Special Sessions:
The Main Ritual Classes:
This class prepares you so that you can get the most out of the Main Ritual on Friday night. Please attend it at least once. It will be offered four times on Thursday and once on Friday in two rooms before the Main Ritual.
The Plenary Panels:
These panel discussions are often one of the highpoints of the Between The Worlds conference. They are also times when all the attendees gather together and importment announcements are made.
Fri. 10:45 a - 12:15 p
Who And What Are The God/dess/es?
Aeptha, M. Macha Nightmare, Kirk White, Shakmah Winddrum (moderator Michael G. Smith)
Sat. 10:45 a - 12:15 p
How Do We Care For Each Other & The World?
Judy Harrow, Katherine Kurtz, Katrina Messenger, John Michael Greer (moderator Michael G. Smith)
Sun. 9:30 a - 11:00 p
What Is The Great Work At The Turning Of An Age?
T. Thorn Coyle, Mark Stavish, Ivo Domínguez, Jr., Rachel Pollack (moderator Helena Domenic)
Orientation For Newcomers
The New Alexandrian Library Project
Thurs. 3:00 p - 4:00 p
Thurs. 4:15 p - 5:15 p
This is an update on the New Alexandrian Library Project. The New Alexandrian Library will be a modern, state of the art facility, comparable to the quality of a university library. By no later than 2010 the New Alexandrian Library will break ground. The New Alexandrian Library will be collecting materials from all religious traditions focusing on their mystical and the spiritual writings. Like the original Alexandrian Library in Egypt, it will be an interfaith crossroads. Literature about this project will also be available in the vendors room.
Workshop Descriptions
Listed In Order By Teacher
Aeptha
Fri. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
Mystical Soundings
Matter, at its most basic foundation is vibration, strings of vibrating energy. The universe in Sanskrit is called jagat (that which moves) because everything exists through the combination of forces and movements. Every movement generates a vibration and therefore a sound that is peculiar to it. Such a sound, of course, may not be audible to our rudimentary ears, but it does exist as pure sound, vibration. The vital spirits of humankind are tuned to these pure sounds, the tone of 'heaven' and earth. Many ancient cultures used the sounding of vowels to connect to and communicate with multiple levels of consciousness as well as create and sustain healing and physical manifestation.
Harmonics allow us to attune our vibrations to related vibrations throughout other realms. Laws of harmony, which are ultimately laws of number, govern the universe. In this highly experiential session we will use breath and specifically keyed soundings to move beyond the physical limits of time and space, into realms of creation. We will experience the effect of soundings used as the ancients did to alter consciousness.
Sat. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
Sacred Kingship
Ancient solar dynasties trace their heritage back to a principle: a cosmic intelligence that reflects pure spiritual light and formulates the Law (Dharma) appropriate to our cycle of existence. Throughout history and across all cultures, those that fulfill this legacy become Sacred Kings. Even today the charge and necessity of the King remains and can be manifested through spiritual centers in the terrestrial world by those charged with preserving its deposit of sacred tradition.
The power that is wielded is double: at once sacerdotal and royal. The function of the Sacred King is that of a mediator or builder of bridges, establishing communication between this world and the higher worlds. To make contact with this sacred power influences the lot and life of all humankind. The King provides equilibrium, holding both justice and peace.
The Sacred Kings were the first true “points of Light”. We will explore this powerful solar dynasty and its relevance to today. What role can we play with this heritage? Using path working, we will then experience this consciousness first hand. By learning to hold and identify this sacred lineage you can use these energies as appropriate in your ritual work to bridge the worlds and access solar dynasties.
T. Thorn Coyle
Fri. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Merging the Great Planes
All time is now, and all planes coexist. This workshop will examine the helpfulness of seeing spirit as different from matter and the core work of mending what turns out to be the false split between them. We will energetically lock the inverse and upright pentagrams within the self to activate our ability to walk in all the realms. In bringing spirit and matter fully together, we heal ourselves and potentially heal the worlds.
Sat. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Self-Possession And The I Am
Discover the importance of self-possession, also known as Knowledge and Conversation or the Great Work. Why is this important to magical practitioners of any tradition? What steps are precursors to this state of integration? What energy work can we do to aid this process? Intone the “I am” as a spell to become fully human and fully divine.
