Confirmed Presenters:

Many of these are the presenters and workshop descriptions from our 2021 Virtual retreat.  We will be updating this for 2022 as presenters and workshops are confirmed.

	Adam Pratter is an initiate and student teacher of the Unnamed Path. He has studied Shamanism, Tarot and Energy Work for many years and works in the medical field using his training as a Naturapth to help people with chronic illness through alternative medical therapies. Adam teaches classes in Energy Healing, Medicinal Herbalolgy and Tarot.  As a  board member of the Unnamed Path 501c3, Adam assists with the set up of Virtual Stone & Stang, The Unnamed Path’s virtual yearly event. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Andrew Berman.  Healthcare worker by day, soapmaker by night - this genderqueer green witch is always on the go!  Based in Portland, OR Andrew Berman has been a practicing initiate of The Unnamed Path for 3 years with studies in Deathwalking, Energy Healing, Shamanism, as well as Magic & Prophecy.  With Energy Healing as a primary focus, they maintain constant communication with spirits of both plants and the land.   Berman finds the most joy channeling energy through gardening, song, crafting items, impromptu energy healing sessions, and advocating for basic human dignity. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Anthony Nelson.  Anthony has been a practitioner of magic for over 30 years with experience in Wicca, Hermetic Magic and formal training in American Druidism (ADF) and Sanse (voodoo of Puerto Rico). Currently Anthony is a member of the Temple of the Ascending Flame. The central Work of the Temple is to introduce the aspiring Initiate into the Draconian Path and Qliphothic magic and assist in the initiatory process on the Path of the Dragon and initiation to the Nightside . Anthony currently resides in Columbus, Ohio and frequently works as a Tarot reader and Bone Thrower at a local pagan store, The Magical Druid. Anthony is the founder of The Obsidian Circle an organization providing divinatory and magical services to the community as well as education and mentoring for those interested in the areas normally called ‘Dark Arts’.
	Arlechina Verdigris.  Arlechina has 28 years of practical experience and study of multiple living and historic traditions of indigenous trancework across the Mediterranean. These include Hadra, Zikr, Zar, Guedra, Gnawa, Tarantella, Argia, and many more well off the beaten path.  She has personally amassed a collection of traditional songs in 22 languages and endangered dialects and has documented over 200 indigenous dances across the Mediterranean & Black Seas as a dance ethnographer and ethnologist. Her original research on archaic cults comes from an unusual perspective, utilizing dance history, music, and decoded iconography as well as tracing various practices by the introduction of ideological technologies. She is also a capable lead trance percussionist and vocalist. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Chase.  Originally raised Southern Baptist and from Texas, Chase has been a practising Pagan for the last 24 years. Initiated into the Unnamed Path by Hyperion in 2011, he began teaching the following year. He is currently a co-host on the Walking the Unnamed Path podcast, a student of Blue Rose Feri, a professional graphic designer, tarot reader, as well as currently working toward his dream of being a full-time professional sorcerer. He spends his free time spoiling his cat, crafting and enjoying nerdy things with his two partners, and spending as much time with his local pagan, kink, and nerd communities in Portland, Oregon, as work and the pandemic will allow.” -- Confirmed for 2022.
	David Coffman. David is a Virginia Beach attorney. He regularly presents a workshop on "Pagans and the Law" at the Hampton Roads Autumn Moon Festival / Pagan Pride Day. David represented PagaNet, Inc. from 1998-2010, and served on its Board of Directors from 2000-2003.  David has served on the Hampton Roads Pride Board of Directors from 2017 to present. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Eric Eldritch.  Eldritch is a Radical Faerie, Urban Shaman, and a Priestx of Stone Circle Wicca (USA), who lives near Washington, DC. Eldritch is a community organizer with leadership experience in organizational development based on principles of group identity, sociolinguistics, and cross-cultural relations. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in ceremonial and ecstatic forms of worship for ritual construction, he specializes in designing interfaith worship, planning spiritual retreats and leading men’s gatherings. In 2019, he was ordained Rev. E. Eldritch, by Circle Sanctuary and is a co-administrator for Circle’s Ministry Training Program. Eldritch consults with Pagan and community groups to create events that organize, energize, and inspire. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Sir Hex Nottingham.  