In just under two weeks, PantheaCon will begin, and during this time in exactly two weeks (as I sit down to write this around 2:30 PM), hopefully I’ll be winding down my discussion/session that will have begun at 1:30, and will be taking questions and demonstrating some things…we shall see.
In any case, I wanted to post my schedule here, and also make people aware of a few events that won’t be on the regular schedule (or any schedule that is officially associated with the con’, for that matter), which will be particular to Ekklesía Antínoou matters and concerns, but which anyone and everyone is free to join us for, as indicated.
If you see me before the con’ officially begins, I might not be in the best of states. I will have been awake since just before midnight the night before, will have been traveling for much of the day (arriving to the hotel likely around 9 AM), and will not be able to check in to my own hotel until after 5 PM, so I might be a bit of a mess. Don’t take it personally if I look tired or fall asleep while speaking with you! 
Everything given in bold and italics below is an event that I’m either putting on (often with assistance) or am in some manner involved with, at least to my knowledge at this point.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014
1:30 PM, Cedar: “The Ephesia Grammata,” P. Sufenas Virius Lupus
Bio: P. Sufenas Virius Lupus is a metagender person, and one of the founding members of the Ekklesía Antínoou as well as a contributing member of Neos Alexandria and a practicing Celtic Reconstructionist pagan in the traditions of gentlidecht and filidecht. E has written eight books, as well as numerous essays, articles, poems, and fiction contributions to a variety of anthologies and periodicals.
Description: The Ephesia Grammata or “Ephesian Letters” were said to have been written on the statue of Artemis of Ephesus, and consist of six (or occasionally seven) words that are somewhat like other voces magicae; they are often used in spell formulae in Graeco-Egyptian magic. They were also used in the ancient world for both protection, and possibly for divination. Learn about the system, and how it can be used for these purposes today. Bring at least six notecards, paper, pieces of wood, stones, or other small objects as well as writing materials appropriate to them to possibly make your own!
3:30 PM, Santa Clara: “Pagan Theurgy,” Brandy Williams
Bio: Brandy Williams has been practicing and teaching magic for over 30 years. Her work spans magical orders such as Ordo Templi Orientis and the Golden Dawn as well as Witchcraft and Pagan reconstruction. Her newest book, The Woman Magician, examines and challenges the Western understanding of women’s bodies, energies, and powers, articulating a new metaphysics which frees and empowers women to act authentically as women and as magicians.
Description: Hellenic Neo-Platonists called the gods into statues, each other, and themselves. Modern theurgists adapt their use invocation, image, sound and breathing to bring the gods into our lives today. This introduction covers the Egyptian/Kemetic origins of theurgy, the Neo-Platonic teaching lineage, the theurgic understanding of the soul, and basic theurgic techniques, including solar breathing.
c. 5:20 PM, Pool Area, “Honoring of the New Sancta/e/i,” Ekklesía Antínoou
Description: [Not on the regular schedule!] Come for a short ritual honoring two of the most recent Sancta/e/i of the Ekklesía Antínoou, Rev. Eddy “Hyperion” Gutiérrez/Dr. E. Sanctus, and Lady Olivia Durdin Robertson Sancta. A modified form of the Ekklesía Antínoou’s rite of sanctification will be spoken in English for each, followed by the Latin form for both of them together, and then there will be time for those present to speak praising words and share memories in their honor.
[And then I shall check in to my hotel, have some dinner, and hang out for a bit...!]
9:00 PM, Santa Clara: “Experimental Reconstruction,” Finnchuill
Bio: Finnchuill is a polytheist who works primarily with Celtic and Hellenic pantheons. He is an ordained Druid of FoDLA, and a filidecht practitioner. He takes an experimental reconstructionist approach toward practice. A writer, poet, and educator with an MFA in creative writing and BA in History, he lives in San Francisco. He’s the author of From the Prow of Myth, and is on the review board of Air n-Aithesc magazine. Finnchuill blogs at finnchuillsmast at wordpress.
Description: Reconstructionism is often seen as something overly tied to a distant past, to ways of life that are far from our own. What are some ways we can use recon methodologies but in an experimental way: taking practices as far as we can understand them and then trying them out in our own context? Example: River goddesses were worshiped in ancient Celtic cultures–how to apply that here and now? Discussion meant to further participants’ own experiments. Applicable to various other cultural traditions too.
[And then, most likely, bed!]
