Pagan Community Notes: Lightning Across the Plains, Harbin Hot Springs, Barbara Doyle and more!

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Lightning Across the Plains (LATP), an annual fall Heathen event, was cancelled after 6 successful years. The announcement read, “LATP 2014 was attended by 280 heathens, and we had every indication that LATP 2015 would have been at least as successful as last year, if not more so. But, the potential success of an event is not always the measure of whether it makes sense to go forward with it.”

Lightning Across the Plains, held in Missouri, was first staged in September 2009 by Jotan’s Bane Kindred. It was then held every year at that same time, attracting over 200 people predominantly from around the central United States. Organizers called it the “largest Heathen event in North America.”

In their recent announcement, members of Jotan’s Bane Kindred stated that they have now chosen to redirect their energy into their family life, their friends and their local Heathen communities. They go on to say that the event, while mostly attended by good-spirited people, was often visited by those who proved “dishonorable” adding, “The decision to cancel LATP this year reflects our unwillingness to throw an amazing regional gathering that is enjoyed by some that are false-friends.” 

Jotan’s Bane Kindred did express its regrets, saying that the decision was difficult and that “LATP will have a lasting legacy.” According to the site all registration money has been returned and that the organizers look forward to seeing their LATP friends at other events throughout the year.

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As we reported last weekend, Harbin Hot Springs, a retreat center nestled on 5,000 acres of land in California, was destroyed by the Valley Fire. Since our article was published, there have been continued efforts to help the people of Harbin, and the surrounding area, rebuild and recover. The region was declared a disaster area, which has now qualified it for federal disaster relief funds.

On Sept 12, Harbin’s 285 residents and staff had to evacuate quickly, leaving behind personal belongings and, in some cases, animals. Many went to a nearby Red Cross shelter. Now there is a concerted effort by the local community to assist these people get back to their sacred land. A Staff Relief Fund has been set up to help those people as they recover. There is also a Facebook group that is acting as a central donation and aid center for the affected area. The public group contains stories and memories, as well as suggesting ways to help. At this time, the center is still closed until further noticed.

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It was announced last week that Barbara Doyle, more commonly known as Thorn, had crossed over. Doyle was an active and well-known elder in the Texas magical community.

She was born March 28, 1942 in Rye, New York. She raised four children. In the mid 1980s, as a single mother, she moved herself and her two daughters to Texas, where she began her 30 year career as technical writer. At the same time, she began her journey into Wicca. She first studied with an Isian High Priestess, receiving her third degree. Then, she began studying McFarland Dianic Wicca and eventually founded the group Diana’s Retreat.

In 1994, Doyle and her coven helped create the Covenant of the Goddess’ Texas Local Council (TXLC), which is still active today. Over the years she continued to serve that organization on a local and national level. Doyle also served on the Council of Magickal Arts and the McFarland Dianic Council. Friend and fellow TXLC member Faelind remembered, “Under [Thorn’s] mentorship and tutelage, many of us learned to plan, organize, fund, and market National events like United Earth Assembly festivals and Grand Council Merry Meets, gaining extraordinary experience and serving the community. She was a strong force in the Mighty Texas Local Council and was responsible for recruiting many of the member covens…”

Outside of Pagan world, Doyle was a strong advocate for women’s rights. She held a 28-year membership in the American Business Women’s Association and was honored many times. In fact, at the time of her death, Doyle was serving as ABWA’s co-chair VP of Finance. In addition she was also the president of the League of Women Voters of Irving and was recently honored by Irving’s first female mayor at a city council meeting.

Although her death came as a surprise, Doyle died peacefully in her sleep. She will be missed by her local community, her extended spiritual community, and all those who knew her and learned from her. What is remembered, lives!

In Other News:

• For those readers attending the Parliament of the World’s Religions in October, it was recently announced that the Dalai Lama will not be speaking at the event. According to a CNN report, the Dalai Lama checked into a Minnesota Mayo Clinic for evaluation and cancelled all of his October engagements. The Parliament’s Board released the following, “We have heard from the Office of the Dalai Lama about his present health and remain in heartfelt prayer for his care and comfort.” Organizers are now considering how to honor the Dalai Lama in place of his scheduled appearance. They will share more as they have it.
• Local UK papers are all a-buzz about the return of Witchfest International to Croydon’s Fairfield Hills. The yearly event is hosted by the Children of Artemis (COA) and attracts, according to the report, close to 3500 people. This year there will be six talks and workshops every hour. There will also be live music, DJs and drumming. The 2015 speakers include, “author Kate West, academic Professor Ronald Hutton, TV medium and astrologer David Wells and former president The Pagan Federation Pete Jennings.” For more information, Witchfest does have its own website filled with details about the Nov festival as well as two other upcoming 2016 COA events.
• Cherry Hill Seminary is hosting its yearly Fall Scholarship Drive. All contributions help CHS balance its budget and “offer several scholarships for January-April courses, including both Insights short courses and full-semester graduate courses.” Information for donating is on the CHS website.
• If you liked reading part one of Dr. Karl Seigfried’s interview with Jennifer Snook, he has published the second part. This segment of the their conversation focused on ethnicity, nationality and race and also includes a bonus graphic based on Snook’s own research.
• Over at Polytheist.com, writer Segomâros Widugeni continues “his series introducing us to the gods of Gaulish polytheist religion.” Widugeni is a “leader in Gaulish Polytheism, having been practicing for almost two decades, and in other related communities for more than 30 years.” He began this specific series back in April with a post containing a long sacred poem and then a second featuring general information. Widugeni has followed that up with regular articles on individual gods. This week he features Grannus. Check back frequently as Widugeni is only half done with the project.

And later this week at The Wild Hunt….

We look at the Pope’s visit to the U.S. We will be featuring reactions and thoughts from Pagan, Heathen and Polytheists living around the world.

That is it for now. Have a great day! And don’t forget to visit the Wild Hunt Fund Drive site! 

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