| WORKSHOPS
Dark
Odyssey 101 (Orientation)
Staff
This short class is an introduction to the culture of Dark Odyssey
and is strongly encouraged for all newcomers to a Dark Odyssey
event. We’ll review guidelines, discuss expectations, and
make sure everyone is on the same page; plus we’ll answer
all your questions! Several orientation sessions are given on
Friday, with your final opportunity on Saturday morning. See schedule
for times and locations.
Advanced
Relationship Honesty
Michelle Zee
“Presence is what makes you radiantly alive, confident,
and attractive. The key to presence is honesty.” The key
to good sex and relationships is honest communication, but how
often do we get to learn how to communicate honesty in a safe
environment? How often does it happen and why is it so hard? Most
people are afraid to be totally honest. They fear damaging relationships
by creating conflict or hurting another's feelings. Learning to
attend to your own here-now experience rather than worrying about
the outcome uncovers the real source of personal power and self-trust.
We will practice speaking honestly and noticing how language affects
the way we communicate. Engaging games and exercises make this
workshop fun, too! Whether your interest in communication is for
polyamory, S/M, coming out, or other relationship reasons, this
workshop will help.
Age
Play
Judy Guerin
Do you struggle as a Mommy or Daddy with naughty children and
teens, from childhood through high school? We have the answers.
Learn why your children are misbehaving and effective techniques
for correcting this behavior. Children and teens will be educated
in the consequences of bad behavior. This will be an interactive
workshop with audience participation and will provide fun and
useful tips on things for parents to do with their children and
vice-versa, both at home and in public. For novices, this offers
a fun-filled and insightful look at why age play is something
that you might want to explore.
Anal
Pleasure 101
Tristan Taormino
In this workshop, Tristan introduces you to the world of anal
pleasure. We’ll covers a wide variety of topics, including:
myths about anal sex; anal anatomy, the G-spot and the prostate;
basic preparation and hygiene; lubes, anal toys, and safer sex;
anal penetration for beginners, and much more!
The
Art of the Mind Fuck
Marc B.
Remember back to those TV commercials that said “a mind
is a terrible thing to waste”? While that is true, what
they didn’t say is, a mind is a wonderful thing to play
with, especially when you poke it with a stick. The art of the
mind fuck is making your partner believe that the unimaginable
or unbelievable is possible and in fact quite probable. A successful
mind fuck takes the combination of skills to make it believable.
This class will focus on the techniques to plan, set up, execute,
and recover from a good mind fuck. Come join use for a lesson
in putting your feet up and roasting marshmallows on the embers
of your partner’s mind.
Burnt
and Jaded: Combating Passionless Kink
Sarah Sloane
Look around you: chances are, some of the people around you are
feeling tired, bored, or just plain uninspired. Of course, they
say, the clubs are getting old, the play is getting repetitive,
the sex isn't as hot as it used to be. Is this an inevitable phase
that we all go through in the alternative sexuality communities?
Is this why there aren't as many people at events and gatherings
that have been around for double-digit years? Is this why we don't
feel that “zing” when we talk to a potential partner
about playing? It doesn't have to be. Let's explore the many reasons
that we may be feeling less fulfilled in our sexuality than we
used to be, and let's talk about the ways to bring the joy and
fire back into what we do.
Chastity,
Orgasm Control, and Concealed Bondage
Jillian Davis
This interactive class presented by Jillian Davis, founder of
Locked in Steel, will range from the history of chastity to modern
day chastity belts. After the presentation, there will be a interactive
forum discussing many related topics, including: what chastity
does in a relationship; types of chastity devices from leather
to plastic to steel; proper fit of a device and being undetected;
long term issues and male and female health concerns; general
orgasm control; self-bondage and other fantasies.
Creating
a Spark with Electricity
British “Lucky” Paul
Electricity is a wonderful tool in the right hands. This class
makes sure you have the skills and knowledge to be a safe player.
Join British “Lucky” Paul for a fun class covering
safety and various techniques with Violet Wands, stun guns, cattle
prods and electrical fire play. Electricity can create sexy sensations
and fear as a scene toy as well as hot sights and sounds. Get
valuable advice on buying electrical toys on any budget. Paul
will bring multiple electrical units with him, so anyone that
wants to zap or get zapped in this hands-on workshop will get
the opportunity!
