Workshops by Day
For a full schedule, see Events/Schedule on this site or download the PDF.
Thursday Workshops
Nature-Based Practices 101 with a panel representing Wicca, Druidry, CUUPS,
the Path of Dionysus, and Heathenry
6:00 – 7:00, East Pavilion
Join representatives of multiple Pagan paths to learn about their practices. This workshop, which will be repeated on Friday from 4:00 – 5:00 PM, will introduce you to folks of like-spirit. They will give an overview of their tradition, followed by a short Q&A. Other opportunities to explore various paths include the Community Tent, the communal lunch, and altar building.
Nature-Based Practices 101 Altar Building
7:00, ongoing, throughout the camp
Groups and solitaries are invited to build an altar at their camps or group campsites that expresses their tradition’s vision and practice of Paganism; leave your altar up throughout the festival and use it as a gathering place. If your group has a banner, display it!
Friday Workshops
“Lotus of Light” Sound Meditation, Dru
8:30 – 9:00, Music Tent
Begin your day centered, balanced, and energized with a bija (pron. beej) sound meditation. Each bija (seed) sound corresponds to a petal of the chakras and a specific body part. Using the bija sounds as recorded by Layne Redmond on the track “Lotus of Light” (~16 minutes), we will awaken and tone our energy centers. Additional chakra toning exercises may follow. No preparation needed; bring a comfortable chair.
Drum Circle Practice, Jonathan
9:30 – 10:30, East Fire Pit
Learn several core drumming patterns that you can use at the fire circles. Drum patterns for Arabic, Norse, and others will be presented and practiced. Drum circle etiquette will be covered. Some loaner drums will be available; bring your own drum and other percussion instruments.
The Generations in a Fishbowl (or the Magic of Communication), Faellina Rose
10:45 – 12:30, East Pavilion
We’ve all felt the isolation of pandemic. But there are many prevalent forms of alienation and division within everyday society.
At one time we lived in villages where everyone was interconnected. The elders were the oracles, the historians, the night watchmen, and the grandparents. The youth and their rites of passage were what bonded the community. Their fertility and strength was the lifeblood!
We, as a pagan community, recognize this loss of family structure in American society and do have an appreciation for the variety within our community: the colorful white-haired characters strolling, gallivanting adults, bucking teens and frolicking babes among us. But do the youth and elder have a culture of connection?
Here’s your chance to meet the generations!
I invite you to really lean into this. If you could ask a person of another gen one question, what would it be? Visualize sitting in the village of ancient times, where we are all interdependent, all trusting, and all family.
Our questions will be put into two hats: one for the elders to answer and one for the youth to answer. We will be practicing Active Listening, so as one group answers a question from the hat, the other group will sit quietly around them.
Afterwards we’ll share refreshments for a meet and greet.
May this gathering promote many an enduring friendship amongst the ages!
A Taste of Slovenian Folklore and Magick, Azrael and Amber K
1:45 – 3:15, West Pavilion
Take a brief tour of the sights, sounds, stories, and tastes of Slovenia, a fascinating European country with a deep and layered history and re-emerging Pagan traditions. From the sea coast at Piran to the dark underground river of Skocjan Cave, to the hillside vineyards in the east, to the towering peaks of Triglav in the Julian Alps, experience a glimpse into this enchanting country through stories, music, photos, and tastes!
Nature-Based Practices 101 with a panel representing Wicca, Druidry, CUUPS,
the Path of Dionysus, and Heathenry
4:00 – 5:00, Happy Cauldron
Join representatives of multiple Pagan paths to learn about their practices. This workshop will introduce you to folks of like-spirit. They will give an overview of their tradition, followed by a short Q&A. Other opportunities to explore various paths include the Community Tent, the communal lunch, and altar building following this workshop.
Saturday Workshops & Ritual Rehearsal
“Lotus of Light” Sound Meditation, Dru
8:30 – 9:00, Music Tent
Begin your day centered, balanced, and energized with a bija (pron. beej) sound meditation. Each bija (seed) sound corresponds to a petal of the chakras and a specific body part. Using the bija sounds as recorded by Layne Redmond on the track “Lotus of Light” (~16 minutes), we will awaken and tone our energy centers. Additional chakra toning exercises may follow. No preparation needed; bring a comfortable chair.
Drum Circle Practice, Jonathan
10:00 – 11:00, East Fire Pit
Learn several core drumming patterns that you can use at the fire circles. Drum patterns for Arabic, Norse, and others will be presented and practiced. Drum circle etiquette will be covered. Some loaner drums will be available; bring your own drum and other percussion instruments.
