I love teaching, and I especially love teaching on topics related to Paganism, religious witchcraft, or finding and using information to make our lives better. This page covers some practical notes, topics I’m willing to teach, and then some background on my past teaching experience.

My teaching style tends to be discussion-based (sharing information, then talking about it) with as much in the way of practical exercises as the topic and time allow. Obviously, there’s more space to try things out when we have more time together. I include handouts and other materials (electronically or in print, depending on the setting).

In my teaching, I also try to make sure to cover not just how to do something, but why doing it a particular way might be useful. (Usually with several different examples.) I pay special attention to topics that don’t get discussed much. My Seeking site, aimed at people interested in learning more about Paganism and religious witchcraft (in particular) gives a good idea of many of those things.

There are of course lots of things I don’t teach or prefer not to teach for reasons of time/energy/focus – but if you hit one of those, I’ll tell you (and it’s pretty hard to offend me unless you’re actually trying to.) So, if you’re not sure, feel free to ask.

practical notes:

Location: I’m glad to consider driving (weather and other details permitting) to teach – how far depends on a variety of factors, but a two hour drive is generally manageable. Time and finances allowing, I’m also glad to consider trips further afield.

Cost: I do not charge for teaching material about religious witchcraft. However, I would prefer not to be out of pocket to teach: finding a shared way to cover costs for room rental, printed material, or supplies (plus gas costs for trips I wouldn’t otherwise make) is strongly preferred. Donations are cheerfully accepted, and I will likely use them to supplement my book budget.

Timing: Due to my work schedule, I am primarily free to teach on weekends, but if my schedule (and vacation time) allow, I’m glad to talk about some other options. Please ask.

workshops and other short-term teaching:

I am definitely open to either single-session or a short series of classes on a variety of topics. Topics I’m particularly interested in teaching are listed below with some possible areas of focus, but I’m definitely open to discussing other related workshops or areas of interest, so please ask if you have an interest not listed below. I’m also willing and able to teach about most things discussed on this Seeking site.

deepening ritual practice:

• ritual theory (figuring out what suits your needs, goal, and personal preferences)
• tools (when they’re useful, how material or design may affect how they work)
• different models of seasonal or cyclical rituals, and what they offer
• adapting rituals for different sizes (individual, small group, larger public ritual)
• different approaches to scheduling magical or ritual work.
• seeking knowledge: (finding and evaluating resources for Pagan learning)

how Pagan-focused research is different than the methods you probably learned in school.

• How to get the most out of your public library and other sources of information.
• Making sense of different sources – who’s right? Is ‘right’ actually the best word here?
• Ways to evaluate and integrate what you learn in ritual, meditation, or divination into your practice.

creating richer or more inclusive ritual and group settings: 

• integrating music into ritual and magical practice (with an overview of relevant theory and background)
  shrines, altars, and other sacred spaces
• how group leaders and teachers can guide students or group members in better learning and research techniques, different approaches to teaching and learning, etc.
• group ritual roles, approaches, and other methods of handling more complex ritual.
• accessibility and Paganism: how to manage if you have chronic medical or access needs or how to plan events that include the widest range of the community.
• technology and Pagans : topics ranging from interesting tools to deepen and expand practice to issues of privacy and online interaction. (Really, if you’ve got an interest in this area, feel free to ask. )

Finally, I am open to discussing leading a public ritual event. Right now, this is not my first choice for a variety of reasons, but I’m definitely glad to talk about what would make it practical for me to do so (combination of size, style, setting, etc.)

Last edited: September 16, 2018