I am absolutely miserable today–I ended up getting sick last night; I thought I was perhaps just having a severe allergy attack, but it appears it is more than that, and I’ve barely slept (and not well when I did), but have to be at work all the same anyway today for a variety of reasons I’d rather not go into, especially if I don’t want to get any heat over being gone for one day next week in order to get to PantheaCon (for a plane ticket price that didn’t break the already-cracked bank, that is). I often seem to get sick right before or after the con’, it seems, for the past few years, so make of that what you will.
So, given that it’s just over a week away, and some of you might be wondering what my plans might be for the con’, I’m giving my provisional schedule below, including all the events I’m involved in presenting, plus the ones I plan to attend as well.
You may have already understood some indication of these matters previously here, but this is my plans in more detail, complete with info from the online schedule!
Friday 7:00 PM Coru Cathubodua suite: Temple Consecration. This is a smaller event, which I’ve been invited to (I’ll be helping with one of the invocations), so I’ll be at that, and I hope other colleagues of mine shall be able to attend as well. Before this, though, I’ll be having dinner, getting things ready for the event later in the night, and also just seeing people as they arrive and taking care of logistical things.
Friday 8:45 PM Roving Hero/ine Cultus Ritual
This will begin in the Hexenfest hospitality suite, run by Sharon Knight, and will proceed to three more at half-hour intervals from 9:30 onwards, in the following order: Pagans of Color suite; Sisterhood of Avalon suite; Coru Cathubodua suite. We will be assisted in each portion of the ritual by people from that suite, and in the case of the Hexenfest suite, we’ll mainly be assisted by our allies in Come As You Are Coven. After preliminary honorings of Diva Sabina, Hadrian, Antinous, and the Trophimoi, we will be honoring four hero/ines in the course of this ritual, in order: Antinoë the foundress of Mantineia; Memnon son of Eos and Tithonos; Boudicca; and Cú Chulainn. At each stop, a deity will also be honored, respectively: Hermes; Amesemi; Andraste; and The Morrígan. With each hero, offerings will be given, praises will be sung, and a prayer will be made for a particular group of people corresponding to the interests or associations of the hero/ine concerned, respectively: women foundresses/innovators/discoverers; People of Color killed by police and violent racism; survivors of rape and sexual assault; and veterans.
Once that is over, I expect to hang out with people a small bit before getting back to my motel and trying to sleep for a bit.
*****
Saturday 9:00AM
Oak Mapping Her Memory: Seeking the Goddesses of Wales Jhenah Telyndru
Bio: Jhenah Telyndru is the founder and Morgen of the Sisterhood of Avalon, Academic Dean of the Avalonian Thealogical Seminary, and member of the Pagan music group Afalarian. She is the author of “Avalon Within: A Sacred Journey of Myth, Mystery, and Inner Wisdom”, and the creator of a unique embodiment meditation system found on the “Trancing the Inner Landscape: Avalonian Landscape Postures” DVD. She presents workshops across North America and facilitates journeys to sacred sites in the British Isles with Mythic Seeker Spiritual Pilgrimages. Jhenah holds a Masters Degree in Celtic Studies from the University of Wales, Trinity St. David.
Description: Embark upon a virtual pilgrimage through ancient sites in Wales as we seek out the Goddesses of the Mabinogi in the sacred landscape. Drawing upon decades of retracing the paths that legends have carved into the land, this presentation will feature striking visuals of sites associated with the Ladies of the Mabinogi, and will explore the archaeological, historical, and folkloric contexts of these mythic places. We will discuss the power of pilgrimage, and share journeying tools which can help to initiate or deepen relationships with these powerful British Goddesses.
Saturday 11:00AM
Riesling Gods and Radicals: Anti-Capitalist Resistance and Pagan Practice Rhyd Wildermuth & Alley Valkyrie
Bio: Alley Valkyrie is a writer, activist, and spirit-worker who has spent the past several years working with homeless and impoverished populations throughout Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Her work is focused on demystifying and humanizing the experiences of homelessness and poverty. She has been immersed in both radical politics and the Craft for over fifteen years, is an initiate in the Feri tradition, and is committed to fighting oppression as an act of service to the Gods. Alley writes regularly for The Wild Hunt, and is currently trying her hand at a memoir.
Description: Is there something inherently radical to Pagan belief and practice? Modern Paganism has been full of radicals – from the Anarcho-Socialists within the Order of the Golden Dawn to the eco-leftists of Reclaiming. Likewise, indigenous resistance movements to Capitalism and exploitation have often invoked gods and spirits to fight off destruction of their way of life, from the ritual that sparked the Haitian revolution to the invocations to Pachamama in South America. We will explore connections between earth-based traditions and anti-Capitalism, and discuss conflicts between worshiping Gods and living in modern societies.
