Occult Poetics: A study in symbols, secrets, and the poetic imagination
Poems are written from the place that speaks back. The word occult comes from the Latin occultus, meaning "hidden" or "concealed" Join me for this five week exploration into poetry and the occult. Guided by celebrated poets, word witches, and wise ones, we’ll discuss different poems, poets, and practices for inspiration in our own poetic practices.
The first hour of each workshop with be dedicated to a lecture on themes, poetry, and poetic history. The last thirty minutes of each class will be intentional time for writing, complete with aligned prompts, and opportunities to share with your writing community.
The Course
Class #1 - The Witch in Poetry, Thursday, May 7th, 12:00 pm EST
In our first class, we’ll talk about how the witch and the poet have always been one in a same. We’ll talk about occult poetry, what magic there is to be found between the lines, and connect with and conjure the archetypal witch. This workshop is dedicated to the hermit heretic, the trickster feminist, and the crone.
In This Workshop We’ll Call Upon: Emily Dickinson, Anne Waldman, and Dorothea Lasky as Word Witches and guides
Class #2 - The Underworld in Poetry, Thursday, May 14th, 12:00 pm EST
The Underworld is a place of initiation, where poetry takes a lantern and descends. In our second class, we’ll discuss how to visit The Underworld and connect with this archetype through language. This workshop is dedicated to the oldest recorded author, poems as prayer, and modern interpretations of The Underworld.
In This Workshop We’ll Call Upon: Enheduanna and Alice Notley as Word Witches and guides.
Class #3 - Poetry and Ritual, Thursday, May 21st, 12:00 pm EST
Writing poems is a form of ritual, of creative presence. In our third class, we’ll discuss how poets call upon this ancient human impulse to create writing. This workshop is dedicated to somatic poetry rituals, decreation, and divining from the fragments left behind.
In This Workshop We’ll Call Upon: CA Conrad, Bhanu Khapil, and Anne Carson
Class #4 - Poetry and Divination, Thursday, May 28th, 12:00 pm
Writing poetry is in collaboration with the other side. In our fourth class we’ll discuss divinatory strategies for creating occult poetry with automation writing, tarot, and ouija. This workshop is dedicated to the tools that help us communicate with spirit and in turn craft poetry through the veil.
In This Workshop We’ll Call Upon: Lucille Clifton and Sylvia Plath
Class #5 - The Goddess in Poetry, Thursday, June 4th, 12:00 pm EST
Much occult poetry is dedicated to the Goddess. In our fifth and final class we’ll explore how this divine energy and their associations, symbols, and stories have long inspired poetic work and inspiration. This workshop is dedicated to the divine empowerment of the Goddess.
In This Workshop We’ll Call Upon: Diane di Prima, Annie Finch, H.D.
The Schedule
Thursday, May 7th, 12:00-1:30 pm EST
Thursday, May 14th, 12:00-1:30 pm EST
Thursday, May 21st, 12:00-1:30 pm EST
Thursday, May 28th, 12:00-1:30 pm EST
Thursday, June 4th, 12:00-1:30 pm EST
Exchange
The exchange for this course is $333
All replays and recordings will be available after each workshop, and you will be able to download the materials to keep them forever (in case you need to review them!). There will be a dedicated Slack community for sharing, and weekly assignments and feedback.
Testimonials from past poetry workshops
“Kate’s courses never fail to deliver. She creates a warm and inclusive environment for learning and exchange of ideas. The wealth and variety of subject matter she included was incredible. LOVE the PDFs and zoom replays to go back through at my leisure and for future reference. I look forward to taking many more workshops from this incredible artist.”
“The Poetry Practice was an incredible writing experience especially for someone who has not been formally trained in writing. It was a beautiful exploration with the perfect balance of structure and information to be able to speak the language of poetry.”
“Kate Belew's Poetry Practice workshop was fantastic. She really covered the many forms of poetry in easy to follow lessons. I would advise this both for beginners and advanced writers because there is always something new to learn. I learned so much. Plus, it was a lovely group of non-judgmental people and a safe space. Thank you, Kate.”
“Poetry Practice was a super lovely community and space created in a time of 3 days, was lovely getting more technical about poetry and tips to help me more in my day to day! Definitely after this workshop I have really had my mind much more open in new ways to write poetry and have loved this so much! Huge thanks Kate for the beautiful space and connecting to other wonderful writers.”
“The Poetry Practice workshop by Kate Belew was delightfully fun and informative. I am enjoying my new knowledge and skills in poetry and feel much more confident in writing and sharing my writing. I am looking forward to the next workshop.”
“A Poetry Practice was my first workshop with Kate, who creates a warm and inviting space for budding writers. Kate validated all the thoughts and insecurities to ensure all were working at their own level of comfort, and was able to provide support live in session as well as privately through email. Her decks were full of inspiration to channel creativity and we were given all of the materials for future reference. I look forward to future offerings!”
FAQ
Can I join this class if I’ve never written or read a poem?
Yes! Absolutely. This workshop works to support you if you’re beginning on a journey writing poetry or unlearning what you know about poetry.
Do I have to share my work?
No! Opportunities will be given to share drafts, but no formal structure for sharing will be given.
What sort of poets and examples will be given?
I will be sharing poets of all backgrounds, and poems written in a myriad of voices and about a variety of experiences. I do not teach in rooms and programs that solely share cis-white-male poets (and suggest that you’re not students in those spaces either!).
This Class is for you if…
You’re looking for a new way to connect to your creativity
You long for a new understanding of poetry
You want to cultivate opportunities to write and create poetic works
You desire spaciousness in the world of poetry and in your creative practice
You love a beginner’s mind
You long to expand your perspectives
You are open to asking questions and making mistakes
You love the possibility of poetry
You want to study poetry in both a historical and contemporary context
You want to read magical poetry
You want to be inspired to write by the works of others
You believe that poetry is magical
You love to study the occult
YOUR GUIDE:
Kate Belew
Kate Belew is an author, poet, and Witch. Since 2017, she has taught and facilitated circles and workshops worldwide. She is the author of Word Witch: How to Call Upon and Cultivate the Creative Magic Within You. She has an MFA in Poetry from Sarah Lawrence College and is an initiated Green Witch. She is dedicated to the spirit of poetry, the sacred wild of the planet, and seeks magic in all she does. @k8belew