OryCon 44: Full Schedule

Welcome to the not-quite-ready-for-prime-time schedule for OryCon 44! Seriously - we’re still hard at work on the schedule, but we want to give you an idea of what wonders await you in just a few more weeks. Please check back frequently for changes and additions, and see you in October!

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11:00am PDT

History of Magic

Saturday October 19, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am PDT

Lincoln

A look at the history of magic, the intersection of magic and science and how the early magicians helped influence modern technology and science.

Moderators

Professor DR Schreiber

Panelists

Irene Radford

Andrew Nisbet

Saturday October 19, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
Lincoln

MYTH AND METAPHYSICS

2:00pm PDT

Speculative Fiction as a Tool for Personal Transformation

Saturday October 19, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm PDT

Lincoln

What SF/F books and other media have transformed your life? Why? How? A classic example: Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land gave impetus to the growing polyamory movement.

Moderators

Bart Kemper

Panelists

Irene Radford

George Willis

Saturday October 19, 2024 2:00pm - 2:50pm PDT
Lincoln

MYTH AND METAPHYSICS

3:00pm PDT

New myths in fantasy world-building

Saturday October 19, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm PDT

Lincoln

Creating new myths and spiritual themes in fantasy world-building. What are some common archetypes? How can we create new myths and deities without appropriating the sacred from other cultures?

Moderators

Irene Radford

Panelists

Neil Cochrane

G.R. Theron

Saturday October 19, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm PDT
Lincoln

MYTH AND METAPHYSICS

4:00pm PDT

Intimate Adventure: No It's Not What You Think It Is

Saturday October 19, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT

Lincoln

SF/F author Jacqueline Lichtenberg coined the term "intimate adventure" for a subgenre of SF/F whose the main theme centers around the protagonist's personal growth through the challenge of experiencing other cultures, other ways of being than what they are used to. Often with resultant culture-shock. The archetypal Hero's Journey is one form of intimate adventure. What are some other examples, and how are intimate adventure stories helpful for those of us living in 21st-century reality?

Moderators

Seanara Coyote

Panelists

Remy Nakamura

Erik Grove

Tara Campbell

Fiction Editor, Barrelhouse

Tara Campbell is a writer, teacher, Kimbilio Fellow, and fiction co-editor at Barrelhouse. She received her MFA from American University. Previous publication credits include SmokeLong Quarterly, Masters Review, Wigleaf, Booth, Jellyfish Review, Strange Horizons, and CRAFT Literary... Read More →

Saturday October 19, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
Lincoln

SCIENCE FICTION

5:00pm PDT

Introduction to Modern Paganism

Saturday October 19, 2024 5:00pm - 5:50pm PDT

Lincoln

An overview and discussion of modern Paganism, which has been styled as a survival, but is actually more a revival of ancient Earth-centered pre-Christian spiritual beliefs. Bring courtesy and an open mind. Suitable for adults and mature teens aged 12+ with parental permission.

Moderators

Seanara Coyote

Panelists

Anne Davenport

Rhiannon Louve

Saturday October 19, 2024 5:00pm - 5:50pm PDT
Lincoln

MYTH AND METAPHYSICS

6:00pm PDT

The Hero's Journey and the Re-Invention of Self

Saturday October 19, 2024 6:00pm - 6:50pm PDT

Lincoln

Frodo and Gandalf. Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and many others. Their archetypes, Arthur and Merlin. How do heroes grow, change, re-invent themselves through and because of their adventures?

Moderators

Shoshana Glick

Panelists

George Willis

G.R. Theron

Saturday October 19, 2024 6:00pm - 6:50pm PDT
Lincoln

MYTH AND METAPHYSICS

10:00pm PDT

Autumn Circle

Saturday October 19, 2024 10:00pm - 10:50pm PDT

Lincoln

October is the month leading up to Samhain, or Halloween. Until then we are still in the harvest season, when we reap the benefits of what we’ve planted and nurtured earlier in the year. This is also time when the veils between the worlds are thin, when we remember and honor our ancestors and beloved dead. This Pagan Circle is open to all adults and mature teens aged 15+ with parental permission who wish to participate respectfully.

Moderators