Classes and workshops
Here's what's coming up for the rest of 2024.
NEW! Myth-telling
Starts 12th October
This class is about re-telling Celtic myths - whether that's in the form of a short story or poem, a readable paraphrase of a text, live storytelling for adults or children, or narration for film. Opportunities to explore new ideas and improve what you're currently doing. Let's keep our stories alive!
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My aim will be to make sure that our work is:
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Who is this class for? This class is a good fit for anyone who has dabbled with creative writing and/or public "performance" in the broadest sense (including teaching). The desire to pass on the stories found in Celtic mythology is equally important.
Women and goddesses in the Mabinogi
Registration still open!
This class has started - but you can still register and catch up
by using the notes and recordings.
Meets Sundays at 5 pm Pacific/8 pm Eastern (1 am Monday UK)
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
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LAST CHANCE!
All good things must come to an end.
I'm retiring this class after this year. A series exploring the treatment of women, the male/female balance of power, mythological background, and symbolism in The Four Branches of the Mabinogi. This class is a great entry point for studying the Mabinogi or for taking your first class with me - but I think it will also be of interest to those who know this material better.
Learn more about Rhiannon, Branwen, Aranrhod and Blodeuedd, as well as lesser-known individuals like the lady of Annwfn, lady of Gwent, and Goewin. |
What to expect from my classes
Weekly online class includes – my presentations, Q&A sessions, moderated discussions. Classes usually last around 90 minutes.
Access to class recordings if you need them. (Recordings may not always include class discussions, but will always include all presentations.)
Weekly notes. You will receive these as a PDF after each class. These will include:
Study Guide: Many classes have a study guide which includes the reading schedule, a pronunciation guide, or texts you will need for the class. (Texts are either included or you can read them online at the links provided in the study guide.)
Access to class recordings if you need them. (Recordings may not always include class discussions, but will always include all presentations.)
Weekly notes. You will receive these as a PDF after each class. These will include:
- Important points and graphics from the presentations
- links or citations to any texts referenced in the presentations
- links and citations to further reading on the topics covered, which you can follow up on, if you wish.
Study Guide: Many classes have a study guide which includes the reading schedule, a pronunciation guide, or texts you will need for the class. (Texts are either included or you can read them online at the links provided in the study guide.)
Other classes
The Celtic Horse Goddesses
COMING IN NOVEMBER
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PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN A six week class exploring the goddesses Epona, Macha, and Rhiannon in detail, as well as looking at the changing relationship between humans and horses. |
And in 2025 ...
Introduction to Celtic Mythology
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This class does what it says on the label! It offers an overview of both the Irish and Welsh Medieval texts which make up what we generally think of as Celtic Mythology. There is an emphasis on structure and sources for further self-study. Whether you are brand new to Celtic myth, or have been studying a while and feel the need to fill gaps and see the big picture, this class is for you. In fact, if you've taken my classes, or are thinking about doing so, I recommend this unless you are pretty sure you already have good knowledge of what's listed in the class outline.
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Yr Hen Ogledd: Tales of the Old North
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I love the legends of the Old North. Not the stories of Arthur, which arise later, but that tales of Urien of Rheged and his kin. The poetry of the historical Taliesin, of Aneirin and Llwyarch Hen. The confused tales of Merlin, Lailoken, and Kentigern, which in turn circle back to Owain ap Urien, and find a new native expression in the tales of Owain, Peredur, Cynon, and others in the Mabinogion.
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Irish-Brythonic Connections
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A fun class covering a wide range of connections between Irish and Welsh/Brythonic mythology and deities.
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Manannán and Beyond
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In Manannán and Beyond we will explore Manannán mac Lir, the lord of the sea and the otherworld, in His many manifestations in myth, folklore and the landscape. This class ranges widely, looking at Manannán in Ireland, Man, and Scotland, and at where Manawydan fits into the picture. I hope you can join us!
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Shapeshifters and Magical Animals
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In Shapeshifters and Magical Animals we will explore stories and poems from Britain and Ireland concerning the themes of transformation, wisdom, immortality, and time. Material will be drawn from folklore, myth, early bardic poetry, and relevant modern writers. This class is suitable for students who are new to Celtic material, but should add richness and insight for those who are not.
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Mabon, Modron, and Maponos
Started 28th August
Registration now closed
Maponos and Mabon were very important deities in Gaul and Britain, as were their mothers, Matrona and Modron, yet they don't get that much attention in Celtic Paganism. I aim to change that, if I can! I will do my best to guide you with a sure hand as we delve deeply into many aspects or Celtic history and myth is search of these wonderful deities.
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Celtic Poetry Workshop
Started 31st August
Registration closed for this year
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Five weeks of intense dabbling
with Celtic poetry. This class should give you a better appreciation of early Celtic poetry, plus fresh ideas to apply to writing poetry.
What if you don’t speak any Celtic languages? The question I’m asked most often about this work is what value it has to those who don’t speak the languages of the original poems. My answer is that it absolutely still has value. Poets who speak these languages have considered it worthwhile to translate their native poetry into English – giving us a window into the soul of that poetry. At the same time, by studying the techniques used by the original poets, we can find much to apply to our own writing. New and experienced
poets equally welcome! |
Meeting the Tuatha Dé Danann in the Cath Maige Tuired
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The Cath Maige Tuired (The 2nd Battle of Moytura) is a classic and central part of the Irish "mythological cycle". It is useful for introducing many of the Tuatha Dé Danann in clear characterisations, and tells a good story in the process. This class provides a close reading of the text, a look at associated texts, and profiles of many of the members of the Tuatha Dé Danann who appear in the story.
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Otherworld Journeys
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The Celtic otherworlds are a mysterious and sometimes controversial topic. This four week course will explore how such places are described in the mythology and folklore of Britain and Ireland. We'll be visiting island otherworlds, magical wells and fountains, meeting the kings of Annwfn, and following stories of abduction and elopement.
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