Welcome to the Ides of March!
Tonight is a Blood Moon
EARTH (most parts) – The first total lunar eclipse since 2022 will illuminate the night sky tomorrow (March 13-14, 2025), but only for those on Earth’s night side. During this stunning celestial event, the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow for 65 minutes, taking on a deep reddish hue—commonly known as a “blood moon.”
Although the eclipse occurs at the same universal time worldwide, the best viewing conditions will be in North and South America. Observers in parts of Europe may catch a glimpse at the moonset, while those in East Asia will see it as the moon rises. The moment of greatest eclipse will occur over the Pacific.
Our friend Astrologer and Dianic Witch, Susan Levitt, shared:
This full Moon is in Virgo. Earth sign Virgo rules the 6th House of health, work, and service. Under the influence of intelligent, common-sense Virgo, now is time to focus on the details and practicalities of life. An Eclipse is an absence of light when the shadow is seen. Unconscious patterns can come to the surface to be examined. For some people, this is time to reassess work commitments and ways to be of service. For others, this full Moon Eclipse and as the Moon wanes is time for nurturing and attention to health.
This Virgo full Moon is opposite the Sun, Saturn, and Neptune in Pisces. The one astrology sign opposite Virgo is the intuitive and spiritual Water sign Pisces. Oppositions involve other people, those opposite you. There could be a conflict of your personal needs and your public or professional duties. Relationships can seem unstable, especially with Venus still retrograde until April 12.
The Feast of Anna Perenna
Aeneas Departs From Carthage; Anna and Dido are labelled. via e Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Anna Perenna is a Roman goddess associated with the cycle of the year, longevity, and renewal. Her name derives from the Latin words annus (year) and perennis (eternal, enduring), symbolizing the transition between old and new time cycles. Her festival, held on March 15 (the Ides of March), was a day of revelry, feasting, and drinking, ensuring participants a long and prosperous life.
Anna Perenna’s origins are a bit murky, with multiple stories explaining her divine role.
One tale, recorded by Ovid, links her to Anna, the sister of Queen Dido of Carthage. After Dido’s tragic death, Anna fled to Italy and was received by Aeneas, the Trojan hero. However, Aeneas’ wife, Lavinia, grew jealous, forcing Anna to escape. She found refuge in a river, where she was transformed into a water nymph, becoming the goddess of flowing time and renewal.
Another legend tells of Anna as a trickster. The war god Mars wished to court Minerva and asked Anna to arrange the match. Instead, Anna deceived him, pretending to be the bride herself, and laughed at his disappointment. This mischievous aspect of her character reflects the playful and joyous nature of her festival.
More archaic traditions suggest that Anna Perenna was a pre-Roman goddess of the year’s cycle, possibly of Etruscan origin, ensuring the passage of seasons and the prosperity of the people.
Anna Perenna’s festival was celebrated outdoors, near a sacred spring on the Via Flaminia. Romans gathered for picnics, songs, and games, drinking as many cups of wine as the number of years they wished to live. The day was filled with laughter, reflecting her association with fertility, abundance, and the joy of life.
Akitu – The Festival of Marduk
Chaos Monster and Sun God. rawing by L. Gruner – ‘Monuments of Nineveh, Second Series’ plate 5, London, J. Murray, 1853. Public domain
The Akitu festival was an important religious celebration in ancient Babylon, marking the New Year and honoring Marduk, the city’s chief deity. Traditionally observed around the spring equinox (late March to early April), it symbolized the triumph of order over chaos.
The festival reenacted Marduk’s victory over Tiamat, the primordial chaos serpent, as told in the Enuma Elish creation myth. This event affirmed Marduk’s divine rule and the renewal of the world. The festival also played a crucial role in kingship renewal—the reigning king was ritually stripped of power, only to be reinstated as a sign of divine legitimacy.
The Esagila temple in Babylon became the center of the festivities, where processions, prayers, and offerings were made. The Enuma Elish was recited, reaffirming Marduk’s role as creator and protector of the cosmos.
Some modern NeoPagan, polytheistic, and reconstructionist groups honor Marduk’s triumph as a time of renewal, creation, and leadership reflection.
