2026 Workshops, Talks, and Other Activities
"What Are You Growing?”
“The Seeds We’ve Planted”
Trent Pinion
This workshop reflects on the various types of seeds we have planted in our hearts and how they grow and bear fruit. I’ll share some of my own story to illustrate what I mean by “seeds,” and how I’ve learned from the fruit they produced, whether I wanted to keep growing them or not. Sometimes we grow things we didn’t intend, and other times we grow what we actively seek to cultivate. Unresolved anger, guilt, or trauma can grow into things that drain your energy and make you grow into a version of yourself that you do not want to be. Through a mindfulness meditation with apples and sharing thoughts, we’ll see the importance of taking stock of everything, the good and the bad, to gain the awareness to choose what we truly wish to encourage more growth of and what we want to leave behind.
Trent is an Ovate who joined OBOD in 2013 while studying for his BS in chemistry at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Druidry inspired him to choose a career in the environmental field, and he currently works as an ambient air monitoring specialist for the State of Texas. Trent lives with his wonderful fiancé, Rich, two cats, and lots of plants. In his free time, he likes nature walks, working out, and watching YouTube videos when he should be reading.
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Trent Pinion
This workshop reflects on the various types of seeds we have planted in our hearts and how they grow and bear fruit. I’ll share some of my own story to illustrate what I mean by “seeds,” and how I’ve learned from the fruit they produced, whether I wanted to keep growing them or not. Sometimes we grow things we didn’t intend, and other times we grow what we actively seek to cultivate. Unresolved anger, guilt, or trauma can grow into things that drain your energy and make you grow into a version of yourself that you do not want to be. Through a mindfulness meditation with apples and sharing thoughts, we’ll see the importance of taking stock of everything, the good and the bad, to gain the awareness to choose what we truly wish to encourage more growth of and what we want to leave behind.
Trent is an Ovate who joined OBOD in 2013 while studying for his BS in chemistry at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Druidry inspired him to choose a career in the environmental field, and he currently works as an ambient air monitoring specialist for the State of Texas. Trent lives with his wonderful fiancé, Rich, two cats, and lots of plants. In his free time, he likes nature walks, working out, and watching YouTube videos when he should be reading.
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"Grounding in Acrylics: Meditation and Paint”
Rikki Pillow
This is a hands-on, meditative painting workshop that takes you to your inner self and connects you to your core tree. Using physical mixed media such as acrylics and natural foliage, we will artistically explore our core trees and, as Druids, connect our bardic skills to a new craft.
Rikki is an Ovate studying in the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. They have been a dedicated pagan practitioner for 10 years with a particular emphasis on ocean spirituality. Rikki is a student studying for an Integrated Studies Bachelor's degree with an Environmental Education minor. Some of their passions are wildlife rehabilitation, exploring different artistic paths, and connecting people to nature. Hobbies include knitting, painting, scuba diving, kayaking, and overall crafting with many new mediums!
Rikki Pillow
This is a hands-on, meditative painting workshop that takes you to your inner self and connects you to your core tree. Using physical mixed media such as acrylics and natural foliage, we will artistically explore our core trees and, as Druids, connect our bardic skills to a new craft.
Rikki is an Ovate studying in the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. They have been a dedicated pagan practitioner for 10 years with a particular emphasis on ocean spirituality. Rikki is a student studying for an Integrated Studies Bachelor's degree with an Environmental Education minor. Some of their passions are wildlife rehabilitation, exploring different artistic paths, and connecting people to nature. Hobbies include knitting, painting, scuba diving, kayaking, and overall crafting with many new mediums!
"Astrology and the Living Cosmos”
Robert Pacitti
What if astrology is not just about prediction, but cultivation?
In this experiential workshop, we explore astrology as an ancient living language that describes how life takes shape, grows, and comes into balance. Drawing from early cosmological traditions, we trace the soul's descent through the planetary spheres and discover how plants, animals, stones, and landscapes embody zodiacal archetypes.
Moving beyond theory, participants engage directly with the land and the natural world, observing and gathering expressions of the zodiac as they appear in living form.
The workshop culminates in the creation of a shared zodiac mandala, a space where we set our roots, reach upward, and cultivate the inner self while bringing these currents into relationship and balance.