The Alchemy of Visionary Group Poetry & Art, Bethany
11:15 – 12:45, West Pavilion
Come add your energy to a collaborative group Poetry & Art process that brings forth our collective Creativity, Magic & Manifestation. Guided visualization, poetry & art! Let’s join forces and see what’s coming through! All are welcome! Bethany is an Artist, Art Therapist and Self-Healing Guide that is passionate about the transformational energy of reclaiming creativity and empowering expression.
Main Ritual Rehearsal, Susanne, 2:15 – 3:30, Ritual Ground
Sunday Workshop
Next Year at Mabon, MMSW Coordinators
10:00 – 11:00, East Pavilion
MMSW coordinators are interested in what your experience of the festival was like, as well as hearing your ideas for next year and vision going forward. And, if you are interested in being a coordinator, teacher, ritualist, or vendor for the 2024 festival, plan to drop in!
Activities, Gatherings, and Rituals by Day
While workshops enrich us in so many ways, we also need social time and fun, so….
Thursday
Vendor Village and Music Tent
2:00 – Ongoing
Merchants and music throughout the weekend. Visit the vendors to peruse and purchase their wares. Play at the Music Tent, where you can jam, explore instruments you’re curious about, and share songs and chants.
Opening Ritual and Announcements, Joshua and MMSW Coordinators
5:15 – 5:45, Ritual Ground
We will set up our ritual space, calling in energy for a successful festival of fun, learning, and sharing. There will be announcements and introductions.
Happy Cauldron, RV area above East Pavilion, Bridget and Ina
7:15 – Ongoing
The Happy Cauldron is open to everyone—the more the merrier! We’re open throughout the weekend, so stop in whenever you feel like it. Sponsored by Ardantane Retreat and Learning Center (www.ardantane.org). We offer cookies, snacks, tea and even coffee in the morning. BYOB if you like.
Friday
Brewers & Makers Gathering, Donna Johnston
4:15 – 6:30, West Pavilion
If you brew, bake, or make anything with yeast, you are invited to compare potions with your fellow wizards. Bring your own drinking vessel and a sample of your brews, and fermented goodies to share. 21+ only; we will check wristbands.
Bardic Circle, Billy Stewart
6:45 – 8:00, East Fire Pit
Share a joke, song, poem, etc., at the bardic to a very friendly audience cozied around a fire. If you are not attending the bardic, we ask that you keep noise low nearby so those sharing can be heard.
“I See You” Express Yourself Dance Party
8:15, From East Fire Pit to Ritual Ground
Step into the heart of the festival and let your spirit run wild at our enchanting dance party! Don your most outrageous Pagan garb or express yourself in mesmerizing drag as you join the parade from the East Fire Pit to the mystical Ritual Ground. Get ready to groove to the beat, strut your stuff on the runway fashion show, showcasing your captivating witchy wears and spellbinding costumes. With support from the Temple of Dionysus, everyone can feel empowered and confident in their attire. Embrace the magic of the night as we dance under the starlight, uniting ancient traditions with modern celebration. It’s a transformational experience where acceptance and freedom reign supreme!
Fire Circle
After the dance, West Fire Pit
Drum, dance, and sing into the night. Friday’s fire circle will start after the dance. Bring drums, other percussion instruments, costume, chants and songs to weave the energy of the fire and community.
Saturday
Communal Lunch
1:00 – 2:00, East Pavilion
Bring your lunch to the pavilion and share conversation and make new friends in the community.
Main Ritual Rehearsal, Susanne
2:15 – 3:30, Ritual Ground
If you have a role in the ritual, put this time aside for a rehearsal and dry run.
Ardantane Fundraiser Live Auction, Amber K and helpers
3:45 – 5:45, East Pavilion
A community favorite! A fabulous fun auction brimming with magical items the likes of which you will not see elsewhere. Auction of donated goods to benefit Ardantane. Bid on your favorite items. It’s a fun way to donate to Ardantane. Cash, checks, and plastic accepted. www.ardantane.org.
Main Ritual, EVERYONE!!!
7:00, Ritual Ground
Celebrate Mabon!
Fire Circle
8:00, West Fire Pit
The main ritual will flow directly to the fire circle, taking the energy created in the circle to the fire. Bring drums, other percussion instruments, costume, chants and songs.
Sunday
Next Year at Mabon, MMSW Coordinators
10:00 – 11:00, East Pavilion
MMSW coordinators are interested in what your experience of the festival was like, as well as hearing your ideas for next year and vision going forward. And, if you are interested in being a coordinator, teacher, ritualist, or vendor for the 2024 festival, plan to drop in!
Closing Ritual, Joshua and Coordinators
11:15 – 11:45, Ritual Ground
We will release ritual space and give thanks for a successful festival, where we met new friends and started building a vibrant, new community.