ROME- Almost three years ago, Pietas Comunità Gentile announced a new legal status that allows it to function as an umbrella religious entity and charity for its Greco-Roman religious affiliates. Last week pietas announced that it has petitioned the Italian government for further legal recognition. In an open letter to President Sergio Mattarella, Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and the Office of the Affairs of Catholic Cultures
The letter is from the Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes in Greece (YSEE), which received official recognition by the Greek government in 2017. The letter reads,
We have been informed that the body for the national religion in Italy “Pietas – Comunità Gentile” has submitted an application for recognition already since June 2021, but to date the procedures for the final response to its application have not yet been completed: we can confirm that the Pietas Gentile Community is indeed a religious body cooperates directly with the YSEE in the ROMAN GREEK UNION “MEDITERRANEAL/MEDITERRAEL” and is a member of ECER (European Conference of National Religions).
We hope that the body “Pietas – Comunità Gentile” will be recognized, who represents classical religion and demonstrates the protection of multiculturalism and religious freedom.
We are certain that, without wanting to tire or burden the honorable High Presidency, you will impose the principle of the freedom to manifest and exercise of religion, which is incorporated in Article 10 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Authority already confirmed and which, therefore, finds legal value in all the declarations of articles 26 and 27 of the International Convention on Individual and Political Rights (New York, December 16, 1966).These rules recognize equal protection against all ethnic, political, racial, sexual and religious discrimination before the law, to all persons, and are also provided to insist on this binding international principle: “in those nations where there are ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities, persons belonging to the these minorities should not be deprived of the right to have their own cultural life, confess and practice their religion or use their language, together with other members of their group.”
In addition, among the primary tasks of the 1946-47 Editorial Assembly was to revive a regulatory framework capable of eliminating unequal church relations.
Indeed, this was affirmed by guaranteeing essential equality in Article 3 of your Constitution, which still urges Democracy to “eliminate the obstacles of an economic and social class” since it recognizes, in the previous paragraph, to all citizens … equal social value and are equal before the law, without discrimination of sex, race, language, religion… “.Based on the international, European and national authorities mentioned above, we hope and at the same time ask for an immediate response regarding the request for recognition of “Pietas – Comunità Gentile” for the “Ente religioso” status of non-Catholic worship in full compliance with the current national regulations.
We are waiting for your prompt and polite response.
The European Congress of Ethnic Religions (ECER) and Dievturi announced that on September 7, the Latvian parliament, Saeima, permitted the fellows of the Dievturiba to officiate weddings. In a press release, the ECER wrote “is important and inspiring for the civil rights of religious minorities, particularly for all European contemporary fellows of ethnic religions, occasionally referred to as Pagans. Due to the new law amendment, Dievturi – the fellows of Dievturiba, the contemporary continuation of the ethnic religion of indigenous people native to Latvia – will be able to officiate legally-binding weddings.
The release continues,
As officiating legally-binding wedding has been now recognized for celebrants (i.c.. priests) of Dievturība, Dievturi shall join the Evangelical Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Old Believers, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, and Judaist clergy who have been enjoying this right, and hence being interpreted as traditional religions, for long time. Just after the adoption of the amendment at Saeima, the Grand Leader of Dievturi in Latvia, Andrejs Broks, commented: “First, it is an equal status for the Latvijas Dievturu sadraudze with the other religious organizations that are currently called traditional. But even more importantly, with this decision, our country confirms that our traditional, spiritual heritage – based on the Latvju Dainas, and embodied by the Latvian life wisdom and the theism within it is placed on the same level as the other great religions of the world.”
The struggle for this recognition has been sought for since the arrangements for the registration of the first Dievturi Kindred with the Republic of Latvia in 1925, and escalated in 2018 when in the Law on Religious Organizations the Ministry of Justice proposed to shortlist the “traditional” ones. While continuing preparations for the exhibition and other events dedicated to the centenary of the word “Dievturība” in 2025 is approaching, the joint effort of indigenous peoples to establish the “Rights in One’s Native Land,” which was also the topic of the 2023 ECER resulting in the adoption of the “Riga Declaration” on June 30, 2023-has come to the fore.
The amendment to the Civil Law § 51, unanimously adopted on September 7, in the 3, final, reading at the plenary session of Sacima, shall enter into force simultaneously with the entry into force of the “Law of the Latvijas Dieyturu sadraudze,” the draft bill of which is being worked on now, to be submitted in following weeks.”
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Carolina Pagan Fest (formally known as The SC Upstate Pagan Pride Day), sponsored by the non-profit group Carolina Pagans with a Purpose, will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at The Maynard Community Center, 1135 Jamerson Rd., Easley, SC 29640.
This is a festival to gather as a community, to celebrate our religious diversity, and to celebrate the harvest. Our mission is to produce an event for the purpose of education, networking, and living in harmony with one another. We strive to dispel any erroneous misconceptions of Paganism. We will do this through workshops, music, speakers, rituals, drumming, and the many vending booths throughout the grounds.
The cost for the event is free with a nonperishable food item, for either people or pets. You might also want to bring a chair or blanket, so you can take in a class and enjoy the entertainment.
Our workshops and speakers this year include Rev. Selena Fox and Dr. Denis D Carpenter of Circle Sanctuary, Lady Rhianon Martin of Serpent Stone, Lady Mia of RavenWood, and our local celebrity drum facilitator and Sonic Artist Jeff Holland. We truly believe that nothing could be finer than to come together and celebrate each other, in our beautiful home of South Carolina!
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.
Announcements & Upcoming Gatherings:
Open Coven is running the following in-person events in Western North Carolina this Fall and early winter. Open Coven is run by TWH writer Liz Watkin, a fiber artist and educator with an online learning background.
