A major survey project by Larisa A. White, M.S.Ed., Ph.D. of Quercus Academy in Central California late was announced last month. The survey project intends to gather data on how modern Druidry has evolved and how practices have shifted around the world. The survey will track how Druidry has spread around the globe as a major nature spirituality path and examine what practicing Druids hold in common, and how their practices differ.
White is seeking input from Druids of all levels of practice, from beginners to those who have decades of experience. World Druidry Survey is supported in part by the OBOD’s Mount Haemus Award program. The findings of the project are set to be published at Beltane 2021 and presented at Mount Haemus Day in 2024 in conjunction with other publications.
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Lilith Dorsey who authors the blog Voodoo Universe on Patheos discussed cultural appropriation and the recent controversy at Pantheacon. Doresy allowed Witchdoctor Utu and his mentor, Baba Teddy Olujimi Jauw, to both make statements clarifying their practices, the history of African Traditional Religions (ATRs), and address the accusations of cultural appropriation. Dorsey add her own analysis in the matter.
The controversy over Utu’s removal from the programming at Pantheacon has continued to produce repercussions across social media platforms, spurring more discussions. Orion Foxwood offered his own public comments in an attempt to bring some resolution to concerns while dedicating the post to “Pantheacon, Utu Witchdoctor, the voices in our community crying out for change, and all who devote their lives to end gender oppression, racism, homophobia and the many other ghosts of our past.” The comments garnered responses from all parties involved in the recent controversy. TWH will continue to follow this story and report as developments occur.
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In other news:
- The Solstice Dispatch Service announced its return and published a new mailing address last month. The service was originally created to receive and answer letters addressed to The Oak King and The Holly King. Due to the volume of letters received, SDS became overwhelmed and has changed its policy—still guarantees a response, but no longer guarantees all responses will happen by Yule.
- The BBC reported last week on the “damage” done to Stonehenge by engineers. TWH will provide an update on this story from our UK correspondent, Liz Williams.
- As reported by NBC affiliate in Chicago, The Satanic Temple exercised its First Amendment rights last week by installing a monument in the Illinois Capitol Rotunda in Springfield as part of the collection of holiday religious displays. While the Illinois secretary of state’s office has received some calls from citizens who are upset over the monument, spokesman Dave Druker said, “We accepted their permit, they filled out the form. If you do something for one group to be consistent, don’t you have to do it for everybody?”
- The BBC published an article on Druids in the UK and how they celebrate Yule, or Winter Solstice. Two members of the Genesis Order, and who both belong to the same local grove, were interviewed for the article.
- PaganFolk musical group Omnia announced a vinyl edition of their “REFLEXIONS” album. This edition will be available only for “very” limited run.
- German PaganFolk music group Faun announced new tour dates for 2019 beginning in February at Wacken, Winter Nights a “medieval, fantasy, folk, and metal festival” in Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
Tarot of the week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Mystical Tarot by Giuliano Costa, published by Lo Scarabeo
Card: Four (4) of Wands
This week calls us to look to the past, present, and future and recognize the causes to be celebrated, especially those associated with relationships, and concerning the home. Conversely, there may be an emphasis on repairing damage or preventative maintenance, both spiritually and physically.
