Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Elements of Magic: an introductory course in Reclaiming Tradition



Using the art of magic, we deepen our vision and focus our will, empowering ourselves to act in the world.

In the tradition of STARHAWK & Reclaiming, this class will explore the Elements of Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit as used to develop a practice of Goddess Spirituality and Magic, sometimes called Witchcraft.

Working through each individual element, students will learn & refine techniques to include:  Creation of Sacred Space, breath-work, spell-craft, chanting, visualization & trance, and structuring rituals in an experiential format.  We will learn to sense, shift and move energy.  This is an opportunity to experience deep magic as we learn the skills on which to build our individual practices.  The concept of the triple self and its importance in this magical tradition will be introduced. Once aligned, we will open the whole of ourselves to the beauty and love around us, creating rituals and practices that can transform us and the worlds about us.

Preparation:  Read the first six chapters of The Spiral Dance, by Starhawk.

This class is considered the first of the Reclaiming Tradition’s core classes.  Sarah, an initiated Reclaiming Tradition priestess and teacher, and Beth will facilitate class.  Please be committed to attending all 6 classes.

When:   Thursdays, March 20 thru April 24, 2014, 6-9:00pm
Where:  Radiance, 9 W Grant St (across the cobblestones from Central Market)
    Phone 717-290-1517 for more information
Cost:   $195 - $155 sliding scale, includes a copy of The Spiral Dance.

Stop in to register, or send a $50 non-refundable deposit with your registration & contact information to Sarah Preston at Radiance, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA  17603.  Balance due at first class unless arrangements have been made.  Stop in to pick up your book.  If you have previously completed Elements with Sarah, you are welcome to join the class at no cost, but will be expected to assist when asked.

About the Cost:
In Reclaiming, we try to balance the need to be justly compensated for our labor with our commitment to make our work available to people of all economic levels.  By using a sliding scale, we hope that those who can afford to do so will pay on the higher end.

Goddess traditions are growing in our culture. It is a call from and to the ancient Goddess and Her immanence. It is a call to know ourselves in all of our parts, so that we can create the powerful magic that changes all of the worlds. While we live in a culture of domination and control, sacred worlds full of desire, beauty, love and grace surround us and the Craft of the Wise opens them to us.  Witches honor the cycles of nature, the earth and the goddesses and gods that live within each of us.  Reclaiming is an ever-evolving tradition that is rooted in Eco-feminism and the Feri Tradition. It is dedicated to personal empowerment, teaching and unifying spirit and politics.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Let's Make Fire Cider!




 Let’s Make…
 Fire Cider!
With community herbalist,
Sarah Preston
Saturday, March 8, 2014, 1-3:30pm


Fire Cider is a traditional cold remedy with deep roots in folk medicine. Almost every herbalist makes a version of this tasty combination of cider vinegar infused with powerful immune-boosting herbs and vegetables. Fire Cider is especially pleasant and easy to incorporate into your daily diet to help boost the immune system, stimulate digestion, and get you nice and warmed up on cold days.

Because this is a folk preparation, the ingredients can vary slightly, depending on when you make it and what’s growing around you. The standard base ingredients are apple cider vinegar, garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, and hot peppers, and we will discuss plenty of other herbs that you might want to include in your own Fire Cider.

Cost for this class is $30. Bring a half gallon of raw apple cider vinegar to class, all other ingredients will be provided.

Class will be held in the classroom at Radiance.  To register call Radiance, 717-290-1517, or stop by the shop at 9 W Grant St, in downtown Lancaster, right across the cobblestones from Central Market. 


Sarah Preston is a community herbalist in Lancaster, PA, and is owner of Herbs from the Labyrinth, LLC.  She says, “Being an herbalist is a natural extension of my life-long love of plants, trees and wild places, and my interest in natural healing, which was instilled in me by my mother.  I see herbalism as a lifelong learning process.  My spirituality deeply informs my work with herbs, just as my work with herbs informs my spirituality.   I see the Earth as the living body of the Goddess, and all living beings as parts of her body.