The Wicked ’Wich:

"A wicked new presence is fast approaching the Sacramento food truck scene and bringing with it a broom-wielding, raven-haired witch, mounted LED television screens and towering, East Coast-inspired sandwiches."

Plea For Witches To Be Pardoned

Story from BBC NEWS:
Campaigners have submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for the last woman convicted under the Witchcraft Act to be pardoned.

Helen Duncan spent nine months in Holloway prison after being found guilty at a trial in 1944.

She had told a séance a warship had sunk before the news had been officially announced.

A second petition calls for all those convicted under witchcraft legislation in Scotland to be pardoned.

Both petitions have been organised by a paranormal group, Full Moon Investigations.

A petition to the Westminster Government last year failed to secure a pardon for Mrs Duncan.

This new document calls on the Scottish Government to urge the Home Secretary to reconsider the case.

Mrs Duncan, born in Callander, Perthshire, held a séance at which the spirit of a dead sailor was said to have revealed the loss of the battleship HMS Barham with most of her crew.

The sinking had been kept secret by the authorities to maintain wartime morale.

Although not convicted for being a witch, Mrs. Duncan was jailed for pretending to use witchcraft.

The crime of being a witch was abolished by the 1735 Witchcraft Act.

Roberta Gordon presented the signatures to Frank McAveety, convener of the public petitions committee, at Holyrood.

Mrs Gordon, who has been a medium for more than 28 years, said: "I feel that at the time the country was paranoid about security with D-Day coming up and the evidence used against her wasn't accurate.

"It would take away the stigma of the family that is still living, the granddaughters, the great-grandsons and she has got a great granddaughter.

"For them to know that Helen Duncan is not classed as a witch would be the icing on the cake."

The campaigners claim about 4,000 people were convicted under the witchcraft legislation in force between 1563 and 1736, 85% of them women.

The petition states that torture was used to extract confessions as late as 1704 and those convicted were almost always strangled before their body was burnt.

The petition states: "Many of today's professions have their roots in tradition and what could be seen as mystical wisdom.

"Professions such as mediumship, herbalists, midwifery, reiki and many alternative therapies, to name just a few."

So...Your Friend Is a Witch?

So...Your Friend Is a Witch?
Author: Danjia Water Fae
WitchVox


A Bare Bones Guide to Understanding Pagans and Witches –

Consider that you’re spending time with a good friend over a nice meal, some good wine, and friendly conversation. Your friend tells you that she is Pagan. As a matter of fact, she says, she’s a practicing Witch. What does this mean to you? What’s the first thing that goes through your mind? It’s likely that on at least some level, you found the idea of someone in this day and age being a “Witch” to be laughable. It’s very possible that you conjured the image in your mind of her dressed all in black, riding a broom through the night sky – like some Halloween cartoon.

It is also likely that some part of you was at least a little frightened by the word. As if, suddenly, this person whom you have trusted in your home, in your life, and with your friendship, has become some force of darkness. In truth all your friend has done is shared with you something which shouldn’t have to be a secret. Your friend has trusted you with information about her faith, her spirituality. If your friend were Baptist, would the announcement that she followed that path cause you any discomfort? Not likely. In the simplest of terms, your newly found (no matter how fleeting) doubt about your friend is the result of a centuries long media assault on the Pagan way of life. As you’re gathering your thoughts on this newly discovered facet of your friend, and wondering how it affects you and how you feel about her, try to keep an open mind. And try to keep in mind that your friend has trusted you with something very dear, and traditionally very dangerous. The truth about who she is. Remember, for centuries, Witches have been burned, and hanged for nothing more than their faith.

So, What Does It All Mean?

Let’s start at the beginning. Paganism is not a single religion. It is an umbrella term generally used to cover all those religions, which are not considered to be “main world religions”, i.e. Christianity, Judaism and Islam. A person who follows one of the “other” faiths is considered to be a Pagan. Many Witches, and other Neo-Pagans simply identify themselves as "Pagan" in order to simplify the conversation when talking with someone (like, perhaps you) who may or may not be familiar with the different belief systems. This, rather unintentionally, often makes it sound as though "Paganism" is a religion – as opposed to a collection of religions. Just for the record, Neo-Paganism is not the same as the "New Age" movement. Generally, Pagans are involved in a distinctive religion. The New Age movement draws its spirituality from varied sources, as almost a supplement to the religion already practiced by that person.

