SassyCon 2026

Have you always wanted to write that book in your head, but don't know how to get started? Your vision matters! Christine Cunningham Ashworth is here to help you bring it to life. With over a decade of publishing experience in both fiction and non-fiction, Christine will guide you through the first steps of writing your book, finding your unique voice, and answering three essential questions every writer should consider before putting words on the page. A handout will be available; and there will be in-class exercises.

Cerridwen, fierce and beloved Witch goddess brews the sacrament of awen in her holy cauldron. Living upon the mysterious island upon the lake, she is the mother of beautiful light, utter darkness, and the poetry of the bards. Explore the powers of the cauldron as a vessel of inspiration, abundance, healing, transformation and initiation. Look at the tale of Taliesin as the tale of the initiate moving through three darknesses towards rebirth. Explore the magick of shape shifting as an initiatory challenge, and the need to address the wrongs, often unintentional, of our past before moving onto our future. Seek her counsel and find the song within your own heart. 

In this class Tamar will focus on daily practice of Jewish magic in modern times. While she will give an overview of the history, etc. The focus here will be on applying the magic and using it ourselves, now. Most of the application will be using Aleph Bet lots, for divination, meditation, and spell work. Tamar will have several sets for participants to use as they explore this magickal practice. Participants need not have prior experience or knowledge in order to participate in and enjoy this class.

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.