Saturday 1:30PM
Oak Turning The Wheel: Nurturing Young Leaders & Embracing Change Thorn, Jason, David, Courtney, Shauna, Luna, Elena, Athena
Bio: T. Thorn Coyle is a magic worker and author of Make Magic of Your Life: Purpose, Passion, and the Power of Desire. Jason Pitzl-Waters is editor emeritus of The Wild Hunt. David Salisbury is a queer, vegan, Witch experiencing life in our nation’s capital. Courtney Weber is a Wiccan Priestess, writer, and Tarot Adviser. Shauna Aura Knight is an artist, writer, event planner and community builder. Luna Pantera is a practicing Witch in the Bay area who works for Social Justice, Reproductive Health, LGBTI Rights, and basic equality and fairness for all. Elena Rose is a writer, religion scholar, medic, and survivor. Athena Nikai is a Priestess with CAYA Coven.
Description: T. Thorn Coyle will moderate a special panel of Pagan leaders under 50, sparking an interactive dialog about how we can better nurture and support younger leaders, and how we can effectively embrace healthy generational changes in our organizations, events, and institutions. Participants will include Jason Pitzl-Waters of The Wild Hunt, David Salisbury, Courtney Weber, Shauna Aura Knight, Luna Pantera, Elena Rose, and Athena Nikai.
Saturday 3:30PM
San Juan/ San Carlos Queering Conjure: Working Roots of Liberation 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.
Description: Born from divergent cultural, economic, political, and spiritual upheavals in American history, the Southern rootwork tradition supplies a magical framework for investigating liberation. As spiritual workers and Hoodoos in the 21st century we are called to the table to create new magics of resistance and liberation that address the current needs of our communities. Join Lou for a hands on rootworking seminar on Queer conjure in practice. Enjoy educational demos deconstructing traditional Southern spiritual workings and techniques and re-imagining them with a Queer twist! We will create baths, mojos, and waters that are designed for your needs!
Saturday 7:00PM
San Juan/ San Carlos Bringing Race to the Table; An Exploration of Racism in Paganism Bringing Race to the Table Authors
Bio: Authors in the anthology Bringing Race to the table; An Exploration of Racism in the Pagan Community, published with Immanion/Megalithica.
Description: Discussions of race, diversity and equity have become a part of the Pagan community. The importance of these conversations intersect with our communities ability to build safety and social nets that are healthy & sustainable for all Pagans. Join authors from the Bringing Race to the Table: An Exploration of Racism in the Pagan Community anthology in discussions about race, appropriation & privilege. Moderated by Crystal Blanton.
Saturday 9:00PM
San Jose Teenage Gods and Heroes Ekklesia Antinoou
Bio: The Ekklesia 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: Ever feel like older pagans don’t understand you? Antinous died when he was between the ages of 17 and 20, and became a god. The hero Polydeukion and his heroic foster-brothers Memnon and Achilles were between the ages of 12 and 18 when they died. Many gods and heroes associated with all of these were also youthful. The Ekklesía Antínoou is committed to fostering teenagers, recognizing their wisdom, and incorporating them into a mature and effective practice for the benefit of the greater community. In this presentation/ritual, come find out what it means to have teenage gods and heroes! Primarily for teenagers, but anyone can attend. Doors close at start time.
I then plan to hang out afterwards with anyone from that event who wishes to talk a bit more and not only plan for Lupercalia the next day, but also for future projects in the Ekklesía Antínoou that require the participation of young people (e.g. the mysteries associated with Polydeukion and co.).
*****
Sunday 7:00 AM Inundation–are we doing this? Say so in the comments here, or else I’ll call it off for this year…
Sunday 9:00AM
Boardroom Juggling the Gods: syncretism in theory and practice Soli Johnson
Bio: Soli has been actively involved in magical practices for 20 years and a polytheist for 15.
Description: Whether by chance or fate, some modern pagans and polytheists find themselves honoring Gods and spirits from more than one tradition. Here we will discuss the hows and whys of syncretism, the role of history, navigating ways to keep Everyone happy, avoiding cultural appropriation, and still having a life outside of the shrine.
Sunday 11:00AM
Fir Poetess and Prophetess: The Morrigan and Poetry Morpheus Ravenna & Rynn Fox
Bio: Both founding priests in the Coru Cathubodua Priesthood, Morpheus Ravenna and Rynn Fox share a dedication to the Morrigan and a vibrant practice of devotional Celtic polytheism. Morpheus is a spiritual worker, artist, and initiate of Anderson Feri. She spearheads the Coru, with a forthcoming book on the Morrigan. She can be reached at bansheearts.com. Rynn is a longtime practitioner of Feri and Morningstar Mystery School. In addition to serving as communications officer for the Coru, she is also a staff writer for Pagan and minority religion media outlet, The Wild Hunt (wildhunt.org)
Description: She speaks oracular prophecies, foretelling what is to come. She incites heroes to greatness on the battlefield with mighty words. She chants spells of druidry and sorcery. She recites tales of high deeds and the sorrows of the fallen. The Morrigan is known by many as a war Goddess, but She is also a poet – a keeper of memory and a weaver of words. Join us for this workshop to learn about Her relationship to poetry, and what She can teach us about the ancient Celtic poetic traditions of versed memetic knowledge, mantic prophecy, and magical incantation.
