Find information on our amazing 2023 Presenters here!
Get to Know Sherrilyn!
Defying all odds is what #1 New York Times and international bestselling author Sherrilyn McQueen, writing as Sherrilyn Kenyon does best. Rising from extreme poverty as a child that culminated in being a homeless mother with an infant, she has become one of the most popular and influential authors in the world (in both adult and YA fiction), with dedicated legions of fans known as Paladins–thousands of whom proudly sport tattoos from her numerous genre-defying series.
Since her first book debuted while she was still in college, she has placed more than 80 novels on the New York Times list in all formats and genres, including manga and graphic novels, and more than 70 million books in print worldwide. Her current series include: Dark-Hunters®, Chronicles of Nick®, Deadman’s Cross™, and the Eve of trilogy. Over the years, her Lords of Avalon® novels have been adapted by Marvel, and her Dark-Hunters® and Chronicles of Nick® are New York Times bestselling manga and comics and are #1 best selling adult coloring books.
Sherrilyn’s Classes:
•MAKING WITCHY HATS
This witchy craft is co-hosted by both Sherrilyn and Carol. Come hang out with them and make your very own hat! They will provide hats and décor but you are welcome to bring whatever you want to go on your fabulous creations.
• HOW TO USE MYTHS AND LEGENDS IN YOUR WRITING
Learn how to find the ones you need and how to use them to make your novel more exciting.
• IS IT HORROR OR PARANORMAL?
What am I trying to write? Sometimes these two genres seem very similar. Sherrilyn will help you figure it all out.
• HOW TO PUBLISH
Join her for a class on learning how to publish (books, tarot cards, games, etc) with Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms Great advice from a woman who has actually done it all.
Get to Know Carol!
Carol married her high school sweetheart and followed him frim Naval duty station to duty station soaking up experience and life. She’s hosted SEALS and other shady and interesting creatures in home. She weaves their exploits of action nd adventure into her stories with a healthy dose of erotica involving were-folk and vampires.
Retired, she lives in the south where it doesn’t snow. If it does snow, then its gone by tomorrow and she doesn’t have to shovel any of it away. Sounds funny coming from a yankee transplant who learned to hunt and field dress dinner. She loves all things maple (Those northern roots!) Somewhere in her travels she took up Paganism.
Carol’s Classes:
• BEDTIME STORIES WITH AUNTIE CAROL
Carol writes across many genres, one of which is erotica. Join her as she discusses how to write in this category plus there will be adult beverages. ADULTS ONLY! It is an “after dark” event, therefore it will not interfere with the other classes or workshops scheduled!
• MAKING WITCHY HATS with Sherrilyn and Carol. They will provide hats and décor but you are welcome to bring your own hats and whatever décor you want to go on your fabulous creations.
Get to Know Byron:
Writer, urban farmer, village witch, priestess, bon vivant, witch-about-town, smart, funny, and will happily tell you about her Appalachian roots. Visit her at https://www.myvillagewitch.com/
Byron’s Classes:
• DIRT WORSHIPPING: Living with the Land–
Discover the healing power of true animism through wildcrafting, observation in nature, herbalism, and permaculture.
• LIVING LIKE A PAGAN: Creating Pagan Traditions for your Family and Community–
We’ll follow the Wheel of the Year to better weave our lives into these important cycles by exploring ways to celebrate, decorate, and create strong communities.
• BONE AND BARK: Practical Folk Magic Techniques for Effective Magic–
Using creativity and available materials, we can all be effective magic-workers. These “small magics” are fun, simple and really work.
Get to Know Gloria:
Master Druid, Master Brehon, Named Anointed Bard, Völva, Hexen, Healer, Master Reiki Teacher, A Mother of the Northern Way. Leader of Guardians of the Old Ways Kindred, and the Healers Guild. Sits the High Seat. Studied with Father David Springer, PHD, and Congregation of the Oaks. Lives in Spring, Texas with her family.
