Showing posts with label Wicca. Show all posts

Monday Meditation: Witchcraft & Buddhism - The Fluffy Bunny Effect

I've become a fluffy bunny.  I look back at all the posts I used to make about my angry Goddess Hecate Brimo and how she was going to be a destroyer of all those who had wronged me. I

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
(artist Georgi Mishev)


I saw her riding in with her mighty torches, dagger in hand ready to bring forth justice for me. To in a sense destroy all those who were not aligned with my way of thinking. I saw this metaphorically. I followed Hecate as a light bringer. One who has the keys to ancient knowledge that I needed in order to go forward in my life. I was angry, so Brimo was who I identified with.

Today I'm feeling much more centered in my life. I don't practice as much as I used to, spells and rituals but I do meditate.  I feel that even if I'm not chanting her name I am still calling upon some of the other representations that she is know for. I love this list here.


Some new titles I'm thinking of identifying with:

Alkimos: Strong/Stout/Brave/Powerful
Ameibousa/Amibousa: One that Transforms
Angelos/Angele: Messenger
Aregos: Helper
Erototokeia: Producing Love/Bearer of Love
Eukoline: Good-Tempered


There are so many  more facets to this life we have in front of us. Learning to become more and not hold on to those things that cause suffering is something that we all need to learn. On the hunt for a fight, looking for someone to defend is just furthering suffering. Instead I choose to offer compassion. I choose to offer understanding and be there for those who need it. I choose to send out, light and love.  There I said it.  Light and love.  For all those years, I was quick to say, I'm not all light and love.  Well I know why. I was so full of suffering that I couldn't see the way to give that light and love to others, because I hadn't given it to myself.

Today I choose to love myself. Today I choose to be a fluffy bunny.




Revolutionary Witchcraft - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Revolutionary Witchcraft A Guide to Magical Activism by Sarah Lyons.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page

Release Date - November 5, 2019

Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 429,000 views.


When they say great things come in small packages, they were referring to this book.  While the size of the book is small, the content within is larger than life.  The cover is a mixture of a hard/soft cover and the short stature makes it easy to toss into a purse or backpack for reading on the go. The author has provided not only a healthy index but also a hefty appendix that goes on in great detail on spell books, rituals and even a new way to look at the wheel of the year. The illustrations are fantastic and show a representation of witches of color in an inclusive way. This reaches directly into the heart of the current life we're seeing in magical workings for social justice.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft


The books begins with an introduction to activism and the place that a witch holds in that fight. The author defines magic, politics, witchcraft and the history related to how magic was used in our ancient past. As she continues through the chapters, the author provides direction for connecting with the ancestors as well as instruction on shaking off this mundane and delving deeply into the craft for the betterment of all beings.  I would note there is at least one mention of the Bible in one of the chapters and it seems to lean to the side that witches are predominately female. While I understand that for most of the world the word witch equates to someone who is female, I would loved to have seen the author set aside that particular notion and allow a non gendered view or allowing space for those who may identify as male, masculine or any other gender variant to be included in the discussion.  That being said, I would like to acknowledge how the author said that they felt that witchcraft was a verb and not a noun.  To me, witch is a title. It isn't a title like Mr. or Mrs. but more like Doctor.  Note, it isn't specifically said in this book that only witches can be female, it is just what I perceived to be implied by the context of the book.  This was my opinion and your mileage may vary. 

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

This is one of the first modern witch books I have read that directly calls out to sitting public officials. In the section on Revolutionary History, the author specifically points to the 2016 election as being the catalyst for political witchcraft. To me this has two possible implications.  One, it flies into the face of "be silent".  If I want to work my magic, I want to do so in secret. I want to make sure they have no idea that I'm coming.  There is also an old tale about saying a person's name gives them power. Case in point, many today some 3 years after taking office, still refuse to use the word President as it related to Donald Trump. I'm assuming the opinion is, not saying it removes its validity. We would need to examine his actions and the impact they have had on society as a whole in order to see if that is actually the case. But I digress...

