STAR & SPLENDOR

Fortunes Told: A reader fair at the Victorian Stroll
2024-12-08 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Star + Splendor, 196 Main St, Altamont, NY, 12009, United States
Join us to take part of the Magical Revival of the Victorian Era! Star + Splendor will be hosting our favorite readers for a reader fair during the festivities happening all over Troy. Come make a day of it, and sign up for a slot with one of our divination experts. You can also browse and shop with 15% OFF everything in the store.

Doors open at 11am. Drop ins welcome, but you will be able to reserve a time with the reader of your choice. Rates are as follows:
$25 for 15 minutes
$50 for 30 minutes

Throughout the day we will offer periods of free one card/one question pulls.
Watch this space for a link to advance sign ups, coming soon!

Sound Bath with Elise
2024-12-13 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.
Join us on Friday, December 13 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo.
Elise will play her extraordinary Tibetan healing bowls to support you and offer relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days.
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required.

Elise Manzo is a certified sound healer from the International Academy of Sound Healing, a certified reiki master teacher, and spiritual life coach. She offers individual sound healings and sound baths at the world renowned Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA.

Death Cafe with Dr. Agapi
2025-01-12 16:00 - 17:30
Advanced registration required. RESERVE HERE.
Sunday, January 12, 4:00-5:30pm
Death awareness serves as an important portal to helping us exist in a more present state, and live our lives more intentionally. Join us for an evening of group-led, agenda-free discussion where we explore death in a safe, life-affirming space.
Enjoy some coffee, tea and sweets while connecting with others in deeply impactful conversation. All are welcome!

About the facilitator, Agapi Ermides: I am a physician trained in adult and pediatric anesthesia, as well as a trained death doula. I have facilitated virtual death cafes since 2020 and have hosted several in-person events and podcasts. In 2022 I trained in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and worked as a Hospice medical director until early 2024, at which time I completed advanced psychedelic therapy training. My work has shifted into a collaborative practice with Ketamine therapy providers where we support all people improve their mental health, using Ketamine in conjunction with psychotherapy.
I am a Reiki master, an intuitive medium, and a yoga and meditation practitioner. In my spare time I advocate for the legalization of psychedelics, specifically psilocybin for its great therapeutic potential, as well as the legalization of medical aid in dying in NY state.

Sound Bath with Elise Manzo
2025-01-17 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.
Join us on Friday, January 17 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo.
Elise will play her extraordinary Tibetan healing bowls to support you and offer relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days.
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required.

Elise Manzo is a certified sound healer from the International Academy of Sound Healing, a certified reiki master teacher, and spiritual life coach. She offers individual sound healings and sound baths at the world renowned Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA.

Intro to Tarot with Ami
2025-01-25 17:00 - 18:30
REGISTER HERE.
The Tarot is a powerful, ancient tool of divination, and one of the Hermetic arts. This class is designed to help you unlock the methodology of the cards. The foundation given will help you learn to work with them more quickly. We will explore the history, art and spiritual basis of the cards, and then dive into their basic structure and meanings. By the end of this class you will:

Learn how your deck is organized and why (major and minor arcana, the four suits, the court cards).
Understand how the elements are expressed through the cards and how they can help you interpret them.
Learn how the numbers on the cards connect deeply to their meaning.
Receive useful spreads, and determine which to use.
Establish a reading practice (shuffling, laying out the cards, asking questions, delivering interpretations).
Troubleshoot your readings.
Receive study materials to take home with useful spreads.

This class will set you up for greater success and confidence to grow as a reader.
You will need to bring a traditional Tarot deck modeled on either the Smith Waite or the Thoth Tarot decks. Registrants to this class receive a 15% discount on any decks purchased for this class.

Ethical Hexing with K.A. Laity
2025-02-13 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.

ETHICAL HEXING – Thursday 2/13, 7-8:30pm. This class will be held in person, and via Zoom for those who live outside the area. Please indicate if you will attend remotely in your notes at check out and we will send you a link.

