Canada’s National Pagan Conference Gaia Gathering continues its success

CALGARY, Alb. – The Canadian National Pagan Conference (CNPC) Gaia Gathering celebrated a successful event in Calgary, Alberta over the Victoria Day long weekend May 19-22. The theme for this year’s conference was “Rhythm and Flow” and featured speakers not only from the Calgary area, but also across Canada as well. The genesis of this event came as a comment, made by Richard James of the Wiccan Church of Canada. In a post made to an email list maintained by the Pagan Federation Païenne Canada (PFPC), James asked: “Could it be that Canada is ready for a national Pagan conference?”

His question inspired two community leaders, Gina Ellis and Kit Morrison, to put the wheels in motion for the first Gaia Gathering (GG), which took place in 2004 in Edmonton.

Toronto set to host 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions

TORONTO – The organizing committee for the Parliament of the World’s Religions held a press conference at Toronto city hall Tuesday, and made the announcement that the 2018 gathering will be held at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Nov. 1-7, 2018. The seven-day event is expected to draw more than 10,000 people, and offer more than 500 programs, workshops, and dialogues. In addition to this, there will be exhibitions of dance, photography, music, art, and various related events presented by representatives of religious communities and cultural institutions from around the world. Toronto is the largest city in Canada, and the seventh largest in North America.

Community experience at Raven’s Knoll documented in new book

EGANVILLE, Ont. — The staff and a group of regular visitors of the Pagan owned and operated campground and festival site, Raven’s Knoll, have announced the launch of a book titled Rites of Raven’s Knoll. The book is a collection of essays, poetry, ritual scripts, song lyrics and tributes to a place that has successfully earned itself a devoted and enthusiastic collection of volunteers and visitors since it opened its gates in 2009. Raven’s Knoll, or “The Knoll” as it is affectionately referred to, is located on 100 acres of forested land along the Bonnechere River in southern Ontario, 143 kilometers (89 miles) west of Ottawa. It features a campground, a group activity building called The Rookery, trailers and a cabin for rent, a large fire pit, laundry facilities, showers and many opportunities to explore nature.

Canadian official recommends removal of zombie laws and witchcraft regulation

TORONTO, Ont – On March 30, the news was announced that 37-year old Murali Muthyalu was being charged with fraud over $5,000, extortion and “pretending to practice witchcraft.” This last charge is an unusual occurrence in Canada and invokes Section 365 of the Canadian Criminal Code, which refers specifically to the false practise of witchcraft and other occult or “crafty science.” Muthyalu, who also goes by the name “Master Raghav,” is a citizen of India that has been a visitor to the country for less than a year. He was advertising his services as an astrologer and psychic in the Toronto area throughout February and March. It is alleged the Muthyalu attracted the attention of a 44-year old father, whose daughter is apparently suffering from a mental illness. Muthyalu reportedly told the father that his daughter was possessed by evil spirits and convinced him bring her to multiple healing sessions.

Canadian Pagans and Heathens respond to Quebec City mosque shooting

QUEBEC CITY, Mon — On the evening of Sunday, January 29, a solitary gunman entered a mosque in Quebec City, Canada, killing six men and leaving another five in serious condition. Another thirteen people were reportedly treated and released for non-life threatening injuries. The Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec is the mosque where the shootings occurred. This recent attack is not the first act of intolerance that the facility has endured. In June 2016, during Ramadan, a gift-wrapped pigs head was delivered to the mosque with a note that read “Bon appetit.” More recently the walls of the mosque had been defaced with swastikas.