Sleep [Pixabay
New holidays and rituals can creep up on us in no time and out of nowhere. This is a good one.
No one is quite sure who created the Festival of Sleep but it is upon us. The Festival of Sleep is an informal, quirky “holiday” celebrated on January 3rd each year. While it isn’t an official or traditional festival, its lighthearted purpose is to encourage people to take a break from their busy lives—particularly after the hectic holiday season—and enjoy some much-needed rest.
Our sleep habits have been studied and theorized since the time of the Ancient Greeks, yet Festival of Sleep Day is a modern celebration dedicated to the importance of rest. This day was created to help us recover from the sleep we may have lost during the busy end-of-year festivities and to remind us of the many benefits of a good night’s sleep.
The Sleep Foundation warns that insufficient sleep can lead to a range of serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, a weakened immune system, a higher risk of obesity and type II diabetes, cognitive impairments, and mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. This day serves as a timely reminder of the value of prioritizing sleep for overall well-being.
Globally, it’s estimated that two-thirds of adults are not getting enough rest. The World Health Organization recommends that adults aim for eight hours of sleep each night to maintain optimal health.
Blessings on Hypnos to those who need them (it looks like all of us)!
On Sunday, January 5 on the eve of the Epiphany in the Christian church, In Italy and many with Italian connections will celebrate many will celebrate La Befana. La Befana is a cherished figure in Italian folklore, celebrated on Epiphany Eve (January 5th) and Epiphany Day (January 6th).
Known as a kind-hearted Witch, she flies on her broomstick delivering gifts to children, much like Santa Claus. Well-behaved children wake to stockings filled with sweets and toys, while those who have been naughty receive coal, often in the form of candy. Her legend is deeply rooted in the Christian story of the Epiphany, tied to the journey of the Magi.
Rhe Magi are commonly known as wise men because of the King James version of the Bible, but there’s more to that story. The term “Magi” is the plural form of the Latin magus, which was borrowed from the Greek word μάγος (magos). This term appears in the original Greek text of the Gospel of Matthew, where the plural form μάγοι (magoi) is used. The Greek magos traces its origins to the Old Persian maguŝ, which itself derives from the Avestan magâunô, referring to the priestly caste within Zoroastrianism. In this tradition, priests were particularly focused on observing the stars, earning an international reputation for their expertise in astrology—a discipline highly regarded as a science at the time. Their religious practices and astrological knowledge contributed to the association of the term “Magi” with the occult, ultimately influencing the development of the English word “magic.”
Well, there it is.
Let’s get back to the Befana, La Befana is also a symbol of generosity and second chances. Her story intertwines Christian traditions with older pagan customs, reflecting Italy’s rich cultural tapestry. Today, she remains central to Epiphany celebrations, bringing joy to families and marking the end of the Christmas season. Markets, parades, and family traditions honor her legacy, making her a beloved icon in Italian homes. Through her story, La Befana reminds us of the values of kindness, giving, and second chances.
Stacy Psaros spotlighted the traditions of La Befana a couple of years ago The Wild Hunt.
We know that’s a lot of occult in Witchcraft for some of our friends to handle.
So, let’s move on.
Rev. Jean Pagano, the Archdruid of Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF)—a druidic order that branched off from the Reformed Druids of North America (RDNA) in the 1980s to adopt a more structured neo-pagan focus— was featured in an article by The Guardian. “The RDNA began with a tongue-in-cheek spirit,” Pagano said discussing the formation of RDNA. “Some still approach it that way, but the rituals I’ve witnessed are deeply meaningful and conducted with genuine seriousness.”
Briefly, in 1963, students at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, initiated the Reformed Druids of North America (RDNA) as a satirical response to the institution’s mandatory religious attendance policy. This policy required students to attend a certain number of religious services, which some perceived as restrictive. To challenge this, students, including Howard Cherniack, created the RDNA, conducting mock druidic rituals that humorously fulfilled the college’s requirements.
Despite its origins as a joke of resistance, RDNA began to attract genuine interest. Participants found value in the group’s nature-centric ceremonies, which emphasized seasonal changes and personal reflection. This unexpected spiritual resonance led to the establishment of “groves,” or local RDNA groups, across various campuses and communities. Over time, the RDNA evolved beyond its initial parody, influencing the broader Neopagan movement in North America. It has contributed to the diversity of modern spiritual practices, illustrating how a movement can transition from satire to sincere belief, reflecting the evolving nature of religious expression in contemporary society.
Last week, WitcraftTV announced that it had reached the end of its road noting that funding challenges were bringing an end to the broadcast.
Harold Sanford Carter III released a statement on social media about the decision and the plans to go off the air.
Dear pagan, witch, and magical community,
It is with a heavy heart that I announce www.witchcrafttv.online will be going off air due to the financial burden of offering such services. What began as a simple podcast, “The Lone Wolf Show,” evolved into a pagan music award, a collaboration with Circle of Ancient Sisters, and ultimately, a privately owned station. It has been one hell of a journey.
I am honored to have worked with and interviewed so many adept and wonderful pagans, witches, and magical people. Your support and engagement have been invaluable.
On a personal note, I will now focus on writing my first book about contemporary witchcraft. This forthcoming book would not be possible without the networking power of my video work and work within the landscape of pagan media. The Witchcraft Teachings core group will continue, and personally I am currently helping restore an old school in Oklahoma. I will also be focusing on my music and still have the ambition to build the biggest pagan temple the United States has ever seen. (Isn’t that goal of every pagan priest?)
Online pagan media can be very challenging, but I hope to see you soon in the core class, through my forthcoming book, and in song.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Blessings, Harold Sanford Carter III
A few hours after the announcement, Carter reported that the team had potentially found a sponsor in the UK. He then announced that “Witchcraft TV will now have a partnership and will not only broadcast from America but also in the United Kingdom. The show must go on. Praise the Gods.” Spiritual advisor and mystic, Bradley Powers joined WitchcraftTV online and the broadcast announced a new show that includes Powers called “TRUTHSEEKERS PROPHECY.” Its first episode aired on January 1, 2025, discussed Paranormal Phenomena, Spirituality, Haunted Dolls, Tarot & Psychometry.
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Royal Animals Tarot, art by Severion Baraldi, text by Muire Fitzrandolph, published by Lo Scarabeo.
Card: Two (2) of Cups
This first week of the new calendar year is likely to have an emphasis on sharing, trust, and the willingness to express vulnerabilities in building lasting relationships. Whether in reference to a new relationship or in strengthening and deepening an existing relationship, the foundational shared values of compassion, trust, and unconditional love and acceptance are liable to figure prominently.
Conversely, finding oneself with a lack of meaningful relationships could signal a need for the focus to be turned inward and on loving and understanding the self and inner landscape. Additionally, relationships that have grown toxic, those that no longer serve a mutual benefit, or those that have simply diverged to support other missions and paths are apt to dissolve.
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