CHICAGO – The Parliament of World’s Religion convenes today in Chicago after a few computer glitches. This year, Rev. HPs. Phyllis Curott, the Program Chair of the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, addresses the urgent theme of the gathering this August, defending freedom and human rights against the rise of authoritarianism. Curott is well-known in the Pagan community. She is a Wiccan priestess, author, and attorney.
The Parliament of the World’s Religions is an international interfaith organization that aims to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different religious and spiritual traditions. It brings together representatives from various faith communities, scholars, activists, and leaders to engage in discussions, workshops, and events addressing global issues, social justice, environmental concerns, and religious harmony.
Curtt expects today even to be a historic convening” and “it’s a historic convening for our community. She recalled that about 50 Pagans were present at the first modern Parliament in Chicago in 1993 while she was the National First Officer of Covenant of the Goddess. She noted Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary and Andras Arthen from EarthSpirit, along with members of everyone’s organizations, the late Deborah Ann Light and Chicago Pagans. But that event caused a stir when the Orthodox Church withdrew because of Pagan presence. Curott said “It was a real joy when Patriarch Bartholomew appeared in the same Plenary I addressed in 2021. We have to be present to make progress, to change the negative stereotypes, and to bring our wisdom and our values to a world that needs them. And the Parliament is a place where, after so many years of continuous presence, participation, and hard work, we are seen and we are valued. ”
The Parliament of the World’s Religions wrote in a release that “The Opening Procession & Ceremony of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago is a grand and awe-inspiring event that sets the tone for the five days of convening. Attendees from all corners of the globe are greeted by a vibrant display of music, dance, and ritual that celebrates the diversity, unity, and sacredness of the world’s premier interfaith gathering.”
Curott added “Every faith has, at its core, a summoning to ease the suffering of others and to contribute to a just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Today, the Parliament of the World’s Religions issues its Call to Conscience to people of faith and spirit, to the people of Chicago, to all people of conscience, to stand together in defense of the dignity, freedom, and human rights of all.”
Information about attending the Parliament is available on their website. In addition to the Conference, The Parade of Faiths took place after last minute change of route. There were various livestreams, one public one below was shared on public venues on Facebook via Ed Hubbard.
Pagan Organizations Attending 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions
Circle Sanctuary
Circle Sanctuary logo
Circle Sanctuary is among the hundreds of spiritual communities, religious institutions, and other organizations taking part in the international interfaith 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions, August 14-18 at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA and pre-Parliament events on Sunday, August 13. Circle Sanctuary has been part of the Parliament since its centennial rebirth in 1993.
Our Circle Sanctuary Delegation to this year’s Parliament includes some of our ministers, members, and associates from across the USA and beyond. We will be participating in a variety of ways including presenting and assisting with a variety of rituals, panels, workshops, and other activities before and during the Parliament.
In addition, Circle Sanctuary is among the sponsors of the Pagan Faith Room and several multi-Pagan traditions events, including a public New Moon Ritual on Tuesday night.
On Friday, morning, August 18, from 8-9 am (Central) in the West Terrace, Rev. Selena Fox & members of the Circle Sanctuary delegation will facilitate the Ceremony for Planet Earth.
Covenant of the Goddess
Members of the Covenant of the Goddess (CoG) have been planning for their visit to the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions since early 2023. The 9th convening of the Parliament of World’s Religions brings together thousands of religious and civic leaders to advance opportunities for a new generation to participate in a historical legacy, what was at its beginnings the blueprint of interfaith dialogue 130 years ago.
Since its beginning in 1975, CoG members have been active in interfaith and the parliament. 2023 is no exception. CoG members will be networking in the Pagan Interfaith Room as well as participating in several panels. Among these will be a workshop presented by five of CoG’s members entitled “Using our Will to Heal the Earth”. The workshop includes five hands-on practices and a ritual to bring people together and heal the Earth.
Rowan Fairgrove, Interfaith Representative for the Covenant, will be offering “Telling Stories and Performing Ceremony to Re-sacralize Our Relationship With the Earth”. Other attendees include CoG’s First Officer Morgana Raven Tree, Bastion Firemoon, CoG’s Outreach Officer, and Gus diZerega, author and lecturer as a featured global luminary.
Interfaith work is one of the many services that members of the Covenant continue to support in the great Pagan community and ensure all Pagan voices are shared.
Other Groups and Organizations
- The Troth (Booth 611)
- Correllian Nativist Church (Booth 534)
- PoWR Climate Action Task Force (Booth CV-14)
- PoWR GLobal Ethics Task Force (Booth CV-3)
COLUMBIA, SC — Cherry Hill Seminary today announced new vision and mission statements for the organization. The statements reflect several months’ work by a special committee which consisted of board members, students, staff, volunteers, and faculty, and followed a special survey in the spring of all who are on the broader Seminary email list.
The Vision and Mission texts are as follows:
Vision 2023 Cherry Hill Seminary envisions a world where people of Pagan and Nature-based spiritualities can receive competent and compassionate spiritual support.
Mission 2023 Cherry Hill Seminary serves Pagan and Nature-based communities by providing transformative education and empowering students to advance academically and lead spiritually.
Board chair Jeffrey Keefer noted, “We are proud of our work, and as we look into the future, we want to invite those intrigued and feel called to share in our vision to join us as we seek to make the world a better place. Know that our efforts are guided through the lens of our Mission, one we continue to live every day.”
The committee was chaired by Laurel Holmstrom-Keyes, who said, “The impetus for reviewing the Vision and Mission came from our pursuit of [future] accreditation. It was important to the Board that our Vision and Mission were strongly reflective of the work of Cherry Hill Seminary.”