Flagstones enclosure seen shortly after construction in the middle Neolithic period. Reconstruction by Jennie Anderson via University of Exeter
DOREST, England- Archaeological research on the prehistoric Dorset burial site known as Flagstones has revealed it to be Britain’s earliest known large circular enclosure. Located near Dorchester, the site has been redated to around 3200 BC—two centuries earlier than previously believed—thanks to advanced radiocarbon analysis of human remains, red deer antlers, and charcoal found at the site. This new dating suggests Flagstones may have influenced later monuments, including Stonehenge.
The findings, a collaboration between the University of Exeter and Historic England, were published in Antiquity. Dr. Susan Greaney, a Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments specialist, describes Flagstones as a unique circular ditched enclosure containing burials and cremations. “In some respects, it resembles earlier causewayed enclosures, and in others, it looks like later henges. The revised chronology places it in an earlier period than expected,” she explains.
Flagstones were discovered in the 1980s during the construction of the Dorchester bypass. Excavations revealed a 100-meter-wide circular ditch made of intersecting pits, possibly surrounded by an earthwork bank. Today, part of the site lies beneath the bypass, with the remainder under Max Gate, Thomas Hardy’s former home, now owned by the National Trust. Flagstones is a scheduled monument, with excavation archives preserved atthe Dorset Museum.
The site contained at least four burials—one cremated adult and three non-cremated children—along with three additional partial cremations of adults. The similarity of Flagstones to the earliest phase of Stonehenge, dated to around 2900 BC, led to assumptions that the two were contemporary. However, the new scientific dating program, led by Dr. Greaney and Dr. Peter Marshall, used 23 radiocarbon measurements from ETH Zürich and the University of Groningen to refine its chronology.
The study revealed early Neolithic activity at Flagstones around 3650 BC, followed by the creation of the circular enclosure around 3200 BC, with burials soon after. Remarkably, a later burial of a young adult male under a large sarsen stone occurred roughly 1,000 years later.
“The chronology of Flagstones is crucial for understanding the sequence of ceremonial and funerary monuments in Britain,” says Dr. Greaney. The site also shows connections to other Neolithic sites, including Llandygái ‘Henge’ A in Wales and locations in Ireland, highlighting the interconnectedness of prehistoric communities.
Events and Happenings
PAGANICON
Twin Cities Pagan Pride will be hosting the annual Paganicon Midwest Conference, March 21-23, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, 3131 Campus Dr, Plymouth, MN.
Paganicon is a Pagan conference with workshops, panels, discussions, social space, live music, a ball, vendors and more. In its fourteenth year, Paganicon is organized by Twin Cities Pagan Pride and a host of volunteers to provide an educational and social venue for Pagans, Wiccans, Heathens, Druids, and other folk, craft, indigenous or magickal traditions.
Paganicon welcomes Guests:
Ivo Dominguez, Jr. has been a witch since 1978 and is one of the founders and Elders of the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel. He is the anchor author for the new twelve-book Witch’s Sun Sign Series. Ivo is the author of The Four Elements of the Wise, Keys to Perception, Casting Sacred Space, Practical Astrology for Witches & Pagans, and Spirit Speak. His techniques are rooted in a synthesis of traditional metaphysical teachings, modern science, and memories from past lives. In his mundane life, he has been a computer programmer, the executive director of an AIDS/HIV service organization, a metaphysical bookstore owner, and more. He is queer, poly, and lives in the woods of Southern Delaware with his family of choice.
Sen Elias For over 20 years of experience, Sen Elias has pursued the study of magic through dedicated practice and study. At a young age, his grandmother recognized his ability to speak to spirits and because of his gifts, she passed the practice of hoodoo to him. He has become a leader in his community by helping others through his service of rootwork and conjure. Sen Elias is the proud owner of Crescent City Conjure in New Orleans Louisiana.
Mhara Starling was born in North Wales. Having grown up upon the Isle of Anglesey, an Island rich in history and lore pertaining to Druids, Witches, Fairies, Giants, and Magic, she developed an interest in Witchcraft from a very young age. Mhara’s native language is Welsh, a Celtic language, and she loves nothing more than to explore the magic and lore of her landscape and culture. She is a Swynwraig, a modern-day Welsh Witch, and an Awenydd of the Anglesey Druid Order. Mhara runs her own coven on the borders of Wales, and has taught at various festivals, conferences, and events across the United Kingdom. She is a published author with Llewellyn Worldwide and shares her love for the traditions and magic of Wales online to people across the world.
