Wic-Can Fest Programming 2023

Jared of Georgina Island First Nation has been singing, drumming and carrying songs for as long as he can remember. As he got older, he gravitated towards Rap music as a way to share messages of hope and positive change. As a child, he was aware of his ability to see the spirit world and at 25, received his first pipe and became a pipe carrier. At first, Jared got scared of his gifts and sought refuge in drugs and alcohol as a way to suppress his talent and began a journey of recovery with the birth of his daughter, 5 years ago. He began to pray for guidance and wisdom and rediscovered his spiritual gifts. His mother Becky Big Canoe was a big influence on his development as she guided him towards the medicine path since he was a toddler. With the help of teachers Kevin Porter, Erin Benson and James Carpenter, he began to fulfill what Creator asked of him before birth. Jared was once one of the festival kids and he is thrilled to share his gifts, teachings and instructions received from Creator, with all of us this fest. We are honoured that he can join us!

Kevin Porter

Kevin hails from the Garden River of the Ojibway First Nation.
Kevin will be conducting sweatlodges, assisted by Jared.

Together, they will share sweatlodge protocols, talk about spirit connection,
prayer, our ancestors and share songs, stories and ceremony.

Sweatlodge building

Come help build the lodge and learn as you take part in this sacred activity.
Meet at admin, Thursday at 10 am(after brunch)

Sweatlodge teachings

At 4pm on Thursday, come and hang out by the lodge as the sacred fire is lit in preparation for that night's sweatlodge and Jared and Kevin share teachings.

Sweatlodge

The sweats will be guided by the needs of spirit and our community.
You should know that you are expected to bring  tobacco (Semaa) with you as an offering.
Women on their moontime should abstain from participating.

Jared Big Canoe in concert

Come hear Jared as he shares stories and his music, Friday at 1 pm 

Anne Marie Greymoon has been a ballerina, a pagan artisan, musician, singer, mask maker, doula, teacher, postal worker, business manager, occultist, drummer, herbalist, tarot reader, Spiritual consultant, Traditional healer, Morris dancer, High Priestess, Elder and is still a lot of these things.(really)  

She has been in the craft since the early eighties and is a 3* HPS in both the Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions of Wica. She has participated in numerous radio, TV and film documentaries on witchcraft,  A former director of Wic-Can Fest and Harvest Fest for 35 years, she believes that everyone is entitled to believe in and honour the Goddess and the Old Gods and sought to provide a meeting place for all our people to share knowledge, connect, celebrate and network with others of similar earth-based faiths.  

Proud mom to 8 children, she considers herself a healer, a traditional wisdom keeper and a witch. 

As well as leading the opening, closing and Main rituals,
Anne Marie will present the following:

What Pagans Do

Join Anne Marie as she discusses the basic beliefs of the Pagan faith.

What we consider sacred, how to set a shrine for worship

Libations why and how and how to steer clear of cultural appropriation.

We will experience saining (as opposed to smudging) and discuss different ways to bless.

Elements of Witchcraft

Come learn about the 4 (or 5) Elements
and how to use them in your own spells and magic. Bring a notebook.

Good food on a budget

Omnivore version

Bring a notebook to this lecture as Anne Marie shares tips and tricks for delicious food you can whip up on a budget. Stop spending a fortune on empty calories and learn what ingredients to invest in, to make satisfying meals and treats. Recipes provided.

 Charlene Freedom is a Certified Natural Health Practitioner, Cannabis Educator, Event Organizer and Natural Cosmetic Formulator. She hosts a line of hand blended aromatherapy cosmetics for body, skin and hair care, with twenty years of aromatherapy formulation, and eight years experience specializing in cannabis topical formulations, education and consulting for cannabis patients across Ontario. 

Her passion for natural healing extends beyond aromatherapy and also includes massage, reflexology, Reiki. Her healing intend always holds a special magic in all she does, and her products have always been a shining example of quality. Charlene is selective about choosing high quality ingredients that are proven to be ethical, sustainable and pure.

Her dedicated research and product development includes working with a number of skin and health conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, stress, inflammation and aging. She is happy to create custom therapeutic blends for those with allergies or special requirements.

