This year, we’ve decided to focus on the analysis of folklore, with a special emphasis on mountain communities worldwide. Naturally, ethnobotany and Animistic herbalism will be key components of the curriculum, as we explore the Plant World in connection to customs, beliefs, and rituals.
Folklore is a living thread that connects us to the Land, helping us relate (to others, parts of the self, Ancestors, and land and plant spirits). By delving into folklore, we uncover hidden layers of history, spirituality, and communal practices that continue to shape our world today. Our upcoming course cycles are designed to do just that: explore these timeless narratives and practices in depth.
This year’s course cycle offers a unique journey through seasonal folklore, magic, and mythology. In the Autumn cycle, we delve into the thrilling legends of the Wild Hunt, exploring its mythic origins, the witches who ride with it, and practical methods for engaging with the spectral retinue. The Winter cycle shifts focus to the potent forces of Weather Lore and Magic, unraveling ancient beliefs surrounding deities, spirits, and rituals that influence the elements. As Spring blossoms, we turn our attention to the ethereal Spirits of the Land and the Fae, exploring water, mountain, and forest spirits, with hands-on methodologies for those seeking deeper connections with the natural world. Finally, the Summer cycle uncovers the darker and more mysterious aspects of folklore by exploring The Folkloric Devil, tracing its origins, mythic roles, and magical traditions connected to this enigmatic figure.
Whether you’re passionate about myth, magic, plant lore, or the cultural roots of these practices, each cycle offers a deep dive into the folklore that has shaped our understanding of both the seen and unseen.
AUTUMN CYCLE: THE WILD HUNT
SEPTEMBER
Heralds of the Hunt:
Mythical and Legendary Representations
OCTOBER
Herodias Rides:
The Wild Hunt, the Witch, and the Harvest Cycle
NOVEMBER
Invoking the Chase:
Practices to Engage with the Spectral Retinue
WINTER CYCLE: WEATHER MAGIC AND FOLKLORE
DECEMBER
Skybound:
Deities, Spirits, Weather Myths, and Ancient Rituals
JANUARY
Weather Conjurers:
Weather Lore and Folk Religion
FEBRUARY
Tempestarii:
Weather Sorcery and Witchcraft
SPRING CYCLE: THE SPIRITS OF THE LAND AND THE FAE
MARCH
Sacred Water:
Water Spirits: Lore and Methodology
APRIL
Hollow Mounds:
Mountain & Cave Spirits: Lore and Methodology
MAY
Burning Nemeton:
Forest & Fire Spirits: Lore and Methodology
SUMMER CYCLE: THE FOLKLORIC DEVIL
JUNE
The Horned One:
Origins and Folkloric Interpretations
JULY
The Master of the Sabbat:
The Devil in Witchcraft
AUGUST
Devilish Craft:
Folk Magic, Sorcery, and the Devil
How to enroll
In order to enroll on any of our courses, you will have to join our Occvlta Patreon METZINER tier in the corresponding month or months (we recommend you stay for the whole season in order not to miss a thing).
Price, dates, recordings, and other info
Price: each month on Metziner tier is 30 euros + taxes.
Length of each course: 2 hours.
Courses will take place on the last Sunday of every month (unless specified).
Every course will deal with history, folklore, herbalism, and magic from an animist’s perspective.
Materials and recordings will be provided for each course.
Further questions: occvlta@gmail.com