Is hexing ethical?
Why wouldn’t it be?
What concerns should we have about doing this magic?
How do you go about hexing effectively?
How do we need to reframe the process to see it in a positive light?

All these questions and more will be addressed in this workshop led by practitioner and scholar K.A. Laity. You will leave with a clear sense of the costs and benefits of hexing as well as some practical techniques to employ in your magical practice. Materials included.

About the instructor: K. A. Laity is an award-winning author, scholar, filmmaker, critic, editor, and arcane artist. She has appeared on BBC radio and NPR talking about magic, witchcraft and surrealism. She has read tarot for decades. Her creative workshops are offered through Visionary Fuel.

Create a Personal Astrological Talisman for Manifesting the Life You Desire
2025-02-23 15:00 - 18:00
Learn how to use a personal astrological talisman to achieve the goals and build the life you know you deserve.
Are you working towards a big change or shift in your life? Maybe you’re setting goals, marking the steps, and planning the priorities, but still the real shift eludes you?
Join us to learn the ancient, Magical Art of Astrological Talismans, empowered tools to magically support your intentions.
This magical skills workshop is all about you and the change that you want to manifest in your life. During our three hours together we will map out a clear and simple path to create an astrological talisman that is particularly suited to you and what you want to achieve. Come prepared and bring your intention!
Refreshments will be served!

In this workshop, you will learn
✱ A clear and simple method of creating a personal astrological talisman
✱ The practical design of the Astrological Talisman for maximum effect
✱ The necessary timing for your Astrological Talisman
✱ A basic guideline for a ritual consecration of Astrological Talisman
✱ How to keep that energy alive as you move toward your intention

What makes this workshop unique?
✱ This workshop is about you.
✱ You bring the intention.
✱ We design the Talisman during the workshop
✱ We assemble the astrological material necessary
✱ We engrave the Talisman with an onsite laser engraver while you wait!

You will leave with
✱ A personalized astrological talisman
✱ A ritual for consecration
✱ The necessary astrological material (stone, fumigation etc)
✱ The knowledge of how to create a talisman on your own

About the instructor: John Mastrofrancesco (Ph.D., Masters in Theological Studies) is an Astrologer, Divination Expert, Ritual Advisor, and Author. John’s magical background includes over 30 years of experience with the Western Mystery Tradition, including ceremonial magic, Celtic Magic, and Wicca. He is accomplished in several forms of divination, initiated in non-western magical African and diaspora traditions, and leading his upstate NY coven for over 17 years. John is warm, welcoming, and dedicated to working with all earnest seekers.

Tarot Study Group: VII - X of Swords
2025-03-12 19:00 - 20:30
VII, VIII, IX & X of Swords this week!
Join Ami for a deep exploration of the minor arcana of the Tarot. Tarot Study Group meets biweekly to discuss the wisdom of the Tarot through it’s symbolic art, astrological and elemental correspondences and hermetic doctrine. In this group, lovers of the Tarot learn to make connections between the cards and relate to them in new ways. All levels are welcome. Come to one or all!
Please wear comfortable clothing for meditation, and bring a traditional Tarot to refer to, as well as any deck you like to work with. $10 reservation.

Sound Bath on the Full Moon
2025-03-14 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.
Join us on Friday, March 14 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo. This is the night of the Full Moon, which offers an opportunity for release.
Elise will play her extraordinary Tibetan healing bowls to support you and offer relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days.
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required.

Death Cafe with Dr. Agapi
2025-03-23 16:00 - 17:30
RESERVE HERE.
Sunday, March 23, 4:00-5:30pm
Death awareness serves as an important portal to helping us exist in a more present state, and live our lives more intentionally. Join us for an evening of group-led, agenda-free discussion where we explore death in a safe, life-affirming space.
Enjoy some coffee, tea and sweets while connecting with others in deeply impactful conversation. All are welcome! Please register in advance so that we can have enough refreshments for all.

About the facilitator, Agapi Ermides: I am a physician trained in adult and pediatric anesthesia, as well as a trained death doula. I have facilitated virtual death cafes since 2020 and have hosted several in-person events and podcasts. In 2022 I trained in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and worked as a Hospice medical director until early 2024, at which time I completed advanced psychedelic therapy training. My work has shifted into a collaborative practice with Ketamine therapy providers where we support all people improve their mental health, using Ketamine in conjunction with psychotherapy.
I am a Reiki master, an intuitive medium, and a yoga and meditation practitioner. In my spare time I advocate for the legalization of psychedelics, specifically psilocybin for its great therapeutic potential, as well as the legalization of medical aid in dying in NY state.

Tarot Social - reading exchange & practice
2025-03-29 17:00 - 19:00
RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
Gather with other Tarot readers and students for an evening of practice and reading exchange – cheating allowed! This evening is for beginner to intermediate level readers who want to begin reading for others, or gain more practice and confidence reading, in a supportive, no judgment environment. There will be drinks, snacks and connecting over shared love of the Tarot!
Bring your decks and guidebooks – go ahead and look up card meanings! The purpose of this exchange is to allow you to work with the cards in real time and start developing reading for others with support (if you want it) from more experienced readers. Everyone will give readings and receive readings.

Tarot Study Group - Ace, II & III of Pentacles
2025-04-09 19:00 - 20:30
April 9, 7:00-8:30pm
Ace, II and III of Pentacles
Join Ami for a deep exploration of the minor arcana of the Tarot. Tarot Study Group meets biweekly to discuss the wisdom of the Tarot through it’s symbolic art, astrological and elemental correspondences and hermetic doctrine. In this group, lovers of the Tarot learn to make connections between the cards and relate to them in new ways. All levels are welcome. Come to one or all!
Please wear comfortable clothing for meditation, and bring a traditional Tarot to refer to, as well as any deck you like to work with. $10 reservation.

Sound bath with Elise Manzo
2025-04-18 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.
Join us on Friday, April 18 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo.
Elise will play her extraordinary Tibetan healing bowls to support you and offer relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days.
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required.
Elise Manzo is a certified sound healer from the International Academy of Sound Healing, a certified reiki master teacher, and spiritual life coach. She offers individual sound healings and sound baths at the world renowned Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA.

Tarot Study Group: IV-VII of Pentacles/Disks
2025-04-23 19:00 - 20:30
RESERVE HERE.
April 23, 7:00-8:30pm
IV, V, VI, VII of Pentacles
Join Ami for a deep exploration of the minor arcana of the Tarot. Tarot Study Group meets biweekly to discuss the wisdom of the Tarot through it’s symbolic art, astrological and elemental correspondences and hermetic doctrine. In this group, lovers of the Tarot learn to make connections between the cards and relate to them in new ways. All levels are welcome. Come to one or all!
Please wear comfortable clothing for meditation, and bring a traditional Tarot to refer to, as well as any deck you like to work with. $10 reservation.

Creating Meaningful Ritual with K.A. Laity
2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:30
RESERVE HERE.
We’re kicking off the Spring with some Witchy 101 classes for those who are just beginning or want to learn skills from experienced practitioners!
Create Meaningful Ritual – Thursday, April 24, 7:00-8:30pm
Join K.A. Laity, practitioner and artist, for a workshop on building effective rituals. This is the perfect class for those new to ritual and spell work, or practitioners who wish to fine tune their rituals. In our time together, you’ll learn how to
– charge your workings with clear intent
– choose meaningful symbols to add power
– prepare the actions, space and tools needed
– work thoughtfully with the energy raised
Includes a beautiful Ritual Workbook to take home with you!

Death Cafe with Dr. Agapi
2025-05-04 16:00 - 17:30
REGISTER HERE.
Sunday, May 4, 4:00-5:30pm
Death awareness serves as an important portal to helping us exist in a more present state, and live our lives more intentionally. Join us for an evening of group-led, agenda-free discussion where we explore death in a safe, life-affirming space.
Enjoy some coffee, tea and sweets while connecting with others in deeply impactful conversation. All are welcome! Please register in advance so that we can have enough refreshments for all.

