[Pixabay
Georgian Wiccans recently gathered in northeast Florida to foster community connections, deepen their understanding of the Tradition, and pave a way forward.
Georgian Wicca, an initiatory and oath-bound Tradition of the Craft, was established in 1970 by George (Pat) Patterson, Zanoni Silverknife, and Lady Tanith in Bakersfield, California. In mid-April, 28 Georgians, ranging from 18 to 71 years old and primarily Elders from across the U.S., convened in northeastern Florida and online to delve into the Tradition’s history, evolution, and promising future.
The Georgians engaged in various discussions during the gathering, including sex and gender dynamics. They reaffirmed that the Tradition has long embraced same-sex initiations, a practice that began in 1981. This stance was first officially recognized at the 2009 Elder’s Gathering. While it’s important to note that each coven and teacher may have their perspectives, the Elders present also expressed their support and acceptance of all LGBTQ+, including non-binary individuals, who have been integral to Georgian Wicca for many years. Tabitha of Silver Spiral Coven in Washington appreciated this inclusive approach.
“It was an incredibly validating experience,” Tabitha said. “I’ve initiated one non-binary person as a Priestx. We had conversations beforehand, and that was the path we chose together. I’m not claiming to always have the perfect understanding, but I’m committed to being respectful, and it’s a journey that’s becoming easier with time.”
Reflecting on the event, Georgian Wiccans expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to gather in a space where their beliefs were honored and their spirits nourished. Georgian Elder Marla and her wife, author Gypsey Teague, hosted the gathering on their farm in northeast Florida. She looks forward to more events.
“Seeing everyone and spending time together was extremely important to me,” Marla said. “I am looking forward to seeing what other things we can do, with the internet, via Zoom, and regular meet-ups to talk about different topics and have more personalized connections.”
The Olympic flame was lit on Tuesday in Greece’s historic Olympia, the birthplace of the inaugural Olympic Games in 776 BCE.
It will begin a journey of 3,000 miles where the torch voyage across the Mediterranean to France aboard the three-masted ship Belem in May. It will travel through France’s overseas territories and then France before reaching Paris for the commencement of the 2024 Olympic games in July.
A study conducted by the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, led by University of California psychologist Gail Goodman, examined 12,000 allegations of ritual or religious-linked abuse. The study found no evidence supporting the existence of “a well-organized intergenerational satanic cult that sexually molested and tortured children.” However, the research did uncover “convincing evidence of lone perpetrators or couples who claim association with Satan or employ such claims to intimidate victims.”
Image credit: NASA
The Lyrid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs when the Earth passes through the debris trail left by the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. These meteors appear to originate from the constellation Lyra, hence the name “Lyrids.” The Lyrid meteor shower typically occurs each year from around April 16th to April 25th, with its peak activity usually falling around April 22nd.
During the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, observers can expect to see around 10 to 20 meteors per hour under optimal viewing conditions. However, the brightness and frequency of meteors can vary from year to year, and factors such as light pollution and weather conditions can also affect visibility.
The peak of the Lyrid meteor shower this year is from late evening on April 21 until dawn on April 22. The predicted peak time is at 9:23 UTC on April 22.
Unlike some other meteor showers, the peak of the Lyrids is relatively brief, offering no weeks-long stretches of meteor-watching. However, in 2024, the Pink Moon is expected to occur at 23:49 UTC on April 23, meaning that your Lyrid meteor watching will take place under its light which will limit the number of Lyrids we will likely see.
Nevertheless, the Lyrids are known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors, some of which leave persistent trails or even produce fireballs. So we still have an opportunity for an amazing show.
The July 2023 just-shy-of-full Super Moon over TWH headquarters in Miami
As for the moon, The April Pink Moon reaches full illumination at 11:49 UTC or 7:49 p.m. Eastern. While one might hope that the moniker “Pink Moon” relates to the lunar hue, the truth is less mystical. The name stems from the correlation between April’s full Moon and the blossoming of a specific wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata, commonly known as creeping phlox or moss phlox, which was also referred to as “moss pink.”