Raised as a Shield Knight and Priest of the Loyal Arthurian Warband by Arthur Pendragon in Stonehenge, student of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, member of the Ancient Order of Druids in America, and appointed as Principle Drummer of the Stonehenge Druids. A lifelong Witch, studying the many ways of the Craft since childhood, Hex has made 5 pilgrimages to the United Kingdom visiting some of the most sacred Druid and Celtic temples, and worked with many amazing people along the way, even sharing the stage with international Pagan recording artist Damh the Bard to an audience of 400 Druids in Glastonbury and two private shows of 100 in Pennsylvania. In 2015, Hex conducted the Midsummer Sunset Ceremony inside Stonehenge to a crowd of about 30,000 people. Hex, along with Stonehenge ArchDruid Rollo Maughling, made history by being the first booked musical act at Stonehenge Summer Solstice since its 30 year ban.  Hex may also have been the first Druid to make global news on Yahoo's global news homepage. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Ignacio Ceja was born in Illinois (silent 's') and moved all around the Midwest during his upbringing, ultimately landing in Kansas. Following a twenty year career in the military, he now works as a card reader. It's hard not think of "Yu-Gi-Oh!" whenever he says that. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Ken Dell was initiated into the Unnamed Path by Hyperion in 2012, and began teaching and initiating his own students beginning in 2014. He stumbled upon paganism through his love of astrology and divination, and has studied in multiple traditions. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Mel Mystery. Mel is an eclectic Hellenistic Druid with a little bit of Norse thrown in. Mel hosts his own podcast "Discovering the Male Mysteries" for gay and bi Pagan men. Mel recently published a book on LGBT werewolves in mythology and folklore titled "The Gay Guy's Guide to Werewolves and Other Man Beasts." Mel also dabbles in photography. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Mike Gwydion Ream,  Self-destructive, passive-aggressive, man-child, discordian-chaos magician, absurdist hero, eclectic-creative, anarchist, slacker-genius, who loves bunnies. He currently lives in Columbus, OH & is a Freelance Instructor & Intuitive Consultant @ The Magical Druid. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Roger Scott was raised by wolves in the wilds of Canada.  According to his she-wolf mother, he never mastered the art of marking his territory.  At the age of 12, Roger joined a traveling carnival.  This experience engendered in Roger an intense sexual fascination for clowns and an irrational  fear of funnel cakes.   Roger's many talents include boiling water, playing the national anthem on his armpits, and the harmonica.  Roger is a certified music therapist moonlighting as a medical case manager for people living with HIV. His upbringing in a wolf pack makes him especially suited to facilitating group discussions, as he often had to break up fights with his siblings. -- Confirmed for 2022.
	Steven Canada. Steven Canada was attracted to pagan paths, tarot and other forms of divination from having experiences with an Aunt who was a self proclaimed witch. This curiosity reignited and peaked during the pandemic when his lack of faith in the "...God of his understanding" led him down a different path. He is a recent initiate of the Unnamed Path through Ken Dell. - Confirmed for 2022
	Tomás Prower is the award-winning Latinx author of books on multicultural magic and mysticism, including Queer Magic and Morbid Magic. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, he previously served as the cultural liaison between France, the United States, and various nations of South America, which allowed him to live and work all over the Western Hemisphere, including Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Tijuana, Reno, Las Vegas, and the Amazon jungle. Tomás is also a licensed mortuary professional and former External Relations Director of the American Red Cross. He currently lives in his hometown of Los Angeles, California. - Confirmed for 2022
	Wes Jolly.  Rev. Wes has had a long and varied path, growing up in the Ozark mountains of Northern Arkansas. Like many who grew up in the rural South, his path began in a Christian church, in his case Southern Baptist. As a young man he suffered a crisis of faith that led to walking down many different paths, but when he found Ár nDraíocht Féin he found a place where his oddly shaped peg fit. He completed a twenty year career in the US Navy, raised five children, and too many dogs. He is currently ordained through the Universal Life Church, but he is working on completing the Dedicant Path, with the intention of seeking ordination as clergy in the ADF. He keeps a post-Viking Celtic hearth, and worships as a member of the Three Branch Rivers Grove in Hampton Roads, Virginia, where he serves as the Grove Preceptor and Purse Warden. He also serves as the Listmaster and Forum Moderator for ADF, and the Coordinator of the Military Outreach special interest group. -- Confirmed for 2022.

