Classes and workshops
Manannán and Beyond
starts 22nd May (PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN)
Registration is open
In Manannán and Beyond we will explore Manannán mac Lir, the lord of the sea and the otherworld, in His many manifestations in myth, folklore and the landscape. This class ranges widely, looking at Manannán in Ireland, Man, and Scotland, and at where Manawydan fits into the picture. I hope you can join us!
What to expect from my classes
Weekly online class includes – my presentations, Q&A sessions, moderated discussions. Classes usually last around 90 minutes.
Access to class recording if you need it. (Recordings may not always include class discussions, but will always include all presentations.)
Weekly notes. You will receive these as a PDF after each class. These will include:
Study Guide: Many classes have a study guide which includes the reading schedule, a pronunciation guide, or texts you will need for the class. (Texts are either included or you can read them online at the links provided in the study guide.)
Access to class recording if you need it. (Recordings may not always include class discussions, but will always include all presentations.)
Weekly notes. You will receive these as a PDF after each class. These will include:
- Important points and graphics from the presentations
- links or citations to any texts referenced in the presentations
- links and citations to further reading on the topics covered, which you can follow up on, if you wish.
Study Guide: Many classes have a study guide which includes the reading schedule, a pronunciation guide, or texts you will need for the class. (Texts are either included or you can read them online at the links provided in the study guide.)
Other classes
Otherworld Journeys
coming early June - more info soon!
This class will explore stories and descriptions of the otherworld in the texts and folklore of Britain and Ireland.
Celtic Poetry Workshop
Five weeks of intense dabbling
with Celtic poetry. This class should give you a better appreciation of early Celtic poetry, plus tools and ideas for writing poetry. What if you don’t speak any Celtic languages?
The question I’m asked most often about this work is what value it has to those who don’t speak the languages of the original poems. My answer is that it absolutely still has value. Poets who speak these languages have considered it worthwhile to translate their native poetry, and sometimes their own poetry, into English – giving us a window into the soul of that poetry. At the same time, by studying the techniques used by the original poets, we can find much to apply to our own writing. |
Women and goddesses in the Mabinogi
A series exploring the treatment of women, the male/female balance of power, mythological background, and symbolism in The Four Branches of the Mabinogi. This class is a great entry point for studying the Mabinogi or for taking your first class with me - but I think it will also be of interest to those who know this material better. |
Mabon, Modron, and Maponos
Maponos and Mabon were very important deities in Gaul and Britain, as were their mothers, Matrona and Modron, yet they don't get that much attention in Celtic Paganism. I aim to change that, if I can! I will do my best to guide you with a sure hand as we delve deeply into many aspects or Celtic history and myth is search of these wonderful deities. |
The Celtic Horse Goddesses
Tales from Southern Scotland
A bit of a departure from my usual exploration of Medieval mythological texts, because, for the most part, Scotland doesn’t have them. It’s impossible to offer an overview of Scottish folklore in a three-week class, so I’ll be going for depth in areas where I know the territory. We'll look at folk-tales, ballads, and social history as I found it during the years I lived in Scotland. |
Yr Hen Ogledd: Tales of the Old North
I love the legends of the Old North. Not the stories of Arthur, which arise later, but that tales of Urien of Rheged and his kin. The poetry of the historical Taliesin, of Aneirin and Llwyarch Hen. The confused tales of Merlin, Lailoken, and Kentigern, which in turn circle back to Owain ap Urien, and find a new native expression in the tales of Owain (and his cousin, Peredur) in the Mabinogion.
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Introduction to Celtic Mythology
This class does what it says on the label! It offers an overview of both the Irish and Welsh Medieval texts which make up what we generally think of as Celtic Mythology. There is an emphasis on structure and sources for further self-study. Whether you are brand new to Celtic myth, or have been studying a while and feel the need to fill gaps and see the big picture, this class is for you. In fact, if you've taken my classes, or are thinking about doing so, I recommend this unless you are pretty sure you already have good knowledge of what's listed in the class outline.
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Irish-Brythonic Connections
Meeting the Tuatha Dé Danann in the Cath Maige Tuired
The Cath Maige Tuired (The 2nd Battle of Moytura) is a classic and central part of the Irish "mythological cycle". It is useful for introducing many of the Tuatha Dé Danann in clear characterisations, and tells a good story in the process. This class provides a close reading of the text, a look at associated texts, and profiles of many of the members of the Tuatha Dé Danann who appear in the story.
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Shapeshifters and Magical Animals
In Shapeshifters and Magical Animals we will explore stories and poems from Britain and Ireland concerning the themes of transformation, wisdom, immortality, and time. Material will be drawn from folklore, myth, early bardic poetry, and relevant modern writers. This class is suitable for students who are new to Celtic material, but should add richness and insight for those who are not.
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