No Kings: Pagans Join Millions in Nationwide Protests Against Authoritarianism
WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans took to the streets on October 18 for the second wave of the No Kings demonstrations—a nationwide movement opposing President Donald Trump’s policies and what organizers describe as the administration’s “authoritarian direction.” Pagan activists and interfaith allies played visible roles in cities across the country, joining one of the largest single-day protest events in U.S. history.
The No Kings Alliance—a coalition that includes progressive political groups, labor unions, civil rights organizations, and faith communities—reported that demonstrations occurred in all fifty U.S. states and several countries abroad, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Organizers estimate nearly seven million participants nationwide, with turnout exceeding 100,000 in New York, Boston, and Chicago.
This marks the third mass mobilization since Trump’s return to the White House in January, following the April demonstrations and the inaugural No Kings protests on June 14. Organizers now aim to transform this momentum into a “rapid-response network” capable of coordinated weekly actions, economic boycotts, campus organizing, and local electoral engagement.
Inside the coalition, different leaders are shaping strategies for sustained defiance. Indivisible’s Ezra Levin called for a “No Kings era” defined by mass coordination and “economic leverage,” previewing a Rapid Response Network to synchronize pushback and normalize boycotts when institutions capitulate. Jamala Rogers of the Organization for Black Struggle urged intensified local targeting—challenging MAGA-aligned corporations, reversing gerrymanders through ballot measures, and disrupting capital flows in commercial hubs.
Deirdre Schifeling, political director of the ACLU, framed the protests as “a defense of freedom,” pledging continued action in courts and communities. The grassroots collective 50501 outlined its immediate focus: promoting a Home Depot boycott toolkit in partnership with the Working Families Party, conducting a community survey for upcoming actions, and supporting organizers in cities facing federal crackdowns.
In a public statement, 50501 emphasized community engagement over spectacle:
“The most important thing a No Kings protester can do is get involved,” the group said. “Whether it’s through mutual aid, labor organizing, or local defense networks, we must build our civil disobedience muscles now—so that when the opportunity arises, we can peacefully dismantle this regime and undermine its pillars of support.”
Interfaith Solidarity and Spiritual Resistance
The Interfaith Alliance issued a strong endorsement of the movement’s goals, writing:
“The No Kings movement has mobilized millions of Americans to demonstrate courage in defense of democracy and decency. Going forward it should continue to build unprecedented levels of civic engagement, including by training thousands of people of faith in the spiritual discipline of nonviolence—crucial to the practice of democracy.”
Faith-based participation extended beyond traditional denominations. Pagan leaders, clergy, and authors—including Jason Mankey, Eric O. Scott, Macha Nightmare, Raina Starr, Manny Tejeda y Moreno, Rayna Templebee, Gus DiZerega, Polly Springhorn, and Patrick McCollum—were among those who joined or amplified the call to action.
In a widely shared open letter, Rev. Patrick McCollum wrote:
“These are not paid protesters; these are ordinary responsible citizens like me, horrified at the way our country is being led. The right to protest against our government is a fundamental right under our Constitution. If you are unhappy with White House policies or with the illegal deployment of the military, please take a little time and have your voices heard.”
McCollum urged Pagans nationwide to remain peaceful but persistent.
Local Voices, National Impact
From major metropolitan centers to small towns, Pagans and allied groups made their presence known. Heathens Against Hate joined protests in Philadelphia, while in Missoula, Montana, author and priest Raven Digitalis posted that “THOUSANDS turned out for No Kings Missoula! It is NOT a hate-America rally—it’s a LOVE-America and democracy rally! No kings, no dictators, no authoritarians!”
Heathens Against Hate in Philadelphia [Image Via public HAH Facebook
In Port Charlotte, Florida, local organizers reported that more than twice as many demonstrators lined U.S. Highway 41 compared to June’s event, stretching nearly a mile with “lots of smiling people waving at cars and positivity.” In Fernandina Beach, about 1,600 demonstrators filled Eighth Street, cheering as drivers honked in support.
Georgian Witch Marla Roberson was among those interviewed by local media, emphasizing solidarity and civic courage.
Western North Carolina: Pagans at the Forefront
One of the most notable Pagan-led events occurred in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, where over 550 residents gathered in one of the largest civic demonstrations in the county’s history. Author, Witch, and mortician Mortellus, known for The Bones Fall in a Spiral, helped organize and marshal the rally alongside Lauren of Keeper of the Old Ways (Frederick, Maryland).
“The turnout really shows the power of organizing on the local level,” said Mortellus. “We can accomplish so much when we step outside of our comfort zones and come together as a community.”
Mortellus, founder of Indivisible Rutherford NC, has long focused on bridging spiritual and civic engagement. The event also included local Christian and interfaith leaders who joined to emphasize unity across traditions. “It’s about building community resilience,” they said. “We can resist fear by showing up for one another.”
Christian “Prophets”
Eventually — and y’all knew it would — it became about Witchcraft.
Several Christian prophets seized the opportunity to declare that No Kings was an act of Witchcraft, calling on Jesus to “break all the curses laid by witches” that day.
