SassyCon 2025

The Watchers were first mentioned in the Book of Daniel as being the "holy ones", the "wakeful", as angelic messengers and envoys. This class covers the Watchers as an example of antinomianism, the Nine Tools given by the Watchers, and how they can be used as tools for the process of Xeper, the science and art of willed change and self-evolution.

Speakers

Janice Taylor

Cimentarius Jewelry

Janice is an initiate of multiple traditions that explore ceremonial magick and transformation of the self. She creates fine jewelry, working primarily in gemstones, gold and silver, using traditional metalsmithing techniques of lost wax casting and hand fabrication. Her craft is... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #1 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

10:45am CDT

Collections as Mastery

Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Europeans from the highest to the lowest echelons displayed their mastery of the world through Kunstkammer (Cabinets of Curiosity), Maps, collections, and Libraries. To possess and display items suggested a mastery over their contents. In this session, we will examine the ways in which occult and cultural objects and texts conveyed mastery and power in real and imagined ways. In the second part of the class, we will discuss how these practices have influenced our own collections, displays and altars.

Speakers

Meg Raphoon

Meg Raphoon grew up gazing at the ocean and climbing trees on the north shore of Long Island. She currently resides in Detroit Michigan with her amazing son and the cats who have adopted them. She is on the Board of Directors for the Magical Education Council and one of the Convention... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #1 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

10:45am CDT

Nightshade Alchemy: Exploring Gentle Entheogens and the Edible Flying Ointment

Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT

Join Seamus Black as he explores the use of nightshade plants like Belladonna, Mandrake, Henbane, and Datura as gentle entheogens, offering accessible relationships to all, regardless of special gifts or lineage. Drawing from experiences in indigenous and European traditions, Seamus uncovers the practical wisdom of these plants and how he incorporates them into Emporium Black's Nightshade Truffles, guiding towards clarity and spiritual growth. Discover their resonance in rituals, ceremonies, and personal practices, serving as bridges to our subconscious minds. Explore the unique connections they offer, unlocking hidden insights, ancient teachings, and personal power. Seamus passionately describes these ancestral plants as wise elders, forming personal relationships with each of us, nurturing, healing, and guiding our paths towards spiritual maturity and understanding.

Speakers

Seamus Black

Seamus Black, the visionary behind Emporium Black’s Nightshade Truffles, combines over three decades of culinary expertise with a profound dedication to spiritual and cultural traditions. Launching his business in 2019, Seamus crafts gourmet truffles that embody the therapeutic... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #2 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

Company Suggested class to take prior to Journeying Beyond: Exploring Liminal Realms with Nightshade Truffles

1:30pm CDT

On Spirits and Phantasms: How To Work With Them, and Why We're Afraid of Them

Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

We live in an enspirited world. This is a truth known to the witch and sorcerer alike. But are spirits something we should fear, or befriend, or avoid? How might we understand spirits better? And how can we begin to engage with, or strengthen our work with them? In this class we will discuss the nature of animism and apply it towards an understanding of the otherworld and its inhabitants. We will explore the ways in which spirits have been viewed historically as well as ways we might un-learn ideas which stand in the way of our success with spirit work. Drawing upon twenty years of experience with spirits, Matthew will discuss a common sense approach towards spirit work, as well as when/if we should fear them as well as methods of protection, and insights on conjuring, communicating, and contracting with spirits in our magical work.

Speakers

Matthew Venus

Owner & Vendor, Spiritus Arcanum

Matthew Venus is an artist, folk magician, and traditional witch based in Salem, Massachusetts whose craft is centered around a deep heart of animism and a dedication to ancestral and land-based traditions. His practice is further enriched by his role as Tata Ndenge in a lineage of... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. Joseph's Room 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

3:15pm CDT

Multiverses in Hermetic Macrocosms and Microcosms

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT

The connection between macrocosms and microcosms is a central tenet in Hermetic Alchemy with “As Above, So Below” governing the practices of both historical and modern alchemists. In this session we will examine the most commonly understood relationships in historical models as seen in the writings of Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, John Dee, and many other scholars through the connection of prayer (preparation, meditation, life practices) and the main work (performing the experiments and manipulations). In the second part of the class, we will explore ways to create these connections in our lived practice in the modern world to efficiently and effectively harness alchemy.