As we move through the book, the author takes us through initiation, journeying, dreaming and soul flight. Reminding us that as witches we are stewards of the land. The section on Standing Rock, I found particularly moving. Many books have lofty goals when it comes to recommending what witches can and cannot do.  This book actually provides real world examples of how to get involved in local politics, creating an organization and working with allies of all activity styles. From creating sigils and working with crystals to joining protests and working on access to voting this book provides ways to actually get involved with your community to create positive change.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft


Finally, I wanted to call out one part of the appendix that I found pretty amazing and have added to my magical practice.  As a witch (a River Witch) I spend a great deal of time directly in the path of the water. My home sets on native land stolen by colonizers, and homes and families destroyed, a great people were pushed away and nearly destroyed. Today, they are still being attacked at the highest levels of our government.  On page 141 the author provides a statement to the land, acknowledging the rightful ownership of the first peoples to inhabit this nation and face subsequent attack by those coming in and destroying their world. The statement is as follows:

We honor and acknowledge the land we stand on. This is occupied territory that was once called (NAME) and is the home to (Tribe/Nation). We acknowledge that this land was stole by settlers, and that the mistreatment of its first people continues to this day. While we live in a world that settlers created, we promise to work on building a better world with the help and leadership of the land's original inhabitants. We honor this land and thank you for the many gifts you give us each day. Thank you for allowing us to fight on, with and for you.
Photo Credit  - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Location - Seven Springs, NC


My personal statement:

I honor and acknowledge the Catabwa and Tuscarora  people who lived here on this land I now occupy. I want to thank them for allowing me to be here and to continue to grace my visions and my ritual with their energy.  I acknowledge that my direct ancestors stole this land and claimed it as their own and are now know as the founders of this place called Seven Springs. I live today in a world created by that carnage and can only hope that my promise to work towards a better world will allow the land here to begin to heal from this heart break.


Photo Credit  - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Location - The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Overall, this is a pretty powerful piece of work.  It was written in a very straight forward easy to read language. It is modern and yet still holds on to those basics that most witches will be able to see right away. I was skeptical at first, but I must say I was/am pleasantly surprised by the depth of the book and appreciated the author's guidance on inclusive speech, healing speech and open honest dialog about how our nation needs to heal from colonization.




The Antique Anatomy Tarot - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Antique Anatomy Tarot by Claire Goodchild.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.


To add to my growing list of Tarot and Oracle card reviews, the set I'm looking at today is completely different than any other I have encountered.  I am well aware of those who collect these cards for their artistic worth however, I have never seen a set quite like this.  I'll give you the low down, in just a bit.  First let's talk about the packaging.  Tarot cards generally come in some sort of box or enclosure that would allow the reader to keep the cards safe from harm.  Each set generally is accompanied by a book or pamphlet to instruct the reader on how the author intended the cards to be used. The Antique Anatomy Tarot is no exception.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The books is a soft cover book with a cover to match the beautifully illustrated cards. While there is no index, the author does provide is with a brilliantly illustrated contents section which leads into the introduction and a brief history of Tarot.  We're introduced to the Major and Minor Arcana, Numerology and Astrology of Tarot in the first few pages.  We are whisked through the elements of the tarot including a list of which cards fall into which elements and then leading into how color impacts a reading.  


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


On pages 14 - 17 the author provides detailed information on how exactly to use the cards.  Journaling, spells work, dream interpretations, mediation and spreads are presented with instruction on how to move forward in their individual works.  One of the most important steps, in my opinion, and often overlooked by new readers is detailed in the section called "Caring for your Deck".  The author provides instructions on initiating, cleansing and storage of your deck.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The final chapter in the basics section is called (drum roll please)  The Spreads!  What we've all been waiting for. As with most Tarot decks, this author has also provided several spreads that are outlined in detail.  A single card draw, the Three Card Spread, the Moon Cycle Spread (this one was new to me) and finally the Celtic Cross spread. Each one with individual attention paid to the card location and name as well as a sentence or two about the placement and expectations for the reading.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The remainder of the book focuses on the cards themselves. This is the point when I call out the amazing illustrations on these cards. Sourced from creative commons works, these cards are suitably for framing.  Overall, an amazing set of cards which I totally recommend!