Ladies Love Mary Jane Circle  

A women’s cannabis peace pipe ritual?! Join Charlene Freedom for Ladies Love Mary Jane on Saturday at 4:20pm to share a cannabis peace pipe ritual. Women have shared cannabis since ancient times, and many women report incredible changes when they begin to work with cannabis as a plant spirit. This ritual endeavors to honor the sacred magic and healing that cannabis offers to women, and provide a safe space for women to “come out of the cannabis closet.” We will be participating in 3 rounds of passing the pipe, called Odes, Bitch, and Boasts. You do not need to imbibe if you don’t wish to, but all are welcome to join in the circle. 

Crone Skin  

Join me for a specialized workshop on caring for your skin as you enter into the age of the Crone. Since turning 50 last year, I have been very focused on my own personal skin care, and would like to share some simple tips and tricks for giving yourself mini facials on the go, weekly facial treatments, and daily skin care. Bring a bandana or scarf to tie back your hair if you wish to participate in the mini facials.   

Cannabis Topicals Workshop  

Join me for a workshop discussing the various types of cannabis topicals that can be used for pain management, wellness and skin care. We will look at the different products like creams, balms, bath salts, oils, and I will offer a mini demo and samples.

Laurie Benson has led Herb Walks and Talks from Starwood to Kaleidoscope, after being inspired by the Wic-Can Fest walks Nick Faunus led in the '80's. She went on to work for Faunus Herbs, studied with Susun Weed and was initiated by her as a Green Witch in the '90's. Laurie has completed her 500 hour Advanced Yoga Teacher status through international training in Costa Rica, Mexico and India and teaches Yoga and Practical Herbalism from her home in Cannington and at Festivals.

Sun Salutation/Moon Salutation Yoga

at 8:00 am 

See Program board for location

Prepare your body, mind and spirit for the day ahead!

Herb Walks

Meet at Administration.

Explore the interesting plants on the property 

and learn what is safe and not safe to eat and use.

Our Vegan Herbalist friend Susan will offer the following:

Good food on a budget

Vegan version

Bring a notebook to this lecture as Susan, a veteran expert on wholesome vegan food, shares tips and tricks for delicious meals you can whip up on a budget. 

Stop spending a fortune on empty calories and learn what ingredients to invest in,
to make satisfying and nutritious meals and treats.
Recipes provided.

Yvonne Aburrow has been a Pagan since 1985 and a Wiccan since 1991. They have an MA in Contemporary Religions and Spiritualities from Bath Spa University (UK). They were born in England, and  now live in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. They have written four books on the mythology and folklore of trees, birds, and animals, and two anthologies of poetry. Their most recent books are All Acts of Love and Pleasure: inclusive Wicca, Dark Mirror: the inner work of witchcraft, and The Night Journey: witchcraft as transformation. They are currently writing a book about changing spiritual paths. They blog at Dowsing for Divinity and have a YouTube channel with videos on Paganism and Wicca. They have presented at WicCanfest on the subject of Folk Magic.

Bob Houghton has an academic background in history and cinema. He was born in Canada and spent 8 years living in the UK. He has a strong interest in Morris dancing which dates back to 2003 and has given several workshops at WicCanFest before, including one on Folk Magic. His Youtube channel, LumiereCdn, features videos of travel and Morris dancing. His Pagan connections date back to 1975 through a variety of contacts in the Hamilton community. He is a high school teacher specializing in history, IT, and special needs. He has contributed to several local history books and journals.

A Brief History of Magical Tools From Ancient Times to the Present  

From the first lunar calendar to the latest crystal wand, humans have always used tools in their magical practices. We will consider why we need magical tools, and look at the development of magical tools through the ages, from the lituus of the Roman augurs, via the simple tools of witchcraft, the tools of medieval grimoires, through the ceremonial accoutrements of Freemasonry and the Golden Dawn, to the tools of Wicca, folkloric witchcraft, and Druidry.  

Libby & Cal is an Ottawa-based folk duo featuring autoharp, 12-string guitar, and vocal harmonies. Their unusual sound has been described as otherworldly and surprising. Libby and Cal met at a Pagan festival in 2015, and the two corresponded for several years before becoming musical partners in 2018. In 2021 they released an album entitled Our Lady of Perpetual Hammer, and they are currently recording their second album, If You've Given Up on Love then Let's Call it Something Else.

