Workshop Course in Paganism and Goddess Spirituality

Learn the gentle arts of natural magic, ancient beliefs in nature and the wheel of the seasons, from an experienced Pagan priestess, who is a published author in the field and has run magical groups for over fifteen years.

Ideal for those with an interest in Paganism, but little experience, who are keen to work and learn in a group situation.

Wicca is an ideal starting place for anyone drawn to Goddess Spirituality.

Sample Course Syllabus

The aim of this course is to provide a solid grounding in various techniques, with the idea that students who meet on the course may wish to carry on working together afterwards, with mentorship provided by the Iseum tutors. A thriving working group should enable each member to fully realise their potential in whatever aspects of the Craft interest them most, with the full support of other members.

Please note: in this example syllabus, the festivals fall during certain weeks. Owing to when the courses are run, this might not be the same every time, but we will endeavour to include two festivals in each course.

Week One

Induction

Brief meditation on 'what Wicca and goddess spirituality mean to you', followed by discussion. The history of paganism and goddess spirituality, followed by discussion. The importance of symbolism in Wicca, followed by a short visualised meeting with the Goddess. Introduction to the God of the Witches The purpose of the Book of Shadows, the magical diary. Brief introduction to magical correspondences, accompanied by handout, in preparation for week two.

Week Two

Practice in breathing exercises. Basic techniques in meditation and visualisation, including the 'Tree of Life' meditation The Cone of Power, creating sacred space in which to work. Introduction to the elements and their correspondences, followed by elemental visualisations and discussion of which element each student feels closest to.

Week Three: Imbolc Festival

Introduction to altar building. The meaning and importance of the eight festivals of the year. Ritual to celebrate Imbolc, one of the ancient Fire Festivals. (Please bring contribution to ritual feast.)

Week Four

Explanation of the function of magical practice and how magic works. Discussion about the role and importance of intention in magic. Casting the circle. Invocation of the quarters, traditional and modern pagan. Introduction to magical tools, followed by circle casting and consecration of tools in the circle. (Anyone wishing to consecrate tools - athame, wand, pentacle, chalice, cauldron or personal jewellery - please bring them to this session.)

Week Five

Healing and protection. The different forms of healing within Wicca, including herbalism, healing spells, healing the landscape. Explanation and discussion of other alternative healing techniques, including hands-on practices. The ethics of magic in terms of protection and gain rituals. Prior to closing meeting, group will discuss the purpose of next week's spell working.

Week Six

Magical workings: Spells and chants, with examples. How to decide on time and format for rituals and spells, including astrological and day influences. Explanation and discussion of sympathetic magic. The group casts a circle, then performs a spell within it, which will have been previously decided upon by all present.

Week Seven

Short explanation and discussion of ritual design. Divination: the importance and use of Tarot, pendulum, runes and scrying. An introduction to psychic questing. Group casts circle and performs questing meditation within it: the Castle of Ariahnrod. Discussion of forthcoming Beltane ritual and roles assigned. The script for the ritual will be given to students, in order for them to have time to read through it, and learn their part by heart, if they so wish. (Please bring any scrying tools you may have with you, such as runes, Tarot cards, scrying mirror, etc.)

Week Eight: Spring Equinox, or Ostara, Ritual

This session of the course is devoted to a full scale Ostara ritual. Please bring contributions to the ritual feast.

Week Nine

Introduction to moon rituals. Group casts circle and performs a moon ritual within it. Within the circle, explanation of self-dedication to learning, the self development aspect of Wicca. Discussion of the concept of initiation. The session, and the course, concludes with a full scale ritual of Drawing Down the Moon'. Graduation day!
(Please note, this session may run over time.)

At the end of the course, you'll receive a certificate, stating that you have attended the course and have covered the areas in the syllabus.

Each week you will need to bring, pen, notebook, athame (if you have one).

We will provide tea, coffee or mineral water for break times. If you would like to bring your own refreshments, you are welcome to do so.

All students must be 16 years or older
No upper age limit

Certificate given upon completion of course.

Course Fee: £150 (£10 deposit secures a place)
This includes printed certificate and a generous supply of handouts, which amount to a reasonable sized book!

We are happy to make arrangements for students who wish to pay in instalments.

FIf you are interested in booking this course and would like to set a date at your convenience for between 2 - 8 people, please mail us at info (at) ladyoftheflame.co.uk, or call (in UK) mobile number 07855 253703. Discounts can be arranged for groups over 5 people.