Your Guide to Mastering the Craft - Wicca - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Wicca: A Modern Practitioner's Guide - Your Guide to Mastering the Craft by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.


Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cover




Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.

As usual I'll start with a review of the physical book.  This book is small and will fit nicely into a backpack or tote.  I received a hard copy to review and the edges and pages feel good in the hands.  The color is a soft pink and I can see where a more vibrant dust jacket might be included in the book store versions.  If you're looking for photos, pick a different book. This book is cover to cover with words written in a font that's easy on the eye as well as informative.  That's not to say there are not tables.  The author did include a table, an extensive bibliography as well as one of the best indexes I have seen to date.

This book includes an introduction to the history of Wicca and covers topics such as creating sacred spaces, casting circles and simple rituals as well as power words in ritual and even a section on drawing down in the (I'm sure intentional) 13 chapters; which makes me hasten to call this an introductory book.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book



The author beings with a history of Wicca. The first sentence sets the stage for the entire book. The author writes: "It is inaccurate to say that Wicca is an ancient religion" and goes on to discuss Gardnerian Wicca created by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s.  She further explains Neo-Paganism, traditional Wicca and Electic Wicca. Of course including an overview of the Wican Rede as an ethical code for practitioners. She covers the basic belief system including respecting nature, working as a solitary and covens as well as a tolerance for the beliefs of others.

The following three chapters cover creating a sacred space, casting circles and spells and energy work.  To me the most important of these is the chapter on grounding. So many witches start out their practice without being in a stable mindset to attract the type of magic they're looking to attract. While I admit I do not practice Wicca, in my own craft intent is the key to any ritual. I need to be in the correct frame of mind to either welcome energy or disperse it. My mindset is where it all begins and ends. Without proper grounding, my ritual is destine to fail.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Chapters five through seven address the ritual itself.   From providing a list of simple ready to go rituals for purifying, banishing, consecrating, dedicating and blessing to using witch's tools such as the cup, the pentacle and the athame to enrich the ritual, the author guides the reader through the ins and outs of the modern rite as we see it today.  She covers relaxed ritual as well as the formal ritual which may be used on special occasions such as sabbats and esbats.

Chapter eight is all about the wheel of the year with entries for quarter and cross-quarter days. This section is where we find our table which outlines the month with the old English Moon, the Colonial American Moon and the Cherokee Moon representations.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Chapters nine through eleven address rites of passage as well as the power words in ritual.  It includes daily prayer exercises and chants in ritual practice.  Chants are great ways to connect with the energy or power that one is dedicated to. Isis or Hecate (or even our modern musicians) love to hear their name repeated and chanted. I have written several chants to Hecate but one of my favorite is not my own creation.  Below is one of my favorite chants, often referred to as the Goddess Chant.



Finally the last two chapters address something, in my opinion, that is a bit more advanced. First in chapter twelve see learn about drawing down and aspecting deities. My first introduction into paganism, witchcraft and magic was Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. This is where the energy of the moon is called forth and asked to possess the speaker. Generally something that is done by a seasoned priest or priestess of that deity. Invoking is serious business and shouldn't be toyed with. Think of this as a channeling type event, you're asking an energy to inhabit your body and speak through you. Care should be taken before moving into this step.  The author does provide alternatives, which is great to see.  The final chapter gives us a real world look at Wicca today, including online communities, living Wicca today and adding it to your daily life.


Overall, this is a great book for those looking to share their practice with others. This is a high level look at what Wicca is and how to begin practicing. I love the bibliography, as no book can be the be all end all of a subject.  The author references names like Scott Cunnigham, Raymond Buckland, Edgar Cayce and Dorothy Morrison just to name a few. This is a great addition to any novice or advanced witch alike. I could see this as a great gift for the newly initiated as well.





My Trip HexFest - Behind the Magic

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
This year I was lucky enough to attend one of the most exciting magical festivals in the south, HexFest.  This is an overview of my first night in New Orleans and the workshops I attended.



