Aerik Arkadian

We’ve made some headway with our extra special SMF spotlight series, but there is more ground yet to cover! This week, we’re going to focus on Ivo Dominguez, Jr.

Ivo is no stranger to these here parts. He was a guest on my show last year for episode number one. That’s right, folks, the very first one. What a way to start things!

But in case you’re new, let me explain… this series of articles centers around the Summer Magick Fest 2024 headliners. There are a number of talented presenters that I’m very excited to learn more about, such as:

• Ivo Dominguez, Jr.
• Iya Funlayo E. Wood, PhD
• Ellen Evert Hopman
• Yeshe Matthews
• Sandra Tabatha Cicero & Chic Cicero
• Ginger Doss & Lynda Millard

And of course, I also chatted with the wonderful women who organize the festival! If you haven’t already gotten your ticket(s) for SMF 2024, they’re on sale now. Look, if there is one thing that you accomplish today (other than reading this article, of course), then let that thing be buying your ticket. It’s worth it. I swear.

Alright, back to Ivo… let me tell you about him!

Ivo Dominguez, Jr.

Ivo Dominguez, Jr. has been active in the Wiccan and Pagan community since 1978 and has been teaching since 1982. Ivo is a founding member and former High Priest of Keepers of the Holly Chalice, the first Assembly of the Sacred Wheel coven. He currently serves as one of the Elders of the 14 ASW covens. Ivo has been published in numerous periodicals and is the author of The Four Elements of the Wise; Keys to Perception: A Practical Guide to Psychic Development; Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans; Casting Sacred Space; and Spirit Speak, among other works. He is the anchor author for the new twelve book Witch’s Sun Sign Series. In his mundane life, he has been a computer programmer, the executive director of an AIDS/HIV service organization, a bookstore owner, and many other things. He is queer, poly, and lives in the woods of Southern Delaware with his family of choice.

To learn more about Ivo and his publications, please see https://www.ivodominguezjr.com/

I would think it’s become clear by now, but again, if it’s your first time, I’ll explain — I send people questions, they send me back answers, you read them, and we all go home happy. Here we go!

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Q&A

What’s the quick story of who you are, what tradition(s) you’re a part of, and how you got started on your spiritual path?

I am one of the Elders in the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel (www.sacredwheel.org) a syncretic Wiccan Tradition that I helped to found. This year, 2024, is the ASW’s 40th year and it currently consists of 14 covens in the Mid-Atlantic states. I am also an astrologer, a ritualist, a community organizer, a beekeeper, and many more things that I consider a part of my personal path. I’ve had psychic and spiritual experiences since I was a child which led me to explore several faiths and Traditions very early in my life. At first I thought I would align myself with the Western Mysteries and Ceremonial work but my first formal training was in mediumship. My love of nature and of being in a close community led me to being a witch and that is my core spiritual identity.

Can you give me a teaser of what you’ll be teaching at Summer Magick this year?

I’ll be teaching on working with plant spirits and their green powers. I’ll also be giving a class on using your natal chart as a tool in several types of spells and rituals.

Come as you are to my workshops as I try to make them accessible to people with different knowledge bases and experience. If you want to read any of my books that would help to introduce you to my style of thinking, but that is not necessary. If you feel motivated then read my Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans.

What’s your most memorable experience at a festival?

At my first large camping festival I heard a soft trilling in the moonlit woods and followed the sound. It led me to a clearing where I ending up dancing with several others as a hammered dulcimer played. We were transported to another time and place. The next day I caught up with some of the fellow dancers. We all had pretty much the same otherworld experience.

Who has been highly influential in your own spiritual growth?

I’ve had many teachers, but Dolores Ashcroft Nowicki and Shakmah Winddrum taught me more than any others. They have had the most influence on my development.

Aside from your own, what workshop are you most looking forward to attending at Summer Magick?

I love to have conversations with other practitioners, especially from other traditions. I am also looking forward to Tabitha Cicero’s “Tarot as a Ritual Tool.” and several other classes.

What’s the best place for people to find out more about you?

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

Please tell your friends about Summer Magick Fest. These events are vital to the development and preservation of our communities. This is a new event and it needs some love.

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More about Summer Magick Fest 2024

Summer Magick Festival is an earth-based spirituality convention with workshops, celebration, and community in a comfortable hotel setting. Headliners, rituals, and musical entertainment have been chosen to encourage tolerance between the many different earth-based faiths and foster planetary stewardship. It’s a family-friendly event with programming for young ones as well as close proximity to all the wonders of the Orlando theme parks. Join us for a new kind of Florida festival!

Ivo is right. Tell your friends about it! Summer Magick could use a little love. If they need convincing, just remind them that I’m presenting a workshop. And if you’re curious about what it’s like to attend, you can read all about last year’s festival in my Summer Magick Fest 2023 Recap.

Come join us once and you’ll want to come back every year.

Congratulations, brave reader. You have made it to the end of my post. I will offer you one further nugget of knowledge — there is an Amazon referral link on this page. If you use that link to make a purchase, Amazon pays me a small commission. Hmm. Perhaps “small” isn’t the right word. Maybe “microscopic” is a better description. Anyway, in the time you spent reading this fine print, you could have purchased your tickets and booked a hotel room for SMF. Quit dawdling and go do it!