One of our readers recently sent an excellent question:
“In Pagan Community Notes, the titles say ‘the week of’ followed by a Thursday date. Does this mean the week ends on that Thursday?”
Thank you for asking! The answer is a bit of both, “yes” and “no.” Here’s how try to cover things:
The news stories and community updates we feature typically highlight events and announcements that have already occurred. However, some events mentioned are scheduled for the future—sometimes weeks ahead—because organizers request we share them early.
As for the Tarot and other magical or spiritual features, like those by Star Bustamonte, they focus on the week beginning with the date listed in that week’s Pagan Community Notes. For example, the Tarot reading published today looks to the week ahead starting from this edition’s date.
We also appreciate the reader’s feedback (and kind words—thank you! 💚🖤🤍). Embedded in their question, along with input from other readers, is a call for us to be more specific when mentioning dates. We hear you! Moving forward, we’ll strive to make event dates clearer and avoid using vague terms without context.
As always, we love hearing from you! Your comments and suggestions help us improve. If there’s something you’d like us to clarify, share your thoughts with us at letters@wildhunt.org.
Today, January 16, is Religious Freedom Day in the United States where, ironically, Christian dominion theology is on the rise.
Putting that aside, Religious Freedom Day commemorates the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786, a groundbreaking law that laid the foundation for religious liberty in America and influenced the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was authored by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 and passed into law by the Virginia General Assembly on January 16, 1786.The principles of the Virginia Statute significantly influenced the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the free exercise of religion and prohibits the establishment of a state religion.
Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation recognizing the day and highlighting the importance of religious liberty. Schools, organizations, and communities may host events, discussions, or educational programs to promote awareness of the value of religious freedom.
“Faith sustains many of us across our Nation, sharpening our sense of purpose, uniting us in shared belief, and reminding us of our obligations to each other. Whether you worship in a church, synagogue, temple, or mosque, the Constitution of the United States protects every American’s right to practice their faith freely or to practice no faith at all. Today, we celebrate our constitutional right to religious freedom which makes us a beacon of liberty and recommit to protecting that right, both here at home and around the world,” wrote President Joe Biden in a White House statement. “Today, we recognize how religious freedom is at the core of who we are as a Nation. It is central to the freedom we offer all Americans. And it is threaded throughout all our work to advance human freedom and dignity in the world. The task for all of us is to defend and protect religious liberty for everyone, to build a world where no one is endangered for what they believe, and to see one another as neighbors.”
Baner Cymru
Some Pagans use Welsh as a liturgical language and gravitate toward learning it and Welsh culture as a way to connect with their spirituality. While that interest is often welcomed, the use of the Welsh language in some fantasy writing is raising some concerns especially when it is used acontextually or merely as a marketing tool. A BBC article explores this question about the Welsh language and its use.
The fantasy genre continues to draw from the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Wales, but this influence raises both praise and concerns. The TikTok-famous A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas exemplifies this trend, with names like Rhysand and Morrigan suggesting Welsh inspiration. This phenomenon, dubbed the “Tolkien effect,” mirrors how J.R.R. Tolkien modeled Elvish languages on Welsh. According to Prof. Dimitra Fimi, a lecturer in fantasy literature, Welsh traditions have significantly shaped fantasy writing, offering “imaginative ways” to connect with the past.
While Welsh elements can enrich storytelling, some, like bookseller and blogger Bethan Hindmarch, feel that misuse risks distorting perceptions of Welsh culture. Hindmarch criticized a “pan-Celticism” approach in which Gaelic, Irish, and Welsh influences are amalgamated indiscriminately, noting, “It creates an image of the country which isn’t realistic. That’s not all that Wales is.”
The debate also highlights broader issues in fantasy literature, including “snobbery” toward genres like “romantasy”. Hindmarch defended these works, stating, “It brings a whole host of new readers to the genre.” She urged authors to consult experts in Welsh language and culture to ensure accurate representations, praising examples like Sophie Keetch’s Morgan is My Name, which respectfully draws from Welsh legend.
Ultimately, both Hindmarch and Fimi advocate for greater awareness and respect. As Fimi observed, “You have to think it through; there must be a reason for it.” While Welsh culture enriches global fantasy, its misuse risks perpetuating stereotypes, underscoring the need for thoughtful storytelling.
