Pagan Community Notes: Week of July 17, 2025

Call for Collective Prayer at “Alligator Alcatraz” 

MJTM

MIAMI — The Indigenous leader Betty Osceola called on religious leaders to offer a collective prayer service at the entrance of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the heart of the Everglades, now converted to a detention center dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”

The detention center sits near Big Cypress National Preserve, home to 15 active Miccosukee villages. The region holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Miccosukee and Seminole peoples, many of whom sought refuge in the wetlands during the Seminole Wars of the 19th century—wars the nations consider an ongoing conflict with the U.S. government.

Osseola wrote on social media:

Priestess Rayna Templebee, a member of the Covenant of the Goddess’s Everglades Moon Local Council, answered Osceola’s call and will offer a Pagan prayer on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida joined a legal battle against federal and state agencies over the construction and operation of a controversial detention facility.

On Tuesday, the tribe filed a motion to join an existing lawsuit brought by environmental organizations, becoming one of the first tribal nations to challenge the center’s legality. The case targets the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Miami-Dade County, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, accusing them of failing to conduct a required environmental review before construction.

Last year, the Miccosukee Tribe entered into a co-stewardship agreement with the National Park Service to help manage and protect Everglades National Park. The agreement emphasizes safeguarding tribal traditions and advancing conservation efforts. Critics say the new detention facility directly undermines that partnership.

The Miccosukee’s legal filing argues that the center’s proximity to tribal villages, ceremonial sites, and traditional hunting grounds threatens both the environment and the tribe’s way of life. “It raises significant concerns about environmental degradation and potential impacts,” the document states.

Since opening, the facility has been a hub of activity, with daily deliveries of diesel fuel, generators, and detainee transport vehicles. It houses 3,000 beds and employs at least 400 security personnel.

Last week, the Center for Biological Diversity also filed a notice of intent to sue for violations of the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. Concerns include the use of insecticides to control mosquitoes, the introduction of artificial light at all hours, and water consumption that could disrupt fragile ecosystems.

Congratulations to Mystic South!

ATLANTA – The Mystic South Conference was a great success with about 700 attendees, breaking its previous record.  The conference reorganized its footprint at the host hotel, which allowed for continuous interaction of attendees in a town square format. Sessions were offered in adjoining rooms along with a large vendor area and 135 sessions.

The Mystic South team, Jay Lohr, Briann Lohr, Stacy Psaros, Gypsey Teague, Marla Roberson, Heather Greene, and Nathan Hall, are already organizing next year’s conference.   Mystic South will return to Atlanta July 17-19, 2026.

The Covenant of the Goddess – 50th Anniversary celebrations at Mystic South

The Covenant of the Goddess concluded its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration at the Mystic South Conference with a dedicated Merry Meet track. Festivities included a Meet and Greet, a lively Birthday Bash, and the now nearly legendary Tea with Witches—each event a joyful reflection of the Covenant’s enduring spirit and sense of community.

National First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess and Editor-in-Chief of The Wild Hunt, Manny Tejeda y Moreno, hosted a panel titled “Collective Work and Resistance for a Vibrant Pagan Future.” The session focused on the urgent need for stronger infrastructure, greater collaboration, and long-term sustainability within the Pagan community. Panelists argued that while many Pagan groups share common values and goals, our efforts are often siloed, limiting our collective impact.

The panel highlighted powerful examples of success through unity, including the recognition of Pagan symbols by the Department of Veterans Affairs, demonstrating the potential of coordinated advocacy. The conversation also addressed the escalating influence and danger of Christian dominion theology, its threat to the constitutional principle of the separation of church and state, as well as minority faiths.

Bringing together representatives from national organizations, solitary practitioners, and engaged audience members, the session served as a call to action: to build stronger networks, defend religious freedom, and co-create a resilient and inclusive Pagan future.

The panel included:

• Rev. Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary
• Rev. Eldritch, representing CUUPS
• Belladonna Laveau, Matriarch of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church
• Andras Corban-Arthen, founder and spiritual director of the EarthSpirit Community
• Holli S. Emore, Executive Director of Cherry Hill Seminary
• AmberK and Azrael from Ardantane
• Anna Korn and Don Frew of the Adocentyn Research Library
• Rayna Templebee
• Macha Nightmare

🎂    🎂    🎂    🎂    🎂

Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary at Mystic South 2025 

This year was a milestone for Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary (WSTS) at Mystic South in Atlanta, GA. While this was not our first time at this conference, we showed up in full force, connecting, teaching, and celebrating with the community like never before. Two graduate students and four faculty members presented workshops or spoke on panels at this year’s event. WSTS is very proud of our students and faculty! 

