Pagan Community Notes: Week of June 12, 2025



Covenant of the Goddess Represented at Papal General Audience in Rome

Covenant of the GoddessROME — The Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), one of the largest and oldest organizations representing Witches and Wiccans in the United States, joined a Papal General Audience held Wednesday morning, June 4, 2025, in Vatican City.

National First Officer Manny Tejeda y Moreno attended the General Audience on behalf of the Covenant. Upon arrival at St. Peter’s Square, Tejeda y Moreno was unexpectedly ushered through a private entrance by members of the Swiss Guard and seated directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in a special section near the Pope’s seat and behind a row of cardinals that is typically reserved for members of the clergy and Holy Orders.

“This was an extraordinary moment,” said Tejeda y Moreno. “To be seated among other religious leaders and graciously acknowledged by Vatican officials is a small but meaningful gesture toward recognition of diverse faith communities. The welcome was sincere, and those in the ‘special section’ were genuinely warm and friendly.”

This marked the third General Audience delivered by the newly appointed Pope XIV, the first pope to have been born in the United States and North America, who holds American and Peruvian citizenship.

The Audience did not include a Catholic Mass, but included readings of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in multiple languages, followed by papal reflections on justice, mercy, and inclusion. The Pope also led the audience in reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Latin and offered blessings to various groups, including those facing illness, newlyweds, and global choirs who performed for the occasion.

The intense heat in Rome challenged several attendees, and while the Pope could not individually greet every representative, he passed close enough to offer a personal blessings and briefly shook hands with many in Tejeda y Moreno’s section.

“This wasn’t about religious agreement—it was about presence,” Tejeda y Moreno noted. “We may not share theology, but interfaith visibility matters. We not only need to educate others about Witches and the work of the Covenant, but also build coalitions to support communities. Whether the message was heard clearly, I don’t know. However, today, the Covenant of the Goddess was present, and we were greeted peacefully.”

The Covenant of the Goddess continues to affirm its commitment to interfaith dialogue, religious freedom, and representation of Pagan voices in national and international forums.



AIA Welcomes Declaration from 95 Environment Ministers Reaffirming Majority Support for Ambitious Plastics Treaty 

Declaration Released at United Nations Oceans Conference

Plastics Treaty Negotiations Continue August 5-14

NICE, France – On the second day of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France (June 9-13), Ministers and representatives from 95 countries (the majority of United Nations Member States) released a declaration entitled, “The Nice Wake-Up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty.” The statement sets the stage for the next round of negotiations (INC-5.2) taking place in Geneva, Switzerland from August 5-14. Following the release of the declaration, over 235 civil society organizations released their own statement in response, supporting the Nice declaration as a “floor, not a ceiling” of ambition in the upcoming talks.

GAIA is a worldwide alliance of more than 1,000 grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in over 90 countries. With our work, we aim to catalyze a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. We envision a just, zero waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped.

Ana Rocha, GAIA’s Global Plastics Policy Director, states, “We are heartened to see this demonstration of ambition from the majority of countries, who are showing a united front against the small number of petrochemical states trying to prevent a strong treaty. While there are several crucial elements missing from the statement, it is a strong starting point for negotiations. We now need these Member States to continue to stand their ground and secure the historic treaty the world needs.”

Civil society leaders applauded the statement’s reaffirmation of the need for a treaty to have a global target for plastic production reduction, to phase out the most problematic plastic products and hazardous chemicals, and to include monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure that countries remain on target, as well as room to strengthen commitments based on emerging science, health, and environmental impacts.

However, the statement was missing references to a just transition, particularly for informal waste pickers and workers, and health and human rights, including rights of Indigenous Peoples. The statement does not fully emphasize systems shift, especially reuse and refill, a financial mechanism that enables implementation and compliance, and the need for national obligations to meet global targets.

Larisa de Orbe, from Acción Ecológica in Mexico, states, “We already have enough evidence of how human rights are violated throughout the entire plastics cycle. It is therefore essential that the spirit of the plastics treaty be the protection of human rights and environmental justice, rather than protecting the economic and political interests of polluters.”