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2014
c. 8:45 AM, Pool Area: “Inundation Ritual,” Ekklesía Antínoou
Description: [Not on the regular schedule!] After a year’s unintentional hiatus, the Inundation Ritual is back! Come participate in this purification-by-water ritual with the Ekklesía Antínoou; especially recommended if you plan to take part in any Ekklesía Antínoou events later in the con’. Wear a bathing suit and prepare to get wet after the preliminary prayers and exercises, and then hang out for a bit with us in the water afterwards!
11:00 AM, Oak: “Sacrifice and Modern Paganism: A Panel Discussion,” Coru Cathubodua
Bio: Service, sovereignty, kinship and warriorship are the values that guide the Coru Cathobodua Priesthood. We are Pagan priests on the move, ready to take action to advance our mission to bring about sovereignty and kinship to the world through acts of community and individual service. Guided by our the matron the Morrígan, Celtic Goddess of sovereignty, prophecy, and battle, we welcome all who share this vision of service to bringing these values to life for all people. For information about Coru Cathubodua, visit http://www.corupriesthood.com.
Description: From offering the best wine and grain to the finest animal or tribal member to the Gods, sacrifice was a central part of many ancient cultures. But as modern Pagans we must ask ourselves: what is the role of sacrifice today? Join us as we explore questions surrounding sacrifice with panelists Sam Webster (M. Div., author & blogger at “Arkadian Anvil”), Crystal Blanton (Wild Hunt and Patheos.com), Jeff Albaugh (Cherry Hill Seminary and Conference on Current Pagan Studies), and Amy Hale, Ph.D. (St. Petersburg College).
[Then, a very fast lunch, and I hope to be preparing for the ritual from 12:50 onwards, so anyone helping, please be there by no later than 1 PM if possible!]
1:30 PM, San Martin/San Simeon: “Lupercalia 2014!” Ekklesia Antinoou
Bio: The Ekklesía Antinoou (“Citizenry of Antinous”) is a queer, Graeco-Roman-Egyptian syncretist reconstructionist polytheist group dedicated to worship of Antinous, the deified lover of the Roman Emperor Divus Hadrianus, and related divine figures. This form of modern Antinoan practice has been functioning since 2002. P. Sufenas Virius Lupus will be conducting this session, with assistance from several other Ekklesia Antinoou members and friends.
Description: Ianus and Venus, Mars and Quirinus, Faunus, Silvanus, and Antinous Lupercus…As is Roman custom, on the Fifteenth of February, come and celebrate the holy day of Lupercalia–a festival of purification and communal integrity–by running with the wolves in all their milky-and-bloody glory! All (and all ages) are welcome to attend, but doors will close after the ritual begins.
3:30 PM, Oak: “Pagans and Privilege: Let’s Talk About It,” T. Thorn Coyle, Crystal Blanton & a Kick-Ass Panel
Bio: T. Thorn Coyle moderates this panel of powerful and insightful teachers and activists: Crystal Blanton, Xochiquetzal Duti Odinsdottir, Charlie Glickman, and Elena Rose Vera.
Description: Privilege is the ability to not have to stare oppression in the face. Unexamined Privilege can make oppression hard to see & to talk about, sowing pain & discord. Can we compassionately examine racism, misogyny, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, or economic disparity within Paganism? Join our distinguished panelists in exploring the many different questions around privilege, intersectionality, & social justice. Let’s look at our differences & seek out common ground. Panelists are Crystal Blanton, Elena Rose Vera, Charlie Glickman, & Xochiquetzal Duti Odinsdottir. Moderated by T. Thorn Coyle.
[Then, dinner! And, to my knowledge, I'll be assisting with what follows in some capacity, thus it is in bold and italics as well...]
7:00 PM, San Jose/Santa Clara: “Community Healing for Margot Ritual,” Selena Fox
Bio: Selena Fox is a priestess, writer, psychotherapist, green cemetery director, interfaith minister & Pagan rights activist. Her writings on Celebrating the Seasons, Ancestors, Nature magic, Spiritual healing, Rites of Passage & other topics have been widely published. She travels internationally presenting workshops & rituals. She teaches Circle Craft via a weekly internet radio show. Selena is executive director of Circle Sanctuary (www.circlesanctuary.org) serving Pagans worldwide since 1974 & is founder of Pagan Spirit Gathering, a national/global Summer Solstice celebration.
Description: Join with those of many spiritual paths in sending love, support, healing and well-being for Margot Adler.
