SassyCon 2026

Many traditions make use of rituals and the methods of the sacred sciences to gain guidance, to extrapolate the future, and to understand the deeper forces at work in creating what will be. Of course, differences of belief and culture will express as differences in how divination, prophecy, and oracular vision are used and viewed, but there are connecting threads that relate to the nature of these practices. Divination, prophecy, and oracular vision have qualitative and quantitative similarities and differences. This class will explore the spectrum of what we call divination, prophecy, and oracular vision.

According to Abrahamic spiritual traditions, the relationship between words and magic goes back to the very creation of the world. In this class, Tamar will focus on Judaism, the earliest of these traditions, and the deep and ancient magic it and its language hold. These include spoken and written practices, communal and solitary practices, in Hebrew, and English (and some Aramaic!). We will also touch on modern magical practices that derive from this ancient magic. She will explain the magic of the Hebrew letters (the Aleph Beit) themselves, the messages and meaning they contain, the words and sentences they make, and the ancient Hebrew writings that have survived into modern times.

The realm of the Greenwood is intimately tied to the cycles of life, death, and resurrection. In this class we will explore ways we may partner with botanical allies in necromantic magic and ancestral veneration. We will also unearth a treasury of folklore as we meet a diverse array of plants who might aid us in conjuring, fortifying, and the exorcism of spirits of the dead.

Most magickal traditions use some form of divine embodiment in their rituals in which a priestess or a priest becomes for a time the vehicle for the presence of one of the Great Ones. When it works, it is awe-inspiring, and can act as a great catalyst for change. When it fails, and is no more than role playing or ritual theater, it can encourage cynicism, disillusionment, and diminished expectations of what is possible in ritual. The strengths and the weaknesses of assumption of god forms, drawing down, aspecting, and divine possession will be compared to each other.

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.

Ninety percent of people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. It is likely that one-third of US adults have experienced religious trauma at some point in their lifetime. People seek out spiritual community for connection, safety, and support. Instead, many have traumatic experiences that have lasting impacts on their well-being. This presentation will examine the prevalence of trauma and the ways that it shows up in modern polytheist communities. It will include guidance for how to create trauma-conscious devotional practices, rituals, and community spaces. Ninety percent of people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. It is likely that one-third of US adults have experienced religious trauma at some point in their lifetime. People seek out spiritual community for connection, safety, and support. Instead, many have traumatic experiences that have lasting impacts on their well-being. This presentation will examine the prevalence of trauma and the ways that it shows up in modern polytheist communities. It will include guidance for how to create trauma-conscious devotional practices, rituals, and community spaces. 

In challenging times, personal or collective, cultivating courage is essential. Christine Cunningham Ashworth will share empowering practices to help you develop inner strength and maintain calm in turbulent situations, and will share the herbal protection blend she prefers as a backup boost.

Dive into one of the most important and useful building blocks of ceremonial magick: the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP). This ritual offers practitioners a powerful tool to cleanse and fortify themselves spiritually. Your magick and spiritual hygiene can be taken to the next level with proper use of this ritual. In this workshop you will learn all about this classic ritual and practical advice on how to do it. Different versions of this ritual will be explored so that you can personalize this practice to fit into your individual beliefs. The LBRP can be practiced alone or combined with other types of magick or ritual. It is a highly customizable and adaptable tool. Additionally, as part of this workshop, you will receive handouts with the basic ritual and diagrams of the pentagrams.