THE Beltane Gathering 2022 | ||
(Re)Connection
Inevitably, this section of our book will have lots of info pertaining to COVID risk reduction, but before I get onto that, let me just say how excited my whole team is to be welcoming you to Ramblewood after more than two years away! We’re out of practice, both in running events and in being around people, but we know you’ll bear with us as we figure this out again and give you the best Beltane event we can produce. Welcome, and we look forward to connecting (and re-connecting) with you all!
And now the COVID stuff:
As you might expect, this year’s event will be somewhat different because of COVID-19. We hope this will help you understand the differences. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask them of anyone on staff, and we will do whatever we can to answer them. But first, read through this and see if your questions are answered:
Other changes at Camp:
The Main Rituals
Our Beltane Rituals: Connection
We come together for the first time in a long time to create joy and share pleasure at our beloved Ramblewood. Through our ritual cycle over the weekend—opening, Maypole, main, and closing—we’ll use the ancient language of Tarot to celebrate our connection to one another, to the land, to our deities and spirits, and to our own capacity to reach out in love. Let’s take comfort in long-awaited physical presence and revel within the magical container we build together!
*All participants must be masked at rituals, and we will observe social distancing to the extent possible. Rituals will take place in the field beside the dance pavilion.*
Opening Ritual: The Lovers Wake the Land - Thursday, 3:15pm - 4:30pm, Ritual Field
Beneath our feet, Ramblewood sleeps, dreaming of the love and magic made upon its earth in years past. The Fool summons us to the ritual ground, calling us to adventure as we begin our journey to reunion. Together we bask in the joy of connection and re-connection, of being present in magical space with each other once more. Our enthusiasm draws forth the Lovers, who in the dance of Lover and Beloved lead us to awaken the land and see it bloom. Uninvited, but shadowing our revels, the Devil manifests and promises that we will contend with his chains and shackles this weekend.
Maypole Dance - Friday, 3:15pm - 4:30pm, Ritual Field
Beltane’s merry tradition of the Maypole returns! Come one and all to dance and weave our wishes for abundance, love, lust, play, and creation around our sacred symbol. We invite musicians of all kinds to join our drummers and fill the air with glorious rhythm for the dancers. If you can’t or don’t wish to actually dance the Maypole, you’re invited to hold space with us and add your energy however you like—dance in place, shout, sing, wave banners, twirl fans, or simply watch! Never danced the Maypole? Don’t worry, our Fool is ready to give everyone a refresher. Let’s charge our Maypole with love and pleasure.
*Because of the nature of the Maypole dance, it will be impossible to keep social distance toward the end. However, all participants will be masked.*
Main Ritual: The Chains that Bind Us - Saturday, 3:15pm - 4:30pm, Gather outside Cabin H
Gather with us up at the lettered cabins, where the Fool assembles us and leads us in ecstatic procession through the festival grounds to our ritual field. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed to celebrate Love and Pleasure, whatever that means to you, and to bring whatever toys, noisemakers, or instruments you’d like to add to the festivity. Twirl ribbons, spin poi, fill the air with bubbles, play the kazoo, everything adds to our celebration!
As we circle up in our ritual space around the finished Maypole, enticed by the Lovers to frolic and play, our reveling is disrupted by the Devil and his minions, who pull the Lovers apart, lay the Devil’s chains upon us, and sow doubt and discord. The Fool lends aid to help us face these shadows and dispel them, so that we may reunite the Lovers both without and within. With the power of our Beltane magic and the loving connection that unites us, we overcome and bind the Devil to clear the way for an evening of joy.
*There will be paper chains placed on participants during this ritual. If you do not wish to have contact in this way, hold up a hand to stop the Devil’s minion and they will mime the action instead.*
Closing Ritual: All the Dragons in Our Lives - Sunday, 10:30 - 11:30am, Ritual Field
Weary but exhilarated, we meet on the ritual ground one final time this weekend to thank and bless the land that has held us, and to release our container of sacred connection. But the Devil is only bound, and his fate undetermined. Before we can close our work, we call forth the Soul of Love that watches over all Lovers to help us see the Devil’s true nature and his role in our dance of love and connection. With peace restored, we release the quarters and let the land and the Lovers find rest once more in each other’s arms. We may travel far from here physically, but the connection that glows in our hearts will shine out over our lives long after we drive away.
This year’s ritual main rituals are presented by:
Rebecca Rose Vassy is a priestess of Aphrodite-Venus and a loving devotee of Dionysus who is overjoyed to be back at THE Beltane after a long absence. She was the head of Community Service for many years at Free Spirit Gathering, the Keeper of the Temple of Affection at Fires of Venus, and has been a frequent presenter at FSG, Beltane, Mythic Journeys, and many other festivals and organizations. She is a writer, event planner, and sex educator in the DC area with The Pincus Center, an inclusive sex-positive practice offering therapy, coaching, and classes; an author of urban fantasy and erotica; and in her alter ego as Diva Darling, she’s a burlesque performer/teacher and producer/host of Smut Slam DC, a monthly open mic storytelling show about sex. Follow her at divanations.com.
Martha Smith (she/her), aka Puck, is an astrologer and diviner, witch of all trades, rope lover, and cat wrangler. She is a 2nd Degree Initiate of Blue Star Wicca, a devotee of Brighid, Arawn, Hekate, and Persephone, a longtime FSG staff member, and a presenter at both FSG and THE Beltane. Martha and her husband, Steve Robinson, live on a hillside in the southern Finger Lakes, where they and their four cats lead interesting lives. When Martha’s not in the kitchen making an amazing stir-fry or a fruit liqueur, she’s in the garden tending basil, peppers, and rhubarb, weeding the perennials, and swearing at the mugwort. This is Martha’s first time on THE Beltane’s ritual team, and she’s excited about the experiences that she and the team are planning. You can find Martha online at @cards.table.tarot (Instagram) and at cardstabletarot.com.
