Where I'll be next...

Thursday, February 15, 6 pm, Snow Date: Saturday, Feb. 17, 11 am

Wadley Memorial Library, 49 Nashua St.,  Milford, NH Library, 

Presentations by 

Sally Cragin

These presentations are about 50 - 90 minutes in length, and always provoke discussion! Reasonable rates. Children's Programs, followed by Historical Programs, and Astrology/Tarot.

Email me at sallycragin@verizon.net or call at 978-320-1335. At the end of this page is a lo-o-ong list of places I've done presentations at. Happy to provide references. Just let me know...

Astrology

Love Signs: Relationship astrology

Who do you love? Who would you love? How do you get along with others? Is there a sun sign that's perfect for you? Come to an entertaining and educational workshop on understanding your own personal astrology with a focus on the moon, Venus and Mars. Sally Cragin wrote "Moon Signs" for the Boston Phoenix as Symboline Dai (1998-2013). Her books include "Born on the Cusp," for people whose birthdays are at the end or beginning of a sun sign and "The Astrological Elements," a general-interest book on astrology helpful to beginners and those with a little experience, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. You can bring your own chart with you if you like (we like the free ones at astro.com), but if you don't have one, we can still provide needed information. An ideal class for an astrology enthusiast or beginning student. Come with a partner, or on your own.

Introduction to Astrology

What's your sign? What does it mean? There are 12 -- and we can give you some insights about your own sign, and the other 11. Astrology is as old as human history, and every culture developed their own interpretation of planetary movements. We demystify the signs, and walk you through the basics of understanding the principles of astrology (the first science, as early practitioners used it for purposes of medical assistance, agricultural guidance, public works and civic discourse and marital prospects!) I love teaching this because everyone in the room has an "Aha!" moment.

Moon Signs: How to use the phases of the moon for smart decisions in love, work and family life

The moon is full -- things are a little crazy. The moon is new -- everyone is a little lost. When is the best time to clean? To throw a party? To quit a bad habit -- and not go back? Every culture developed guidelines for activities, many based on lunar transits. The phases of the moon govern the height and intensity of tides, and are helpful for taking many actions in life. For the past 14 years, I've written "Moon Signs," a daily forecast for the Phoenix newspapers, and this workshop simplifies the pattern and rhythms of the moon so that every attendee has a "plan of action" for the next several weeks.

TaroT and Palmistry

Introduction to Tarot Card Reading

This has become a really popular presentation. I've been reading TaroT cards for years (actually decades), and when I started doing a talk at Roots Natural Foods in Leominster every fall, I found that people were fascinated with the history of the cards, the meaning of the suits (pentacles or discs, swords, wands and cups) and the "Trump" or Major Arcana cards. I use the Ryder-Waite deck and talk about the Renaissance-era origins of the cards, and about art nouveau creator t Pamela Colman-Smith and the iconography she used. I have multiple decks, so it's truly a "hands-on" workshop! Participants collaborate on sample readings -- generally we have time to do readings for all attendees. A good size for this workshop is 18-24; fewer is fine also. 

"Sally's virtual Tarot card readings are wonderful! They are informative, insightful and packed  with all the warmth and wisdom of a "live" reading. 

My patrons loved the event and were highly appreciative of the library for putting it on."

--Melissa Fournier, Adult Services Librarian, Bigelow Free Public Library, Clinton, MA

For Adults, Teens, and Middle-Schoolers -- We adapt our workshop for all ages. 

"From the history of the cards to their meanings, Sally provided an engaging introductory lesson to TaroT. Program participants very much enjoyed this class, and look forward to Sally's next presentation at the
library." -- Kelley Rae Unger, program director, Peabody Public Library

"Thank you for the great program!  People seemed to really enjoy it, especially when we broke out into groups to try our own readings. They loved that you provided decks to practice actual readings.  I had several people tell me they were going to try this at a party or get-together they had coming up."

--  Amy Roderick Adult Services, Rowley Public Library

Tarot for Youth and Teens -- Storytelling and Tarot

We use the principles of theatre and storytelling to interpret cards -- short readings, or longer narratives. A deck of 72 tarot cards is intimidating in size for a young person (also the cards are, y'know, bigger than playing cards). By talking about the human side of the suits (cups, emotion, wands, work and ambition, swords, intellec and conflict, pentacles, money/means) a young audience is soon telling their own story!

Hands Together: Palmistry For All

A truly ancient craft. We all have lines on our palms, but did you know these lines change, alter, and deepen through the years? In this easy-to-understand workshop, participants learn the basics of palmistry: Life-, Head-, Heartline placements and meaning, shapes of hands and fingers, and special marks, such as stars, crosses, squares, triangles. 

"Students really enjoyed Sally Cragin's "Palmistry" class. They came out raving about how good it was. We definitely want to have this class again." 

