- TWH would love to see and share your Ancestor altar pictures!
- The Wild Hunt is seeking pictures of ancestor altars for inclusion in an article for publication that highlights and celebrates Samhain.
- Submission guidelines:
- Must be an original picture(s) that has not been published online and that the submitter has taken.
- Include a location and name of the submitter, e.g. – Photo taken in Northeast Ohio by D. Witch. We need this to credit the image.
- Sending an image implies permission for TWH to publish it.
- The deadline is 11:59PM on October 29, 2023.
- Must be formatted as a jpg, png, or pdf.
Submissions can be emailed to pcn@wildhunt.org with the subject: Ancestor Altar and must be received by midnight (EDT) on October 29, 2023.
ISTANBUL – A statue of a water nymph that was discovered last month in Amasra, Türkiye turns out to be a statue of Aphrodite, one of the Twelve Olympians and the goddess of love, passion, pleasure, beauty, and sexuality.
Amasra is a small port town north of Ankara and East of Istanbul, situated on a small peninsula on the Black Sea coast, surrounded by the sea on three sides. Amasra has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was originally settled by the Greeks and later became a part of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. It was also a Phoenician colony dating back to the 12th century BCE.
In a message to Emperor Trajan, Pliny the Younger described it as a “handsome city” that later became a little metropolis based on Roman coinage found on the site with the emperor’s visage.
Last month the discovery of the statue was announced and identified as a nymph. The statue underwent a thorough analysis conducted by scholars and specialists from Bartın University and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. These experts meticulously studied around 20 Aphrodite statues discovered in Türkiye. Their scrutiny revealed that the statue exhibited traits of both a nymph and Aphrodite. Subsequent examinations conclusively confirmed the statue’s identity as Aphrodite.
The statue was found at a depth of about 12 feet (~3.70 meters) during excavations to assess the ground beneath an ancient city’s Gymnasium structure. This nymph statue, standing at roughly 5 feet tall (~1.53 meters tall), is now believed to originate from the second century C.E.
Amasra Museum Deputy Director Güray Can Aytekin said, “Our aim was to reach the floor of the Gymnasium structure, and we found the statue, approximately 4 meters underground. Then removed it as a whole. We introduced it as a water fairy because the area where we found it was an area that we considered as a pool. But examinations revealed that it was more like an Aphrodite.”
Aytekin said, “We see examples of this statue in the 4th century B.C. as there were S-curve works made during this classical period. The posture of this statue is also in the S position. We see this example especially in Praxiteles’ School. We know that this form was further shaped during the later Hellenistic period, and its copies were made in the Roman period, too. We estimate that our statue is from the Roman period. It is possible to date it to the Roman period between 180 and 200 A.D., that is, in the last quarter of the second century.”
A statue of the goddess Aphrodite was uncovered during excavations in Amastra, Türkiye. Photo Credit: Directorate of Excavations and Research, Turkey.
“The statue is also important for our museum in this respect. To date, there have not been many scientific excavations in the history of the museum. The museum is home to the artifacts recovered from the surface and foundation excavations in and around Amasya. This work is very important for the city and museum in terms of its layer, its location and its appearance as a whole. At the same time, it is a work that will contribute to the literature. The region is already on the UNESCO Tentative List with its castle structure. And thanks to this statue, we will announce to the world the fact that it was an important port city in the Roman period.”
Announcements:
20th Conference on Current Pagan Studies: 2024
Re-Emergence: The Great Pause is Over, What Now?
The world has witnessed an unprecedented global pause as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting individuals and communities to re-evaluate and adapt their practices, beliefs, and ways of life. For contemporary Pagan religions, which encompass a diverse array of spiritual paths rooted in ancient traditions and modern innovations, this period of disruption has led to introspection, transformation, and innovation. As we move beyond the pandemic and re-engage with the world, questions arise: How have Pagan communities navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic? What adaptations were made in rituals, gatherings, and celebrations? How has the re-emergence brought about a reconnection with nature, the divine, and one another?
The Conference on Current Pagan Studies invites papers and presentations on the re-emergence of Contemporary Pagan practice after the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s conference will be a hybrid offering, taking place January 13 and 14, 2024.
The Conference on Current Pagan Studies invites papers that explore this theme from historical, creative, psychological, spiritual, and other points of view. We are looking for papers from all disciplines, because a community needs artists, teachers, scientists, healers, historians, philosophers, educators, thinkers, activists, etc. As usual, we are using the word Pagan in its more inclusive form, covering Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, and the numerous other denominations of polytheism as well as any indigenous groups that feel akin or want to be included in the conversation.
Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words and are due October 31, 2023. Go to our website at www.paganconference.com for advice on presenting. Please email abstracts to pagan_conference@yahoo.com.
Do you have news to share with our community? Elevations? Events? Let us know at pcn@wildhunt.org.
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Announcements & Upcoming Gatherings:
Circle Sanctuary 2023 Samhain Festival – October 27-29 – at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve in southwestern Wisconsin USA. The event includes Rituals, Workshops, Bonfires, Witches Ball, & more. Those interested in taking part in some or all of our festivals need to register by Thursday night, October 26.
Circle Sanctuary wrote “At our Samhain Festival, we also will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve.
Circle Sanctuary also will be holding a free Beloved Dead Full Moon Circle ritual livestreamed via the Circle Sanctuary YouTube channel on Thursday night, October 26.
They also shared a free online guide to Samhain Lore & Rites.
Samhain Blessings!