Sat. 3:45 p - 5:30 p
Engaging The Warrior's Heart
Magic worker, activist, healer, lover, all need the power within to stand upright, walk their talk and engage their will. This workshop will discuss the Warrior's Pentacle of
Commitment, Honor, Truth, Strength and Compassion and incorporate movements to help open us to these energies. The basis for a strong, autonomous ethics, this pentacle helps to forge a strong will and an open heart.
Helena Domenic
Sat. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
The Womb Room
Enter the Womb Room and experience art, tarot, divination, and potential transformation. This is not a workshop, rather it is the creation of a sacred space for participants to both view art and participate in receiving readings and insight. The Womb Room was created as part of work done towards a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College. Created as an experience for all Five Senses, this is a work of art where the viewer will be active rather than passive. The readings that will be given in the Womb Room will be given with the aid of the Tarot deck I have been working on since May of 2006. The images on the cards feature people in the Philadelphia, Delaware, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia magickal and artistic communities. The Tarot deck is my own personal vision for the kind of deck I have always wanted. The inspiration for the Womb Room comes from the women of the Sandogo society in the Senufo tribe of South Africa.
Ivo Domínguez, Jr.
Thurs. 5:30 p - 7:00 p
The Nature Of The Realm Of The Fae & The Realm Of Faerie.
This workshop presents a set of theories to explain the nature of both the inhabitants and the realms of Faerie. The immanence and transcendence of nature spirits, devas, and the Sidhe are examined through the lenses of morphogenetic fields, the holographic universe paradigm, and the Qabala. Our kinship with the Faerie realm will be explored as a natural outgrowth of deep ecology and evolution. This is primarily a metaphysical talk but some folklore and mythology will be used to illustrate points or to serve as examples.
Sun. 12:00 p - 2:00 p
Divine Embodiment: Assumption, Drawing Down, Aspecting, Possession
Most magickal traditions use some form of divine embodiment in their rituals in which a priestess or a priest becomes for a time the vehicle for the presence of one of the Great Ones. This is one of the most intimate and often one of the most powerful ways in which one can directly experience a Great One while incarnate. When it works, it is awe-inspiring, it can act as a great catalyst for change, and is a great validator of spiritual faith. When it fails, and is no more than role playing or ritual theater, it can encourage cynicism, disillusionment, and diminished expectations of what is possible in ritual. When it fails, and there is magick and/or psychism, it can encourage mental imbalance, unwanted personality changes, and sometimes physical illness. This workshop will be an overview of these methods. The strengths and the weaknesses of assumption of god forms, drawing down, aspecting, and divine possession will be compared to each other. Although this talk is about the techniques, we will also touch upon the personal experiences they help to generate.
Elspeth (Of Haven)
Thurs. 5:30 p - 7:00 p
Shadowing Inanna
We humans fear the unknown- be it people, places, situations or ideas. This working is designed to ritually approach the death- and rebirth- experience. If you are able to completely immerse yourself in the
experience, death will no longer be the unknown.
Do not eat just before this working, bring something to lie down on, and prepare to face death.
Sat. 5:45 p - 7:15 p
A Trance Journey Into Healing
This journey is a present life regression for the purpose of recognizing wounds and healing them. This is a guided meditation / hypnotic trance. You will have the opportunity to examine neglected,
wounded, and painful places in your life; and to heal them. Do not eat just before this working, bring something to lie down on, and prepare to work hard.
Sun. 12:00 p - 2:00 p
Reweaving The Web Of The World
We have each chosen to be born into this time, amid the degrading environment, the ending of cheap fossil energy, the rapid socio-political changes, and the growing knowledge and use of magik.
Where do you connect with it all? What are your responsibilities? Can you really make a difference? How are you evolving to deal with it?
This session is designed to raise awareness of these and other issues. It will present information and draw conclusions. We will ask questions whose answers we have yet to learn.
John Michael Greer
Fri. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Secret Societies and Pagan History
Ever wondered why Wiccans and Masons both have three degrees of initiation, describe their tradition as "the Craft," and call outsiders "cowans"? The contemporary Pagan movement can trace some of its roots back to a lively underworld of secret societies and magical lodges that flourished in Europe and America for three centuries. Join author and archdruid John Michael Greer on a safari into unknown territory full of evil space lizards, Templar sex fiends, and a Rosicrucian theater company -- yes, that Rosicrucian theater company. Bring a funny hat and an open mind!