       -Michelle Baxter, Program Director, Cambridge Center for Adult Education

Children's Programs

Visit our Riverfront Family Theatre

Historical and Humorous Programs 

for (mostly) Grownups

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Clothes Encounters: 
Victorian and Edwardian apparel and lifestyles

I've been wanting to do this program for years as I have gathered many items of antique clothing belonging to men and women and researching. Have you ever held a garment sewn around the time of the Civil War? Want to try on a military hat from the 1880s? I talk about the history of fashion, as well as "what was appropriate" for certain genders and classes from about 1850 through the Jazz Age and beyond. The collection includes undergarments (wool and cotton), uniforms from previous eras (shop girls, waitresses, housewives), and shoes. Audience is allowed to handle, and in some cases, try on these items. My collection also includes many antique handbags included beaded, cloisonné, needle-pointed, metallic, and unique (cannot find similar examples on Ebay or antique sites!). As a historian (instructor at Fitchburg State University) I love bringing in examples of apparel to illustrate poetry or prose – creating a hands-on presentation has been a joy!

---->NEW
Write a Children's Book Right Now!
For families, adults, teens . . . In this one (or more) session program participants will learn about what makes a successful children’s book by carefully reading and looking at examples of the genre. Writing prompts will be supplied and the goal is to create 2, 4, 8 12 or even 16 pages of story. I bring a WIDE variety of ephemera (catalogs, old children’s stories, etc.) so folks can find images that speak to their idea…We’ll talk about publishing, submissions, and finishing.


---->NEW
 Prints of Plenty: A Visit With Currier & Ives

Printmakers Charles Currier and James Ives were in-law relations and revolutionized home decor with their lithography business during the 19th century. We examine prints, and talk about their themes (the beauty of New England, tragic accidents!) and at the end, the audience can look at a REAL C&I print in my collection. Their story is the story of America in the 19^th century as they pioneered the assembly line, as well as introduced everyone to the dramatic landscapes of the frontier, as well as reminding us all about “home sweet home.” Did you know they also specialized in disasters and competitions? (horse racing was one of their most popular themes). A humorous look at a pair of geniuses who revolutionized how we “see” the world.

Seers and Seekers: New England Visionaries and Crackpots 

(This course is offered as a five-week program at Fitchburg State University, fall, 2016 through the ALFA program) Starting with our Puritan forebears, New England has always been a refuge for the zealot and iconoclast. Learn about some of the better known philosophers, such as Henry David Thoreau, communal living experiments (Brook Farm, Fruitlands), and local luminaries such as George Trask, abolitionist and anti-smoking foe and Joseph Palmer, who saved the Alcotts at Fruitlands and had the first "hippie hangout" onsite afterwards. Tickle your sense of humor in a workshop that pays homage to our most brilliant (and entertaining) residents. 

New England Patent Medicine Show

There are a number of interesting New England characters who were in the health and wellness field more than a century ago, I talk about some amusing and amazing characters including Lydia Pinkham  who created "Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound." She also provided specific and technical gynecological information to women and she was one of the first to use testimonials in advertising.

Did you know that two smart Yankees -- at around the same time -- took a home folk remedy: witch hazel, and built commercial empires on their product. Dr. Alvin Chase's  wrote a famous "Recipe" book which included information on supplies needed by farriers, blacksmiths and grocers. He also had home remedies, including an explanation of dyspepsia which is truly humorous. Audiences also get to meet Fanny Farmer. You may know her as the pioneer of  standardized measurements in cookery. But she and colleagues also stressed health benefits of certain foods for the convalescent -- "foods for the sickly," that is funny and tragic."

     At the close of the lecture, attendees are invited to compare the two different varieties of witch hazel; smell -- or taste -- some Lydia Pinkham compound (still being made!),examine antique books, clothing and objects, such as a reticule. "Audiences really love this part of the presentation," explains Cragin. "And no, I have no laudanum!"

"Sally Cragin's "New England Medicine Show" was full of interesting information that touched on more than just the "medicines" of the late 1800s.  She presented some history to put the elixirs in context.  Her antique props added much more to the show than just photographs or a slide show would have." 
-- Sharon A. Bernard, Director, Fitchburg Public Library

"I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the New England Patent Medicine Show at the library. It was very informative and entertaining shows that even though some things change they also stay the same. Wishing you much success" -- Joan Pomerleau, at Billerica Public Library,  

"Just wanted to say that your program was terrific! Thank you so much! It's a fascinating topic and it was wonderful to see the audience so engaged. I think we could have been there all afternoon with
all the questions and comments they had."  
-- Jayne Wilson, Grafton Historical Society

Prints of Plenty: A visit with Currier and Ives


 Real Townies Are Always Home
    This was the first program I developed for public entertainment which is based on my column in the Worcester Phoenix newspaper. It's an entertaining exploration of aspects of New England seldom considered: boisterous visiting geese, town pounds, the winter beater, the dreaded-but-welcome plowman, why we HAVE to pick apples, the pink plastic flamingo (a local invention), canoeing by moonlight, the awesome snapping turtle and the soul-reviving qualities of a pond. The star of “ Real Townies Are Always Home” is Hollis the Mountain Man. You know Hollis. He's that guy with the flannel shirt drinking a cup of coffee and shaking his head. He's the guy who never gets around to putting all his tools away so there's always an engine block on the kitchen table.

