ACE Starwood XXI
 July 17 - 22, 2001 ~ Sherman, NY

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Workshops

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Current as of 7/02/01, please check back for updates to this listing.

African Percussion and Dance Workshop

Experience the complex rhythms and dances of South Africa. Lead by Lulu Plaatjies, Amampondo's dance core has been entertaining crowds of up to 100,000 strong for over 20 years. The incredible energy of Lulu and the dancers is an unchallenged force, and they are a blur of uncorked energy. Amampondo's percussionists feature the master drummer Mabi Thobejane. Mabi is recognized as the formost drummer from his region of South Africa. He has appeared on many jazz recordings around the globe, and his abilities were much admired by the American jazz great, Miles Davis.
(2 3/4 Hr Workshop: $20 Participation Fee) - Lulu Plaatjies

Your First Starwood

Chameleons and ACE organizers Sean, Liafal, and Jeff Rosenbaum present an informal orientation for first time attendees of Starwood (or festivals in general). Topics to be discussed may include site orientation, etiquette, how to tell the staff from even lower primates, the history of Starwood, and your incessant and unwelcome questions. Just kidding. No, really.

ACE Members Pool
& Jacuzzi Party

We've reserved one of Starwood's coolest spaces just for current ACE members! Meet some Chameleon hosts and greet your fellow ACE members while you schmooze, jacooze, splash, and suggest ways we can make your membership better! - Chameleon Club

Didgeridu Basics

A perfect class for didge neophytes, or those wanting to
brush up on the fundamentals. This class will cover the basic
drone, rhythms, and vocalizations. More advanced players are
welcome to join in. - Jay Atwood

Inner Healing Massage

We all have experienced traumas in our lives. The problem
comes when these traumas become locked inside and become numb and
forgotten. They can cripple us emotionally bringing the wrong
people and stories into our lives over and over again. The only
way off this merry go round is to become a conscious person. We
will strive to reach these inner planes through a system of
touch, thought and love. Bring towels. - Ric Campbell

Housing and Community for a Sustainable Future

Ric Campbell will discuss a remarkable housing system which
produces all its heating and cooling while bringing nature into
our living space. Through its energy savings it actually pays for
itself without subtracting from the Earth's green areas. Novel
community level energy, food, and waste management systems will
also be discussed.

Venus on the Full Shell

This ritual is a celebration of Venus in all her aspects. We will invoke balance and create connection points by experiencing Venus on the "Full Shell". This working guides the participants to look at Venusian energies in ways that empower the individuals' lives. It also addresses the self-disempowerment as experienced by the denial of one's heartfelt desires that we deem unworthy and shows us that it is not what is within us that is "good" or "bad", but what we do with it that determines its effect. It also explores some of the various practices that cause discomfort. This ritual is participatory, personal and utilizes shared magickal energy as the power of change. (Presenters include: Ronn Walks with Fire, Raven, Spirit Weavers Church and CAW)

Drinking Deeply
Sharing Water

A Church of All Worlds water-sharing ceremony (held in the
pool) adapted from Robert Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land,
this moving communion ceremony affirms our kinship in the Great
Circle of Life. "Water shared is life shared" with "all that
Groks
" which, of course, is God/dess. Experience this unity
through the ritualized sharing of water as the essence of life.
You must be able to swim and to tread water.

C.A.W. Clergy Confab

How has the Church of All Worlds managed to stay together all these years to become the oldest continuous Neo-Pagan organization? What does CAW have to offer YOU? How do you progress through its Nine Circles? Open discussion with members of the Priesthood on the "hot seat" for questions and answers. Literature available.

Earth Religion Rights Networking

This participatory workshop will cover how to deal with religious discrimination, along with organization, resources, and tactics that can help. It will begin with a summary of the pertinent issuea, resources and tactics. Participants will be given a limited amount of time to cover who they are, what they have actually done to help people with legal problems associated with their religion, the results of such efforts, and lessons learned. Which topics interest participants the most and who has experience and expertise in such areas will be determined. The remaining part of the workshop will focus on one or more areas where there is experience, expertise and interest. Sign-up sheets will be circulated for forwarding to a variety of Earth Religion Rights Organizations. Participants are encouraged to distribute and/or circulate brochures and pertinent information - Larry Cornett

Sister/Brother Circle

Sit with men and women and share your soul thruths in ever increasingly intimate circles led by a facilitator with deep respect and light humor. - Rebecca Crystal

Neo-Pagan
Faith Healing

Using a combination of humor, psychic therapy and a wide variety of ESP skills the soul wounds of volunteers will be cured in a circle of supportive participants. - Rebecca Crystal