A What? A Witch?

A Witch is a practitioner of a nature-based, nature-revering or “folk” belief system. Witches believe that our planet should be revered, and respected, as the manifestation of Deity. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. There are many different belief systems, only some of which will be discussed here – for the sake of brevity. Some Witches practice what is often referred to as the "Old Religion". This system is rooted in beliefs, which pre-date the monotheistic belief systems, and it follows the agricultural seasonal cycles. The Earth is a living thing and therefore a gift, for us, from the God and Goddess. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure usually based upon the local gods and goddesses of their area of origin. Most Witches feel that a monotheistic belief structure is only half of the whole. If based upon only one all-powerful male God, and often presided over by only male clergy, it is unbalanced and only half-effective. Worship, for Witches, is centered on both the male and female personifications of Deity. The most widely known sects of witchcraft are Wicca and Druidism. “Wiccan” is often used, by the misinformed, as a description for all Witches. This tendency is likely due to the increased exposure of Wicca, thanks to many movies and TV shows of recent years. All Wiccans are Witches, but not all Witches are Wiccan. Think of it this way – All Baptists are Christians, but not all Christians are Baptist. Make sense now?

So, you’re sitting at the table, listening to your friend, and wondering what this is supposed to mean for you? How does this affect your friendship? Is she trying to recruit you into her cult? Is she going to try to make you participate in some scary rituals? Is she going to have to leave your birthday party early because it’s a full moon, and she’s “gotta fly”? Is there some room in her home, where she keeps snakes and shrunken heads, and all manner of frightening and evil accoutrements? Does she worship the devil? Make sacrifices? Curse those who make her angry?

Chances are that your friend told you this, because she trusts you and trusts your friendship to be strong enough to handle something out of the ordinary. She will likely have things in her home, which you may not understand – although you may never see them, even when they’re in plain sight. Your friend wants to be able to welcome you into her home, without the worry that you’ll see something “odd” and make a snap judgment based on misinformation. Your best source for information, when dealing with anything surprising or confusing, as it relates to your friend, is to go straight to her. If you see something in her home that you simply don’t understand, particularly if it has some negative connotation for you, ask your friend. She has shared her path with you, and as such, has invited you to ask her questions about anything you don’t understand. There’s a good chance that she uses herbs, incense, and oils to express her faith – and that the biggest danger from that is that she may set off her smoke detector!

Witches do not “recruit” new members. They revere their faith as a very personal choice, and a personal path. Witches also believe that no one path is right for everyone, and that everyone’s path, be it Christian, Wiccan, Hindu, etc., is a valid path. You should know that, as a Witch, your friend does not believe in the Devil. There is no “Lord of Evil” in her faith, lurking around every corner, waiting to trick a human into relenting their soul through some list of sins. She does not worship something in which she does not believe…so please put the devil-worship scenario to rest. Your friend believes in the Earth…the changing of the seasons…and the cycles of Life. There is good and bad in most things, and we – as people – know the difference. Witches believe that we, as humans, are responsible for our own actions. When we do something wrong, and something happens to us, we must accept the blame and try to learn the lessons being handed to us by the universe. When we have done right, and something good happens, we are entitled to pat ourselves on the back. And there are lessons to learn from the good things, as well.

Witches live by many rules, but perhaps the most concise and encompassing rule is – ‘And it harm none, do what ye will’. Your friend is, in a sense, prohibited from “cursing” someone who has made her angry. Witches live by the rules of Karma – the law of threefold return. Whatever we do comes back to us threefold. If your friend were to wish someone ill, she would be in line for a threefold return on those ill wishes. This is something taken very seriously by a Witch. Bear in mind that the good wishes are also returned threefold. So, it’s very possible that your friend just happens to be a fairly positive person, who wishes the best for most people. Your friend is also prohibited from making blood sacrifices. Quite obviously, that goes against the “harm none” principle. Now, before we go any further, take a good look at your friend and remember – NOT all Witches are old hags, riding around on broomsticks. Some of them are bright, attractive, outgoing people!

So, What’s Different Now?