Fri. 4:00 p - 6:00 p
Qigong for Pagans
The Chinese system of subtle-energy exercise known as qigong interfaces well with Pagan and magical spiritual training; it's also good for your
health, and fun! Longtime practitioner John Michael Greer will teach the Eight Pieces of Brocade, a basic qigong set that opens the subtle energy channels throughout the body. The Eight Pieces can be done safely by anyone, including the differently abled. Plan on wearing loose, comfortable garments and flat-soled shoes (or bare feet), and learning a set of exercises you can take home and practice!
Sat. 5:45 p - 7:15 p
The Druid Revival
It's become fashionable to condemn the 18th and 19th century innovators who transformed Druidry from a footnote in history books to a modern
spiritual tradition. Behind the stereotypes of white robes at Stonehenge, though, stands the intriguing history and teachings of one of the oldest continuously documented Pagan revivals in the Western world. In a traditional teaching gorsedd ceremony, author and archdruid John Michael Greer presents a living system of nature spirituality that has much to offer the Pagan community today.
Judy Harrow
Fri. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Cherry Hill Pagan Seminary Panel: Harrow, Nightmare, White
Cherry Hill Seminary is a privately owned Pagan seminary program based on the Communitarian philosophy of the sacredness of connections and community building. In that regard, the Seminary is committed, in general, to the mission of building connections between all faiths of the world, and specifically, to train and ordain qualified ministers who are dedicated to the philosophy of building community within their particular Pagan denominations. Come listen to three of the movers and shakers of this exciting organization.
Fri. 4:00 p - 6:00 p
Conflict Management In Groups
We all participate in groups of many kinds: families, work groups, and magical or spiritual groups. Where there are creative and strong-willed people, conflicts inevitably arise. This workshop will explore how to navigate through these inevitable times of conflict, hopefully turning them into opportunities for growth for all concerned.
Sat. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
Biomedical Ethics: Beginnings & Endings Of Life
(with James C. Welch, RN, HN-C)
The beginnings and endings of life present us with difficult decisions, as patients and as caregivers. These decisions, which have both practical and deep ethical aspects, will impact us on many levels. What kinds of guidance can we find from our own religious traditions, and other sources, as we approach such critical moments?
Katherine Kurtz
Fri. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
Ritual Of Group Empowerment
This is a ritual written by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki that has been authorized for use at Between The Worlds and will be conducted by Katherine Kurtz.
Sat. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Building The Inner Temple Pathworking
Sun. 9:30 a - 11:00a
Christian Mass
Katrina Messenger
Fri. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Respectful Blending of Spiritual Traditions and Paths
How do we honor our ancestral, familial, inspired and adopted teachings in ways that both honors and integrates these varied
practices and paths into a cohesive spiritual life? In this workshop, we will discuss techniques and guidelines that can be used
to evaluate our intentions and allow us to move with confidence at the crossroads of faith.
Sat. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
The Art of Magical & Spiritual Instruction
Knowledge is not transformational.
This tenet is the hallmark of the Reflections Mystery School method of instruction. It is not enough to just know things. The learning process has at least three steps toward mastery and two additional steps past mastery. Knowledge and experience must be intertwined
correctly and in proper proportions to produce mastery. Too much experience and the student may suffer from inflation. Too much knowledge and the student may be unable to integrate it effectively into their life. In this workshop, Katrina Messenger provides a blueprint toward effective instruction and mentoring of long-term students and initiates.
Sat. 5:45 p - 7:15 p
Elemental Psychology: An Overview
What is the link between the ancient elements and modern psychology? Are we each born with a predisposition toward an element and how does this affect our mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and magical evolution? What is the inner conflict (Earth/Air or Fire/Water) that drives our creativity, our passions, our delusions and our projections?
In this workshop, Katrina Messenger will share the elemental sources for both the Jungian and Myers-Briggs personality typology systems
and provides an overview of her elemental psychological theory from her upcoming book, tentatively titled Psychology & Magick.
M. Macha Nightmare
Fri. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Cherry Hill Pagan Seminary Panel: Harrow, Nightmare, White
Cherry Hill Seminary is a privately owned Pagan seminary program based on the Communitarian philosophy of the sacredness of connections and community building. In that regard, the Seminary is committed, in general, to the mission of building connections between all faiths of the world, and specifically, to train and ordain qualified ministers who are dedicated to the philosophy of building community within their particular Pagan denominations. Come listen to three of the movers and shakers of this exciting organization.