Speakers

Meg Raphoon

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #1 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

3:15pm CDT

Your Loved Ones Are Closer Than You Think

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT

Debra Lori will be giving a lecture on Mediumship, which is the ability to communicate with spirits and connect with departed loved ones. It is a topic that has fascinated and intrigued people for centuries. It offers a glimmer of hope and comfort in the face of loss and grief, suggesting that death is not the end. Debra will share techniques to help you see validations through specific details you have experienced. There are no such things as coincidences. Mediumship gives us a sense of peace and a renewed connection with our departed loved ones.

Speakers

Debra Lori

Debra Lori is a 3rd Degree Alexandrian, High Priestess of her coven, The Phoenix Rising, and was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts. She is an Interfaith Minister, an Elder in the New Wiccan Church, International, as well as a full-time Psychic/Medium. As a gifted psychic medium... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
St. Joseph's Room 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

9:00am CDT

Altar Essentials: Crafting Your Magickal Space with Purpose

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am CDT

Altar Essentials: Crafting Your Magickal Space with Purpose" offers a practical guide to constructing and personalizing altars for spiritual practice. Students will explore various types of altars, dissecting their components and essential elements. Participants will learn how to infuse their altars with personal meaning and intention, creating spaces that resonate with their own individual spiritual journey. This class provides valuable insights into altar construction and customization, empowering students to cultivate meaningful and effective ritual spaces.

Speakers

Russel Hamel

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #2 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

10:45am CDT

Babylonian Magic

Saturday May 10, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT

Babylonian magic is the source of all traditions of ceremonial magick as we know it now, the first in recorded human history developed around the dawn of the cuneiform script, near the invention of the written word, and the source of the magical current. This class examines the Udug Hul, the Surpu, the Maqlu, and other ancient tablets in relationship to modern ceremonial magic.

Speakers

Janice Taylor

Cimentarius Jewelry

Saturday May 10, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #2 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

10:45am CDT

Standing at the Threshold: The Spirits, Lore, and Transformational Magics of the Doorway

Saturday May 10, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT

Many who have an inclination towards magic may not have a room or dedicated space set aside for performing spellwork and ritual workings. However, most of us have a front door, and it is here that we are invited to engage with and perhaps re-enchant a part of our homes which is often taken for granted except when we find ourselves locked out or fumbling with our keys. In this talk we will explore the front doorway of our home as a locus for spirit work, practical charming, and magical workings. We will examine diverse perspectives, folklore, and approaches towards engaging with our doorway as a nexus of power and potentiality. This work is practical, effective, and at times incredibly illuminating and enriching. And may be seen as an extension of working with and relating to the home as both a spiritual entity and an ecosystem of spirits that we might better know and form closer relations with.

Speakers

Matthew Venus

Owner & Vendor, Spiritus Arcanum

Saturday May 10, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #1 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

1:30pm CDT

Mystery Guest Talk

Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

To be revealed later in 2024!

Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. Joseph's Room 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

1:30pm CDT

Spiritual Alchemy: Cultivating Sacred Connections with Plant Allies

Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

Join us for an enriching exploration into forging intimate bonds with plant spirits. Seamus Black, drawing from decades of experience and influenced by years residing in Native American communities, offers profound insights. Seamlessly weaving indigenous wisdom into both contemporary as well as traditional pagan and occult practices, Seamus provides invaluable guidance for nurturing meaningful connections with plant allies. Discover how these venerable spirits, akin to wise elders, eagerly impart their wisdom and teachings to those who seek them. Open yourself to a journey of deeper understanding and fulfillment in your spiritual path.

Speakers

Seamus Black

Saturday May 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #2 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

3:15pm CDT

A Fools Journey

Saturday May 10, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT

Through the Major Arcana, Tarot is not only a tool of divination, but as a tool of meditation and spiritual development. We will explore the Fool’s transformative journey through the detailed symbolism in the cards of the Major Arcana and how this can be used in our own spiritual paths.

Speakers

Heather Duke

Heather is the High Priestess of a Gardnerian & Alexandrian Wiccan coven in Ontario, Canada. She has been walking the path the Gods set out for her since her early teens and became active in the pagan community as a young adult while studying Anthropology. For the past 23 years she... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #2 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

9:00am CDT

Designing Effective Rituals

Sunday May 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am CDT

The creation of new rituals that are safe, moving, and efficacious is both an art and a science. We will start with a quick listing of sources for inspiration, guidance, and power for the creation of rituals. In this workshop, several models for describing, testing, and balancing ritual outlines will be presented. Methods for dealing with small groups and large public rituals will also be shared. We will also talk about why rituals work and how they have the potential to touch and change us. The methods and paradigms offered will be applicable to a wide range of traditions.

