News

Lois Bourne,1928 – 2017

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LONDON — British Gardnerian Witch Lois Bourne, also known as Lois Pearson, died December 22, 2017 in Watford, England. She was 89 years old, and it perhaps is no surprise that this long-serving member of the Craft departed this life during the Winter Solstice. Lois is one of the last surviving members of Gardner’s Bricket Wood coven in which she served as High Priestess. Using the magical name of Tanith, Lois was a crucial figure in British Wicca, influencing many of the younger generation through her appearances and her writing, including her autobiography Witch Amongst Us. Lois first became involved in Wicca in the early 1960s and kept faith with the Craft for the rest of her life.

Pagan Voices

Pagan Voices: beyond the veil edition 2017

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Pagan Voices is a spotlight on recent quotations from figures within the Pagan community. As Samhain approaches, we turn instead to the voices of those who have gone before us, be they Pagan leaders themselves or influential in the intersecting Pagan, Heathen, and polytheist communities.  Look into the cauldron, and hear the words of those who came before us. Aleister Crowley
To practice black magic you have to violate every principle of science, decency, and intelligence. You must be obsessed with an insane idea of the importance of the petty object of your wretched and selfish desires. .

Pagan Community Notes

Pagan Community Notes: Orlando, Lady Epona, Hexing Help and more!

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ORLANDO — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when a man open fired inside a crowded Orlando night club killing an estimated 49 people and injuring 53 others. As of publication, federal officials have not conclusively linked the attack to the organization Daesh. However, state and local officials are calling it a terror attack due to the gunman’s history and personal statements. The owner of the nightclub Pulse, which bills itself as the “hottest gay nightclub” in Orlando, posted this message: “Like everyone in the country, I am devastated about the horrific events that have taken place today. Pulse, and the men and women who work there, have been my family for nearly 15 years.

Pagan Community Notes

Pagan Community Notes: Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering, Witch School, GBG Calendar and more!

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In late August, the Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering (MFPG) ran into a hurdle after being handed a number of new requirements from Parks Victoria. MFPG is one of the oldest and longest running ‘free to attend’ Pagan gatherings in Australia with its first event held in 1981. Named after an extinct volcano, MPFG is always scheduled for late October. However, the organizers recently announced that they had been “informed of the changes in administration surrounding Parks Victoria …These changes impose upon us limitations and requests for documentation that are nothing less than astonishing in number and in time frame. Last year, the Gathering paid for two years’ worth of permits in full, however the requirements have now been changed significantly.” They go on to explain that Parks Victoria now requires a nine page detailed application, other fees, forms, and consultations.