Everglades Moon Local Council releases Statement on the recent Harrassment in Orlando
MIAMI – On March 10, 2025, a group of about 40 evangelical Christians from Remnant Revival Outreach Center targeted two metaphysical shops in Orlando, Florida—Spiral Circle Bookstore and Avalon—harassing staff, filming without permission, and accusing the businesses of being “demonic.” Store owners described the incident as a coordinated attack and part of a rising pattern of religious extremism aimed at silencing spiritual diversity. For more details, The Wild Hunt covered the recent events.
Everglades Moon Local Council (EMLC) is an affiliation of covens and solitary members of the Covenant of the Goddess (CoG) in Florida. Today, March 27, 2025, EMLC released a statement addressing the events.
“We live in a nation where everyone is free to worship as they see fit, as allowed by the First Amendment of the Constitution. The actions of the church group on March 10, 2025, in Orlando were in direct opposition of that freedom of worship,” EMLC wrote. “We stand side-by-side with them against the rise of Christian Nationalism that has reared its ugly head in recent years, and honor their commitments to their gods, whom they should be free to worship as they see fit and without fear.”
The complete statement is available on the Everglades Moon website.
We heard great things about Paganicon, which took place last weekend!
Congratulations to Twin Cities Pagan Pride!
Happenings This Weekend!
Heathens Against Hate
Heathens Against Hate is a group that advocates “for the practice of inclusive Heathenry and combat hate and bigotry in Heathen faith through education, reform, and community initiatives.” The group recently organized a collective action during International Women’s Day and plans for a protest in Philadelphia this Saturday, March 29, 2025, prior to Transgender Day of Visibility, which is observed annually on March 31.
Crossings of the Veil
Mary Stuart [Courtesy]
The Wild Hunt is saddened to hear that Mary Stuart crossed the veil. We received the following information and remembrance:
Mary Stuart—a beloved friend, sister, greyhound rescuer, and coven leader—has transitioned to the Summerland.
Surrounded by her immediate family, Mary peacefully left this world on Sunday, March 16, 2025. She is survived by her sister Jacki, one niece, two nephews, and her cherished rescued greyhound, Cowboy.
Mary was a staunch advocate for Paganism, Magick, Wicca, and Faery Seership. Active in the Pagan community for over 50 years, she helped shape and support spiritual traditions. In May 2001, she and two like-minded friends founded the Celtic Circle of Wisdom (CCOW). As one of its creators, she became its heart and soul, carrying forward its tradition and charter. A devoted teacher, she mentored students who became part of her coven, offering guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support.
In recent years, Mary coordinated the organization and growth of the Orange County Faery Seers under the guidance of Orion Foxwood. Reflecting on her impact, Orion shared:
“There are people in your life who leave such an indelible mark that it’s hard to imagine life without them. Mary Stuart was one such person. Her intense commitment to excellence, integrity, and truth—coupled with her loyal spirit, deep compassion, and protective nature—made her an irreplaceable and inspiring presence. She had an uncompromising drive to be the best at everything she did and inspired others to do the same. I know many whose lives were elevated by her guidance.”
David R. Shorey remembers her as “a no-nonsense, fierce, and powerful witch. And despite a sometimes gruff exterior, she had a caring and loving heart. Her dedication to growing Faery Seership, providing meaningful and impactful opportunities for learning, and supporting our community—especially Orion—is a legacy unparalleled.” Thanks to Mary’s leadership, the Orange County Faery Seers graduated in April 2024.
Orion added:
“In addition to being one of Mary’s friends, I had the privilege of being her mentor for many years. She took that wisdom and pulled together the largest group of Faery Seership apprentices in the history of House of Brigh. The quality of her leadership and the depth of her commitment were an inspiration to all.”
Mary also dedicated her time to the Covenant of the Goddess, serving as Pursewarden and First Officer of the Orange County Local Council and as Second Officer on the national board. Most recently, she helped develop and launch the annual Southern California Divination Conference, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering spiritual learning and community.
