Making the World Safe for People Like Us… – At the end of Robert A. Heinlein’s 1961 sci-fi novel, Stranger in a Strange Land, the messianic protagonist Valentine Michael Smith is dramatically martyred. All those who had joined his “Church of All Worlds” are left to carry on as best they can. College freshman Lance Christie and Tim Zell shared water on April 7, 1962. Pledging our lives to the actualization of the precepts and principles found in SISL, we created a water-brotherhood which became the real-life Church of All Worlds. Our initial mission statement was simply “To make the world safe for people like us.” But what did we mean by that, exactly? And what would it take to achieve it?
For SISL only provided an origin myth. The real saga begins after the origin, as all who the story has touched are left to carry on from there. We have been doing this now for 63 years. We are the living sequel to the novel. Presenter: Oberon Zell
Embodying The Sacred – Wiccans talk of “Drawing Down the Moon” and “Drawing Down the Sun” in their rituals, but how is that connection made? And how can you learn to access that connection in everyday life? Now, more than ever, we need the help of the Gods. But every living being is given free will, and this makes it difficult for the Gods to affect our world unless we let them work through us, and let our heads, hands, and/or hearts do their work (always with the option of saying “no”). The world of Magick opens up as you learn how to let the Gods through, and how to see them in others in the everyday world. Presenter: Rhiannon Zell
What does the Pagan World Congress mean to You? – The question “What Does the Pagan World Congress mean to you?” invites deep reflection on the role such a gathering plays in personal and collective identity. For many, it represents more than just a conference—it is a sacred convergence of traditions, voices, and paths that often exist at the margins of mainstream culture. The Pagan World Congress can be seen as a space of belonging, where diverse spiritual practices are not only acknowledged but celebrated. It offers the opportunity to share wisdom, strengthen community bonds, and affirm the value of living in harmony with nature and ancestral teachings. To some, it is a chance to reclaim heritage; to others, it is a bridge between ancient practices and contemporary spiritual life. Ultimately, its meaning lies in the sense of unity it fosters among individuals who, though walking different paths, come together to honor the sacred in all its forms.. Presenter: Rev. Don Lewis, the First Priest Emeritus of the Correllian Tradition
Incorporating Children into Ritual Practice – One question I have been asked was “How can I help raise my pagan child?” This presentation explores ways to incorporate a child into rituals and help them find their path as a pagan. This workshop specifically addresses the topic of appropriate types of rituals for children interested in paganism. (finding things, celebrations, dramatic rites, etc.) Examples will be included of things I have done with my own children and hope to do with my grandchildren. This is absolutely a child friendly workshop. Presenter: Eira Eriksdottir
Mediumship 101 – Are you always open to random energies and spirit? This can be harmful to your health! Learn how to open to spirit, if you’re not already. Devi will then lead a guided meditation where you will meet one of your beloved dead. Most importantly, you will be taught how to close and finally get a good night’s sleep. Presenter: Devi Wolf
Mojo Bags & Magical Bundles Across Traditions – Almost every magical tradition has its version of the charm bag—small, powerful bundles you can carry, hide, or keep on your altar. In this hands-on workshop, Papa Gee will guide you through the history and uses of these magical companions, from hoodoo mojo bags and nation sacks to witch’s spell pouches, Native medicine bags, and Japanese omamori. We’ll talk about what goes inside, why certain ingredients are chosen, and how different traditions “wake up” and care for their bundles. Then, you’ll make your own magical bag to take home—choosing your purpose, selecting your materials, and learning how to activate and keep it working. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or you’ve made plenty yourself, you’ll leave with a finished charm bag, practical know-how, and a deeper appreciation for these pocket-sized allies in magic and protection. Presenter: Papa Gee
Empath Survival Guide – As an empath, navigating the sea of others’ emotions, as well as our own, can be challenging. This beginner’s class covers tips and techniques to help you navigate those rough waters more effectively. The goal is for you to recognize your ability as the true gift that it is. Presenter: Alicia Middlebrook
Energy Work for Witches: Chakra, Aura & Hand Techniques for Self & Others – A beginner-friendly class designed for magical practitioners who want to understand better and work with personal energy. In this session, you’ll learn how the aura and chakras function as part of your magical and healing practice, how to ground and clear your own energy, and how to sense energetic shifts in yourself and others using your hands. We’ll focus on simple, direct methods you can use immediately in ritual, spellwork, or personal well-being. The class includes grounding and clearing exercises, hands-on aura sensing practice, and basic techniques for sending, sweeping, and balancing energy. We’ll also cover essential ethics, boundaries, and protection practices to ensure safe and responsible work. Whether you’re a witch, healer, or curious seeker, you’ll leave with a set of clear, repeatable skills for working with energy in a way that is focused, ethical, and effective. Presenter: Reverend Roy
An Essynian Analysis of the Circle, the Elements, and the Quarters – Much of our understanding of the Magic Circle and its elemental structure comes from ceremonial magic developed in the 19th century by such magicians as Eliphas Levi and later Aleister Crowley. These concepts were derived mainly from older Qabalistic studies. Still, they were translated to Wicca in the early 20th century by the very influential Gerald Gardner, who intermingled their formal ceremonialism with the simple folk magick of the New Forest covens. While Gardner deserves much respect for the reawakening of witchcraft after the witchcraft ban in Great Britain was dismissed in 1951, his praise has been dimmed by many over the ensuing years by writers who complain on the one hand about the influence of ceremonial and Qabalistic magic and on the other hand about the primitive and simplistic folk magick. We are clearly entering into a period of both, instability and conflicts and of transition from the magic of the late 20th century to a new religion of greater spiritual moment and personal gnosis. It is a good time now to re-analyze our understanding of the four-quartered circle of magic and its relation to the metaphysical elements that make our world and our universe. It’s a good time to make sense of magick, to present a comprehensive and cogent explanation of the spirit world and our spirit operations and praxis. We must not be content that our spiritual mysteries disguise a current idleness of mind rather than the ancient wisdom of our craft. Presenter: Brahn the Blessed