Shane Amerman (he/him) aka Silver, is an ecstatic practitioner and a member of the Potomac Seidr Guild Ondvegisulur, an oracular practice guild. He was a long time volunteer and staff member at past FSG, Beltane, THE Beltane and other festivals and events. He has participated in and helped produce a number of rituals over the years at Ramblewood events, and he is excited to be back at THE Beltane to raise some energy with you all.
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What’s Going on Wednesday Evening?
Open Playspace Hours - 8pm to 1am
Opening & Maypole Ritual Volunteer Prep with The Ritual Team - 8:30pm, Dance Pavilion
Want to help make the magic? Join the Ritual Team at the Dance Pavilion to volunteer your time and assistance in preparing for Thursday’s Opening Ritual, and Friday’s Maypole Dance.
Welcome Home Fire - 9pm, Upper Fire Circle
A sweet circle of welcome and homecoming. Welcome back!
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Thursday 9:15am - 9:45am
Morning Meditation with Sabrina Mari - Back of the Dining Hall
Do you have a daily meditation practice or wish that you did? Come meditate with us for 10, 15 or 20 minutes as you prefer. Each day we’ll do a *short* guided meditation in one of several styles followed by a 10-minute silent sitting session. You can stay as long as you like and leave whenever you please. Bring a comfortable chair, blanket, or pillow to sit on and dress for ease. Length: 5-20 minutes every morning.
Thursday 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Presenter's Roundtable: Workshopping Your Workshop with Samphire - Front Porch of Dining Hall
Do you have a bold idea for a workshop, and want to pitch a proposal to do so? A great idea is a start, but being an effective presenter involves lots of other attainable skills. Whether you’ve been running workshops for years or are just starting to work up the courage to pitch an idea, join us for a supportive circle of skillsharing, collaboration, and encouragement. Bring your workshop ideas, whatever materials you need to take notes comfortably, and be ready to both share and learn.
Tarot for Romance: Mastering Relationship Readings with Sabrina Mari - Back of Dining Hall
Even experienced readers can run into trouble when reading for romance. In this workshop, we’ll teach you exactly what to look for, how to spot red flags in a romance reading, and how to communicate clearly and kindly. We’ll also explore some of the biggest romance reading pitfalls and talk about what NOT to do during and after this kind of reading---for both readers and querents! I’ll provide practical, hands-on examples during the workshop. Bring your tarot decks with you; we’ll do some in-class readings if time allows, and you *may* have the opportunity to partner with others and practice. You’ll come out of this workshop with a clearer idea of what to look for, what to say and what to do when reading romance for yourself or others. Feel free to bring a chair or something to sit on, note-taking materials, and a smart phone so you can snap pictures of any readings you receive.
Immeasurable: A Buddhist Approach to Polyamory with Lady Wisdom & Wordsmith - Dance Pavilion
Multiple loving relationships provide many benefits but also many emotional challenges. Wisdom and Wordsmith have developed methods of using Buddhist teachings called the Immeasurables (Perfect Love, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, and Non-Attachment) to create more harmonious and fulfilling relationships. These techniques can be useful in any type of relationship, but they are especially relevant to polyamory. Bring your partner(s) or your whole polycule. It will be a mix of presentation, interactive discussion, and practical application… plus coloring!
Here There Be Drums! with Patch - Upper Fire Circle
In this workshop, we will be going over the basics of hand drumming as well as some practice techniques. We will also be playing around with some concepts including polyrhythm, timing, and more! Come join us in our creation of our songs and rhythms as we grow together as a community. The skill level of the workshop will be determined by the skill level and knowledge-hunger of the class, not to exceed any one person's ability. Bring a drum, though there will be a few extras to borrow or try out!
Thursday 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Nourishing Your Submission with Polyphonist - Front Porch of Dining Hall
This class is for those who want to nourish and explore their submission but may/may not have an active partner, or are dealing with a long distance relationship. A safe space will be facilitated to discuss practical ways of engaging with your submission, deepening understanding of what kinds of submissive experiences you seek, and exercising your submission to full strength. We will share personal experiences and tips and tricks. Paper and writing implement are recommended.
Risking Connection, Again: Before We Even Touch with Samphire - Back of Dining Hall
An experiential workshop on energy, presence, and connection...without ever making skin contact! For individuals with chronic pain, trauma, sensory sensitivity, etc, the world of intimate exploration can be intimidating, especially new people. For others, long distance relationships can create cycles of feast or famine in our bodies’ needs for touch. In this workshop we will explore our own embodied presence and each others, navigating distance and closeness, connection and safety, utilizing activities grounded in Somatic Experiencing and other trauma-informed somatic approaches. For the comfort of all participants, this will be an entirely touch-free workshop, even among existing partners and friends.
Clothing Optional Nature Walk with Alyx the Amused & The Bard of Providence - Meet at Dance Pavilion
Dionysos’ cult famously ran around naked in the woods. On this clothing optional nature hike, the Bard of Providence will entertain us with myths, legends, and interesting facts about the local flora and fauna. Alyx the Amused will discuss ancient Greek nymphs and their hiding places! Connect with the spirits of nature as we rediscover the beauty of the world around us. Footwear is required.
Connection/Intimacy through Scene Negotiation and Establishing Consent with Bosch - Barn
Consent and scene negotiation have become standard practice before starting a scene. We as a community have sought to make these conversations standard and have done a pretty good job modeling it in the classes we teach and in our interactions at play parties and other events. But, what if these conversations could be more? What if these conversations could be done in a way that also connects us to the new person we want to play with or even connects us closer to the person we’ve been playing with for years. In this class we will practice building intimacy with each other, with strangers, and/or with our partners within the context of a scene negotiation. We will practice creating a safe place, sharing each of our desired intentions, negotiating these intentions, and setting our consensual boundaries. We will model various effective and non-effective ways of saying “no” for both tops AND bottoms and discuss how power exchange can often get in the way of such frank and open intimate conversations. You will need to bring a partner if you want to do the in-class exercises with us. However, it is not necessary to be paired up to take this class.
What’s Going on Thursday Evening?
Open Playspace Hours - 8pm - 1am
Release & Refill Fire - 9pm, Upper Fire Circle
We traveled long roads to come together again. This circle - by us, and for us is to release some of the heaviness of our travels as we refill and rejoice in being together again.
