The 2025 COVR nominees were released!
The COVR Awards, officially known as the COVR Visionary Awards, are annual honors presented by the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR), a trade association serving the Mind Body Spirit (MBS) marketplace. These awards recognize excellence in various categories, including books, music, jewelry, electronic media, and other products that support spiritual growth and holistic living.
Established over 25 years ago, the COVR Visionary Awards aim to highlight outstanding contributions within the MBS industry. Winners are selected through a combination of industry expert evaluations and public voting, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each entry’s impact and quality.
The awards are presented annually at the International New Age Trade Show (INATS), providing recipients with increased visibility and recognition within the MBS community.
By honoring creators, vendors, and publishers who exemplify innovation and creativity, the COVR Visionary Awards play a significant role in promoting integrity and excellence throughout the MBS industry.
Among this year’s nominees are well-known members of our community: Mat Auryn, Rachel True, Devin Hunter, Ivo Domniguez, Jr., Amy Blackthorn, Michael Herkes, Christopher Penczak, as well as publishing houses such as Llewellyn Worldwide, Redfeather Publishing, and Rockpool Publishing.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Details on the nominees and voter instructions are available on the COVR website.
Amnesty International calls for urgent action in Ghana for those accused of witchcraft
Amnesty International logo
Editorial Note: TWH uses lowercase in this article referring to “witches,” “witchcraft,” and “witch-hunt” to denote that there is no association with modern Pagan or Witchcraft practices. The victims of witch-hunts are almost always not Pagans, Witches, or practicing any spiritual practice typically recognized by the modern Neopagan community. Nevertheless, the accusations are serious and make us aware of the dangers of being labeled a witch and the persecution of witches in parts of the world.
TWH – Like many other news sources, The Wild Hunt has previously highlighted the notorious Ghanaian Witch camps. The 2020 murder of 90-year-old Akua Denteh further exposed the atrocities committed against individuals (usually women) accused of witchcraft and drew international condemnation.
As TWH reported two years ago, Ghana sought to decriminalize witchcraft and criminalize accusations of witchcraft. The bill has yet to be signed into law.
On Monday, April 14, 2025, Amnesty International refocused attention on Ghana by releasing a report underscoring that Ghanaian authorities have failed to protect or uphold the human rights of hundreds of individuals accused of witchcraft or subjected to ritual attacks, forcing them to flee their communities in fear for their lives.
The report “Branded for Life: How Witchcraft Accusations Lead to Human Rights Violations of Hundreds of Women in Northern Ghana” details the conditions in four informal camps where those accused, primarily older women, now live. These individuals face severe hardship, with limited access to healthcare, food, safe shelter, clean water, and economic opportunities. During Amnesty International’s visits in November 2023 and April 2024, over 500 people were found residing in these camps. The report is available on Amnesty International’s website.
“Witchcraft accusations and related abuses infringe on a person’s right to life, to security, and to non-discrimination. This deeply rooted and prevalent practice has led to untold suffering and violence. While the belief in witchcraft is protected under international law, harmful practices that stem from the belief are not and those impacted need protection and reparation,” said Michèle Eken, Senior Researcher at Amnesty International.
Accusations of witchcraft in northern Ghana often begin within families or among neighbors, typically following a misfortune such as illness or death. These allegations can lead to threats, violent assaults, or even killings. Older women—especially those living in poverty, experiencing health challenges or disabilities, or defying traditional gender expectations—are particularly vulnerable.
In many cases, accusations are rooted in superstition or personal disputes. “My neighbour said he dreamt […] that I was trying to kill him. He doesn’t want me [in the community], that’s why he accused me,” said Fawza*, a resident of Gnani camp. Fatma*, who lives in the Kukuo camp, shared: “I refused for the [village] chief to marry any of my daughters. One day, a child got sick in the community and the chief accused me.”
Another woman in her sixties at the Kukuo camp explained, “They always have plans of putting allegations against you, especially if you are hardworking and are still strong and doing well as a woman.” With nowhere else to turn, accused women seek refuge in isolated camps, some of which have existed for over a century under the care of religious leaders in Ghana’s northern and northeastern regions. These camps offer basic shelter, but the conditions are dire.
