Deborah Lipp
Deborah Lipp was initiated into a traditional Gardnerian coven of Witches in 1981, became a High Priestess in 1986, and has been teaching Wicca and running Pagan circles ever since. She's been published in many Pagan publications, including The Llewellyn Magical Almanac, Pangaia, Green Egg, and The Druid's Progress, as well as Mothering Magazine. Look for her essay in 2005's Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar. She has been at Starwood for over twenty years now. As an active "out of the closet" member of the Pagan community, Deborah has appeared in various media discussing Wicca, most notably on the A&E documentary "Ancient Mysteries: Witchcraft in America". She has also appeared on MSNBC, in The New York Times, and in many smaller TV and print sources.
Festival as Community: A Reflection on 25 Years
For Starwood 25, it's time to look back on the way that the festival movement has influenced Paganism in general, and us as individuals. What changes has the community seen as a result of the festival movement, and what changes have we ourselves experienced? Does it mean something different to be a Pagan in a community that has festivals, than it did to be a Pagan in decades past? This workshop will combine formally-presented material and free-form discussion.
The Structure of Spellcasting
Both for beginners to magic and to those who wish to fine-tune their craft. What makes a spell work? What impedes its progress? What are the preconditions for a spell to succeed? How do the magician, the target, the goal, and the Gods affect a spell? Magic is an integral part of many of our lives, yet much of the magic we do is left unanalyzed. By looking closely at what does and doesn't work, we can improve our spells.
The Way of Four: What Are the Four Elements?
Where do they come from and why are they so important to occultists? What part do they play in our personalities and day to day lives? This talk is lively, with lots of questions and answers as we each discover the parts of ourselves that are earthy, fiery, watery and airy.