Robert is a professional consulting astrologer and the visionary behind Deep Earth Astrology. He is currently on staff at the Centre for Relationships and Astrology, and specializes in both psychological and vibrational techniques. He has honed his craft under the tutelage of mentors Linda Berry, Sarah Fuhro, Margaret Gray, and Yvonne Tarnas. Infusing his practice with a deep connection to nature spirituality, Robert holds the title of Grand Pendragon in the Ancient Order of Druids in America and is the Director of both the MAGUS Gathering in Gore, Virginia, and the Fractal Cosmos Vibrational Astrology Conference.
Robert Pacitti
What if astrology is not just about prediction, but cultivation?
In this experiential workshop, we explore astrology as an ancient living language that describes how life takes shape, grows, and comes into balance. Drawing from early cosmological traditions, we trace the soul's descent through the planetary spheres and discover how plants, animals, stones, and landscapes embody zodiacal archetypes.
Moving beyond theory, participants engage directly with the land and the natural world, observing and gathering expressions of the zodiac as they appear in living form.
The workshop culminates in the creation of a shared zodiac mandala, a space where we set our roots, reach upward, and cultivate the inner self while bringing these currents into relationship and balance.
Robert is a professional consulting astrologer and the visionary behind Deep Earth Astrology. He is currently on staff at the Centre for Relationships and Astrology, and specializes in both psychological and vibrational techniques. He has honed his craft under the tutelage of mentors Linda Berry, Sarah Fuhro, Margaret Gray, and Yvonne Tarnas. Infusing his practice with a deep connection to nature spirituality, Robert holds the title of Grand Pendragon in the Ancient Order of Druids in America and is the Director of both the MAGUS Gathering in Gore, Virginia, and the Fractal Cosmos Vibrational Astrology Conference.
“The Elements of Cultivating”
Nicole Youngman
When Ostara/Alban Eilir calls, the thoughts of all good Druids turn to planting All the Things! Whether you're just getting started gardening or have been at it for a while, you'll want to give your green friends their best chance to thrive. Among the many things to consider at this time of year, our sacred elements can serve as a framework for thinking through what we'll need to cultivate our green friends successfully. Earth, air, water, and fire each offer tangible, physical lessons for gardeners. And spirit explores beauty and purpose: how do you want your green friends to enrich your spiritual practice and/or your mundane daily life? Herbs for cooking and magic? Veggies for your health? Flowers for beauty and pollinator habitat? Whatever you choose to grow, the most important thing to consider is which green allies will actually thrive and make a positive contribution to the health and spirit of your landscape.
Nicole is a Louisiana Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and recovering academic who has been active in OBOD for nearly two decades. She lives on a small hill in Baton Rouge, where she plants things and annoys the neighbors by letting random stuff grow in her yard. Her household consists of her human family, a quartet of cats, and way more plants and books than she absolutely needs. She is working on A Course In Druidcraft, which will be offered online early next year, and aspires to actually finish the Ovate course one of these days.
Nicole Youngman
When Ostara/Alban Eilir calls, the thoughts of all good Druids turn to planting All the Things! Whether you're just getting started gardening or have been at it for a while, you'll want to give your green friends their best chance to thrive. Among the many things to consider at this time of year, our sacred elements can serve as a framework for thinking through what we'll need to cultivate our green friends successfully. Earth, air, water, and fire each offer tangible, physical lessons for gardeners. And spirit explores beauty and purpose: how do you want your green friends to enrich your spiritual practice and/or your mundane daily life? Herbs for cooking and magic? Veggies for your health? Flowers for beauty and pollinator habitat? Whatever you choose to grow, the most important thing to consider is which green allies will actually thrive and make a positive contribution to the health and spirit of your landscape.
Nicole is a Louisiana Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and recovering academic who has been active in OBOD for nearly two decades. She lives on a small hill in Baton Rouge, where she plants things and annoys the neighbors by letting random stuff grow in her yard. Her household consists of her human family, a quartet of cats, and way more plants and books than she absolutely needs. She is working on A Course In Druidcraft, which will be offered online early next year, and aspires to actually finish the Ovate course one of these days.