FRIDAY, May 4th

Many Witches are familiar with the concept of the animal familiar, the totemic animal or fetch beast, but many Witches are also allied with spirits from the plant world. The spirits of herbs, flowers and trees can act as divine guides, protectors and tutors in magick. Each one has its own spiritual medicine that is in harmony with the Witch's purpose in the world. Survey traditional plant allies of the Witch, including the spirits of Nightshade, Monkshood, Thorn Apple, Mandrake, Oak, Apple, Hazel, Birch, Rose, Mugwort, Wormwood, and Angelica. Learn how to find your own plant familiar.

Children will create offerings for the fairies of the land followed by a hike to the Fairy Shrine.

Ruth Barrett is an award winning fretted dulcimer recording artist, singer, and songwriter with numerous releases to her credit. Her compositions are counted among the pioneering musical works in the Goddess Spirituality Movement. For almost three decades she has shared traditional folk music and her original and traditional Goddess songs with audiences throughout the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain.

SATURDAY, May 5th

Join us for an experimental workshop on the three primal powers that are the basis of creation and magick. Witches often see these powers as maiden, mother and crone. In Qabalistic magic, we have the three pillars of Mercy, Severity and Equilibrium. Druidic traditions look to three rays of inspiration, of Awen. Theosophists have the rays of Power, Love and Intelligence. Older form of witchcraft look to the Oak, Ash and Thorn, as well as the Straight, Bent and Crooked lines. How can modern witches work with these three powers for magick, evolution and transformation? Explore new views of the three powers as a road to enlightenment, as they manifest in three races: Angels, Fey and the Hidden Company; three healers - Stones, Plants and Animals; and three threads of wisdom, personal revelation, ancestral teachings and the ordeal.

All parents should attend the start of this session with kids. Get to know each other and go over some tips for a happy festival, followed by a short story to let us remember what Beltane represents and crafting flower wreaths for the kids' maypole.

After finishing crafts, kids will go through a short practice for the Children's Maypole Dance.

The dancers remind us of the fertility customs of our ancestors; the clacking of antlers and high stepping as a symbol of the jubilance of Spring and the Summer ahead.

Explore ways of working with flowers & blossom imagery for love, healing, home blessing, creative awakening, relationship enhancement, and spiritual well-being. Learn about the use of flowers as ritual tools in rites of passage and seasonal celebrations. Selena will guide several Beltane flower meditations. Bring at least one flower to work with in meditation.

Kids can create their own rhythm instruments and learn to reuse & recycle by getting creative with everyday items.

The highest art of magick is unconditional love. Discuss the principles and practice of love magick in all your relationships. Learn spells and meditations for raising your own unconditional self love, loving relationships and attracting a partner who is correct and good for you.

Bring songs, skits, comedy, or other acts to share onstage while enjoying the springy outdoors and refreshments on the Green!

SUNDAY, May 6th

Learn about customs, lore, and rituals for celebrating Spring among Native Americans in Northern Wisconsin, including Maple Sugaring and Spear-fishing. Shine also will share the sacred Ojibwe love story of the transitions from Winter to Spring.

Children create mini maypoles to take home and add to the family altar.