Libby & Cal will be playing live Thursday and Friday Evening!

Hails from the Black Silk House of Drums. There is a deep magic between us with these beautiful instruments.

Participate in our community music making event. Bring your favorite percussion instrument and groove along with the rest of your tribe. Light facilitation provided to achieve goals of unity, listening  and grooving! 

Nelson will be offering a Drum Circle on Friday afternoon!

An artist, a witch and an astrologer. She’s been reading tarot and the stars for over 30 years, and has lived the colourful life, following her dreams and her magic. She conducts a daily live show, on instagram (lydia_knox_art_astrology_witch) where she talks about the planets and their aspects, and as well shares magical recipes with her followers. She is an LGBTQ ally, and believes that as witches we need to stand up for social causes.   

Her approach to astrology and tarot is one where we are given choices from the Gods and it’s up to us to be responsible for our paths. There is the shadow side of magic, and the light, and it’s a witches’ call to navigate  between the two and walk the middle path. 

Currently she lives in Owen Sound, with her husband and High Priest, and runs a small cozy Gardnerian coven. 

Lydia will be offering workshops on Numerology and an exciting Tarot Duel with Catherine Starr!

A Gardnerian High Priestess, an elder in the NROODG Tradition and has been leading covens & public rituals since 1990. She is the Wiccan Chaplain at the University of Toronto, Coordinator of the University of Toronto Campus Chaplains Association & sponsor for the University of Toronto Pagan and Earth-based Spirituality Society. She was on the Toronto Parliament of World Religions (PWR) 2018 Steering Committee, Toronto Area Interfaith Council, Pagan Federation International & in the URI Multi-region CC Spirituality & the Earth. She attended PWR in 1999 in Cape Town, representing Covenant of the Goddess as a former First Officer.

Catherine will be hosting an exciting Tarot workshop with Lydia Knox where they will go head to head answering questions!

HPS of Amaranth Energies since 1971, CEO of Freya’s Folk, and the California Utlandr Alliance, current board member of the American Vinland Association, Ambassadress of Romuva in the USA, Member of the European Congress of Ethnic Religions, Elder in the Covenant of the Goddess and The Ring of Troth, Soror Glynda in the OTO and translator of “Demonographia”, member of the Rune Gild. She has been an activist for Pagan and Feminist causes for over fifty years. She currently lives in and runs Perchtenhof (home of the followers of the Bright Goddess) in Antioch, CA. Visit her blog for photos and travelogues at ​prudenttravels.blogspot.com​. 

Prudence will be bringing us her daily Caffeina, as well as workshops on Amber, Jet and the Moon through the Signs of the Zodiac.

Amber & Jet: The Witches' Jewels From Trees 

Prudence Priest, Romuva Ambassadress to the USA, will discuss ‘baltic gold’ (amber), its history, uses, myths, & more. Prudence will have amber, jet & bronze jewelery available in the vendor area and will bring items from her private collection for her workshop.   

Worshipping Caffeina  

Join Prudence (& others) as we worship the black bean at 9:45am, every day of the festival. Join in this now famous wake up chant!  

Memorial Symble  

A Norse ritual of remembrance for all those we lost since we last gathered. Join us as we call the names of our lost ones and do them honour. Everyone will have the opportunity to speak and Prudence will lead the rite.   

The Moon through the Signs of the Zodiac  Prudence who is a veteran astrologer will discuss lunar influences through the signs of the zodiac. You are sure to be entertained and learn a few things.

Kimi  has been studying the uses of essential oils for over 15 years. She enjoys sharing the wonderful benefits of essential oils with everyone in workshops as well as with products, through her business: A Scented Path.   

She is also a very talented hula hooper who has lots of tips and tricks up her sleeve.

Kimi will be offering the following workshops this year:

Scented Blend Making Workshop  

Blend making workshop; a fan favourite, we will be creating our own unique signature blends (or recreating a favourite, I’ll bring my recipe book), using essential oils provided. You will finish the class with your own blend to take home (or use in the next workshop) as well as the recipe to recreate it on your own. I can also keep a copy if you wish to purchase it from me in the future. Children must be accompanied by an an adult.   

