The course instruction will be given by David Rietti, a Magician of more than 40 years experience. Though best known as a ceremonialist, Rietti’s magical practise has a much broader scope than this concept usually implies and neither does he suffer from or condone the snobbery and inverse snobbery, not to say downright mutual ignorance and suspicion that divides far too many and too much of the magical/pagan/esoteric community.
On the contrary, Rietti, has spent decades working with natural magic which he rightly and proudly proclaims as his heritage. It is Rietti's contention that the splits first between High and Folk Magic in the Middle ages and then between High Angelic/Demonic Magic on the one hand and High Natural Magic, which evolved into the modern Sciences, on the other in the Early Modern Period worked to the detriment of Magic as a whole. This course is a small contribution to correcting the above named divisions
Rietti has the reputation as a teacher of being both skilled and a disciplinarian, though always fair and concerned for the success of his pupils. He is currently writing a book on the Magical Arts based on his experience. His aim with the course is to make the participants more efficient in THEIR way, rather than determine that way for them.
The Course Program
The aim of the course is to introduce the participants to an appropriate and efficient set of procedures with which to draw Power and assistance from the various entities of the natural and everyday realm. These include Elementals, Plant and Mineral Spirits, the Fairy, Spirits of Place and of Trade, Totemic Animal Spirits, and Ancestral Spirits. The course whilst not at "beginner" level assumes no particular level of expertise on the part of the participants, only an open mind and the will to learn.
The course will involve both theoretical and practical activity; participants will be treated as adults and are expected to question and to think for themselves.
A detailed programme for the course will be issued on arrival.
This course is non denominational and whilst no detailed prior knowledge is expected on any specific point, the course is not designed at ‘beginner level’. Nor is it a ‘passive’ learning presentation and requires active and committed participation by those who attend.
The course work includes the sharing of all chores (Cooking is not included in this as we have hired a chef).
Clothing & Footwear whilst on the course:
You should aim to bring the clothing most traditional to your path/heritage/locality. People are advised to bring waterproofs and sensible shoes, as there will be quite a bit of outdoor work throughout the course. Remember though that the course is taking place in
Tools, weapons and equipment:
As with clothing, people may bring whatever equipment is most traditional to them. If you feel more "magical" with something long and rigid in your hand or feel more secure with a sharp blade by your side, then so be it.
BRING COURAGE AND AN OPEN MIND, THAT IS A REQUIREMENT!
NB! if you suffer from a medical condition, whatsoever it may be, and regardless of if it requires special treatment or not you will still be welcome on the course, no question about that, BUT I need to know about it beforehand, or on your arrival at the latest. Likewise if you are pregnant or menstrual, menopausal, postmenopausal, or have had a hysterectomy or vasectomy. I assure you of full confidentiality, but these things do have magical implications, which can be perfectly allowed for, or, indeed, made use of, BUT ONLY IF THEY ARE KNOWN TO THE PERSON LEADING THE WORK. If anyone is in such a position and does NOT tell me I will take no responsibility for the consequences and if I or any helper or participants suffer any ill consequence as a result of non-disclosure, suitable magical and legal consequences WILL follow.
For any questions relating to the course structure you may contact David Rietti at delta481@btinternet.com .
Course Location:
Middle
Set high on the Cotswold escarpment above the Vale of Evesham, Middle Stanley Farm is a self-catering complex of traditional farm buildings set within a 90-acre woodland estate.
The property is in three parts, Middle Stanley farmhouse, Elmbury Barn and the Craft Studio – all of which are set around a courtyard thus providing substantial accommodation for groups.
The barns are traditional Cotswold stone and all accommodation is comfortable and with lovely far-reaching views.
Front of House Rear of House
There’s plenty of space for walks and there is a lake which is suitable for swimming in on hot summer days.
Middle
Detailed directions will be given to confirmed participants.
Course Details:
Date
Friday 12th September – Wednesday 17th September 2008
Costs
The course will cost £475 which is to be paid in full before August 1st.
A deposit of £200 is to be paid before the 1st of July. If the full balance is paid before July 1st, a £50 discount will be given.
Payment methods
People may pay via postal order, cheque, money/bank transfer or in cash. Details will be passed on to those interested parties at a later date.
There are a limited number of places and therefore we will take bookings on a first come first served basis.
Only persons of eighteen years of age or older may attend and must be prepared to share rooms as accommodation is limited.
Contact Details
Course organiser: Cassandra
Mobile number: 07952 409491
Email address: cassandra.campbell@btinternet.com
You may contact me to book a place on the course or for any questions that you may have regarding course logistics.
Testimonials:
“…I also found it life changing. It felt like I was having my brain dissected of all the extraneous BS accumulated through the years of my occult studies. It’s incredible how much I felt I’d learnt and progressed in just one week. The changes in perception I now have, came full on, it’s a lot to handle but my god it is worth it. The course has ‘re-programmed’ me, it has opened up a new beginning for me and is a magical milestone I will always remember.”
“I can HIGHLY recommend this course. Being as poor as the proverbial church mouse, I didn't think I could make it when I heard he was running one in Ireland, but I was given the money for it after I'd committed to going, booked babysitters etc and made all the arrangements - and I'm not exaggerating when I say it was life changing.
Everybody who was on that course came away with such a new perspective, mostly about things we thought we knew ;) From the relative newcomer to the seasoned magicians, we all had an amazing time... and it was worth every penny.
“I didn't get anything from this course that I couldn't have learned myself...
with 20 years of reading and practice!”
“It was mind-blowing, ass-kicking, belief-shattering, life-changing and just generally amazing in every way. No description I can come up with would really do the experience justice in its entirety, although a close approximation would be the ******* love-child of a Zen monastery and a Hellraiser movie. I am sitting at my desk in the office, looking at the list of trivial tasks I have to perform at the behest of my superiors, and all I can think is, "I WANNA GO BACK TO MAGICK CAMP!!!"
“I don't like this guy but as an ex course member I sure as hell respect him. I think another previous attendee said "everyone got what they deserved". And they were 100% right.
Go at your peril or don't go and spend the rest of your life missing out, you may not get from it what you expect BUT you will get something from it. Personally I found me!
What I found wasn't pretty, it wasn't clever but it was certainly life changing.
Worth every penny but not for the fluffy bunny.
Go!”
“The content, structure and delivery of the course itself was incredible. I strongly believe that everyone who was there will never forget their experience and truly got what they deserved. The price versus quality ratio was incredible, it would have been a bargain at twice the price.”
“David Rietti masterfully wove together the teachings of a wide range of paths from the Western ceremonial arts, Tantra, Witchcraft, Zen, Kabbalah, cutting edge science, philosophy and more. The level of instruction was simply world class, David is able to clearly articulate some of the most profound levels of human thought and experience. For anyone serious about magic(k), these courses are a chance to learn from the best. The whole event also acted like a magical pressure cooker: for all present it was a chance to do, learn and progress more in a week than one might do alone over a period of many years. Illuminating, enjoyable and the changes effected are still making serious waves. Highly recommended.”
"David Rietti's course was probably the most inspiring, terrifying and empowering thing I have ever done! I am not a magician in any way shape or form but, having spent an intense week with David and the other course members I can honestly say that I have been guided to follow an ever-more magical and exciting path. The week was exhilarating, exhausting, beautiful and moving. The events were TRULY magickal and I was astonished at the mastery of David and the other teachers present. The man is a master showman, a craftsman and one of the most interesting people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. I am still wondering what happened to me on the course - and it make take a long time to find out!! All I can say is don't hold back - if you are serious about empowering yourself and learning what is really important in your magickal life, attend one of David's courses. You will not regret it."