Introduction to Sheya

Sheya is a new system of Shamanic-based, self- transformational Magick, founded in the archetypes of human experience. This workshop will include an explanation of the history of the practice, the Sheya philosophy, its initiatory cycle, its basic symbolic models and language, and a practical demonstration of its essential ritual form. - Kenn Deigh

Post Tribal Shamanism

The modern shamanic practitioner has resources far beyond that of a tribal Shaman, and at the same time, much less substantial than the tribal Shaman. This workshop will explore these resources, as well as the similarities and differences between the shamanic arts as practiced in pre-technological societies and in our modern western world. We will also put some of these techniques to use, through some basic exercises in "consciously altering consciousness" and creating the shamanic body. - Kenn Deigh

Spirit Lessons from the Sci-Fi

What does Worf from Star Trek have to do with Africa's Ogun? What do little green men have to do with Sirius and Amazonian Shamanism? How can the pitfalls to your destiny be found in the Twilight Zone? For the answers to these questions and more, please tune into this class. - Rev. Lilith Dorsey

Remembering the Ancestors

Discover the ancient African tradition of ancestor revernce. This class will focus on rituals such as the ancestor supper, sweeping the cemetery, and a ritual for Marie Laveau's tomb (the first great queen of New Orleans Voodoo). We will also discuss Oya, the windy priestess of the dead. - Rev. Lilith Dorsey

Warrior Goddesses of Africa and Beyond

This is an intensive session dealing with the warrior women of Africa and Egypt. The class will focus on these Goddesses in depth, covering how to create their alters, exploring their lives and stories, and finding each of them within ourselves. The earlies signs of life manifested in Africa, and as women and creators we need to remember, relive, and honor their strength as it manifests itself in both the visible and invisible worlds. - Rev. Lilith Dorsey

Christian Pagans and Pagan Christians:
Cultural Dialogue or Irresolvable Paradox?

Is it possible to combine traditions and cultural heritages that many see as not only irreconcilable, but mutually antithetical? This workshop provides a neutral space for discussing old conflicts, in order to explore the similarities and contrasts between Christians and Pagans, and how they can sometimes overlap or coincide. - Kirk Everist

Introduction to Hand-Spinning

Techniques for creating yarn using simple spindles or only hands will be explained. Demonstrations and discussions of different fibers, preparation necessary for spinning and the spinning and plying process will take place. Different spindles will be demonstrated and available for experimentation. A Navajo technique of spinning against the leg, which requires no equipment, will be demonstrated. Drop spindles and a small amount of wool will be provided for a nominal fee (probably $5). Additional fiber will be available at Maggie's booth. This is a workshop for people with no prior knowledge of spinning. - Maggie Fry

Knot and Cord Magic

This workshop will cover the use of knots and cords in magical spells. Demonstrations of how to create magical yarns for different purposes and discussions of topcs such as the use of color, herbs and oils will be included. Simple knots and the ways they can be used in spells such as candle spells and bracelets will be demonstrated. - Maggie Fry

The Subtle 7 (Psychospiritual Transformations)

A startling and powerful new teaching from Russia. Intuited by Abessalom Podvodny, Russia's greatest living occult author. Laurence Galian is the editor of the first English translation of this author's work. Podvodny's teachings are practical and entertaining. - Laurence Galian

Sufi Enlightenment

Amidst towering Minarets, sipping Turkish coffee, and sitting on flying prayer carpets, Sufis become aware of the Lord of Their Beings. Find out about the Sufic understanding of inner and outer Divinity, how Sufis deal with "good" and "evil", and the secret inner teachings within Sufism about the Goddess. - Laurence Galian

The Zikr

Take part in a real Sufi Ceremonial Circle (known as the Zikr). The ceremony consists of sacred breathing practices, chant, movement and prayer. Please bring (if you can) a small rug, a small pillow, a frame drum, a protected flame (like an oil lamp) and an open mind. All are welcome. - Laurence Galian

Long Distance Didgeing

Ever been to one of those circles where someone with a didge just seems to play for hours? Have you learned all those basic didge playing skills and want to learn circular breathing techniques? Are you an accomplished player trying to extend your playing abilities? This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced didge playing.We will begin with a long free form didge jam inspired by whale songs. Next we will form into groups to receive some instruction for our individual needs. After this we will discuss, as a group, how to keep our didge community supportive and noncompetition based both around the fire and at the vending booth. We will close with a long trance jam, hopefully incorporating some new skills, and a continual openheartedness toward our fellow didge players. I anticipate 75% of this workshop to be playing. - Jason Gazda

