Explore the verdant world of necromantic plants—botanical allies bridging the worlds of the living and the dead. In this immersive workshop discover how to work with plants associated with death, spirits, and the afterlife. Uncover their hidden magic, ancient uses, and how they can be a meaningful part of not only your day to day necromantic practice—but your life.

The werewolf has long captured the imagination of humanity. The lycanthrope walks the line between human and animal, between magic and monstrosity. 

To Northern peoples, lycanthropy was a skill employed by wisefolk. Witches and seeresses were known to spirit-travel by gandr, either riding or in the guise of a wolf. Warrior wolf cults called the Ulfhednar were said to become possessed by the spirit of wolves when they went into battle. It is believed that much of this magic was performed with the assistance of not only the spirit of the wolf but also various allies, both medicinal and poisonous. 

Practicing lycanthrope Emily Lilly will introduce attendees to different plant spirits who can assist in the practice of lycanthropy and shape-changing in both the spiritual and physical world. They will share sigils, recipes, and rituals crafted with the assistance of these spirits, giving attendees information that can help them start or enhance their shapeshifting practice.

St. John of the Cross coined the term “dark night of the soul” to describe an intense, transformative period of life characterized by feelings of depression, anxiety, confusion, loss of purpose, and deep spiritual upheaval which may or may not have an identifiable “cause.”

The dark night of the soul casts us deep into the emotional underworld and asks us to allow ourselves to be transformed through identifying and loving our shadow, so that we may emerge stronger, more empowered, and more healed. Herbs can help us navigate the dark night of the soul by encouraging us to dive into those depths and love ourselves beyond what we think we deserve.

This workshop will introduce attendees to several herbs whose physical and energetic qualities can help us find deep peace and understanding during the dark night of the soul, and emerge from it with potent teachings for the next phase of our lives. At least one recipe/formula will be offered as well. One need not be in the depths of the dark night of the soul to attend.

Tarot gardens are nothing new. The most famous one was started in Tuscany over 40 years ago. In this workshop we will explore the wild and wonderful plants that correspond to your tarot cards. Additionally, we will find out how to put them together in your gardens unlock their secrets and help supercharge your tarot practice in every way.

His sacred sap in form of crimsom blood is a substance full of misteries. Explore the myths, occult botany, medicine, magick and personal green gnosis of Urucuruna (Croton Lechleri), a famous and respected tree among the people of the Amazonian forest and the south american countries connected with the Great Lung of Earth. 

Drawing from their work within western esoteric magical contexts and wisdom traditions of Europe and the Americas, Charly McCreary and Isaiah Dearborne will share techniques for deepening your magical relationship with plants. They will share multiple approaches to working with plants as spiritual Allies applicable for practitioners of all experience levels. Specific practices including elixir crafting and dedicating oneself to a particular species of plant for a period of time (hieros gamos) will be covered. Whether you seek healing, illumination, or fellowship with the Spirits of the Green, this presentation will support you in your quest. A dash of storytelling from Charly and Isaiah’s personal grimoires of plant medicine and magic will accompany the practical spiritual insights offered in this presentation.

This class is easily accessible to beginners as well as seasoned practitioners. You will leave this class having a better understanding of how to read your natal birth chart as well as find potential areas where you can supplement herbs safely into your daily life.

The mesmerizing deep blue tones of indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) have left an indelible mark on history, economics, the arts, & even folk magic. Though we may not realize it, Americans are surrounded by indigo’s blue—it is still the primary dye used for blue jeans. It was also used to create the blue on the original American flag. Knowledge of indigo cultivation was brought to the southern United States by Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. By the 18th century, indigo’s status as a cash crop outranked that of both sugar and tobacco.

This presentation will trace the history of indigo in both its beauty and its true horror. After all, those who do not recall their history are doomed to repeat it. Moving into the present day, we will examine several traditional spells to identify the ways indigo is worked with magically within southern conjure and present ideas for home cultivation as well as magico-artistic dyeing techniques.

Sacred to Aphrodite and steeped in magical history, this beautiful fruit is also central to many dark tales. From the wicked queen’s poison apple to the science of the actual poison the apple contains, join author Varla Ventura as we examine the role of this transformative, sometimes baneful, fruit. 