Bellydance: Sensual Self Expression and Shimmies with Cliodhna Kahli Sapphire - Back of Dining Hall
Bellydance is one of the oldest dances, with roots spanning numerous cultural traditions and origin stories. Some people believe Pagan deity cults used it as a form of Goddess worship. We will learn some basic foundational movements of this expressive form, including undulations and shimmies in order to get our bodies moving, connect to our gorgeous sensual selves, and have some fun! Previous dance experience is not necessary. Wear clothing that is comfortable to move in and a hip scarf or coin belt if you wish.
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Friday 9:15am - 9:45am
Morning Meditation with Sabrina Mari - Back of the Dining Hall
Do you have a daily meditation practice or wish that you did? Come meditate with us for 10, 15 or 20 minutes as you prefer. Each day we’ll do a *short* guided meditation in one of several styles followed by a 10-minute silent sitting session. You can stay as long as you like and leave whenever you please. Bring a comfortable chair, blanket, or pillow to sit on and dress for ease. Length: 5-20 minutes every morning, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Friday 10am - 12noon
The Polyamory Paradigm with April Terreau - Front Porch of Dining Hall
Choosing polyamory isn’t easy, but it can be a very rewarding journey. Come and discover a new tool to help you navigate the quagmire of issues that polyamory can reveal. April and Eric have been successfully poly for many years and this tool has never let them down when dealing with sticky poly issues. We’ll look at polyamory from a completely different perspective. This shift in paradigm makes it easier to live free from anxiety, insecurity, and jealousy. Let’s consciously expand our capacity to love. Please bring any current poly issues you need to work through and we will use this tool to work through them together. This workshop is good for people who are exploring whether polyamory might be for them and it’s also great for people with lots of poly experience. This tool can also be used by monogamous couples who want to level up their relationship and increase their joy.
Identity Potions: A Recipe for Identity with Lady Wisdom & Wordsmith - Back of Dining Hall
Have you ever wished you could just stir up a potion to tell you who you are: sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship styles and kinks? The thing is, you need to find the recipe yourself. There are so many options? And what do all those colors on the pride flags mean anyway? In this hands-on workshop participants will be able to explore their own identities while crafting a “potion” to take home. A $3 materials fee would be helpful, but all are welcome regardless. Potions class is now in session!
Private Dancer: Seduce Your Partner(s) With Your Beautiful Body with Polyphonist - Dance Pavilion
Have you always wanted to do a striptease for your partner(s) but felt like you didn't have the "right" body? Or just didn't know how to put a routine together? This class celebrates all body types and will be part burlesque/striptease tutorial and part body positive reinforcement workshop for the body you have right now. Join Polyphonist, co-founder and former co-director of White Elephant Burlesque, as she helps you figure out how to select the right music and outfit, shows you some basic moves and how to build on them, and also gives you confidence boosting pointers to put it all together. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Participation is encouraged but not mandatory.
Rope Refresher with Bosch - Barn
It’s time to get out the rope again and tie! Are there things you’ve forgotten since the last time you took a rope class? This is a quick refresher course for all things rope. We will start out by talking about what we as a class remember, have forgotten, or about which we know everything except for “that one step that always eludes us”. We will cover the basics: single/double column ties and a basic chest harness. We will also practice some basic knots, frictions, and rope handling skills that transfer to just about any type of tie we might want to do. Bring your rope. If you don’t have anyone to tie you can practice most of these skills self-tying. Let's get our fingers caressing our ropes again.
Fused Glass Jewelry & Art with Tina Van Pelt - Canteen
Come and enjoy making fused glass jewelry or small art at Beltane. Must be able to return later to pick up fired pieces.
Friday 12:30pm - 1:00pm
Scream with Gennifur - Dance Pavilion
It's been a long, strange trip since we last gathered together at camp. All are cordially invited to purge what we have bottled up inside of us by gathering together and screaming it out. Bring yourselves, your voice, noisemakers, and wear whatever you would like. This event will not likely take more than 15-30 minutes, so consider arriving at the designated time.
Friday 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Healing & Hot Wax with Kate - Playspace
…has been canceled due to the presenter’s inability to attend.
Sex Majick and the Art of Everyday Self Seduction with Cliodhna Kahli Sapphire - Front Porch of Dining Hall
Sex Majick is one of the most potent forms of manifestation that exists. In this workshop, we will discuss the ways in which we can harness its unique power in conjunction with an intentional practice of seducing ourselves through simple, everyday rituals in order to harness its full intention and unleash our most erotic, powerful selves.
Reconnecting to Joy: Magically Align Yourself to Spirit with Sabrina Mari and April Terreau - Back of Dining Hall
We’ve had a rough two years! Isn’t it time to lift ourselves out of fear and reconnect to our joy? In this workshop, we’ll come together, assess where we’ve fallen out of alignment with Spirit and help to get each other back in. Arrive ready to bask in a loving circle that offers lots of encouragement and guidance. In this workshop and its accompanying ritual, April and Sabrina will welcome you in with love and lead you through a short practice to help you see where you could use a little tweak. Our goals: realign ourselves and have some fun! Come expecting to connect with other workshop participants as you play together to design a new, more joyful path forward. You will have the opportunity to work in groups or pairs. Bring your ritual tools and favorite altar items, because once we each decide how we want to move forward, we’ll call on the Spirit of joy and our Gods and Goddesses to help us get there. Bring a journal if you already have one (paper and pens will be provided) and wear comfortable clothes. You may also want to bring a chair or something to sit on.
Breathing Fire: Basics of Erotic Breathwork with Tamara Pincus - Dance Pavilion
Our erotic energy is intimately connected with our breath. When you learn to work with your breath in an intentional, focused way, it becomes easier to access your desire, your pleasure, and even your orgasm. Join us for an introduction to neo-tantric erotic breathwork and discover how it can transform your relationship to yourself. Therapist and sex educator Tamara Pincus will lead you through guided meditation and instruction in foundational tantric practice in a comfortable, safe, relaxing space. You’ll experience the difference in your body during class as you’re led through ecstatic breathwork techniques, and you’ll learn everything you need to continue this work on your own after class.
