Virtual Arcadia Schedule 2023
Times and workshops are tentative and subject to change. We will continue to add and edit this schedule as needed until the gathering begins.
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time.
Be sure to set your clocks back an hour Saturday night or Sunday morning for Daylight Savings time.
Friday
November 3, 2023
2-2:30pm - Welcome Talk with Mel Mystery
An introduction to the Arcadia retreat, our theme for this year, an overview of our guidelines and code of conduct for the virtual retreat, and a chance to ask your questions.
3-4:15pm -- LGBTQ+ Werewolves in Mythology and Folklore with Mel Mystery
This workshop will highlight major themes of gender variation and sexuality among werewolves and other shapeshifters in the mythology and folklore of selected cultures.
5-6pm -- Dinner Break
Get up and stretch, give your eyes a rest from the computer, and grab something to eat between sessions.
6-7:15pm -- "Show and Spell" Icebreaker and Discussion with Eric Eldritch
"Show and Tell" for Pagans. Bring something magical to share at this icebreaker event. This can be something you crafted, a favorite magical item, a favorite magical book, or even a favorite spell. Be prepared to share the story behind your item.
8-8:30pm -- Opening Ritual: Into the Otherworld with Mel and David
Enter the Otherworld and sacred space for the weekend.
9-10:30pm -- Quilt Bag Trivia Game with Gwydion
Using a Jeopardy based system, contestants will compete to earn points and prizes. Some categories will include "LGBTQ+ history"; "Pagans, Wiccans & Druids, oh my!"; and "Underworld god or Underworld Criminal."
10:30pm -- After hours social with Dallán
A chance to hang out and socialize after the day's activities.
Saturday
November 4, 2023
11-12:15pm -- The Faerie; The Sacred Fool with Eric Eldritch
To be announced.
1-2:15pm -- Beyond Blood & Bone: Spiritwalking & Deathwalking in the Unnamed Path with Adam Pratter and Sawyer Massie of the Unnamed Path
To be announced.
3-4:15pm -- Panel Discussion: How Does the Underworld / Otherworld fit into your tradition?
A group of 3 panelists from our weekend presenters will answer questions about how the Underworld, Otherworld, and Underworld / Otherworld Spirits fit into their respective traditions. Panelists will include Eric Eldritch, Anthony Nelson, and one other presenter. Facilitated by Dallán.
5-6pm -- Dinner Break
Get up and stretch, give your eyes a rest from the computer, and grab something to eat between sessions.
6-7:30pm -- Global Queer Mythology, Part 1 with Tomás Prower
Come join this around-the-world deep dive exploration into well- and lesser-known deities from cultures across the globe throughout history. Learn about the spirituality of queerness from Europe, Africa, The Middle East, Asia, Polynesia, and the Americas as viewed through the queer myths, legends, and divinities of our ancestors all over the world.
8-8:30pm -- Main Ritual: Journey to the Ancestral Bonfire of the Otherworld hosted by the Unnamed Path
The Unnamed Path initiates will guide those present in the Underworld where the Ancestors of Men Who Love Men dance. During this meditation participants will have the opportunity to meet an ancestral spirit and, should they choose to, invite them to come with them as a member of their spiritual court.
9-10:30pm -- Queer Storytelling with Matthew Sydney
Matthew will relate Queer stories and myths learned from his personal experiences with Shamanic journey.
10:30pm -- After hours social with Dallán
A chance to hang out and socialize after the day's activities.
2am -- Let's Do the Timewarp! (Daylight Savings Time)
It's a jump to the left. And then a step to your right. Put your hands on your clock. And set your clocks back tonight.
Sunday
November 5, 2023
Be sure to set your clocks back an hour for Daylight Savings Time!
11-12:15pm - Exploring the Death Current with Anthony Nelson
This class will teach incorporating the Death Current into personal practice. Creating the basic devotional practice and simple ritual work with the Death current. We will also go over working with spirits of the dead including various deities, how to befriend the dead, and how to keep yourself safe.
1-2:15pm - Cryptids, Aliens, & Ultraterrestrials: Ambassadors from the Otherworld with Gwydion Ream
Journey to the center of the Venn Diagram where Pop Culture, Fringe Science, and Spiritual Thought meet.
3-4:15pm -- Discussion: What are our own personal experiences with the Dead and Underworld / Otherworld Spirits?
This is your chance to share your own experiences, practices, and beliefs regarding the afterlife, Otherworld spirits, and the Underworld. Facilitated by Dallán.
5-6pm -- Dinner Break
Get up and stretch, give your eyes a rest from the computer, and grab something to eat between sessions.
6-7:30pm -- Global Queer Mythology, Part 2 with Tomás Prower
A continuation of Part 1 from Saturday.
8-8:30pm -- Closing Ritual: The Return with Mel and David
Bid farewell to the Otherworld and return to the normal world.
9-10pm -- Wrap Up Session
This is your chance to tell us what went right or what went wrong throughout the weekend. We want to make sure everyone had an enjoyable experience and we want to do even better next time. This is also an opportunity to suggest and discuss potential themes for future retreats.