Friday - Arrival and Graveyard Tour

I arrived in New Orleans Friday morning at around 9:00 am local time. I flew Spirit Airlines (how fitting) and had a relativity good flight. It is a very economical way to travel, I managed to get a round trip ticket for the price that the other carriers one way was.  The flight crew was pleasant and the plane well kept. This was my first flight in over 10 years due to an experience I had flying in a plane where I had to request a seat belt extension due to my size at the time.

My switch to a whole food plant based lifestyle has allowed me to not only conquer my flying phobias but also introduced me to an entirely new food experience. You can find more information on WFPB and my journey at Real Rations.

Spirit Airlines - On the way to Hexfest
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


I took the airport shuttle over to the hotel and met up with Sorita d'Este to begin our Nolo adventures. We ended up walking around the French Quarter, checking out shops and galleries.
Site Seeing before Hexfest
Renee Sosanna Olson & Sorita d'Este
Photo Credit  - Renee Sosanna Olson


We made our way to the Graveyard tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1,  where the tomb of Marie Laveau is.

Tomb of Marie Laveau
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Tomb of Marie Laveau
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Tomb of Marie Laveau
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Tomb of Marie Laveau
Renee Sosanna Olson & Sorita d'Este
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson



Sorita d'Este
St Louis Cemetery No. 1
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Renee Sosanna Olson
St Louis Cemetery No. 1
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson



Nicholas Cage Tomb
St Louis Cemetery No. 1

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sorita d'Este
St Louis Cemetery No. 1
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Sorita d'Este
St Louis Cemetery No. 1
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sorita d'Este
St Louis Cemetery No. 1
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

You can find additional info on the cemetery here.  The tour guide and the staff were fantastic. They even helped us locate the tomb of a friend to pay our respects to the dead.


Lunch

We struggled a bit finding good food for ourselves when we first arrived in Nola. Sorita is vegan and I am whole food plant based, which I set aside for the weekend and chose to simply look for vegan dishes instead.  We stopped by Green Goddess before the cemetery, which had great reviews on the Happy Cow app but while we were there, they were prepping about 20 grapefruits just a few feet from us and I couldn't smell a single one. It made me sad. I should have been able to smell that grapefruit oil across the room.  Instead we opted to head over to The Gumbo Shop on Saint Peter.

I have to say it was the spot I spent my entire weekend eating.  They had a white bean, a black bean and a vegan po'boy that was simply amazing. I know that there was oil, but I gave myself permission to eat freely for the weekend and decided to try all the new things I could.

They have a separate menu for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. You can see their full menu here, minus the vegan options.  It is just a sheet of paper laminated. I would love to see a little more attention paid to the menu and presentation. These dishes are fantastic and I think some may pass up this opportunity due to presentation. Maybe even just add them to the regular menu??

Vegan White Bean & Rice from The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson




Checking into the Hotel - Andrew Jackson

The main hotel was booked full so I stayed just around the corner at the Andrew Jackson. It was a beautiful hotel with a courtyard for chatting and having breakfast as well as relaxing (if you could) in the evening heat.  I loved my room. I had a king size bed, which I could have added five more people to, and a huge bathroom.  It was furnished with nice old furniture and even a few mirrors which I checked for ghosts!

The Andrew Jackson Hotel
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
The Andrew Jackson Hotel
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

The Andrew Jackson Hotel
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
The Andrew Jackson Hotel
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Ghost Hunting - The Andrew Jackson Hotel
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Ghost Hunting - The Andrew Jackson Hotel
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Friday Evening  - Riverboat



Riverboat Ritual - Hexfest 2019
Renee Sosanna Olson & Sorita d'Este
Photo Credit  - Renee Sosanna Olson

The riverboat evening was fantastic. Sorita and I road over in the shuttle and waited outside with hundreds of magical people to board the Creole Queen. It was so very hot. I chose to skip the complete black and wear something a bit lighter after my day in the sun.  The boat was beautiful and the food delicious. We sat in the upper deck and enjoyed a wonderful vegetable medley, fresh salad and a wonderful vegan white bean dish. Which reminds me, I need to ask Christian who catered, because it was amazing.  Our meat eating witches and warlocks had a beautiful spread which included traditional New Orleans staples as well as a beautiful looking bread pudding for dessert.