9:00 PM, San Martin/San Simeon: “Danbala Sevis – Honoring the Serpent & the Rainbow,” Mambo Chita Tann
Bio: Mambo Chita Tann (Mambo T, Tamara L. Siuda) has been priestess asogwe in Haitian Vodou for 11 years. She is the head of Sosyete Fos Fe Yo We, with members in Haiti, the U.S., and other countries. Her book, Haitian Vodou: An Introduction to Haiti’s Indigenous Spiritual Tradition, was released in February 2012. Internet: tamarasiuda.com, legba.biz, imamou.org. Twitter: tamarasiuda. Facebook: chitatann (Mambo T Chita Tann).
Description: Mambo T and La Sosyete Fos Fe Yo We welcome you to a Haitian Vodou ceremony in honor of Danbala-Wedo, the world-serpent, and Ayida-Wedo, his wife, the rainbow. This will be a formal Rada rite in the Haitian Vodou tradition. Respectful non-participating observers and participating guests are welcome! Participants are expected to dance and are required (mandatory) to wear all white, modest clothing. Women need a white kerchief, scarf, or hat to cover their heads. For the traditional presence of Danbala, participants may not be actively bleeding (including menstruation) but may observe.
11:00PM, Carmel/Monterey: “Dreaming the Raven: A Morrígan Dance Ritual,” Tempest & Nathaniel Johnstone
Bio: Tempest & Nathaniel Johnstone are a dance-&-music duo from Seattle, WA. Tempest is a world-renown bellydance performer and instructor, focusing on sacred and darkly inspired fusions that pull from the traditions of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Nathaniel is a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso (violin, viola, guitar, banjo, mandolin) whose music pulls from myth, fantasy, and folklore with a vibrant sound crosses boundaries & borders, resulting in a blend of multicultural folk rock. He has also performed with Abney Park, Paul Mercer, Ego Likeness, Jill Tracy & more.
Description: Experience a performance ritual dance presentation inspired by the mythical aspects of the Raven and the Morrigan, featuring the dancing of world-renown fusion performer Tempest and live music by multi-instrumentalist Nathaniel Johnstone. The performance will be followed up with discussion about the ritual presentation, including the myths that inspired it, the incorporation of dance and ritual, improvisation, and the creation of the music.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2014
[After rousing myself and having breakfast this morning, I'll likely be preparing on-site somewhere for the next event...]
11:00AM, Pine: “Yes They Are! Meeting and Greeting the Queerest of the Gods,” Circle of Dionysos
Bio: The Circle of Dionysos is dedicated to the exploration and celebration of spiritual traditions that honor gender fluidity and sexual variance. We believe that universal diversity is purposeful, and thus that members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Community possess wisdom that is of vital importance to the community at large. Through public ritual performances, small study groups, and personal spiritual guidance, we seek to help both individuals and our community in discovering, developing, and expressing that wisdom. For More information about the Circle of Dionysos, please visit our website at http://circleofdionysos.org/.
Description: After a two year hiatus, Yes They Are! returns to PCon with new performers, new Deities, and new messages. Yes They Are! is a rite of Out-rageous ferocity and fabulosity, giving voice to the gender shifting and same sex loving Deities found in Pantheons around the world. Join us as we play, rage, mourn, dance, and laugh our way through this rite celebrating the uniqueness found in each of us.
[And, I may miss the next event, even though it seems awesome and I'd really like to go, in order to get out of my character and costume, which may require a shower, and get some food in me...we'll see how it goes.]
1:30PM, Silicon Valley: “Queering Conjure: Reimagining Hoodoo in the 21st Century,” Lou Florez
Bio: Lou Florez is an internationally known speaker and lecturer of folk magic traditions of the South. He is a deeply rooted Spirit Worker, Priest, and Medium who has studied with indigenous elders and medicine holders from across the globe. Lou is graduate of Catherine Yronwode’s Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course, and is a member of The Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers, a gathering of professional practitioners of African American folk magic, hoodoo, conjure, and rootwork, who provide psychic readings and spiritual root doctoring services to the public. In 2008, Lou was confirmed as an Olorisha and Priest of Shango under Iyanifa Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti of Ile Ori Ogbe Egun, and is a Tata Nkisi in the Bacongo Tradition. Lou also holds the title of High Priest through Neo-Egyptian Tradition in Dallas, and he has studied and apprenticed with Curanderos and Hoodoo Workers throughout the South. Lou currently resides in Guerneville, California, and works as a candle deacon and reader at the Missionary Independent Spiritual Church & Lucky Mojo Curio Company.
