TempleFest 2025 A Look Back

As I said on the socials, it was epic!

Going someplace new, with VERY few folks that one knows can be an adventure. And this was one that did not disappoint. It was first rate in EVERY aspect. Well, let me just start at the beginning and I'll try not to make it too long.

One of the organizers of TempleFest reached out to me to see if I would be interested in being a featured speaker for the 2025 year. And take part in the Saturday night ritual. And have the opportunity to be a vender. So I thought, let me get this straight: you want me to come teach about metal magick, offer my wares AND take an active part in a ritual with Christopher Penczak? Not a hard choice for me. At all. Sure! (Side note: I remember getting his book 'Inner Temple Of Witchcraft' back in early 2000. Maybe 2003? I know I still have my first addition 'Instant Magick' from '06.)

I won't go into all the lead up to leaving for the trip. If you have been following me, you are aware that it has been a challenging year (or 2), so let's just leave it at that for now.

It's a 12 hour drive from here to there. We get up at 0-dark-30 on Thursday morning, we includes my fantastic apprentice Phoenix who's help on this trip was invaluable, and start our journey. The trip for the most part was uneventful. Except for Connecticut. What are y'all doing Connecticut??? Only traffic to be had there and back. Ugh!

We arrive late Thursday night and was immediately greeted by all the lovely-ness of Sellena and the NEXT LEVEL folks on the Temple Staff (Each and Everyone of them) and my friend Dawn. I am still in awe of all the behind the scenes stuff that have, had, had being done by these amazing folks. Nothing was too small nor big for this group. Always with a smile on their face. Took every request as a personal challenge to accomplish. One can tell when someone is 'In service' vs doing their job. As someone who has had a little experience running events, I know how important the staff is. They can make or break the event. These folks made it in abundance! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The facility was very comfortable. Clean rooms (with bathroom). It reminded me a little of a European hostel. Snacks galore. If you went hungry this weekend, it was your own fault. Speaking of the food, it was good. Chow hall was large (it doubled as event space for the keynotes and some of the rituals). Plenty of room for all the workshops to be indoors and plenty of space outside to enjoy the nature of the space and for alone time if one needed it. Over all, very impressive.

I taught (maybe lead is a better word) three workshops. The first (on Saturday morning) was 'Washers at the Forge'. It was the first time I had presented this class and I think it went rather well. Enough so I think I will keep that one for another time.

Speaking of workshops, there were a lot. Wide range of subjects and levels. I wanted to take them all! The presenters were all very knowledgeable and approachable. There was also plenty of downtime built in to the schedule as well.

So Saturday night was the 'Two Magician's' ritual. This was a first for me. I had never had the opportunity to actually forge during a ritual. This was one of the big enticements for me. And it did not disappoint. You should have been there. That one is going to leave a mark.

The rest of my time kinda gets all jumbled up from this point on. I did a primitive blacksmithing demo on Sunday and gave the Inception to Metal Magick on Monday. All around that time was food, new friends, lots of laughter and great times.

I had a fantastic opportunity to vend while there. I do so love introducing folks to metal magick. To be able to see their faces when they get it! Priceless. I was able to introduce some new items at TempleFest. One being copper wands. Let's just say I will be creating some more of those. This was also the fist time I had my incense and dragons blood ink. Both seemed to be a big hit.

Hand Crafted Loose Incense

Buy Now

Over all, it was an epic event. If you haven't gone, add this to the top of your list. The Temple of Witchcraft hosts this event. One doesn't need to be a member to attend, I'm not. Nor will you feel like you are being 'recruited' while there. At least I never encountered anything of the sort. It very much seems that it was a good time had by all. Just folks hanging out, sharing space and knowledge with others. It was a comfortable, welcoming event. I am very grateful for the experience. And one that I would very much like to do it again. I met some incredible folks that have been added to my circle and I got to deepen relationships with others.

AND I never take enough pictures at these events...

---

Do me a favor: Before you go, if you liked this post, then please scroll on to the bottom click on that little heart below. Then share this with someone who you think would benefit (there are buttons at the bottom for you to do this easily). Please don’t keep me a secret! I need your help to spread the word. After all, how many people do you know that can say they have their very own personal magical blacksmith??

If you haven't done so, please subscribe to the site. That way you won't miss anything (like new forge bling, posts, announcements, sales etc.) And even better, if possible, please support me, over at Patreon 

I welcome you to add your comments below.

Don't leave just yet! Check out all the Forge Bling in the shop. And get the book 'Metal Never Lies An Introduction To Metal Magic'

Or see what upcoming Workshops are available. Finally, you can see what others say about their experience!

And don't forget to check out some things you may have missed on the YouTube channel.