CLEVELAND – From August 18-20, 2023, the Pagan community of NE Ohio gathered for their 14th annual Pagan Pride celebration between Cleveland and Akron in the town of Bedford.
This year, Cleveland Pagan Pride was joined by well-known author and artist Laura Tempest Zakroff, musician Brian Hencke, and columnist Cheryl Costa as well as the Stone Creed Grove of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF). Zakroff told The Wild Hunt, “It was a fantastic event – very organized and dedicated folks who put it on – you could tell that through & through – great community feel and a lovely location. The overall reception was positive and very welcoming.”
Some Evangelical Christians, however, decided to “participate” in the festivities. While everyone is welcome at Pagan Pride events, their behavior at the event was not. They were offering “supernatural hugs” as an opening to proselytize.
Cheryl Fritz of Euclid, Ohio, runs Inside Out Training and Equipping School, “a school of supernatural ministry offering live online & offline classes globally.” Among the courses she offers include casting what appears to be time-stop magic (“Supernatural Time”) and clairvoyance (“Seeing in the Spirit”). She also hosts a YouTube channel that covers Christian supernatural topics such as “How to raise the Dead” and “modern day multiplication miracles” (Note: not related to arithmetic).
Fritz publically posted on Facebook her account of her and her friend, Noel’s, activity :
FLYING UNDER THE RADAR AT THE CLEVELAND PAGAN PRIDE FESTIVALThe game plan for tonight was to become portals for God’s presence to flow through. We set out to introduce the supernatural presence, power, and love of God to those who are pagans, witches, reiki masters, and others in the occult. Secondly, we wanted to do so in an “under the radar” type of way for two reasons (1) We wanted to go without getting kicked out. This is a harvest field and we want to be able to go back. (2) We wanted to build lasting connections that can lead to long-term discipleship opportunities. So anyway, here’s what happened. We held up signs that said “Supernatural Hugs.” Then when people approached us we explained that we were going to gently hug them for about a minute or two with an expectation that something positive and wonderful would happen. God showed up over and over again bringing healing, deliverance, prophetic words, words of knowledge and so much more.
Not only that, but we also explained that we teach classes pertaining to the supernatural and invited them to leave their contact information so we could reach out to them for training. Almost every single person gave us their contact info.What sometimes happens is that well-intentioned people get lured into the dark side of the supernatural. After all, most Sunday morning services include speaking and more speaking and more speaking, with very little, if any, demonstration.In response to that people sometimes get sucked into anything spiritual, even if it’s the wrong spirit. Introducing them to Jesus supernaturally is often step one in helping them to consider a different route. By making Jesus experiential it gives them an introductory lesson into how awesome He really is as well as how gracious, kind, and forgiving.Now, before I reconnect with them I will ask God for a lengthy prophetic word for each one and be transparent about which team I’m actually on (Team Jesus), inviting them to take a closer look and have a second introduction to the Jesus they supernaturally met this evening. (Romans 10:14) How will they hear without a preacher…Thanks for going with me Noel. God used you MIGHTILY!!!
Comments on her FB page heralded her as a hero. But one Christian noted “Being purposely sketchy and dishonest while trying to convert people to your religion is probably the worst thing you could do in the name of Christianity. This is complete disregard and disrespect of everyone’s humanity and personhood and freedom of choice. Not everyone wants to be Christian and that should be respected. Period.”
The commentator added “You’re shocked that people are unhappy a Christian is going out of their way to deceive people into joining their cult instead of respecting the fact that Christianity is readily available almost everywhere and if someone wanted to be Christian they would. You’re shocked that a hell doctrine spewing transphobic bigoted sexist Bible being forced onto people in a place that should be safe for lgbtq is upsetting people? Really?”
Ginger Stormwalker Marshall witnessed the events. Stormwalker is a priestess of Isis ordained in the Society of Aset Rising; a chaplain in the Sunflower Sisterhood of the Paratheo-Anametamystikhood of Eris Esoteric; and an elder holding the Keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
She contacted The Wild Hunt and directed us to a commentary she shared on The Buckeye Flame, an LGBTQ+ news source for Ohio. Stormwalker wrote “It gets worse. Fritz brags she always sneaks into events, dramatically calling it going “under the radar.” She claims she’d have been thrown out of Pagan Pride if we caught her. It was totally made up, for drama.”
Stormwalker cautioned the community to be wary at future Pagan events. “I am angry. She is skilled in deception, but as a community elder, a priestess and a leader at Pagan Pride, I should have asked questions. Instead, I was distracted by the hundred other things that go with working a big event. Never again,” she wrote.
Stormwalker added “I am angry because Fritz and her followers used predatory lies and invaded a sacred space of joy and celebration. Their actions were and are inexcusable.”
The July 2023 just-shy-of-full Super Moon over TWH headquarters in Miami
TWH — Jupiter entered retrograde began yesterday, September 4, 2023, and will continue retrograde motion until December 30, 2023.
Jupiter retrograde is an astronomical event that occurs when the planet Jupiter appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth.
Astrologically, Jupiter is the planet of grandeur and brilliance and its retrograde motion is often interpreted as a period for self-reflection and introspection, encouraging individuals to examine their beliefs, values, and philosophical perspectives and challenge the personal truths that fulfill our paths.