Congratulations to Rev. Dusty Dionne, Arch Priest of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, who shared that he was voted in as the new Chairman of the Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board.
Four Columbia, SC-area Pagan groups were part of a community book drive to collect books for pre-K to 2nd-grade students in public schools. White Star Coven, Greenwild Spiritual Fellowship, Temple Osireion, and Gaia’s Rising CUUPS held the Ready 2 Read drive in a local park, collecting nearly 300 books that children will get to take home to keep at the end of the school year. Following a blessing ceremony attendees shared cookies and hot chocolate. All agreed that the collaborative effort was a welcome positive note during difficult times, also pointing out the importance of books and literacy to many Pagans. The event was held as part of S.C. Interfaith Harmony Month. More information about the events at Interfaith Partners of SC.
Circle Sanctuary’s 2025 Imbolc Festival will be held on Saturday, February 1 from 10:00 am to 7 pm at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve near Barneveld, Wisconsin.
This family-friendly festival will include workshops, rituals, poetry, a bonfire and a soup supper. Imbolc, an ancient Celtic Fire Festival, brings the promise of spring, a time to renew and awaken our passions and dreams. Join us as we ignite our inner flames for personal growth. The cost of in-person attendance is $30 for adults, $15 for children and youth ages 5-17, and free for children 5 and under. Brigid Enchantments, a virtual workshop, will be live-streamed from our on-site Imbolc Festival. Registration is required for both events.
Circle Sanctuary is a non-profit international Nature Spirituality resource center and legally recognized Nature Spirituality church. Founded in 1974, Circle helps people from many spiritual orientations connect with each other as well as with the spiritual dimensions of Nature.
Lord Alexian shared the following
There’s a new Pagan even in town! Well, actually in Portland, Oregon…
Spirit Northwest is the West Coast Pagan conference in Portland, May 1 – 4 2025.
Spirit Northwest is a transformative and new format gathering for seekers, offering 90 and 120-minute immersive workshops on Paganism, witchcraft, and natural magick.
We heard from many in the occult community that people longed for in-depth workshops and rituals, hands-on learning, and make-and-takes with well-known speakers, ritualists, and practitioners.
Amy Blackthorn is the award-winning author of the best-selling Blackthorn’s Botanicals series.
J. Allen Cross is an accomplished author and folk magician known for his book American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic and The Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal.
Maria Minnis is a tarot reader of 20+ years who teaches people about blending their spirituality with magic, liberation work, and eroticism in their everyday lives.
We took action and are bringing it to you all in one weekend!
🧙 Opportunities to raise your visibility:
Be a Speaker: Share your wisdom! Applications are closing soon—don’t miss your chance to lead.
Become a Sponsor: Elevate your brand to a highly engaged, diverse audience hungry for magickal tools, insights, and connections. Five sponsorship levels offer options with vendor spaces to hotel suites.
📅 Mark Your Calendar:
- Vendor Applications Open: January 15, 2025.
Schedule Launch: Coming soon via Sched.
Hotel Reservations: Available now.
Saturday Night Entertainment: Stay tuned for the big reveal!
We are excited to learn and meet you all one-on-one in person in-person conference for Witches and Magickally-Minded people.
🔮 Let’s make magick together in Portland May 1 – 4th.
Your Hosts: Courtney Weber, Kanani Soleil, Hilary Whitmore, and Silent.
More information is available on the Spirt Northwest website
Do you have news to share with our community?
Announcements? Festivals? Elevations? Events?
We’ll share it with the community!
Let us know at pcn@wildhunt.org
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: The Field Tarot, by Hannah Elizabeth Fofana, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Card: Major Arcana, XVI (16), The Tower
This week has the potential to offer up major unforeseen challenges that may appear to be catastrophic at first glance. Expect the unexpected and buckle up for what could be a wild ride. Embracing unexpected, difficult disruptions and viewing them as opportunities for change will offer the best outcomes. Surviving any ensuing turmoil, re-evaluating foundational beliefs and values, and then focusing on how to rebuild will likely be key.
Conversely, shifts in the internal landscape as it applies to making significant changes in fundamental beliefs, ideology, and practice are likely. Spiritual revelations could also open the door for breaking free from outmoded behavior and ideologies. Clinging to what was will not alter or stop changes already in motion. The more aware a person is, the better their chances of not only surviving but finding themselves in a position to thrive.
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