Legendary Pagan Leader Rev. Selena Fox to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Hekate’s Sickle Festival 2025
SEATTLE – The Aquarian Tabernacle Church is honored to announce that Rev. Selena Fox, internationally renowned Pagan elder, environmentalist, and founder of Circle Sanctuary, will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Hekate’s Sickle Festival. During the festival’s highly anticipated Award Ceremony, Rev. Fox will be recognized for her decades of groundbreaking service, leadership, and advocacy within the Pagan and interfaith communities.
Now in its 36th year, Hekate’s Sickle Festival is a cornerstone event for witches, Pagans, and magical practitioners throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This year’s festival promises a vibrant blend of tradition and revelry, including the ever-popular Vampire Ball—a night of enchanting music, dancing, and gothic glamour. Attendees will also participate in the powerful Rite of Release, an ancestor-honoring ritual where participants gather to remember, celebrate, and release the spirits of those who have passed on.
The festival’s schedule is packed with witchy workshops led by respected teachers and practitioners, covering topics ranging from spellcraft and ritual design to magical herbalism and spiritual empowerment. With community at its heart, Hekate’s Sickle Festival offers attendees the opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the mysteries of the season in a safe and welcoming environment.
The Aquarian Tabernacle Church invites all who are called to join in honoring Rev. Selena Fox and to experience the magic of Hekate’s Sickle Festival 2025. For more information and to register, please visit Hekate’s Sickle website.
London theater announces new musical called Coven
LONDON – The Kiln Theatre has announced the upcoming production of a new original musical, Coven, set to run from 31 October to 13 December 2025, with a press night on 11 November. Set in 1612 Pendle, Lancashire, Coven tells the haunting story of Jennet, a woman who, as a child, accused her own family of witchcraft. Two decades later, she finds herself facing accusations and must confront the chilling legacy of the infamous witch trials.
Formerly known as the Tricycle Theatre, the Kiln Theatre underwent a major refurbishment and rebranding in 2018. Located in Kilburn, north-west London, the Kiln has earned a reputation as a respected cultural institution known for its socially engaged and politically resonant productions, often highlighting the diverse voices that make up London’s communities. With a strong commitment to emerging talent, the theatre regularly features works by Black, Asian, and global majority playwrights, as well as international plays in translation. The name “Kiln” was chosen to reflect a place of transformation, heat, and creative energy—qualities that continue to define the venue’s artistic vision.
Coven features music and lyrics by Daisy Chute and Rebecca Brewer, with a book by Brewer and direction by Miranda Cromwell. The cast includes Allyson Ava-Brown as Nell and Elizabeth, Rachel Barnes, Gabrielle Brooks as Jennet, Shiloh Coke as Frances and Alizon, Rosalind Ford as King James, Penny Layden as Martha and the Judge, Holly Mallett, Lauryn Redding as Rose, Kathryn Tindall, Diana Vickers as Edmund and Covell, Jacinta Whyte as Maggie, and Jennifer Whyte as Keys.
The creative team brings together an impressive lineup: Jasmine Swan (set and costume design), Zeynep Kepekli (lighting design), Helen Atkinson (sound design), Jennifer Whyte (musical supervision), Shelley Maxwell (choreography), Laura Cubitt (puppetry direction), Rosie Pearson for Pearson Casting (casting director), Tom Wright (dramaturg), and Hazel Holder (voice coach).
A preview of songs from Coven was performed last month at West End Live, offering audiences an early taste of what promises to be a powerful and provocative new musical. With its run already extended due to strong interest, Coven is poised to be a major highlight of the Kiln Theatre’s 2025 season.
🎂 🎂 🎂 🎂 🎂
“The Witches Are Back”: Practical Magic 2 Begins Filming
Promotional photo for Practical Magic (1998) [Warner Bros
Last year, in June 2024, Warner Bros. announced in June 2024 via TikTok, that a follow-up to the original film was officially in “development.”
Nicole Kidman has officially confirmed what fans have long hoped for: Practical Magic 2 is underway.
In a video posted to Instagram, Kidman and co-star Sandra Bullock are seen embracing on set in front of a headstone, marking the first day of filming. “The witches are back ✨ Owens sisters’ first day on set!” she wrote, sparking excitement among the film’s cult following. Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Lee Pace, Joey King, Maisie Williams, Solly McLeod, and Xolo Maridueña are also in the cast.