 

 

Confirmed Workshops for 2022:

After-Hours Social - Hosted by Wes Jolly

Wes's unofficial after-hours social was so popular last year that we've officially added it to the schedule.  Join Wes and others for an open social late into the evening.

Decisive Disclosure: Euphoric Ufology or Ominous Phenomenon? -- Hosted by Sir Hex Nottingham.

A fast paced, eye opening crash course in UFO history loaded with facts, dates,  dialogue, and reasons behind the deception that may elevate your heart rate and have you on the edge of your captain's chair. We'll fly through a timeline, encounter heros, whistleblowers, witnesses, and victims, and we will hear testimonies from civilians, first responders, pilots, college professors, the military, the government, the CIA, the NSA, NASA employees, foreign leaders, U.S. Presidents, cosmonauts and astronauts. We will theorize the mysterious evolutions of humans and technology, our consciousness, and the physics, metaphysics, and aetherphysics embodying the strange magick of The Others. How deep does this go, how long has it been happening, and how seriously is it taken?  We will discuss these matters, how it parallels with religions, and before we depart, we will turn on the mics to express how disclosure and its  complexities may affect our spiritualities.
Warning: Your sense of security may be abducted.  Non-believers are just as encouraged to join, but disrespect will not be tolerated.

Ecstatic Traditions of the Mediterranean -- Hosted by Arlechina Verdigris

A one-hour whirlwind tour dedicated to exploring the advance of ideological technologies in fraternal Mediterranean trancework. This presentation will begin with the traditions of the Kouretes & Koryvantes and will walk through the history of men's ecstatic traditions, touching on the rituals of the Cult of Mithras, the Red Champion archetype in classical iconography and folklore, the role of men's sacred dances in the archaic agricultural calendar, and concluding with the surging modern revival of men's spirit possession traditions in the Med and beyond.

Icebreaker: What Makes You Strange? -- Facilitated by Eric Eldritch.

What makes you strange?  What makes you wyrd?  What makes you unique?

Introduction to Necromancy -- Presented by Anthony Nelson.

Necromancy, a word frequently misunderstood as related to magical practices. Magicians either avoid it, for a  fear of death or are drawn to it out of morbid curiosity. Necromancy at its base meaning is divination through death or the dead. Over the years the practice has changed and advanced magically, moving more toward a magic and practice of the Death Current, the magical force/energy that weaves through all cultures and practices. Necromancers and Reapers understand the principles of Death & Life are inseparable. Death is not to be feared and life is to be enjoyed. This presentation will discuss the various paths of necromantic practice and some basic information of how you can incorporate some of the practice into your current practice.

Getting your bearings... –  Facilitated by Roger Scott

... adjusting for changes and other obstacles, refocusing intentions, and coming up with a new route when needed…all this in relation to major changes in life that shake things up.  A discussion and check-in on how we're all handling life at this current moment in time.

Pagan Funeral Planning - Hosted by Tomás Prower.

An in-depth yet fun overview on navigating the modern Judeo-Christian funeral industry so as to ensure that you or a loved one can get the Pagan send-off that you want. Guided by a licensed mortuary professional with experience in helping to plan Pagan funerals, you'll learn the right questions to ask, the limits of what you legally can and cannot do, and all the other nuances that comes with making sure your funerary ceremony is true to who you were in life.