Description: Born from divergent cultural, economic, political, and spiritual upheavals in American history, the Southern rootwork tradition supplies a language that we can utilize in our investigations of spiritual experience and development. It also offers a place where personal power can be employed in magical workings. Join Lou Florez, for a glance at what elements make up the Southern Tradition and where it can be enhanced through the use of a Queer Theory lens. Enjoy educational demos deconstructing traditional Southern spiritual workings and techniques, re-imagining them for the 21st Century. In this class you will create and take home a working of your very own!
[The next event will be in the program, I think, but because it is in a hospitality suite, it's not on the main program that is currently available.]
3:30 PM, CoG / NWC / NROOGD Suite: “Engaging ‘Wiccanate Privilege’,” Don Frew
Recent discussions on the Wild Hunt and other “Pagan” blogs have questioned the extent to which “Paganism” is no longer viable as a name for our movement, and even if we are similar enough to be described as a “movement” at all. At the same time, voices are challenging what is being called “Wiccanate privilege” or the way in which aspects of Wiccan ritual and theology are assumed to be normative for Paganism as a whole. The language we use to describe ourselves is in flux. Don Frew, a National Interfaith Representative for the Covenant of the Goddess, invites all those interested in this topic to a discussion. Hellenic, Heathen, Celtic, Egyptian and other traditions are especially welcome to attend. We want to hear from you!
[After that: dinner, then some likely socializing that night in certain hospitality suites, and very likely a private ritual as well.]
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014
[I'll be eating breakfast and then checking out of the hotel room quite early, as I'll have two solid sessions of ritual I'm putting on after that...no rest for the devoted!]
9:00AM, Carmel/Monterey: “Beard Blessing Ritual,” Ekklesía Antínoou
Bio: The Ekklesía Antínoou (“Citizenry of Antinous”) is a queer, Graeco-Roman-Egyptian syncretist reconstructionist polytheist group dedicated to worship of Antinous, the deified lover of the Roman Emperor Divus Hadrianus, and related divine figures. This form of modern Antinoan practice has been functioning since 2002. P. Sufenas Virius Lupus will be conducting this session, with assistance from several other Ekklesía Antínoou members and friends.
Description: “These are the prohibitions of a beard…” So goes a medieval Irish text that tells the expectations of a mature adult. Hadrian was the first Roman Emperor to have a beard, and every Emperor after him followed suit. This ritual will involve the blessings and the injunctions of the bearded and the non-bearded as well. To be part of the beard blessing, one must have a beard (whether real or fake), otherwise one will be part of the non-bearded blessing. For absolutely anyone who has a beard, may have one in the future, or who doesn’t have one, regardless of gender or age!
11:00AM, Carmel/Monterey: “Youth Blessing Ritual,” Ekklesía Antínoou
Bio: The Ekklesía Antínoou (“Citizenry of Antinous”) is a queer, Graeco-Roman-Egyptian syncretist reconstructionist polytheist group dedicated to worship of Antinous, the deified lover of the Roman Emperor Divus Hadrianus, and related divine figures. This form of modern Antinoan practice has been functioning since 2002. P. Sufenas Virius Lupus will be conducting this session, with assistance from several other Ekklesía Antínoou members and friends.
Description: The Ekklesia Antinoou recognizes the wisdom and blessings inherent in youth, and in this ritual will bless and protect youth (and all others present), and demonstrate the wisdom of youth by having those youths present (i.e. anyone under 20) help to create the ritual and bless others by doing so. The ritual will involve Antinous, as well as the family of Polydeukion and Herodes Attikos. For anyone to attend, but particularly for young people–and feel free to bring your parents or older friends along, too!
[Then, hopefully, a quick lunch...]
1:30 PM, Fir: “Meet the Santa Muerte/Diga hola a la Santa Muerte,” Dr. Stephanie Rendino
Bio: Dr. Rendino earned her Doctorate in Sacred Theology at Universite de Montreal in 2008. She specialized in Mexican syncretistic religion. She splits her time between San Diego, CA and Tucson, AZ.
Description: Santa Muerte is a syncretistic deity (or angel, or saint) associated with the underside of Mexican and southwestern American society. Is this association fair or accurate, though? Dr. Rendino will unpack the origin and meanings of this controversial religious figure.
[And, as soon as that is over, I'll be heading directly to the airport, so goodbyes will have to be brief or possibly even non-existent...catch me earlier in the day if you can!]