Sunday 1:30PM
Boardroom Visioning for our Culture-Gender, Many Genders, No Gender Michelle Mueller and Gina Pond
Bio: Doctoral student of the Graduate Theological Union, bisexual femme female, and Gardnerian Witch, Michelle Mueller is perfecting her essay, “The Chalice and the Rainbow: Conflicts Between Women’s Spirituality and Gender Queer Paganism in 21st Century North America.” A co-editor of “Gender and Transgender in Modern Paganism”, Rev. Gina Pond is a Wiccan priest with the Circle of Cerridwen and a Christian pastor. She hosts the “This Week In Heresy” podcast (thisweekinheresy.com) and is pastor of the multi-faith Between the Worlds Church that meets in Oakland. She also has brightly colored hair.
Description: This program is open to people of all genders (including non-gendered folk), and is especially for people interested in working together through conflicts in community. Our program encourages respect for transgender, genderqueer, intersex, cisgender female and male, and Goddess-oriented feminist Pagans in our community. Doors close at start time.
Sunday 3:30PM
San Martin/ San Simeon Lupercalia and Parentalia 2015! Ekklesia Antinoou
Bio: The Ekklesia 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: The wolves are back in town to kick some serious goat-arse!…Oops, I mean, come and participate in this ritual of purification and ancestral honoring with the Ekklesía Antínoou as we honor the gods associated with Lupercalia, and of course, Antinous! ALL ARE WELCOME! Doors close at start time.
I will then be having a dinner with a few folks from the Ekklesía Antínoou that I might not get to hang out with otherwise.
Sunday 7:00 PM Gender Diversity Discussion
This will be in the Pagans of Color hospitality suite, and will feature Didi, Elena Rose, Xochiquetzal Duti Odinsdottir, and possibly others. It should be interesting!
Sunday 9:00PM
Oak Kali Puja: Devotions to the Dark Goddess Chandra Alexandre & SHARANYA
Bio: SHARANYA is home to (R)evolutionary Shakta Tantra. We are a federally-recognized devi mandir (goddess temple) based in San Francisco and Puri (Orissa) India working for social justice through the work of blossoming radical truth, healing and wholeness through individual sadhana (spiritual practice), devotion, and the Dark Goddess as Kali Maa.
Description: Come ready to engage the mystery that is Maa Kali for a time of reflection, surrender, celebration and magic in Her embrace. All are welcome to dance and sing Her praises. Jai Maa! Doors close at start time.
It will then be off to bed for me…
*****
I’ll spend the morning doing things and seeing people that I have not been able to see beforehand.
Monday 11:00AM
Carmel The Etruscan Gods: Harmony in Heaven and Earth Murtagh anDoile
Bio: Murtagh anDoile is an independent scholar; a Drui of the Tuatha De Danann (NECTW), an Irish Mystery Tradition; and the founder of Nemed na Morrigna (Morrigan’s Grove). He has been published in various Pagan magazines. Through talks given in the early 80s, at diverse festivals, he is one of the progenitors of the Celtic Reconstructionist movement. He was interviewed in “Keepers of the Flame: Interviews with Elders of Traditional Witchcraft in America.” He has studied Geomancy for 35 years and written an Etruscan Magical system. He is the Director of the Pagan History Project.
Description: The Etruscans (The Rasenna) were a non-Indo-European people who occupied Northern Italy a millenia prior to the rise of the Roman Empire. While compared to the Greek gods of their neighbors, the Etruscan Gods, the Aiser, “the college of Gods”, is unique. The Aiser sought for a balance in the universe, and were characterized by harmonious lateral relationships, rather than hierarchy. We will look at these Gods and their relationship to the Etruscan Discipline; the divinatory practices or “rules” used to determine the will of the gods and meaning of the sixteen stations of the Sky.
Monday 1:30PM
Pine Deep Roots and Strong Branches: Essentials of Polytheism River Devora
Bio: River Devora is a multi-trad spirit worker, medium, and clergyperson. She has been actively involved with the Bay Area pagan communities since 1994, and has led classes and rituals locally and nationally. In 2013, she founded South Bay Heathen Shenanigans, a ritual and learning group for folks interested in pre-Christian Northern Europe. She initiated as a community priestess with Waxing Muse Coven in 1996, initiated to Ochun in 2011, and is oathed to Odin, Freyr, Loki, Juksakka, and the Morrigan. She lives with her living and non-living family in a quiet home with a bossy garden.
Description: The old ways are returning. Slumbering gods reawaken, gaining strength and gathering followers. But many of the traditions themselves are incomplete. In addition to devotion to deities, most older polytheist societies also included ancestor veneration, life cycle rituals, personal ethics, group mores, ways of living on and with the land and its spirits, ritual and spiritual artistic expression, and spirit tech to best do these things. Let’s discuss how to weave together rich, complete, and meaningful polytheist traditions. Open to all polytheist paths, old, new, and reinterpreted.
I will be leaving on Tuesday morning, so after the con’, I will be free to hang out a bit locally, if you would like to see me and have not donen so before that point.
So, that’s the plan for the moment; some of the things aren’t set in stone, but the bolded items most definitely are.
