Workshops for 2024
(In no particular order)
Aspects of Multi-Cultural Ancestry — Johnathan Raymond
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Combining indigenous ancestral heritage with a non-indigenous family dynamic and upbringing can involve a unique exploration of cultural identities and historical narratives, sometimes in conflict with each other. But by embracing both lineages, one can enrich their understanding of both traditions, and spiritual beliefs that are passed down from previous generations.
We will explore how the adaptation of these differing ancestral ties can foster a profound sense of belonging and connection with society and to the land all around us, promoting cultural preservation, mutual respect, and potentially a deeper understanding of our own thoughts and actions while sharing these intertwined histories and perspectives. John has been a member of OBOD and of the Keepers of Dragon Knowledge Grove in Michigan since 2015. He is an apprentice to life’s great mysteries and seeks a deeper understanding between frequency, vibration, and how it is applied to our reality. Natural healing methods are a key interest, and he is self-taught in reflexology, and vibrational and sound therapy. In his “downtime”, he works toward a more self-sufficient home and a renewable energy future. |
Becoming a Living Ancestor — Rebecca "Becky" Horton
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We will all, one day, pass on. What will we leave behind for those that take our places? In this workshop, we will speak on what it means to be an ancestor, why we look to our ancestors, and how to apply these ideas in our own lives. We will explore the idea of developing a Conscious Legacy and the ways we can do so. We will end the workshop with a meditation and visualization aimed at supporting those that will take our places in generations to come.
Rebecca joined OBOD in 2020. She works as a Music Educator and is a recent graduate of the University of West Florida in Biology, aiming to contribute to Wildlife Conservation efforts and Climate Change mitigation. She has a passion for knowledge-seeking and creative endeavors, taking up many hobbies and interests. Her favorite things about her home in sunny Florida are: the wetlands, heat lighting, the sugar-like quartz sand on the beaches and riverbanks, intense but quick summer squalls, and all the "plants 'n' critters" big and small. |
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Keepers of the Songs—Beth Mowry & Barbara Thorngren
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You have journeyed to the lower world to meet with the Ancestors. A circle of ancients are joyfully making music together, some drumming and some singing in a multitude of languages, yet the words blend into warm, soul-filling harmonies. One elder stands and walks toward you. She holds in her hand a shell filled with blue paint. She says to you “You are welcomed as a Keeper of the Songs”. She anoints your head, lips and heart with the woad. You ask, “But what does this mean? What do I need to do?”
In this workshop, we will learn what it means to be a “Keeper of the Song”. Part of this involves recognizing that we are all musicians, we are all welcome to join in the songs. So, we will SING! And DRUM! The second part of knowing what it means to be a Keeper of the Song is looking beyond what we know of as musical “songs” to what we can think of as the metaphysical song - the song of the universe, the web of interconnected energy fields that make up our everyday existences. This ending discussion will enable and empower participants to proudly proclaim that they are, too, a Keeper of the Songs |
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Beth (above left) began studying OBOD in 2018. This led to the creation of The Awen Center for Wellness, Sustainability, Creativity and Nature-Based Spirituality and the Awen in the Catskills Seed Group. Beth has been working in education since she was a teenager mentoring younger girls at Girl Scout camp. After graduating from Penn State, she began a 10-year tenure with the Girl Scouts of the USA. After moving to NYC, she did graduate work to become a classroom teacher, working in Childhood Education, Earth Science, the NYC Outward Bound Schools, Climate Education, and many other druidly subjects. Recently, she became certified as a Forest Therapy Guide.
Barbara (above right) Rev. Barbara Thorngren, M.Ed., is a member of OBOD and the Mystic River Grove, MA. She is an educator, Interspiritual Minister, Reiki Master, and a workshop facilitator trained in Collaborative Education, The Circle Way and the Expressive Arts. Barb is the founder of PeaceWorks New Hampshire, LLC and Avalon Healing Arts Barn Studio and Sanctuary, located on a small homestead in the heart of the Monadnock Region of southern NH, the unceded ancestral homelands of the Abenaki Peoples. Barb offers spiritual guidance to those who are seeking support with the assistance of the gardens, woodlands and her chickens, ducks, goats and farm dog, Skylar. She loves singing with her chickens in the morning!
Barbara (above right) Rev. Barbara Thorngren, M.Ed., is a member of OBOD and the Mystic River Grove, MA. She is an educator, Interspiritual Minister, Reiki Master, and a workshop facilitator trained in Collaborative Education, The Circle Way and the Expressive Arts. Barb is the founder of PeaceWorks New Hampshire, LLC and Avalon Healing Arts Barn Studio and Sanctuary, located on a small homestead in the heart of the Monadnock Region of southern NH, the unceded ancestral homelands of the Abenaki Peoples. Barb offers spiritual guidance to those who are seeking support with the assistance of the gardens, woodlands and her chickens, ducks, goats and farm dog, Skylar. She loves singing with her chickens in the morning!
Who are the Ancestors and Why Do We Want to Talk to a Bunch of Dead People Anyway?