Fri. 4:00 p - 6:00 p
Green Groovin' with Gaia: Connection With All Life
Talk, chanting and dancing our interconnectedness with all of life. Come prepared to use your voice and your body to express energy, joy, and connection.
Sat. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
Parallels between the Nascent Christian Movement in the Roman Empire & the Emerging Pagan Movement in 21st Century CE Corporate Empire
Sat. 5:45 p - 7:15 p
Earth, Religion & The City: The Sacred, Political, & The Personal
How can you develop a spiritual relationship with the place where you live? How can you contact the “spirits of place”? What is effective environmental activism for Pagans? Who are the real wild animals? What do you need to know to practice “earth religion”? Come discuss, try out, and take home techniques and ideas.
Nybor (Of Haven)
Fri. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Changing The Form: The Planes
Nybor has received certain revelations concerning the relationship between the physical plane as we know it and various other planes. In this lecture he will speak of the shape of the universe and of the membrane between the planes. He will touch on the relationship between the All and deity. Nybor will also speak of the individual’s state of being and the use of drugs to alter this state.
Sat. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Sacred Space As A Template
In the second half of his lecture Nybor speaks of the qualities of sacred space as a template to better understand the relationship between the Astral and the physical, the mind and the body, and the projective and receptive. Nybor will discuss on the part that the psyche plays in spirituality, the necessity for maintaining a spiritual and physical balance in your life and will take a close look at the interfaces between earth, air, fire and water.
Rachel Pollack
Fri. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
Sacred Journeys and Oracles
Last year Rachel led a group of people on a journey to Greece to celebrate the ancient Mysteries of the Goddesses Demeter and Persephone. The group used ritual, meditation, and oracle work throughout the 9 day ritual. Next year Rachel hopes to lead a similar journey in the desert and forests of Australia. In this session she will share some of the Greek experiences, describing rituals done to Aphrodite and Apollo, as well as describe the place of oracles in sacred travel.
Fri. 4:00 p - 6:00 p
Who is the Fool? (Tarot)
The Fool in the Tarot is everyone's favorite card, the hero of the story, the one who travels through all the cards. Who is this figure? Where does he come from? We will look at the development of the Fool over centuries, tell a couple of Fool stories, do a meditation to become our own Fools, and do a Fool reading.
Sat. 3:45 p - 5:30 p
Ritual & Tarot
Tarot can be a powerful tool in ritual, both as a guide to constructing rituals, and a way to create powerful moments within the ritual itself. We will look at how this is done, and try it out for ourselves.
Shakmah (Winddrum)
Fri. 4:00 p - 6:00 p
Bush Magic For Healers
Sat. 3:45 p - 5:30 p
Use of Secret Knowledge
It can be said that truth is the key to all knowledge. What then are the truths that can be found within secret knowledge? There is a powerful reason why Mr. Bush has served as president for 8 years. There is a definite reason for the situation in the Middle-East and it bespeaks of Alien interference and influences. How would you use the truths born from secret knowledge-- certainly not for self aggrandizement or egocentric motives. Shakmah Winddrum presents a thought provoking lecture that takes you to the edge of the thin line between faith and belief and shows you how the unification of the past, present and future truly equals the now.
Michael G. Smith
Thurs. 8:40 p - 10:30 p
In The Temple Of Thoth (Ritual)
We enter into Thoth's ancient Temple to offer our thanks for His
abiding gifts to humanity for the exploration and transmission of
Knowledge, Wisdom, and Experience of the wider Universe. We ask for
Thoth's blessings to open our minds more fully to deeper and more
complex Truths and to empower our ability to Synthesize the facets of
what that we will receive at this conference into a more beautiful
and complete Understanding of the Whole.
Mark Stavish
Sat. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
The Dead Head and Virgin's Milk: An Introduction to Plant Alchemy
An introduction to plant alchemy including basic techniques of making a spagyric tincture; astrology and plant alchemy; gathering Angel Water; and the creation of an Ens; as well as how to build an incubator. The role of alchemical products in lucid dreaming and interior initiation, the real Nicholas Flamel, and the truth about the Philosopher’s Stone will be discussed. Emphasis
is on safe, easy, and effective means of creating basic alchemical products designed to assist the practitioner in their Path. All methods described can be done in a kitchen. No labware, or previous alchemical experience is required.
