Pagan Community Notes: Week of September 19, 2024

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There’s lots happening in our vibrant community so take a seat… this one is a little long, more than you can shake a stick at.  There are a few announcements and lots of events happening some starting in just a few hours of publishing today’s Pagan Community Notes.  But first,

Equinox Blessings from The Wild Hunt! 

The equinoxes occur when the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the Sun’s rays. The Sun’s rays enter along the “celestial equator” which is the equatorial circle of the imaginary celestial sphere that occurs on the same plane as Earth’s equator.

Because of the Earth’s tilt at about 23.44 degrees, the planet will experience equal hours of day and night. From today, the Northern Hemisphere will experience shorter days and the Southern Hemisphere will experience longer days.

The equinoxes mark more the wane of the previous season than the beginning of the coming one. The North will soon see longer nights. As an Irish proverb reportedly says, “Autumn days come quickly, like the running of a hound on the moor.”

But the Southern Hemisphere will see longer days, more flowers, and the growing light and warmth of summer. Our friends and family living in the Southern Hemisphere begin the journey toward summer. For them, the days will begin to lengthen and become warmer as light triumphs over dark, and the Earth reawakens from its winter slumber.

Beginning tomorrow, the Sun will enter Libra in the traditional Zodiac (the sidereal zodiac, the sun’s transit to Libra occurs much later, usually after October 31). Libra is the only zodiac sign represented by an object, the scales. They represent justice and are held by the Greek Titaness, Themis, the personification of divine order, fairness, custom, and law. Libra is also the cardinal sign of air, sharing that element with Aquarius and Gemini.  Themis played a key role in advising Zeus and was often considered a counselor to the gods. Her wisdom extended beyond human law and encompassed the moral order of the universe, guiding the balance of cosmic justice and natural law.

In the north (and we guess sparing the southern hemisphere), Pumpkin spice was unleashed on unsuspecting continents a few weeks ago. Pictures of early colored leaves sailed through Facebook posts accompanied by anticipation and trepidation. Famed French author Albert Camus said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

Many Asian cultures and overseas Chinese communities celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival during this week’s full moon.  The festival is based on the legend of Chang’e (嫦娥), the moon goddess. Open-air altars are built for her and delicious mooncake pastries are made as part of her veneration.

From ancient to modern cultures, the harvest period was a time of both work and celebration. Many of these celebrations are marked by thanksgiving, whether religious or secular in nature. Gratitude is given to deities, ancestors, family, friends, community, self, and nature.

In some modern Pagan traditions, the autumnal equinox is the second of three harvest festivals, with the first being Lughnasadh and the third being Samhain.

The Pagan holiday, or Sabbat in some traditions, occurring at the September Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere is known by a variety of names. For Wiccans and Witches, it is often called “Harvest Home” or “Mabon.” In Druidic and Celtic-oriented Pagan groups, it can be called “Mid-Harvest,” “Foghar,” or “Alban Elfed.” In modern Asatru, it is sometimes called “Winter Finding.”  The Greek term for it (using Latin letters) is “Phthinopohriní Isimæría.” In Old English, it was called “efnniht.”

Some just call it “Fall.”  And, of course, Happy Spring!

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SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. –  The Covenant of the Goddess(CoG) held its annual Grand Council.

CoG is a prominent organization within the community composed of Wiccans and Witches of various traditions.  The organization focuses on supporting the practice and legal recognition of Wicca and Witchcraft traditions and by extension many Pagan paths.  It serves as a locus organization to connect across different traditions while also promoting a positive understanding of Wicca, Witchcraft, and Paganisms, aiming to dispel misconceptions and build interfaith dialogue. CoG also emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and social justice, reflecting the sacredness of nature and the balance between humanity and the Earth.