There will be time for questions and discussion as well as time to practice your breathwork individually. Please bring a mat, blanket, pillow, or anything else that will help you “nest” comfortably while sitting or laying. We will have one or more assistants on hand to help ground and center anyone who needs it. While the goal of our work in class is not about achieving orgasm, please be aware that erotic breathwork does sometimes lead to orgasm and it is possible that participants may have that experience. There is no physical contact in this class, and we will create and maintain a safe and inclusive space for all genders, body sizes and types, races, and sexual orientations. Because this is very vulnerable work, anyone who cannot respect our safe space rules will be asked to leave.
Introduction to BDSM with Dan & dawn - Cabin S&T
…has been canceled due to the presenters’ inability to attend.
Grounding with Trampling with b0ihazard - Barn
Grounding, while so necessary and fundamental, it is also sometimes such a bother to do at all. Much like basic hygiene, neglecting to perform it can make us uncomfortable and not very nice to be around for others. But don’t fret. Louis Felix is here to show you how to not only ground using a partner but how to ground through a partner who’s lying underneath you. What could be more natural, when opening up the stem of our energy, from crown to roots, as above so below, than to have a partner physically above or below you? Join Louis as he teaches you how to combine getting some physical and spiritual balance. (We’ll be using some trampling techniques but also some massage skills and smothering/rough body play.) No one is expected to be an expert in grounding but this class was developed for folks who can already ground themselves. If you have ability concerns in mind, please contact the presenter. Please bring a partner arranged in advance!
Here There Be Drums! with Patch - Upper Fire Circle
In this workshop, we will be going over the basics of hand drumming as well as some practice techniques. We will also be playing around with some concepts including polyrhythm, timing, and more! Come join us in our creation of our songs and rhythms as we grow together as a community. The skill level of the workshop will be determined by the skill level and knowledge-hunger of the class, not to exceed any one person's ability. Bring a drum, though there will be a few extras to borrow or try out!
Friday 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cathartic Release Through Rope and Impact with Corwin - Playspace
Often times we seek catharsis in S&M. But how do you create that kind of headspace for your partner when you design your scene? In this class we will explore several approaches to architecting towards catharsis as well as what tools are available to you as the top to use in this work. We will also cover the different psychological buttons we can push in order to compel the bottom to open themselves towards the experience of a cathartic release. In addition, we will talk a lot about aftercare and how to design your scene with it in mind.
The Manly Art of Service with b0ihazard - Front Porch of Dining Hall
What does Alfred Pennyworth have in common with a freshmen pledge at a frat house? Almost nothing! Except that they've both devoted themselves to active roll submission through contractual service, as men. There is a huge framework for the feminine art of service in our culture, so much so that many folks associate service with feminization or sissification. But what about folks who'd like to affirm their masculinity in service? Can providing shave service, groom service, cooking, and cleaning services make someone feel like a better man? A manlier man?
Please join us, as we welcome people of all genders, orientations, and kink roles in a discussion-based talk about the manly art of service. We're going to focus on domestic service, but we will delve into body service and remote service as well.
Welcome to the Cult Of Dionysos: Thyrsus Making Class with Alyx the Amused & The Bard of Providence - Back of Dining Hall
Embrace your inner maenad! Craft, decorate and parade around (clothing optional) with Dionysos’ cock. Join the Bard of Providence and Alyx the Amused in a thyrsus making workshop! Some materials will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring pinecones, shafts (mine is driftwood but any large stick will do), and decorations! I redecorate mine every Beltane with fresh vines and flowers. After creating our new wands, the Bard of Providence will lead us in a parade. Tambourines and wild dancing encouraged!
The Magickal Properties of Color: Your Personal Colors with James Welch - Cabin S&T
What's your favorite color today? It might be different from your favorite color last year, last week, or even yesterday. Your aura contains all the colors of the rainbow, so the whole spectrum is present in your body. Many of these colors play an important part in your life! From your choice of clothing to the way you decorate your home, color influences your mood, energy level, creativity, and overall well-being. Additionally, there are colors associated with the date and given name at birth that cannot be changed. These are colors that are also yours, and like them or not, they have lessons to teach you in this lifetime. Grab a pen and join Jim for a set of exercises to determine your personal colors. He'll show you how you can start using the power of color to improve both the magickal and mundane aspects of your life.
Connection/Intimacy through Sadism with Bosch - Barn
This class will discuss, model, and allow attendees to practice creating intimacy within the context of giving and receiving pain. We will start by discussing the brain chemistry that occurs during intimacy, sex, and pain, and how the three can be cultivated and combined. The top and bottom will be encouraged to create a safe, intimate space where pain/discomfort is balanced by submission, connection, and pleasure. The bottom will be encouraged to practice various ways to give feedback to the top as they identify their personal thresholds of pain. Through this process both will be encouraged to learn more about themselves and their partners. For those who want to participate in the exercises for the class, please bring a partner who you’ve negotiated intimacy, power exchange and sadomasochistic play with. Participants will be encouraged to do these exercises on the floor so a blanket or yoga mat is recommended.
What’s going on Friday Evening?
Open Playspace Hours - 8pm to 1am
Fireside Dance Party - 9pm, Upper Fire Circle
Join us for a dance party at the fire. Bring a date or two or three or your sexy self as a date to celebrate and connect through music, drumming, dancing, and whatever magic we can stir up together!
Main & Closing Ritual Volunteer Prep with The Ritual Team - 8:30pm, Dance Pavilion
Want to help make the magic? Join the Ritual Team at the Dance Pavilion to volunteer your time and assistance in preparing for Saturday’s Main Ritual, and Sunday’s Closing Ritual.
Sacred Sexuality: Sense O Rama with Dan & dawn - Cabin S&T
…has been canceled due to the presenters’ inability to attend.