After dinner we mingled out on the deck under a beautiful Nola moon while Christian sang of the magic and mystery of Marie Laveau.  Brian officiate the opening ritual setting our intentions for a brilliant weekend of magic, mischief and pedagogy.

Make your Witch Face
Renee & Sorita
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Witch Faces
Renee & Sorita
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Such a Wonderful Time
Renee & Sorita
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Event Venue - Bourbon Orleans Hotel
The first day I found myself sitting outside the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans waiting for the vendors to unpack their magical wares. I ended up walking away with a beautiful piece.  You can find yourself something amazing by friending up Sandra Wright on Facebook.  This is the garnet and silver necklace that demanded I bring it home with me immediately.

Garnet in Sterling from Sandra Wright
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
So beautiful.  I highly recommend connecting with Sandra and finding something that to speaks to you as well.


The ballroom was upstairs and the workshop rooms were downstairs.  The first day was a flurry of activity. They were having the Red Dress Run on the same day and the crowd outside of some of the classrooms were a bit rowdy. My understanding is this is typical for New Orleans.



Red Dress Run Crowd outside HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson



And while we're at it, let's do some Ghost Hunting....

Ghost Hunting  - Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
More Ghost Hunting in the Andrew Jackson
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

The workshops I attended are below with a review and/or photos in no particular order.

The Cone of Power with Jason Mankey
This was a fantastic workshop. Jason was there bright eye'd and bushy tailed ready to lead the class. He may think otherwise but he did a great job presenting. It made me very interested in this topic considering our current political climate and I could see how we could really use some action like the witches used against Hitler.

Magic Happens
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson


Hekate: Unveiling the Queen of the Dead  with Mulysa Mayhem
You know I had to attend this class. I have admired Mulysa for many years online and appreciate her directness and her knowledge of not only our mutual goddess but also her work in tattooing. I find that tattooing is a great sacrifice and with the letting of blood and the marking of the skin it calls out to all around you exactly who are you are.  Both Sorita and I joined Mulysa's talk and found it thorough and full of insight.  The packed room, also showed that not only is Hecate becoming more popular in today's pagan circles but Mulysa's perspective on the subject is sought after as well.


Sorita d'Este, Mulysa Mayhem & Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Credit - Attendee


Magical Weapons with Sorita d'Este
The Magical Weapons workshop was fantastic. Seeing the historical illustrations related to wands, swords and knives was great. It has convinced me I need to decorate my home in daggers!

Weapons of Magic with Sorita d'Este
HexFest 2019
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Weapons of Magic with Sorita d'EsteHexFest 2019
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson


Drawing Down the Moon  - Jason Mankey
Another fantastic workshop at HexFest was this one. It made me, a person who does not particularly accept the idea that there are/were ever supreme beings, ask the question on my Facebook Page - Can I invoke a deity with just one person?  Even my sister was surprised by this post.  The descriptions of the energy felt in this process was truly magical. I have felt at times that I was lost in the ritual chant and music of the moment while participating in Rite of Her Sacred Fires.  I would love to be able to harness that moment and call it back again and again.

If you haven't had the opportunity to hear Jason's perspective you can find his books here.

Drawing Down the Moon with Jason Mankey
HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Money Drawing Magic with Sen Elias

This class was truly fascinating. He provided solid tips for taking control of your own financial well-being and provide a takeaway that one only needs to put out the energy and call upon that return to have success and financial independence. He provided a look into his personal life and how he worked his magic to become the success he is today.  You can find him across the web and of course at Crescent City Conjure in New Orleans.


Sen Elias - Money Magic at HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sen Elias - Money Magic at HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson



Sybil- Speaking for the Gods with Sorita d'Este
Always a deep passion of mine, oracles and fortune telling is to me something that is not quite magical but then not quite mundane either. This workshop provided a lot of insight on what I already felt my workings with Hecate would be from not only a magical level but also in my very public works with the Covenant of Hekate. I would like to add as well, when I played many of my role playing games, I often picked the name Sybil.  This was well before my instruction on the Oracles of Delphi and any introduction into magic at all.  This workshop was the exact moment when all I had been thinking about fell neatly into place and solidified my direction for the upcoming year.