— Ana Kean & Lorraine (Mother of Dragons) Soria
In this workshop you will become familiar with the many meanings of ancestor, and what the ancestors can mean to you. We’ll discuss what is known about ancient Druid ideas on ancestors, the four types of ancestors (blood, land, heart, and tradition), signs the ancestors are trying to connect with you, why you would want to connect with them, and ideas for reaching out to them. This workshop will conclude with a guided meditation to meet one of the four ancestors.
Anastasia Kean-Ana’s ancestors hailed from all over Europe, but especially Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany, and France. She has been interested in history, ancestors, and magic since childhood, going on to major in history and anthropology. She trained and worked as a professional archaeologist, and museum curatorial assistant. She also has a Masters in secondary education with an emphasis on US history and teaches 8th grade social studies. She holds the rank of Bard in the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. She can be found either with her nose in a book or out in nature. (Ana is also the PA to "Mother of Dragons")
Lorraine Soria-Lorraine’s blood ancestors hail from the Eastern US via Eastern Canada via France and all over Europe. Her interests are many, including shamanism and Indigenous cultures. She is a Druid Companion in the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has no degrees. She has written no books. But she is the founder of the longest-running US OBOD gathering now lovingly referred to as DOOR. You will often find her with her nose in a good book or arguing with dragons about pretty much anything.
— Ana Kean & Lorraine (Mother of Dragons) Soria
In this workshop you will become familiar with the many meanings of ancestor, and what the ancestors can mean to you. We’ll discuss what is known about ancient Druid ideas on ancestors, the four types of ancestors (blood, land, heart, and tradition), signs the ancestors are trying to connect with you, why you would want to connect with them, and ideas for reaching out to them. This workshop will conclude with a guided meditation to meet one of the four ancestors.
Anastasia Kean-Ana’s ancestors hailed from all over Europe, but especially Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany, and France. She has been interested in history, ancestors, and magic since childhood, going on to major in history and anthropology. She trained and worked as a professional archaeologist, and museum curatorial assistant. She also has a Masters in secondary education with an emphasis on US history and teaches 8th grade social studies. She holds the rank of Bard in the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. She can be found either with her nose in a book or out in nature. (Ana is also the PA to "Mother of Dragons")
Lorraine Soria-Lorraine’s blood ancestors hail from the Eastern US via Eastern Canada via France and all over Europe. Her interests are many, including shamanism and Indigenous cultures. She is a Druid Companion in the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. She has no degrees. She has written no books. But she is the founder of the longest-running US OBOD gathering now lovingly referred to as DOOR. You will often find her with her nose in a good book or arguing with dragons about pretty much anything.
The Magic of Creating-Tree of Life 101— Gabrielle “Gabby” Roberts
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Druids and trees…trees and rocks...rocks and shiny crystals…shiny crystals and corvids…oh, I mean humans with corvids for spirit animals. It’s all part of the circle of life, right? Who doesn’t love a sparkly crystal tree? But if you’re like me, you never find the perfect one in stores…and sometimes the energy is wonky when you do. Well, fear not! In this workshop we will be making our very own tree of life, where we can put into it our own individual and collective energies for the greater good. Never made one of these before? No problem! We’re Druids, right? We like to learn new things. All supplies will be provided, including the tools, the crystal “leaves”, the metal wires for the trunk and branches, and the base rock which was collected on a journey across the eastern US states.
Gabrielle is a long-time Ovate in OBOD - a reiki professional with the creative whimsy of a cheeky Bard. Her time is spent raising a teenage minion and guiding her in the ways of our ancestors; managing a cluttered home full of crafts; and soaking in the Florida sun at every opportunity. Her favorite things include walking the beach in search of seashell treasure, watching the honeybees and bumblebees in her garden, and sipping coffee on the lanai with the birds chirping in the morning. (Gabby is the DOOR Kitchen Witch!) |
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Mesoamerican Aspects of Ancestors — Frank Martinez
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I am a Mestizo, a descendent of both Spanish and the indigenous peoples of Central Mexico. We have strong relationships with our ancestors, as do many indigenous cultures. And have inherited some aspects of the Spanish Colonizers. This often creates a somewhat confusing and interesting relationship since part of that relationship is with the supernatural beings of our ancestors, such as Tonatzin (the title for the snake-skirted mother goddess) which can be contradictory with the Spanish influence.
This workshop will explore how these “Spirit” and Supernatural beings passed down to us by our ancestors mold and affect us, resulting in a rich and diverse culture that is inherently passed on to the future generations accented by personal experiences. Francisco is proud of both his Mexican and Native American heritage from Mexico. As a Bard in the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (and soon an Awenydd in the Anglesey Druid Order), he serves (among others) Tonantzin and Xipe Totec. He is a descendant of both the conquerors and the conquered, recently discovering that his 10th great-grandfather fought on the Spanish side in the Chichemec Wars, while also being the son of a Guachichil Native Woman. (He's also the "IT Guy" for DOOR.) |