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Morning Meditation with Sabrina Mari - Back of the Dining Hall
Do you have a daily meditation practice or wish that you did? Come meditate with us for 10, 15 or 20 minutes as you prefer. Each day we’ll do a *short* guided meditation in one of several styles followed by a 10-minute silent sitting session. You can stay as long as you like and leave whenever you please. Bring a comfortable chair, blanket, or pillow to sit on and dress for ease. Length: 5-20 minutes every morning.
Saturday 10am - 12noon
Sex Magic Workshop with April Terreau - Playspace
The energy of sexual intimacy is very powerful. Come learn how it can be used to create the life of your dreams. We will show you how to harness this juicy energy for manifestation, rejuvenation and reconnection. Explore all of the possibilities that sexual energy can be magically used for. April has over 2 decades of experience using the power of sexual intimacy to create a life of abundance and deep healing. We’ll start with the energy of a kiss and explore the possibilities so you can learn to ride the edge of ecstasy where the magic happens. Come with your creative ideas, your curiosity, and an open heart. You can come with your sexy self and/or your sexy partner(s); please note that this is not a place to hook up. If you would like to participate in the Sex Magic Ritual, you must come and complete this workshop in its entirety. Let’s make sexy magic together. All levels of magicians are welcome.
Rage, Strength, and Spirituality with Eric S. - Front Porch of Dining Hall
…has been canceled due to the presenter’s inability to attend.
Reconnecting to the Muses: A Workshop for Creatives with Sabrina Mari and James Welch - Back of Dining Hall
Are you a creative who longs to bring beauty into this world? Maybe you're a writer, a graphic artist, a musician, or a dancer. Sometimes the ideas come so fast that you can’t quite make sense of the jumble in your mind. At other times, you wonder if you’re dealing with a creative block. Either way, it’s hard to avoid feelings of overwhelm at what's required to make your creative energy real. But wait! These can all be signs that a powerful force is struggling to connect with you….The Muses! This workshop will show you how to reconnect with the source and inspiration of all our creative endeavors by incorporating The Muses into your personal magical practice. We’ll invite you to explore new possibilities as we walk you through some easy exercises to establish your own connection and share how we’ve made The Muses a part of our personal spiritual lives. Bring a journal if you already have one (or paper and pens will be provided). You may also want to bring a chair or something to sit on.
Knife Play: Fear and Sensation with Corwin - Dance Pavilion
Knife play is a really fun form of edge play (no pun intended). Aimed at people of all skill levels, this class will cover:
Knife play-specific safety and negotiations. Which questions to ask and what to keep in mind when creating your knife play scene.
Types of knives and edged tools you can use for play and where to get them. We will cover everything from small play-specific knives to razor sharp hatchets. We will also discuss where to find quality knives without breaking the bank.
Fear play, and the psychology behind it. You can use knives for a variety of scenarios involving fear, and in this class you will learn specific techniques of how to tap into your partner's instincts to make them seem genuine.
Sensation play using different types of blades. We will explore several techniques for making sharp knives safe, and making dull knives seem sharp and dangerous. We will also talk about different areas of the body and how they respond to the sensations you can produce in them. We will cover using multiple knives at once to invoke different type of feelings in your partner.
Laying on Sadistic Hands: Banishing with Pain with b0ihazard - Barn
When we talk about banishment, we’re normally talking about two things. Thing number one is that we need to do a purification, while thing number two is knowing that a plain ol’ regular purification just won’t cut it because we’re dealing with something truly gnarly. If our homes were infested with pests, we’d get an exterminator. But what to do when our bodies are inhabited by spiritual gunk, grime, tar and all manner of grossness? When a smudging won’t cut it because we need a deep, foundational clean, what can we do? Let Louis talk you through using pain as spiritual cavicide during a sadistic hand laying. (Hand laying is a slight misnomer, we'll be using sadistic massage techniques but also some punching, trampling, biting and other rough body play.) While no one is expected to be an expert in hand laying, this class was developed with folks who can already feel and grasp energy in mind. If you have ability concerns in mind, please contact the presenter.
Saturday 1pm - 3pm
Sex Magic Ritual with April Terreau - Playsplace
Now that you’ve taken the sex magic workshop, you’re ready to raise the power of sacred sexuality. Enter the sacred temple in perfect love and perfect trust. Feel free to bring something of yours to add to the sex magic altar. Make yourself comfortable with a nest of blankets and pillows. Bring whatever you’d like for your own bliss and ecstasy, including toys, safer sex supplies, and properly prepared partner(s) (who have completed the workshop and given enthusiastic consent). Come consecrate your love in the presence of the gods, because all acts of love and pleasure are Her rituals.
Love the One You’re With: Body Image and Self-Love with Lady Wisdom & Wordsmith - Back of Dining Hall
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see the wonder of the divine cosmos, the god, goddess or goddexx incarnate? Or do you see all of your flaws? Most of the time we focus on the scars, the faults, the problems. We constantly tell ourselves negative messages about our bodies, over and over again reinforcing every criticism we’ve ever heard and worse. Changes in our bodies as we age make this even more challenging. But you only get one body in this lifetime! It’s the center of your sexy self! Love the one you’re with! In this inspiring and practical workshop, Wisdom and Wordsmith will share some of their own experiences, from surviving breast cancer and a double mastectomy to coping with erectile dysfunction, along with methods for how can we feel like our most sexy selves, even when our bodies don’t want to cooperate. The presentation will include an interactive meditation and will close with a movement practice to help improve body image and self-love.
Flirting with Dan & dawn - Dance Pavilion
…has been canceled due to the presenters’ inability to attend.
Sex as an Aspect of Spirituality for Poly Folk with Anita Wagner - Cabin S&T
Many polyamorists are spiritual people. Just ask for a show of hands at any polyamory conference, and fully two thirds of the crowd will say they identify either as Unitarian Universalist and/or Pagan, with the rest coming anywhere from Judaism to Christianity to athiesm. How does the practice of polyamory manifest for you as a spiritual matter? What do you seek that relates to spirituality in a polyamorous partnership? How important is it to you? These are but a few of the questions we will explore in this facilitated group discussion.