The genus of cacti known as Trichocereus, which are also known by such names as Achuma, Gigaton, and San Pedro, are a group of very wise and instructive plant teachers that originate in the Andean highlands and are now grown all across the world. They are a potent visionary medicine that have been worked with as a teacher plant and medicinal herb for millennia, with a rich and vibrant history of ceremonial use dating back at least to the Chavin culture some 3,000 years ago. The practices of the cult surrounding this cactus are still alive and thriving, having become syncretized during colonization and ongoing interactions with the wider world, and these practices would be familiar to anyone who is well versed in Western occultism. This class will cover some history of this genus in terms of their use in magical workings and healing traditionally, as well as looking at some modern ways of working with the cactus in a variety of lineages, including the author’s approximately twenty years worth of practice tending to this plant in the garden, researching them in a phytochemical sense, and working with them as a ceremonial teacher.

With consumerist tendency for plant medicines and fungi on the Rise oddly enough we see the origins of ancient civilizations and ancient ceremonial practices to be deeply intertwined. The cannabis industry is booming and yet we have lost the connection & intention. That’s why it suddenly becomes a matter of experiencing the Peak of a High, or consuming copious amounts to “feel” something. But what if “intentionality” truly alters the overall “high” of a ceremony or ritual? With the use of breath, mindfulness & cannabis we can also enter altered states. 

The hedge witch seeks not to gain power over others but to master their own personal power. Walking the liminal spaces of the wild and the tamed, roots entwined with the land spirits and ever expanding  to the cosmos; They conjure power by connecting with and working harmoniously with the verdant world within and without the hedge. As above, So below.

In this seminar, we will focus on methods of raising and protecting personal power with the help of plant spirit allies. We will explore apotropaic techniques, banishing and hexing and Amber will share effective formulary and spellwork inspired by traditional folk practices. We will discuss techniques to strengthen intuition and forge connections to plant spirits in daily life with an emphasis on working with baneful plants. Imbuing the mundane with magickal intent and digging into our power, we align with the subtle energies all around us and ultimately master our own.

Christian, the owner of MN Nice Botanicals, the largest Amanita muscaria importer and retailer in the country, will be presenting on Amanita muscaria's rich history and pharmacology, and the implications and potential of this most iconic mushroom. Blending science, mysticism, anecdotes and personal experience, Christian will outline what he's discovered about the Alice in Wonderland Mushroom's healing potential, and bring forth evidence that suggests that Amanita muscaria is, as he puts it, the best 'Integration Medicine' in the world.

Living ritual is born at the intersection of need and desire, sorcerous acts that enhance the chance of survival. Hunting magics have been developed and practiced by every culture that depended on the beasts of the land for survival. It is from the art of pursuance that certain act rituals and ceremonies were developed to not only honor the verdant spirits of the land, but the animal spirits as well. This presentation will focus on the herbal involvement of ritual acts used within the scope of hunting magics. For many early cultures, a successful hunt was the line between life and death, as such, many auspices were followed. The multitude of concepts included within the expansive territory of this magical praxis are veneration of animal spirits, altered consciousness, taboos, shapeshifting and a host of other fascinating methods.

Join us for an immersive talk exploring the rich history and powerful properties of Mandragora officinarum. With over 20 years of experience growing and working with this fascinating plant, we’ll delve into its place in both ancient and modern practice. As part of the Solanaceae family, mandrake was revered by the ancients around the globe, and is still pretty loved today!  Imbued with magical powers and gathered through elaborate rituals to avoid its deadly curse. In this session, we’ll trace Mandrake’s journey from feared magical talisman to a highly valued anesthetic in medieval medicine, where it was used in soporific surgical sponges before the arrival of modern anesthetics.  We will draw on both ancient folklore and modern experiences to uncover mandrake’s magical ability to bring dragon-sized luck and abundance.

