lectures, classes, & workshops
The Witch's Feast - 3/ 4 - 7pm
Join Melissa Madara, author of the magical cookbook “The Witch's Feast,” in taking a look at the meandering and curious history of kitchen magic in European witchcraft. This lecture will trace a lineage of culinary craft from the ancient world to the present, seeking out the tools and techniques kitchen witchcraft as we go. Come learn about the earliest of recorded recipes, the bread feasts of ancient Rome, blessed pastries of the Renaissance, planetary magic with ingredients, and much, much, more!
Kitchen Witchcraft 101 - 3/11 - 7pm
The curious history of culinary magic extends deep into the ancient world, conjuring images of love potions, enchanted fruits, blessed breads, and ritual feasts. With the understanding that we are what we eat, and that preparations ingested become alchemically fused with the body of the practitioner, modern witches can use bespelled food to infuence people and outcomes, making it a powerful tool in the practitioner's toolbox. Join Catland co-owner Melissa Madara, author of the magical cookbook The Witch's Feast, to a look at practical applications for kitchen witchcraft in the modern era. From ritual entheogens, to magical correspondences, to the practice of creating your own ritual feasts, join us as we explore the multitude of ways to bring magical craft into the kitchen!
Intro to Practical Spellwriting - 3/18 - 7pm
The construction of effective spellwork is an essential, practical tool for witches. While some paths will provide traditional spells, chants and charms that can be called upon for particular workings, many budding witches or experimental practitioners struggle to draw up new, unique spellwork to suit the situation at hand. In this inter-traditional, process-based workshop, we will explore how a mastery of correspondences, basic techniques, symbolism, and historical reference texts can help inform our spellwork, and lead us to more comprehensive, informed, and effective spell writing practices. We will cover the mechanics of various spells, take a deep look at some examples from history, and establish a toolkit for writing your own charms and crafting novel spells at home.
The Green Witch Apprenticeship
Fridays in April - 7pm
This five week, ten+ hour series will explore various applications of plants in medicinal and magical contexts, and cover the areas of intersection between these two unique disciplines. We will share information about herbal medicine making, plant sorcery, mythology, and green magic, providing a practical & theoretical foundation for working with plants in your craft. This series is suited for witches seeking to deepen their knowledge of practical herbcraft, or budding herbalists who wish to fortify their practice with spiritual context. Come all students, of all perspectives and experience levels, to explore the green mysteries with us!
Week I | Introduction to Plant Allyship & Anatomy
This lecture will cover the philosophy of plant magic and how to access relationships with plants, plant spirits, and the divinities associated with the natural world. We will be introducing concepts around plant sorcery and allyship which will be the foundation for our magical perspective in relating to plants for the rest of this course. This class will also cover the anatomy of plants, with both their medicinal and magical correspondences.
Week II | The Lore & Legend of Plant Spirits
The mythology & lore of plants can be incredibly useful to the witch, and will often give us clues to the magical correspondences and subtle natures of plants within the narrative. Join us for a storytelling session & analysis of some key themes of plant folklore and mythology, in an effort to examine what humans are really talking about when we're telling stories about plants.
Week III | Harvesting, Foraging, & Magical Gardening
This lecture will explore the lore & ritual of traditional harvesting practices in European witchcraft, paying special attention to the tools, charms, and methods of gathering magical plants. Students will also receive detailed information on germinating and growing magical plants at home, as well as a useful primer on foraging for herbs in your own bioregion.
Week IV | Apothecary Science Lab
This lecture will feature detailed descriptions and demonstrations of several different apothecary preparations, from herbal extractions to hand-blending incense. Students will have a chance to see step-by-step procedures for these techniques, giving the class a comprehensive understanding of how plant medicines work and how they are applied.
Week V | Plants in Spellwork & Ritual
This fnal lecture will explore the applications of plants as ritual aids, entheogens, talismans, and powerful components of spellwork. From plant divinations to magical potions, we'll look at various techniques and technologies involving plants and discuss their history and place in within the witch's practice.