Christine Ashworth comes from a family of writers; her father, Chet Cunningham, had over 350 novels published in his lifetime. Christine has been published since 2011 in contemporary and paranormal romance as well as non-fiction. She has had a regular column in The Cartomancer Magazine since summer of 2018. She can be found on Facebook at ChristineAshworthAuthor. Her biography about her brother, titled Scott Cunningham – The Path Taken – Honoring the Life and Legacy of a Wiccan Trailblazer, was published in September 2023 by Red Wheel/Weiser Books.
Also at Paganicon this year:
- Crossroads Convergence, an original folk-rock band for a new generation, will be the Friday Night Concert entertainment. They are an acoustic band in the lineage of Fleetwood Mac. Entertainment for the Equinox Masquerade Costume Ball is The Nathaniel Johnstone Band who sing about humanity, myth and whimsy. His unique Mythpunk sound is inspired by metal, jazz, punk, folk, rock, and blues from all over the world, resulting in music that transcends boundaries of genre or theme.
- 2025 Art Show – The Third Offering: A Sacred Gallery Space. Artists from all over the U.S. will be displaying all types of visual media.
Twin Cities Pagan Pride is a 501(c)3 independent organization. Its mission is to educate the general public about earth-reverent faiths, promote religious tolerance for all faiths, and to provide a forum for the exploration, comparison, contrast, growth and expansion of diverse spiritual and religious ideas, theories, practices, traditions and views.
Restored Rites of Eleusis to Return for 39th Year at Spring Mysteries Festival
Spring Mysteries Festival, the premier event dedicated to the revival and celebration of ancient spiritual traditions, is thrilled to announce the Restored Rites of Eleusis will be performed in Seattle, Washington this coming spring. The sacred rituals once lost to time, will be brought to life through an immersive experience during the festival, a vibrant celebration of the ancient Greek Mysteries held in honor of Demeter, Persephone, and the agricultural cycles that define the seasonal rhythms of the Earth.
The Eleusinian Mysteries, which date back over 2,500 years to Ancient Greece, were deeply rooted in themes of life, death, and rebirth. For centuries, they were held in secrecy and exclusivity, open only to initiates who experienced profound spiritual awakening through symbolic rituals, including the myth of Demeter and Persephone. The Restored Rites of the Eleusinian Mysteries at the Spring Mysteries Festival will carefully recreate these sacred rites, blending historical authenticity with modern interpretation to create an awe-inspiring, immersive experience.
More information about Spring Mysteries is available on their event site.
There’s a new Pagan even in town! Well, actually in Portland, Oregon…
Spirit Northwest is the West Coast Pagan conference in Portland, May 1 – 4 2025.
Spirit Northwest is a transformative and new format gathering for seekers, offering 90 and 120-minute immersive workshops on Paganism, witchcraft, and natural magick.
We heard from many in the occult community that people longed for in-depth workshops and rituals, hands-on learning, and make-and-takes with well-known speakers, ritualists, and practitioners.
Amy Blackthorn is the award-winning author of the best-selling Blackthorn’s Botanicals series.
J. Allen Cross is an accomplished author and folk magician known for his book American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic and The Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal.
Maria Minnis is a tarot reader of 20+ years who teaches people about blending their spirituality with magic, liberation work, and eroticism in their everyday lives.
We took action and are bringing it to you all in one weekend!
🧙 Opportunities to raise your visibility:
Be a Speaker: Share your wisdom! Applications are closing soon—don’t miss your chance to lead.
Become a Sponsor: Elevate your brand to a highly engaged, diverse audience hungry for magickal tools, insights, and connections. Five sponsorship levels offer options with vendor spaces to hotel suites.
📅 Mark Your Calendar:
- Vendor Applications Open: January 15, 2025.
Schedule Launch: Coming soon via Sched.
Hotel Reservations: Available now.
Saturday Night Entertainment: Stay tuned for the big reveal!
We are excited to learn and meet you all one-on-one in-person conference for Witches and Magickally-Minded people.
