The Office Portrait of Anglican Bishop, Martyn James SnowSnow [via House of Lords CC BY 3.0]
LEICESTER, England — In a BBC report, a Church of England volunteer who reported a campaign of harassment was accused of witchcraft by his bishop after seeking help from church authorities.
Jay Hulme, a poet and assistant warden at St Nicholas Church in Leicester, became the target of relentless stalking after gently declining a romantic advance from Venessa Pinto, a lay preacher employed by the Leicester diocese. The abuse escalated into hundreds of anonymous messages, online threats, and public defamation, some of which urged Hulme to kill himself.
When Hulme reported the abuse to Bishop Martyn Snow, the Church’s highest authority in Leicester and a leading candidate for Archbishop of Canterbury, Snow dismissed the complaint. Instead, he accused Hulme of conducting a séance in the church and practicing witchcraft—claims based solely on his use of a candle while praying and his friendship with a tarot reader.
“She managed to make a bishop part of her stalking campaign,” Hulme said. “It was a gut punch. I realized I had no control.”
Despite an internal investigation concluding Pinto had indeed sent the abusive messages, she continued to rise within church ranks—elected to the General Synod and later appointed to the panel that selects bishops. She was only removed from ministry after police arrested her in 2023.
Pinto ultimately pleaded guilty to stalking in 2024 and received a community sentence and restraining order.
Though Bishop Snow later apologized, the Church has not explained why Pinto remained in ministry for months after the allegations were substantiated. Today, she is preaching again.
Hulme, who once hoped to enter the priesthood, says the experience has left him deeply traumatized and disillusioned.
“It fails because people are scared to do the right thing,” he said. “Everybody failed to protect me.”
Misfits Coven/ Animal Sanctuary Grows its Leadership
Jason Myers [Courtesy]
Myers, a Cabot priest, active public member of the Pagan community, and a respected leader in ethical branding with The Content Factory, has led marketing campaigns for global non-profit organizations like Fairtrade America and Veterinarians International.
However, he’s most well-known as the founder and bassist of the pagan metal band, Cleopatra Records recording artist, [www.icaruswitch.com]Icarus Witch. Icarus Witch is organizing and will host Animal Jam, a multi-band benefit concert for 3 local animal rescues (Misfits Coven, Catnip Acres, and J&J Farms) on August 23 at 31 Sports Bar in Bridgeville, PA.
Whether on stage with a bass, behind a desk, or volunteering on the farm with a pitchfork, Myers brings decades of experience in purpose-driven promotion to Misfits Coven’s growing leadership team.
“Misfits Coven represents everything I believe in — compassion, rebellion, nature-based spirituality, and the power to enact change from a grassroots base,” said Myers. “This edgy yet ethical sanctuary is fueled by a similar blue-collar DIY mindset that has propelled Icarus Witch for over two decades. I’m excited and honored to help amplify its message and deepen the impact for the animals.”
Founded in rural Southwestern Pennsylvania in 2020, Misfits Coven is part of a new generation of micro sanctuaries using education, community storytelling, and animal rescue to advocate for a kinder world. The organization provides lifelong care for abused and abandoned farmed animals — from cows and horses to rabbits and cats — and leads outreach programs around veganism and animal justice to give meaning to the creed “Harm None.”
“Jason’s marketing experience, particularly in the ethical and vegan spaces, is a massive asset,” said Britt Menhart, Executive Director of Misfits Coven. “He understands how to connect with and positively influence humans while keeping our furry friends at the center of the mission. The animals love him.”
Gresham College shares lectures by Dr. Ronald Hutton
LONDON – Renowned author and historian, Dr. Ronald Hutton, CBE, is presenting a series of lectures through Gresham College, an institution that has offered free public lectures for over four centuries. The lectures have been covering specific topics on Paganisms and are being distributed via the Gresham College YouTube Channel.
Hutton is a distinguished professor of British historian and professor at the University of Bristol, and also Gresham Professor of Divinity. He is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on early modern Britain, folklore, and the history of Paganism and Witchcraft. Educated at Cambridge and Oxford, Hutton has built a prolific academic career exploring topics ranging from the English Civil War and Restoration to ancient seasonal festivals and the evolution of magical and religious traditions in the British Isles. His scholarly contributions include landmark works such as The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles, The Stations of the Sun, The Triumph of the Moon, and The Witch, each offering groundbreaking insights into the continuity and reinvention of spiritual practices across centuries.
Hutton’s research bridges the gap between academic history and modern spiritual communities, particularly contemporary Paganism, where his balanced and respectful approach has earned widespread recognition. A Fellow of the British Academy and a frequent presence in media and public lectures, Hutton continues to shape conversations about Britain’s spiritual and cultural heritage with intellectual rigor and an abiding curiosity. His work not only deepens historical understanding but also illuminates the living traditions that connect past and present.