Base Making Workshop  

Base creating workshop; here we we will recreate a base using the provided ingredients. Options include bath salts, bath /sower bombs, perfume (or cologne), body spray. Reach out to me if you have a different base you’d like to make and I will see if I can accommodate. Children must be accompanied by an adult.    

Hula Hoop Tips and Tricks  

Let's play! I’ll bring my hula hoops (feel free to bring your own if you have one/some) we may have natural music from drums or a play list or none at all and I’ll show you how I dance with the hula hoop. Open to all ages  

We have been involved in the pagan community for a number of years now.  Anita is a fashion history fanatic and practicing pagan witch who finds her truth in the history of decoration and nature. “Beauty and fashion are never an island, they are always a response”.  Braila, an eclectic nature witch was raised fam-trad and is looking to share a portion of her many hyper-fixations with others. “A jack of all trades is master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one”  At our core, we are looking to combine our knowledge, our instincts, and what we love in a meaningful and magical way to share with our community.     

The History and Technique of Braiding    

Open to All!  We aim to establish a sense of community and caring. We will share our education around the skills and history of braiding in northern cultures. We acknowledge there is an important cultural conversation to be had regarding braiding styles of Black, Indigenous and people of colour. While we recognize it is important to have these conversations, we do not have the rights or knowledge to host them. We strongly encourage the furthering of education and understanding around these important issues.  

Coming from the lens of a historical and magical stand point, we would like to discuss how braids were worn and why, starting in the ancient past, but specifically from the early 12th century and forward. How they developed through the ages, especially looking at how natural magic was made common around the same time certain braids became popular.   

From fashion to function, braids have been used among all different classes. At the end of the day, we feel it is important to notice how braiding and hairstyles have come to make the wearer feel. How the practice of braiding has cultivated a sense of community and intimacy. How people of different classes and cultures have come together throughout time to braid and converse. 

We have a very unique blend of styles in today’s day and age. It is this perspective  and these practices that we would like to teach.   

We love braiding, making up hairstyles from quirky to fabulous. We will present our knowledge and share skills with others, and, if possible, have two different meetings to split this up, 1 hour per session. It is our intention to have a group braiding circle, ideally before main ritual, to help prepare ourselves as a group. It is a belief universally acknowledged that there is a certain energy held in our hair, sacred, that deserves love and care.

Kirtan Culture Initiative 

The Kirtan Culture Initiative is a Toronto-based kirtan yoga group that shares musical mantra meditation through deeply meditative and joyful experiences.  Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Kevala and Taravali, both of whom have been raised with the practices of kirtan and bhakti-yoga, the Kirtan Culture Initiative has facilitated kirtan events all around the Greater Toronto Area and even in cities across Canada!  The members of the group focus on sharing mantras, music and the culture of bhakti in an accessible and approachable fashion.  

Inquiries for kirtan events can be done through the Kirtan Culture Initiative website: www.kirtanculture.com or they can be contacted through Facebook or Instagram (@kirtanculture).

www.kirtanculture.com

www.facebook.com/kirtanculture

www.instagram.com/kirtanculture 

I am a practicing herbalist based in Toronto, Ontario and registered as a professional member with the Ontario Herbalists Association. My clinical practice is rooted in traditional Western herbal medicine, though I also draw inspiration from anthroposophy, Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, and depth psychology. In addition to herbal medicine, I also practice Marma Nadi Chikitsa, an ancient system of rehabilitative healing originating in India.  

I work with my patients in order to develop an understanding of health as a dynamic state of being which adapts to changing environmental circumstances and conditions. When we understand how the body and mind relate to the cycles and elements of nature, various disturbances and imbalances can be recognized before they reach the point of crisis.  Herbal medicine is a vehicle through which we can move in the direction of wholeness and equilibrium, from wherever we are. Plant medicines work in concert with the body’s own mechanisms and defenses. As an herbalist I am not interested in forcing the body to change; instead I work to support and facilitate the body’s own innate healing capacities and potentials. Holistic herbal healing does not entail the suppression of symptoms. Rather, it involves developing a clear picture of the underlying patterns of disequilibrium and susceptibility to disease that affect an individual. We work together from this understanding in order to arrive at a place of health, wholeness, and vitality. In addition to my training in herbal medicine, I also hold a BA in Philosophy (University of Toronto) and an MA in Communication and Culture (Ryerson/York). I am a published author and have lectured nationally and internationally on a variety of subjects. 

 www.victorcironeherbalist.com   

Herbology and the Gods  

Victor will explore the relationship and influence of the Gods on Herbology in classical times and the present.  

