Kaleidoscope Gathering a pagan festival for everyone.

2009 Kaleidoscope Schedule

Biographies

Alex DelBusso is an elder of the 30 year-old coven of the Silver Wheel (Ottawa & Montreal). The coven is from the 'Welsh' tradition - out of Brooklyn, from Long Island and New England, back to the New Forest … but, really, from the sacred groves of Arcadia and the forgotten temples of Anatolia. Alex is a spirited force of nature, who smile-on-face and guitar-in-hand shares his wisdom and joie de vie with all.

Andy Biggers is a Viking. Do not let the dark hair fool you. Being Heathen is a state of mind and a place of spirit, and Andy has it. By Freyr's Goat-Rank Beard, he does! He knows all of the technical stuff about Vikings that everybody else forgets. (Staff Note: So feel free to ask him the most tediously difficult question about clog almanacs. He will know it.) Andy is a steersperson of the American Vinland Association and was an elder of the Ring of Troth.

Bonnie Coursolle is on the road to discovering the spiritual path that is right for her. Along the way, her interest was piqued for prayer and meditation beads and how they can be incorporated into any spiritual practice. Her company, Jasper Moon, makes and sells a variety of bead sets, along with jewelry and other miscellaneous items. You can find her at a diverse mix of eclectic events across Ontario, including music festivals, pagan retreats, medieval faires & craft shows or online at www.jasper-moon.ca.

Brad McDonald is a craftsperson and artist, who works primarily in wood and metal. He is a skilled instrument-maker (and repairer!), as well as a gerrymanderer of all things. His spiritual path is strongly tied to his craft, family and friends. He is the official "Groundskeeper Willie" and "Virile Druid's Consort" of Thornhaven Proto-grove, part of Ar nDraoight Fein.

Brendan "Cathbad" Myers holds a PhD in Philosophy earned in the Green Isles. Recently he has been teaching at the University of Guelph and doing research for the federal government on Aboriginal Legal Traditions. He has been a practicing Druid for a dozen years, and has long been a bardic favourite. He is single (and as he has lived with two separate sets of staff, we can confirm he vacuums, does windows, and has acceptable hygiene). He has published several books, most recently including "The Mysteries of Druidry" (New Page, 2006). Two more of his books are "The Other Side of Virtue" (or some other pretentious thing like that) and "A Wiccan Testament" (like, what's a Druid writing about Wicca for?). And he'll talk about them at length until someone shuts him up. But, you won't want to.

Bubba is really Shane Hultquist who has been a Troll now for many years. You may have seen him with a radio semi-permanently attached to his ear at the festivals. He has also known as a maker of chain mail garments. Recently he has been periodically taken over by a Ghost of Deep Appalachia - marked with the Lucky 7, spirit of cha', drenched in Pabst Blue Ribbon - lock up your pets, look out for Bubba! In a more serious vein, a few years back he worked on an archaeological dig in Gotland, Sweden. Thus, he is a Viking Indiana Jones. Really!

Castalia is a priestess of the Wiccan Church, and as an initiate of other mystery traditions, Castalia brings a wealth of experience to her music, her academic presentations, and those on the magical arts. Once just a hobby, she began doing professional astrology and tarot in the early 90s when she owned Arcanum books in Hamilton, Ontario. She now travels regularly across the continent, sharing music and Pagan studies.

Devin Johnstone is a 13 year veteran of the Kaleidoscope Gathering. Devin has spent many years studying various forms of Asian bodywork, exercise and healing including Thai massage, shiatsu, qigong, taiji and yoga. You may also know him as a singer-songwriter and frequent festival performer. (See www.devinjohnstone.com)

Dot "Iskierka" Wasilewski is petite redheaded Polish Pagan solitaire on a mixed Slavic and Celtic spiritual path. Dot can sometimes be found associating with Ravensflight Gathering Group and Lee's Druidic grove. She has been studying Slavic Paganism for over six years now. She was taught how to make Slavic Floral Wreaths by her witchy "god-mother" when she was six years old, and hasn't stopped working with flowers, herbs, and wire since. Also an accomplished jewellery and mask artist she is a vending fixture at "Magic Forest Arts and Crafts Collective" where she sells her wares.