2025 WSTS Presenters: 

• N’Mier Laveau, WSTS Graduate Student – “Past Life Exploration 101” 
• Petras Maygar, WSTS Graduate Student – “Deliciously Divine: An Introduction to Kitchen Witchery” 
• Brenna Grace, WSTS Dean of Ministry and Faculty – “The Eleusinian Mysteries” 
• Trisha Parker, WSTS Faculty and Enrollment Officer – “Gardening with the Moon” 
• Kara D. Williams, WSTS Seminary Dean and Faculty – “13 Wiccan Moons – Creating Ritual” 
• Belladonna Laveau, Arch Priestess of the ATC and WSTS Faculty – spoke on the Covenant of the Goddess Panel: “Collective Work and Resistance for a Vibrant Pagan Future” 

WSTS is an online Wiccan Seminary, based in Washington State, that provides legal scholastic degrees in Ministry to prepare today’s Wiccan Clergy for a modern world.  It is dedicated to serving those who seek to learn the Craft of the Wise and minister in the ways of the Old Gods. At Woolston-Steen, we are devoted to bringing you traditional, formal magical training, blended with modern-day concepts that support a practitioner ministering in today’s multi-cultural world.  They have had a presence at Mystic South since 2018 and look forward to supporting this festival into the future.  

Index, Wash. – On Saturday July 6 at high noon, at the Aquarian Tabernacle Church’s annual Oracle of Delphi ritual, attendees described a palpable sense of power as the ancient rite unfolded. The event, which honors the traditions of classical Greece, drew participants from across the region to witness the Oracles channel the voice of Lord Apollo.

According to those present, the ritual’s climax came as the Oracles delivered a message that resonated deeply with the gathered community: “This is not our fight. The current struggles belong to the Abrahamic religions, not to us. Our path lies elsewhere—one of resilience, wisdom, and unity, standing our ground, speaking our truth, and living authentically”

The Oracle’s words, interpreted by clergy and laypeople alike, called for a renewed focus on what organizers described as “the essentials”—nurturing the land, cultivating food, and strengthening bonds within the Pagan community. “Let us remember the strength that comes from community and the peace that comes from living close to the Earth,” the message urged.

In a time marked by social and religious upheaval, the Oracle’s guidance offered a clear directive for Pagans and earth-based spiritual seekers: step away from urban chaos, reconnect with nature, and support one another. Organizers encouraged those “who feel called” to deepen their roots—both literally and figuratively—by investing in sustainable living and mutual aid.

Belladonna LaVeau, Archpriestess and CEO of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, reflected on the significance of the Oracle’s message. “ While we should continue to stand up for our rights, vote, protest and defend ourselves, the cycles of history remind us that survival and growth come from tending to what is within our control. Our traditions have endured because we care for each other and the land. That’s where our power is.”

The annual Oracle of Delphi ritual is a cornerstone of the ATC’s spiritual calendar, drawing on ancient Greek mystery traditions to provide guidance for the year ahead. This year’s message, with its emphasis on community resilience and earth stewardship, struck a particular chord with attendees.

As the ritual concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose: to weather any storm by looking inward, supporting their tribes, and ensuring the endurance of their spiritual heritage.

For more information about the Aquarian Tabernacle Church and upcoming events, visit atcwicca.org.

New Moon in the Valley invites you to join us for a family-friendly Lughnasadh ritual!
This is the first of 3 harvest festivals observed by many Eurocentric traditions, often celebrated with Bardic competitions and feats of strength. As such, we will be enjoying some outdoor games together (corn hole, horseshoes) after a harvest-themed ritual. We invite all attendees to bring seasonally appropriate items for our altar and any drums if they would like to provide some percussion for the games.  More information on our Events page.

LOS ANGELES  –  The Southern California Divination Conference is proud to announce its return for a third magical year! The 2025 Southern California Divination Conference (SCDC) will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3131 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa, California. The conference is returning with mystical insights, spiritual connections, and healing arts from across the region for a day of insight, connection, and transformation.

