2017 Workshops, Entertainment, & Presenters
Open Ritual
(all respectful seekers welcome! to participate or observe)
"Being the Change You Wish to See in the World"
by Hands of Change Coven 3:30 pm, center field
Hands of Change is a teaching coven dedicated to spiritual growth, empowerment, fostering spiritual community, as well as promoting healing change in ourselves, our wider communities, and our world. They hold open, public full moon rituals at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Tices Lane in East Brunswick, as well as other celebrations and workshops. www.handsofchange.org
(all respectful seekers welcome! to participate or observe)
"Being the Change You Wish to See in the World"
by Hands of Change Coven 3:30 pm, center field
Hands of Change is a teaching coven dedicated to spiritual growth, empowerment, fostering spiritual community, as well as promoting healing change in ourselves, our wider communities, and our world. They hold open, public full moon rituals at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Tices Lane in East Brunswick, as well as other celebrations and workshops. www.handsofchange.org
Resurrecting Necromancy with Christopher Orapello
One of the witchiest of all the practices associated with historic witchcraft, the art of necromancy is also the most misunderstood. Learn what it is, its connection to the phrase "black magick", how it fits into a modern witchcraft context, and how it can add a new layer to your practice as a witch.
Christopher Orapello is an artist, witch, and animist with a background in western occultism, ceremonial magick, Freemasonry and has been on his journey for over 20 years. He co-hosts the podcast Down at the Crossroads with his partner, Tara Maguire, and is a signature artist with Sacred Source (a leading producer and distributor of ancient deity images in North America). After a growing desire for a more locally-based form of witchcraft, he and Tara founded Blacktree coven in 2014, where they set out to forge a modern approach to Traditional Witchcraft for a new era of praxis.
One of the witchiest of all the practices associated with historic witchcraft, the art of necromancy is also the most misunderstood. Learn what it is, its connection to the phrase "black magick", how it fits into a modern witchcraft context, and how it can add a new layer to your practice as a witch.
Christopher Orapello is an artist, witch, and animist with a background in western occultism, ceremonial magick, Freemasonry and has been on his journey for over 20 years. He co-hosts the podcast Down at the Crossroads with his partner, Tara Maguire, and is a signature artist with Sacred Source (a leading producer and distributor of ancient deity images in North America). After a growing desire for a more locally-based form of witchcraft, he and Tara founded Blacktree coven in 2014, where they set out to forge a modern approach to Traditional Witchcraft for a new era of praxis.
Baneful Plants and the Poison Path by Tara Maguire
“There are poisons that blind you and poisons that open your eyes.” Some plants are pretty to look at, sweet to smell, and bursting with the colors of life and laughter. Along the crooked path though, here grows another sort of greenery entirely- with venom, fang, and claw. Herein lies your ticket to the Sabbat, witches. Herein lies the lost key to your flight. Learn about the path of the poisoner, as well as some of the more utilized plants, their folklore, and how to responsibly steward them in your home garden.
Tara Maguire has been a practicing witch for over 30 years, on a path which has been crookedly influenced by Isobel Gowdie, Marie Laveau, and William S. Burroughs. Growing up as a weird kid in and around the New Jersey Pine Barrens, she found witchcraft within the tales and shadows which dwell there. She co-hosts the podcast, Down at the Crossroads, with her sweetheart, Christopher Orapello, and together, they founded Blacktree Coven- a traditional witchcraft coven which exists in the heart of southern New Jersey. Her first book, co-written with Chris, is due out from Weiser/Red Wheel Books in Autumn 2018.
“There are poisons that blind you and poisons that open your eyes.” Some plants are pretty to look at, sweet to smell, and bursting with the colors of life and laughter. Along the crooked path though, here grows another sort of greenery entirely- with venom, fang, and claw. Herein lies your ticket to the Sabbat, witches. Herein lies the lost key to your flight. Learn about the path of the poisoner, as well as some of the more utilized plants, their folklore, and how to responsibly steward them in your home garden.
Tara Maguire has been a practicing witch for over 30 years, on a path which has been crookedly influenced by Isobel Gowdie, Marie Laveau, and William S. Burroughs. Growing up as a weird kid in and around the New Jersey Pine Barrens, she found witchcraft within the tales and shadows which dwell there. She co-hosts the podcast, Down at the Crossroads, with her sweetheart, Christopher Orapello, and together, they founded Blacktree Coven- a traditional witchcraft coven which exists in the heart of southern New Jersey. Her first book, co-written with Chris, is due out from Weiser/Red Wheel Books in Autumn 2018.
The Journey from Hod to Netzach: or how I came to Love the Tower Card, by Karen Bruin
There is a lot that happens magically when we truly initiate from one level of our practice to another. Our mundane lives get shaken up and stirred while we get more clarity in our actual spiritual/magickal practices, and the dance goes back and forth between the two. In this class we will take on quick over view of the Qabalistic spheres of Hod (Splendor), Netzach (Victory), the path between them (27), and the Tower card from the tarot, and how they relate to initiation.