Dreaming
in the Dungeon
Rita Seagrave
Sparked by community interest in BDSM and spirituality, this class
uses dreamwork, tarot, and intuition to help participants understand
how BDSM play sets in place a direct line of communication between
the conscious and subconscious minds.
Erotic
Breathwork
Barbara Carrellas
Breath is your greatest source of energy and aliveness. It can
produce so much pleasure, it will amaze you. Once you become familiar
with moving erotic energy around with your breath, you’ll
find all your erotic encounters to be much more fulfilling. Your
orgasms will be longer and deeper. You will share a more authentically
intimate connection with a partner. You’ll even find yourself
using breath techniques in non-erotic situations to bring erotic
energy to more and more areas of your life. In this workshop,
we will learn and practice a variety of simple breath techniques
that you can put together to create unlimited erotic possibilities.
Then we’ll put them together to explore the vast range of
orgasms which lie beyond those achieved by genital stimulation.
Finally, we’ll practice energy orgasm techniques that you’ll
be able to incorporate into whatever kind of sex and play you
enjoy.
Erotic
Roleplay 101
Rita Seagrave
Want to be someone else...and be yourself better? This interactive,
introductory class helps you figure out which roles turn you on,
how to generate dialogue and run the scene, and what special aftercare
measures you should consider.
Everything
You Need to Know about Becoming a Sex Blogger (But Were Afraid
to Ask)
Viviane
What's a blog? Should I have a blog? What is this 'blogging' thing?
How do I get on the internets? How do readers find me? Should
I write as myself, or under a pseudonym? Come to this introductory/intermediate
level workshop if you want to tips and tools for setting up a
blog, finding inspiration and writing well, and building readership
in this highly interactive medium. We’ll cover: finding
your voice and what to write about; web-based publishing tools
to have your blog up in 5 minutes, including Blogger.com, Livejournal,
and Wordpress; your first post: what to write about, how format
and link to others, tagging your post; bells and whistles: pictures,
blogrolls, comments; how to publicize your blog and build community;
and protecting your privacy.
Exhibitionism
as an Evolutionary Path
Maggie Tapert
What part of your brilliance are you willing to reveal to the
world at large and what remains hidden? For a whole host of reasons,
we have learned that it’s best to keep our most delicate
and lovely parts safely tucked away, free from the dangerous and
narrow-minded judgments of a big scary world. For good reason,
little boys and girls have learned to keep their skirts down and
their pants zipped. In this workshop, we’ll take apart some
of these out-of-date taboos and shine a spotlight on them, so
to speak. “Showing myself, letting others see the real me
underneath my mask, has brought tremendous healing to my life
and has changed the way I feel about myself,” says Tapert.
“In this grown-up session of “show and tell”
let me share with you this unconventional and revolutionary path
of loving self-acceptance.”
Expanded
Orgasm (Sustained Genital Stimulation)
Anton
In this workshop, Anton teaches the basic principles and techniques
of Expanded Orgasm, a technique created by Dr. Patricia Taylor,
author of *Expanded Orgasm and Lovemaking* (www.expanded-orgasm.com).
Anton will teach the art of giving and receiving sustained genital
stimulation that allows both the giver and receiver to enter into
states of meditation and expanded consciousness through orgasm.
You will learn the necessary mindset to begin your session with,
the basic touching techniques, and the basic components of Expanding
and Grounding orgasmic energy so that one is able to create Valley
Orgasms that are able to go on indefinitely.
The
Fine Art of Humiliation
Judy Guerin
What is humiliation? Why do it? How can you expand boundaries,
change headspace, and enhance relationships through humiliation?
How do you introduce it into a scene? What are the particular
safety issues associated with this kind of play? What are the
differences when it's done privately, semi-privately, or publicly?
Come get some answers to these questions as well as helpful tips
and techniques. We'll also cover examples of different kinds of
humiliation scenes, including sissies, forced feminization, adult
babies, puppies, ponies, and subs who like to be objectified as
pieces of furniture or ash trays.
Flogging
101
Marc B
Flogging one of the core techniques used today’s BDSM play.
This workshop was developed as an entry level flogging class providing
the participants information and practical hands on demonstration
of flogging techniques. No previous knowledge of BDSM is required.
The goal of this workshop is to develop basic flogging skills
and knowledge as well as an awareness of basic safety issues in
BDSM play. This is a hand-on class, so bring your floggers, bring
your partner, and bring an open mind.