Last Week, TWH reported on CoG’s gift to Ardantane.  In a press release this week, CoG announced the election of its new officers:

• National First Officer:  Manny Tejeda y Moreno
• National Second Officer: Lord Verdarius
• National Pursewarden:  Elizabeth Ravenfire
• National Membership Office: Lauren T.
• National Outreach Officer:  Denise
• National Publications Officer: Bastion
• National Correspondence Officer:  Taffy Dugan
• National Public Information Office: Chaplain Jamie Dana

The Covenant of the Goddess also announced its upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations with numerous local events. Dates and information will be released soon.  For those, stay tuned to Pagan Community Notes.

Congratulations!

 

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The Temple of Witchcraft held their annual TempleFest gathering at Prindle Pond in Charlton, Massachusetts over Labor Day weekend. The festival featured headliner Amy Blackthorn and special guests Irene Glasse, Mat Auryn, Devin Hunter, Byron Ballard, and many other presenters. This was the Temple’s second in-person gathering since the “great pause” caused by the Covid pandemic. Attendees were offered workshops, rituals, celebrations, and sacred space as well as socializing with other Temple members and friends from across the United States, Canada, and Italy. The Temple of Witchcraft’s next gathering is the online-only TempleHearth, happening in February and they’ll be returning to Prindle Pond for TempleFest over Labor Day weekend again in 2025.

Here is an amazing short gallery of TempleFest!

 

Congratulations!

 

 

 

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and another musical event:

Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride Celebrates The Power of Your Voice

 

Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride will host its first event at a new location this year. Riis Park, 6100 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60639 will host a gathering of Pagans from the Greater Chicagoland Area including Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin from 10 am-6 pm on Sunday, September 22nd.

This year’s theme, “The Sound of Magic,” will include programming about authenticity, protest, performing magic with your voice, and how strengthening your authentic voice can make the world a better place. 

Pagan entertainment and vendors selling every imaginable type of Witchy Ware will run alongside a series of workshops at the event’s two workshop theaters.

The day will open with classes on runes, music, and the intersection of music and magic by musician Cathy McManamon, and on the basics of Pagan Theology by author Catherine Carr running in the festival’s two workshop spaces.

The heat will pick up as the afternoon begins with “Protest Witchery: A Beginner’s Primer” by Euphoria Rising covering the St. Paul Principles for best practices in community organizing, and how chants can be used to raise energy in any setting. 

A class on “Own Your Voice!” will be offered by Rev. Laura González, who led the opening procession for the Parliament of World Religions 2023 and spoke land acknowledgment and ancestor blessings in both English and Nahuatl for the pan-Pagan Fighting for Freedom Ritual at Parliament.

Author Catherine Carr will lead workshops on consent, boundaries, and the theology of personal autonomy, culminating in a Breaking of Bonds community ritual for those who know that it is time to free themselves from personal hardships, unhealthy situations, fears, and other nonconsensual bonds.

Author Chris Allaun will help wrap up the afternoon’s energy with a class on Witchcraft in Storytelling, where he’ll discuss his recent hit fiction release, “The Black Book of Jonathan Knotbristle,” the vital role of stories and folklore in the transmission of magical traditions, and how to spot real magic in some of your favorite childhood stories.

Mambo Jae Marie will bring the day’s energy to a nourishing close with her Spiritual Self Care class discussing best practices for spiritual cleansing, energy protection, and seeking out healthy vibrations.

Admission to the entire event is free with the donation of non-perishable food items, which will go to the Nourishing Hope network of food pantries in the Chicago metropolitan area. 

Those who wish to contribute financially to the event’s continued ability to offer a Pagan community space and food drive to the Greater Chicagoland community free of charge can do so by contributing sponsorships ranging from $5 to $250, or by buying some of the fun Pagan-branded merch. Both options are available on the organization’s website here.

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Rev. Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary is doing a new online and in-person workshop called Equinox Transformations 

Equinox Transformations with Selena Fox
Saturday, September 21 from 1-2 pm central daylight time

Exploring & experiencing rituals & meditations at Equinox time for personal healing, balance, renewal and gratitude. Livestreamed via Zoom.

Circle Sanctuary shared a one-hour-long full moon circle on the Circle Sanctuary YouTube channel.

