WASHINGTON, Ga. — New Moon Eclectics, a covenstead situated among the pine forests roughly two miles southeast of Washington’s town center, has become the focus of growing local tension as Wilkes County officials move forward with zoning enforcement actions and religious leaders amplify unfounded claims about the Wiccan community. The 1.4-acre property, located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, was purchased in December 2024 by Wiccan High Priestess Rhonda Field and tended by members of the coven, including Harold Sanford Carter III, priest of New Moon Eclectics and founder of Witchcraft TV, a registered nonprofit in the State of Washington. New Moon Eclectics itself operates as a Domestic Limited Liability Company in Georgia, serving both as a covenstead and a small metaphysical shop.
Earlier this month, New Moon Eclectics drew unwanted attention after a local Facebook post warned that “a witch coven has come into the county,” accusing the group—without evidence—of practicing “black magic” and urging residents to gather at the courthouse square to “take a stand against this demonic intrusion.” The Wild Hunt previously reported that Carter and Field became the targets of a prayer rally organized in response to that post.
New Moon Eclectics – logo
In a statement to The Wild Hunt, Carter emphasized that the covenstead remains safe and grounded: “We rise with purpose—to create a sanctuary of spirit, share empowering stories, and build unity… Even in the face of adversity, we choose to build bridges, not burn them.” He and Field also announced plans for an interfaith pilgrimage to all 48 continental states to support Pagan visibility and dialogue.
Not all local responses have been hostile. The Washington-Wilkes Informer published a measured statement earlier last month, urging residents to reject the panic, noting that “being Pagan doesn’t equate to worshipping Satan” and that Pagans typically hold deep respect for nature, animals, and cosmic cycles. The paper also reminded readers that singling people out for not being Christian is “inaccurate and un-American.”
Despite this, the controversy escalated at the November 13, 2025, Wilkes County Board of Commissioners meeting, where Pastor Brenda Lunsford-Vandiver of Lunsford-Vandiver Bethel Church told commissioners the site promoted “witchcraft, spiritualism, black magic, and rebellion,” claiming it would attract crime and endanger children. Her remarks, however, were unsupported by evidence and echoed rhetoric reminiscent of mid-20th-century moral panics more than contemporary religious understanding.
Lunsford-Vandiver’s statements were notably devoid of evidence.
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County officials noted that religious beliefs are not their purview but did address zoning concerns. Commission Chair Sam Moore stated that code enforcement officers had issued violations for improper residential use and septic-system problems, citing Chapter 24, Section 200 and Section 20-52 of the county ordinance.
The property is zoned C-3 industrial, and residential occupancy is prohibited. Owners were given 30 days to remove residential structures. “The county cannot regulate personal beliefs,” Moore said, “but the group cannot operate at that location under zoning rules.” He added that fines or jail time could follow if violations remain unresolved.
Bethel Church sign via Public Social Media
New Moon Eclectics responded forcefully to the allegations. In a public statement, the group emphasized that Wicca is a legally recognized by federal courts as a religion protected under the First Amendment, citing Dettmer v. Landon (1986) and Cutter v. Wilkinson (2005), both of which affirm constitutional safeguards for minority and non-mainstream faiths. The statement denounced Pastor Lunsford-Vandiver’s remarks as fear-based and historically dangerous: “Her rhetoric is not pastoral—it is persecutory… No amount of fearmongering will silence the sacred.”
Because Field and Carter are currently traveling on a fundraising trip, the covenstead is being monitored remotely, though a security assistant is on the grounds.
Carter confirmed to The Wild Hunt that New Moon Eclectics has received an official notice to vacate from code enforcement. Field has retained legal counsel, and the coven is now pursuing recognition and protection for the property as a religious site.
The group also announced plans for a Yule Sabbat celebration on December 21, stating that its doors will remain open to anyone seeking community, light, and spiritual refuge as the winter solstice approaches.
The Wild Hunt has requested comment from Commission Chair Sam Moore and will update this story as more information becomes available.
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