Classes and workshops
Here's what's coming up for the rest of 2024.
Mabon, Modron, and Maponos
Starts 28th August
Meets Wednesdays at 5 pm Pacific/8 pm Eastern (1 am Thursday UK)
I'm pleased to offer this class on a PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN basis this year.
6 weeks: total cost $25-100
6 weeks: total cost $25-100
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.
Celtic Poetry WorkshopStarts 31st August
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Women and goddesses in the Mabinogi
Starts 8th September
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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
NEW! Myth-telling
COMING IN 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! My aim will be to make sure that our work is:
What this class is not: This is not the right class if you are seeking to exploit Celtic mythology and folklore to create works of fiction. If you're not sure what I'm getting at, this might help. |
The Celtic Horse Goddesses
COMING IN NOVEMBER
And in 2025 ...
Introduction to Celtic Mythology
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
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 (and his cousin, Peredur) in the Mabinogion.
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Irish-Brythonic Connections
Manannán and Beyond
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
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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Meeting the Tuatha Dé Danann in the Cath Maige Tuired
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
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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