Dr. Skip Clark is an historian of medieval and Early Modern European History who also has taught on the topics of the History of Witchcraft, Medicine, and Astrology for over 25 years. He has published on these topics and has given talks and workshops at numerous festivals for many years. He is excited to be here at this magical place—Brushwood.
Ethics and Magic Wiccans often refer to the classic phrase: “An it harm none, do as ye will”, to summarize an ethical path when practicing the “Craft.” Is that enough? What does it mean and what are the responsibilities of magical practitioners? Come with your ideas too, and we’ll explore these questions and more. All Welcome. Sankofa: Friday, July 14 at 11:00 am
Astrology and Alchemy From the ancient world on, practitioners of astrology and alchemy often were the same people, or frequently used the same symbolism. Both believed “as above, so below,” and thus connected the elements to the heavens and vice versa. They also believed that humans were a microcosm, or little universe, reflecting and even embodying the macrocosm. We will explore these connections as we find out v about turning lead to gold and more. All Welcome. Sankofa: Saturday, July 15 at 11:00 am
What’s New in Witchcraft Studies 2023? Almost every year, scholars from all over the world publish new insights into the “Burning Times” and beyond. We are always learning more and more about who the “witches” were, why they were hunted, and why the trials ended. Come and see what’s new! All Welcome. Sirius Rising: Tuesday, July 18.
Grimoires—A look at the written magical traditions “It’s magic, magic, that hath ravished me!” Marrow’s Faustus uttered that phrase echoing the feelings of many of his generation and those both before and after. Learned folk consulted books of magic, purported to be even a thousand years old, to manipulate the world around them. In this workshop we will look at what we know about the history and envelopment of these famous and even infamous works. All Welcome. Sirius Rising: Thursday, July 20
The Witch in Imagination Everyone recognizes the old hag with the tall pointed black hat, the green and warty face, riding on a broom, of course, off to the Sabbat where “she” will do terrible things , such as eating children, concocting poisons, and kissing the Devil’s arse! How did we get to this stereotype, or even one where she is a a healer and herbalist? Let’s explore the development of these potent archetypes. All Welcome. Sirius Rising: Saturday, July 22