Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is a renowned Wizard and elder in the worldwide magickal community. In 1962, he co-founded the Church of All Worlds, a Pagan church with a futuristic vision, and he has been involved in the founding of several other major groups and alliances. First to apply the terms "Pagan" and "Neo-Pagan" to the newly emerging Nature Religions of the 1960s, and through his publication of Green Egg magazine (1968-2000), Oberon was instrumental in the coalescence of the modern Pagan movement. In 1970, he had a profound Vision of the Living Earth which he published as an early version of "The Gaia Thesis." Oberon is the primary artist of The Mythic Images Collection, producing beautiful altar figurines of Gods, Goddesses, and mythological creatures. He is the author of Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, Companion for the Apprentice Wizard, Creating Circles & Ceremonies, A Wizard's Bestiary, and Green Egg Omelette. He is also the Founder and Headmaster of the online Grey School of Wizardry. He has a weekly talk show on Blogtalk radio called "Over to Oberon & Ariel," each Wednesday night from 9:00-10:00 Central Time.

Photo by Diane Nemea Laessig.

Common Ground

Pagans enjoy emphasizing our diversity and our differences. "Ask two Pagans and you'll get three different answers" is a common expression. And yet there are many common elements and values shared by most if not all modern Pagans, which is why Paganism is a significant and relevant religious movement. But just who are we, anyway? Let's consider what unites us, rather than at what divides us! In this interactive workshop we'll examine various definitions of what we mean by "Pagan," as well as attempt to compile a set of common if not universal Pagan precepts and values that apply across the board.

Create Your Own Goddess

Oberon's most popular workshop. Working with special air-drying clay (provided by festival), you will learn the proportions and techniques for sculpting an original Paleolithic Matrika in the authentic style of the famous so-called Stone Age "Venuses." You will come away with a wonderful votive figurine for your own altar, and learn how to make more for friends and coveners. Confuse the Hades out of future archaeologists!

Polyamory, Paganism and Community

Oberon and Morning Glory Zell have had a famously successful open marriage for four decades, and have been in group marriages for half of that time. Called "the First Family of Polyamory," in 1990, they coined the terms polyamorous ("loving many") and polyamory to describe such relationships, and thus helped to launch a movement. Relationships always contain an element of personal growth and polyamory has unique benefits and challenges. Learn how multiple loving relationships can be part of your spiritual work. We will also look at some of the history of Pagan community, from Oberon's role in the foundation of the Church of All worlds in the 1960s, to his experience of community and relationships within both Paganism and Polyamory. Learn from an elder in both the Earth-centered and the Polyamorous social movements with stories and lessons from his half-a-century of experience in these communities.

This is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius

Sunrise on the morning of Dec. 22, 2012, marked "The Dawning of the Age of Aquarius." Now that we are just stepping over the threshold of a new Aeon, what lies ahead? Astrological attributes of Aquarius include enlightenment, the revelation of truth, and the expansion of consciousness. While the symbol (and sacrament) of Aquarius ("the Water Bearer") is obviously water (the universal medium of life: "Water shared is life shared"), Aquarius is an Elemental Air sign, signifying communication, networking, ideas, wisdom, air travel, and even space travel and colonization as we embark upon the great Diaspora of humankind-Gaea's progeny-among the stars. And most importantly, the coalescence of consciousness on a global scale: the Awakening of Gaea. And-just like the last time around, 26,000 years ago-we can expect a new "Creative Explosion" such as the world has not seen since the Ice Age! Let's explore some of the ramifications and expectations of this transition, particularly over the next 25 years. Audience participation welcome!