Pagan Community Notes: Pagans attend Vigil, James Bianchi, Kindred Irminsul and much more!

On Sunday, April 12, nearly 100 people gathered together to honor the life of Yuvette Henderson, a 38-year old woman who was killed in Oakland in February. The vigil and march, organized by the Anti Police-Terror Project, is one of the many recent Bay Area social justice actions that have been supported by local area Pagans.

In this case, there were at least nine Pagans in attendance. T. Thorn Coyle was one of them and said, “[We] gathered on the corner where Yuvette was killed by Emeryville PD, in Oakland. We then caravaned to deliver letters to Home Depot and the Oakland Police department (who are overseeing the investigation) asking for security tapes.”

While the vigil and march were peaceful, several businesses did close down along the route, including the Home Deport where Yuvette was killed. Overall, the event was called a success. Various marchers noted the friendly car caravan, and bicycle escort, and the moving speeches by the Yuvette’s family members. Coyle, herself, thanked those Pagans who came out with her, saying that she enjoyed “interacting” with all of her fellow marchers.

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On Saturday, April 18, Murias O’Ceallagh, presider of the House of Danu, held a healing energy prayer and rite for organization founder James Bianchi. Last week, Bianchi was reportedly infected with mrsa and put on life support at John-Muir Medical. Doctors are fearful that the infection is attacking his heart.

Bianchi is one of the leaders of the House of Danu. He is also a lawyer, faculty member at Cherry Hill Seminary, a filmmaker and skilled drummer. On the Facebook event page, O’Ceallagh wrote, “James has done incredible work and been of incredible service to all in the community throughout the years. Let all of us whom have benefited now be of service to him. Peace & Health to James Heart.”

There was an outpouring of support over the weekend from Pagans around the world. People posted photos of altars with burning candles, and reported drumming activities and other prayer offerings. It was also reported that Bianchi’s condition is improving, if only slowly, and that the continued offering of energy healing is very welcome by his family.

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In January, we reported that the Heathen community was growing in Costa Rica. Within that story, we also noted that both Pagans and Heathens had been interviewed on a Costa Rican television program about their religious practices. “On Dec. 4, Costa Rican channel Canal Nueve interviewed the group on its national show Universos Desconocidos.”

Esteban Sevilla Quiros, goði for Kindred Irminsul, recently informed us that the groups were invited back. He said, “We will talk about the beliefs of the vikings, their gods, rituals, sacrifices, and the life after death.” Doing this work is part of his organization’s mission to inform and educate the general Costa Rican population about Heathenry. The show, Universos Desconocidos, can be watched live on Canal 9 via the internet. It will air April 23 at 9pm Mountain Time.

In Other News:

• Tzipora Katz, former wife of Kenny Klein, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise legal defense funds. Katz explained that she is now being sued for breaking a 1998 court gag order by speaking publicly about her relationship with Kenny Klein. She added, “I was at a crossroad and had to make a choice.” The fundraising campaign will pay for her defense in this lawsuit and, if there is money left over, she will donate it to A Woman’s Place.
• The “Pagan Community Statement on the Environment” is in its last days of editing and public comment. It will be posted in its final form on ecopagan.com for signatures on Wed. April 22, Earth Day. In a press release, organizers said, “Beyond technical and political solutions, the Statement calls for a “change in spirit” that fosters ‘a new relationship between humanity and other species and Earth as a whole.‘ “
• The HAXAN Film Festival is accepting submissions for its second annual event in August. The festival’s mission is support “local filmmakers exploring psychic and mystic connections to our surroundings, ancestors, and selves.” Organizers explain,” We are interested in the Bay Area’s rich history of psychics, savants, mysticism, and occult practices dating back to the psychedelic 1960s and well beyond. We present the weird of New Age pop culture alongside the sacred and mythological, as both serve as an interesting avenue into this city’s colorful history and distinct culture.” Submissions are due by May 15.

• The conversations on leadership and accountability continue at Polytheist.com. On April 8, River Devora posted a contemplative article titled, “The Art of Being Led.” She wrote, “As communities grow, leaders step up to help shape, guide, inspire, organize, and support these growing communities and the individuals within them. As leaders arise to guide new and expanding communities, it is important that we who are being led maintain active engagement with the shaping and maintenance of leadership structures.”
• Festival season is arriving for many Pagans and Heathens across the United States. In Pennsylvania, Grove of Gaia Fest organizers are counting the days to their May 2 day-long celebration. Tennessee’s Pagan Unity Fest (PUF) is held two weeks later May 14-17 and features local band Tuatha Dea. The following week, EarthSpirit Community will be holding its Rites of Spring festival May 20-25 in Western Massachusetts. Those are just three of the many festivals that will be kicking-off the spring and summer season.

That’s it for now. Have a nice day!

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