Gloria’s Class:
• INTRODUCTION TO THE HIGH SEAT
Gloria Leubner is a völva, a Seer of the Germanic way, and has been sitting the high seat for 15 years or so. It is an oracle trance where she travels to wherever is needed in order to obtain the answers to your questions the price of the information received is a piece of her soul. She started studying Oracle work using Diana Paxton’s book The Way of the Oracle. It is basically her Bible for traveling for the high seat. There isn’t much written on how to do the icing through meditations; researching and comparing notes with other völvas has brought her to where she is today. Everyone has questions and in every human culture there have been those who sought for answers: Sooth Sayers, prophets, spae-wives, seers and other oracles are found throughout history. In earlier times men sought answers in the flight of birds or in the shapes of the clouds or fire or the liver and other organs of sacrificed animals. In both definition and Oracle work, to see you enter a trance state in which you receive information. The Oracle receives information directly, derives it from images encountered internally, or channels the information from a higher power come travel with her.
Get to Know Daphne:
She has been in the pagan community for over 25 years. Currently a Wayist Druid, Master Brehon, and Alchemist in the Congregation of the Oaks (Wayist). Druid of the Holly Grove Congregation (Wayist) in Clarksville. Additionally, experiences include having studied with British Traditional Wicca, and other Wiccan circles. Daphne has a Masters in Counseling and Psychology, a BS in Geology. She studies comparative mythologies. Daphne is a US Army Veteran and traveled in many countries and regions of the US and world.
Daphne’s Classes:
• YOU CAN DO DIVINATION NOW
This is an interactive discussion on methods of divination. How to use various divination methods. How to start using divination even when you do not think you have the “skills”. Participants will be able to see many types of divination tools how to use them and some creative ideas to get started in using divination in their spiritual practices and rituals. This includes, Tarot Cards, Oracle Cars, Ogham, Runes, I-Ching, Scrying and other methods.
Get to Know Eric:
Eric has been a contributor to PUF for years leading drum circle and teaching classes. This year he will be one of the fine musicians who will rotate in and out of the bonfire, raising energy all weekend long. Eric Olson has been around drums his entire life and Rhythm is his passion. Eric believes everyone has Rhythm, but not everyone knows how to express it. Through facilitation and Rhythm games he helps you tap into your inner beat. Eric weaves his lifelong passion for Rhythm and drumming into facilitating every Drum Circle.
Eric’s Classes:
• WHAT’S A DRUM CIRCLE ANYWAY? –
All skill levels welcome. Have you ever been asked to go to a Drum Circle and said: “No. I don’t think I would like it. Besides, I can’t play a drum.” Then, this playshop is for you. In this interactive and fun playshop, you’ll learn what a Drum Circle is and what the different types of Drum Circles are. You will also learn how to play a drum and how to listen to other players. If you didn’t bring a Drum, not to worry. There will be plenty of drums and other percussion instruments to play. Find your Drum Voice in this engaging playshop and apply what you learn at the nightly Drum Circle!
• INTENTIONAL DRUMMING –
All skill levels welcome. Drumming with a purpose, or intention, is a powerful experience. Explore different rhythms you create and apply them to specific intentions. Manifestation, Love, Change, Chakra points. There are an infinite number of ways to apply Intentional Drumming to your practice. Learn how to channel your energy into and through the Drum to bring about positive change. It does not matter what your skill level is: beginner to advanced, this playshop will open you up to the possibilities of Rhythm.
• HEALING DRUMS –
All skill levels welcome. Eric has been doing Healing Drum Circles for years and he is bringing this amazing, interactive healing experience back to PUF. Experience firsthand the healing power of the drum. Get energized by the Rhythms and vibrations. Let yourself feel the Pulse of the drum and let it transform you. Eric is excited to be bringing this type of Drum Circle to PUF and hopes you attend.
Get to Know Patrick:
Former flamen (a priest devoted exclusively to the worship of one deity) and pontifex ( a member of the council) of the Religio Roman.
Patrick’s Class:
• GREEK AND ROMAN PAGANISM
Ancient Greek and Roman Religions. A simple guide to the religious practices of the classical world.