Mohamed Kamal of the Greenish Foundation in Egypt states, “The Nice Wake-Up Call Declaration underscores the importance of strong positions on key articles and measures necessary to effectively address plastic pollution. However, it falls short in acknowledging the need for a new and independent financial mechanism, an essential element for ensuring the success of the treaty that was called for by over 120 countries in INC5 and championed by Africa.”

GAIA members also caution against harmful waste management approaches like “waste-to-energy” incineration, chemical “recycling,” and plastic credits, which will only exacerbate the plastics crisis.

A line in the statement also calls for standard decision-making practices if consensus cannot be reached. At previous INC’s, petrochemical states have attempted to buck convention and stall progress by refusing to accept a provision for voting, essentially allowing a single Member State to prevent the world from solving the plastic crisis.

Wong Si Peng of C4 Center in Malaysia states, “Decision-making through voting – once all efforts to reach consensus have been exhausted – is vital for the future Conference of Parties to be effective. Voting should not be misconstrued as abandoning alliances or cooperation – instead, through voting, member states protect both their sovereignty and the rights of the citizens they represent at the negotiation table.”



Congratulations to Summer Magick Fest! 

If you are in Florida,  the festival is happening this weekend.  Summer Magick Fest. Now in its fourth year, the event builds an Earth-centered spiritual community in Florida.  Summer Magick Fest invites a mix of new and returning headliners in order to bring the best national presenters to Florida and keep them here to deepen their teaching.  The theme for 2025 is “Building our Magickal Family,” and the ritual cycle will focus on all the forms family takes in our spiritual lives.  From ancestral whispers to spirit guides, from aunties to beloveds, our magickal families are diverse and wonderful and sometimes challenging.  Our main ritual will carry participants to a place of ancestral healing to care for our forgotten family and return us to the loving embrace of Summer Magick Fest to envision a future where our families are agents of cultural transformation.

Workshop presenters are hand-chosen by the organizers to fill two parallel tracks of learning and exploration.  To refresh our spirits, Friday night we will don our kilts and dance to Eireann’s Call, the latest creation from vocalist David Doersch and percussionist Cat Doersch, familiar to pagan audiences as the forces behind long-time favorite Celtic band, Coyote’s Run.

The event moves to a larger venue at the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel, 5445 Forbes Place, Orlando, Florida 32812.



Congratulations to Pagan Spirit Gathering!

The 45th anniversary of Pagan Spirit Gathering begins June 15th and runs through 22nd in northern Wisconsin, USA. The gathering will include a variety of rituals, workshopsconcerts and vendors along with an assortment of other activities.

Their Pagan Leadership Institute will host workshops by Pagans from diverse traditions. This year, they have three notable presenters from the UK: musician Damh the Bard, writer and artist Cerri Lee, and author Kristoffer Hughes, Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order. In addition, High Priestess, Rev. Selena Fox will be presenting a three-part program, Creating and Leading Tree Rituals, which will focus on tree ceremonies, meditations and spiritual attunement with individual trees and with forest ecosystems.

Pagan musicians will be sharing their music through concerts and other performances throughout the week. In addition, there will be more than 150 other program activities.

More Events at our new Events Calendar



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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte

Deck: The Sacred Circle Tarot by Anna Franklin, illustrated by Paul Mason, and published by Llewellyn Publications

Card: Page of Cups – Reflection

The next seven days are liable to stir the cauldron of ancestral knowledge and genetic memory, particularly as it applies to the use of intuition. This might just be the week to truly trust your gut instincts. There is also likely to be a creative or innovative thread running through the week’s events that may present an opportunity for a pleasant surprise. Be ready to stay the course because anything is possible for those who are determined in the pursuit of their objective.

In contrast, second-guessing pending decisions and doubting what is felt on soul level will only add to any confusion. There is the potential for a creative block or just feeling stuck on how to proceed. Additionally, be mindful of those who lean towards being selfish, or even bitter, and take care to avoid them whenever possible, as negative emotions can be contagious. Letting go of past grudges before they can make the holder of them mentally or physically unwell is indicated.



