Updates on Past Stories
Chalk figure controversy: It seems that the protests by British Pagans over what they felt were sacrilegious and damaging (temporary) alterations to prominent chalk figures has borne fruit.
“The Sussex Archaeological Society has apologised to protesters after they allowed a controversial stunt by ITV to give the Long Man of Wilmington a sex change. ITV and the archaeological society caused fury among Pagans and other protesters when they allowed fashion gurus Trinny and Susannah to add breasts and pigtails to the figure many believe is sacred. As part of the programme, Trinny and Susannah Undress, ITV asked woman dressed in white to lie on the figure to create the transformation. Chief Executive Office of the organisation, John Manley, said: ‘The Sussex Archaeological Society would like to apologise to representatives of the Pagan community, or any other individual or groups, who might have been offended by recent television filming on the Long Man of Wilmington.”
The Society has promised to consult with local Pagans before sanctioning any further actions involving the chalk figure. While pleased with this victory, some local Pagans also want to force ITV into not airing the prank footage at all.
“We are absolutely determined this footage should not be shown as we feel it will encourage anti-social behaviour on the site. We heard people say they were going up there directly after the filming as the activities seem to make people think it is ok an we are extremely concerned about this.”
One can be sure that thanks to these stalwart activists this will be the last time large numbers of women willing lay down near the Long Man of Wilmington.
Witch School’s New Home: Now that the Witch School has left Hoopeston, IL and moved its physical campus to the much smaller (population 1270!) and seemingly more receptive climate of Rossville, Illinois, you would think their problems would be behind them and they can start building the “Salem of the Midwest”. But all is not well in the tiny town, it seems that some of the natives are restless at the introduction of Witches.
“The Wicca School, which recently moved from Hoopeston to downtown Rossville, is not welcome by everyone in the Rossville community. At Monday night’s village board meeting, Dennis Barragree said the local news media made it sound as if all of Rossville was in favor of the school’s move. “I just wanted to set the record straight that not everyone is for that,” said Barragree. “I’m not for it.” Barragree’s wife, Carolyn, said there comes a time when you have to take a stand. She wanted people to make informed decisions about the school. She said the school didn’t bring anything positive to Hoopeston … Mayor Terry Prillaman reminded residents that the school is a business and it’s not the function of the city council to accept or not accept someone moving into Rossville. “A lot of people don’t approve,” Trustee Dick Queen agreed. “But the council is not in control of who moves in.” Prillaman said about half the city was for the Wicca School’s move to Rossville.”
It looks like things aren’t going to get much friendlier than it was in Hoopeston, maybe they should get to work on their Wiccan relocation plan as soon as possible. Such are the perils of making cheap property your number one priority when choosing a location.
3 responses so far
Re: the chalk figure.
Archaeologists apologising to Pagans about this? I think this is outrageous! Can the Pagans prove they have a connection – other than an emotional or aesthetic one – to this site? This is not about the Pagans having any real religious claim to these sites, but about them wanting to exert power over others. Its a joke. What, just because you “say” you’ve got a religious connection to a site then you can control that site? What if I say I have a religious connection to the Eiffel Tower? Can I stop people climbing on it? If this site is prehistoric, then there are no texts saying that it *is* a religious site, or whose religious site it might be if it is indeed one. Therefore, saying it is religious can only ever be speculation at best.
Caroline, bear in mind that the apology was also to “other individuals and groups”. We only got a seperate mention due to having lead the protests.
Also bear in mind that the way we think the site should be treated is entirely in line with good archaeological and heritage practice.
Considering the above, and the fact that local Pagans have also helped with the maintenance of the site in the past, do you still find it “outrageous”?
[...] Witch School give up on building a “Salem of the Midwest” in Hoopeston, IL and instead just pick up and move to the already existing Witch-mecca of Salem, [...]