Announcements
Happening Next Weekend
The Mystic South Conference returns next weekend, July 11–13, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta for three days of immersive programming. The conference will feature a diverse array of workshops, rituals, panels, and academic presentations (PAPERS), offering something for everyone in the Pagan, polytheist, and magical communities.
At this year’s conference, the Covenant of the Goddess will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a special series of events running on a dedicated parallel track throughout the weekend.
Cherry Hill Seminary will also host a track of programming in their suite, including a welcome reception and a “Death Salon”—a participant-led conversation space (sometimes called a Death Café) that invites open, thoughtful dialogue about death and dying.
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.
More Events at our new Events Calendar
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte for week of July 3, 2025
Deck: The Animystic Tarot, by Willow Fay, published by REDFeather, Mind, Body Spirit, an imprint of Shiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Card: Major Arcana 0 – The Fool
The next seven days are likely to offer up opportunities for new beginnings and possibly even the start of an exciting journey or new endeavor. The energy of optimism, play, and embracing the unknown while trusting your instincts is highlighted. No path or opportunity is without risk, but many things worthy of achieving or undertaking merit any risk involved. The unknown can elicit fear, but the underlying message of The Fool is to recognize the fear and move forward regardless.
Conversely, allowing fear or reservations to prevent taking a leap of faith, especially one that is supported by facts and wisdom could result in new opportunities being blocked. There is also the potential for making decisions or choices that are completely ungrounded in reality and ignore what is easily perceived. Such situations are most likely to lead to an unfortunate outcome that is contrary to what is planned.
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte for the week of July 10, 2025
Deck: The Druid Craft Tarot Deck, by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gromm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Eddison Books Ltd.
Card: Six (6) of Swords
The next seven days hold the promise of ongoing conflicts being either placed on hold for the moment or having moved past them entirely. There is an underlying energy that may offer comfort, peace, and possible renewal of spirit. Additionally, an emphasis on the use of magical practices that utilize meditation and ritual has the potential to promote healing and aid in shifting one’s perception.
In contrast, attempts to address or resolve an unpleasant existing issue or situation are likely to be painful, particularly if any of the involved parties refuse to even entertain the idea of viewing things from a different perspective. Keeping the peace could prove rather difficult this week.
Editorial note: Editorial Note: TWH uses quotations on “witches,” “witchcraft,” and “witch-hunt” to denote there appears no association with modern Pagan or Witchcraft practices. The victims of “witch-hunts” are usually not Pagans, Witches, or practicing any spiritual practice typically considered Pagan.
Below is some of TWH’s work on covering these types of accusations
- Editorial: Dr. Leo Igwe Confronts Witchcraft Myths and Facts with Reason and Clarity
- The “witch camps” of Ghana
- Column: Witch Hunts and the Economy of Fear
“Horrific—unspeakable barbarity”
BUJUMBURA, Burundi — Six people accused of witchcraft were killed in Burundi earlier this week—two of them burned alive—by members of a youth militia tied to the nation’s ruling party, according to multiple sources.
The violence occurred Monday, June 30, 2025, on Gasarara Hill, about six miles from Bujumbura, the country’s economic capital. Witnesses told AFP that members of the Imbonerakure, a controversial youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, targeted at least ten individuals in coordinated nighttime attacks.
“A group of young Imbonerakure entered the homes of about 10 people accused of witchcraft. They then attacked them,” a local official said on condition of anonymity. “Six people were killed, two of them burned alive. The others were beaten to death with clubs or stoned with large stones thrown at their heads. It was horrific—unspeakable barbarity.”
Three additional victims were reportedly rescued after police intervened. At least 12 arrests have been made, and the provincial governor has condemned the killings as “unacceptable mob justice.”
Videos circulating on social media, some verified by AFP, appear to show Imbonerakure members participating in the violence. The United Nations and international human rights groups have previously characterized the Imbonerakure as a paramilitary organization responsible for past acts of violence, particularly during the presidency of Pierre Nkurunziza (2005–2020).
Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of Imbonerakure members “arresting, ill-treating, and killing suspected opponents” with impunity, often with the support or acquiescence of state actors.
Traditional beliefs remain widespread in the country, with unexplained illnesses or deaths frequently attributed to witchcraft. In some cases, even political rivals have faced formal accusations. Just last year, Burundi’s Supreme Court sentenced a former prime minister to life in prison for, among other charges, using witchcraft to threaten the president’s life.
Burundi is not alone. Accusations of witchcraft continue to drive violence and human rights abuses across Africa. Earlier this year, Amnesty International reported hundreds of such cases in Ghana, and in Angola, dozens were reportedly killed in 2023 after being forced to ingest poisonous herbal brews to prove they weren’t sorcerers.
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