The Flame of Innana: Real Mesopotamian Magick

The oldest system of magick and religion in history comes from Mesopotamia, the ancient land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This magickal current has been much misunderstood and malined by bogus sources like the Simon Mecronomicon and Christianized nineteenth-century Assyriologists. This workshop presents the basics of of Mesopotamian magick, including the mis pi (washing of the mouth) ritual for animating sacred images (idols), Babylonian star-magick, and the hieros gamos ritual of Sumerian sex magick. Divination techniques, sacred prostitution, and the different orders of priest(ess)hood will also be discussed. - John Gonce

Love-Call of Cthulhu:
Lovecraftian Sex Magick
or: Is That a
Tentacle in Your Pants,
or Are You Just Glad to See Me?

Postmodern occultism has brought us not only several hoax publications of horror fiction writer H.P.Lovecraft's imaginary Necronomicon, but also the rise of so-called Lovecraftian occultism. The most bizarre spawn of this phenomenon is undoubtedly Lovecraftian sex magick. So hang on to your condoms as John gives you a guided tour of sexual sorcery based on the Cthulhu Mythos, from the pornographic horror movie extravaganza rituals of Kenneth Grant, to the ghoul's feast of modern Chaos magician Phil Hine. A broad overview of Lovecraftian magick in general, and the attitudes of Lovecraft himself toward sex and the occult will also be discussed. Adults only! - John Gonce

Italian Witchcraft and Full Moon Magick

Raven Grimassi will present an overview of Italian Wichcraft, as well as discussion of the full moon and the use of moonlight in magick, mimic magick, ancient mentality, ritual circle setting and symbolism, ancestors and spirits.

Ritual Tools and Magickal Alignments

The four primary tools of Witchcraft and the ancient mentality that can be evoked to empower the tools will be discussed. Other topics will include origins, symbolism, and alignments of the tools, the altar setting, formula magick, astral fire, awakening the tools, rousing the quarter portals, the elemental current and the astral plane. - Raven Grimassi

Animal Magic

This program relates the magickal aspects of our animal friends. Many people feel drawn to a certain animal, or have journeyed to find their power animals. We will explore the folklore, and mystical lessons to be learned from these creatures. This session may also include a guided meditation to find our animal spirit guides. This workshop will also include quality time with frog, turtle, snake, lizard, gator, parrot, and hedgehog. - Denise Grudt

Animals & the Environment

This program explores the problems facing the earth, and the things we caring Pagans can do to help. We will discuss poaching, pollution, the pet industry, and habitat loss. Focus will be on the inter-connectedness of all things and the "domino effect" that humans have caused, in their drive to dominate.
8-10 live, domestic-raised, exotic animals will be introduced, to put a face on the dilemma. Gentle and respectful interaction with the animals will follow. - Denise Grudt

Eros in the
Aquarian Age

This will be a presentation of a vision of Eros, particularily for Neo-Pagans, in the Aquarian Age. The presenter will talk about the Myth of Eros and its meaning for humanity.The conscious integration of Eros and the Soul will be a powerful force in fostering psychological and social wholness. Part of this discussion will present and explore the symbolic meaning of Eros as the expression of a nocturnal Mars in Scorpio, or the dancing Mars; the defender of sacred places, initiate of the mysteries, he who 'loosens the limbs and damages the mind' and a matrifocal God. - Jack Ingersoll

Pluralistic Values Based Religions:
What are they and their importance to Neo-Paganism

This workshop will use the Church of All Worlds as an example of a pluralistic values based religion. The discussion will cover how a pluralistic religion eveolves out of the self knowledge that all religions are metaphoric maps which at least reflect human psychology and its adaptation, more or less successfully, yo its experience of phenomenon. From this perspective the truth of any religion or cult is rationally unproveable and unknowable but its truth can be evaluated accordingly to its psychological effects, for good or ill, upon humanity. The discussion will continue in how Pluralists religion will organize itself on a post modern form of tribalism. This organization will be based on a core of shared values, customs and language reflecting these shared values and optimal tolerance, politically and culturally, of spiritual diversity within and without a given Pluralistic religion. - Jack Ingersoll

When the
Earth Goddess was
a Sky Goddess

This workshop will present a speculation of an 'Old Europe' matrifocal astrology and zodiac. The presenter believes that this matrifocal astrology was primarily a topically based zodiac with sideral influences from proto-Indo European sources. Futher than this matrifocal astrology was originator of the Myth of the Ages. The workshop will present facts and information that support this speculation as well as how this astrology worked. The presenter will conclude the workshop with a discussion on how he believes the Indo European sidereal based religion attempted to banish the 'Old European' matrifocal religion and its astrology. Part of this banishment was the changing of the Sky Goddess into the ruler of the opposite element and so becoming the Earth Goddess. Information will come from archeology, history, folklore and linguistic sources. - Jack Ingersoll