Edain Duguay is has advanced education and training in history, business, information technology, and lithography. Edain is the owner of Wyrdwood Publications, which is the small, eco-friendly publishing house that publishes "The Pagan Activist" and Pagan/Heathen eBooks. She is doing her 'bit' for the environment by not producing printed books and for every 'Green Leaves' eBook she sells, a tree is planted in a deforested area of the world. Edain has been Pagan for 26 years and is happy to be learning, still. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, she now lives in Canada with her Canadian husband.

Evan Dales has been teaching Tai Chi and meditation for over twenty years, including instruction of the Living Tao Tai Chi forms, group meditation at dozens of workshops in Canada and the U.S. He is a certified Reiki practitioner. His workshops place a focus on fun and personalized learning - it's important that each person gets what they individually need to advance their health and consciousness.

Ferryman, The Oxford English Dictionary defines "The Ferryman" as: 1) A cloaked spirit who brings the souls of the dead to the underworld. 2) An untrustworthy Welshman who may, or may not, be named Taffy. 3) A well-known local Bard and Pagan named Doug Thew.

Gabrielle Darque was warmly welcomed into the Pagan community almost a year ago. She has been fascinated with poi for seven years now, while she is still learning every day she wants to share the joy of spinning poi with anyone who sees it's beauty.

Gavin and Yvonne Frost seem to have been around forever. They have written over 30 books published in five languages, and they are always at the cutting edge of Wiccan philosophy and magic. The Frosts founded the Church and School of Wicca in 1968. In the last 40 years the School of Wicca has taught tens of thousands of students, articulating the Wiccan path worldwide. It is almost impossible to fully judge the impact of these two approachable, controversial, and candid speakers. Come and meet them while they are still able to travel. (Staff Note: The Frosts wrote that, not us. But they are in their 70s!)

Gina Ellis is an elder of the 30 year-old coven of the Silver Wheel (Ottawa & Montreal). The coven is from the 'Welsh' tradition - out of Brooklyn, from Long Island and New England, back to the New Forest … but, really, from the sacred groves of Arcadia and the forgotten temples of Anatolia. What eventually became the Kaleidoscope Gathering was founded as a Lammas meeting of souls by Gina on her land 20 years ago. Gina has long been active in the Pagan community, but is not largely serving the Gods in private (or with Alex at Fests).

Gregory Smith bills himself as Canada's only true leather smith. Why? His last name is Smith and he has been working with leather for over 35 years. Once upon a time he owned a Tandy Leather dealership but now he only does custom work and teaches. He is a winner of the Huronia Arts and Festival Leather division. His specialty is Celtic Knot work, some of which he learned while studying in Eire. He has a wide range of leather products for sale and will help you create your own special item. You can visit his website at www.leathersmith.ca. (Gregory the Leathersmith will be set up in the Vendors Area from Friday to Monday. If you are unable to make any of his scheduled workshops, feel free to come by his booth to see if he has time to arrange something informal with you.)

Hawk and Wolf are also known as Teresa and Dave. Hawk has been in different eclectic circles all her life, both as a student and as a teacher. Living an open, polyamourous lifestyle, yet a solitary in her spiritual endeavours Hawk enjoys the opportunity to teach and learn with like minded individuals. Having taught in the BDSM lifestyle and different Pagan circles, her approach is non-judgemental but strongly based in proper consent between all involved. Wolf is waking into the world of paganism, open lifestyles and open beliefs. Looking with a clear mind in all directions that may fit within his style and personality, Wolf continues to expand his horizons.

Hobbes the Storyteller is from Montreal and is a professional writer and storyteller. He is the president of the Montreal Pagan Resource Centre and believes in providing opportunities and offering choices to the local pagan community. In terms of his own spiritual path, it's a long and winding one. Not content with any one path or tradition, he explores freely; finding truth and enlightenment in a variety of cultures and perspectives.