 


Magical Sigil Dance by Laura Tempest Zakroff.
I have no photos of this class, because we stood and danced the entire time. I would have never taken this class but for Sorita's encouragement. It was the best decision of the weekend. We spent time learning about our feet and our happy armpits. It was a moment when I learned that even in this new body I have, I can be as magical as I want to be. I cannot really explain how amazing it was, but I did find a few links that maybe can help you see how much magic is in this force called Tempest.  If you have the opportunity to see her preform, I highly recommend taking the time.  It is something you won't want to miss.  I found this great intro on YouTube.


Laura's PodCast  - Link 
Laura's Shop - Link


Hekate Serpent Magic with Sorita d'Este
When I first discussing becoming a Torchbearer, a long black rat snake circled into my garage quickly as it arrived, passing through a threshold area before making its way out the door. This even cemented my decision to become more active in the Covenant of Hekate. I knew this workshop would bring some new information into a connection I had already made with the goddess. While not solely based on Hecate, Sorita provided a look at how the serpent had been included in mysticism and magic for centuries. We began the talk with a breathing exercise that really changed the entire tone of the room.  We toned and centered and then were able to participate in a wonderful discussion. I even picked up some tips for serpent healing magic as well.

Sorita d'Este - Serpent Magic HexFest 2019
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson



Appalachian Magic with Byron Ballard
This was what kicked the return of my accent into high gear. Byron Ballard, known as the Village Witch, gave a wonderful talk on working with the magic around you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and decided that I must see her speak again.

Byron Ballard - HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Panel Discussion — Stepping Away from the Circle: Sacred Sabbaticals for Sanity
Featuring Dorothy Morrison, Lady Rhea, Mulysa Mayhem, Sorita d'Este, and Thorn Mooney

Wonderful talk from some experienced voices in the witchcraft community. Each sharing their own personal experiences of the times that you just need to step away from the group and practice self care. The open discussion and range of experiences was fantastic to see. Overall an amazing experience to see that what we may feel is something that we are the only one dealing with, is something that many experience.

Panel Discussion - Leaving the Community HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson







FOOD



Take out for Sorita at The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
White Beans at The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson







White Beans and Rice at The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Giant Strawberry from Rouse's Market
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson























Rouse's Market
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
My Haul from Rouse's Market
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Vegan Po'Boy from The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Notes to the Venue:
I loved the way that coffee and water was available in the hotel lobby.  I thought that it could have been a bit more clear as to where the HexFest workshops were taking place. I also noticed a few people couldn't find the restrooms that easily.

While I loved how close the venue was to my hotel and to local shops, the Red Dress Run made two of the workshop presenters nearly deafened by the noise.  While we cannot control what goes on outside, perhaps an amplifier or maybe a microphone to just bring their voices over the noise outside would be beneficial to the attendees.

To attendees and the venue, I would suggest a door marker that tells when a class has reached capacity. I attended several where the room monitor had to get up several times to let new arrivals know the class was full.  A little sign on the door could nip that in the bud.  Attendees: If you're late for the class, please skip it. I found the constant interruptions in Sen Elias' class to be on the verge of a complete distraction.


Final Thoughts:
After spending a full week to digest my trip, I can say I had a fantastic time. If you're someone who is looking to spend some time with your favorite authors or maybe you want to immerse yourself in the magical city of New Orleans, HexFest is the way to do it.  I found myself sitting across the table from Jason Mankey enjoying a meal, with Sorita d'Este to my right sharing an Old Fashion. I was completely "fan girl" the entire weekend. I road home watching Dorothy Morrison chat with the bus driver and having a deep conversation with Byron Ballard about the condition of our river back home in NC. Most of all, I spent the weekend with my dear Sorita.  We laughed, we joked, we danced.  She called me a tiny little fae!   All of these interactions completely impossible without the magic that is HexFest.

You can find more information on HexFest and even register to attend HexFest 2020 here.



I'll close with a few more of my favorite photos from New Orleans.

HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
  
HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson






HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

HexFest 2019 
Photo Credit - Sorita d'Este