Botanical Beatings 101: A Class in Rose Flogging with Polyphonist - Barn
Most people concur that roses are gorgeous. However, did you know that they are more than just beautiful decoration…they’re a fun, versatile bouquet of sensation! In this class, learn how the most ouchy part of the rose isn’t always the thorn. We’ll go over the basics of how-to administer a rose flogging and also how to engage all the senses in this innovative method of impact play. Topics included:
the selection process of roses
a live, in-class negotiation
safety precautions
techniques
a live demo flogging
If time allows, class participants who choose to will have the opportunity to either feel or administer a brief rose flogging with instructor supervision and guidance.
Here There Be Drums! with Patch - Upper Fire Circle
In this workshop, we will be going over the basics of hand drumming as well as some practice techniques. We will also be playing around with some concepts including polyrhythm, timing, and more! Come join us in our creation of our songs and rhythms as we grow together as a community. The skill level of the workshop will be determined by the skill level and knowledge-hunger of the class, not to exceed any one person's ability. Bring a drum, though there will be a few extras to borrow or try out!
Saturday 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Humiliation, Degradation, and Objectification with Corwin - Front Porch of Dining Hall
A class that will discuss three related but distinct types of play:
Humiliation: the art of finding your partner's shame button and pushing it until they melt in your arms.
Degradation: the art of playing dirty, either physically or mentally, including dirty talking and physical degradation.
Objectification: making your partner feel like a piece of property being used.
We will walk through different techniques for each of these types of play, as well as talk about how to find the perfect blend of them together.
Exploring Attraction with Mx. MRG - Back of Dining Hall
In this class we will look at some of the factors of attraction, break down how we’ve viewed them classically, and examine the notion of reconfiguring our thought patterns regarding attraction so that we can be more honest in our communication, and thus foster more authentic connections and interactions with current and future partners. We will also examine some of the social constructs surrounding typical notions of attraction and their roots in patriarchy, post colonialism, and post industrialism, vs pre-colonial and indigenous relationship structures.
Sigil Creation and Candle Majick with Cliodhna Kahli Sapphire - Dance Pavilion
There are as many ways to create spellwork as there are practitioners; in this workshop we'll focus on two components that can easily be combined for potent majick making. Sigils and candle majick are two foundational practices that can easily be used as simple spells all of their own, combined, or added into more complex workings. A $5 donation is suggested to offset the cost of materials used in this workshop.
Connection/Intimacy through Body Manipulation and Positioning with Bosch - Barn
Using quiet body manipulation/positioning, this class is designed to help tops and bottoms practice power exchange in one of its most basic forms: physical pressure/accommodation. Tops will practice exerting non-verbal control over their bottoms by gently manipulating their body in a way that creates a small pressure that the bottom must accommodate by positioning themselves in a way that relieves that pressure. Bottoms will practice mindful, present submission, existing in the moment, being aware of their bodies, and following the lead of their top by accommodating but not anticipating. Together both top and bottom will learn how to create a safe, intimate space where they can practice this “dance” together, honing their D/s skills and connect. Blindfolds and simple wrist bondage can be helpful but are not required. For those who want to participate in the exercises for this class, please bring a partner who you’ve negotiated non-sexual touch and intimacy prior to the class. We will spend a lot of time on the floor so a blanket or yoga mat is recommended.
What’s going on Saturday Evening?
Driving Towards Ecstasy with Kate - 8pm - 9:30pm, Playspace
…has been canceled due to the presenter’s inability to attend.
Open Playspace Hours - 10pm - 1am
The Fires Within - 9pm, Upper Fire Circle
We come together for this last fire - burning clear and bright, lighting the fires within, we drum, we sing, we dance, we love, we are.
Invoking Erato with Alyx the Amused & The Bard of Providence - Back of Dining Hall
Erato, the muse of erotic poetry, inspired countless poets to write love letters, hymns, and odes! Come and write some sexy poetry with us! Some instruction will be provided. Please bring your own writing materials (notebooks, paper, pens etc). Poetry reading to follow.
Delightfully
Insane
Olympian
Needs
Your
Slightly
Used
Satyrs
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Meet the Presenters!
As a second-generation Hellenic pagan, Alyx the Amused (Alex Risotti) has been actively practicing for over ten years. Alyx is currently working with Apollon Musagètes and Dionysos Eleutherios. In service to the theoi, Alyx runs several large, online Hellenic groups totaling well over 3,000 members. In their role as clergy, Alyx answers community questions, offers spiritual guidance, and performs rituals. Alyx also offers educational services on mythology and Hellenic topics. Alyx is an avid and active member of contra, folk, and other dance revival movements. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Alyx attended weekly community dances. Their participation in these traditions helps keep them alive. Alyx is a skilled poet in a variety of styles including haiku's, acrostics, lyrical, and blank verse.
Anita Wagner is a thought leader, coach, writer, and educator on polyamory, relationship choice and families of the heart. She is a past organizer of and educator at many consensual nonmonogamy (CSN) conferences and summits in person and virtually. She has served as a member of the boards of directors of several CSN organizations. Anita has appeared on television in Baltimore and DC and is quoted in the NYT, Washington Post, and many others on CSN and relationship choice.
April identifies as a polyamorous, kinky sex witch and has been magical all her life. She is committed to a continuous process of leveling up spiritually, emotionally, and practically. She has built her life around this principle and asks the best of herself and her inner circle of beloveds. She is the creator of The Sacred Sisterhood of Sexuality (www.sacredsisterhoodofsexuality.com), an online community of female-identified people who witness and encourage each other to embrace their authentic sexual selves.
The Bard of Providence (Joshua Gannon-Salomon) is a professional folk musician with a bachelor's degree in music and theater from Hampshire college in Amherst, MA. He has worked in a variety of settings including as the village music director at King Richard’s Faire. The Bard of Providence has a lifelong passion to share music and story-telling with the world. He regularly entertains patrons with his band, the King’s Busketeer’s, at renaissance festivals across New England.
Louis Felix (b0ihazard) is a polyamorus trans dude, a massage enthusiast, a sadomasochist, and proud switch. He's been doing kink and taking names since 2011. Out of kink, he's a born and bred Brooklynite, a witch, a lover of spreadsheets, a writer of smut, and plays a ton of Dungeons and Dragons.