Spirit Passages Academy is hosting a FREE Global Online Wild Hunt on Saturday, October 28. The program is scheduled for 2PT/5ET/21:00 UTC/GMT. We have roles for everyone, whether they are trained in psychopomp work or not. Everyone who wishes to can participate in tidying up the world for Winter! Here is the registration link.
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
Please join the Chicago area Reclaiming Pagans and extended community on Sunday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m., doors open at 5:30, at the Unitarian Church of Evanston as we celebrate Samhain with a Spiral Dance, ritual, and a vegetarian potluck meal. The Spiral Dance is a Samhain ritual honoring the memory of our beloved and mighty ancestors as we who live set our intent for the coming year. This ritual has been held by the Reclaiming Collective in San Francisco for the last 43 years, and we are excited to bring this ritual to Chicago and thank UCE for hosting us. We are also looking for volunteers for both logistical and ritual roles.
We strive to make this event accessible to all. If you have any special or specific accessibility needs, please feel free to contact us at spiraldancechicago@gmail.com
Masks are encouraged but optional; they will be provided. Please do not wear perfumes or strong scents. If you feel called to bring something for the potluck, please label all ingredients. Weather permitting, the potluck meal will be outside.
If possible, please pre-register via Eventbrite. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Donations of between $0 and $20 dollars are welcome to defray costs; any surplus donations will be given to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Image via Announcement
Public Samhain Ritual at UMass Amherst Stone Circle- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 AT 5:30 PM. Please join us for a public Pagan ritual at the UMass Amherst Stone Circle in honor of Samhain and the turning of the year/end of the harvest season. All Pagan and Pagan-leaning people are welcome to join us in the common purpose of honoring our ancestors, those who have recently passed and those who have recently been born. This ritual is inclusive of all traditions, paths, perspectives, backgrounds, ages, cultures, gender identities, abilities, experiences, etc. Please consider bringing a photo or two of those who have passed that you would like to honor during our time together.
In the spirit of supporting the larger community, we will be collecting donations at the ritual for our neighbors and are requesting non-perishable food and/or toiletry items. There is no cost to attend the ritual. Food donations are only requested of those who are in a place to be able to donate.
This is an outdoor ritual. Please dress appropriately for the season and weather.
Learn more by visiting our event page on Facebook.
Open Coven is running the following in-person events in Western North Carolina this Fall and early winter. Open Coven is run by TWH writer Liz Watkin, a fiber artist and educator with an online learning background.
Open Coven provides resources on using fiber art for magick. This includes embroidery and fiber art kits, classes, and online workshops. For more info. visit their website:
- 11/18 & 11/19 – Pop-up: 11 am – 7 pm at Asheville Raven and Crone (640 Merrimon Ave #207, Asheville, NC)
- 11/25 – Magick Talisman Class: 2 – 4 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
- 12/9 – Tarot Bag Class: 2 – 5 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
- 1/13 – Altar Cloth Class: 1 – 5 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
If you have an announcement or an event to share with the community,
send it to The Wild Hunt at pcn@wildhunt.org
Positively Noteworthy
Pando, also known as the Trembling Giant, is a clonal colony of a single male quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) tree located in the Fishlake National Forest in Utah, United States. What makes Pando unique is that it is considered one of the oldest and heaviest organisms on Earth. The tree itself is estimated to be at least 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known living organisms.
Aerial outline of Pando. (Photo Credit: Lance Oditt/Friends of Pando)
But there’s an interesting twist: Pando is not just a single tree but a clonal colony, meaning that it reproduces asexually by sending up new shoots from its extensive root system. All the trees in the colony are genetically identical and share the same root system. As a result, they are considered a single organism with the same genetic makeup. The individual trees in the colony may only live for a relatively short time, but the root system as a whole is ancient.
The name “Pando” is derived from the Latin word for “I spread,” which is fitting considering the colony’s ability to reproduce and spread over a large area. Pando covers about 106 acres (43 hectares) and consists of over 47,000 genetically identical trees. This unique organism is not only scientifically fascinating but also serves as a testament to the remarkable resilience and longevity of some plant species.
Friends of Pando is an organization dedicated to education, research, and the preservation of this amazing colony.
Recently, Sound artist Jeff Rice, a resident artist at Friends of Pando, used a hydrophone within an opening at the base of a branch and threaded it down to the tree’s roots. A hydrophone is a specialized microphone designed for capturing sound underwater. Unlike traditional microphones, hydrophones are constructed to work in aquatic environments, allowing scientists, researchers, and marine biologists to study underwater sounds, including those made by marine animals, ships, underwater seismic activities, and other aquatic sources.
“Hydrophones don’t just need water to work,” Rice said. “They can pick up vibrations from surfaces like roots as well, and when I put on my headphones, I was instantly surprised. Something was happening. There was a faint sound.”
During a thunderstorm, that sound increased – the device captured an eerie low rumbling which we can hear on the artist’s site.
“What you’re hearing, I think, is the sound of millions of leaves in the forest, vibrating the tree and passing down through the branches, down into the earth,” Rice explained when he presented his recordings to the 184th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America.
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: The Poe Tarot, by Trisha Leigh Shufelt, published by REDFeather Mind, Body, Spirit.
Card: Ace of Candles (Wands)
This week holds the potential to inspire, be it the launch of a new project, renewed creative enthusiasm, or embarking on an entirely new path. Doorways to new adventures are likely to spring open!
Conversely, endeavors begun before all of the components are ready are more likely to experience delays and be subject to energy going astray.
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