One pastor wrote on Instagram:
“Satanic, demonic, evil. Jesus Christ is KING, and Trump is his anointed servant. This is REBELLION in operation. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.”
He continued:
“The murder and nastiness in the signs and statements show that they are indeed the party of Satan. If you’re a leftist, you may well be headed for a lost eternity in the flames of Hades!”
Another proclaimed:
“No Kings is a sea-to-sea satanic witchcraft ritual. The King they are fighting against is the King of Kings — Yeshua, the Christ.”
The Road Ahead
Following the massive turnout, tens of thousands joined a national call to coordinate next steps. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson floated the idea of a general strike, echoed by labor leaders Shawn Fain and Sara Nelson. Senator Bernie Sanders called for a unified program addressing healthcare, housing, and economic fairness—“a vision of shared prosperity,” he said.
AFT President Randi Weingarten connected the anti-authoritarian fight to “bread-and-butter issues” such as public education, worker rights, and community safety.
The No Kings coalition now faces the task of sustaining momentum beyond the streets. Organizers emphasize deep community roots—through mutual aid, civic training, and spiritual resilience—as the foundation for continued resistance.
As Pagans and people of conscience across traditions gathered under the banner of democracy and dignity, one phrase echoed across marches, social media posts, and city streets alike: No Kings. No Masters. No Fear.
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Samhain Kispum: A (Virtual) Ritual for the Honored Dead on Oct 30, 2025
This Samhain, as the veil thins and shadows stir, join us in sacred remembrance.
Step into the ancient rhythm of Kispum, a 5,000-year-old Mesopotamian ritual of ancestor veneration that bridges worlds.
In this immersive rite, Silent, Pagan priest, student of Spiritual Direction at CHS, and end-of-life doula, will guide us through a ceremonial act of libation and love, honoring our dead not with mourning, but with memory, presence, and reverence.
With water poured and names spoken, we nourish the spirits who walk beside us still. Dressed in garments meaningful to your ancestors—be it a ritual robe or a well-worn shirt once shared—bring a candle, a vessel of water, and your stories. This is not just a ritual. It is communion across the veil, a thread woven through time.
Hosted by Cherry Hill Seminary, this Samhain Kispum is a living ritual of connection, a declaration that love does not end—it transforms.
Come. Speak their names. Pour the libation. Be the bridge.
If you cannot attend in person, email the beloved dead’s name, your relationship to them, and their favorite libation. Send the email to chs@cherryhillseminary.org. Click to register for Zoom link.
EBSAT Climate Action Magic
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Trick or Treat Tarot by Barbara Moore, illustrated by Jonathan Hunt, published by Llewellyn Publications.
Card: Knight of Cups
The next seven days are likely to have a focus that is centered on ideals that are heart-driven rather than purely based on analytics and hard facts. While it may seem as though emotions are driving decisions, the commitment to humanitarian ideology and the expression of compassion are likely to be more reflective of an overall mission. The ability to convince others to support such acts of altruism and kindness is liable to require sharing a vision that is both compelling and that pulls on the heartstrings.
Conversely, dreams and vague ideas of a better future do not make a plan. Making the world, or even a small corner of it, better requires there to be at least a bit of being grounded in reality. Fantasizing about a magical future that is completely disconnected from what is possible has the potential to result in frustration and disillusionment. Reality checks are liable to manifest in hard snapbacks.
A Town in Spain bans Black Cat Adoptions around Halloween
MADRID – The Catalonian city of Terrassa has put its foot down to protect black cats. It has temporarily suspended the adoption of black cats to prevent potential harm or misuse during the Halloween season and into the Feast of the Dead.
From October 6 through November 10, the city’s animal welfare service will pause all adoptions and foster placements of black cats as a precautionary measure. Officials say the step aims to protect the animals from being injured, abandoned, or used as props.
Manny’s cat, Vladi, annoyed by the camera.
Deputy Mayor Noel Duque told broadcaster RTVE that requests to adopt black cats tend to rise sharply around Halloween. “We try to prevent people from adopting because it’s trendy or impulsive,” he said. “And in cases like these, which we know exist, we want to prevent any macabre practices.”
Although Terrassa has no record of cruelty toward black cats, animal welfare groups warned of isolated incidents elsewhere in Spain. City officials said the temporary measure is “exceptional” and reflects an abundance of caution for animal welfare.
According to local authorities, Terrassa is home to more than 9,800 cats, with around 100 housed in the municipal adoption center—12 of them black. The city council stated that normal adoption procedures will resume after Halloween, and that any requests during the suspension period will be evaluated individually.
Terrassa’s ban, officials said, may be repeated in future years if deemed necessary to ensure the cats’ safety.
While black cats have long been linked to witchcraft in Western folklore—and are often viewed as omens of bad luck or evil, that belief is far from universal.
In Cuba, for example, black cats are seen as symbols of good luck, protection, and prosperity. In Cuban culture, black cats in the home also ward off unwelcome spirits. Similarly, in Japan and ancient Egypt, they have been regarded as bringers of good fortune and guardians of the home.
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