Jupiter retrograde is also associated with expansion, growth, and abundance. It could be a time to review and revise your goals, especially those related to education, travel, and personal development. Jupiter retrograde also offers spiritual opportunities to reconnect with the past. This may manifest as rekindling old friendships, revisiting past educational pursuits, or reconsidering opportunities you previously passed on.
Jupiter takes an entire year to transit a constellation. It is currently in Taurus. The combination asks us to appreciate the finer things in life but remain practical. It also reminds us to consider our financial future with practicality, patience, and values.
Do you have news to share with our community? Elevations? Events? Let us know at pcn@wildhunt.org.
It’s getting close to Mabon and we must ask again for support from our community. Your financial gifts keep The Wild Hunt running. Without you, we don’t exist.
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As always, thank you for your support of The Wild Hunt!
Happening This Weekend:
Twin Cities Pagan Pride will once again hold its Pagan Pride event at Minnehaha Falls Park, 4801 South Minnehaha Park Dr, Minneapolis, MN on September 09, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Minneapolis, MN, August 8, 2023– Pagan Pride is a free fall event, open to the public, that offers education about Paganism to the larger community. In keeping with Pagan Pride International’s guidelines, Twin Cities Pagan Pride has offered a fall event since 1998 that includes workshops, rituals, discussions, entertainment, vendors/community groups and a food drive. We’re excited to announce that our 2023 event will again focus on public education in an outdoor site that has tons of walkthrough traffic.
Highlights
- Workshops, entertainment, and rituals
- Programming and performers that will focus on education and enrichment
- Entertainment Stage featuring local musicians
- Children’s Activity Tent featuring fun activities and face painting
- 75 vendors selling Pagan and non-Pagan wares (jewelry, herbs, hand-made goods, books, and more) and local community groups raising awareness about their organizations or causes
- Attendees will be encouraged to provide donations to our food shelf partner, Groveland Emergency Food Shelf
Announcements & Upcoming Gatherings:
Ogden Pagan Pride Day will be held on September 23, 2023, and celebrates the 23rd year of the Pagan Pride Project. It’s also the day of the autumn equinox! The Ogden Pagan Pride event is to be held at Monroe Park, 850 Monroe Blvd, Ogden Utah. It will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with local entertainment, vendors, two rituals, and lots of workshops. They wrote, “Let’s conjure up a day filled with workshops, rituals, and enchanting activities that celebrate Pagan Pride and unity!” Event information and updates are available on the Events website.
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 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. 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 an open harvest ritual, musical entertainment, workshops (classes), and many vendors for a fun, family-friendly community-driven event. There are several restaurants and cafes in the area, so plan to come and stay a while! Updates are also available 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.
Washington State’s Pagan Pride Day is Sept 30/Oct 1, 2023, at the LaQuinta in Tacoma, WA.
This is our 17th year, and after two years of broadcasting online events with some of the most respected names in the Pagan community, we are back in person! Please join us and the many vendors, readers, and a fantastic lineup of presenters.
Special guest presenters include @ThatWitchLife podcast, who will record an episode for their internationally-known weekly podcast. The show is hosted by Kanani Soleil, Courtney Weber, and Hilary Whitmore and focuses on living as a Witch or Magickal person today.
We are delighted to have Brittany Jones, a presidential candidate for the US 2024 election. Brittany Jones is an unaffiliated candidate for the 2024 presidential elections. She is taking the knowledge she has learned from her campaign and helping educate people across the United States about how elections work. She has been a practicing Pagan, primarily doing dream work, for the last ten years. She also practices candle magic and energy manipulation. Please visit her website to learn more. Puget Sound Pagan Pride has invited other presidential candidates in the spirit of openness and fairness to all. Organizers said they also need volunteers. Contact them for details.
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
Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are the largest of all living turtles and the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile, reaching lengths of up to almost 6 ft (1.8 meters) and weights over 1,100 lbs (500 kilograms). They are the only living species in the genus Dermochelys and family Dermochelyidae. It can easily be differentiated from other modern sea turtles by its lack of a bony shell; instead, its carapace is covered by oily flesh and flexible, leather-like skin, for which it is named.
Unfortunately, Leatherback sea turtles are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, due to threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing.
Leatherback sea turtles also have extraordinary powers: they are the deepest-diving sea turtle, with a record dive of 4,000 feet; they are also the longest-living sea turtle, with a lifespan of up to 100 years; and, while traveling thousands of miles around the ocean and returning to their nesting beaches, they eat jellyfish.
We need their jellyfish devouring power more than ever. Leatherbacks can eat 16,000 calories worth of jellyfish a day consuming thousands of metric tons of jellyfish. Leatherbacks can devour the worst of them too, unaffected by the stings of the jellyfish that can hurt and even paralyze opponents. Their mouths have evolved with keratine scales that protect the leatherbacks and rip the jellyfish.
A leatherback’s esophagus is not a good place to find yourself. [Image credit: Mdomingoa, CC BY-SA 4.0]
And now we are happy to report that they may be singlehandedly holding back the Jellypocalypse:
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Deviant Moon Tarot, Borderless Edition by Patrick Valenza, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Card: Major arcana IX (9) – The Hermit
The week ahead may awaken the desire to escape from the day-to-day grind and seek a deeper meaning in life and the choices made. The week may also reveal information or knowledge that had previously been hidden.
Conversely, too much time away from others can result in isolation and ultimately result in seeing the value of reconnecting with community and social functions.
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