M. Macha NightMare, Priestess & Witch Have Broom, Will Travel
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Workshops & Talks
There's still room on the calendar! Macha is available to teach the following workshops, customizing them to suit the group and venue:
Brewing Spicy Multi-traditional Ritual(Two 2-hour sessions, or TBD by Macha and Sponsor) We will explore various technologies of the sacred from the religious traditions and practices of those in attendance. Employing some or all of those technologies, we will find a purpose and, on the following day, perform a ritual relevant to the theme or work of the festival or conference, honoring many perspectives and traditions and inclusive of all.
(2 hours) Moderate panel discussion about community building/group identity/building Pagan solidarity/accountability to community. Our visibility and presence in the overculture, our responsibilities to ourselves and to each other, especially as they relate to a public presence. Interfaith, media, growth (temples, lands, organizations), sustainability, families, infrastructure (schools, senior care, etc.), academe. Is it desirable? How do we grow and adapt to change without compromising our uniqueness? And our values? How do we fit into the world politically, socially, economically, ecologically? What is our commitment and responsibility to the environment? How connected are we to Nature? Are we merely using Mother Nature as a romantic concept with no grounding in reality? Different avenues by which people have found Pagan paths. Minimum four panelists, in addition to Macha. Two hours. (Other panelists TBD between Macha and Sponsor.)
An Exploration of Craft, Community, Family, and Self (90 minutes to 2 hours) Working with trance, chant, objects and images, we will explore that it means to honor those who've gone before. We'll consider the Mighty Dead of the Craft (for those traditions who have this concept as well as those who do not). We'll look at our communities, our families, and our inner selves for role-models and guidance. Bring photos, images, objects or possessions of those you admire, respect, and love.
An Exploration of the Afterlife and Other Worlds (90 minutes to 2 hours) Explore the Other Side of the Veil: the Isle of Apples, Hades, Valhalla, Avalon, Summerland, the Underworld, the Tibetan Bardo State, theories of reincarnation, and other planes of discarnate existence through lecture, discussion, trance, and chant.
The Goddess Is Alive. Magic Is Afoot! An Introduction to Seeing the Divine Within Ourselves and Others We'll discuss contemporary Earth-honoring faith traditions and spiritual practices, thealogy, symbology, sacred technology, ritual styles, garb and gear, tools, the use of appropriate flowers and other sacred objects. Feel free to bring items which speak to your deeper self, with which you feel a resonance, or which have sentimental value to you, to be placed on a communal altar. We'll design and perform a satisfying collaborative ritual which will be followed by a shared meal. Although mainly directed towards women, the workshop is open to men as well. No pre-requisites. Please bring a small mirror. Top
What Tiara Should I Wear Today? Exploring and Defining Boundaries and Ethics for Priest/esses When we take up the role of Priest/ess, we wear many hats. In this weekend series of workshops we will explore the many roles we fill as Priest/esses, with special focus on boundaries and ethics; determining what's within our training to deal with effectively and what isn't (appropriate and inappropriate conduct); accountability to our selves, our coveners, students, families, the gods and the Mighty Ones; preventing burnout, seeking reality checks among peers; and renewal and sustainability. (Note: A single-session version of this workshop is also available.) Top
A slide presentation featuring 13 exquisite masks embodied by 13 priest/esses. View a series of slides intimating the majesty, complexity, subtlety and power of Goddess as She has revealed Herself to many peoples in many times and places throughout the world. From Amaterasu Omikami to White Tara, these masked figures come alive in ritual. This is a documentation by photographer Tom Lux of a unique ritual designed by Macha that has been performed twice at PantheaCon and at New College of California (as 'A Rainbow of Goddesses'), both in San Francisco. The masks are 13 of the 22 leather masks originally made by artist Lauren Raine in honor of the 20th anniversary of the publication of Starhawk's book, The Spiral Dance, and attendant Samhain rite, and for the Goddess 2000 Project. A moving presentation -- some have called it 'breathtaking' -- that you won't see anywhere else. Short discussion follows. Top
A workshop with Patricia Monaghan and M. Macha NightMare This workshop introduces a variety of female figures from Irish mythology, both Celtic and pre-Celtic, and provides information on their historical background, myths and symbols, and contemporary meaning. It is designed to be accessible for those with no previous knowledge of the subject, but also illuminating for those with substantial background. Participants need not be Irish by heritage to enjoy and learn from this workshop. Some of the highlights of the program are:
