Joy Wedmedyk

Joy Wedmedyk (Olorisha Omi Lasa) is an initiated priestess in Regla de Ocha, an Ifa tradition commonly referred to as Santeria. For 30 years she has studied and learned from the spirits and ancestors of the planet and from the indigenous people of the Americas, Africa and Cuba.

Joy continues to develop her skills as priestess, medium, healer, artist and drum maker. She has been traveling and teaching for over 25 years. Her workshops give the participants an opportunity to experience and learn from the cosmology and mythology of the indigenous people of the earth.

Joy can be contacted by email at santerajoy [at] yahoo [dot] com

Drum Making: Shamans Peace Drum

Indigenous people around the world have used Hoop Drums to commune with spirit and bring healing and wholeness to the self and the community. Journey with others on this sacred path and create your own deer rawhide drum from start to finish along with a leather covered beater. We will begin with a ceremony to remind us of our connection to the deer spirit and to the universal rhythms of life and conclude with a blessing ceremony to honor the power of our Drum. This is a 2 day workshop(3-4 hours each day).

All Materials are included.

Per person: $125 for the 15 inch.

Class limited to 8 people--please call 330-273-6260 to register.

Proverbs and Orisha Folktales of the Yoruba

The Orisha are known as the pantheon of Gods of the Yoruba traditions. These Proverbs and Folktales help illustrate the cosmology and wisdom of the Yoruba people, their tradition, and their divination systems. This collection includes Orunmila’s fear of Mice, When Oya was Betrayed, How Oshun brought Cowrie (money) to the World, Two Hands, and Bit-by-Bit we Eat the Head of a Rat (among others).

The Art of Possession: Deity, Demon or Departed?

This workshop will cover the different manifestations of spirit possession and give insight into the following topics: How to establish strong connections to Spirit. Creating a space for possession that utilizes safe settings, safe practice, and safe people. Recognizing the different levels of possession, such as full or partial possession.

Is it a Deity, a Demon or a Departed Spirit? How to tell what it is and if it is what you want. Is it time for the Spirit to go and it is not leaving on its’ own? Learn safe depossession techniques used by practicing Mediums.

This workshop is based on Joy’s personal experiences as a medium and healer.