In this presentation, we will explore the many ways that people are able to work with mushrooms and incorporate them into their daily lives. I will briefly talk about my personal journey into mycology and the catalysts that led me to a magical relationship with the distinct fungi kingdom. While explaining the unique physiology and habitats of mushrooms, we'll broadly cover a host of species native to different parts of the world and discuss their therapeutic and spiritual significance in their corresponding regions. We will also discuss in more depth a handful species native to the Americas and Europe that are easily grown at home which are psychologically, medicinally and therapeutically important. Using visual representations, I will walk through the process of growing these mushrooms in a well-controlled and safe manner. While demonstrating proper techniques for successful growth, we will explore real-world applications and usage of medicinal mushroom varieties, focusing on both folkloric use as well as modern scientific research. We'll discuss the entheogenic and more general psychoactive characteristics of certain varieties as they relate to recreational and therapeutic use and discuss the expanding destigmatization of these aptly termed "magic" creatures. To wrap up the presentation, I will share some of my most exciting experiences and latest cultivating successes followed by time for questions and discussion.

This presentation will survey the magical practitioners of early modern England who worked "unbewitching" countermagic for themselves and their clients and communities - warding off the evil eye, removing curses, and even reversing back the harm done by malefic sorcerous assailants, witches, and the imps and demons they sent forth. We will explore not only the range of herbs, leaves, trees, roots, fruits, and seeds to treat bewitchment and demonic possession, but the specific manners of their practical countermagical preparation, application, and deployment: from carrying-talismans to threshold bouquets, from ‘dyet-drinks’ to herbal washes, from pillow-packets to spoiling-rods, and from simple charm-bags to sophisticated astro-botanical sigils.

In this class we will discuss the practical applications of three Artemisia plants: Wormwood, Mugwort and Southernwood in various workings for exorcism, love and divination. These three plants are found in much of the old world as well as being invasives in the Americas. We will delve into their folklore and discuss practical applications for them in spell-work and ritual. 

In this class, we will learn about the sorceress and princess of Colchis, Medea (asteroid Medea 212). While diving into Medea's story with a wide scope and an eye for nuance, we can interpret her archetype as it manifests in our natal charts. We will also be exploring current planetary transits of Medea and linked characters of the myth to understand the story in context for collective energy reading. With the theme of this class, I will be combining my love and knowledge of magick-infused herbalism with astrology! Participants will also gain some herbal and ceremonial tips from the infamous "plant wise daughter", Medea. From the various medicinal plants in Medea’s garden, to her ritual for perfectly harvesting what is believed to be mandrake and insights into Medea’s life as a Hekate devotee, priestess and sometimes daughter. The intention of this class is recognizing that in deconstructing the myths of ancient times, we can reapply their messages and wisdom to a modernized interpretation.

Journey into the enchanted realms of Welsh folklore as we explore the mystical tapestry woven by the Meddygon Myddfai, the esteemed Physicians of Myddfai. Descendants of the legendary Lady of the Lake of Llyn y Fan Fach, this 500-year lineage of renowned Welsh court physicians and their world-famous herbal formulary beckons us into a world where magic, healing, and heritage intertwine. We will examine details of the healing remedies of the Physicians of Myddfai, discuss their impact and importance in the greater medieval world, and spend time exploring the underlying significance of their supernatural origins

Gaze through the lens of Alchemy and explore the intricate process of crafting fluid condensers – herbal creations that amplify and conduct powerful currents of energy. We'll dive into the world of spagyrics, uncovering how they merge the spiritual and medicinal properties of plants into potent, transformative elixirs. While many of the concepts in this workshop are rooted in ancient herbal wisdom, they will be presented in a way that is accessible and relevant to the modern practitioner. Perfect for anyone seeking to unlock the deep, Alchemical forces within plants – nature’s most powerful tools.

Each of us has, within the ancient lines of blood, place, and practice, a host of humans-past who knew the mysteries of the green realm. In this class, we'll explore potent ways to acknowledge, engage, and work with our herbwise ancestors to bring their blessings, guidance, and collected wisdom into the here and now.

Class will cover perspectives of working ancestral practices, a gallery of collective and responsive cunning ancestral spirits, and practical rituals, meditations, and practices to help open the ways through the hedge.

