CHICAGO – The Parliament of World’s Religion will convene in Chicago next Monday. This year, Rev. HPs. Phyllis Curott, the Program Chair of the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, addresses the urgent theme of the gathering this August, defending freedom and human rights against the rise of authoritarianism. Curott is well-known in the Pagan community. She is a Wiccan priestess, author, and attorney.
The Parliament of the World’s Religions is an international interfaith organization that aims to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different religious and spiritual traditions. It brings together representatives from various faith communities, scholars, activists, and leaders to engage in discussions, workshops, and events addressing global issues, social justice, environmental concerns, and religious harmony.
The Parliament of the World’s Religions was first held in 1893 in Chicago, and it marked one of the earliest and most significant efforts to foster interfaith dialogue on a global scale. The event brought together representatives from various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and many others.
Subsequent Parliaments have been held in various cities around the world, with the aim of facilitating understanding and collaboration between religious groups, promoting peaceful coexistence, and addressing pressing global challenges. The Parliament provides a platform for participants to share their wisdom, exchange ideas, and explore common ground among diverse spiritual and religious perspectives.
The Parliament of the World’s Religions has played a role in shaping interfaith dialogue, advocating for religious freedom, and encouraging positive social change. It continues to be a significant gathering for those interested in promoting harmony and cooperation among different religious communities.
Curott has been urging people of faith to answer the Convening’s call to conscience to put a stop to individuals, groups, and states attempting to misappropriate religions to justify the unjustifiable. Curott said “This Parliament will be the most important and largest gathering o the world’s religious and spiritual leaders and practitioners. We are uniting in a collective courageous and clear reply to the most dangerous crisis confronting all of us today: authoritarianism.”
She adds that this global scourge is manifesting in tyrants pursuing nationalist wars who “murder the truth with lies” while “winking at domestic terrorism.”
Curott mentioned the importance of the 4th Estate noting “your essential role in ensuring freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press which are essential for the integrity of free societies.”
Curott told The Wild Hunt, ” The response has been heartening, with religious and faith leaders answering the call and standing up to the scourge of fascism that is spreading across the globe and right here in the U.S. It’s an important convening for Pagans to attend because we are increasingly under attack by white “Christian” nationalists and our fate is intertwined with that of other minority and persecuted faiths. ”
It’s going to be an historic convening” and “it’s a historic convening for our community. She recalled that about 50 Pagans were present at the first modern Parliament in Chicago in 1993 while she was First Officer of Covenant of the Goddess. She noted Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary and Andras Arthen from EarthSpirit, along with members of everyone’s organizations, the late Deborah Ann Light and Chicago Pagans. But that event caused a stir when the Orthodox Church withdrew because of Pagan presence. Curott said “It was a real joy when Patriarch Bartholomew appeared in the same Plenary I addressed in 2021. We have to be present to make progress, to change the negative stereotypes, and to bring our wisdom and our values to a world that needs them. And the Parliament is a place where, after so many years of continuous presence, participation, and hard work, we are seen and we are valued. ”
The Parliament of the World’s Religions wrote in a release this afternoon: “The Opening Procession & Ceremony of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago is a grand and awe-inspiring event that sets the tone for the five days of convening. Attendees from all corners of the globe are greeted by a vibrant display of music, dance, and ritual that celebrates the diversity, unity, and sacredness of the world’s premier interfaith gathering.”
Curott added “Every faith has, at its core, a summoning to ease the suffering of others and to contribute to a just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Today, the Parliament of the World’s Religions issues its Call to Conscience to people of faith and spirit, to the people of Chicago, to all people of conscience, to stand together in defense of the dignity, freedom, and human rights of all.”
Information about attending the Parliament is available on their website. In addition to the Conference, The Parade of Faiths will take place on Sunday. The Parade of Faiths is a free and open-to-the-public pre-Parliament event on the Museum Campus Park along Lake Michigan in Chicago. The Parade, held from 1:30-3:30 pm begins at the Welcome Garden near Adler Planetarium and ends at the Park near East 18th Street.
Pagan Organizations Attending 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions
Circle Sanctuary
Circle Sanctuary logo
Circle Sanctuary is among the hundreds of spiritual communities, religious institutions, and other organizations taking part in the international interfaith 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, August 14-18 at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA and pre-Parliament events on Sunday, August 13. Circle Sanctuary has been part of the Parliament since its centennial rebirth in 1993.
Our Circle Sanctuary Delegation to this year’s Parliament includes some of our ministers, members, and associates from across the USA and beyond. We will be participating in a variety of ways including presenting and assisting with a variety of rituals, panels, workshops, and other activities before and during the Parliament.
In addition, Circle Sanctuary is among the sponsors of the Pagan Faith Room and several multi-Pagan traditions events, including a public New Moon Ritual on Tuesday night.
