Today in Pagan History: Today, April 23, marks the 19th anniversary of the Pentacle being officially added to the list of emblems of belief permitted on U.S. government-issued gravestones and memorial markers for military veterans—a milestone achieved in 2007 after years of legal advocacy.
Sgt. Stewart Pentacle Marker
Sgt. Stewart was a member of the Nevada Army National Guard who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. His widow, Roberta Stewart, was a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit against the VA. His marker was placed in the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary Graduates
SEATTLE — Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary (WSTS), a Wiccan legal degree-granting institution sponsored by the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, is proud to announce the graduating class of 2026. These students have earned associate degrees: Wilder Dreams. These students earned bachelor’s degrees: Cathy Louise Koch and Sarradonyxx Wyrd. All of these students completed their course of study in December of 2025. We congratulate the graduates on their outstanding accomplishments and look forward to their continued growth on their spiritual path. WSTS has graduated over 100 students since its inception.
Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary is dedicated to serving those who seek to learn the Craft of the Wise and minister in the ways of the Old Gods. Woolston-Steen is devoted to bringing traditional, formal magical training, blended with modern-day concepts that support a practitioner ministering in today’s multi-cultural world. Woolston-Steen is the first state-recognized Wiccan Seminary to grant degrees and certifications in Wiccan Ministry by Washington State’s Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Court Allows Texas to Display 10 Commandments in Public Schools
Seal of Texas
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that Texas may require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, marking a significant legal victory for conservatives seeking to expand the role of religion in public education.
In a closely divided 9–8 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the law, a move likely to bolster similar efforts in Arkansas and Louisiana. Critics argue that such displays amount to government endorsement of religion and could place subtle pressure on students, while supporters maintain they reflect the nation’s historical and legal traditions.
Writing for the majority, the conservative-leaning court rejected claims that the policy violates constitutional protections for students or parents.
“No child is made to recite the Commandments, believe them, or affirm their divine origin,” the ruling states.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups that challenged the law said they plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“The First Amendment safeguards the separation of church and state, and the freedom of families to choose how, when, and if to provide their children with religious instruction,” the groups said in a statement. “This decision tramples those rights.”
The Secular Coalition for America also condemned the ruling, calling it a dangerous escalation in what it described as a broader effort to erode church–state separation.
“Let’s be clear: this is not about history or education—it’s about power,” said Steven Emmert, the organization’s executive director. “This ruling is part of a coordinated campaign to promote a Christian nationalist agenda and marginalize millions of Americans who don’t share those beliefs.”
Emmert framed the decision as part of a wider strategy unfolding across multiple fronts.
“This is a coordinated, multi-front effort—through the courts, through federal commissions, and through publicly funded programs—to rewrite the meaning of religious freedom in America,” he said. “And the Fifth Circuit just handed that effort a major victory.”
For decades, constitutional doctrine has emphasized religious neutrality in public schools as a safeguard against coercion and exclusion. Critics of the ruling say it departs from that principle, opening the door to government-sponsored religious messaging in classrooms.
“This decision tells Jewish students, Muslim students, Hindu students, atheist students—anyone who doesn’t subscribe to this specific version of conservative Christianity—that they are outsiders in their own public schools,” Emmert said. “That is not religious freedom.”
The coalition said it expects the case to ultimately reach the Supreme Court and is preparing to challenge the ruling. The narrow margin of the decision, advocates noted, underscores the continuing legal divide over the role of religion in public institutions.
“We are at an inflection point,” Emmert said. “If we do not push back now, we risk losing one of the most fundamental promises of our democracy. The government does not dictate religion, and we will not stand by while that promise is dismantled.”
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May 11, 2026: EBSAT Meeting 5:00 pm PDT to 5:30 pm PDT
Dr. Jon Cleland Host will share “A Detroit Autoworker Spills the Tea about the EVs in your Future.”
Within the auto industry, views often differ from those in the mass media. As an automotive scientist, I’ve seen a lot of change in the past 5 years, both in the industry’s overall direction and in new technologies quickly moving from the lab to the factory floor. Will Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) supplant normal Electric Vehicles (EVs)? Will EVs disappear in a few years? What are the main advantages and disadvantages of the technologies you’ll drive in a few years? What effect will these have on our Earth? Find out at the May EBSAT meeting, and bring your questions!
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Dreams of Gaia Tarot, Pocket Edition by Ravynne Phelan, published by Blue Angel Publishing.
Card: Major Arcana XVI (16), Destiny (The Tower)
This week, expect the unexpected! While it may look like chaos at first glance, there are likely to be powerful forces at work beneath the surface that are intent on a serious realignment. External forces and actors may be beyond the control of the individual, but each person has the ability to choose if, and how, to respond to unfolding events. Expect weaknesses and strengths to be revealed both within and without.
Conversely, the potential for personal revelations that result in inner turmoil and questioning everything ever believed is high. The good news is that such a radical internal review is likely to trigger major changes connected to spirituality, values, and possibly even provide some clarity on one’s purpose or destiny. It is worth remembering that big changes and shifts that are internal may not be visible to others. If help processing is needed, ask those who are trusted to assist.
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Alexian sent us a Press Release to Share
Scream: A 20-Year Journey!
ORLANDO, FL — Pagan artist Alexian released his new single “SCREAM!” on April 17, 2026, just days ahead of Earth Day, offering an urgent, Earth-centered message rooted in environmental awareness.
Originally written more than 20 years ago, the track has taken on renewed relevance as concerns over climate change and ecological damage intensify. Blending haunting melodies with a call to action, “SCREAM!” gives voice to what the artist describes as “Mother Earth crying out.”
“Art is the whisper that becomes a roar when words are not enough,” Alexian said. “With ‘SCREAM!’, we give voice to the planet’s cries for help amid the silence of complacency.”
The single is intended not only as a musical release but as an invitation to reflection and response. “In moments where destruction feels inevitable, music offers both solace and a path forward,” Alexian added. “We must recognize art’s potential as a catalyst for transformation—both personal and planetary.”
A full music video will premiere on Alexian’s YouTube channel on April 18.
With its release timed to coincide with Earth Day conversations worldwide, “SCREAM!” seeks to move beyond awareness, encouraging listeners to reconnect with the natural world and consider their role in its future.
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