An OCADU graduate, life-long artist and priestess for almost 30 years, I am a mother of four beautiful, artistic, queer children who I have raised to use their creativity to express their love to the spirits of nature that surround them and to worship their gods. I believe in the power of art and expression to sidestep the everyday and tap into the subconscious.  Children are capable of so much more than we give them credit.

 Kids Program
 

Note: Children over five can be left at the Cabin (if they are comfortable being left) but parents must advise staff of where they can be found. Please sign your child in and out.

Adults are welcome at any of the workshops and must accompany children under 5 years of age.
We will have face painting available for extra fun!
 

Greymoon will present Storytelling and a craft, from 10-12, Thursday and Friday.
Thursday's craft will be rock and shell painting/decorating
Friday's craft: Drawing and scratch art

On Saturday, 10-12,  Tsuki will help you make Kid's Lanterns for the Fae

Create a beautiful stone lantern that can illuminate a special, magical nook in your garden to attract and delight the fae or cast a glow on a shrine or special spot in your room.
We will be using hot glue, so an older helper would be recommended.

On Sunday, 10-12: Join Tsuki for Kid's Floral Amulet Pouches

Let's go on a nature walk and collect colourful flowers, leaves and plants to bring back and create eco-prints on wee pouches. We can talk about what colours are hiding in plants, some medicinal and magical properties as well as how to use the natural world around us to make a simple protection amulet.
We will be using hammers as well as walking about, so a responsible adult will be required.

We are asking for interested storytellers, crafters, or musicians, to kindly come and see us in the morning, to be added to the schedule. We will be happy to extend the Kids Program accordingly. Stay tuned for additions.

Parents are expected to pick up their children promptly at the end of the program.

We encourage parents to explore the site and beach with their children at other times.
There will be a Movie evening, Thursday and Friday, for kids who prefer quiet times to the big fire.

Kids program at Wic-Can Fest is a co-operative venture. If you want your child to take part in any programming we offer, you should make provisions to work a two-hour shift in the Children’s Programming area. This may be counted as your Festival volunteer shift, although we encourage you to also volunteer elsewhere if you are able. All children are welcome with the exception of babes in arms
as we are not equipped to provide for the needs of infants.

Children should wear a hat at all times, please also ensure they have sunscreen, rubber boots, messy clothes for morning crafts and other appropriate play-wear.

A reminder that children under the age of 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult,
near any body of water or at the beach.

I have been attending Wic-can Fest for 10+ years and am so excited to be returning.

I am  a spiritual seeker and lover of music and am pleased and honored to share songs of pagan / Earth based ,shamanic, and eastern traditions, as well as a little rock & roll so we can sing ; dance, and make merry.

Blessed Be

Courtesans, Herbs and Crocodile Dung

The role of witches in fertility,  birth control and abortions   Witches have always been associated with birth and death and have been thought to have the power to alter the results magically. However, witches -especially ancient ones- were connected to plants, herbs and the animal world and the utilization of those, to alter the outcomes of fertility in this world.  This lecture looks at these practices and evaluates how they were used along with the social ramifications of these workings. This presentation will focus on the Ancient World but also explore the 1600s' association of midwives as witches, to reflect upon how women leaned on others to support their reproductive rights and the outcomes of this responsibility.

 Hippie Pagan Warrior Goddess! Currently living and running the "Coolest Shop in Parry Sound, Ontario" called The Hippie Pocket! Seamstress, Designer, Artist, Crafty Bitch, Kitchen Witch. You'll find me cooking and serving your breakfast every morning, and likely selling my wares or teaching a crafty workshop in the afternoon, with my best friend and Support Animal, Bob Marley.

