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Ever since we announced that the Open Hearth Foundation signed the lease for the new Pagan Community Center, there's been a flurry of activity surrounding the usual mountain of paperwork (usual for any new "business"), phone calls, and trips to offices around the District.
Lucky for us, the OHF has been keeping a fascinating log of the process. The quest to obtain the coveted Certificate of Occupancy took several days and dozens of hours before the document was obtained. Check out their blog documenting day 1, day 2, day 3 and day 3 part 2. Certificates of occupancy might not seem very exciting, but I encourage you to read those posts to see why that would be a premature assumption.
This past Thursday, several people who attended the launch volunteer interest meeting got the chance to check out the center space where the meeting was held. The massive to-do list was ploughed through in just a couple hours and everyone walked away with a job to do. Several task teams were formed for both temporary missions (things that need to get done before the New Year's Eve launch night) and more long term needs like volunteer staffing and programming. In all, three new committees were formed to undertake the opening of the center.
The tasks are many and the mission is unfolding. The doors our open (mostly) and what's needed now are volunteers to fulfill many roles. It seems there are opportunities to suit every type of schedule so let them know if you're interested in helping out.
As usual, we will keep you updated on the progress the launch.
Saturday, October 22
Wednesday, October 19
DC Pagans to Counter Dominionist Prayer Campaign
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Priestesses and priests from the Washington, DC Pagan community will hold a Celebration of the Divine Feminine and Religious Freedom in Lafayette Square Park across from the White House on Sunday, October 30th, 2011, as a protest to the New Apostolic Reformation’s 51-day prayer campaign targeting Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, Druids, Heathens, and other Goddess-worshipers nationwide.
The New Apostolic Reformation is a Dominionist group of Christians preaching that all feminine forms of deity are demonic. The NAR is engaged in a 51-day campaign of imprecatory prayer to create a fundamentalist Christian theocracy in the USA. Republican presidential hopefuls Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry are influenced by the NAR agenda.
Reverend Barry Lynn, United Church of Christ minister and executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said, “Some people think the Dominionists and the New Apostolic Reformation are a newfangled movement. I call them what they are: the Religious Right in a new gown. They're not fooling anyone. This is the same old bunch of theocrats we've been dealing with for more than 40 years. It's the same crew that believes only its narrow version of Christianity is acceptable and pleasing to God. It's the same collection of people who believe their religion gives them the right to run everyone else's lives.”
Rev. Lynn went on to say, “I have news for them: Wiccans and Pagans are part of the American religious mosaic, and they're here to stay. Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison gave us religious liberty - and that means religious liberty for everyone. The followers of nature-based faiths are going to use it because they don't want to lose it. What could be more in keeping with the great American tradition?”
Katrina Messenger, a writer, teacher, blogger, poet and Washington, DC native, will be the main celebrant in Lafayette Square Park. Ms. Messenger said, "The methods used by the NAR and other Dominionists are founded upon hate, fear, and ignorance. Their demonization of our Gods and Goddesses uses inflammatory language that can lead to violence and discrimination against followers of minority religions. We have choices in how to respond to this threat to our freedom and our faiths. Many are resorting to prayer, some to writing letters, and some to defensive strategies. We decided to honor the Queen of Heaven, the Goddess Inanna, in a public space, and demonstrate the very freedoms the Dominionists seek to destroy." Ms. Messenger is the founder of Connect DC and the Reflections Mystery School in Petworth.
Event organizer Caroline Kenner is a Washington, DC-born shamanic healer and teacher who now lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. “Nationally, many in our community are appalled by the scurrilous lies about our Goddesses spread by the New Apostolic Reformation. We Pagans are proud American citizens entitled to all the religious freedom granted by the Founders of this country in our Constitution. We are dismayed by the hate-filled rhetoric the New Apostolic Reformation uses, and we wish to show the public that our Goddesses are beneficent and peaceful deities.”
The event in Lafayette Square Park begins at noon and ends at 5pm on Sunday, October 30th, Samhain eve to many Pagans, leading into one of the most holy days of the Pagan year. “Samhain, or Halloween, is the Feast of the Ancestors in some of our Pagan religions. We will invoke the Founding Fathers and Mothers of our nation during our ceremony, along with a multitude of Goddesses from pantheons both ancient and modern. Among our Goddesses will be Lady Liberty and Columbia, the Goddess who stands guard atop the Capitol Building,” said Ms. Kenner. “The New Apostolic Reformation people would topple Columbia from Her pinnacle, and rename DC the District of Christ.”
There will be a number of people offering prayers during the ritual, including a Unitarian Universalist minister and celebrants from several Pagan faiths. After the religious ceremony, there will be drumming, dancing, chanting and energy raising designed to protect people in all fifty states and DC who support freedom of religious belief and practice for everyone. People of all faiths or none are welcome to join the event.