Now that your friend has told you about her faith, what’s different now? Nothing. Chances are, that if you have an open mind, and really think about it, you’ll see that nothing has changed. Your friend has simply put a label on some of the things that likely drew you to her, from the beginning. She is telling you that she is an independent thinker, and a bit of a free spirit. She holds nature in a very high regard. She is probably the friend who reminds you to stop occasionally and smell the flowers!

So, ask your friend questions, look into her faith; research the things you don’t understand. And embrace the knowledge that your friend trusts you with such a wonderful gift.

Cauldron Discovered In Ireland Bog

Cauldron discovered in bog



Neill O’Neill



A ROUTINE day cutting turf on the bog ended in a significant discovery for Louisburgh farmer Owen McNally last week, when he unearthed a perfectly intact 2,500-year-old Iron Age cauldron.

Mr McNally was hand cutting turf on his bog at Knockeen, near Cregganbaun on the Killeen to Louisburgh Road on May 21 last, when his traditional sléan struck a solid object at 5.20pm. He decided to peel back some layers of peat to investigate the occurrence further and, to his amazement, found the large bowl-like object two feet under the surface.



SURPRISING DISCOVERY The McNally
family, Feenone, Louisburgh with the wooden bowl that Owen dug up in
his bog at Knockeen. From left: Lorraine, Irene, Owen, Fintan and
Matthew. Grianghraf: Cormac Ó Cionnaith



It has since been identified by the National Museum of Ireland’s keeper of antiquities, Eamonn Kelly, as an Iron Age cauldron which would have been used for feasting. It was most likely deposited in the bog as an offering to the gods as part of an ancient kinship or sovereignty ritual. The cauldron, which is six inches deep and has a circumference of one foot at the rim, is hand-carved from wood, though the exact type will have to be determined by experts at a later stage.

The area has been examined by Mr Kelly and other archaeologists and a sample of earth from the site has been sent for palaeobotanical analysis to Queen’s University Belfast. The results of this testing will tell archaeologists about the climate and vegetation in the region during this period in history, from which specific details about possible ancient settlements in the area can be inferred.

Mr Kelly also plans to determine the exact age of the find by using radio carbon dating technology on an ancient marker pole that was found in the bog beside the cauldron. This marker, Mr Kelly contends, is proof that the vessel wasn’t just lost and also gives rise to the possibility of finding other intact artefacts on the site. He also failed to rule out the possibility that intact human ‘bogman’ remains could be found in the area, though he was quick to assert his belief that Owen McNally’s bog is not a burial ground.

The cauldron was placed in the possession of the conservation department of the National Museum of Ireland and was taken to the Museum of Country Life in Turlough House, outside Castlebar, to receive specialist preservation care. Its future is uncertain but it is likely to be displayed there in the interim and is certainly worthy of a place on display in the museum’s headquarters on Kildare Street in Dublin, according to Mr Kelly.

“Bog finds are not unheard of in Ireland but to find an artefact so perfectly intact is very rare,” Mr Kelly told The Mayo News from Louisburgh last week.

These types of objects usually show up at the edge of kingships and the townland where this discovery was made is right on the parish boundary. This modern boundary is probably based on older borders that can likely be traced right back through history. This would fit the find in with the normal pattern.

Chairman of the Mayo Historical and Archaeological society, Noel O’Neill, described the find as very meaningful.

“The finding of this wooden cauldron is most significant and will throw some light on a period of Irish prehistory of which not too much is known,” he said. “To unearth a wooden artefact in such good condition is unusual, and Mr McNally is to be congratulated for informing the staff of the National Museum in good time. His find will add another facet to our knowledge of the Iron Age in County Mayo.”

Owen McNally is glad he was able to find the cauldron but believes he was very fortunate to have stumbled upon the delicate item, as his turf is usually cut by machinery.

“I don’t usually cut the traditional way; I usually use the hopper, but it never came this year and I wanted to get working on saving some turf in case it never came at all.

“When the hopper was here last it was cutting in the area right beside where I made the find and had it been back this year it would probably have destroyed the cauldron without anyone noticing. It was only the second day this year I was out and I was just about to go home when I struck it. I guess you could say it was a very lucky find.”