On Friday, morning, August 18, from 8-9 am (Central) in the West Terrace, Rev. Selena Fox & members of the Circle Sanctuary delegation will facilitate the Ceremony for Planet Earth.
Covenant of the Goddess
Members of the Covenant of the Goddess (CoG) have been planning for their visit to the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions since early 2023. The 9th convening of the Parliament of World’s Religions brings together thousands of religious and civic leaders to advance opportunities for a new generation to participate in a historical legacy, what was at its beginnings the blueprint of interfaith dialogue 130 years ago.
Since its beginning in 1975, CoG members have been active in interfaith and the parliament. 2023 is no exception. CoG members will be networking in the Pagan Interfaith Room as well as participating in several panels. Among these will be a workshop presented by five of CoG’s members entitled “Using our Will to Heal the Earth”. The workshop includes five hands-on practices and a ritual to bring people together and heal the Earth.
Rowan Fairgrove, Interfaith Representative for the Covenant, will be offering “Telling Stories and Performing Ceremony to Re-sacralize Our Relationship With the Earth”. Other attendees include CoG’s First Officer Morgana Raven Tree, Bastion Firemoon, CoG’s Outreach Officer, and Gus diZerega, author and lecturer as a featured global luminary.
Interfaith work is one of the many services that members of the Covenant continue to support in the great Pagan community and ensure all Pagan voices are shared.
Other Groups and Organizations
- The Troth (Booth 611)
- Correllian Nativist Church (Booth 545)
- PoWR Climate Action Task Force (Booth CV-14)
- PoWR GLobal Ethics Task Force (Booth CV-3)
Deeds, Triumphs, and Elevations:
Melangell Green has just been elevated to Archdruid of Tribe of the Oak (Fb Page). Tribe of the Oak welcomes those who want to study Celtic Reconstructionist Druidism. “We are a Celtic Reconstructionist Druid Order which means we base our study and practice on ancient Celtic traditions and readings. The work starts with an extensive reading list (you may have read a number of the books already) and then progresses to one-on-one study with your foster. Most people take about three years to finish. There are hands-on, non-literary tasks, tools to make, and seasonal projects in addition to basic reading. Our training materials are very Irish-based, using 7th-century writings. Once the work is done there is initiation, and then you pick a major focus and pledge to master and teach for the rest of your life.”
Congratulations!
The July 2023 just-shy-of-full Super Moon over TWH headquarters in Miami
Eclectic Pagan Laura Plummer is a poet and writer based in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Her poem How to Love the Moon (a Sonnet), recently won two international poetry contests. She earned the Grand Prize in the Richard Angilly Memorial Contest, Dancing Poetry, 2023. Her poem was also selected in the top 3 in 660 entries and, with that, How to Love the Moon (a Sonnet) will be choreographed and performed by costumed dancers. She also won the Laureates’ Choice, Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest, 2023.
How to Love the Moon laments society’s disconnect from—and exploitation of—the Divine Feminine, and explores how we might shift the tides of power and reclaim our connection.
Plummer”s poem is shared by TWH with her permission.
How to Love the Moon (a Sonnet)
They never taught us how to love the moon;
We rarely gaze above to find her face.
She hovers like a child’s lost balloon,
Forever waxing, waning, full of grace.
She’s just another country to be named,
A place to plant our flag and claim our prize,
A wild woman needing to be tamed,
Another foreign land to colonize.
So boil some herbs and sip a witchy brew,
And cleanse yourself in her magnetic pull.
Let’s manifest our dreams when she is new,
And offer up our thanks when she is full.
When balance is restored, I reckon soon,
We’ll teach our children how to love the moon.
Congratulations!
Image courtesy of HBCM
The House of Black Cat Magic, a spiritual supplies shop for the modern practitioner and black cat lounge, is having enormous success! Readers may recall TWH coverage of the grand opening in “Find Your Familiar” – New organization helps black cats.”
To date, House of Black Cat Magic has been able to find homes for 44 familiars!
Our News Editor, Star Bustamonte, is one of the founders of House of Black Cat Magic, her dedication to animal welfare and increasing awareness about the plight of black cats, unfortunately now takes her away from The Wild Hunt in her current role.
Star will continue as a journalist on our team with some behind-the-scenes roles as well as continue to share her weekly tarot while making sure more familiars find forever homes!
Congratulations, Star!
