Read Silvia Federici’s Caliban and the Witch in community!
Federici is a Marxist scholar whose seminal work provides a feminist history of capitalism by detailing the centuries of witch hunts that occurred throughout Europe and early European colonies.
This group is perfect for people who’d like to wade through dense but important information in the company of others. We’ll read passages out loud, talk through discussion questions, and brainstorm action rooted in our present time.
Pick up a copy of the book from Hedge Meadow in February, or borrow it from the library! For ease of learning, we’ll break the book up into three sections and meet at the Mazomanie shop at the beginning of March, April, and May. You do not need to attend all three meetings ~ come when you can!
First meeting: Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Pages 1- 60, Introduction + “All the World Needs a Jolt”
Second meeting: Tuesday, April 1 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Pages 61 - 162, “The Accumulation of Labor and the Degradation of Women” + “The Great Caliban”
Third meeting: Tuesday, May 6 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Pages 163- 243, “The Great Witch-Hunt in Europe” + “Colonization and Christianization”
Book club is free to attend but you must pre-register!
About the Facilitator:
Hannah (she/they) is a lifelong student of literature and linguistics based in Spring Green. Over the last couple of years, this has expanded into a self-study of herbalism and the body through courses such as Tending the Hearth with Liz Migliorelli and classes at Hedge Meadow. She's led book groups in the past and is so grateful to have the opportunity to do so in this space!
Cost: Free! But you must pre-register to attend.
Location:
This 1.5-hour meeting will be held at Hedge Meadow Herbs located at 25 Brodhead St in Mazomanie, WI.
What to Expect/Bring:
Herbal tea will be provided but please bring whatever else you need to take care of yourself. Please also bring your copy of the book book, and a pen and paper if you’d like to take notes. Potluck style snacks are also encouraged!
This group is for you if you want support and accountability in reading a text that might otherwise be difficult to carve out space for! We will challenge ourselves to read actively and engage with the book critically.
This group is not for you if you expect to be hard on yourself or others for not completing the reading or understanding the text. We will all be vulnerable with where we are at during a given month/meeting and have grace for anyone who has shown up. You’ll still get something out of each meeting even if you weren't able to complete the reading, so come anyway!
Accessibility:
We’ll be sitting on chairs but if you prefer to sit on the floor, bring a floor pillow. Please note that you must go up two stairs to enter the building.
Covid Safety:
Weather-permitting, the door will remain cracked throughout the duration of class and there will be an air purifier running in the space. Masks are not required but always encouraged and appreciated. Please use common sense and do not attend class if you’re sick. You must wear a mask if someone in your household is sick, or if you know you’ve been exposed to an infectious pathogen. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding around this.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:
We reserve the right to cancel class at any point due to a lack of interest. If this is the case, anyone who has signed up will receive a full refund.
If you sign up for class but can no longer attend, please let us know at least 48 hours prior to class for a full refund. If you let us know the day prior to class, you will receive a 50% refund. Sorry, but if you cancel the day of class you will not receive a refund.