| Judika Illes is the author of several huge, encyclopedic-style collections of information about esoteric subjects, such as The Element Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells. Her most recent book, Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting (2007), explains theory and methodology for the magical practitioner. Its title implies precisely what the book is about and we've asked her to discuss the subject at the Gathering. During the Gathering, Judika will be teaching two workshops: Spellcasting with Plant Spirits and Spirits of Wild Nature. For more info about Judika Illes, please visit her website at: www.JudikaIlles.com. |
|
 |
Christopher Penczak is the author of Temple of High Witchcraft: Ceremonies, Spheres and the Witches' Qabalah (2007), City Magic, The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft, Ascension Magick, and Spirit Allies. During the Gathering, Christopher will be teaching two workshops: Shamanic Witchcraft: Walking Between the Worlds and The Witch's Plant Familiar. For more info about Christopher Penczak, please visit his website at: ChristopherPenczak.com. On July 11 - 13, the weekend prior to Gathering, Christopher Penczak will be signing books and conducting an intensive workshop at the Spark of Spirit Bookstore in College Park. |
Judika Illes and Christopher Penczak together will lead the ritual, Spirit Trance Circle.
Alexei Kondratiev teaches Irish language and classes on various aspects of Celtic culture at the Irish Arts Center in New York City. He is the author of Celtic Rituals: A Guide to Ancient Celtic Spirituality (2004) and Apple Branch, A Path to Celtic Ritual (1998). Alexei is on the council of IMBAS, the Celtic Reconstructionist Pagan organization, and is also the high priest of the Protean coven, Mnemosynides (Children of Memory) in New York.
Black Lotus is High Priest Emeritus of the Protean coven, Mnemosynides, and a Shakta (Hindu Goddess Worshipper), initiated by Ammachi of Kerala, South India. Black Lotus teaches astrology, the magical uses of incenses and gemstones, and mantra meditation. He writes and performs original songs and parodies, both mithful and reverent. At our 2007 Gathering, Black Lotus led the Kali Puja, and the Lakshmi Puja at the 2006 Gathering. During the 2006 Darkover science fiction convention, he was one of our Tarot readers during the "Tea and Tarot" party.