Forthcoming this Fall:

Full Moon Circle Evenings 2024

• Thursday, October 17 – Sacred Circle
• Thursday, November 14 – Tarot Magic
• Sunday, December 15 – Yuletide Joy

 

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Heathen Fall Equinox celebration on September 21st, 3 pm

Bay Area Fire & Ice is happy to invite members of the public to our inclusive Heathen Fall Equinox celebration on September 21st, 3 pm at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists.

As the seasons change and the light begins to fade, let us gather together to celebrate in ritual, storytelling, and meditation. We are facing truly momentous occasions this fall. In a time of profound injustice and uncertainty as we prepare for an election and the increased inflammation that always accompanies it, this is a chance for us all to draw comfort and strength from one another, as well as prepare ourselves for whatever storms lay ahead.
Further information and a signup sheet for the potluck can be found on the Facebook event.   We are looking forward to having you join us!

 

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Pagan Pride Day with the Grove in South Florida (September 21st, 2024)

Since 2000, 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 28, 2024, 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 an open harvest ritual, musical entertainment, workshops (classes), and many vendors for a fun, family-friendly, community-driven event. There are several restaurants and cafes in the area so plan to come and stay a while! Check out our website for more info on workshops, performers, and ongoing events.

This year we will be in downtown Northampton in the plaza at Kirkland Ave where the Tuesday Farmers Market takes place. This is between the Parking Garage and the back of Thorne’s Marketplace. There are new parking rules for the City of Northampton. Please see here for updates.

Note that the Armory Street lot which faces the plaza no longer has a 3-hour limit Mon-Sat. You can also park in the garage that overlooks our site; the cost is only .75/hour and the first hour is always free.

More info on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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Carolina Pagans with a Purpose hosts Carolina Pagan Fest (October 5, 2024)

A Festival to gather as a community, to celebrate the Harvest, our religious diversity, and
for those in the community curious about what Paganism is.

Carolina Pagans with a Purpose will host this educational festival for the community on
Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 am to 6 pm, at the Maynard Center 1135 Jameson Rd,
Easley, SC.

Carolina Pagan Fest formerly known as the SC Upstate Pagan Pride Day has been educating our local community in one form or another, for the last 20 years. Through workshops, music, speakers, entertainment, and vending booths you can delve into the many aspects of what it means to be a Pagan.

Our mission is to produce an annual event for the purpose of education, networking, and
coming together in harmony. Where we strive to dispel erroneous misconceptions of Paganism.

The Carolina Pagans with a Purpose team, come from all corners of the Upstate, and have
experience working on many other Upstate Events. Events such as The Quirky Fest, Pagan Pride Day, Goddess Fest, and Earth Worship Weekend.

Our goal is to bring our local Pagan Community together for a day, to show the community at large that we are ordinary people, we are not scary, we are your neighbors, and we can all enjoy this beautiful place, called the Upstate of South Carolina.
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 a class and enjoy the entertainment.

More information is available on their site.

 

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Twilight Covening  (October 11-14, 2024)

The Earthspirit Community announced the Twilight Covening event last month and that they  “have already filled more than half of the available spaces!  Thank you. It feels good to know that so many want to attend again this year.”

They said “Again, we are prioritizing Clan assignments by week so that everyone has a reasonable chance of getting into one of their top choices. The first week filled up one Clan already, but there is space in many others – and frankly, all of the Clans that are on offer will provide something special to those who attend.”

The Earth Spirit Community wrote,

Twilight Covening is a continuous  3-day ritual that holds and shapes an intensive learning experience 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.

Twilight Covening is held in the autumn during the strong natural transition taking place all around us from light into dark, summer into winter, and outward focus to inward contemplation. During the gathering, we use this current of change, along with our focused practices, to find inspiration and insight that can feed us in the dark months to come and motivate us to make changes that we can use to deepen our own spiritual practice.

The intensive work of Twilight Covening takes place in practice-specific Clans of 10-15 people and in full-community rituals that flow together through the weekend.

More information is available on the EarthSpirit website.

 

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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte

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