About Tuatha Dea:
Our very own Appalachian/Celtic rock band
Tuatha Dea’s Class:
• DRUM BUILDING –
This workshop is a 2 day, 4 class slot epic class. It was presented last year and was a huge hit. There is a charge for this class as you will have to buy your own drum kit! Details are:
Tuatha Dea and Djembe Drums and Skins have teamed up to offer a 4 part drum building, care and maintenance workshop this year! TD and Djembe Drums and Skins have had a long running relationship. Danny, Rebecca and Brandon all previously worked and trained at DD&S in past years and Chris has been the main drum builder for this well known and respected importer since 2012.
Over the course of 4 scheduled workshops the crew from Tuatha Dea Drum Nation will work with those who want to build their own drum using the methods developed and used by Djembe Drums and Skins. For those who are interested TD and DD&S are providing a special discounted rate for those who want to purchase a complete kit from the sponsor and supplier! Instruction will be provided by TD from beginning to end over the course of the 2 workshops and Chris, Becca and Danny will be available to assist you as needed over the course of the weekend when not performing as Tuatha Dea! We’ve worked out a deal to offer Small Ghana drum kits at the special discounted Kit rate of $105 through this course! (Small Ghana drums retail at $ 200 to $210 – and Kits are regularly priced at $125 WITHOUT on site instruction … ) And you can choose from 5 custom vertical rope colors!) Kits from DD&S will come partially assembled to insure yours is completed before leaving the event but all aspects of the build will be covered over the 3 hour course.
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 15TH
Here’s what you get!
• Hands on Personal Instruction via TD and Djembe Drums & Skins method!
• FREE Delivery when preordered by May 15th!
A complete Small Ghana Djembe Kit Includes:
Small Ghana Djembe Drum Kit 10″ x 1 125.00
21″- includes shell, 70 ft rope
hairless skin & rings- 4mm Rope
colors- Black, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow (Verticals only for this workshop)
Discount-Workshop TD sponsor -$10
Your cost $115.00 with FREE DELIVERY to the event
This will be a focused and time sensitive workshop but we hope to make the experience fun as well. Feel free to take notes or video. All orders must be placed and confirmed by May 15th 2023 in order for your Kit to be ready for delivery and building!
TO THE PROS!
We’ll be covering care and maintenance as directed from the Shorty Palmer and Djembe Drums and Skins methods. ONLY!!! If you are a builder or have previous building skills you are of course free to use your own discretion. However, if you have different processes and methods, we will ask you to reserve those for discussion during NON workshop hours to ensure we can assist those who are new to the process.
To receive the discount and Free delivery you must contact Djembe Drums and Skins and inform them that you ARE PRE-REGISTERING for this class at PUF!
Call: (865) 908-4227 Office Landline Monday through Friday
Of course you are free to order or bring other drums and kits from wherever you like or you are welcome to just sit in on the class with no purchase necessary.
Get to Know Bill:
Bill’s Journey started when he was very young. He started Meditation and Energy Work at 13.He has facilitated classes in Albany, NY with the Wizard’s workshop twice a month for years and ran a BBS with the same name in the late 80’s. He has been a professional psychic, has taught classes at Ecumenicon, Darkover, Dragon Hills in Georgia, in the past, and Phoenix-Phyre, FPG, and at Mystic South recently. Archonstone is a chosen name back from the Early 90’s.
He is an author of “MAGIC, MIND, EMOTION AND BODY, THE PRAXIS: MAGIC NO WOO, THE HOW AND WHY BOOK”
https://www.facebook.com/ElderArchonstone
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEhT38I45yWZpS_d1xjyag/videos
Bill’s Class:
• LUCID DREAMING, ASTRAL PROTECTION, TRAVEL AND ASPECTING – Exercises for developing and managing an Astral Body, and methods for creating and managing a body of light as an aspect of self.
• DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS – Various techniques from Natural, preternatural, paranormal and supernatural levels of magic to deal with and manage negative energies, beings. Concepts to become aware of before assuming it is an attack. Is it environmental, psychological, or something else. Steps for diagnosing what is going on, first, before assuming the worst.
