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.

Paganism

Column: a Quest for Faith Over a Year, and Over the Years

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From the point of view of many global onlookers, most of Western and Northern Europe might seem an oddly secular, even religion-less place. Despite a history of (ofttimes violent) religious upheaval during the Christian era and a relative growth of Islam in the present day, there is no denying that religion, and more specifically the expression of religious sentiment, has little to no place in the public sphere in many European nations. As such, even simply discussing religion, and especially Pagan and magical ones, isn’t something nearly as self-evident as in other regions, like North America, where a similar degree of religious freedom is the law of the land. In such a context, the experiences of individuals who might want to experiment with various spiritual paths are rarely if ever publicized or talked about. Yet under this veneer of secularism lies a dynamic and ever-changing religious landscape that has much to offer to those willing to get real with religion.

Pagan Community Notes

Pagan Community Notes: Dr. Wendy Griffin, Feri Tradition, Temple of Witchcraft, and more

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – It was announced Friday that Dr. Wendy Griffin would be stepping down as Academic Dean of Cherry Hill Seminary as of Feb. 1, 2018.  She wrote, “I have had the privilege and pleasure of serving as Academic Dean of Cherry Hill Seminary and working with a group of extraordinarily committed and caring individuals. During that time, we have shaped the program academically to be ready for accreditation, and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together.” Dr. Griffin took the position in 2010 with the commitment of five years. That ran over to seven years. She wrote, “I am now 76 years old and there are a few things in my life I want to attend to while I still have time, a 3rd novel to finish, climate change workshops to present, and traveling to do.”

News

Wiccan woman called devil worshipper at doctor’s office

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ALLEN PARK, Mich. – A Wiccan woman says a receptionist at her doctor’s office wrote “devil worshippers” on her medical information. Dana Hernandez was reportedly at the doctor’s office for a routine visit when she noticed what the receptionist had written on her paper. The receptionist was later fired. Ms. Hernandez and her husband went to the office of Dr. Ghassan Otto last week, and they were asked to update her insurance information.

News

Raymond Buckland (1934-2017)

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OHIO – Raymond Buckland, author and founder of Seax-Wica, died Wednesday after being hospitalized for chest pain. Ray, as he was called by his close friends and family, is largely considered responsible for introducing the U.S. to Gardnerian Wicca. Raymond Buckland was born August 31, 1934 in London to Stanley and Eileen. By 1939, as World War II loomed, the family moved to Nottingham where Buckland spent his childhood. During his school years, he became interested in the theater and acting, a passion that would follow him through life.