Michael M. Hughes – courtesy
“Do you really think you are going to change the policies of the country by standing out here alone at night in front of the White House with a candle?”
Mute replied, “Oh, I don’t do this to change the country. I do this so the country won’t change me.”
Wrote Michael Hughes, author of Magic for the Resistance: Rituals and Spells for Change, In a recent piece on Medium sharing his White Candle Conspiracy Ritual.
Hughes wrote:
The ritual I am sharing is a means of keeping the light of love and hope alive and burning fiercely inside of us, and spreading that vital spiritual light across a global, expanding our network of awakened and compassionate human hearts.
Make no mistake, though — this is not some delusional and toothless self-help fantasy, or a way to pretend everything is going to be okay. We can’t push back against the darkness by just wishing it away. We will need to do what Dr. King called the arduous and frustrating work ahead—the marches, protests, boycotts, emailing, phone calls, and other practical but necessary actions. But we need the inner strength to do it well and effectively.
The full ritual and his Commentary are available on Medium: The White Candle Conspiracy: Building the Global Network of Spiritual Resistance.
Clairo performing at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, 2024 [Photo Credit: Justin Higuchi
Singer-songwriter Clairo, known for her candidness and activism, did not shy away from expressing her disappointment in the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. On January 20, the day Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term, the 26-year-old artist made her feelings known on social media, tweeting, “Witchcraft on Trump ASAP!” The comment was widely shared, though it appears to lack any literal witchcraft behind it.
This was not the first time Clairo, born Claire Cottrill, voiced her opposition to Trump. In November, she revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that she had cast her vote for his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris. Days after the election, during her November 7 concert in Atlanta, Clairo broke down on stage. “I’m full of so much sadness and rage today,” she told her audience through tears.
Witchcraft on Trump ASAP !
— claire cottrill (@clairo) January 21, 2025
Clairo also criticized the Trump administration’s stance on reproductive rights, saying, “I’m so f—ing tired of people talking about f—ing bodies. You’re a f—ing weirdo if you want to make a decision about my f—ing body. It’s really heavy on my heart today.”
On his first day back in office, Trump signed several shocking and controversial executive orders, including reversing Biden-era protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, pardoning January 6-related offenders, and delaying the national TikTok ban.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican [Photo Credit: MJTM 2024
ROME – On January 22, 2025, Pope Francis delivered his General Audience in Audience Hall discussing the prevalence of fear. Media reported that he referenced witchcraft and tarot cards urging them not to employ either for dealing with their fear about the future.
The formal transcript of the Audience removed the terms in the official circular released by the Holy See. The circular wrote that the Pontiff said:
“Do not be afraid.” And He says to us too: “Do not be afraid, keep going; do not be afraid!”. “Father, I am afraid of this”; “And what do you do when…”. “I am sorry, Father, I will tell you the truth: I go to the fortune teller”. “You go to the fortune teller!”. “Ah yes, I have my palm read…”. Please, do not be afraid! Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid! This is good
The text of the circular opens with a disclaimer that “The following text includes parts that were not read out loud, but should be considered as such.”
The YouTube Video of the Audience is somewhat different. Francis said:
Do not be afraid…. He says to us too. Do not fear.
“Father, I am afraid of this;”
“And what do you do?”
“Sorry Father, but I tell the truth. I go to a witch.”
“You got to a witch!?”
“Yes, I have my palms read.
“Please. Do not fear. Do not fear. This is beautiful.”
In the Fall of 2024, Pope Francis delivered two very different messages regarding relationships between the different religions of the world. He spoke of the possibility of cooperation and understanding between faiths in Southeast Asia, raising hopes of interfaith dialogue then a few days later in Italy made sure to excise modern Pagans who incorporate magic into their practices from the interfaith community.
Patrick McCollum at The Parliament of the World Religions 2015 [Courtesy Photo
Rev. Patrick McCollum is a prominent spiritual leader, activist, and advocate for religious freedom, particularly for minority faiths such as Paganism and Wicca. McCollum has been a trailblazer in advancing the rights of Pagan practitioners in various institutions, including prisons, schools, and the military. One of his landmark contributions was his involvement in legal battles advocating for the recognition of Wiccan clergy within California’s prison system, which set important precedents for the inclusion of Pagan religions in institutional settings. He has served as director of chaplaincy for Cherry Hill Seminary.
Beyond his legal work, McCollum has dedicated much of his career to global interfaith efforts. He has worked tirelessly to foster understanding and collaboration among diverse religious traditions, seeking to bridge gaps between Paganism and other faiths. His work promotes mutual respect and dialogue, emphasizing unity across spiritual boundaries. He is also deeply committed to environmental and spiritual activism, viewing the protection of the Earth as a sacred responsibility in line with his Wiccan beliefs about the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality.
McCollum’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition from religious freedom organizations and interfaith councils. He is a sought-after speaker at conferences and events, where he shares insights on Pagan spirituality, religious tolerance, and global peace. His teachings focus on compassion, unity, and the need for collaboration to address pressing social and environmental challenges. Through his advocacy and leadership, McCollum has had a lasting impact on the broader acceptance and legitimacy of Pagan traditions in both spiritual and institutional contexts.
In a Facebook post, McCollum announced that he is returning to a previously paused project. McCollum wrote that he spent nearly three years unable to move forward with publishing his book, Scars, due to an agreement with the director of a film about his life. The agreement required that the book’s release be delayed until after the movie’s debut. During this time, McCollum set the project aside to focus on other endeavors, but with the film nearing completion, he has resumed work on the manuscript, which he hopes will inspire readers to live fuller, more empowered lives.
Initially, McCollum believed the book was nearly finalized, as he did not anticipate further significant events to add to his life story. However, over the past three years, he faced major surgeries and life-threatening health challenges, yet continued to pursue extraordinary efforts. These included traveling to South America to assist in saving the Amazon rainforest, where he undertook remarkable adventures. Additionally, he took on the responsibility of uniting Indigenous Peoples worldwide, answering a call from Indigenous leaders who saw the importance of collective wisdom in addressing global challenges. Despite physical limitations, he participated in sacred ceremonies in remote jungles, sharing his experiences and learning from elders.
In the past five years, McCollum has been recognized as an elder by multiple Indigenous nations and has helped bring together millions of Indigenous people. He views this era as the Prophesy Times, a period in which ancient Indigenous prophecies are being fulfilled. His book, Scars, tells the story of his extraordinary life through a series of vignettes, each tied to the physical and emotional scars he has accumulated during his work for peace, environmental protection, and personal growth. McCollum is now working diligently to complete the manuscript, with plans to publish it later this year.
McCollum wrote: “Wish me luck 🙏”
Cherry Hill Seminary announced three new programs starting in February:
Information is available at Cherry Hill Seminary.
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.
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 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 Transparent Tarot, by Emily Carding, published by REDFeather, Mind, Body Spirit, an imprint of Shiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Card: Knight of Swords
The next seven days are likely to offer opportunities for being assertive when applying one’s intellect to understanding and resolving issues. Additionally, it supports the ability to cut through deception and murky claims to reveal the truth. The underlying energy of the week is liable to encourage swift action without much preparation or forethought. Engaging with others and having a solid handle on the issues at hand is advised before taking aggressive action.
Contrarily, the potential for feeling driven to take action but lacking direction could lead to frustration and restlessness. There is equally the possibility of making rash or impulsive decisions that undermine the intended goal. Taking a step back, slowing down, and re-establishing a clear focus is warranted. Not doing so is more likely to result in a downward spiral that ends in burnout and exhaustion.
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