Speakers

Ivo Dominquez Jr.

Sunday May 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. Joseph's Room 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

9:00am CDT

Tranformative Astrology

Sunday May 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am CDT

Unlock the Power of Transformative Astrology for Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening. Astrology is the 7th ray of the Glorious Star of the Mediterranean Yoga – Aurum Solis. You will discover how the ancient wisdom of the stars can guide you towards profound personal growth, healing, spiritual awakening, and empowerment. You will be introduced to the traditional western keys and trained to use them to free yourself from fate, taking your future into your own hands. • Principles of real astrology. • Astronomy, astrology, and divine archetypes. • Practical keys to master your destiny such as creative visualization, sacred sounds, movements, and more. • Learn how archetypal deities can be contacted to understand your soul's purpose through your birth chart. • Experience a deeper sense of connection to the universe and the divine powers influencing your life through your natal and annual chart.

Speakers

Jean-Louis de Biasi

Grandmaster de Biasi currently heads two initiatory traditions: The Aurum Solis and the Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Cross. Along with his wife he is the founder of Mediterranean Yoga - Aurum Solis, a registered school with the International Yoga Federation. He has written over a... Read More →

Sunday May 11, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #1 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

10:45am CDT

Tadeáš Hájek’s Alchemical Life

Sunday May 11, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT

Tadeáš Hájek was a naturalist, physician, and astronomer in the late 16th century who fashioned his career using hermetic philosophies during the reigns of Maximillian I and Rudolf II. He declared himself the leading authority and authenticator of true alchemists and through his service to the Holy Roman Emperors and their Courts he transformed his own life, eventually becoming ennobled at the highest titles. We will examine careers like his and modern success stories through the lens of alchemical and astronomical practices to uncover how the lived practice of hermetic magic results in success and elevation of status and power.

Speakers

Meg Raphoon

Sunday May 11, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #1 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

1:30pm CDT

Ensouling the Effigy: Image Magic, Poppetry, and Enspirited Objects

Sunday May 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

The creation of humanoid figures is an act with origins which predates recorded history. Such work aligns us with the art of the gods as conjured by humanity's earliest imagining, and creates both a conduit for power and an anchor for spirit. In this discussion we will explore the use of the dolls and effigies in various magical traditions throughout history, as well as examine practical ways that we may meaningfully incorporate them into a contemporary practice based upon sound tradition. Going beyond the often misunderstood “voodoo dolls” presented through horror tropes, we will discuss the use of poppets, doll babies, and effigies for all manner of spellwork from healing and love drawing to reversal magic and of course hexing. We will then explore the deeper realms of this art by discussing techniques and approaches towards employing effigies as spirit houses and devotional objects. And finally, we will conclude by discussing the various materials and methods we might use for the construction of effigies, as well as methods for consecration and enlivening them for magical purposes.

Speakers

Matthew Venus

Owner & Vendor, Spiritus Arcanum

Sunday May 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. Joseph's Room 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

1:30pm CDT

In His Dark Garden: Plants of the Underworld

Sunday May 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

When it comes to re-enchanting our modern world, myth and story contain instructions hiding in plain sight. Greek mythology is full of plants and animals, and these beings are important parts of the story — they not only have the power to enrich our magical and ritual practices, but they can also enhance our understanding of complex, multifaceted mythological figures like the gods. In this presentation, Jamie will introduce a surprising variety of plants associated with the Greek god Hades and his Underworld. She’ll share her methods for identifying and investigating the magical properties of these plants, while also discussing their usage and mythic origins. (Here’s a hint: it's way more than just that infamous pomegranate!)

Speakers

Jamie Waggoner

Priestess & Author

Jamie Waggoner is an author, Pagan priestess, and occult expert. She has been a practicing witch for 25+ years. Jamie is the author of Hades: Myth, Magic and Modern Devotion (Llewellyn, 2024), and contributor to Witchology Magazine, Haunted Magazine, and The Feminine Macabre, among... Read More →

Sunday May 11, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. Ann's Cottage #1 717 Orleans St. Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Lecture

3:15pm CDT

Capturing Lightning In A Bottle

Sunday May 11, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT