There are lots of articles and essays of interest to modern Pagans out there, sometimes more than I can write about in-depth in any given week. So The Wild Hunt must unleash the hounds in order to round them all up.
Captions from Young Avengers #2.
- Last week, the comic book Young Avengers #2 had the conversation that many Pagan comic-book fans were awaiting: What’s up with Wiccan calling himself “Wiccan”? Here’s hoping it leads to a new code-name that isn’t also the name for a, well, Wiccan. The issue was written by Kieron Gillen with art by Jamie Mckelvie, the same team who did the criminally under-appreciated Phonogram miniseries (which should be required reading for anyone who loves the intersection of music and magic).
- Some Charismatic Christians are worried that the practice of prophetic ministry might be crossing the line into “witchcraft” for some. Quote: “When he released the words over me, it came with a spiritual force that made me feel as if I had been covered with goo. My eyes began burning. I felt like I was in a daze. It was spiritual witchcraft.” What’s interesting is that this piece gets close to admitting that a lot of charismatic practice is like magical energy work, and that it’s too easy to blur the boundaries. Now, if they’ll address spiritual warfare…
- Are rooster heads found at a North Carolina cemetery ”Voodoo”? No one knows for certain, but let’s wildly speculate anyway. Quote: “Brandy Nunn told Fox Charlotte, ‘God only knows what they’re really doing with cutting heads off. What are they really messing with over there?’” I’m sure that no one will jump to conclusions over this.
- Bleeding Cool covers a new witchcraft-themed comic book, “The Westwood Witches,” complete with human sacrifice and appearance by Baphomet. It’s a “horror” book, so take that as you will. Quote: “It’s not just about witchcraft but about beliefs, too. What seems real to us sounds like nonsense to others, and that’s the power of literature… and quackery. But overall, The Westwood Witches is a tale about neighborhood and neighbors. In this book, they’re beautiful, they’re kind, and they’re demon worshippers. You could say it’s like Desperate Housewives with macabre murderings”.
- Indie art-rockers Yeah Yeah Yeahs have a new album coming out in April, and their lead single “Sacrilege” is influenced by “the New Orleans vibe. Just the juju in the air.”
- It’s the collapse of mainline Protestent political power, and I feel fine.
- Religion in American Historyponders the reactions to Hinduism by U.S. President John Adams. Quote: “Adams consistently compares Hindu religion to Roman Catholicism in the margins, writing ‘Oh Priestcraft!’ and labeling Hindu practices as ‘ridiculous observances.’ When Priestley writes, “But the Hindoos go far beyond the rest of mankind in voluntary restrictions and mortifications,” Adams asks ‘Far beyond the Romish Christians?’ in the margin.”
- The Daily Grail points to a video by Adam Gorightly showcasing a first edition printing of the Principia Discordia. Hail Eris!
- Is Burning Man at odds with the academy?
- Northern News Services spotlights the Wiccan community in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Quote: “Hilary Jones may not fly around on a broom but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one around when the high priestess isn’t leading rituals among the Wiccan faithful. By day Jones is general manager of the NWT Mine Training Society. She is also president of the Rotary Club of Yellowknife True North. None of that has stopped her from pursuing a calling she has been practicing since age 16. ”It’s a family thing,” said Jones of her Wiccan faith, a religion based on ancient Druidic rituals from northern Europe.”
- Legally obtained human bones are confiscated by police and held, despite there being no suspicion of a crime being perpetrated. Pasadena Police Lt. Ed Calatayud says that “the religious aspect of the case is not our focus–it’s the bones,” which I’m sure is a great comfort to the family whose altar has been destroyed. I’m hoping civil liberties lawyers are breaking down the doors to take this case. I’m hoping to have more on this issue soon.
That’s it for now! Feel free to discuss any of these links in the comments, some of these I may expand into longer posts as needed.