Bosch (He/Him) is a Dom, Sadist, Rigger, Smart-ass and self-proclaimed nice guy (although opinions of masochists might differ). He has been a practitioner of various forms of power-exchange for over 20 years. He has been teaching/presenting and vending at workshops and kink events for over 10 years. He enjoys creating and selling electro-torture devices out of old telephone magnetos, and he is a bookseller and collector of 18th, 19th, and early 20th century antique erotica and sex-related books and kinky antiques. If Bosch has learned anything from his research of erotica it is that sexuality, in all of its glorious diversity, has been a part of literature and art throughout history. When it comes to sex there is truly nothing new under the sun. In his vanilla life, he is or has been (among other things) a music teacher, an expert on vintage synthesizers, a recording engineer/producer/studio owner, a web designer, a father, a hiker/backpacker, and lover of board games and various card games.
Rev. Cliodhna Kahli Sapphire, HP is New York state based end of life doula and member of INELDA, dancer/model/artist, and community organizer/activist who is currently serving as the President of Open Love New York and attending Tulane University as a Masters of Social Work and Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership candidate. Formerly the founder/President of Jersey City Polyamory and Alt Relationship Network, Jeri is proud to be working on Deconstructing Polyamory and SPACE Force (Sex-Positive Activists Counselors and Educators). She is the co-coordinator (aka Auntie Mermaid) of The Findyhoppers, is a member of the Raks al Zahra International Troupe, and serves as Jersey City Fashion Week Face of Fashion and Model Captain. She has had the honor of performing with and facilitating Public Urban Ritual Experiment (an international community of dancers, musicians and artists who believe in the power of creativity for healing, personal growth and positive change), the Myra Krein Dance Residency in San Miguel de Allende, the Havana Habibi residency in Cuba, and 1920s Meets Bellydance residency in Kona, Hawaii. Cliodhna/Jeri has presented at Poly Living Philadelphia, Rocky Mountain Poly Living, APW, Southwest Lovefest, PolyDallas Millennium, the Loving Choices Seminar in Oklahoma City, and Open Love Presents in NYC and is thrilled to be returning to THE Beltane. She currently resides in the Hudson Valley with her amazing husband Joe and their two sweet, opinionated kitties Leo Merlin and Dagda Mari.
Corwin is a top with a wide range of interests. He enjoys Japanese inspired rope bondage, all manner of impact play, as well as fear/sensation/humiliation/objectification play, and inflicting terrible dad jokes on his partners. Having discovered his kinky side from a newspaper cartoon at a very young age, he continues to pursue new and interesting kinks. A life long student, he believes kink can be viewed as a set of skills you can continue improving, from bettering your D/s communication to honing your spanking cadence. His most recent passion is community building and expanding consent-based culture in the kink scene. In 2020 Corwin opened Upline, CT's premier rope studio where he produces events and classes on a variety of kink-related topics.
Dan and dawn will not be able to join us at the event.
Eric S. will not be able to join us at the event.
Gennifur is an ordained interfaith-interspiritual minister and Blue Star Wiccan priestess. She considers Ramblewood to be a second home and sacred ground, particularly the labyrinth. Gennifur believes in science, spirit, and deeply loves the original Wonder Woman.
James Welch is one of the artisan-owners of WizardsTower, supplier of ritual garments and custom wands for mid-level and advanced magickal practitioners. He is a writer, teacher and community elder. In his personal practice, Jim combines elements of both the Celtic and Norse traditions, following the Dragon Path. He began designing garments and bags 40 years ago and has used this skill to serve the ritual needs of the Pagan community for over 16 years. Currently, he offers workshops about the magickal properties of color, woods/trees, crystals and stones. He can be reached through the WizardsTower website, www.wizardstower1.com.
Kate will not be able to join us at the event.
Lady Wisdom has taught workshops for all ages for more than twenty years, including at Turtle Hill Events Beltane & Dungeons and Geekdom in 2019, as well as Pantheacon in CA, the Festival of the Divine Feminine in Hawaii, Autumn Erotica in FL, and Serpent Stone in GA and TN. With a PhD in theatre, she strives to bring the sacred dramatic arts into education on many levels, empower others through the intersection of fandom, sexual and gender identity, and activism. She has great personal interest and expertise in open relationship styles, particularly polyamory. Wordsmith began blogging for “Life on the Swingset” shortly after entering the lifestyle. He calls his writing “erotic nonfiction,” but his insight on relationships, identity, and single male swinging go far beyond titillation. Wisdom and Wordsmith have had an ongoing love affair of words (among other things) for seven years now.
Mx. MRG (they/them) is a non-binary parent, athlete and artist. With a varied history in kink education and performance, nude modeling and photography, animation, bellydance, martial arts, team sports, weightlifting, acting and singing, they’ve lived many lives and have seen many things. They are currently working on self-publishing a book, re-emerging into a career as an illustrator, and developing contortion concepts for later circus performances.
Patch is a dynamic and engaging percussionist, whose spiritual and musical passions have come together to form a personal path that is as loud as it is enlightening.
A self-professed rhythmancer, he has been making noise since birth and practicing percussion with a focus on djembe for over 2 decades, finding his connection with the world through the drum. His influences range from Traditional African, Middle Eastern and Caribbean traditions to Jazz, Hip Hop, Folk, Metal and everywhere in between. With an indomitable spirit and an infectious smile, Patch weaves rhythm into every aspect of his life and teachings. His work has included education and performance for colleges, public and private schools, music festivals, spiritual festivals, professional instructional seminars, and more!