The Truth Behind This Month's Blue Moon:

The Truth Behind This Month's Blue Moon

Joe Rao
SPACE.com Skywatching Columnist

Thursday, May 31 brings us the second of two full Moons for North Americans this month. Some almanacs and calendars assert that when two full Moons occur within a calendar month, that the second full Moon is called the "Blue Moon." The full Moon that night will likely look no different than any other full Moon. But the Moon can change color in certain conditions. After forest fires or volcanic eruptions, the Moon can appear to take on a bluish or even lavender hue. Soot and ash particles, deposited high in the Earth's atmosphere can sometimes make the Moon appear bluish. Smoke from widespread forest fire activity in western Canada created a blue Moon across eastern North America in late September 1950. In the aftermath of the massive eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in June 1991 there were reports of blue moons (and even blue Suns) worldwide.

The phrase "Once in a blue Moon" was first noted in 1824 and refers to occurrences that are uncommon, though not truly rare. Yet, to have two full Moons in the same month is not as uncommon as one might think. In fact, it occurs, on average, about every 32 months. And in the year 1999, it occurred twice in a span of just three months! For the longest time no one seemed to have a clue as to where the "Blue Moon Rule" originated. Many years ago in the pages of Natural History magazine, I speculated that the rule might have evolved out of the fact that the word "belewe" came from the Old English, meaning, "to betray." "Perhaps," I suggested, "the second full Moon is 'belewe' because it betrays the usual perception of one full moon per month." But as innovative as my explanation was, it turned out to be completely wrong.

It was not until the year 1999 that the origin of the calendrical term "Blue Moon" was at long last discovered. It was during the time frame from 1932 through 1957 that the Maine Farmers' Almanac suggested that if one of the four seasons (winter, spring, summer or fall) contained four full Moons instead of the usual three, that the third full Moon should be called a "Blue Moon." But thanks to a couple of misinterpretations of this arcane rule, first by a writer in a 1946 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine, and much later, in 1980 in a syndicated radio program, it now appears that the second full Moon in a month is the one that's now popularly accepted as the definition of a "Blue Moon." This time around, the Moon will turn full on May 31 at 9:04 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (6:04 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time).

But for those living in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, that same full Moon occurs after midnight, on the calendar date of June 1. So in these regions of world, this will not be second of two full Moons in May, but the first of two full Moons in June. So, if (for example) you live London, you'll have to wait until June 30 to declare that the Moon is "officially" blue.

Judge Says Witnesses Can Take Oath With Any Religious Text:

Steve Hartsoe
Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. - Witnesses and jurors being sworn in at state courthouses can take their oath using any religious text, not just the Bible, a judge ruled Thursday. Judge Paul Ridgeway said common law and state Supreme Court precedent allow witnesses and jurors to use the text "most sacred and obligatory upon their conscience." The ruling came after the American Civil Liberties Union argued that limiting that text to the Bible was unconstitutional because it favored Christianity over other religions. The issue surfaced when Muslims tried to donate copies of the Quran to Guilford County's two courthouses. Two judges declined to accept the texts, saying that taking an oath on the Quran was illegal under state law. State law allows witnesses preparing to testify in court to take their oath by laying a hand over "the Holy Scriptures," by saying "so help me God" without the use of a religious book or by an affirmation using no religious symbols. The ACLU sought a court order declaring the statute unconstitutional or clarifying that it was broad enough to allow the use of multiple religious texts. Though the judge stopped short of that, the ACLU and others supporting the lawsuit still considered the ruling "a great victory." "We welcome this ruling as an expression of our nation's constitutional commitment to religious diversity and tolerance," said Arsalan Iftikhar, legal director for Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations. The ACLU said six other states have similar laws that favor the Bible in courtrooms: Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. A trial court judge initially dismissed the ACLU's suit in December 2005. The judge ruled it was moot because there was no actual controversy at the time. An appeals court panel allowed the case to go forward in January, after the ACLU added Syidah Mateen as a plaintiff. In its decision, the appeals court cited Mateen's claim that her request to place her hand on the Quran as a witness in a domestic violence case was denied in 2003. During a hearing this month, state attorneys asked Ridgeway to dismiss the case, calling the complaint political. The state has 30 days to appeal Thursday's ruling and is reviewing it, said Noelle Talley, spokeswoman for the state attorney general.