A promotional tagline, “Seek-Explore-Empower,” was also suggested by the committee. A process for rollout and implementation of the new vision and mission includes suggestions for faculty, board, and staff use, posting in strategic locations on the website and in classroom platforms, new social media graphics, and the video here.
Satan Wants You [via Courtesy]
Directors Sean Horlor and Steve J. Adams told CBC that “This book, and the story, that started in Canada was the origin story of the satanic panic,” Horlor said. “We sort of realized as we got deeper and deeper into the project that no one had ever told this before in a documentary.”
“The amount of people who were prosecuted and imprisoned and, literally, on things that were completely made up and could never, ever happen,” Adams said. “It was wild to see what people were believing at that time.” The impact of the Satanic Panic on lives was profound and damaging.
The directors also noted that conspiracies are still alive today. “It happened before. It’s still happening right now. And I guarantee it’s going to happen again in the future,” he said. “It’s just part of being human, believing in these things and them coming to life.”
On August 19, 2023, Southern California’s newest Divination Conference will take place. The inaugural event is presented by COMPASS, the Southern California Divination Conference will include presentations, discussions, and panels on many forms of divination from reading oracle and tarot cards, keys, geomancy, astrology, runes, and so much more. A curated selection of vendors awaits our attendees. DiviCon will take place at the Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange Co. Airport, 2726 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Announcements & Upcoming Gatherings:
Western MA Pagan Pride Day is one of many Pagan Pride Day events that take place worldwide. As a nonprofit organization, we strive to establish awareness of earth-centered spiritual traditions in our local communities. People of all faiths (or none) and walks of life are invited to join us on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10:00 am through 6:00 pm. There is no admission fee to the event, however, we ask that you bring a cash donation for our charity drive. We will be collecting cash donations for our favorite charity, the Northampton Survival Center. You can come expecting to find information about paganism in many of its forms, experience open harvest ritual, musical entertainment, workshops (classes), and many vendors for a fun, family-friendly community-driven event. There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the area, so plan to come and stay a while! Updates are also able on their Facebook and Instagram sites.
Lehigh Valley Pagan Pride Day will take place on September 30, 2022. They wrote “Our event is Lehigh Valley Pagan Pride Day in Easton Pennsylvania. There will be vendors of all kinds, classes, and food. We also have guest speakers who are authors.”
Event information and updates are available on their website.
Earthspirit Community announced dates and open registration for Twilight Covening, a continuous 3-day ritual from October 6-9, 2023 that holds and shapes an institute of Earth spirituality and a time to develop our collective wisdom in a shared sacred space as we move into the dark time of the year.
Each year since 1986, members of the EarthSpirit Community gather deep into ourselves and into communion with this time of year and with all of Nature. We explore the depths of a range of spiritual practices, learn new skills together and experience the joy and power of a living community ritual. We invite you to join us.
The rituals include Releasing Fire Ritual on Friday night, Rituals for Dreaming, Healing and Trance on Saturday night, A Visioning Ritual on Sunday night, and Four “Attunements” each day which marks the solar quarters of the day.
Many participants have found that Twilight Covening provides a model for maintaining an earth-centered practice on a daily basis and is a wonderful opportunity for developing strong and lasting connections with others on a similar path.
They note that Twilight Covening is a demanding physical experience. The schedule is intense, the terrain rugged, the weather unpredictable and the facilities limited in creature comforts.
The Michigan Witches Ball 2023 has announced dates! It will be held on October 28, 2023, at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, Warren, Michigan, USA.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of enchantment and mystery? Look no further than the highly anticipated Michigan Witches Ball, where magic comes alive and dreams become reality. This extraordinary event is not to be missed, as it promises an unforgettable evening filled with spellbinding music, captivating people, and a bewitching atmosphere that will leave you mesmerized.
Step into a Realm of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Prepare to be transported to a realm where witches and wizards roam freely. The Michigan Witches Ball is a celebration of all things mystical and supernatural, where attendees can embrace their inner magic and indulge in an evening of pure enchantment.
Indulge in Delectable Delights
No magical evening would be complete without delectable treats to tantalize your taste buds. The Michigan Witches Ball offers a wide array of culinary delights that are sure to satisfy. Savor mouthwatering food. Indulge in desserts. And of course, no witch’s gathering would be complete without a selection of potions and elixirs to quench your thirst at the open bar.
Dress to Impress in Your Finest Witch Attire
The Michigan Witches Ball is the perfect occasion to unleash your inner witch or warlock. Embrace the opportunity to dress up in your most extravagant and spellbinding attire. From elegant witches’ gowns adorned with intricate lace and velvet, to dapper warlock suits complete with top hats and canes, let your imagination run wild.
Meet and Support Michigan Pagan Charities
Be dazzled by the shining stars that are the volunteers who staff Pagans In Need food pantry, Wolf Run Wildlife Spiritual Sanctuary, and the Michigan Pagan Scholarship. Chat with these magical altruists adept at the conjuring of compassion.
Tickets and information about the Michigan Witches Ball are available on their website via Eventbrite
If you have an announcement to share with the community, send it to The Wild Hunt at pcn@wildhunt.org
Positively Noteworthy
Late in June, the James Webb Space Telescope released another stunning image of the cosmos. The image was a detailed look at two forming stars that NASA referred to as “Babies are burping chaos machines, and baby stars are no exception.”
But they didn’t steal the show as much as the cosmic question mark. The image is likely a distortion of colliding galaxies and yet it seems to say a great deal about us looking up and the heavens looking back.
NASA/ESA/CSA/Joseph DePasquale (STScI)
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Ethereal Visions Tarot: Luna Edition, by Matt Hughes, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Card: Ten (10) of Swords
This week holds the potential for setbacks, endings, and the severing of connections.
Conversely, acceptance of past issues may offer hope and opportunities for moving on and forward.
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