🔮 Let’s make magick together in Portland May 1 – 4th.
Your Hosts: Courtney Weber, Kanani Soleil, Hilary Whitmore, and Silent.
More information is available on the Spirt Northwest website
Kithaka Dun
We received the following from the First Polestari of Marion:
We host a Mayday festival every year called Kithaka Dun out at Shelby Forest. Standard adult admission for the weekend is $55, which gets you access to all activities, lodging in the bunkhouses, and 5 meals. Our vendor tables are just $10 extra for a 10×10 space, and a vendor can claim up to 3 spaces. We also ask for an item contributed to our raffle & auction that benefits a local non-profit. This year’s proceeds will go to Friends For All Memphis.
More information and registration is available at their website https://www.firstpolestari.com/kithaka-dun-2025
New Moon in the Valley
New Moon in the Valley invites you to join us for a family-friendly spring equinox ritual! Let’s gather in the community and celebrate the waxing sun and the turning of the wheel.
Participants are invited to bring offerings for our altar, drums, or anything else that moves them.
Post-ritual there will be a community potluck, please bring food to share (label all ingredients). This will be an opportunity to network and connect with local community!
This event is free to the public. Cash donations to offset expenses and the cost of future events are welcome but not mandatory. It is rain or shine, dress for the weather! The UMass Sunwheel can be hard to search on a map, here’s some guidance in locating the event: http://www.umass.edu/sunwheel/pages/directions.html
In the spirit of supporting the larger community, we will be collecting non-perishable food items to donate to the Amherst Survival Center.
🌸🌱 🌸🌱 🌸🌱 🌸🌱 🌸🌱 🌸🌱 🌸🌱 🌸
New Moon in the Valley is inclusive of all life-affirming traditions, paths, perspectives, backgrounds, ages, cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We expect all members and attendees to be open-minded and respectful.
We are a Pagan networking group in Western Massachusetts that seek to build community through public Pagan/Earth-centered holiday celebrations and providing opportunities for workshops to foster personal growth and learning about Pagan traditions.
Our goal is to bring accessible rituals to the general public. If you want to get involved in future events please follow our Facebook page, reach out to a host, or ask us at the ritual!
Do you have news to share with our community?
Announcements? Festivals? Elevations? Events?
We’ll share it with the community!
Let us know at pcn@wildhunt.org
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Deviant Moon Tarot, by Patrick Valenza, published by U.S. Games Systems, inc.
Card: Seven (7) of Cups
The next seven days have the potential to offer up a variety of opportunities but discernment will be key when it comes to deciding which ones to pursue. If an option sounds too good to be true, that is likely to be the case. There is also the potential for indulging in wishful thinking and even falling prey to illusions and flights of fancy. Staying grounded and focused, and fully investigating the choices available are the best practices.
In contrast, the sheer amount of options is likely to be overwhelming and lead to confusion, indecision, and difficulty in maintaining a focus. Weeding out opportunities that are not realistic or practical is liable to rest on the ability to research and rely on hard facts. Trust only what can be verified through reliable and solid sources.
We had to share
American Airlines logo
An American Airlines flight had barely left Savannah, Georgia, bound for Miami when Satanic chaos erupted.
According to the New York Times, Delange Augustin, 31, suddenly began yelling and shaking, alarming passengers and crew. At first, flight attendants thought he was having a seizure, but his behavior quickly proved otherwise.
Convinced that a demonic presence had followed him onto the plane, Augustin began swallowing rosary beads to ward off “Satan’s disciple(s).”
As crew members approached to assist, Augustin lashed out, kicking a flight attendant so forcefully that they were thrown across the aisle and into a window. The disturbance left the pilots no choice but to turn the plane around.
Augustin was traveling with his sister, who later told authorities they were heading to Haiti to escape “religious attacks of a spiritual nature.” According to an FBI affidavit, Augustin’s behavior seemed deliberate, though difficult to explain.
As the aircraft landed back in Savannah, Augustin allegedly attacked crew members again, forcing fellow passengers to help restrain him. Authorities took him into custody upon arrival.
American Airlines later commended the professionalism of the crew and the patience of passengers. Augustin now faces multiple charges, including misdemeanor battery and criminal property damage.
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