The History of Henna (Parts I & II)

This lecture details the 9000 year old henna tradition as used by women for fertility, beauty, luck, sacrifice, battle and averting evil. It will detail the Pagan fertility cult origin of henna, the dieties depicted as hennaed, and the spread of the traditions across 40 countries and 6 major religions. It will discuss social and magical importance of henna in the lives of women, and the meaning of the patterns. This henna lecture is followed by a "hands-on" presentation of henna technique. - Catherine Cartwright Jones
(There is a $5 materials fee for henna and pattern sheets, optional, payable at workshop site.)

Henna: the Traditions of Mothers and Daughters

This lecture covers the traditions of henna as a social interaction between female members of a household: how traditional henna use parallels the menstral years of a woman's life; the issues of henna use in virginity and fertility; henna's use in the marriage traditions; henna's traditions used in establishing and maintaining female family bonds. Other women's traditions, such as folk medicine use of henna, its use as a deterrent of evil, sterility and calamity, and its characteristic of "Baraka", or blessedness. Parallel traditions such as veiling, kohl, harguus and tatooing and female circumcision will be covered. - Catherine Cartwright Jones

Palmistry

This lecture will detail the meanings of the lines and mounts in your hand, and how you can find a mirror of your life in your own hand. There is a "hands-on" demonstration of palm reading after the lecture. - Catherine Cartwright Jones

Salt-Dyed Silk

Create dance scarves, altar cloths and tarot card wrappers with pure silk and the spectacular, simple technique of salt-effect dyeing. All instructions and materials for this class are provided on site. - Catherine Cartwright Jones
(There is a materials fee, $5 and up, payable at the workshop, depending on how much silk you use.)

Batik Silk

Create dance scarves, altar cloths and tarot card wrappers with pure silk and the colorful, simple technique of direct batik. All instructions and materials for this class are provided on site. - Catherine Cartwright Jones
There is a materials fee, $5 and up, payable at the workshop, depending on how much silk you use.

Batik Prayer Flags
and Banners

With Laura Gorjanc, create cotton Batik prayer flags, altar cloths and campsite banners with cotton and the colorful, simple technique of direct batik. - Catherine Cartwright Jones

Sword and
Staff in Aikido

Based on the ancient Samurai arts of Japan, Aikido training employs practice with Jo (short staff) and Bokken (wooden practice sword) as well as open-hand training. This workshop features a demonstration and explanation of Jo-dori (unarmed defender facing an attacker with staff) and Tachi-dori (unarmed defender facing an attacker with sword), various sword and bokken Kata (paired practice forms), plus instruction in a form for practice on your own. - Jim Klar

Aikido Workshop

Aikido is a late 20th century Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (who died in 1969). Aikido emphasizes self defense through harmony with the attacker's movement, using their aggressive intentions against them to bring any conflict to a non-violent conclusion. It is an ideal martial art for men, women and children of all ages and physical abilities. This workshop is designed to serve as an introduction to Aikido, including a demonstration of advanced practice along with participatory exercises to demonstrate the art's principles. - Jim Klar (of the Cleveland Aikikai)

Earth Religion Rights Networking

This participatory workshop will cover how to deal with religious discrimination, along with organization, resources, and tactics that can help. It will begin with a summary of the pertinent issuea, resources and tactics. Participants will be given a limited amount of time to cover who they are, what they have actually done to help people with legal problems associated with their religion, the results of such efforts, and lessons learned. Which topics interest participants the most and who has experience and expertise in such areas will be determined. The remaining part of the workshop will focus on one or more areas where there is experience, expertise and interest. Sign-up sheets will be circulated for forwarding to a variety of Earth Religion Rights Organizations. Participants are encouraged to distribute and/or circulate brochures and pertinent information. - Larry Cornett

Basic Yoga

Lyrus will lead us in an easy morning session of Yoga, demonstrating basic stretches, breathing exercises and meditation. Great flexibility is not required, only the willingness to push and pull the body in a few new directions. The emphasis is on gentleness! You may wish to bring a small mat, a towel, or a blanket to put on the ground. - Lyrus Landholder

Opening Circle

7:00 PM Tuesday, July 17th. As we join our energies together, we invite the spirits to protect and guide us during Starwood. Join hundreds of people as we spiral dance to raise the power to envelope the festival in blessing. - Liafal

Closing Circle

We thank those who have aided us during the festival and ask for protection as we return home. - Liafal


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