Santa Muerte: A Folk Saint on the Edge - Hosted by Ignacio Ceja

Nuestra Señora de La Santísima Muerte, commonly known as Santa Muerte, is a folk saint from Mexico whose veneration has spread throughout the world. In this presentation, I will share her history, some of the practices and requests that believers bring to her, as well as my own experiences.

Sigil Magick - Hosted by Gwydion.

One of the biggest things to come out of the Chaos Magick movement is the creation and use of Sigil Magick.  This workshop will touch on the history, theory, use, and variations on Sigils for manifesting your intent.

Strange Panel -- Facilitated by Eric Eldritch with panelists Gwydion Ream, Arlechina Verdigris, Sir Hex Notthingham, and possibly one other presenter from the weekend.

Get to know some of our presenters and what led them to their "strange" paths.

The Unnamed Path - Hosted by Adam Pratter, Ken Dell, Andrew Berman, Steven Canada, and Chase.

Welcome and Introduction - Hosted by Mel Mystery.

An introduction to Brotherhood by the Bog, our theme for this year, an overview of our guidelines and code of conduct for the virtual retreat, and an ice breaker activity to introduce ourselves.

Confirmed Rituals 2022:

Opening Ritual: Off the Beaten Path - Hosted by Mel Mystery and David Coffman.

An archetypal horned deity beckons you to take the path less traveled and to find what treasures and lessons await as we enter the liminal space of our weekend retreat. 

Closing Ritual: Returning from the Road Less Traveled - Hosted by Mel Mystery and David Coffman.

We've wandered off the beaten path this weekend into a world of magick and mysteries, but all journeys must come to an end.  What will you take back with you as we part?

Main Ritual: Tree Breathing and Raising the Great Crossroads -- Hosted by Initiates of the Unnamed Path.

 

Confirmed Entertainment:

Quizzard of Odd

A pub style trivia game with such topics as "Cryptid Quandries", "Misc. Magick", "6 degrees of Aleister Crowley", & more.  Prizes will be awarded! -- Hosted by Gwydion Ream and Crystal Edelman.

Monster Mashup Game Show

Name that Tune with a twist. And prizes!  Please note: As answers will be posted in the Zoom chat, a keyboard may be needed to post your answers.  -- Hosted by Roger Scott.

 

Last year's workshops:

 

Our Haunted Lives - Hosted by Sir Hex Nottingham.

From the curious to the comforting, the hilarious to the utterly terrifying. Spirit activity and ghost sightings have been a part of the human story since before there were words to tell it. As the darkness embraces us, sit with me by the fire light as we hear the tales, delve into the variations, discuss the mysteries, embrace the science, and ask the questions some of us have yet to ask. Some of which we've always wondered, some we've never considered. And why would the late Brooklyn rap legend, Biggie Smalls be reaching out to a Witch from South East Virginia?

Join us in Brotherhood by the Bog, and you may just believe that it happened.

Paganism and the Law - Hosted by Virginia Beach attorney, David Coffman.

An interactive live workshop allowing Pagans and their allies an opportunity to ask an attorney legal questions involving the Neo-Pagan movement.  This year (2021), questions should be submitted virtually in the Zoom chat box or Q&A box.  The questions should be general in nature and involve Neo-Paganism, not personal legal advice.

Paganism and the Pandemic - Moderated by Roger Scott.

A moderated discussion on how our Pagan practices and communities have changed this past year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

QUEER MAGIC -- Hosted by Tomás Prower.

• A multicultural deep-dive into the mythology of queer deities, legends, and historical leaders from around the world throughout human history. 
• Students will learn:
• The history of magic and mysticism from an LGBTQIA+ lens.
• The infinite forms of queerness in religions around the globe.
• The queer lore of deities and divinities of the Middle East, Africa, Europe, India, East Asia, Australia, Polynesia, Latin America, and Native North America.
• The cultural and historical context for the queerness that is displayed in various cultures’ lore, myths, and legends.

Self-Care During Difficult Times - Hosted by Sage Haver.

Discussing strategies to take care of ourselves during the pandemic and other stressful times in our lives and in the collective.

