PHILADELPHIA – Last week, Robert L. Schreiwer, Steer, announced on behalf of The High Rede of The Troth that the organization was officially rescinding the ban on hailing Loki at Troth-sponsored events. In the official statement released on January 2, 2019, The High Rede reported that, after deliberation on various related issues at their fourth quarter Rede meeting in 2018, “Loki may be hailed freely at Grand Sumbel and at any Troth-sponsored event.”
The statement went on to detail some important considerations. The Troth statement noted that although the change in policy now allows for hailing of Loki, at all official Troth events, Troth Kindred Program [TKP] kindred thew (virtues) is sovereign and each kindred’s rules, culture and etiquette how and who is hailed at their events.
The Troth noted that another exception to the hailing of Loki would be the annual Idunna Blót at Trothmoot because Idunna is the Patroness of the Troth and deserves singular veneration at that event. The Troth commented that “Idunna deserves to be recognized and honored in that role, the Idunna Blót at Trothmoot will be reserved for hailing only (solely Idunna by any of Her known names).”
The statement went on to say that since the ban on Loki lasted for ten years, “the organization will hold an official Loki Blót for the next ten Trothmoots in a prime time slot. After the tenth Trothmoot, Loki Blóts may be held as any other blót or Sege, and the timing of the Blót will become adjustable to meet scheduling needs.”
* * *
ELEUSIS, GREECE – On Saturday, December, 29 outside the archaeological site of Eleusis in Greece, about 10 miles northwest of Athens, a group of Hellenic polytheists of the Cultural group, Γλαυκώπις [Glaukopis], were attacked while performing a ritual for Demeter. According to news reports, the group was attacked by three individuals loudly proclaiming Greece to be a Christian country. The attackers vandalized the altar set up for the ritual and assaulted the attendees, who fought back in an attempt to defend themselves. The police responded and arrested the attackers for their actions, as well as citing the Γλαυκώπις Cultural Association for not having a permit.
The Γλαυκώπις Cultural Association issued a recorded statement the following day detailing the events. They noted that Γλαυκώπις is a licensed by the Greek States, both for its operation and for part of the ceremony within the sanctuary. They added that the attack was violent, racist, and unreasonable, placing women and children in danger; went against religious freedom; and called on local authorities, the Holy Synod and Metropolitan to denounce the attack. The statement added that while they acknowledge Greek authorities were still investigating the incident, they captured the attack on video and asked the include the identify of the alleged perpetrators. Γλαυκώπις also suggested that they did not need a permit to gather at Eleusis because venerating Demeter at the site is a guarantee for their religious freedom. The Wild Hunt will continue to follow this story.
* * *
In other news:
- On Thursday, January 3, 2019 Military.com reported that the U.S. military aircraft carrier John C. Stennis released a statement that it will now be holding religious services for those service members deployed and onboard who identify as Heathen.
- Pagans were in the news in New Zealand this weekend. The Otago Daily News profiled Pagan chaplain, Tracey Crampton Smith and her efforts to help provide guidance to students at the University of Otago on the Dunedin Campus.
- In December of last year we reported on an article written by The Daily Beast about Witches being angry over the term “Witch-hunt” being used by the Trump administration to describe the Mueller investigation. Since then CNN and Fox News have both aired stories that The Wild Hunt has criticized as using inappropriate sensational imagery and language regarding Witches. Last week the witch hunt stories caught the attention of both Donald Trump, Jr., and Rudy Giuliani who have made dismissive comments on the reports. Giuliani noted that “there is no reason for the witches to be offended because Witch Hunt derives from, for example, the Salem Witch Hunts where people were executed unjustly”.
- Another violent attack on alleged “Witches” was reported last week in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Reportedly, Samuel Sunday Otasi, with the help of his younger brother, Levai Ayah, tied his three children to a tree and poisoned them by forcing them to drink the pesticide called “Sniper” because he believed them to be Witches. The oldest son, 14 year old Success, managed to escape and was taken by a passersby to a nearby hospital where he was treated for poisoning. His other two siblings, Miracle, age 12, and God’s Time, age 10, did not survive the poisoning. Success is expected to make a full recover. Otasi and Ayah have both been charged with murder in the case, but Otasi denied the allegations and said his brother was supposed to be returning the children to their grandmother. The police commissioner stated that Otasi believed his sons were wizards and responsible for his recent illness.
- Today is celebrated folklorist, author and civil rights activist Zora Neale Hurston’s 128th birthday. She was part of the Harlem Renaissance, and through her literary works sought redefine how African Americans were depicted including “Hoodoo in America” (1931) in The Journal of American Folklore. She held a degree in anthropology from Barnard College.
Tarot of the week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: New Era Elements Tarot by Eleonore F. Pieper, PhD, published by U.S. Games Systems
Card: Strength, Major arcana eleven (11)
The week ahead may require trust in ones innate abilities and determination to overcome the challenges that could be presented. It’s important to note that a greatest strength used incorrectly or indiscriminately can quickly become a greatest weakness. Proper use of power and force of will are key.
Decks generously provided by Asheville Raven & Crone.