Announcements & Upcoming Gatherings:
On August 19, 2023, Southern California’s newest Divination Conference will take place. The inaugural event is presented by COMPASS, the Southern California Divination Conference will include presentations, discussions, and panels on many forms of divination from reading oracle and tarot cards, keys, geomancy, astrology, runes, and so much more. A curated selection of vendors awaits our attendees. DiviCon will take place at the Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange Co. Airport, 2726 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Western MA Pagan Pride Day is one of many Pagan Pride Day events that take place worldwide. As a nonprofit organization, we strive to establish awareness of earth-centered spiritual traditions in our local communities. People of all faiths (or none) and walks of life are invited to join us on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10:00 am through 6:00 pm. There is no admission fee to the event, however, we ask that you bring a cash donation for our charity drive. We will be collecting cash donations for our favorite charity, the Northampton Survival Center. You can come expecting to find information about paganism in many of its forms, experience open harvest ritual, musical entertainment, workshops (classes), and many vendors for a fun, family-friendly community-driven event. There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the area, so plan to come and stay a while! Updates are also able on their Facebook and Instagram sites.
Lehigh Valley Pagan Pride Day will take place on September 30, 2022. They wrote “Our event is Lehigh Valley Pagan Pride Day in Easton Pennsylvania. There will be vendors of all kinds, classes, and food. We also have guest speakers who are authors.”
Event information and updates are available on their website.
Earthspirit Community announced dates and open registration for Twilight Covening, a continuous 3-day ritual from October 6-9, 2023 that holds and shapes an institute of Earth spirituality and a time to develop our collective wisdom in a shared sacred space as we move into the dark time of the year.
Each year since 1986, members of the EarthSpirit Community gather deep into ourselves and into communion with this time of year and with all of Nature. We explore the depths of a range of spiritual practices, learn new skills together and experience the joy and power of a living community ritual. We invite you to join us.
The rituals include Releasing Fire Ritual on Friday night, Rituals for Dreaming, Healing and Trance on Saturday night, A Visioning Ritual on Sunday night, and Four “Attunements” each day which marks the solar quarters of the day.
Many participants have found that Twilight Covening provides a model for maintaining an earth-centered practice on a daily basis and is a wonderful opportunity for developing strong and lasting connections with others on a similar path.
They note that Twilight Covening is a demanding physical experience. The schedule is intense, the terrain rugged, the weather unpredictable and the facilities limited in creature comforts.
The Michigan Witches Ball 2023 has announced dates! It will be held on October 28, 2023, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of enchantment and mystery? Look no further than the highly anticipated Michigan Witches Ball, where magic comes alive and dreams become reality. This extraordinary event is not to be missed, as it promises an unforgettable evening filled with spellbinding music, captivating people, and a bewitching atmosphere that will leave you mesmerized.
Step into a Realm of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Prepare to be transported to a realm where witches and wizards roam freely. The Michigan Witches Ball is a celebration of all things mystical and supernatural, where attendees can embrace their inner magic and indulge in an evening of pure enchantment.
Indulge in Delectable Delights
No magical evening would be complete without delectable treats to tantalize your taste buds. The Michigan Witches Ball offers a wide array of culinary delights that are sure to satisfy. Savor mouthwatering food. Indulge in desserts. And of course, no witch’s gathering would be complete without a selection of potions and elixirs to quench your thirst at the open bar.
Dress to Impress in Your Finest Witch Attire
The Michigan Witches Ball is the perfect occasion to unleash your inner witch or warlock. Embrace the opportunity to dress up in your most extravagant and spellbinding attire. From elegant witches’ gowns adorned with intricate lace and velvet, to dapper warlock suits complete with top hats and canes, let your imagination run wild.
Meet and Support Michigan Pagan Charities
Be dazzled by the shining stars that are the volunteers who staff Pagans In Need food pantry, Wolf Run Wildlife Spiritual Sanctuary, and the Michigan Pagan Scholarship. Chat with these magical altruists adept at the conjuring of compassion.
Tickets and information about the Michigan Witches Ball are available on their website via Eventbrite
If you have an announcement to share with the community, send it to The Wild Hunt at pcn@wildhunt.org
Positively Noteworthy
A tiny robot made out of wood requiring no programming or electronics, may be able to transform forests. The project was described in the Science journal, Nature, earlier this year.
Based on a model from the Erodium plant, researchers created a corkscrew device that allows seeds to bury themselves protecting them from predators and ensuring they make it into the ground. “The seed carrier has a higher implantation success rate than that of Erodium seeds. This technology may improve the effectiveness of aerial seeding to address agricultural and environmental stresses in degraded regions,” they wrote.
THe device with seed attached can be delivered by drones dropping them on to an area needing to be re-forested. “The seed carriers had an 80% success rate of getting seeds into the ground on flat land, reducing the risk of them blowing away or being eaten by animals, ” the researchers found.
They are also really cool to watch!
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Golden Black Cat Tarot, by Helena Isabel Isidro de Almeida, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Card: Nine (9) of Pentacles
What is on tap for the week ahead may be life-altering and the stuff that dreams are made of. Whether it is an opportunity long wished for or the achievement of a major goal, this week could reflect the pinnacle of success.
Conversely, being overconfident or feeling that the work is complete and requires no sustaining effort has the potential to undermine future and continued success.
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