During Classical and Medieval times, vast trading networks connected Asia, Africa and Europe supplying the markets of the old world with all manner of flora for culinary, medicinal and magical uses.  Often, specimens from distant lands accrued fantastical origin stories that formed the basis for later folklore and magical correspondences.  The Medieval European worldview was a continuation of the classical, and the world was understood to contain all manner of miraculous and magical plants from the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, to the Lamb of Tartary originating somewhere on the Russian steppes, to the common mandragora whose scream could kill.  In this presentation, we will explore the lore of plants one might expect to find in a medieval market or apothecary, and those legendary plants believed to exist both within the known world and just outside.

he toadstone blurs the lines between myth and reality. Once believed to be found inside the heads of living toads, these unassuming gems are usually fossil fish teeth. Medieval lapidaries and bestiaries ascribe powerful influences to these stones. They were protective and curative, believed to counteract all poisons, and as a result were coveted by kings and queens. The toadstone is also intimately linked to themes of magic, transgression, and power. Join award-winning author, witch, and gemstone expert Nicholas Pearson for a survey of toadstone in history, literature, and ritual. Together we will examine its close relationship to poisonous plants, the toad-bone rite, and the initiatory power of the devil. Learn about the common stones and unusual fossils that have served as toadstones through the ages, and discover ways to incorporate its symbolism into your magical, spiritual, and herbal practice.

Oya, also known as Iansa, is an Orisha who could very well be considered an anti-patriarchal  icon. Oya and Her herbs, as well as the natural elements She governs are specialists in dealing with the unwanted dead, restoring the health of people who have suffered domestic or sexual violence and supporting those who have a hard time becoming independent and stepping into their own power. Through this presentation, insights, preparations and spell work related on how to successfully conjure up some of Iansa's most accessible herbal allies in the botanical world will be offered. Easy to find plants such as  Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia seguine), Red Pepper (Capsicum baccatum) and Red Rose Thorns will be invited to show their more radical, unapologetic, ghost hunter, sensual and fiery aspects. We will also hold space for a little thunderstorm water empowerment because well...that's a very Oya thing to do!

Note: As with my last presentation, it's not necessary to have a relationship with the Orisha associated with these plants to enjoy the power of the mentioned herbal allies. The majority of the information is based on my family's relationship with these plants and I plan on offering substitutions for all spells/preparations so the people attending can make it their own, for example, there's a basil and pepper mojito I love making whenever I'm in need of boss lady energy and I would love to share this recipe with the participants so, I'll also offer an alcohol free version. Historical and scientific information will also be provided to support the spiritual autonomy of the participants.

Since ancient times, the Sacred Lotus has been revered throughout Asia, representing purity, spiritual elevation and wisdom. In Africa, the Egyptian Blue Waterlily is equally beloved as an intoxicating and enlightening flower, and the Mayan and European waterlilies play important roles in their mythos, as well. In this beautifully illustrated talk, we will explore the ways that these plants’ lives in Nature show us their spiritual gifts, and learn about how ancient cultures used them in remarkably similar ways. Through practical exercises and meditations, we will connect with the dreamy intelligence and time-bending quality of the Blue and Mayan Waterlilies, and the transcendent peace embodied in the Lotus.

The Intersection of Lunar, Martial, and Venereal Herbs in the Extasis of Desire and Creation

The process of creation, of bringing shape and being to our desire, is not a simple thing. It requires effort, exertion, and pain; there is challenge and a pushing forth from the world of the Erotic toward the world of desire-made-flesh; it is a labor. The payoff is almost always worth the long agony toward the fruition of one's ideal, though, culminating in the blood-soaked ecstasy of attainment. Through magic we can simulate this journey, drawing and pushing the dream-ideal through the Erotic Demimonde and into the world of the enfleshed by virtue of what I call the Lunar Gateway. There is a circuit of potency between the Martial, Venereal, and Lunar powers that we as witches and practitioners of magic can take advantage of through the activation of the herbs and powers that resonate most strongly with those spheres. By so doing, we can hew the shape of our desires from the raw material of the Erotic, impregnate the matrix of desire-in-potential with our Will, and birth forth the embodied desire through the womb of the Lunar Virgin. In this lecture we will discuss how the three aforementioned powers work together to aide the sorcerer in shaping the abstract Erotic impulse before it is drawn into the world of life and being, thus culminating in the blooming of the Crooked Rose.