Karen Bruhin is a 3rd degree initiate within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel (ASW), www.sacredwheel.org) a Wiccan syncretic tradition. She is the High Priestess of Tenders of the Earth Temple (http://tet-asw.org/) founded in 2011 and which based in NW Philadelphia. A practitioner of a variety of esoteric disciplines, Karen has been active in Wicca and the local Pagan community for the past 18 years. Additionally, Karen is the Captain of the Gryphons, a magical order within the ASW that is charged with the magical protection of the ASW. She offers ongoing classes through Mt. Airy Learning Tree and through the coven as well as co-coordinator for ritual at 2017 Philadelphia Pagan Pride Day. She has previously taught at Spring Magick, Autumn Magick, Philadelphia Pagan Pride and Free Spirit Gathering.
There is a lot that happens magically when we truly initiate from one level of our practice to another. Our mundane lives get shaken up and stirred while we get more clarity in our actual spiritual/magickal practices, and the dance goes back and forth between the two. In this class we will take on quick over view of the Qabalistic spheres of Hod (Splendor), Netzach (Victory), the path between them (27), and the Tower card from the tarot, and how they relate to initiation.
Karen Bruhin is a 3rd degree initiate within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel (ASW), www.sacredwheel.org) a Wiccan syncretic tradition. She is the High Priestess of Tenders of the Earth Temple (http://tet-asw.org/) founded in 2011 and which based in NW Philadelphia. A practitioner of a variety of esoteric disciplines, Karen has been active in Wicca and the local Pagan community for the past 18 years. Additionally, Karen is the Captain of the Gryphons, a magical order within the ASW that is charged with the magical protection of the ASW. She offers ongoing classes through Mt. Airy Learning Tree and through the coven as well as co-coordinator for ritual at 2017 Philadelphia Pagan Pride Day. She has previously taught at Spring Magick, Autumn Magick, Philadelphia Pagan Pride and Free Spirit Gathering.
Make & Take Magical Teas, by Amy Blackthorn
Join Magical Herbalist and Author, Amy Blackthorn in a magical make and take revolving around the magical and ritual use of Tea. Amy started her magical tea shop, Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends four years ago, after a spell inspired her to keep creating. We will discuss the ways tea can enrich lives, focus magical practice and act as devotional for the Gods. Then we will dive head first into the realm of tea by creating our own! Write down and record your magical blend for a chance to have a tea named after you in the shop! Material Fee $10 includes a 6 fl oz tin of tea to take home.
Bridging the Gap: Hoodoo and Aromatherapy, by Amy Blackthorn
Rootwork and Aromatherapy are not two ends of a spectrum, but siblings in an ever changing world of magical practice. Join Amy Blackthorn, for a look at joining these two practices. Lemongrass is a potent ally in rootwork as well as aromatherapy and this is just one herb we will delve into.
Amy Blackthorn has been described as an “arcane horticulturalist” for her work with agriculture, in British Traditional Witchcraft, and with magical herbs. Amy has spent twenty five years in different traditions within Paganism. She has taught classes from Baltimore, Maryland to Toronto, Canada, and out to Arizona. She has been acted as a media liaison for ABC television, and the SyFy Channel. She was recently seen on Top Ten Secrets and Mysteries in an episode about Supernatural Abilities. Her interviews have appeared for nineteen years in numerous publications in matters of alternative religions. You can view Amy’s tea shop at blackthornhoodooblends.com and her author site may be found at http://amyblackthorn.com/
Join Magical Herbalist and Author, Amy Blackthorn in a magical make and take revolving around the magical and ritual use of Tea. Amy started her magical tea shop, Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends four years ago, after a spell inspired her to keep creating. We will discuss the ways tea can enrich lives, focus magical practice and act as devotional for the Gods. Then we will dive head first into the realm of tea by creating our own! Write down and record your magical blend for a chance to have a tea named after you in the shop! Material Fee $10 includes a 6 fl oz tin of tea to take home.
Bridging the Gap: Hoodoo and Aromatherapy, by Amy Blackthorn
Rootwork and Aromatherapy are not two ends of a spectrum, but siblings in an ever changing world of magical practice. Join Amy Blackthorn, for a look at joining these two practices. Lemongrass is a potent ally in rootwork as well as aromatherapy and this is just one herb we will delve into.
Amy Blackthorn has been described as an “arcane horticulturalist” for her work with agriculture, in British Traditional Witchcraft, and with magical herbs. Amy has spent twenty five years in different traditions within Paganism. She has taught classes from Baltimore, Maryland to Toronto, Canada, and out to Arizona. She has been acted as a media liaison for ABC television, and the SyFy Channel. She was recently seen on Top Ten Secrets and Mysteries in an episode about Supernatural Abilities. Her interviews have appeared for nineteen years in numerous publications in matters of alternative religions. You can view Amy’s tea shop at blackthornhoodooblends.com and her author site may be found at http://amyblackthorn.com/
Tarot Magick and Spell Casting, by Edward Massey
In this one hour workshop attendees will learn how to use tarot cards as a symbolic and spiritual link to specific desired outcomes of spell and magickal workings. Because all one needs is a deck and a positive mind there is no previous knowledge or ability of the tarot necessary to access this type of magick.
