The Wild Hunt (https://wildhunt.org/author/manny)
Manny Moreno (pro: he/él/lui) was born in Cuba and raised in the American South. He lives in South Florida and Nemi, Italy. He has been in the Pagan community for almost four decades. He is a Witch and was raised as a child of Oyá. He is encouraged by the Balance within the natural world and enjoys storms and the night. Manny is married and splits his free time between the Florida Swamps, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Alban Hills. He is also a beekeeper, orchid-grower, and builder of bat houses.
Amid renewed scrutiny of the Epstein files, readers raised concerns about Pagan scapegoating. A careful review of the newly released documents shows rhetoric, metaphor, and fringe claims—but no evidence connecting Epstein or his crimes to Witchcraft, Pagan religious practice, or occult ritual activity.
Olive oil has nourished kitchens, temples, and rituals for thousands of years. A new archaeological study, however, presses long-held assumptions, suggesting that some residues once identified as olive oil may be a little slippery—and hide unexpected pitfalls in the ancient record.
In this week’s Pagan Community Notes, even as the holiday season unfolds, we pause to mark the passing of Priestess Rae Beth, who has crossed the veil. We take a moment to honor her life and remember her lasting contributions to modern Pagan practice. Regardless of the religious preoccupations and fervor of some communities, the Solstice will arrive—marking a shared turning point around the world. We close this Yule week of Pagan Community Notes with songs to honor the season and a moment of gratitude.
Calling the Army’s Spiritual Fitness Guide “new age” and unserious, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered its immediate removal, raising concerns about how future chaplain reforms could affect religious pluralism within the U.S. military.
A leaked and now-confirmed DOJ memo outlines how the FBI will implement a Trump national-security directive, broadening domestic extremism definitions and prompting concern among civil-liberties advocates, journalists, and minority religious communities – even those engaged in lawful dissent.