Introduction to Spell Work with Otter
2025-05-18 16:00 - 18:00
REGISTER HERE.
Sunday, May 18 4:00-6:00pm
This class, created for those new to spellwork, will give you the foundations to get off to your best start with practical magic. A witch and priestess for over 35 years, Otter will share her experience and wisdom with you as you explore the whys and hows of working with spells and rituals. You’ll consider banishing, the laws of magic and how to continue your work beyond the class.
During class, you will perform a protection spell, to get hands on experience. The necessary supplies will be provided. You MUST bring a photo of yourself to be used in the spell. It must be a picture of you ONLY.

About the instructor:
Otter has been a witch and priestess for 35 years. She has led covens, performed community rituals, handfastings, coming of age rituals and naming rituals. She has done a LOT of spell work over the years (and learned some lessons the hard way!). She can give a rough of background on magic and will share her personal successes and failures.

Sound Bath with Elise Manzo
2025-05-30 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.
Join us on Friday, May 30 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo.
Elise will play her Tibetan healing bowls to support you and offer relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days.
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required.

Elise Manzo is a certified sound healer from the International Academy of Sound Healing, a certified reiki master teacher, and spiritual life coach. She offers individual sound healings and sound baths at the world renowned Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA.

Introduction to Tarot
2025-06-11 19:00 - 21:00
The Tarot is a powerful, ancient tool of divination, and one of the Hermetic arts. This class is designed to help you unlock the methodology of the cards. The foundation given will help you learn to work with them more quickly. We will explore the history, art and spiritual basis of the cards, and then dive into their basic structure and meanings. By the end of this class you will:

Learn how your deck is organized and why.
Understand how the elements and their powers are expressed through the cards.
Learn how the numbers on the cards connect deeply to their meaning.
Receive useful spreads, and determine which to use.
Establish a reading practice (shuffling, laying out the cards, asking questions, delivering interpretations).
Troubleshoot your readings.
Receive study materials to take home.

This class will set you up for greater success and confidence to grow as a reader.
You will need to bring a traditional Tarot deck modeled on either the Smith Waite or the Thoth Tarot decks. Registrants to this class receive a 15% discount on any decks purchased for this class.

Solstice Sound Bath with Elise
2025-06-20 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE. This event will sell out, so reserve early.
Join us on Friday, June 20 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo.
Bathe in the energy of the summer solstice as Elise plays her Tibetan healing bowls to balance and support you. Sound therapy offers relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days.
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required.

Ask A Witch: Topics in Witchcraft with Otter
2025-06-25 19:00 - 21:00
REGISTER HERE.
Otter is back with answers to your questions! Learn everything you’ve wanted to know about witchcraft and priestessing, but were afraid to ask. Each attendee is invited to submit TWO questions or topic areas you’d like her to speak on by June 23. Then, join us for shared learning and discussion about witchcraft, spellcraft and spirituality that is steered by you!
Please send your questions to shop@starandsplendor.com by June 23.

Tarot Social: A reading exchange for beginner to intermediate level
2025-07-17 19:00 - 21:00
REGISTER HERE.
Thursday, July 17, 7-9pm
Gather with other Tarot readers and students for an evening of practice and reading exchange – cheating allowed! This evening is for beginner to intermediate level readers who want to begin reading for others, or gain more practice and confidence reading, in a supportive, no judgment environment. There will be drinks, snacks and connecting over shared love of the Tarot!
Bring your decks and guidebooks – go ahead and look up card meanings! The purpose of this exchange is to allow you to work with the cards in real time and start developing reading for others with support (if you want it) from more experienced readers. Everyone will give readings and receive readings.

As A Witch: Topics in Witchcraft with Otter
2025-07-24 19:00 - 20:30
Otter is back with answers to your questions! Learn everything you’ve wanted to know about witchcraft and priestessing, but were afraid to ask. Each attendee is invited to submit TWO questions or topic areas you’d like her to speak on by July 22. Then, join us for shared learning and discussion about witchcraft, spellcraft and spirituality that is steered by you!
Please send your questions to shop@starandsplendor.com by July 22.

