Jason Mankey

Jason Mankey is turning into quite the fixture at Starwood, whether he’s waxing poetic about the Horned God or giving praise to Jim Morrison during a Dionysus Ritual. A Pagan for the past 12 years or so, Jason has developed a very special interest in Wiccan History and Horned God lore. Back in Mundania, he manages a coffee shop and lives in Central Michigan. You can visit him on the web at www.panmankey.com.

All Acts of Love and Pleasure are My Rituals: Worship of Aphrodite in the Ancient World

Aphrodite is beloved in the Pagan world, but how was she really worshipped by the ancient Greeks and Romans? In this workshop we'll explore Aphrodite's origins in the Middle East, and how the once former protectress became the goddess of love and beauty. The workshop will also explore the idea of "Sacred Prostitution" and look at how it was applied to the worship of Aphrodite. Whether you are a lonely heart looking for the goddess of love, or one of her many priestesses, you're bound to learn something about Her at this workshop.

Ecstatic Gods and Goddess of the Greek World and their Worship

What do Demeter, Pan, Aphrodite, and Dionysus all have in common? They were ecastatic deities, offering their worshippers living, spiritual experiences. Through dance, drink, trance, and sex these deities crossed over into the world of living to touch the lives of their followers. Find out how these deities were worshipped in the ancient world, from the mystery cults of Demeter to the public Bacchanalias devoted to Dionysus. Learn from the pagan past to better put yourself in touch with these gods in the Pagan present.