Sat. 3:45 p - 5:30 p
Lucid Dreaming, Astral Projection and the Body of Light
An introduction to lucid dreaming and astral projection from a Hermetic viewpoint with emphasis on the formation of the elusive Body of Light - a vehicle designed to provide for immortality and survival of consciousness after death. The use of kabbalistic, alchemical and Egyptian symbols for the induction of altered states, conscious dreaming, projection of consciousness, and progressive interior initiation will be explained. If you have had trouble achieving astral projection, or found the experience too traumatic, then this method is for you! Simple, easy, and requiring no
additional ritual or extensive training, the techniques described in this course will get you on your way to experiencing the Celestial Spheres.
Sun. 9:30 a - 11:00a
Introduction to Energetic Healing and Natural Magic
Using the fundamental teachings of Hermeticism, that there is really no firm distinction between spiritual and physical reality ("as above, so below; as below, so above"), this workshop introduces students to the core teachings of classical and renaissance Natural Magic, their relationship to modern practices, and how they can be used to improve one's physical health and well-being.
While rooted in the teachings of qabala, alchemy, and basic astrology, this class is ideal for anyone wanting to find ways of better integrating magical and esoteric practices with energetic healing regardless of their tradition or practice.
Mambo Vye Zo
Fri. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
A Beginners Guide to the Lwa
The Lwa are like great truths, expressed through stories, images and songs. In Haiti, They are called Angels, Saints, Mysteries. They are supra-human - humanity expressed on a universal scale. This lecture is a beginner's guide to finding the Lwa as expressed through songs, images and ideas. The greater truths They embody, hold the key to Their Konesans.
Sat. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Concentric Circles of Power
The circular methodology and symbolism of the Kongo people is at the heart of Vodou. It's organizing principle lays the ground work for all theological principles and religious particulars of a Vodou house. With song, movement and veves, we will demonstrate this principle, so that the picture of an organized hounfort is clearly demonstrated through word and deed.
Sat. 5:45 p - 7:15 p
Fet Gede - Honoring the Ancestors
Haitian Vodou, contrary to popular thought, is not about voodoo dolls and zombies. It is a religion with deep and ancient roots in Africa. The religion is based on the concept of respect: respect for God, the lwa (the spirits), the community, the family, the individual, and above all, self-respect. Hand in hand with respect for the living goes respect for the dead. November 2 is the traditional day for celebrating the family dead in Haiti. We'll talk about some of the customs of the dead in Haiti and briefly touch upon the work of the Baron and Gede Nibo in this season of the Dead.
James C. Welch, RN, HN-C
Thurs. 8:40 p - 10:30 p
Chant Sharing Session
Come take a break and refresh your soul. We will learn and practice a variety of chants for different purposes such as raising energy and altering consciousness. Drink plenty of water and clear your throat to prepare for the chanting. We will also be learning the chants that will be used at the Main Ritual. Bring some chants to share with the group if you like.
Kirk White
Fri. 9:00 a - 10:30 a
Cherry Hill Pagan Seminary Panel: Harrow, Nightmare, White
Cherry Hill Seminary is a privately owned Pagan seminary program based on the Communitarian philosophy of the sacredness of connections and community building. In that regard, the Seminary is committed, in general, to the mission of building connections between all faiths of the world, and specifically, to train and ordain qualified ministers who are dedicated to the philosophy of building community within their particular Pagan denominations. Come listen to three of the movers and shakers of this exciting organization.
Fri. 1:30 p - 3:30 p
Diagnostic Skills for Energy Healers
This is a class for current and aspiring energy healers looking to expand the type and number of diagnostic skills available. We will draw on Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and other energetic healing systems to define and refine our healing strategies. Looking, asking, feeling,
sensing, tongue, pulse and other techniques will be explored and practiced.
Sat. 3:45 p - 5:30 p
Progress by Degrees: Models & Methods of Initiation
An initiation is an initiation is an initiation.... right? Wrong. Transformative initiations (as opposed to achievement initiations) are specific technologies for personal, psychological and spiritual growth and change whose effects vary depending on key several factors. This workshop will look at the different types of initiations, how they work and how you can used them for your group or self transformation.
Sun. 9:30 a - 11:00a
Covens, Churches and Chaplains: Changing Models of Pagan Leadership
A discussion on the the changing needs of the Pagan community, and strategies on how to address those needs in ways that provide societal, institutional, and governmental authority/ acceptance while maintaining the integrity of our Pagan beliefs, values and practices. We will
discuss the modern development of Pagan ministry, how it differs from the priest/ess role, and its potential benefits and pitfalls.