Fucking
Machines
British “Lucky” Paul
This hands-on workshop is an introduction to fucking machines.
Learn about the different designs, costs and suppliers of these
awesome vibrator monsters. Take a close up look at technique as
we use them to produce earth-shattering orgasms. Come and take
a ride or operate the unit for some remote control shagging!
Getting
That Magical Toy You've Always Wanted
Wintersong Tashlin
Many of us have a special relationship with our sex toys and tools.
What can we do to these items to make them more magical? After
all, magical dildos, floggers, and lube don't generally come straight
from the factory that way. We'll look at techniques and yes, spells,
for making and caring for magically enhanced sexual toys and tools.
Hello,
Cruel World: An Outlaw’s Mini-Guide to Survival for Sex
and Gender Radicals
Kate Bornstein
It's often the case for today's sex positivists and radical gendernauts
that whatever it is that gives you the most joy, pleasure, or
relief also gets you into the deepest trouble, especially when
you try to explain it to other people. Like when you love someone
you're not supposed to love. Or when the way you express yourself
makes other people queasy. As harmless as you feel you're being,
people may still think you're bad, wrong or immoral. This is a
workshop in which Kate suggests irreverent alternatives to suffering
as a 21st Century outlaw; it is based on Kate’s shiny new
book, *Hello, Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens,
Freaks, and Other Outlaws*.
Healing
Love Basics
Anton
The Healing Love Basics are the foundational practices in the
ancient Taoist system to the sexual energy cultivation practices.
They include both moving and sitting meditations that enable the
practitioner to properly re-direct, transform, and store sexual
energy.
If
Buddha Had a Flogger
Dan and dawn
Dan and dawn lead an open discussion on Buddhism and how it fits
in with the world of BDSM, swinging, polyamory, alternative sexuality,
D/s and other play styles, lifestyles, and relationships. They
will review the basics of Buddhism and review how these concepts
compare to standards of behavior in modern D/s/BDSM/alternative
relationships and lifestyles. How can Buddhism, as either a religion
or a set of philosophies, be utilized to help either the individual
or relationship to grow?
Kissing:
The Eloquent Silence
Elkor and Margo Eve
It's taken for granted that everyone knows how to kiss. But many
people feel they know how to kiss well. Kissing can be as tender
as any murmured words or as demanding as any order. This class
will endeavor to explain how you can develop your own style of
kissing, change it for the scene you are creating and otherwise
develop skills to put you in a class apart when it comes to speaking
without words.
Knife
Play: Steel’s Sensual Dance (Two Parts)
Elkor
Few things focus your attention like a sharp blade pressed to
your throat. But what about the cold fire felt when its edge dances
over the sensitive parts of the body? Knives are for more than
just cutting; come explore their sensory side. From care and cleaning,
to how to use a knife so that even the most fearful of partners
will be sighing in contentment, it's a different perspective on
what is traditionally viewed as playing on the edge. At this class,
you can sign up for the hands-on workshop—where you can
bring a partner and practice concepts discussed in Steel’s
Sensual Dance. You must attend the lecture in order to attend
the hands-on portion.
Liquid
Latex: A Sexy Second Skin
Scott Bonelli
For many fans of latex, the thought of painting on a second skin
is nothing more than a fantasy. In the past, the process has been
difficult, with multiple coats, and extended drying times. Mastering
the technique has been a deterrent for many who want to work with
this fantastic medium.This class will cover all aspects of the
medium, from skin preparation to latex as fetish attire, bondage
medium, and sensation play tool. This presentation includes limited
audience participation, so come ready to get your hands dirty!
Making
Peace with Jealousy in Polyamorous Relationships
Anita Wagner
Sound familiar? Just when we think we've got our act together,
our relationships are going well and we're maybe even feeling
confident, someone we love is attracted to someone new, and all
of a sudden the bottom falls out. Or we meet someone new and want
to explore our attraction to them, and contrary to what we anticipate,
a poly partner starts freaking out. Why is this happening? Why
do our emotions sometimes run so contrary to our will? What's
a fair and reasonable poly person to do? We need not be jealousy's
victims! Come learn to accurately analyze and identify jealousy's
complex, underlying emotions. Devise an effective plan that works
for you that will take away their seemingly overwhelming emotional
power. With a bit of patience, some love and support, and the
right poly relationship skills, we all have the power to make
peace with jealousy.