Ja Sonier has put in some time at Carleton University. He has also studied privately on many cool instruments with many cool people. He currently plays with the Heather Dale Band, Pangur Banda, the Devin Johnstone Band, Streetlight Constellations and the Grasshoppa Dance Exchange. He's also working on solo projects such as summersolstice, sublingua and stargazer stargazing. He has done accompaniment (percussion) at the School of Dance, Canterbury School of the Arts, De La Salle Ecole des Arts, DanceAbility, Propelor Dance, Dance Educators, the Tournesol Dance Company and the Dandelion Dance Company. Groups that he's been part of in the past include Oya (the voice and percussion improvisation collective), the Max Middle Sound Project (sound poetry and performance art), and the Desjaske Trio (contemporary world music); he is also a founding member of the "Ottawa Literati" writer's group.

Jeff of the Lost Gypsies is a circus performer and busker. He has the amazing ability to drum and cause people to breath fire and juggle. (Staff Note: We wish that happened when we drummed.) His mother is a bearded woman and his father is an astronaut.

Jim McKever was raised on a Christian path. He experienced a number of signals from the 'spirit world' to strike out and change his way of thinking. Then, he suffered a major health trauma. At first he saw it as an affliction, but he know sees it as a blessing in disguise. He experienced had an Awakening, or Vision Quest, that brought him to where he is now. He looked deeply within himself for answers, rather than hand over responsibility for his Spiritual Growth to others. He is constantly amazed at what he uncovers. By looking within, he has discovered he can travel on the Astral Plane, perform healing, and has the capacity of many other interesting abilities residing within him.

Julie Desrosiers is a ritual artist, intent on using her Gods-given talents to bring beauty and magic to the lives of those around her. She wrote her first ritual at the age of 12, and has been honing her craft ever since. Her "professional career" as ritual creator began as a neophyte in the Wiccan Church of Canada, after which she worked with a private group, and explored a more eclectic tradition for nearly ten years. In 2006, she found a new spiritual path as a Druid with Ar nDraoight Fein, and is now Senior Druid for Thornhaven Proto-Grove. Among the many reasons why she chose to work with the ADF is their commitment to accessible public ritual, a principle to which she strongly adheres.

Karen Dales, a 3rd Degree Gardnerian High Priestess, has been running the Toronto Pagan Pub Moot for over 13 years with her husband and 3rd degree High Priest Evan Dales. Karen is the author of the dark fantasy novel Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen which she will be selling at Kaleidoscope Gathering.

Laurie the Herbwalker (a.k.a. Laurie Waller Benson; a.k.a. Laurie 2 of Kids' Programming) is a veteran Festival-goer and has led herb walks and talks from Starwood to Kaleidoscope, after being inspired by the Wic-Can Fest walks in the 'eighties. She has studied with Susun Weed and worked for Faunus Herbs, as well as continuing to study and teach art, music, drama and yoga. She worked as a professional actress in Toronto, where she met Jock MacGregor, and the rest is history.

Laurien Habijanac is described as a hereditary healer, medical intuitive and psychic. Her lifelong commitment to Mother Earth and Father Sky has taken her on a journey from living in the stump of a giant Redwood tree to working with businesses as an ethics advisor to the reclaiming and healing of her own body from partial paralysis. She is a cofounder of the public, Circle of Wittan (a Bardic Coven in Santa Fe, New Mexico). She has a seventeen year commitment and career in healing arts including herbalism, homeopathy, massage therapy, and cranial sacral therapy.

Lee Ann Farruga attended her first Imbolc ritual in February 1987. After being initiated into the Odyssian Tradition, Lee Ann became the first local Priestess to head the Ottawa Wiccan Church of Canada (WCC) Temple. She has since been involved with Ceremonialists, Asatru, a private group for over 10 years, and most recently Thornhaven Protogrove. Her personal path has led her to her ancestors and, for the past two years, the ways of the Strega; an Italian magical tradition. Her learning has been collected from many teachers, including conversations with Pagan strega, Catholics who practice stregoneria and even a Catholic priest knowledgeable in stregoneria and benedicaria.

M.C. (Marie-Christine Perron) has been deeply involved in the Heathen and Pagan community for over 17 years. She holds a B.Sc. in Anthropology from L'Université de Montréal, and has been a key organizer and board member of SiMuCOR (Simcoe Muskoka Coalition of Old Religions) for the past five years. Marie-Christine is a Gythia of the Asatru faith, a devotee of Freyr, and has a keen interest in both the runes and landspirit worship.