Alimata*, who resides in one such camp, described her living situation: “I have my own room here, but it needs reroofing. Water comes down through the roof when it rains.” Another elderly resident, once self-sufficient in her village, now relies entirely on others: “I miss a lot [from home]. I had everything. I was harvesting shea nuts. Now, if someone doesn’t feed me, how would I eat?”
The Ghanaian government has failed to provide even the most essential services in these camps—clean water, adequate food, safe housing, and medical care remain inaccessible for many. Women with chronic or severe health conditions struggle without sufficient health support, and there are virtually no programs to help victims rebuild their lives or gain economic independence.
“Because people in the camps are unable to provide for themselves, the authorities have a duty to protect and support them. But they have so far failed to do so,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
The report notes “The belief in witchcraft is entrenched in several communities. Criminalizing witchcraft accusations alone would not resolve the issue. While some sensitization initiatives have been conducted by NGOs and at the local government level, they are not enough to comprehensively combat stereotypes linked to witchcraft accusations.”
Hand-drawn map of Essex by Christopher Saxton in 1576 – University of Exeter, Special Collections. Image captured by University of Exeter Digital Humanities and taken from Essexia Map, 1576; C Saxton’s Atlas of England and Wales. CC0
ESSEX, England – A new project by Tendring District Council is bringing the region’s witch trial history to life through augmented reality. The Tendring Witch Heritage Trail, spanning Harwich, Manningtree, St Osyth, and Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex, uses a mobile app to deliver re-enactments and animations of real individuals involved in the 16th- and 17th-century witch trials.
Visitors can explore key locations, including a site off Woodberry Way in Walton-on-the-Naze and the junction of Kiln Lane and The Walls in Manningtree. Each stop along the trail features a hand-carved wooden bench inspired by local history and an information board explaining the events that unfolded there.
Between 1560 and 1680, 74 people were executed for witchcraft in Essex. The trail aims to shed light on these events, which were driven by fear, superstition, and social tensions. In total, more than 500 people were executed for witchcraft across England, with Essex serving as a major center of prosecution.
The project received nearly £50,000 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and was developed with guidance from Professor Alison Rowlands, a European history expert at the University of Essex.
“This initiative not only preserves our past, but it brings to life the rich stories that have shaped our history,” said Councillor Gary Scott, cabinet member for arts, culture, and heritage. “It also commemorates the lives of those in Tendring who were brutally persecuted for witchcraft.”
Professor Rowlands added, “I’m thrilled to see the finished results and hope others will be inspired to visit.”
Happenings This Weekend!
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 that 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.
Earth Day: Finding Beauty on the Good Green Earth
Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 19th from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve near Barneveld, Wisconsin.
We’ll begin the day with a historical look at Earth Day and its impact on planetary healing and well-being by Rev. Selena Fox, who helped organize the first Earth Day event 55 years ago.
Enjoy activities for the entire family, including a Nature walk to our Green Cemetery, one of the first in the nation. We’ll have engaging workshops on creating our own climate stories and exploring green practices for end-of-life planning.
This event is free, but registration is required. To register or to learn more, please visit circlesanctuary.org/events/Earth-Day.
Circle Sanctuary is a non-profit international Nature Spirituality resource center and a legally recognized Nature Spirituality church. Founded in 1974, Circle helps people from many spiritual orientations connect with each other as well as with the spiritual dimensions of Nature
Other Events and Happenings
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
Join New Moon in the Valley for a family-friendly Beltane celebration as we honor the waxing sun and the turning of the Wheel of the Year! This joyful community ritual will take place at the UMass Sunwheel and is open to all.
Festivities begin with face painting and garland making, followed by a traditional Maypole dance. Participants are encouraged to bring 25 feet of ribbon for the dance. After the ritual, we’ll gather for a community potluck—please bring a dish to share and label all ingredients. It’s a wonderful chance to meet others, network, and connect with the local Pagan and Earth-centered community.
This is a free public event, though cash donations to help offset costs and support future programming are appreciated. The ritual is rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Directions to the Sunwheel can be found here: UMass Sunwheel Directions.
In the spirit of giving back, we’ll be collecting non-perishable food items to donate to the Amherst Survival Center.
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 Spirit Northwest website.
