Classes & Events: WitchCamp Paths

SpiralHeart WitchCamp 2009 has four instructional paths: Caring for Caregivers; Inner Work/Outer Work: Manifesting Our Values; Iron Pentacle; Elements of Reclaiming Magic

Caring for Caregivers	Inner Work/Outer Work: Manifesting Our Values
Iron Pentacle	Elements of Reclaiming Magic

Caring for Caregivers - Facilitated by WillCastle, Puddles, Julie Rabbit & JuJubee

Caring for Caregivers will be a week-long working of devotional magic offered to Brigid. (For purposes of this path, care means “restorative support in physical, emotional, or magical form.”) The magical intent of our working will be to show gratitude to Brigid and to honor her by striving to fulfill these path objectives:

1. to create and sustain a sacred container in which care may be given and received.
2. to increase our understanding of how to use devotional magic to feed and expand our magical will in our personal craft work and as a group.
3. to acknowledge and offer care to those who are professional caregivers (doctors, nurses, PAs, therapists, teachers, daycare workers, social workers, EMTs, hospice workers, etc.)
4. to acknowledge and offer care to those who have taken on the role of care-giver in their personal lives (caring for elderly parents; caring for spouses, children, partners, etc. who are disabled or suffering from long-term or terminal illness; caring for healthy but demanding children)
5. to offer those who have received care from any of the above groups the opportunity to return the favor by offering week-long care to others
6. to examine and experience the human dynamics of care (giving and receiving) both as an individual and as a group
7. to hone our skills as witches in moving, holding, storing, and releasing energy appropriately
8. to receive the care we need and return to our mundane lives both restored and with a concrete idea of how we may deepen our care for others

Inner Work/Outer Work: Manifesting Our Values - Facilitated by Paul & Evelyn

Our practice arises from a deep, spiritual commitment to the earth, to healing and to the linking of magic with political action. -excerpt from the Principles of Unity

This path will explore the multiple connections between magic and action. We will create a strong, supportive container in which to encounter together the tough questions and powerful feelings that arise when we confront suffering and injustice in the world. How can we be honest and present with questions about 'doing enough' and with feelings of overwhelm, inadequacy, despair, or rage in ways that support rather than deplete our work? We will explore the meanings and relationships between activism, service, and devotion. We will sharpen our sense of the work we can best give the world, challenge ourselves to step deeper into action, and develop practices that can fuel and sustain our work. We'll forge connections with magical allies, with the ancestors and descendants, and with each other. And we'll add our voices to the ongoing conversation about how to work together to heal our world.

Iron Pentacle - Facilitated by Yarrow & Dragonlily

“I would know myself in all my parts.” Iron Pentacle gives us a rich, clear, magical tool to aid us on our journey of self-discovery. We explore our inner landscape through the Pentacle’s points of sex, self, passion, pride, and power. Feeling the flow of energy between and among the points helps us integrate these parts of who we are as humans and witches. We will explore the Iron Pentacle through trance, movement, chants, mask-making, ritual, and celebration. This juicy path, one of Reclaiming’s core classes, will lead us through shadow to our shining selves. If you choose to walk the Iron Pentacle, please bring a mirror and a chalice or cup,

Iron Pentacle is for witches who want to dive deep into themselves and their craft. The path provides a systematic way of identifying current personal strengths and challenges. Moving energy through the Pentacle’s points allows shadow material to surface, be seen, and integrated into the self. Participants will develop skill in using the Iron Pentacle as a personal practice they can continue when they return home.

Iron Pentacle is an intermediate path – participants should be comfortable moving energy, be willing to confront their shadows, and have Craft experience equivalent to attendance at a previous Witchcamp or an Elements of Magic class.

Elements of Reclaiming Magic - Facilitated by Panther & Caillean

The arc of this path begins with an emphasis on the extent to which Reclaiming rituals are improvisational and ecstatic. It continues with an in depth look at Reclaiming’s understanding of the use of power and the Principles of Unity. From the beginning, campers will be encouraged to participate in daily rituals. As is the norm in camp paths, the bulk of the teaching will involve experiential exercises. On the second day we will explore the different levels and types of trance, integrating the Triple Soul. On the third day the Pentacle of Life will be used to familiarize the campers with pentacle work. Subsequently, there will be a brief introduction to other basic Reclaiming pentacles. The following day, we will explore the implications of the Reclaiming definition of magic, using energy work and shielding techniques. We will also lead the campers through the anchoring to core worth trance. On the final day, we will discuss the importance of intent and have the campers plan and perform a ritual.

This path was developed to be appropriate for people new to Witchcraft and Pagans from other traditions. It incorporates the components of a traditional Elements class with an emphasis on what is unique to Reclaiming.

We can modify the path material to make it more or less advanced based on the xperience of those who choose to take the path. If the path is composed exclusively of Pagans from other traditions and experienced Reclaiming people, it could be taught as an advanced Elements Path. Conversely, if the path is composed of campers new to Paganism and Reclaiming, it can be taught as a basic Elements Path.

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