Michael Winkler started his journey in the craft 16 years ago. He holds his Magnus Maturna in the Hemetic order, is presently a student in Gardnerian craft. He also holds his MCSE, A+, CCNA & CCNP. He is also a professional class fencer and a video game junkie. Mike likes mead, Warrior Circle and is a dedicated family man.

Miss Jillian is a holistic educator with diverse spiritual interests. She hails from Ottawa (born and raised!) and is excited to be attending her 10th Kaleidoscope Festival this year!

Pagan Owl (a.k.a. Jean-Marc) has been a member of the Ottawa pagan community since 2000. He is the organizer of the Midgard Festival and a member of Runatyr Kindred, and is a dedicated champion of Ottawa Pagan Brunches. He is a proud facilitator of "Pagan Hot Showers," where he loves to network and help people out.

Patrick Gilliland has spent almost all of his life in Ottawa, half of it as a practising Pagan. He has explored various paths including the Wiccan Church of Canada, Asatru and Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) Druidry. In 1990 he convinced his priestess he could be more than just her summoner and married her. He enjoys being a doting father to their two beautiful daughters. After 19 years, he thinks he has monogamous marriage figured out.

Randaidh "Gil" Waugh is director and co-founder of Comunn Gaidhlig Ottawa. His passion for Scottish Gaelic was originally sparked when he found out his maternal grandfather's mother tongue was Scottish Gaelic. He has been a Gaelic learner since, and feels passionate about learning, promoting and helping to preserve this part of Celtic heritage and culture. Scottish Gaelic is an endangered language and without strong intervention could slip into the fray. Randaidh, a computer professional, novelist (Gil Waugh) and piper with the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band is working on fluency in Gaelic through The Atlantic Gaelic Academy's online course.

Raun Dupuis has been a semi-professional drummer since the age of 15. Now at a tender age of "mid 50's" he has over 80 drums. Raun is largely self-taught, but has studied with the likes of Babatunde Olatunji and Arthur Hull's Rhythm Alchemy Workshops. He is drummer for Common Ground and the organizer of the Facebook group "Drummers United Across Canada." Raun builds and sells drums, including his own design called the "Squonga."

Risingphoenix was born in a family where she always had the right decide her own path. At 14 Risingphoenix began her own spiritual journey in Witchcraft with the blessings of her mother; the condition was that she had the right to read what she was reading. After one or two books, however, she saw that there was no reason to keep on checking and she was free to explore. Risingphoenix has studied Taoism, Judaism, Islam, Paganism, Voodoo, Buddhism, and Spiritualism, Occultism through self-teachings, guidance of family, dreams and visions. Risingphoenix has studied the dark arts, as a doctor trying to find vaccine would first learn about the virus, as well as the Craft in all its manifestation. She is the first to tell you that she is a long way from knowing anything.

Robin Benson, through a strange mistake of the transmigration of souls, is the re-incarnation of Che Guevara and Cú Chulainn and the real Jock MacGregor, combined!

Sacrificial Offering: Tyler Mulligan is Stag King! Our king is the youngest Stag King yet. Tyler first competed at age 16 and achieved his passionate vow to win at the tender age of 20. He is born and bred in Rockland, Ontario. He works as a Transporter at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus and as a Shop Attendant at the Ottawa Harley-Davidson dealership. Since he is currently single … Tyler is an avid family man, who likes riding motorcycles, making wine and spending time with people he cares about. In his down-time he likes to garden and read in the sunshine. What does the future hold? Well, in Tyler's words "I don't care what I'm doing, who I'm with or where I am, as long as I'm happy with what I'm doing, where I am and who I'm with." Long live the Stag King!

Scarlet Cougar / Lady Scarlet is an Eclectic Celtic Priestess of the Black Forest Tradition. Her field of expertise focuses on cultures and religions, magical and Wiccan practices, and research and teaching. She has obtained her BA in Classics and Anthropology and Certification in Journalism, Graphic Design and Technical Communication. Recently she added a BA Honours Religion degree to her repertoire. In 1994, she founded the Concordia University Pagan Society (CUPS) in an effort to develop awareness of this diverse spirituality. That same year, she began the Crescent Moon School, which has experienced several evolutions since. On the public front, Scarlet has published articles and poetry and runs a local magazine (WynterGreene) on alternative spirituality.

