Here are some workshops which I have given at other venues. While these generally run 90 minutes, there is some room for flexibility in either direction. If you would like me to facilitate one of these workshops for your group - or if you have an idea for a different presentation - I'd love to hear from you. Freda and Danto: The Warring Sisters The conflicts between Erzulie Freda, the lwa of love, beauty and luxury, and her sister, the fierce warrior mother Ezili Danto, are legendary. Working with both of them may be a challenge, but one which will help us to maintain our balance. Understanding their differences--and similarities--can help us to understand Haitian history and contemporary culture, and help us to reconcile these disparate images of the Feminine. Ghede: Vodou's Clowns of Death They're crude, they're rude, they're politically incorrect... but these foul-mouthed jokers from beyond the grave are among Vodou's most popular spirits. This workshop discusses the Ghede and how they function in Vodou; it touches upon their role in Haitian culture and the Vodouisant's conception of the afterlife. Like Ghede's salty humor, this workshop is for adults only. [18+]. Initiation in Vodou and Other Traditions Initiations can be life-changing events, or they can be empty ceremonies. A discussion of how initiation functions and does not function in Haitian Vodou and other traditions. Touches upon hot topics like the strengths and weaknesses of mystery traditions, the role of ordeals in initiation, and paying for initiatory ceremonies. Is Vodou Only For Christians? (with Kathy Latzoni) One Haitian proverb says "All the best houngans and mambos are Catholic." But do you have to use Christian imagery to serve the lwa? We'll look at the relationship between Christianity and African traditional beliefs from the colonial period though today, and consider ways that Pagans who serve the lwa can honor both the Vodou tradition and their own spiritual principles. Diverse opinions and experiences will be heard; respect for each other is absolutely necessary Are you a Man from Mars, a Woman from Venus, or an androgyne from Parts Unknown? Are you a femme who wants to understand hir butch, or a straight boy looking to explore your girly side? Have you ever thought about how the words "You are a woman" or "You are a man" limit and define you? Then this workshop is for you. We're going to engage in honest, adult dialogue between the sexes - all the sexes. Audience participation will be required: this is not a lecture but rather a dialogue and discussion.(18+) Lougawou, Djabs and Zombies... Oh My! The monsters of Haitian mythology are alternately avoided and sought out for their power. Learn about the dark secrets of Haiti's secret sects and the shadowy nexus between African traditions and French grimoires. Meet the Djabs and the Malfacteurs (and others) who work with them. Encounter Zombies that would scare George Romero, and thrill at the Lougawou, the skin-shedding vampire of the French Caribbean. This workshop is not for the faint of heart: it looks into the abyss which has spawned Haiti's devils -- and our own. He's not cute and cuddly; in fact, he's capable of red-hot fury and bone-chilling cruelty. And yet Ogou, the rum-swilling, cigar-chomping, machete-swinging spirit of iron and warfare, is also a fierce and loyal protector. This workshop introduces you to one of Africa's most important spirits, and traces his development from the Iron Age to modern times. A brief look at possession in Vodou, compared and contrasted with possession and similar experiences in other traditions. Possible topics of discussion would include the differences and similarities between possession and "aspecting" or "shadowing" and a comparison and contrast between positive possession experiences (possession by a Lwa, Samadhi, etc.) and negative (oppression, "demonic possession" etc.). In Haiti Vodou is known to attract a disproportionate number of gay, lesbian and transgendered worshippers. Cross-gender possessions are commonplace; Mambos (priestesses) can achieve as much spiritual and temporal power as male Houngans. This workshop discusses gender, sex and the ways they play out in Haitian folk religion and Haitian culture. So You Wanna Write for the Pagan Market? Everybody has a story - and if you're involved in an Earth-based spiritual path, somebody might want to buy yours! Kenaz Filan, managing editor of newWitch magazine and author of The Haitian Vodou Handbook, will talk about getting your fiction, poetry and nonfiction published in the Pagan marketplace. The secrets you learn in this workshop will bring joy to overworked editors everywhere - and may even bring you to the top of the slush pile! Ti-Miste: The Little Mysteries (with Kathy Latzoni) The "Ti-Miste" is a Vodou classification which incorporates "house spirits," "work lwa," "djabs," and other lesser-known spirits. While not so well known as some of the major Lwa, the Ti-Miste can be powerful assistants and guards. This workshop will discuss how you can work with the Little Mysteries, and compare them to other "house spirits" like the European Fae. According to some authorities, no real Witch would ever cast a love spell. Vodouisants beg to differ. This workshop talks about Vodou love magic in theory and practice. We explore the ethics and potential dangers of love magic, but we also provide love spells which can help you to meet That Special Someone(s). We are living in the material world, and Vodou is a material religion. Vodouisants generally don't go to their gods for peace, tranquility or other intangibles: they ask the lwa for help with bills, job promotions and other real-time, real-world advantages. This workshop discusses our views on money and wealth, and gives some ways in which you can call on the lwa for aid. |