Parents Give Child A Pagan Blessing:

EDITORIAL - heraldnews@archant.co.uk

Oak was raised into the air during the naming ceremony

A PAGAN couple from Harlow held an unusual birth ceremony for their 11-month-old son Oak this month.

Instead of opting for a traditional christening, Rowen Saunders and Eric Rogers gave their son a pagan blessing in front of 100 well-wishers.

"The guests and all those involved, dressed up as characters from woodland stories, so we had everything from Little Red Riding Hood, the Wolf and Grandma, my 93-year-old Nan, to the Wizard of Oz characters," said Rowen.

"Each of the elements, air, fire, water, earth, spirit and tree were represented by one of Oak's spiritual guides, the equivalent of godparents," she added.

Eric Rogers and Rowen Saunders with Oak

A Celebrant, Madeline, led the ceremony, which saw Oak receiving gifts and blessings from his spiritual guides and family.

"They wished him health, courage, love, happiness and all that stuff - so he should be a very lucky boy!" said Rowen. "And we gave our pledges as parents on how we will look after him."

The ceremony took place on May 5 at Ramsholt beach in Suffolk, where Oak was born.

All the guests joined in for a rousing rendition of the Teddy Bear's Picnic and readings and poems were recited.

Rowen's niece Nell released a big baby-shaped balloon to represent the release of Oak's spirit and a toy sailing boat was launched out to sea to represent the start of his journey.

For the naming Oak was raised into the air while all the guests said his name over and over to create a sound bath.

"We were worried he might cry, but he was just grinning, laughing and pointing at everyone. He loved it," said Rowen.

The ceremony ended with a toast of Oak Leaf wine and was followed by celebrations in the village hall.

"It was a new experience for some of our guests and there were definitely bits people weren't expecting!" said Rowen.

"But everyone was very touched by it and said how lovely it was."

The next day there was an oak tree planting ceremony for Oak and his family buried a time capsule containing items from the year he was born and details about his pagan blessing.

"We had a pagan wedding in 2004 at the Avebury Stone Circle and we wanted to carry it on. We don't follow anything specific, but we follow the idea of everything being connected to nature, it's just a very caring way of life," said Rowen.

"We feel like we've given Oak a really good start in life, there was a lot of love involved. He had a few problems when he was born, but now he's ready to face anything!"

Witches:

Witches
Melissa McCrady
Have you ever met a real-life witch? Chances are you have, and you don't even know it. They're not as 'scary' as you may think. We found out...modern-day 'witches' are actually a lot more Glinda the Good, than Wicked Witch of the West. For years, witches have been portrayed as broom-flying, cackling, evil-spell-doers. Actually...they like to stay very close to the earth. Circle Sanctuary is a Wiccan Church near Madison. Selena Fox started the group more than 30 years ago. "The Wiccan religion is a nature religion, and it has more in common with Celtic Christianity and Native American traditional ways," Fox says. She says there are many misconceptions about her faith. "The Wiccan religion has nothing to do with the devil, with anything nefarious," Fox explains. On Earth Day, she led the group in a ritual...praising the five sacred elements: Earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. The event also included a dramatic prairie-burn, which helps restore and preserve the prairie as a habitat. People from all walks of life belong to the church. Joey says her love of nature attracted her to the faith. "When people ask I usually just say, 'Yes, I'm Pagan, I'm a nature worshiper,'" Joey tells us. Other people, like Rachel Rucinski, are just trying it out. "I don't adhere to a particular religion at this time. I think what people don't understand scares them, and for me, what I don't understand excites me," Rachel says. The craft is also part of the Wiccan religion. Felicia Morgan teaches witchcraft. She recently opened 'The Witch's Knot' in West Allis to educate others. "You can't go to a lot of places even now, and say, 'Hey, I want to learn about being a witch,'" Morgan says. Felicia teaches a variety of skills, from tarot-reading to spell-casting. "Spells are our form of prayer. Before we do anything we ask ourselves, 'Will this harm someone?'" Morgan explains. Mostly, the group just gathers together to talk about life and faith. Betsy Clemens works at a hospital. She says it's good to have a place where she can express herself. "We're kinda shy about it. There's a lot of misconceptions. People think we worship the devil and we don't." And in the midst of all the broomsticks, candles, and cauldrons...Morgan says her customers' comfort is her main priority. "A big, comfy area, people can come in, feel safe," she says. And...maybe get a new understanding about a religion that dates back hundreds of years. One of the Wiccan leaders referred to Wisconsin as "Witchconsin." She says the Pagan population is growing rapidly across the state, as more and more people understand the true meaning of the faith. The Wiccan religion is recognized by the U.S. Government. Some lawmakers have tried to overturn that decision. Even President George W. Bush said he doesn't think Wicca is a religion.

