Symposium Videos

LECTURE: A discussion of the history of the contemporary Aphrodite Movement.

RITUAL: A group cleansing and blessing.

WORKSHOP: The Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Passion touches the lives of every man, woman and child, whether or not they choose to acknowledge her. She is present during childbirth, weddings, sex and any time two people profess their love or desire for one another. Some of us are called as devotees, while others are called into her service. Through this open discussion, discover the many facets of life that are gilded by Aphrodite’s (usually) gentle touch and learn to honor and work with this ancient Lady of love and life.

RITUAL & WORKSHOP:  - Together, we will carefully examine all of the parts of a traditional lustral rite, compare it to the lustration Laurelei performs and teaches, perform the lustration together, and discuss alternative ways of enacting this simple cleansing and blessing.

LECTURE:  "Aphrodisia" is the common name for any ritual that celebrates Aphrodite and Her Mysteries. The Aphrodisia was celebrated in many parts of ancient Greece, with only a few remaining details left to us as to what the original rituals might have entailed. Modern celebrants can choose from a wide range of Aphrodisian themes, motifs, symbols and sacraments in order to create unique but meaningful rituals for the Goddess of Love, Sexuality, War, and Passion. This lecture explores those elements, framing them in several different ritual formats (including Hellenic and contemporary Wiccan).

LECTURE:  - Sex is a sacrament. It is a Divine gift – one that allows us to manifest fertility, symbolize the complete unity of binary forces, and express feelings of love and joy. Sadly, many of us in Western culture have devalued and demonized this sacred act by buying into the old philosophy that sex is dirty, obscene, gratuitous, and decadent. Posh! In this candid and open discussion on the origins, practice, and necessity of sacred sexual practices, Laurelei will lead participants in an exploration of ideas surrounding the sometimes taboo (but always titillating) subjects of sex and spirituality.

WORKSHOP:  Who would ever want to do sex magick without touching their partner? That's one of the bext parts, right? Touch is good. Touch is important. But touch isn't always the best choice. Perhaps you're uncomfortable with touch, have made agreements with a partner that necessitate a hands-off approach, are dealing with an illness/condition that cautions against intimate touch, or just want to explore other ways of raising and heightening sexual energy in order to expand your sex magick vocabulary. This is an experiential workshop, though you are always at liberty to set your own limits regarding participation. We will be practicing techniques of energy manipulation, breathwork, eye-gazing, etc. It can get very intimate and intense, despite the lack of touch. Please bring a mirror or an icon or image that has eyes open -- or you may visualize this. (Socially-distanced sex magick -- since before it was cool.)

RITUAL:  The Vinalia Rustica was a ritualized celebration of one part of the wine-making process, and as such, it was associated primarily with Dionysus/Bacchus. However, Aphrodite became associated with both the Vinalia Rustica and the Vinalia Urbana (which happens in the Spring), and at this late summer Vinalia, the establishment of her Temple is especially commemorated. Bring a cup of wine or grape juice (or spring water) to celebrate!

WORKSHOP:  - When we think of Aphrodite and her traditional realms of influence (love, beauty, sexuality), we aren't immediately put in mind of Shadow work. However, any amount of deeper reflection on these areas can bring up complicated and painful thoughts and feelings. Some of Aphrodite's epithets in the ancient world remind us that love has a dark side, and that Aphrodite can help us process and integrate our own Shadow. Have your journal or notebook ready for this workshop, as we dive into the deep and dark waters of Aphrodite Pelagia (Lady of the Sea).

WORKSHOP:  Our bodies are manifestations of the Divine; our sexuality is a microcosm of the primal forces that sustain the universe. Laughter, touch, grace and beauty are all among the gifts that Shapely Aphrodite encourages us to share amongst each other. We will bestow the gifts of Aphrodite upon one another and ourselves, each participant acting as Priestex, in the ways they feel comfortable. Please come with a willingness both to be a channel of Deity for others, and to meet Deity as channeled through others. You may set your own limits regarding all levels of participation (always).

RITUAL: A farewell blessing and boon.