"Real Townies is a very funny program, but it's also very insightful as to the New England character. A winner!" Peter Timms, director Fitchburg Art Museum.

"Thanks for coming out to Western Mass. and giving our library your wonderful talk about "Townies." Evryone who attended thoroughly enjoyed your presentation." --Palmer Public Library

Writing and Performance Workshops

Family Memories and Stories. Everyone has a story to tell.  Here's your opportunity to capture episodes and stories from your life to share with your family. In this five-week class, participants will explore stories from their own past, and write down during our time together. Our ultimate goal will be to create a "Family Storybook," that you can give to beloved family members. Bring a pen and notebook and absolutely no writing experience required! We'll help you put your memories to paper. Note: This class can also be presented at other lengths -- I recommend at least three to five weeks.

FIND THE FUNNY -- a performance workshop for those interested in storytelling or stand-up. If you can tell a story that makes you laugh, you can make others laugh as well. We'll talk about mining your own life, childhood, family experiences, job and career adventures to Find The Funny. You may not think you can tell a joke, but trust me -- we'll help you find material -- even if you have no intention of going onstage!

~Biography~

Sally Cragin is an award-winning journalist whose arts writing and theatre reviews appeared regularly in the Boston Phoenix, Boston Herald, and most recently, the Boston Globe. She has won two Penney-Missouri Journalism awards for feature writing.

From 1999 to 2001, she was the chief drama critic for the St. Louis Riverfront Times. She has also taught critical writing at Harvard Extension School, Webster University (St. Louis), and Fitchburg State University.

From 1997 to 2013, she wrote “Moon Signs” for many newspapers nationwide, including the Boston Phoenix chain. She is also the author of The Astrological Elements, and Astrology on the Cusp (Llewellyn Worldwide) which have been translated and sold in a number of countries including India, Russia, Canada, British Virgin Islands, the Czech Republic and Estonia. From 1999-2001, she provided weekly astrological audio forecasts for Audible.com.

She has provided the new and full moon forecasts for Llewellyn Worldwide for many years, and written calendars with astrological forecasts for numerous companies.

She is the founder of Riverfront Family Theatre, based in north central Mass., a 501 ©3 organization which collaborates with Boys and Girls Club, area libraries and parks to create original improvisational theatre programs for children.

A widely-published writer of creative work, her short plays have been produced in NYC, Boston, Provincetown, and north-Worcester county. Her poetry has appeared in numerous magazines. With artist Kathryn Swantee, she collaborates on publications of local interest with "Swan Hope Press," most recently "Life in New England Poetry Anthology" which collected verse by more than two-dozen award-winning poets. This publication was supported by Fitchburg and Leominster Cultural Councils and has been given to many independent book stores in New England for them to receive 100 percent of the profit. 

She serves as a Councilor-at-Large for the City of Fitchburg after serving for 14 years on Fitchburg School Committee. She has won two Lifetime Achievement awards from Mass. Association of School Committees and Superintendents.  

She founded, and was original producer for the internationally-renowned program, “Chess Chat,” and Stratton Players’ “First Reading.”

email: sallycragin@gmail.com . . . Call: 978-320-1335  . . . “Sally Cragin Astrology and TaroT” on Facebook.

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ...

Ashburnham Library, Ashby Library, Athol Public Library, Bacon Free Library, Needham, Billerica Library, Bolton Library, Boylston Historical Society, Burlington Library, The Cambridge Center of Adult Education, Central Massachusetts Genealogical Society, Clinton Public Library, Everett Public Library, E. Longmeadow Public Library, The Fay Club, Fitchburg, Fitchburg Historical Society, Fitchburg Library, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg Public Schools, Gardner Museum, Groton Library, Hardwick Historical Society, Hingham Public Library, Leominster Art Association, Leominster Library, Lunenburg Library, Milton Public Library, Nashua Library, Needham Public Library, Palmer Historical Society, Peabody Library, Pelham Library, Pepperell Library, Seven Bridge Writers Collaborative, Sharon Public Library, Sterling Historical Society, Tewksbury Library, Thayer Library, Lancaster, Townsend Library, Westminster Farmer’s Market, Wilmington Library, Winchendon Historical Society . . . and beyond!