Pagan Authors To Speak At Universal Healing Center:

SANFORD (May 23, 2007): Universal Healing Center announces “Classes & Authors & Readings Oh my!” will be happening on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27.

Universal Healing Center will be hosting events headlined by noted pagan authors Dorothy Morrison, M.R. Sellars and Christopher Penczak. The three authors will be available to sign copies of their books and will be presenting workshops dealing with various topics concerning magick and spiritual enlightenment of many types.

Registration for all workshops and readings is recommended as space and times are limited.
The center is located behind Radio Shack on Main Street in Sanford.

Dorothy Morrison is a third degree Wiccan High Priestess of the Georgian tradition. She is the author of "The Craft," "Everyday Magic" and several other neo-pagan/ Wiccan books. She will be available to sign her newest book "Dancing The Goddess Incarnate."

Morrison will also be conducting workshops dealing with the Swifting of Energy and some of her experiences touring as a pagan author. She will also take appointments to conduct tarot card readings.

M. R. Sellars has been called the “Dennis Miller of Paganism” for his quick wit and humorously deadpan observations of life within the pagan community and beyond.

However, his humor is only one facet of his personality, as evidenced by the dark, unique thrillers he pens. That practice has earned him another name—the “Pagan Tony Hillerman.” Even with all these comparative monikers, he still likes to think of himself as just another writer trying to eke out a living doing a job he loves.

All of the current Rowan Gant novels have spent several consecutive weeks on numerous bookstore bestseller lists. "The Law Of Three," book 4 in the saga, received the St. Louis Riverfront Times People's Choice Award soon after its debut.

An honorary elder of Mystic Moon, a teaching coven based in Kansas City, and an elder of The Grove of the Old Ways, Sellars is actually for the most part a solitary practitioner of an eclectic mix of pagan paths, and has been since the late seventies. He currently resides in the Midwest with his wife, daughter, and a host of rescued felines. Sellars will be conducting several workshops and will be available to sign any of his books.

Christopher Penczak is an eclectic witch, writer, and healing practitioner. His practice draws upon the foundation of modern witchcraft blended with the wisdom of mystical traditions from across the globe.

Formerly based in the music industry, Penczak was empowered by his spiritual experiences to live a magickal life, and began a full-time practice of teaching, writing, and seeing clients. His books include the "The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magick, Meditation, and Psychic Development," "City Magick" and the award-winning "The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells, and Rituals, The Outer Temple of Witchcraft."

Penczak will be presenting a workshop on May 26 based upon his newest book," Ascension Magick" as well as conducting tarot card readings.

4th of July Pagan Religious Rights Rally and Ritual:

4th of July Pagan Religious Rights Rally and Ritual

Author: Caroline Kenner
[a WitchVox Sponsor]


Pagan religious rights advocates spent more than ten years in struggle to achieve the Veterans’ Pentacle victory. As we celebrate, we must ponder our next move in the quest for religious freedom. The Veterans’ Pentacle is a wonderful victory, but the longer campaign for universal religious freedom continues. And so, what should our next steps be?

We have seen how long it took to get the Pentacle. Surely we can manifest continued focus on Pagan religious rights issues, so that we don’t wait another ten years for our next victory. We need to voice a further agenda for Pagan religious rights now, while America still remembers that a department of the federal government stonewalled the Pentacle for political reasons. And we need to voice our demand for religious freedom publicly, and invite the media to attend as well.

To that end, Chesapeake Pagan Community and I have been working for months to arrange a Pagan Religious Rights Rally and Ritual, to be held on the Fourth of July 2007 in Lafayette Square Park, in front of the White House and catty-corner to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally, our intent was to support the Veterans’ Pentacle Quest. Now that we have won the Pentacle, there are many other issues to put forward. Advocating a military chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces is one of the most pressing issues. Adding the symbols of more Pagan denominations to those religious emblems approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs is another vital issue. Even the mere act of demonstrating publicly for Pagan religious rights is empowering.