Mummification
Marc B and Philip
Come and witness the maniacal menace of Team U-Haul (Marc B and
Philip) as they present their version of the subtle art of mummification;
wrap 'em, pack 'em and stack 'em. This class will be a demonstration
and discussion of the finer points of mummification, the fun yet
edgy form of bondage involving restraining a "living"
person's body in a non-damaging way by wrapping it head to toe,
or neck to toe, in materials like saran wrap, bandages, duct tape,
to name a few items. The presentation will cover basic to advanced
techniques, the nuances of specific material selection, safety
issues, fun and games with mummification, building a scene with
mummification, evil tricks to do while someone is mummified (Marc's
favorite topic), and sensual play (Philip's favorite topic).
Native
American Rituals in Today’s Scene: Setting The Record Straight-
Foxy and Sheri Fox
This workshop is designed to show Native American Rituals and
their parallel to today’s BDSM scene. We will discuss ancient
rituals and ceremonies along with the D/s dynamics of the past
and how they relate and influence us today. Discover America's
Original Wild Wild West!!
Naked
in a Crowd: Orgy Organization and Etiquette
Jefferson and Marcus
Are you interested in orgies, but unsure about what to do? Do
you host orgies, or hope to do so? This practical session—taught
by two people who have hosted parties in a variety of contexts
geared to couples, mixed singles or gender exclusion—addresses
all you need to know to create orgies that will keep 'em coming
back for more. Learn how to devise a focus for your parties, recruit
and screen participants, create exciting ice breakers and themes,
and—above all—how to set and enforce policies for
safer sex and good etiquette.
Needleplay:
My Point of View
Sarah Sloane
Mythbuster: Needleplay isn't as difficult as it looks. All it
requires is a healthy level of paranoia, the right equipment,
a love of endorphins, and opposable thumbs (well, okay, you don't
really need the opposable thumbs part, but everything else is
pretty much required). We'll demystify the humble IV needle, get
into the flow of endorphins, learn everything you ever were afraid
to learn about cross contamination, and even give you a chance
to practice your newfound skills on someone else (of course, you
bring the “someone else” with you!). While this is
a basic needleplay class, we will also cover some ideas and techniques
that you can use to take your scenes up a notch, whether you want
to cause more sensation, get more blood, or be flashier in the
dungeon.
Negotiating
Fun in a Relationship
Jon and Carin
What is it like when the stress is gone? When you can easily talk
about your desires and find that you're in total agreement? Whether
you want to explore new activities with your partner, or expand
your relationships with others, it's too easy to get into an “argument”
frame of mind. We'll describe how to discover where all parties
are in agreement, start out easily, then as trust and safe communication
are developed, the possibilities spread wide open! Learn: The
dangerous Yes, How to handle No, and how to set it up so it's
impossible to lose!
Odd
Man In: Male Bisexuality on the Scene
Jefferson and Marcus
In the sexually open scenes that overlap within the Dark Odyssey
community, there remain conflicting and contradictory attitudes
concerning male bisexuality, as a form of self-identification
and in sexual practice. These attitudes particularly affect anyone
who identifies as male, or is in a relationship with someone who
identifies as male. This open and frank session addresses prevalent
notions and offers strategies to bring male bisexuality into play,
within scenes, within relationships, and within personal lives.
The session is led by Jefferson and Marcus, longtime friends and
sex partners who have identified as bisexual since youth. They’ll
draw on academic studies, personal experience and world travel.
It is open to anyone who is interested in the topic, regardless
of your gender or sexual orientation.
The
Orgasmatron: Masturbation Ritual for All
Maggie Tapert
Entering your sacred inner space through a guided meditation,
Maggie Tapert invites everyone to connect deeply with themselves
and explore the individual sensual and ecstatic responses of the
physical body. Although we make this journey as a group and witness
the sensual sounds of those around us, we are each focused and
present essentially with ourselves, in our own private world.
Freedom and autonomy are the gifts we receive from this group
experience. Participation and blindfolds are obligatory!
*No late admittance.*
Playing
With Strangers
Rita Seagrave
Almost everyone has strong opinions about whether or not it's
safe to play with strangers. Some of us love the thrill of experiencing
intimacy with someone we just met. In this class, we'll talk about
pickup play, anonymous partners, and “stranger danger”
fantasies. Because playing with strangers is a form of edge play,
this class will also cover the importance of safety, intuition,
negotiation, and red flags.