Making Goddess Dolls

Celebrate the beauty of the feminine in all it’s aspects. Goddess dolls are unique to each person.
They represent the healing you need ~ comfort, love, protection, joy, strength, laughter,
transformation to be able to move forward in life.
Making your own doll can be so much fun and wildly creative, magical, intuitive and inspiring! We will
be making them from upcycled wool and decorating them with embroidery, fabric paint, beads, crystals,
whatever makes you happy! All supplies provided.

Meet and Greet 

Meet and Greet with fellow druids hosted by Alisha Jondreau!

Saturday at 10am   

Alisha Jondreau is a member of the AODA (Ancient Order of Druids in America). She holds the position of Member Outreach Coordinator with the Grand Grove, and recently received the title of Grand Almoner. Alisha is currently a Bard, Ovate, Druid Apprentice completing her work towards the Companion Degree. She will be available during Wic-Can Fest to answer questions about the AODA, and curriculum.

Tree Planting Ceremony  

Join us as we concretely, communally, ritually and symbolically plant roots into our lovely new site.   

 Kati was introduced to psychic phenomena in her childhood by her Godmother. She has been learning and developing her talent in this field since 1986. She learned to read Tarot cards in Australia. Since 1992 she has studied in a Spiritualist environment in Toronto and at Lilydale. Through her interest in mystical knowledge, she has also studied Kabalistic Mysticism, under one of the greatest Kabalists, Rabbi Chezi Nagar, in Toronto. From 1992-1999, she has been an active member and lecturer of the Psychic Society of Toronto.
Katie is a proud initiate of the Odyssean Tradition and a member of the Wiccan Church of Canada.

Kati will present:

Welcome Ritual and Pagan Chants  

Music has been found in every civilization across the globe for all of known history. From primitive tribal families to advanced civilizations, music has been a part and parcel of the human experience in every dimension. It can therefore perhaps be said that music is an integral part of what it is to be human. Purpose of Music In Ritual: • Create a group mind • Create a mood • Raise energy • Open a ritual • Close a ritual • Worship deity or elements • Tell a story • Teach others • Background music • Call the quarters • Cleanse the circle Etc. We will begin with a ritual celebrating our coming together after so long and learn a new chant in the circle. Kati will follow with teaching Pagan chants for varied purposes. Handouts of different chants will be provided   

Magical Stones   

Gem stones have meanings? Absolutely! There are certain stones and metals used in Rituals and Jewelry for their spiritual energy or symbolic attributes. Gem stones are valued for their healing properties, and their ability to hold and channel energies. Metals also have inherent powers and associations. We use these materials consciously. Knowing their properties, we know that when we wear gold we are calling something different than when we wear silver. When we place a crystal on the altar, we know it is doing something other than a pearl would do. This awareness is fundamental to the living practice of Spirituality.     

Money Magic, Witchcraft 101   

This class covers the use of candles, gems, herbs and incantations to attract financial energy. 

A Great Spell of Health and Prosperity  

We will weave candle magic and chant a spell  to bless us all with good health and happiness.  Everyone will be provided with their own candle to engrave with personal symbols  We will dance the circle round and offer our magic to the Fire  Bring your magical intentions and musical instruments  You are encouraged to dress in your finest ritual attire.     

Air breathe, Air blow, 

Make the wheel of magic go  

Work the wish for which we pray  

EO, DEO, HA HEY YAY    

Fire blaze Fire burn, 

Make the wheel of magic turn  

Work the wish for which we pray  

EO, DEO, HA HEY YAY    

Water bubble, Water boil, 

Make the wheel of magic toil  

Work the wish for which we pray  

EO, DEO, HA HEY YAY    

Earth without, Earth within, 

Make the wheel of magic spin  

Work the wish for which we pray  

EO, DEO, HA HEY YAY  

An Amethyst Meeting space will be available to all participants in recovery throughout the event.  

Amethyst is the name we give, in our communities, to a space designated as alcohol-free (actually "substance-free")

The name is derived from the legend of the nymph Amethyst who, running from a drunk Dionysis, was turned into a beautiful crystal by the Goddess Diana.  Historically, an amethyst stone would be worn or set at the bottom of drinking vessels, to prevent drunkenness.