Her love of knowledge extended beyond the craft. She frequently attended historical and philosophical discussions led by local experts. James D. Reitveld, a college professor, fondly recalls her presence at his lectures:
“Mary Stuart has transitioned to Summerland (as she always called it to me), and her absence has already left a hole in our hearts. She was deeply spiritual, extremely wise, and extraordinarily kind and compassionate. When I started giving public talks on history, religion, and archaeology at both Common Ground in Orange and Ipso Facto in Fullerton, she was always there—always. Even when hardly anyone showed up, Mary would be there, knitting needles in hand, ready to listen and sew at the same time! She always dressed in colorful outfits, had her hair styled just right, and moved with grace. Yet, she was also down-to-earth, full of colorful stories (like her encounter with Robert Plant). Mary knew how to nurture long-term friendships. She made it clear that once she established a friendship, she would always be there. And she was. The world was a better place with Mary Stuart in it. She will be missed.”
Beyond her spiritual work, Mary was a devoted advocate for greyhound rescue. She fostered and volunteered with FastFriends Greyhound Adoption of California, Inc., lovingly caring for many rescued companions, including her beloved Cowboy. In this life, she deeply missed Danika, but surely, Danika was waiting for her beyond the veil.
Mary will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. We will smile when we recall the times we spent with her and laugh at the stories she told. Her generosity, warmth, leadership, and laughter touched countless lives. While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing she has reunited with loved ones in the Summerland.
A memorial service will be planned later this year, with details forthcoming.
Hail the Traveler!
What is remembered, Lives!
More Events and Happenings
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.
Spirit Northwest: 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.
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: First Polestari
Mystic South is coming back to Atlanta, GA! Join us July 11-13, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia for 3 days of workshops, rituals, panels, academic PAPERS, and community building. Come for the weekend, or just for the day, and enjoy all the offerings Mystic South has to offer.
Our headliners this year are Pamela Chen, Mawiyah Kai El-Jamah Bomani, and Courtney Weber. They will be joined by over 100 other presenters from around the country who are presenting offerings during our conference weekend. Mystic South will also feature a Friday evening performance by Ginger Doss and Lynda Millard, along with our Saturday evening dance party.
The Mystic South Vendor Hall features over 20 vendors selling their handmade Pagan craft items. The vendor hall is open to the public, so if you’re in the area, stop on by! Our divination room is making a comeback, too! Also, open to the public, come by for a reading from one of our talented community members.
Tickets are on sale now! For more information and to purchase your tickets, head to the Mystic South Website
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: Houseplant Tarot by Minerva Siegel, illustrated by Andrea Campos, published by Ulysses Press.
Card: Page of Cacti (Swords)
The next seven days are liable to be focused on the ability and desire to acquire new skills and knowledge with the enthusiasm of a novice. Exploring new paths of communication and expression are also indicated. Being mindful of setting a measured pace and not attempting to learn or do everything at once are likely to be key in staying on point when it comes to embracing innovative practices.
In contrast, professing to have knowledge and expertise that one does not actually possess is very likely to backfire. This behavior underlines not only the inability to express a lack of knowledge but also is akin to effectively shutting the door on learning from those who do. Beware of those who bluster and make potentially difficult-to-verify statements or unfounded acclamations. Ask for the receipts.
Just in case you had it on your 2025 Bingo card:
“Sharktopus” is a 2010 SyFy original horror/science fiction film produced by Roger Corman and directed by Declan O’Brien. The story follows a genetically engineered creature, S-11, designed as a hybrid between a shark and an octopus for military applications. When the control device fails during a test mission, the creature becomes uncontrollable, leading to a series of deadly attacks along the Mexican coast. The film combines elements of horror and science fiction, showcasing the chaos that ensues when science goes awry. Someone, we’re sure, will say it was prophetic.
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