Pleasure
as Spiritual Practice
Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson
Most spiritual traditions—both Eastern and Western—take
a dim view of pleasure. In Tantra, however, pleasure can be used
as a tool for spiritual growth. Consciousness is the key to transforming
mundane pleasure into something more profound. In this workshop,
we will explore both the theory and practice of bringing consciousness
to pleasurable experience and help you begin exploring your pleasure
more fully and intentionally.
Polyamory:
The Basics and Beyond
Sarah Sloane
Now that polyamory is an “official” word (thank you,
Merriam Webster!), you all know what it means, right? Right? Oh...well,
maybe not. Polyamory (“many loves”) is basically defined
as consensual non-monogamy, but it crosses a wide spectrum of
practices and is involved in such a wide variety of relationship
styles that the definition is rather confusing. We'll talk about
what it is and what it requires, and we'll also discuss ways to
head off communication problems and handle sensitive issues as
they arise. Time permitting, we'll also provide a forum for anonymous
questions from the attendees, and you will, of course, most likely
hear embarrassing stories about the presenter’s various
faux pas in her own relationships.
Punching,
Kicking and Deep Bruising
Lee “Bridgett” Harrington
Hands. Fists. Feet. Paddles. Saps. Foam Bats. Rubber Hoses…Delve
into ways to really leave a mark, dig into the meat of the matter,
feel muscle under your fingertips as well as how to land blows
in a safer manner. From basic anatomy lessons to blow-by-blow
ideas of how to use this sort of play in your own scenes, let’s
see if we can leave an impression.
Rope
Bondage: Getting Started
Shibari Warrior aka Thomas
Many people watch bondage and rope play with awe and amazement,
curious about how to learn how to do it, and more importantly,
what is needed to get started. This class will give you all you
need to know about rope, where to buy it, care and storage of
it, and resources for learning how to safely learn bondage techniques.
Students will learn how to do a body harness and hog tie, and
also how to do a comfortable spread eagle tie. If possible, bring
a partner to tie up or we will try to match people up. Rope will
not be provided, so please bring two 50’ lengths of rope
(soft braided nylon, hemp or MFPonly), one 20’ length, and
two 10’ lengths.
Rope
Sex: Bondage For Lovemaking and More
Lee “Bridgett” Harrington
Rope bondage is a wonderful tool for spicing up your sex life,
from binding legs open for access to the loins to turning a bed
into somewhere a lover can’t escape from, giving into their
desires. We will learn how to make simple restraints for spread-eagle
poses or binding lovers to chairs, as well as exploring ways to
bind limb to limb, body to body, crotch ropes (and how to convert
them into pieces that can be fucked through), and more. Let’s
explore and think creatively about techniques for adding bondage
to your style of sensuality and sex.
Sacred
Sexuality: A Beginners Guide
Dan and dawn
Dan and dawn, a lifestyle couple of many years and founders of
the Sacred Sexuality group Temple Azure, will help you understand
and start to explore the concept of 'Sacred Sexuality.’
They will discuss the background of sacred sexuality, but the
main focus will be on tips and examples that you can use to make
your sacred loving experiences more meaningful. Reach new levels
of depth in your passion, connect to your partner in new ways,
and keep your mind/body/spirit awake and in the moment. Find and
release that inner passion!
Safe,
Sane, and Spooky? Guidelines for Ethical Play When There's Energy/Magic/Spirits
Involved
Wintersong Tashlin
How do the ethics and morals of sexual play change when the spooky
shit gets involved. If the person you're playing with doesn't
believe in all this magic stuff do you still need their permission
to include magic in your play? What form would consent take in
that sort of instance? How do you negotiate with a partner when
your definition of "energy" play and their definition
of "energy" play are different? Do you have a moral
obligation to make sure a partner who doesn't believe in or practice
magic isn't affected by your "foo”? How far does that
obligation extend? If your partner is the one who practices some
form of energy work or magic, what sort of questions should you
ask them before playing? If you dedicate your sexual activities
to the god(s) that you serve or worship, do you need to discuss
that with potential partners? In this workshop, we'll try to answer
these and similar questions as we look at guidelines for the ethical
inclusion of energy, magic, and spirit working in your erotic
play.