EBSAT Meeting 5:00 pm PDT to 5:30 pm PDT– Embracing the Divine Feminine: Mesoamerican Mother Goddesses
Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89030272698?pwd=VUpqKzVIN2hLTjdZY2JKQktuUG9JQT09
or, open the Zoom app and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode:
Meeting ID: 890 3027 2698
Passcode: CCL
IshtarFest
lshtarFest will be held virtually on Zoom from June 6-8, 2025. We will have classes, rituals, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, and other spiritual offerings surrounding Sumerian mythology and culture.
This year’s festival, Building on Herstory, celebrates the legacy of the ancient Sumerian goddess Inanna, a powerful symbol of transformation, love, war, and sovereignty. As one of the earliest recorded deities, Inanna’s mythos has shaped the stories of divine femininity, resilience, and personal evolution for millennia. We also celebrate her later forms as Ishtar, Astarte, and the planet Venus.
Through this theme, we explore how Inanna’s journey—from her bold descent into the underworld to her triumphant return—continues to inspire modern narratives of empowerment, rebirth, and leadership. We honor the foundation laid by her ancient myth while building upon it, weaving her essence into our contemporary understanding of feminine strength, spirituality, and justice.
Join us as we reclaim, reinterpret, and revive Inanna’s wisdom through art, storytelling, ritual, music, and community gatherings. Together, we build upon herstory, forging new paths while staying rooted in the divine wisdom of the past.
Early bird registration through May 6. Wicked early registration by April 10.
Register Here: https://sites.google.com/view/ishtarfest/home
Vendors wanted for our Vendor
Marketplace: https://sites.google.com/view/ishtarfest/home.
Presenter proposals due April 5: https://forms.gle/2fJC9cnieRUPwGMJA
Questions: ishtarfest@handsofchange.org.
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: Ciro Marchetti’s Tarot of Dreams artwork by Ciro Marchetti, written by Lee Bursten, and published by Lo Scarabeo.
Card: Major Arcana II (2) – Priestess
The next seven days are likely to highlight elements of duality and offer the opportunity to shift perception in ways that allow for balancing opposing forces. There are also likely to be ample reminders to pay attention to and trust one’s intuition. Sometimes, the answers to solving complex or difficult issues are more readily found via the subconscious, and they are just waiting for a moment of meditation to reveal themselves. This week is apt to be one of those times. unexpected joy.
Conversely, the energy of the week is unlikely to allow for completely ignoring gut instincts and the incessant tugging of the subconscious on one’s awareness. There exists the probability of activity behind the scenes and unclear motives of others that may not be in everyone’s best interests. The key to accessing and understanding the full scope of what is happening is liable to require taking a step back to ground and center. Once there is clarity, addressing issues in a concise and honest approach is most likely to yield positive results.
Crows Display Surprising Geometric Insight in Groundbreaking Study
Crows can recognize geometric regularity in four-sided shapes—a cognitive feat previously thought to be unique to humans—according to a striking new study published in Science Advances.
Researchers found that crows could distinguish between shapes exhibiting geometric regularity, like symmetry and parallel lines, and those that deviated from those norms. This makes crows the first non-human species known to demonstrate such geometric intuition.
While it’s long been known that humans—regardless of age, culture, or education—can easily identify regularity in shapes, this ability had not been confirmed in animals. Although some researchers have explored animals’ numerical understanding, few have looked at how non-human species process geometric information.
The research team tested two carrion crows raised in their lab—birds previously shown to possess counting skills comparable to young children. The crows, described as tame and cooperative, participated in computer-based tasks designed to test their geometric reasoning.
The experiment began with a simple concept: the crows were shown six shapes on a screen, five of which were identical. They had to peck the one that was different in order to receive a mealworm treat. At first, the differences were obvious—for instance, five moon shapes and one flower.
Once the birds grasped the game, researchers began presenting subtler differences: five regular quadrilaterals—such as perfect squares or parallelograms—and one irregular four-sided figure. In some cases, the irregular shape differed by just a slight deviation in angle or alignment.
The results were clear. The crows consistently identified the shape that lacked geometric regularity, even when it closely resembled the others.
“Claiming that only humans can detect geometric regularity is now falsified,” says Andreas Nieder, a cognitive neurobiologist at the University of Tübingen in Germany. “Because we have at least the crow.”
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