I was just going to let this one slide at first, but so many of my readers have tipped me off to this story that I now feel compelled to mention it. It seems that Lithuania’s most famous witch, Vilija Lobaciuviene, has been hired by a collections firm to call delinquent customers unwilling to part with their cash during this global economic downturn. Lobaciuviene will help these individuals “understand the situation” so that they pay up.

“Our new employee will help them to understand the situation, reconsider what is right and wrong and act accordingly,” he said. “We will also help those who are in real trouble, suffering from psychological impact of bankruptcy and depression.” Lobaciuviene, who describes herself as “Lithuania’s leading witch,” is renowned in the former Soviet republic of 3.4 million people for providing such “magical” services as predicting the future and casting spells. She claims to use hypnosis, herbal medicines and “the bio-energy field” when helping her “patients.” Asked to comment on her new job, Lobaciuviene, 53, told The Associated Press on Thursday that she is happy to be of assistance. “I am free citizen and can do whatever I like. I am glad someone needs my help and I will do whatever I can to help people,” she said.

You have to wonder what the carrot/stick ratio is for these friendly phone calls from the famous witch. I can’t imagine there isn’t a least an undertone of “or else” is such attempts to get people to “reconsider”. As for Vilija Lobaciuviene, I can only imagine she’s pleased with the power and prestige such international publicity brings her. Let’s just hope this trend doesn’t spread to America, the last thing I need is a call from Laurie Cabot inquiring about my outstanding loans.

While politicians in America waste time and taxpayer dollars on votes concerning the importance of Christmas, and encouraging legal stand-offs over Nativity scenes, Lithuania reminds us that there doesn’t have to be a Yuletide standoff between different ideologies and belief systems.

“A sacred fire built to burn off misfortunes… songs to the goddess of fire… it doesn’t sound very Christian, but for Lithuanians the celebration of Advent – the season leading up to Christmas – is done in a way that harks back to ancient times, reflecting the county’s deeply rooted pagan traditions. Those in Vilnius on Dec. 16 will be able to witness this celebration first hand when the city will host an Advent evening, starting at 3 p.m., that will include songs, dancing and games that reflect nature and the passage of time … Christians and pagan traditions often coincide because they trace their feasts to the same calendar. “Christians couldn’t decide the exact day when Christ was born, so they decided to make it Dec. 25 and this is the same time when the pagans celebrate the sun rising earlier. In traditional Advent, it is a time to be calm and quiet for ancient pagans and Christians alike,” said Daiva Steponariciene, a Sedula folk dancer and singer.”

Lithuanian Pagan folk-group Kulgrinda.

Christian and Pagan folk singers and dancers (including famous Lithuanian Pagan-folk group Kulgrinda) will gather, sing, and dance together. Acknowledging their respective holy days, honoring their ancestors (both pagan and Christian), and celebrating together. A wonderful vision to hold as we approach our respective Winter festivals.