Sensual
Spanking
Dan and dawn
Dan and dawn, a lifestyle couple of many years, will demonstrate
the art of erotic spanking. If you are interested in using it
as a style of foreplay or as an act within itself, join us as
we discuss some of the ways to get started, how to approach your
lover, being the center of attention, hand techniques, bringing
focus to the relationship, safe words, the pleasure of pain, spanking
toys, and after care.
Sex
Bloggers Panel
Jefferson, Marcus, Selina Fire, Viviane
As the Internet has transformed notions of sex and sexuality,
sex blogging has emerged in multiple genres, building communities
of writers and readers around all facets of sexuality. From essayists
to news feeds, fantasy to advice, rants to memoirs, sex blogs
cover a diverse range of interests and raise a multitude of issues.
This lively and entertaining session on sex blogging will focus
on writers who draw from life experience to publish nonfiction
erotica, often at some risk of personal exposure. As memoirists,
they consider many familiar aspects in storytelling, drawing from
subjective or objective voices in creating characters and an ongoing
persona as author. As publishers, they encounter issues of privacy,
anonymity and propriety as they decide what to reveal or conceal
in translating life into art. Sex bloggers develop a unique relationship
with their audience. In this highly interactive medium, writers
and readers are all contributors, creating a collective community
around the text. Readers may act as a Greek chorus to the central
narrative, or simply respond as fans or hecklers. Bloggers may
consider their readers as consumers, friends, lovers or even as
potential liabilities—for, in the case of these bloggers,
the consequences of being outed are very real.
The
Tantric Erogenous Zones (Kama Marmas)
Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson
In Tantric sexual practice, it is crucial to extend the excitement
phase. The Tantric and Ayurvedic traditions have long recognized
specific zones of the body that are particularly responsive to
stimulation, and some schools of Tantra (particularly in South
India) have developed a systematic approach to the stimulation
of these zones in order to produce high states of arousal. This
system was introduced to the West by Dr. Jonn Mumford in 1976
and is still little known. In this workshop, we will introduce
you to these zones and the basic principles for working with them
systematically.
Taontric
Massage™ (Sensual & Erotic Massage)
Anton
In this workshop, Anton teaches the basic elements of sensual
and erotic touch through Tantric Massage which can lead (but not
necessarily) to Expanded Orgasm techniques. Anton will teach the
mental and emotional approach to the session, the entire physical
process of the massage itself, and the preparation for the more
advanced techniques of an Expanded Orgasm. The final part of this
workshop will be about how to find partners and build long lasting
relationships with massage partners. This workshop will teach
the art of giving and receiving sensual and erotic touch which
incorporates both Tantric and Taoist principals of sexual energy
cultivation. You will learn the basic stroking techniques, what
you need to know as a giver and as a receiver, the components
of Expanding and Grounding, and how to expand one's orgasmic state.
Telling
My Story: The Series
Great educational classes don’t always have to be about
how to and technique. Some of the most inspiring and informative
teaching comes when a person has the courage to tell a very personal
story. Whether it is about someone’s awakening to Dominance
and submission, the nitty-gritty of making a polyamorous relationship
work, or battling erotic insecurities, life is in the details.
We want to provide a space for people to share their own details—the
good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful—in hopes that
when we tell our truths, others can listen, learn, and grow. So
we created a new series at Dark Odyssey called “Telling
My Story.”
Telling
My Story
Kate Bornstein
Gender outlaw and performer Kate Bornstein—who considers
considers hirself to be neither a man nor a woman—shares
a piece of hir newest solo show, *Kate Bornstein is a Queer and
Pleasant Danger.* She mines hir incredible life as an ex-Scientologist,
transsexual, activist, playwright, and trouble maker and explores
issues of family, fatherhood, daughters, cults, confusions, patriotism,
renewal, and the right-winging of America.
Telling
My Story
Maggie Tapert
Maggie's personal quest for healing began in 1991 when her gynecologist
discovered a large tumor growing on her right ovary. She began
a journey of learning and healing which lead to a greater understanding
of the dynamics of illness and health and insight into the importance
of living freely and passionately. Her healing path became the
foundation of the teaching work that she has offered for a decade
in workshops and private practice. After being occupied for a
number of years with the ancient form of the Temple (a place of
healing for men), Maggie turned the experience around to create
a healing Temple for women. She'll talk about why the role of
holy whore is her calling, how she journeyed from Sacred Prostitute
to the more mature role of High Priestess, and how working in
the Temple has brought healing to her body and opened her heart
into the vastness of the Universe. She'll share what the Temples
she creates are like today, and the transformative power they
have for participants.
