Coconut – Main Stage

There is more to divination than listing sets of keywords. Learn how to combine divination systems respectfully by allowing each oracle to have its say in the conversation according to its own language. For this class, please bring at least two different divination systems with you so you can practice what you learn.

You’ve read the books. You do the work, and you’re confident in your divination abilities. But when you’re caught off-guard, and your usual references are out of reach, what do you do? Come learn how Christine Cunningham Ashworth took what she learned from her brother Scott, among others, and made it work – her way. Learn how to trust your studied knowledge and apply your skills when you’re on your own.

The tarot deck, taken as a whole, represents the individual and each card some parrt of us; the 9 of Swords our despair, the 3 of Pentacles our productivity, etc. etc.  The tarot deck is also alive with traditional correspondences – elements, numbers, zodiacal and planetary associations.  

For example, airy swords are the elemental opposite of earthy pentacles.  So… if the 9 of Swords is an airy card, can we counter it with its earthy opposite number, the 9 of Pentacles?  Can we find a remedy for despair in the solitary works of beauty found in the 9 of Pentacles?

In this presentation, we’ll explore how we can bring together these two modes of interpretation, the qualitative and the esoteric, to design our own magical formulas for self-transformation and become the physicians of our own souls.

This is a nuts and bolts foundational primer on the advent of occult tarot, who the key players were, and how esotericism popularized during 18th century France continues to influence occultism in tarot today. We’ll be covering the implications of esoteric teachings hidden in plain sight and the five key influences in occult tarot architecture: Hermeticism, Pythagorean mysticism, Hellenistic Astrology, Renaissance Alchemy, and the Kabbalah. We’ll then explore how these five influences converge through the lenses of Gnosticism, Rosicrucianism, and Freemasonry, lending themselves to the esoteric tarot designs of modern history.

The tarot has been re-interpreted hundreds of times in order to provide new and increasingly unique ways for readers to connect with its imagery. In this presentation, award-winning card designer Stacey Williams-Ng walks us through her process in creating an entirely unique tarot, one that draws upon the stories embedded in American music to represent the arcana. How might a multi-card spread be even more specific (or even risk being a little off-base) when the images get re-imagined within tight themes?
This is going to be a fun and interactive presentation that not only pulls back the veil on the artist’s process but invites the readers in the audience to consider the ways that thematic tarot decks can provide eye-opening and fresh readings.

What are Gris-Gris Bags? How are they used? In fact, how is “Gris-Gris” even pronounced? Unveil the mysteries of this powerful spiritual amulet in a hands-on class with Mam’zelle Kamille. Join us to create your own Gris-Gris Bag while immersing yourself in the colorful history, traditional practices, and empowering personal blessings of this New Orleans spiritual staple.

Join your host, Christine Leiser, in the Bardic Circle. (Bring a drink from the bar if you like). Bring a story, poem, skit, game, song, or dance to share with the group. Don’t forget to bring your clapping hands, stomping feet, and singing voices. Come, be entertained, and entertain each other in reverence and mirth. Share your energy, and have a great time in the circle.