Get to Know Thomas:
Before joining the army, Thomas began studying the sagas, eddas and lore as an interest, and felt like it spoke to him. While in the army, he was injured. On the way to the hospital, he had what he describes as a spiritual moment. This redirected him to Heathenry and that’s where things changed. Odin’s wisdom, the runes, and lore called to Thomas on a different level and I began integrating it into his life. Thomas currently lives in Nashville with his partner, two cats and a snake. He is an engineer, and owns Ravenback Supply Co. Where he carves runes, makes leather goods, and other fun things. Thomas founded and leads the Nashville Grimfrost Hird, a historical martial arts/combat group. ravenbacksupplyco@gmail.com or on IG as @ravenbackviking. I also post more educational content on TikTok @ravenbackviking as well.
Thomas’ Class:
• RUNES OF THE VIKING AGE: A DISCUSSION ON YOUNGER FUTHARK
Runology is the science of reading and interpreting runic texts, which are the earliest written culture in north-western Europe. The inscriptions are often the first original texts and sometimes the only written testimonies at all. Interpreting these thousand-year-old messages is the goal of runology.There are nearly 7,000 inscriptions dating from the second century until the end of the Middle Ages, dispersed throughout Europe. Most of them occur in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden and most of all in the Uppland region around Uppsala. Runes mainly survive as inscriptions on stones, but they are also found on bone, wood and metal.
Get to Know Stephanie:
Stephanie Brown is an artist, educated as an anthropologist, who has been a student of several branches of magick and metaphysical disciplines for over fifteen years, including eclectic paganism, witchcraft, and neo-shamanism, and is a founder of the tradition of Modern Totemism. She crafts fine art and original metaphysical tools that combine natural elements and primitive themes to honor the earth in both aesthetics and in function.
Stephaine’s Class:
•INTRODUCTION TO MODERN TOTEMISM (Beginner’s Level Presentation)
The path of the Totemist is the path of knowing the self. It is a way of deep reflection, of deconstructing and examining all aspects of the mind, the heart, and the soul, through understanding the essential animal energies of the human spirit. Explore the basics tenants and ideas of the tradition of Modern Totemism. Discuss the nature of totems, the structure of Nine unique totems within every person, and how to work with totems to improve your life, your magickal work, and your understanding of yourself.
Scott is a wildlife and portrait photographer and owner of Dream Wolf Photography. He has been a student of several branches of magick and metaphysical disciplines for well over twenty years, including most types of eclectic paganism, and he is a founder of the tradition of Modern Totemism. His formal education is as an electrical and computer engineer.
Together they are co-authors of the 2019 book The Modern Totemist.
•ENERGY TASTING (Intermediate Level Presentation)
Requirements:a rudimentary foundation in magickal work, spellwork, or energy work
This is a hands-on exploration of how natural materials (and therefore magickal tools) change magickal energy as it passes through them. Structured like a blind wine-tasting, it will invite the participant to compare their first-hand experience with the material with the traditional properties/meanings ascribed to that material when used in magick. Knowing the mechanics of how natural materials truly channel and change energy can not only help you pick the right tool for a magickal job, but it can also help you find an alternative when the traditional material is not available.
Get to Know Shelley:
1 part hippie, 1 part crone, 1 part wanderer, 1 part adventurer, Served in a short round glass.
Shelley is an eclectic crone walking a crooked path of hedge witchcraft, deity worship and generational Appalachian Folk Magic with a splash of whatever appeals to her thrown in.She is a New Englander at heart but has embraced the south as her home for the past 10 years. She has no formal training or holds no titles but she hosts and facilitates a group of pagans in the Huntsville, Al area. They have been meeting and practicing magic and celebrating the Sabbats together for over 7 years. In her spare time she loves to do photography and travel and dabble at writing. Many of her photoscan be found on Viewbug’s website, https://www.viewbug.com/member/shelleyfraser. This old crone loves going to pagan festivals and meeting new friends and learning!