Tickle
Torture and Sensual Tickling
Lee “Bridgett” Harrington
From soft feathers beneath the toes to firm jabs under the ribs,
teeth tracing along the arch to dusters under the armpits, tickling
can be sensual fun between lovers or excruciating torture for
a bound victim…or both! We’ll discuss our love-hate
relationship with this childhood torment, discuss the tools of
the trade, and see how it can be incorporated into our scenes
as sexual adventurers.
(To
Be or Not to Be) Monogamous
Helen Boyd
In the various communities we represent at Dark Odyssey, explorations
of non-monogamy and polyamory are popular, and being monogamous
can feel “uncool.” But what about those of us who
consciously choose to be in a monogamous relationship? Can we
be sex radicals and still be with just one partner? Helen, who
is in a monogamous relationship with her partner Betty, will be
speaking about the positive side of monogamy: what it helps them
achieve as a couple, why it fits for them and others, how and
why it makes for good sex. Come join the discussion and share
your own experiences.
Trans-Sex
& Identity
Helen Boyd
Transgendered identities are creating a sexual landscape where
you can't assume what the “opposite” or “same”
sex is. Straight identities have morphed into bisexuality, heteroflexibles,
queer het and questioning. Lesbians dating transmen are suddenly
straight? Gay men dating MTFs are _______? Or doesn't identity
have anything to do with sex now that the trans-community is having
its say? Let's talk about some of the varieties of transexuality
in the bedroom.
Uneven
Libidos: When Your Partner Isn’t as Sexual as You
Helen Boyd
Some of us who have hearty sexual appetites and/or are sexually
adventurous may be partnered with those who are not as enthusiastic
about sex or have a less hungry libido than ours. What are the
issues, dynamics, and conflicts raised when partners are erotically
incompatible? Let’s address the difficulties and explore
solutions that work.
Unleashing
Your Voice: Verbal Skills
Judy Guerin
Do you want to talk dirty and don’t feel comfortable? How
do you change the pace and direction of scenes with your voice?
Learn how to enhance scenes and expand boundaries by maximizing
your verbal skills. This is an interactive session for both dominants
and submissives. Participants will work on verbal skills in small,
supervised groups and participate in “mini-scenes”
with experienced individuals assisting. Scenes will vary from
intense, such as interrogation, to lighter and more humorous scenes.
Urban
Tantra: Tantric Connections for Couples
Barbara Carrellas
Urban Tantra® is an approach to sacred sexuality that adapts
and blends conscious sexuality practices from Tantra to S/M into
a hot and healing brand of sex for the 21st century sensualist.
In this workshop you’ll learn Tantric techniques for building
and sharing sexual energy with a partner. Simple techniques such
as breath, laughter, ritual, movement, and conscious touch can
expand our concept of gender roles, help us transcend fears of
intimacy, and enable us to build and share enormous amounts of
sexual and spiritual energy and power. You’ll learn how
to combine the heart-filled, spiritually energizing techniques
of Tantra and Tao with the intense stimulation and heightened
awareness of SM. You’ll have the opportunity to find the
blend you like best. Whether you’re Pagan and/or polyamorous,
sadist and/or sensualist, transgender and/or transcendentalist,
you’ll be able to adapt these Tantric and Taoist pleasure
techniques to your unique lifestyle. Please attend this workshop
with a lover, partner, friend, or someone you met at lunch or
in the dungeon. All genders and sexual preferences welcome.
Vama
Marga Tantra
Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson
Tantra uses sexual energy for consciousness expansion. Join us
for an honest discussion in which we will dispel some of the popular
myths surrounding this ancient tradition. You will learn that
elements of Tantric philosophy and practice can be easily applied
to our modern lives in ways that do more than simply improve our
sex lives.
Your
First Year in an Open Relationship
Jon and Carin
Open relationships are a great adventure, with new worlds spreading
open in front of you. Like any adventure, it can be both exhilarating
and terrifying. Having been through this ourselves and helped
many others, we'll address the "Top 10" issues people
face, and share our tips and how to’s, including dealing
with a nervous partner, how to run your relationships with deep
connection and agreement, how to set it up so everybody feels
safe, what it’s like when jealousy isn't there, and how
to run a date (so everybody's happy!).
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