Inspiring Divination in Your Kids! by Edward Massey
In this workshop for parents, participants will learn easy and fun divination methods to teach their children and ways to foster a child's intuition.
E. Massey is an artist, author, teacher, and practicing witch. Originally trained and initiated into the Gardnerian tradition at age thirteen. He now follows his own path of combining traditional witchcraft with his Native American (Piikani) beliefs. He is Aawaatowapsiiks, “a ceremonialist”, commonly known as a “medicine man”. He is also an initiate in the Yoruba traditions of Santeria. He is also a spiritual advisor, healer, an experienced tarot reader, and a Pagan community event organizer. He holds a degree in early childhood education/child development. More Information on E. Massey can be found at www.e-massey.com
In this one hour workshop attendees will learn how to use tarot cards as a symbolic and spiritual link to specific desired outcomes of spell and magickal workings. Because all one needs is a deck and a positive mind there is no previous knowledge or ability of the tarot necessary to access this type of magick.
Inspiring Divination in Your Kids! by Edward Massey
In this workshop for parents, participants will learn easy and fun divination methods to teach their children and ways to foster a child's intuition.
E. Massey is an artist, author, teacher, and practicing witch. Originally trained and initiated into the Gardnerian tradition at age thirteen. He now follows his own path of combining traditional witchcraft with his Native American (Piikani) beliefs. He is Aawaatowapsiiks, “a ceremonialist”, commonly known as a “medicine man”. He is also an initiate in the Yoruba traditions of Santeria. He is also a spiritual advisor, healer, an experienced tarot reader, and a Pagan community event organizer. He holds a degree in early childhood education/child development. More Information on E. Massey can be found at www.e-massey.com
Channeling Celtic Deities, by Bard Dafydd & Red Oak Grove
Channeling is the practice of intentionally allowing a spiritual being to temporarily inhabit your body and mind, usually for the purpose of communication with an audience. Since 1997 the members of Red Oak Grove have been practicing this ancient technique with amazing results. The information we have received from Brigedd, Lleu, Rhainnon, Math ap Mathonwy & Cernunnos has been incredibly powerful..AND entertaining! Join us for an hour as some of our Channelers tell personal stories about these profound experiences. Presented by Bard Dafydd, Vela Chandra and Cath Eirian.
Bard Dafydd is the Senior Druid of Red Oak Grove, ADF. He’s a professional trainer, storyteller, and speaker. Within ADF he has held the offices of Vice ArchDruid, Chief of the Council of Senior Druids, Chief of the Welsh Kin, Chief Seer and Chief Bard – but not all at the same time! He has been presenting rituals, lectures and workshops at Neo-Pagan events for over 20 years.
Red Oak Grove, ADF
We are a group of Neopagan Druids centered in the Delaware Valley (PA, NJ & DE) who are serious about worshiping the Celtic Gods in a modern context. We were founded at Summer Solstice in 1997 and have provided a public ritual at almost every single High Day since then.
Channeling is the practice of intentionally allowing a spiritual being to temporarily inhabit your body and mind, usually for the purpose of communication with an audience. Since 1997 the members of Red Oak Grove have been practicing this ancient technique with amazing results. The information we have received from Brigedd, Lleu, Rhainnon, Math ap Mathonwy & Cernunnos has been incredibly powerful..AND entertaining! Join us for an hour as some of our Channelers tell personal stories about these profound experiences. Presented by Bard Dafydd, Vela Chandra and Cath Eirian.
Bard Dafydd is the Senior Druid of Red Oak Grove, ADF. He’s a professional trainer, storyteller, and speaker. Within ADF he has held the offices of Vice ArchDruid, Chief of the Council of Senior Druids, Chief of the Welsh Kin, Chief Seer and Chief Bard – but not all at the same time! He has been presenting rituals, lectures and workshops at Neo-Pagan events for over 20 years.
Red Oak Grove, ADF
We are a group of Neopagan Druids centered in the Delaware Valley (PA, NJ & DE) who are serious about worshiping the Celtic Gods in a modern context. We were founded at Summer Solstice in 1997 and have provided a public ritual at almost every single High Day since then.
Raks Sahara
Raks Sahara is a Middle Eastern Folkloric Dance Troupe founded and based in Vineland Nj. We are a NON POLITICAL, educational troupe 35 plus years running.
www.rakssahara.org
Raks Sahara is a Middle Eastern Folkloric Dance Troupe founded and based in Vineland Nj. We are a NON POLITICAL, educational troupe 35 plus years running.
www.rakssahara.org