via Facebook
BOSTON – We are saddened to report that Theanos Thrax, known throughout the Pagan and polytheist communities as Anomalous Thracian, the Sacred Raven Gimbal, and keeper of the 60 Sacred Serpents of Sabazios, died tragically on November 11, 2025, in a house fire at his home in Methuen, Massachusetts. Thrax was 40.
A polytheist priest, author, spirit worker, diviner, writer, and organizer, Thrax was a fierce advocate for the dignity of devotional religions and the rights of marginalized communities. His work shaped countless conversations in contemporary Polytheism, animism, Reconstructionist traditions, and allied movements. Thrax founded Polytheist.com, one of the most extensive resources on modern polytheism. He articulated a theology of relationality that continues to influence practitioners around the world.
Thrax was a beloved presence across many communities, American Pagan circles, Vodou and Lukumí/Santería houses, spirit-work lineages, and the Dragonlance fandom he cherished since childhood. Online and in person, he offered mentorship, challenge, compassion, and unmistakable humor. His voice was a steady force at events such as Many Gods West, the Polytheist Leadership Conference, and the New York Regional Diviners Conference, where his insight and devotion left an enduring mark.
An ardent animal rescuer, Thrax and his family cared for many creatures—especially snakes, whom he treated as kin and divine companions. Most of these beloved animals perished with him in the fire. His wife, Idalia Nelson, and other family members survived thanks to the efforts of first responders, though the home was a total loss. A GoFundMe drive has been established and is currently open to support the family.
May his gods receive him with honor. May his work continue to inspire.
Hail the Traveler!
Alameda County Seal
SAN FRANCISCO – The Wild Hunt received several messages regarding this story and the murder of a beloved coach, whose alleged murderer is now claiming that he was the target of witchcraft. As reported by The San Francisco Chronicle, among other sources, Alameda County prosecutors have charged Cedric Irving Jr., 27, with the murder of legendary Oakland football coach and Laney College athletic director John Beam, who was shot in the head inside the Laney College field house last Thursday in what authorities say was a targeted attack. According to sources familiar with the investigation, Irving told detectives he believed Beam had been using witchcraft on him and others—an allegation investigators say reflected a growing “fixation” on the beloved coach.
Irving, who was unhoused and living near Eastmont Mall, allegedly fled the scene on an AC Transit bus. Police later used bus and surveillance footage to locate him. He was arrested at 3:15 a.m. Friday near the San Leandro BART Station by a sheriff’s deputy who recognized him from circulated images. Irving reportedly expressed no surprise at being detained and immediately stated that he was armed; the handgun recovered from him was legally registered. Police say he confessed to the shooting during an interview later that morning.
Beam, 66, who retired from coaching in 2023 but continued as athletic director, died early Friday at Highland Hospital as family, colleagues, and former players kept vigil.
At a Monday press conference, District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced charges of murder with a gun enhancement, carrying a possible sentence of 50 years to life, and said her office will reinstate mandatory minimums for gun crimes in response to rising violence. The new guidelines include minimum jail terms and additional penalties for ghost guns, which she described as increasingly common in local crimes. Dickson said the killing—one of two recent shootings on Oakland school campuses—underscored community fears about safety.
Irving has no prior criminal record in Alameda County. His father, devastated by the news, said their family admired Beam deeply. “We all loved Coach Beam,” he said through tears.
LONDON – In a bizarre story, a security guard at Westminster Abbey is apparently confused by devil imagery. The Guardian reported that a woman visiting Westminster Abbey was asked to remove or cover her “demonic” Wind in the Willows sweatshirt after security staff mistook its imagery for the devil. The sweatshirt featured W. Graham Robertson’s 1908 illustration of the Greek god Pan—an image used on the original edition of The Wind in the Willows and later adopted by the folklore magazine Hellebore for its merchandise.
The visitor, Linsey Teggert, 38, a folklore enthusiast from Northumberland, was touring the abbey with her husband when a Beadle guard stopped her at security. Though she initially assumed it was a routine bag check, the guard informed her that she would need to remove or conceal the garment because “it was an image of the devil” and might offend worshippers. Teggert explained that the figure was not demonic but Pan, a mythological woodland deity, and pointed out that Westminster Abbey itself contains carvings of folklore figures such as the Green Man. The guard, however, insisted the horned figure was inappropriate.
With the queue growing and feeling increasingly anxious, Teggert complied, tying the sweatshirt around her waist because she had no jacket. She later described the interaction as bizarre and frustrating, saying she felt wrongly accused and misunderstood. As she toured the abbey, she continued noting its many mythological symbols, dragons, Green Men, and other carved figures that complicate the guard’s claim of inappropriateness.
A spokesperson for Westminster Abbey acknowledged the incident, citing the abbey’s dress code, which requests “respect and sensitivity” in attire, but suggested the illustration may have been misinterpreted. The abbey also stated it would share the feedback with security staff and extended an invitation for Teggert and her husband to return for complimentary tea and cake at the Cellarium café.
Thank you again!
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Events and Announcements
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More Events at our new Events Calendar
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: The Wild Unknown Tarot (Pocket Edition) by Kim Krans, published by Harper One, an imprint of HarperCollins Publications.
Card: Ace of Wands
The week ahead is liable to feel energizing, as well as offering up new creative approaches. Taking advantage of opportunities to expand, nurturing new growth, and generally embracing the world with a renewed enthusiasm. There is likely to be a lot of potential to be realized and tapped into for those who are paying attention. Note that potential does not equal guaranteed success.
Conversely, distractions and trying to take on too many things by overreaching are likely to upset the apple cart and not produce the desired results. By the same token, expecting immediate progress or success is unrealistic, and the harder the push to generate speedy results, the higher the potential for delays. While seeds can certainly sprout overnight, they do not grow into full-grown plants bearing fruit for weeks, months, and sometimes even years. Patience and careful planning are called for this week.
The Advent Sun Wheel Wreath Ceremony begins!
Winter Solstice Sunrise (2010) – Image credit: By Winter Solstice Sunrise 2010 by Sian Lindsey, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106942447
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina – A beloved online spiritual tradition marks its 21st year as participants across the globe prepare for the annual Advent Sun Wreath Circle, a virtual prayer and “Yule spell” observance held each Sunday from late November through the Winter Solstice. Founded in 2004 and facilitated by Beth Owl’s Daughter, the practice invites people of every faith, path, and tradition to join in reflection, gratitude, and communal witness during the darkest weeks of the year. This year’s circle begins Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, and continues through Dec. 21.
While the ritual is simple, Beth notes that many return each year for the sense of grounding and connection it provides. In a time of mounting economic, political, and environmental strain, she emphasizes that the shared ceremony has become “a very gentle, inclusive, yet quite potent tradition,” one that forms what she describes as a global “Circle of Love” spanning every populated continent and time zone.
The ceremony requires only a wreath and five candles. Participants light one candle at dusk on the first Sunday, spending time in silent or prayerful observance before extinguishing the flame. Each week, an additional candle is added. Those who miss a week can simply join with the appropriate number of candles lit.
“This ceremony is live, but private — in your own home or sacred space,” Beth explains. “Yet you are not alone. We are with you in spirit, simultaneously praying, singing, or sitting in silence while lighting our candles.”
Reflecting on the significance of this year’s gathering, she writes, “It has become clear that we are undergoing a profound surrender, initiation, and transformation. Together we can be the builders and bringers of the awakening… Love is the greatest truth that infuses all.”
More details about the ceremony, its history, and its intention are available on Beth Owl’s Daughter website.
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