Dates:

This ritual is designed to help bring people into contact, or deepen their connection with the Lady. Patricia Lafayllve uses basic blot structure to lead a guided meditation based on Freyja's name. This ritual is designed for all skill levels and for anyone, beginner or experienced, who would like to connect with the Lady.

Almost everyone has too much stress in their life , and taking time to brew a tea that helps calms our nerves, is good for our adrenal system, and may even get rid of a few aches and pains is always a good thing. Serenity tea is a pleasant drink if you want to meditate, do ritual, just relax, or get some sleep. In this workshop participants will have hands on experience blending the herbs to make their tea, make their own tea bags, and even imbue them with a little magic. Everyone will get to bring samples home with them.

With the rise of the #metoo and #timesup movements along with the accusations of child sex abuse by our founder in the early 70's, the topic of consent is in the forefront of our minds.  This roundtable will be facilitated by two clergy that have gone through the Cherry Hill Seminary Pagan Consent Culture course and will focus on what we mean by consent, and how to put that into action in our daily lives.

When something is used for ritual and devotional purposes, it becomes sacred.  The stronger the association with spiritual activity, the more powerful the object.  One way to imbue something with power is to craft it with intention.  ADF Artisans create such objects fairly often, but for those who doubt their own artistic skills, crafting one's own ritual tools can seem out of reach. However, most people greatly underestimate their own abilities, and only need a little direction and assistance to unlock their creativity and make something uniquely their own.

In this workshop, you will have

Our lives are filled with moments of transition. Some, like birth, marriage and death, have complex, socially influenced secular rituals associated with them. Others, like the onset adolescence, are less widely recognized in American culture. In this workshop, there will be a discussion of the various types of transitions and their secular and religious observances. After looking at the types of life events that could be considered a rite of passage, there will be a discussion of how to craft rituals that support individuals going through those transitions.

     What do you do when death ripples through the communities you are part of?

     How do you respond when grief and bereavement tears apart people, 

     their lives, and their community bonds?

How can you rise up to help others in an environment where death has become institutionalized?

Come join me as we journey through these difficult yet utterly necessary concepts to come to a place of understanding and gain a better understanding of how to provide appropriate means of emotional and spiritual support in your community.

Patricia Lafayllve, author of Freyja, Lady, Vanadis: An Introdution to the Goddess and Freyjasgythja, brings what is known from the remaining source material to bear in this discussion of Freyja. This complex deity was known as the "blot-gythja," or "Sacrifice-goddess," and reigned as one of the Vanir living in Asgard. If there is time, some discussion of unverifiable personal gnosis (UPG) will be included.

This past October, the Troth hosted a conference on Inclusive Heathenry call Frith Forge in Werder, Germany.  The event included leaders of groups from around the US, Canada, and Europe.  This workshop will be talking about what was learned at the conference, and how we can promote Inclusive Heathenry and international cooperation.

Music can deepen ritual and trance, invoke spirits and honor the Gods. In this workshop, we'll learn how to effectively use "spontaneous song" and toning techniques -- and dare to be dorky while we're at it. It's not about performance or judgment, so don't be shy! If you feel more comfortable banging on something than opening your mouth, please feel free to bring a small item of percussion.

As Druids, we hold the nature spirits in great reverence.  And many of us also hold high regard for a different kind of "spirits".  But how often do we contemplate the relationship between the two?

In her book, "The Drunken Botanist", Amy Stewart explores the world of wine, beer and cocktails from a horticultural perspective.  Inspired by her book, we will present an overview of some of the most flavorful contributions of the plant world, from the humble potato to the more exotic star anise.

During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn how to make home made bitters and