Open Coven provides resources on using fiber art for magick. This includes embroidery and fiber art kits, classes, and online workshops. For more info. visit their website:
- 10/14 – Magick Talisman Class: 2 – 4 pm at Asheville Raven and Crone (640 Merrimon Ave #207, Asheville, NC)
- 10/19 – Pop-Up: 5 – 7 pm at Of Wand and Earth (20 s Main Street, Marshall, NC)
- 11/18 & 11/19 – Pop-up: 11 am – 7 pm at Asheville Raven and Crone (640 Merrimon Ave #207, Asheville, NC)
- 11/25 – Magick Talisman Class: 2 – 4 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
- 12/9 – Tarot Bag Class: 2 – 5 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
- 1/13 – Altar Cloth Class: 1 – 5 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W.Asheville)
Washington State’s Pagan Pride Day is Sept 30/Oct 1, 2023, at the LaQuinta in Tacoma, WA.
This is our 17th year, and after two years of broadcasting online events with some of the most respected names in the Pagan community, we are back in person! Please join us and the many vendors, readers, and a fantastic lineup of presenters.
Special guest presenters include @ThatWitchLife podcast, who will record an episode for their internationally-known weekly podcast. The show is hosted by Kanani Soleil, Courtney Weber, and Hilary Whitmore and focuses on living as a Witch or Magickal person today.
We are delighted to have Brittany Jones, a presidential candidate for the US 2024 election. Brittany Jones is an unaffiliated candidate for the 2024 presidential elections. She is taking the knowledge she has learned from her campaign and helping educate people across the United States about how elections work. She has been a practicing Pagan, primarily doing dream work, for the last ten years. She also practices candle magic and energy manipulation. Please visit her website to learn more. Puget Sound Pagan Pride has invited other presidential candidates in the spirit of openness and fairness to all. Organizers said they also need volunteers. Contact them for details.
The Earth-based Spirituality Action Team (ESBAT) will be hosting another meeting on October 9, 2023 at 5PM Pacific. This meeting focuses on Integral Spirituality. Integral spirituality encompasses the whole of one’s life–not just the “religious” overlay of belief and special practice. Valerie will describe integral spiritual practice at Via Lactea, where regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and recovery of ancestral spirituality inform the whole of our lives, and discuss how neo-Pagan traditions may be uniquely poised to offer pathways to spirituality that is authentic, relevant, and appropriate.
The meeting will be hosted on Zoom (link to meeting) and facilitated by a member of our Action Team.
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
Image via Announcement
Public Samhain Ritual at UMass Amherst Stone Circle- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 AT 5:30 PM. Please join us for a public Pagan ritual at the UMass Amherst Stone Circle in honor of Samhain and the turning of the year/end of the harvest season. All Pagan and Pagan-leaning people are welcome to join us in the common purpose of honoring our ancestors, those who have recently passed and those who have recently been born. This ritual is inclusive of all traditions, paths, perspectives, backgrounds, ages, cultures, gender identities, abilities, experiences, etc. Please consider bringing a photo or two of those who have passed that you would like to honor during our time together.
In the spirit of supporting the larger community, we will be collecting donations at the ritual for our neighbors and are requesting non-perishable food and/or toiletry items. There is no cost to attend the ritual. Food donations are only requested of those who are in a place to be able to donate.
This is an outdoor ritual. Please dress appropriately for the season and weather.
Learn more by visiting our event page on Facebook.
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The Wild Hunt at pcn@wildhunt.org
Positively Noteworthy
Named after Disney’s famous elephant, the Dumbo octopus, scientifically known as Grimpoteuthis, is a fascinating and elusive deep-sea cephalopod mollusk that belongs to the family Opisthoteuthidae. Its common name, “Dumbo octopus,” is derived from its unique appearance, which resembles the iconic Disney character Dumbo the elephant due to its ear-like fins that protrude from the sides of its head. This remarkable creature inhabits some of the world’s deepest ocean floors, typically found at depths ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 meters (9,800 to 13,000 feet), although some have been discovered even deeper.
Dumbo octopuses exhibit a variety of adaptations that allow them to thrive in the extreme conditions of the deep sea. Their gelatinous bodies lack the rigid structure of other octopus species, making them well-suited for a low-pressure environment. They have large, sensitive eyes that help them detect bioluminescent prey and potential predators in the dark depths. These octopuses primarily feed on small crustaceans and other planktonic organisms, capturing their prey with their webbed tentacles.
One of the most distinctive features of Dumbo octopuses is their unique method of propulsion. They use their ear-like fins to gracefully flap and glide through the water, resembling the motion of a flying Dumbo elephant. This mode of movement allows them to conserve energy in the low-energy environment of the deep sea.
The Dumbo octopuses are rarely seen because of their deep-sea habitat and cryptic lifestyle. Dumbo octopuses remain mysterious and poorly understood creatures. But this week, The unmanned sea rover, Atalanta, caught a glimpse of a Dumbo Octopus over the other rover Little Hercules as the Army Corp of Engineers explored the ocean floor 2,665 meters deep on an unnamed seamount in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. NOAA wrote: Spooky season is almost upon us, and it seems like this Dumbo Octopus was getting in the mood by reflecting light from our technology. Looking appropriately “ghostly” in front of our ROV Atalanta’s camera” Super cute, ok. But Spooky? Nah! 🐙
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Guardian of the Night Tarot, by MJ Cullinane, published by Hay House, Inc.
Card: King of Wands
This week is liable to call for assertiveness with an emphasis on ingenuity when it comes to speaking the truth. Powerful statements delivered passionately but with composure are likely to carry the day.
Conversely, words spoken in haste and without proper contemplation have the potential to create the opposite result than what was intended. This week words matter, as well as how they are delivered.
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