Exploring our connection to the world.

We were just like you when we started—nervous about paganism, but constantly curious. Now with years of training under incredible, renowned mentors, we’re here to help you start your own spiritual journey.

Meet your Maenads

Shellie Smith, M.A., M.L.I.S.
Founder, President, Mother of Cats

Shellie is the president and founder of The Maenad's Den, a pagan education and outreach group centralized in northeast Ohio. A practicing Hellenic Polytheist for over 30 years, she has published articles on Orphism and neopaganism in several journals. She is a Reiki Master (Usui and Holy Fire traditions), and her main focuses include divination, reconstruction of ancient traditions, healing modalities, and natural magic. She resides in northeast Ohio with her four cats, mini hellhound (black chihuahua) and a gnostic physicist partner.

Bee Hursh, B.S., M.B.A.
Vice President, Marketing Manager, Music Lover

Bee started practicing paganism in 2019, during her undergraduate program at Kent State University. She originally was drawn to the goddess Lilith, leading her to dive into all things dark feminine, fiery, and feminist. Her want for community led her to meet Shellie in the early 2020s, immediately post-pandemic, who inspired her to study things more on the Hellenic side. Bee now identifies themselves as a Hellenic pagan, a Thracian witch, and an Zalmoxian (Romanian folklorist). She currently worships Hekate and Dionysos, and enjoys practicing tarot, candle magic, crystal magic, and kitchen witchery. In their spare time, you can find Bee in the Maenad’s Den Discord, or hanging out with her two cats, Acorn and Peach.

“The Maenad’s Den helped me find my place in a magical world. I lacked community before finding the Den back in 2019, and now I feel surrounded by people who love learning and, more importantly, love me.”

Bee Hursh

Vice President

 FAQs

  • According to Miriam-Webster, a pagan is someone who practices “the spiritual beliefs and practices of ancient polytheistic religions”, typically pre-Abrahamic. Find more definitions here: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paganism

  • Absolutely! The Den is welcoming to all, as long as they are respectful to us, our beliefs, and our members in return. The only requirement is that you be over 18 or attend our events with a parent/guardian.

  • Under 18s may attend Den events with the accompaniment of a parent/guardian at ALL TIMES, no exceptions. Be aware there may be some adult content at certain events, ie discussions of sex, vulgar language, etc. The Den does not claim responsibility for your child.

  • Free.99! No, but seriously, our events are totally free! If we request a donation, whether it be monetary or in physical items, it will be notated ahead of time.

Reach out to us today, we’d love to chat.