Shelley’s Classes:
• LITTLE ALTARS EVERYWHERE & CASTING
Basic altar set up and maintenance will be discussed. We will go over the who, what ,where, when and why of altars. Who needs one, what is it used for, where should it be kept, when should we clean it. There will be some of all the basic items on an altar and some setup examples for visual learners. We will be giving a basic altar item to someone in the workshop based on their seat choice. There will be time allotted for questions and answers.Includes when and how to cast.
• ANCESTOR VENERATION
We will cover the basics of veneration. What veneration is and is not. Why would you want to acknowledge and venerate an ancestor. What defines someone as an ancestor. How to use genealogy as a tool in veneration. How to fix issues with ancestors. How to set up and use an ancestor altar. And of course talk about Samhain the big daddy of veneration. Time allotted for questions or comments.
• HOW TO UNF&*CK YOUR MAGICAL SELF using The KISS principle:
We all know or have been “that pagan”. The one who has read or researched a spell or ritual to the ninth degree. Then you start writing it and realize that you are asking folks to memorize 25 hand movements and 7 different responses. You as the leader/priestess have even more than that ! Is the ritual going to be more powerful with all those things or will it have more meaning if participants aren’t worried
about their right or left ? Do you really need that rare herb or is there one in your cabinet that will complete the task ? Sometimes we “overthink” and get caught up in the fancy, when simple will get results. We will talk about how simple can have a fancy impact!
Get to Know Nikki:
Nikki is shadow work practitioner who specializes in Womb Shadow Work and is the owner and founder of The Dark Goddess Collective, which offers services and programs dedicated to help heal women through trauma in order to step into their soul’s purpose. Nikki teaches women how to use their trauma as passion and purpose through womb shadow work and help them discover their confidence, creativity, and inner magic. Nikki is also the host of the Witchcraft & Wellness podcast and the founder of the Online Oddity shop, Middle Path Magicks & Oddities.
Nikki’s Class:
• SHADOW WORK AND THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND
– how we store trauma in both mind and body
– what womb shadow work is and how it can help one heal
– utilizing spirit guides in shadow work
– group shadow work meditations – the difference between subconscious shadow work and unconscious shadow work
– how past lives play a huge factor into healing
Get to Know Mari:
She has worn many hats in seventy –nine years on this earth, but all of them as a seeker of knowledge without regret. Mari is the mother and grandmother of a lively clan of heathens. History along with Cultural Anthropology and the study of pre-Christian religions are her passions. Mary is a Druid (Priest) of the Northern Way. She earned her living and raised children on my earnings as a Pet Stylist (groomer) for over fifty years. Now retired, she spends her days studying, writing and serving her clan, congregation and community. Her grandmother used to tell her “The higher your position, the more you serve.” It is so true. Her titles are but an example of her passion for knowledge and servitude of man’s connection with The All. Master Druid of The Way, Mother of the Northern Way, Named Anointed Bard, Völva, Reiki 2nd Degree.
Mari’s Class:
• WAYIST WAY OF LIFE
A workshop that all who walk the Old Paths and those interested should attend. It encompasses the history of The Way and its priest (Druid). In particular we wish to pass on our knowledge of how Wayist were involved in the past and present of the United States as many were living under the guise of “the Appalachian Church”. There are many different Paths within The WAY, There is the Northern Way, Black Forest/German Way, Scottish Way, Britannic Way, the Cherokee Way and more. There is almost no data on the Wayist Community on the internet because we are an oral tradition and a Closed Society, similar to the Amish, or Mennonite Communities. This workshop is based on the research and writings of Master David Springer, who I was privileged to study under and was his secretary. When I met Father David 22 years ago, I was already a Druid of the Northern Way. Joining Congregation of the Oak, I began to study the Celtic Path. Arch Druid David Springer proclaimed me Mother of the Northern Way 10 years later after I had earned the title of Master Druid at Congregation of the Oaks in my Celtic studies. I had been raised in a Wayist family in the Appalachian Mountains whose ancestors came to the New World from Sweden and Flanders looking for religious freedom. So I grew up listening to the folklore of the North men.