The 2025 conference builds on the success of its previous years, to include new workshops, vendors, and more opportunities to explore the art and practice of spiritual connections in all its forms—from Tarot and astrology to Qigong, augury, and practical applications of these skills.

“This is more than a conference—it’s a community experience,” says Lilith , one of the founders of the Southern California Divination Conference. “We’re creating a sacred space where people from all backgrounds can gather to learn, grow, and share their gifts.”

Event Highlights Include:

• Hands-On Workshops with experienced practitioners
• Inspirational Panel featuring thought leaders in spiritual and metaphysical fields
• An Expansive Marketplace of metaphysical tools, books, handmade goods, and mystical services
• Live Readings and demonstrations
• Community-building rituals and opportunities to network

This event welcomes everyone—from the divination-curious to seasoned readers. Attendees can expect a rich day of learning and connection in an atmosphere grounded in respect, inclusivity, and magical exploration.

Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities
Early bird registration and sponsorship packages are now available. Visit https://www.socaldivcon.com to learn more, secure your spot, and get involved as a presenter, vendor, or sponsor.

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About the Southern California Divination Conference
The Southern California Divination Conference was founded to provide an inclusive, educational, and empowering gathering place for the metaphysical and spiritual community. With a focus on personal growth and intuitive practices, the event aims to uplift and celebrate the ancient arts of divination and spiritual exploration.

More Events at our new Events Calendar

Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte

Deck: This Might Hurt Tarot Deck, by Isabella Rotman, published by STERLING ETHOS, an imprint of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc..

Card: Major Arcana Thirteen (13) – Death

This week, there is apt to be a strong emphasis on letting go of something that no longer serves—be it a career, a belief, an object, or a relationship. The cycles of change are unavoidable, and by working with the energies of change rather than fighting against them, allow space for new and brighter opportunities to present themselves.

In contrast, avoidance or resistance to change is only likely to prolong the inevitable. The more one clings to opposing the incoming changes, the potential for stagnation and greater difficulties are only likely to increase. Refusal to recognize and accept what needs to be released is unlikely to prevent any transitions, but merely postpone the transformation, possibly making it even more difficult.

Polish Pyramids

WARSAW, Poland —  Archaeologists report that they have uncovered a series of 5,500-year-old megalithic structures in Poland. The discovery was made in the village of Wyskoć, located in Chłapowski Landscape Park in the Wielkopolska province, during a routine field survey conducted by researchers from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.

Dubbed the “Polish pyramids,: the structures are believed to be tombs from one of the region’s earliest agricultural societies.  Initial excavations at two of the five newly identified sites confirmed the mounds were constructed approximately 5,500 years ago by members of the Funnelbeaker culture, a Neolithic community known for its megalithic tombs and early agricultural practices.

“Although the Funnelbeaker culture was relatively egalitarian, individuals of particular importance—such as leaders, priests, or shamans—were honored with such burials,” explained Artur Golis, chief specialist for nature and landscape protection at the Wielkopolska Province Landscape Parks Complex, in an interview with the Polish Press Agency.

Typically, these tombs contain a single skeletal burial. The deceased was laid on their back with legs extended toward the eastern-facing front of the mound, often accompanied by grave goods and enclosed within a separate ring of stones. Although skeletal remains may no longer survive in this instance, Golis noted that artifacts such as stone axes, pottery, and copper ornaments might still be found.

The sheer scale and distinctive shape of these tombs have earned them the nickname “Polish pyramids” or “giants’ beds.” They are among the largest megalithic structures discovered in prehistoric Poland and are formally classified as Kuyavian-type megalithic tombs—most commonly found in the Kuyavia-Pomerania region. This marks only the second time such structures have been identified in Wielkopolska, with the previous discovery occurring in 2019.

Large boulders, some weighing several tonnes, were originally placed vertically at the eastern head of the mounds. Over time, many of these stones have shifted or disappeared altogether, likely repurposed by local populations over the centuries. “For thousands of years, people have needed stone, so they took them, split them—resulting in considerable degradation of the structures,” Golis said.

The site remains closed to the public while excavations continue, and authorities will determine whether to open the area to visitors after the current research is completed.

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