World Day Against Child Labour: A Global Call to Action

Each year, on June 12, the international community marks World Day Against Child Labour—a solemn reminder of the millions of children across the globe who are denied their right to a childhood. Launched in 2002 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this observance is not only a time for reflection but a clarion call for renewed action. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable from exploitation and ensure they have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in safe and supportive environments.

Understanding Child Labour

Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, dignity, and potential. It is work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful and interferes with their schooling. According to the ILO, child labour involves children who are either too young to work or are engaged in hazardous activities that can harm their development.

The roots of child labour are deeply embedded in poverty, lack of education, weak legal protections, and social inequality. It is a global problem, but its prevalence is particularly severe in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Children in these regions are often forced into labour due to family financial pressures, emergencies, or the absence of accessible, quality education.

Global Statistics: A Crisis in Numbers

As of 2024, nearly 138 million children are engaged in child labour, with approximately 54 million of them involved in hazardous work. These staggering figures underscore the gravity of the issue. Though the global rate of child labour has declined over the past two decades—cut in half since 2000—progress has stalled, and in some regions, it is reversing.

More than 70% of child labour occurs in agriculture, often in rural, impoverished communities. Other common sectors include mining, construction, domestic service, and street vending. Many children work long hours under dangerous conditions, exposed to toxic substances, heavy machinery, or abusive employers.

The Legal Framework

World Day Against Child Labour is grounded in two key ILO conventions:

  • Convention No. 138 (1973): Sets the minimum age for employment.
  • Convention No. 182 (1999): Aims to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, including slavery, trafficking, forced labour, and hazardous work.

These conventions are universally ratified, yet implementation remains a major challenge. Gaps in enforcement, corruption, conflict, and insufficient resources continue to hinder progress.

2025 Theme: “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts”

This year’s theme emphasizes urgency. Despite some victories in reducing child labour, the world missed its 2025 goal to eliminate all forms of child labour under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7. Experts warn that unless efforts are accelerated elevenfold, the international community will fall dramatically short of its commitments.

The theme is both a celebration of past achievements and a demand for reinvigorated strategies. It asks governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals to commit to stronger laws, better data collection, improved enforcement, and direct support to vulnerable children and families.

How the Day Is Observed Worldwide

World Day Against Child Labour is marked by a wide array of activities across continents. These observances serve to educate the public, pressure policymakers, and celebrate the resilience of children who have been freed from labour.

Observances are worldwide. UN agencies like ILO, UNICEF, and UNODC publish research, host virtual panels, and spotlight local success stories. Events often involve survivors of child labour sharing their stories and inspiring action. Meanwhile, NGOs and community-based organizations conduct street campaigns, social media outreach, and educational programming in schools.

On the international stage, parliaments in some countries hold special sessions or hearings. Faith-based organizations conduct interfaith prayers and awareness walks. Artists contribute through exhibitions, concerts, and short films.

What You Can Do

1. Raise Awareness: Share facts, graphics, or personal reflections on social media using hashtags like #EndChildLabour or #June12. Awareness helps keep pressure on institutions and attracts support for grassroots efforts.

2. Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with credible groups working to end child labour, such as Save the Children, Anti-Slavery International, or the Global March Against Child Labour.

3. Educate Yourself and Others: Use World Day as an opportunity to learn about the complex causes of child labour and discuss them with your community, workplace, or school.

4. Advocate: Urge your elected officials to support legislation and foreign aid initiatives that protect children’s rights and promote access to education and social safety nets.

5. Shop Responsibly: Choose brands that commit to fair labour practices and transparent supply chains. Look for certifications like Fair Trade or B Corp.

6. Engage Locally: If you are a teacher, parent, or student, you can plan school events such as essay competitions, storytelling sessions, or classroom discussions. If you are a business owner, you can review your supply chain to ensure it is free from child labour.

Looking Forward

World Day Against Child Labour is more than a symbolic date on the calendar. It is a rallying cry to fulfill the promise of childhood for every child. The road ahead demands political courage, global cooperation, and grassroots resilience. But history shows that progress is possible. With determination and solidarity, we can build a world where every child has the freedom to dream, play, and pursue a better future.

As the sun sets on June 12, may it rise on a world more aware, more compassionate, and more committed to ending child labour once and for all.

 


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