Catrice Morning Bird Thornton

Catrice Morning Bird Thornton began studying with her own Ojibiway Shaman in 1989 and has been an active shaman in her clan since 1994. She has taught shamanism and performed rituals in the pagan community since 1992. She studied the Nishnaabe culture at local colleges, and through pagan student groups. Catrice has been training others for the last 8 years and expanding her own religious studies to include Zen Buddhism, and various Wiccan traditions. She's been active in the GLBT community most of her life, but came out completely just a few years ago, and participates in the poly community through online forums such as the show "Poly Weekly" and the Livejournal Poly and Poly-Mono support groups.

Poly 101 Pt. I

The definition of Polyamory. Also the difference between Polyamory, open relationships, swinging, polygamy, and other forms of non monogamy. List of common poly terms, and resources for information as well as help when moving into the lifestyle. The differing definitions of Poly as well as "Poly in my backyard" issues. There will be discussion on "coming out" as poly, to yourself, your significant other(s) and publicly, and if it's feasible to do.

Poly 101 Pt. II

Practical Poly. You will hear a lot about communication and the need for open and honest communication, but not so much on HOW to communicate. Also talking about when is the right time to communicate. Things like Imago techniques, learning the difference between Jealousy and Envy, and how to deal with both. Setting rules or boundaries within your relationships and between metamours. A head's up on things that can cause the most common difficulties, also known as "Poly Potholes" that most people run into and the best way to navigate through those and if possible steer clear!

Both classes will have one to two hand outs for people with terms and resources listed. Time at the end for questions and personal reflection on the information. I would prefer the classes be done up in the Faerie Woods, both for comfort and to get more involved up in the Wood. I will be working and hosting the Faerie Woods so can not do either class during the GLBT community meeting or Faerie High Tea, everything else can be worked around.