Building Community/Maintaining Magic (4 hours minimum; all-day or weekend workshops also available) This workshop helps diverse Pagan groups learn to work together. We'll discuss thealogy, symbology, sacred technology, ritual styles, garb and gear, tools, the use of appropriate flowers and other sacred objects, and we'll build community altars and create meaningful sacred space together. In seeking to foster Pagan solidarity, we'll address the challenges of how people of diverse beliefs and practices, but commonly shared values, can communicate effectively to achieve common goals. Includes tools for effective organizing, distribution of work and responsibility, accountability to the group and others, making the best uses of individual talents (liturgists, musicians, dancers, artists), public liaison, finances, child care, meeting places, avoiding burnout or dealing with it if it happens, dealing effectively and compassionately with "difficult people," and related concerns. This workshop culminates in the design and performance of a satisfying collaborative ritual. Suitable for all Pagans and other practitioners of Nature religions. Top
Buffing and Polishing for Self-Taught Witches and Covens (2 to 4 hours, depending on depth and extent) So you've read all the books, tried all the exercises, experimented with many sacred technologies, discovered deities with whom you resonate, put your own good creativity to work in designing new rituals, written a Book of Shadows with your own ceremonies, dreams, pathworking and spells, and while all feels fine, you think there might be something missing? Join me as we discuss the practices of other Witches, explore your practices, and cross-fertilize to expand our horizons and deepen our magic. Top
(2 hours) Using our bodies, breath and voices, we will explore the tremendous potential of enchantment (intense, prolonged chanting and/or singing) to effect personal and social transformation. We will practice devotional chants to particular deities; seasonal chants and songs for celebrating turning the Wheel of the Year; and "working" chants to change inner consciousness and thus outer reality. The facilitator draws material from Eastern meditational and traditional Pagan sources, as well as from contemporary "living" neo-Witchcraft. No pre-requisites. Wear comfortable clothing. Includes dandy handout. Top
(2 hours) A participatory discussion of our experiences with dying and death, our preparedness for our own deaths, and honoring our own grief. We will do inner work that can bring about surprising intimacy. Come with a willingness to allow your own vulnerability and to respect the vulnerability of others. Based on material from The Pagan Book of Living and Dying, this workshop is designed to do our own personal work. Top
Continuing Education for Pagans Called to Death and Dying Ministry: Creating Appropriate Ritual and Counsel for Those Approaching Death and for Those Experiencing Loss of a Loved One (2 hours) Drawing from material from The Pagan Book of Living and Dying, we will discuss how we as spiritual counselors can most effectively serve those who seek our aid in moving through the experiences engendered by the death of their loved ones. Working with the dying, regardless of their religion; creating funerals and memorials that respect the religion of the person memorialized as well as providing meaning, solace and care to all mourners. Creating or selecting just the right meditations, chants, songs and rituals to foster this major transition. We will also address grief counseling, and the more mundane issues of advance directives, powers of attorney, body disposal options, funeral laws, etc. This workshop seeks to enhance "clergy" skills to fill an ever more expanding need in our community. Workshop limited to 25 participants. Top
The Pentacles of Iron and Pearl (2 Hours)
On another plane, this schema is the Pentacle of Pearl: Love; Law; Wisdom; Knowledge; and Power. The negative of the Pentacles of Iron and Pearl is the Pentacle of Lead. Wear comfortable clothing. If outdoors, you may wish to spread a blanket on the ground for comfortable mediation. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Witchcraft; not for beginners. Top
Creating Effective Large-Group and Public Rituals (2 hours) Forever old and new, Paganism and Witchcraft are fast-growing spiritual paths cherished by old believers and discovered by new. But as we become more visible and attract more interest, we are also called to serve community in manners quite different from the traditional intimate, family-like coven structure. Creating effective large rituals is one of those services. This workshop is for Pagans who feel called to work with the public, presenting open sabbats and other large-group or public rituals. We will discuss theory and technique in producing satisfying ritual experiences for groups of 50 to 500 people, both trained ritualists and inexperienced first-timers. Includes determining a clear purpose, planning, scripting, executing, facilitating, monitoring. sensing and helping to guide and shape the energy/experience of the group as a whole. Attention to setting and creating mood, sounds/music/drums, scents, altars, costume/makeup/masks. Macha brings to this workshop her extensive experience of collaboration on large group rituals of all kinds, ranging in size from 50 to 2,000, indoors and outdoors, with Witches of many traditions throughout North America. Includes handouts. [Title courtesy of Steven Posch and Robin Grimm.] Top
Witches Meet the Press, Working with the Media (2 hours or 4 hours, depending on depth and extent) As Witchcraft and Paganism become more visible every day, we practitioners will be sought out by the media for information and interviews. We're considered mysterious and colorful, and generally "good copy." It behooves us to be prepared to meet the media in a spirit of cooperation. This workshop provides useful techniques, tools and skills for working constructively with the media, including appearance and dress, typical questions and good ways to respond to them, what type reporters to avoid, establishing ongoing working relationships with your local media, how to write clear and effective press releases, and how to prepare for live interviews in electronic media. Includes useful Media Relations Tip Sheet handout. Top
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