About the instructor: Otter has been a witch and priestess for 35 years. She has led covens, performed community rituals, handfastings, coming of age rituals and naming rituals. She has done a LOT of spell work over the years (and learned some lessons the hard way!). She can give a rough of background on magic and will share her personal successes and failures.

Sound Bath with Elise
2025-08-15 19:00 - 20:30
Join us on Friday, August 15 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo.
Bathe in the vibration of Elise’s Tibetan singing bowls for balance and support for healing. Sound therapy offers relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days. Elise is our favorite sound healer and we welcome you to share in this wonderful monthly event!
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required.

Tarot Social - a reading exchange for beginners
2025-09-17 19:00 - 21:00

Sound Bath with Elise
2025-09-19 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.
Join us on Friday, September 19 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo.
Bathe in the vibration of Elise’s Tibetan singing bowls for balance and support for healing. Sound therapy offers relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days. Elise is our favorite sound healer and we welcome you to share in this wonderful monthly event!
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required.

Ask A Witch with Otter
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.
Otter continues her monthly group teaching and discussion on September 25 at 7pm.
Learn everything you’ve wanted to know about witchcraft and priestessing, but were afraid to ask. Or fine tune your practice and get reassurance that you are working effectively. Each attendee to this evening is invited to submit TWO questions or topic areas you’d like her to speak on by September 24. Then, join us for shared learning and discussion about witchcraft, spellcraft and spirituality that is steered by you!
Please send your questions to shop@starandsplendor.com by 9/24.

Sound Bath with Elise Manzo
2025-10-17 19:00 - 20:30
RESERVE HERE.
Join us on Friday, October 17 at 7:00pm for a healing sound bath with sound therapist Elise Manzo.
Bathe in the vibration of Elise’s Tibetan singing bowls for balance and support for healing. Sound therapy offers relief from stress, blocks, and imbalances on all levels: spiritual, emotional, physical. The vibration and resonance of the bowls soothe the body and the mind. Sound healing offers the immediate benefit of an elevated mood, the effects of which can be felt for days. Elise is our favorite sound healer and we welcome you to share in this wonderful monthly event!
Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Advanced registration is required – $35

Better Boundaries for Witches & Femmes
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER HERE.
Registration includes two Thursdays, October 23 & 30, 7:00pm-8:30pm. Please plan to attend both sessions!
Doing your inner work and still finding your boundaries slipping? Wondering how you can protect your peace and emotional health better? Finding yourself defaulting to fawning or people pleasing mode?
You can be a powerful person and witch and STILL struggle with these things. Feminist-oriented therapist Ari Loach and Ami, owner of Star + Splendor have put together a two part workshop to help you tune up your boundary skills! The focus will be on the unique ways women and femme identifying folks struggle with healthy boundaries and are culturally discouraged from having them.
In this workshop you’ll learn:

why healthy boundaries are vitally important
when it is ok to be a “bitch”
the difference between limits and expectations, rules and boundaries
how to identify your need for better boundaries
communication techniques and scripts for tricky situations (i.e.; work, relationships, friend groups)
what do to when you’ve missed an opportunity to set a boundary (hint: don’t beat yourself up!)
needs and approaches in spiritual circles (avoiding spiritual abuse)
energetic techniques to protect against vamps, frenemies and bad witches/mean magicians

We’ll cover these topics and more over the course of two Thursday evenings, along with facilitated discussion and practice. Refreshments will be provided. Bring a comfy cushion or bolster if you have one! We will have some chair and some bolster seating. Please plan to be at both sessions!

Death Cafe with Dr. Agapi
2025-10-26 16:00 - 17:30
RESERVE HERE
Sunday, October 26, 4:00-5:30pm
Death awareness serves as an important portal to helping us exist in a more present state, and live our lives more intentionally. Join us for an evening of group-led, agenda-free discussion where we explore death in a safe, life-affirming space.
Enjoy some coffee, tea and sweets while connecting with others in deeply impactful conversation. All are welcome! Please register in advance so that we can have enough refreshments for all.