Polyphonist (ze/zir and she/her) is a queer, nonbinary, pagan relationship anarchist, published writer, singer, burlesque dancer, actress, activist, and switchtastic switch who's been in and around the scene for twenty years. Previously, as Femme Fae la Butche, ze co-founded the White Elephant Burlesque Society. As zirself in the past two decades, ze has directed and performed in local theatrical productions and in solo musical performances, sang in a UU choir, been an event planner, and also has taught classes and been on panels for things such as R.A.C.K. play, polyamory, burlesque, body positivity / movement / seduction for all body types, and water fitness. Ze specializes in rose flogging and has been doing it for 15+ years and teaching classes in it for nearly 10 years. In addition to the above, she has a deep and abiding affection for tea, driving, leather, laughter, reading, ukuleles, queer sex, fountain pens, the ocean, energy play, cuddling, musicals, making out, hiking, Harry Potter, knives, kayaking, candles, and intimate, meandering conversations about sex, poly / RA, paganism / spirituality, kink, love, creativity, music, and gender – inclusive and exclusive of each other. (PS: Ze is usually down for an impromptu duet of "Confrontation" from Les Mis, but ze calls Val Jean's part.)
Sabrina Mari is a teacher, writer, speaker, and coach. She’s an Elder in the Blue Star Tradition of Wicca, a Gryphon’s Grove School of Shamanism graduate, and a former university professor. She also identifies as Buddhist. Sabrina teaches for fun and posts tarot teaching videos on Instagram (@sabrinamariechase) and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SabrinaMarieChase . Her upcoming book teaches tarot readers to recognize and work with the 4 most common reading types.
Samphire is delighted by paradox, craves the liminal, and is unabashedly inquisitive about all aspects of being human. Both demisexual and demi-spiritual, she's adventured in many communities and finds herself most at home moving between them. A long time ago, they obtained a social work degree, which has given them a career of doing Many Things, including working and playing at the edge of trauma research and somatic practice. She'll nerd out hard about the science of your woo, and then go head first into ritual headspace with you: always preferring the embodied experience to the intellectual. Self-employed and living with disabilities, she is an online somatic counselor, writer, researcher, and artist. Samphire is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and their work in healing individuals and communities is rooted in this approach. They are a contributing author to Queer Magic: Power Beyond Boundaries, and are mutably queer themselves.
Tamara Pincus is an AASECT certified sex therapy supervisor and a certified Urban Tantra practitioner. She has been working in the field of sexuality for over 10 years. She has provided workshops over the years on fat empowerment, BDSM for mental health practictioners, ethical non-monogamy and basics of tantra. Tamara is the director of The Pincus Center for inclusive treatment and education which provides poly, kinky, pagan and LGBTQ+ friendly therapy and sex education.
Thista Minai is an educator, author, priestess, ordeal facilitator, and gleeful sadist. She uses her professional background in education to create high quality classes on a wide variety of topics, including sacred sexuality, the ordeal path, catharsis, impact, and needle play. With more than fifteen years of experience in designing and conducting rituals, Thista travels the country championing the value of spirituality and empowerment in kink and BDSM.
Tina is a long-time fused glass artist and has taught classes and facilitated experiences at many THE events.
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Every Ritual, Great and Small!
Part of Beltane’s magic is the many ways that the sacred is expressed in ritual experiences throughout the gathering. Here’s a master list of all the public rituals scheduled for this year, in chronological order. As always, we recommend reading their descriptions in full!
Opening Ritual: The Lovers Wake the Land - Thursday, 3:15pm - 4:30pm, Ritual Field
Beneath our feet, Ramblewood sleeps, dreaming of the love and magic made upon its earth in years past. The Fool summons us to the ritual ground, calling us to adventure as we begin our journey to reunion. Together we bask in the joy of connection and re-connection, of being present in magical space with each other once more. Our enthusiasm draws forth the Lovers, who in the dance of Lover and Beloved lead us to awaken the land and see it bloom. Uninvited, but shadowing our revels, the Devil manifests and promises that we will contend with his chains and shackles this weekend.
Maypole Dance - Friday, 3:15pm - 4:30pm, Ritual Field
Beltane’s merry tradition of the Maypole returns! Come one and all to dance and weave our wishes for abundance, love, lust, play, and creation around our sacred symbol. We invite musicians of all kinds to join our drummers and fill the air with glorious rhythm for the dancers. If you can’t or don’t wish to actually dance the Maypole, you’re invited to hold space with us and add your energy however you like—dance in place, shout, sing, wave banners, twirl fans, or simply watch! Never danced the Maypole? Don’t worry, our Fool is ready to give everyone a refresher. Let’s charge our Maypole with love and pleasure.
*Because of the nature of the Maypole dance, it will be impossible to keep social distance toward the end. However, all participants will be masked.*
Main Ritual: The Chains that Bind Us - Saturday, 3:15pm - 4:30pm, Gather outside Cabin H
Gather with us up at the lettered cabins, where the Fool assembles us and leads us in ecstatic procession through the festival grounds to our ritual field. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed to celebrate Love and Pleasure, whatever that means to you, and to bring whatever toys, noisemakers, or instruments you’d like to add to the festivity. Twirl ribbons, spin poi, fill the air with bubbles, play the kazoo, everything adds to our celebration!
As we circle up in our ritual space around the finished Maypole, enticed by the Lovers to frolic and play, our reveling is disrupted by the Devil and his minions, who pull the Lovers apart, lay the Devil’s chains upon us, and sow doubt and discord. The Fool lends aid to help us face these shadows and dispel them, so that we may reunite the Lovers both without and within. With the power of our Beltane magic and the loving connection that unites us, we overcome and bind the Devil to clear the way for an evening of joy.
*There will be paper chains placed on participants during this ritual. If you do not wish to have contact in this way, hold up a hand to stop the Devil’s minion and they will mime the action instead.*
Closing Ritual: All the Dragons in Our Lives - Sunday, 10:30 - 11:30am, Ritual Field
Weary but exhilarated, we meet on the ritual ground one final time this weekend to thank and bless the land that has held us, and to release our container of sacred connection. But the Devil is only bound, and his fate undetermined. Before we can close our work, we call forth the Soul of Love that watches over all Lovers to help us see the Devil’s true nature and his role in our dance of love and connection. With peace restored, we release the quarters and let the land and the Lovers find rest once more in each other’s arms. We may travel far from here physically, but the connection that glows in our hearts will shine out over our lives long after we drive away.
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