"Show and Spell" Icebreaker - Facilitated by Eric Eldritch.

Show and tell us about a favorite magickal item, something you've made, your favorite book, a spell gone right or wrong, promote your own Pagan book or product, tell us about a Pagan group or event you're involved with, or share something symbolic of a transformational moment in your life.  Each person attending will be given five minutes to show us their item and talk about it.  After everyone has had a chance to share, if there's time left, we'll do another round, maybe even two.

Thinking Outside Covid - Moderated by Roger Scott

A moderated discussion on coming up with and implementing long-term goals and changes after Covid.  How do we move forward with our lives and goals?

Transformation and Tribulations: A panel discussion - Moderated by Wes Jolly.

Our presenter's and worship leaders will discuss the transformations they have experiences during and/or as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing quarantine. You can submit questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before the panel, or ask your questions via chat to the discussion moderator.

WALKING THE WEIRD WAYS - Hosted by Gwydion.

Incorporating elements of Discordianism, Chaos Magick, & Pop Culture into you magical and personal practices.  In this broad overview workshop, we will touch on such topics as 'reality tunnels' & 'mind hacks' from Robert Anton Wilson, "symbols of the Devine in the trash stratum" as per Phillip K. Dick, various creativity techniques from William S. Burroughs, and whatever other weirdness we can squeeze in.

Welcome and Introduction - Hosted by Mel Mystery.

An introduction to Brotherhood by the Bog, our theme for this year, an overview of our guidelines and code of conduct for the virtual retreat, and an ice breaker activity to introduce ourselves.

WEREWOLF SEXUALITY (18+) -- Hosted by Mel Mystery.

Do werewolves lust after more than just blood?  This discussion will focus on the sexual appetites of werewolves and other shapeshifters in popular culture, mythology, folklore, and historical accounts.

When we think of werewolves, we often think of violence, homicidal tendencies, and blood lust.  I'd like to suggest that sexuality and sexual lust have also been associated with werewolves since the beginning of time.   I'm going to weave a story of shapeshifter sexuality throughout history. Whether it be homosexual initiations into ancient wolf cults, gender-shifting fox spirits that bring both good luck and venereal disease, or sexual deviancy associated with those accused of being werewolves in the Middle Ages.  In many modern werewolf movies, there’s also this idea that werewolves have heightened sexual lust and allure as part of their animal nature.

 

Confirmed Rituals:

Opening Ritual - Featuring Mel Mystery, David Coffman, and Sage Haver.  Led by Mel Mystery.

Join us virtually near the beach among some water oaks for our opening ritual.  

Closing Ritual - Featuring Sage Haver, David Coffman, and Mel Mystery.  Led by Sage Haver.

Join us virtually at the Native American burial mound at First Landing State Park for our closing ritual. 

Main Ritual - Hosted by Wes Jolly.

An ADF style ritual focusing on change and transformation. 

Confirmed Entertainment:

Music Concert by Alexian.

Alexian delivers the message of the Goddess in a modern electronic style.  This one hour concert will run the gamut from deep messages of Earth-centered spirituality, as in “Save Me” and "Listen to the Wind", to upbeat fun dance tunes, like “Cool to Be a Witch 2.0.” Don't miss the magick!

 

EXTREME, FULL CONTACT, BARDIC/OPEN MIC & DEATH MATCH

well, now that I got your attention, it's actually more like just us entertaining each other.

Do you sing? Tell stories? Play an instrument? Do stand up? Know some stupid human tricks? Why not share with the rest of us.

Each participant will be given a 5 minute block of time. Do you need more time? A second consecutive 5 minute block can be added to your request based on the number of participants and over time restrictions.

If you are interested in participating contact gwydion (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) with your name, what you would like to do & if you need an extra block of time.

 

Pagan Game Night - Hosted by Gwydion Ream.

Join us Thursday 4/22 @9pm Eastern Time for a relaxing round Robin of party games. Gwydion will be our MC for such fun & frivolity as WeirdoTrivia, Two truths & a lie, hangman, Madlibs, and more.