And so, we invite you to join us on the Glorious Fourth of July! Meet us in front of the White House to listen to our leaders articulate a further agenda for Pagan Religious Rights.

Our special guest speaker is Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. It was the attorneys of Americans United who negotiated the settlement in the Pentacle case, Circle Sanctuary v. Nicholson. We are grateful to Rev. Lynn and Americans United for their advocacy litigation. He says: “Until Pagans have the same rights as Presbyterians and Pentecostals, religious liberty is not safe in America. The Framers of our Constitution mandated no preference for any one religion over another or for all religion over secularist beliefs."

We will also be welcoming Rev. Selena Fox of Circle Sanctuary, a tireless campaigner for Pagan religious rights with many proud achievements. Selena proposes continued unity of action among diverse Pagan groups for religious liberty: “United We Stand. United We Win!" Selena and her Pagan rights group the Lady Liberty League will continue the struggle on behalf of all Pagans nationally.

At this time, there are no Pagan chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces, although other minority religions with similar numbers of devotees in the military have one or more chaplains. Rev. Michael Akins of the Military Pagan Network, a retired Army Chaplain Assistant, will speak on the Fourth of July about the need for a Pagan chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces. He says: “Certainly those who protect the freedoms of all of us deserve freedom of religion for themselves.”

Rev. Marcia Drewry of Sacred Well Congregation will be joining us on the Fourth of July to tell us about the first Wiccan Open Circle in Iraq, during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003. She has also organized circles here at home, beginning with leading the first Wiccan Open Circle at Fort Bragg. Rev. Drewry currently leads the Tidewater Open Circle in southern Virginia. She says, “A lay leader is unable to fully minister to the military Pagan community due to regulatory restrictions. So our military members do not have equality of religious rights currently."

Steve McNallen of the Asatru Folk Assembly will speak about Thor’s Hammer: “Modern-day Asatru has a very high percentage of veterans. We've worn the hammer amulet into combat. It's only right that the same symbol be on our headstones.”

Rev. Skip Ellison, Archdruid of Ar nDraoicht Fein, will speak about the Druids’ Awen symbol. Skip points out “It is important to remember that freedom of religion means freedom for all religions to worship as they choose.”

Diana L. Paxson, acclaimed author and Pagan Elder, will lead us in circle as we invoke the Founders of Our Nation. This will be the first public Pagan ritual in Lafayette Square Park, in the President’s front yard. Diana has been invoking the Founders for some years now. You may have seen her cover article on her rituals in Pangaia Magazine last autumn.

Diana describes the Fourth of July ritual this way: “We will honor those who established our fundamental freedoms, especially Washington and Jefferson, and those who built on their ideas, from Lincoln to Teddy Roosevelt and FDR, offering our energies to preserve the liberties they fought for and the land they loved. We will offer our will to carry on the work of our Founding Fathers and Mothers, and to help America become what they hoped it would be.”

To do such a ritual on the Fourth of July outside the White House will create a very powerful resonance, and have far reaching consequences. We invite you to co-create this ritual of religious freedom with us, and help us further the intent of universal religious freedom and free expression for all. Please join us in meditation or trance, or in ritual where you live, if you cannot be physically present at the Washington ritual.

Immediately following the ceremony, Mz. imani, shaman of the drum and founder of Conscious Collaborations, will lead a Spirit Drum Circle lasting until 5pm. The drum circle is designed to send our intent into all the realms. Through the voices of the drums, our ritual intent will travel into the hearts of the world, entwined with the strength of the Founders of Our Nation. Together we will invoke harmony, justice and religious freedom for all.

We are establishing a website for the Fourth of July 2007 Pagan Religious Rights Rally and Ritual, to keep the community updated. Go to www.paganreligiousrights.org for more information about nitty-gritty things like site constraints, T-shirts and the restaurant meetup after the event, as well as the full roster of speakers, including their bios. We are still working on the website, so not everything is going to be live until later this month.

So please join us on the Glorious Fourth of July in front of the White House, and add your voice to the chorus: We will not accept another ten years of stonewalling and denial. We want full Pagan religious rights. And we want our rights immediately.