The Wild Hunt (https://wildhunt.org/author/guest/page/3)
When Rutherfordton officials denied a permit for a small Pagan-led vigil, citing undocumented restrictions and a coercive “Christian parade” alternative, High Priestex Mortellus confronted a system that limits minority-faith expression in a traditional public forum during the holiday season.
“It seems like the United States is going through a real ‘Nazi moment’ for the past couple of weeks,” writes Ryan Smith of the Wayward Wanderer podcast, analyzing revelations on both the political Left and Right.
“The only way to fully appreciate the power of group ritual is to participate in one.” Pagan circles play a vital role in sustaining community within a minority faith. They offer belonging, mentorship, and shared ritual, spaces where Pagans can connect, learn, and grow together. Beyond spiritual practice, circles nurture social bonds, resilience, and collective wellbeing.
“If you are part of the 0.4% of Americans that identify as ‘Pagan or Wiccan,'” writes Diana Helmuth, “October marks the time of year where the rest of America remembers that you exist. But the dizzying rise in occult content and online Witchcraft hashtags tells us another story.”
As we officially enter the Season of the Witch, The Wild Hunt welcomes Gavin Fox, who examines the ways Witches, Pagans, and other occult communities were depicted in documentaries of the 1970s through 90s.