Shane Hultquist is really Bubba. (See Bubba's biography.)

Stag King is a legend. He won his crown last year in a triumphant battle on the Whispering Pines Lake, in which he vanquished his old self and was reborn. He reminds us each year of the community in which we rejoice, the feeling of summer, the glory of victory and the bitterness of defeat.

Stephane Lebeau is fun-loving, open-minded, and dedicated to helping others better themselves and find their way, Stephane is still looking for his own path, while enjoying life's simple pleasures. (Staff Note: We know he has some friends amongst the Norse gods, too. He knows how to blót. Oh … and his Mom is really cool, too. Oh, and he does a good gargoyle impression!)

Storm is a self-described cranky non-morning person who scares small children. She has been going to KG since for before forever. When not crocheting can be found glowing with pride over her granddaughters (both of whom were wiccaned at KG) or drumming at the fire.... Storm has been crocheting on and off for almost 30 years. You can probably find one or two of her lovely creations at Gus's stall.

Tameika is co-founder of the Spirits of the Earth Festival. She has been practicing and studying paganism for 17 years. She is currently on the path to become an alchemical healer. She holds a master teacher's degree in the Japanese healing art of Usui/Tibetan Reiki and she is trained in the Earth Crystal Healing, amongst other energetic healing techniques. She is not a Bollywood actor, nor a professional tabla player, but she does enjoy bhangra, spicy food and saris.

The Colonel is Col. Fraser Williamson and he is Kaleidoscope's auctioneer. He operates Fargo's Auction Service in Georgetown, Ontario. He is a graduate of the Canadian Auction College. He currently sits on the board of directors of the Auctioneer's Association of Ontario. He also reads Tarot as a part time source of income. Fraser is known through the auction community as the "Psychic Auctioneer."

Thornhaven Protogrove is a Druidic grove situated outside of Ottawa, Ontario. Associated with Ár nDraíocht Féin / A Druid Fellowship, Thornhaven Protogrove provides quality public ritual and community services to those living in the South Nation Watershed. Its hearth cultures are predominantly Northern Celtic and Norse, with rituals marking the eight standard Neo-pagan high days. Rituals are conducted on sacred land, also named Thornhaven, and much work and resources have been donated thus far by the Grove to create a meeting hall for feasting/gathering, as well as the construction of several shrines and altar spaces. Thornhaven also sponsors a monthly discussion "salon", where neo-pagans of various beliefs and backgrounds come together to share their thoughts and opinions on a designated topic.

Tomus Ukulelus is a classically-trained pianist who has continually fought against those 'wee little black note thingies on the big white page with all those horizontal lines' - What's with THAT? He has found solace in the ukulele because it doesn't 'judge' him too much. He claims that the ukulele somehow helps him demonstrate that: "It's not just about the music … it's about the 'Heart' of the music and how it heals and makes happy the world around!" As a professor of psychology and communications he has learned how 'music' communicates and the effect it has on human and non-human behaviour. Humans seem particularly well-adapted for the interactive aspect of his work.

Tracy Thillmann is walking a Druidic path, tree-hugging and all. Tracy is expanding her own knowledge while sharing what she has already learned. Silly and irreverent, loyal to her friends, she's at home wherever there is a tree to lean on.

WhytRaven (a.k.a. Richard Pearce) plays the roll of "Guy with a Pipe." If anything pensive and contemplative needs to be done, he is the go-to guy. He has been with the Intentional Applied Metaphysics from April 1973 to the present and is a current Director of the BMS - Bartonian Metaphycal Society. Through his work WhytRaven uses Ancient Wisdom, Light, Energy & Harmonics for Bridging Heaven and Earth. (Staff Note: Any resemblance to Jerry Garcia or Santa Claus is not coincidental.)

Willow is Wacky, Witty, Wonderful and Weird! Willow (or Little Willow depending on how many Willows are in the room!) has arguably been Pagan their whole life. Although Willow just discovered that side of her about four or five years ago. Willow is a practicing Gardnerian witch living in the Ottawa area for a little over a year. Willow's passion in the Craft is for ritual; to share different forms of ceremony and worship with anyone that's interested and open-minded.