Thor’s Oak
CHICAGO — Thor’s Oak Kindred is the top fundraising team for the 2026 Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate, bringing in more donations to the YWCA’s racial justice and violence prevention programs than any other religious or secular group.
Founded in 2016, Thor’s Oak Kindred is a diverse organization dedicated to the practice of the Ásatrú religion in Chicago. Our members are kindred by choice, and we stand against all discrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender, orientation, identity, origin, ancestry, age, or ability.
This is the seventh year that Thor’s Oak Kindred has had a fundraising team walking in the Race Against Hate. We believe that it is our duty to resist the worldwide spread of white nationalism, especially given its use of Ásatrú imagery for propaganda. Rather than simply issuing declarations and denunciations, we choose to join with other people of positive intent, push back on resurgent hate, and promote productive change.
On June 21, the YWCA hosted the 27th annual event in memory of Ricky Byrdsong, the Northwestern basketball coach murdered by a white supremacist in 1999 while walking with his young children. The shooter also wounded six Orthodox Jews, killed a Korean-American graduate student, and wounded an African-American minister before taking his own life.
All proceeds are used to further the YWCA’s mission regarding racial justice and violence prevention via programs that assist children to challenge their own prejudices and foster healthy, violence-free relationships among their peers; support teenagers in examining their own relationships and practicing constructive ways to handle conflict and differences; and encourage adults to engage in constructive dialogue, interactive activities, and meaningful action related to racial justice.
Learn more about Thor’s Oak Kindred at thorsoak.info. Find out more about Ásatrú at thorsoak.info/p/asatru.html.
Congratulations!
Earth-based Spirituality Action Team
The Earth-based Spirituality Action Team is looking for eco-activists who see the Earth as sacred.
No need to get on a plane or even create slides, unless you want to.
Andrea Kendall, the current EBSAT action team leader, is happy to collaborate with you. Got questions on what is needed, ask her. Want examples of what others have shared. No problem.
EBSAT wants to thank everyone who does their part, because every action matters!
Finding Paganism Documentary
A new documentary was released on YouTube on the 2026 June solstices. Presenter Jamie Davies explores the changing landscape of contemporary Paganism in the United Kingdom. At a time when participation in organized religion continues to decline, the film asks why growing numbers of people are embracing individualized, nature-centered spiritual paths rooted in ancient traditions while adapting to the realities of modern life.
Davies meets practitioners from a wide range of Pagan traditions, including Wicca, Druidry, and other earth-centered paths. Through personal conversations, rituals, and visits to significant landscapes, the documentary examines how these communities understand spirituality, celebrate the cycles of nature, and build meaningful lives outside conventional religious institutions. Along the way, it challenges enduring stereotypes that associate Paganism and Witchcraft with sensationalized images of dark magic or secretive occult practices.
The film, a nominee for the Cambridge Short Film Festival, considers how contemporary Pagan communities are evolving in response to rapid social and technological change. From expanding urban environments that reshape people’s relationship with nature to the influence of artificial intelligence, social media, and online communities, the documentary explores how ancient beliefs are finding new expressions in the digital age. Environmentalism, folklore, feminism, and personal spiritual autonomy emerge as recurring themes throughout the journey.
Events and Announcements
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As always, our deepest gratitude to everyone who has brought us this far.
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Modern Spellcaster’s Tarot, by Melanie Marquis, illustrated by Scott Murphy, published by Llewellyn Worldwide.
Card: Major Arcana (I) – The Magician
This week, there is likely to be a renewed spiritual energy that is a reminder that just about anything can be created, but care and thoughtfulness need to be employed before creating anything. If actions are being considered that are not in alignment with the spiritual beliefs held, then one should likely reconsider. Overall, magical and spiritual energy is likely to be bountiful, helping to boost confidence and encouraging action that helps not just the individual but the entire community.
In contrast, the potential for indecisiveness, misdirection, and a lack of will to act when it is clearly called for may lead to missed opportunities. Those in a position of authority with an obligation to intervene or mitigate damage and yet choose not to act are likely to pay for their inaction further down the road. Beware of those who make bold claims that seem too good to be true. Charlatans, show-offs, and charismatic scammers could be abundant this week.
Some Anticipated Movies…
Disney has announced its 65th animated feature, Hexed, unveiling the film’s first trailer and poster ahead of its Nov. 25, 2026, theatrical release. The coming-of-age fantasy follows Billie, a teenager who unexpectedly discovers magical abilities and is transported to the hidden realm of Hexe, where she uncovers family secrets that could reshape the magical world of witches. Featuring the voices of Hailee Steinfeld, Rashida Jones, Tracey Ullman, and Stephen Fry, Hexed explores themes of identity, family, and belonging through a magical adventure.
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Pictures has announced Practical Magic 2, releasing the first trailer for the long-awaited sequel starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters. Based on The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman, the film follows the sisters as they confront the family curse that has haunted generations of Owens women, blending ancestral magic, humor, and supernatural adventure. Directed by Susanne Bier, Practical Magic 2 opens internationally on Sept. 9 and in North American theaters on Sept. 11, 2026.
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