Tom Swiss

Tom Swiss describes his spiritual path as "Zen Pagan Taoist Atheist Discordian", which usually baffles questioners enough to leave him alone. He is an NCCAOM Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy and a karate student and teacher, holding the rank of yondan (fourth degree black belt). Tom is also a poet, a singer/songwriter, an amateur philosopher, and a professional computer geek. He recently spent three months in Japan, studying the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism in Japanese culture for a book he's writing about Zen Paganism. Tom has previously presented various workshops at FSA Beltane, the Free Spirit Gathering, and the Starwood Festival.

Discordianism Through Its Literature

The Discordian movement has played a key role in the Pagan revival. You've heard people yelling "Hail Eris!" and "Kallisti!" around the fire. What's the deal? We'll discuss the history of the Discordian movement and discuss excepts from the Principia Discordia and related works.

Feeling Good with Acupressure and Shiatsu

Shiatsu (Japanese for "finger pressure") and acupressure are forms of Asian Bodywork Therapy, which use pressure and stretching to relieve pain and stress. According to the theories of Chinese medicine, these techniques help balance the flow of qi, or vital energy, in the body. We will discuss and practice the use of acupressure points for physical, emotional, and spiritual balancing, and also learn a simple self-shiatsu routine. If time permits we will also do some partner work. Please bring a mat or towel to lie on for stretching.

Poets and Pagans

In the nineteenth century, the British Romantic poets helped bring the Great God Pan to a new prominence, and were instrumental in developing the Goddess concept. In the U.S., the Transcendentalist literary movement turned to Nature and to the religions of the East for spiritual inspiration. We will discuss how these literary movements helped inspire the Pagan revival.