Congratulations Pagan Unity Festival! We heard that it was Awesome!
The Pagan Unity Festival, a family-friendly event, has been a tradition for twenty-seven years nestled in the scenic hills of Tennessee.
Pagan Unity Festival 2024 logo
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Upcoming
Image courtesy of HBCM
On Thursday, April 24, House of Black Cat Magic will be hosting a day with Debra Burris, author of the new book, Weather Magic, Witchery, Science, Lore.
Burris is a Witch, Master Naturalist, and holds a PhD in physics. Burris will be signing books beginning at 1:00 pm (Eastern) and offering two workshops one on Weather Magic 101 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm (EDT) and the second workshop is Weather Protection Magic from 6:00 – 7:00 pm (EDT). Details on Facebook.
Announcements
IshtarFest is back: June 1 & 2, 2024!
TWH received word that “We are continuing Ishtarfest as an international virtual conference.” This year’s theme is “Passion & Strength: Sheroes & Heroes.” The content of this festival is Sumerian/Mesopotamian-based so that we can immerse ourselves and learn about our pagan roots in the fertile crescent. You do not have to be a practitioner of Mesopotamian/Sumerian Reconstructionism, though you will meet some at this festival for sure. The festival is open to all who wish to learn more about religious practices, myths, and beliefs 5000 years ago.
The organizers wrote: ” We have so many new presentations for you. There are opportunities for additional presentations.
Interested? Please submit a proposal.
This is Inanna and the gods of Mesopotamia; their passions run deep. In addition to traditional spirituality, feel free to explore deeper aspects of sexuality and body-positive empowerment. No nudity, but otherwise, let your imagination wander.
We encourage you and/or your group to write a class, a ritual, a cooking demonstration, perform music, or present any themed spiritual offering surrounding Sumerian mythology and culture.”
This is a virtual festival visit their website for additional information.
Circle Sanctuary’s Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG) is one of America’s oldest and largest Nature Spirituality festivals. Since 1980, PSG has been bringing together Pagans of many paths and places to create community, celebrate the summer solstice, and commune with nature in a sacred environment.
Registration is now open for the 2024 Pagan Spirit Gathering, a national weeklong celebration of Summer Solstice, being held June 16-23 in south central Missouri, USA. This year’s theme is Resonating Radiance.
Pagan Spirit Gathering, also known as PSG, brings together Pagans of many paths and places to create and live in a magickal village community. The Gathering includes rituals, workshops, concerts, merchanting, bonfires, drumming, candlelight labyrinth, Pagan Leadership Institute, life passages programs, and other activities. Learn more & register
The Delmarva Pagan Pride Festival will be offered June 30th, 2024 rain or shine at the Dover, DE outdoor Legislative Mall. This incredible day of classes, music, ritual, and shopping is offered to the community at no cost but we do encourage bringing a canned good donation for the local food bank which can be dropped off at the information desk. Please see our Facebook page for guest announcements and schedule releases. All are welcome, hope to see you there!
The Mystic South Conference announced that the sixth annual event will take place July 26-28, 2024! Mystic South is filled with workshops, educational abstract presentations, rituals, community building, and much more. With the backdrop of the grand city of Atlanta, be a part of our celebration of the diversity of the peoples and religious practices, both past and present, that make up the Southern US region.
The conference also announced that their tickets are on sale. Get your tickets now and, get some for your friends, your neighbors, or just some random person you met on the street!
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Paulina Tarot by Paulina Cassidy, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Card: Knight of Cups
The next seven days are likely to place an emphasis on beauty, creativity, and harmony that are underlined by taking action to move beyond dreaming about desired change. There is also an element of preservation as it relates to existing works of art – artificial or natural.
Contrarily, allowing emotions to rule unchecked can result in undertaking a mission that is divorced from reality, ungrounded, and mired in illusion.
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