SassyCon 2026

In this class we will explore the creation of fetich objects and spirit vessels through the intersection of artistry and artifice. With an animistic approach towards spirit work we will discuss perspectives and methodologies for engaging with and conjuring spirits. We will then explore the concepts of created spirits and familiar spirits. Further, this class will look at co-creative and relational processes for partnering with botanical, animal, and mineral materia, as well as employing commonplace objects as mediums by which we might craft enspirited objects such as the fetich, and conjure forth spirits. Finally, we will conclude with a discussion on ways that the fetich may be enspirited, aligned to its work, cared for, and worked with.⁠

Across cultures, the humble cowrie shell has been revered as more than just a seashell — it is a sacred vessel, a symbol of divine speech, fertility, and protection. Known in African traditions as the “mouth of God,” cowries have been used for adornment, divination, and blessings, carrying the voices of the waters and the ancestors. In this hands-on class, participants will craft their own cowrie shell protection talisman by filling the shell with herbs, powdered eggshells (cascarilla), and a hand-drawn sigil of intention. Once sealed, the talisman may be buried near the home or threshold to serve as a guardian spirit, whispering protection into the earth. Alongside the crafting, we’ll explore the mythic resonances of the cowrie — its role as currency and spiritual wealth, and its connections to powerful deities of the waters such as Yemayá, Olokun, Mami Wata, and Aphrodite. Students will leave with both a completed talisman and a deeper understanding of the cowrie’s timeless role as a bridge between the sacred and the everyday.