam Boshart

I will discuss the importance of finding a balance between energy expending exercise, such as weight training, running, athletics, corrective exercise, etc; and exercise that promotes an internal awareness and cultivates energy, such as qui-gong, yoga, tai-chi, meditation, etc. The group will participate in some basic qui-gong movements and will be exposed to concepts and theories about health that can easily be applied; many of which are not common in the mainstream fitness industry. A portion of the discussion will include examples of how the body functions as a system of systems and how this integrates to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.



Worms, Composting, Organic Gardens
Michael Kaer

Michael is a worm farmer and advocate for organic farming methods. He will show you how to make an inexpensive worm bin, and teach you why it is important to grow organically.

 

 

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