The 1998 original, based on Alice Hoffman’s novel, followed sisters Sally and Gillian Owens—descendants of a long line of witches—who struggle with a curse that dooms any man they love. The sequel, set for release on September 18, 2026, will reportedly draw from Hoffman’s later books. According to IMDb, the plot centers on a multigenerational family of witches attempting to break the centuries-old curse by confronting dark secrets and making personal sacrifices.
View this post on Instagram
Kidman and Bullock are not only reprising their roles but also serving as producers. Returning cast members include Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny, with Joey King, Maisie Williams, Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod joining in new roles. Notably, Evan Rachel Wood confirmed she was not asked to return.
Directed by Susanne Bier and co-written by Akiva Goldsman (who penned the original) and Georgia Pritchett, the film promises a fresh take on the beloved story. Though plot details remain mostly under wraps, Kidman teased, “There’s a lot more to tell.”
As Kidman and Bullock step back into their magical shoes, fans are already celebrating online. With filming now underway, Practical Magic 2 seems ready to enchant a whole new generation.
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Events and Announcements
Lughnasadh with New Moon in the Valley
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.
Southern California Divination Conference Returns for 2025: A Gathering of Mystics, Practitioners, Spiritual Healers, and Seekers in the Heart of Southern California
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.
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms, by Sara Richard, published by Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Card: Major Arcana Thirteen (19) – The Sun – Golden Oyster Mushroom
The next seven days are apt provide ample opportunities for all manner of positivity, be it taking time to enjoy fun activities, gather with friends, or just let your inner light shine. There is also likely to be a focus on being authentic and expressing joy wherever and whenever one encounters happy occurrences. Tapping into the energy of the Sun this week can help us all feel revitalized and ready to embrace abundant success.
Conversely, life’s myriad of difficulties can feel overwhelming and leave a person struggling to tap into the enthusiasm previously held to the point of being unsure of what direction to move in. Be mindful of keeping the ego in the backseat rather than the driver’s seat. Otherwise, overconfidence and false optimism can lead down the road to disaster. Overall, even if things are not all sunshine and butterflies, the ability to choose to take whatever positive actions are available will ensure being able to navigate around obstacles and roadblocks.
Roman Fossil Amulet Discovery Reveals Trilobite Magical Protection
A newly published archaeological study in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences sheds light on how ancient Romans believed fossils held magical and protective powers. At the center of the study is a rare trilobite fossil discovered at a Roman settlement known as A Cibdá de Armea near Ourense in northwestern Spain. Dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE, this fossil marks the first confirmed case of a trilobite used by Romans and only the eleventh such fossil known from any archaeological context worldwide.
What makes this discovery particularly remarkable is the fossil’s likely origin: Middle Ordovician shale outcrops over 430 kilometers away in south-central Spain, possibly in the Toledo or Ciudad Real regions. Its presence in the north suggests that trilobites were transported along Roman trade routes, likely via the Via de la Plata.
The fossil was clearly modified by artists and this effort underscores the fossil’s perceived rarity and value. The underside of the specimen displays seven artificial wear facets—evidence that it was deliberately shaped for use as a pendant or bracelet. According to the researchers, “trilobites were attributed similar magical, protective, or even medicinal functions, akin to those found among other groups of invertebrates in archaeological sites from diverse epochs, myths, traditions, and ancient pharmacopeias.”
Computer simulations of the Armea trilobite specimen mounted for use as a personal ornament. a‒b, Leather bracelet with the trilobite attached via a central hole, sewn to an additional leather piece on the reverse (detail in b). c‒e, Different views of the same specimen, set in a banded pendant of silver or another metal. (Image via A. Fernández-Fernández et al./Springer Nature)
Romans, like other ancient cultures, sometimes viewed fossils as remnants of mythological beings. The trilobite’s segmented, armored appearance likely enhanced its reputation as a protective object. The fossil may have been worn as jewelry or placed in a household lararium as a sacred offering—especially since it was discovered near an inscription reading “MAXSIMVS,” possibly linked to a ritual context in a high-status Roman home.
The study also connects this specimen to Roman decorative practices. Archaeological evidence reveals that Romans produced jet and glass beads called Trilobitenperlen, mimicking the trilobite’s form. These were popular protective charms worn especially by women and children, suggesting that even when actual fossils were inaccessible, their symbolic power was reproduced.
Ultimately, the Armea trilobite was discarded in a refuse pit alongside broken pottery, coins, and animal bones. Still, its journey from ancient seabed to Roman amulet reveals a deep cultural awareness of the prehistoric world and how ancient natural history became woven into Roman spiritual and daily life.
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