Sacred Space, an annual conference on metaphysics, mysticism and magick, now in its 22nd year, is the sponsor of the celebration in Lafayette Square Park on October 30th. Supporting organizations include Connect DC, Reflections Mystery School and Gryphons Grove School of Shamanism. Individual supporters include Washington, DC Pagan bloggers Hecate Demeter, Literata and David Salisbury.
For back story information on this issue, check out this coverage on The Wild Hunt.
The New Apostolic Reformation is a Dominionist group of Christians preaching that all feminine forms of deity are demonic. The NAR is engaged in a 51-day campaign of imprecatory prayer to create a fundamentalist Christian theocracy in the USA. Republican presidential hopefuls Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry are influenced by the NAR agenda.
Reverend Barry Lynn, United Church of Christ minister and executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said, “Some people think the Dominionists and the New Apostolic Reformation are a newfangled movement. I call them what they are: the Religious Right in a new gown. They're not fooling anyone. This is the same old bunch of theocrats we've been dealing with for more than 40 years. It's the same crew that believes only its narrow version of Christianity is acceptable and pleasing to God. It's the same collection of people who believe their religion gives them the right to run everyone else's lives.”
Rev. Lynn went on to say, “I have news for them: Wiccans and Pagans are part of the American religious mosaic, and they're here to stay. Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison gave us religious liberty - and that means religious liberty for everyone. The followers of nature-based faiths are going to use it because they don't want to lose it. What could be more in keeping with the great American tradition?”
Katrina Messenger, a writer, teacher, blogger, poet and Washington, DC native, will be the main celebrant in Lafayette Square Park. Ms. Messenger said, "The methods used by the NAR and other Dominionists are founded upon hate, fear, and ignorance. Their demonization of our Gods and Goddesses uses inflammatory language that can lead to violence and discrimination against followers of minority religions. We have choices in how to respond to this threat to our freedom and our faiths. Many are resorting to prayer, some to writing letters, and some to defensive strategies. We decided to honor the Queen of Heaven, the Goddess Inanna, in a public space, and demonstrate the very freedoms the Dominionists seek to destroy." Ms. Messenger is the founder of Connect DC and the Reflections Mystery School in Petworth.
Event organizer Caroline Kenner is a Washington, DC-born shamanic healer and teacher who now lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. “Nationally, many in our community are appalled by the scurrilous lies about our Goddesses spread by the New Apostolic Reformation. We Pagans are proud American citizens entitled to all the religious freedom granted by the Founders of this country in our Constitution. We are dismayed by the hate-filled rhetoric the New Apostolic Reformation uses, and we wish to show the public that our Goddesses are beneficent and peaceful deities.”
The event in Lafayette Square Park begins at noon and ends at 5pm on Sunday, October 30th, Samhain eve to many Pagans, leading into one of the most holy days of the Pagan year. “Samhain, or Halloween, is the Feast of the Ancestors in some of our Pagan religions. We will invoke the Founding Fathers and Mothers of our nation during our ceremony, along with a multitude of Goddesses from pantheons both ancient and modern. Among our Goddesses will be Lady Liberty and Columbia, the Goddess who stands guard atop the Capitol Building,” said Ms. Kenner. “The New Apostolic Reformation people would topple Columbia from Her pinnacle, and rename DC the District of Christ.”
There will be a number of people offering prayers during the ritual, including a Unitarian Universalist minister and celebrants from several Pagan faiths. After the religious ceremony, there will be drumming, dancing, chanting and energy raising designed to protect people in all fifty states and DC who support freedom of religious belief and practice for everyone. People of all faiths or none are welcome to join the event.
Sacred Space, an annual conference on metaphysics, mysticism and magick, now in its 22nd year, is the sponsor of the celebration in Lafayette Square Park on October 30th. Supporting organizations include Connect DC, Reflections Mystery School and Gryphons Grove School of Shamanism. Individual supporters include Washington, DC Pagan bloggers Hecate Demeter, Literata and David Salisbury.
For back story information on this issue, check out this coverage on The Wild Hunt.
Sunday, October 16
PNC to Interview Gov. Gary Johnson
Please share with loveOn Sunday, October 16, PNC-DC had the chance to interview Presidential candidate Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico. Our thanks to Cara Shulz of PNC-MN for putting this together and inviting us to participate.
(also available via this link)
Watch live video from KeithBarrett.TV on Justin.tv
You can also check out the post-interview coverage we participated in with Devin Hunter of Modern Witch Podcast.
Watch live video from KeithBarrett.TV on Justin.tv
You can also check out the post-interview coverage we participated in with Devin Hunter of Modern Witch Podcast.
Friday, October 14
Community Notes: Kellianna, Weekend Events and More!
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The capital region is quite a busy area. With so much going on (especially for October), we present you with this edition of Community Notes.
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| DC Pagans' Night Out, Oct 13, Zpizza |
- ShadowGrove has announced it will be hosting a house concert next month featuring beloved Pagan performer Kellianna. Tickets cost $20 and must be purchased in advance.
- On another musical note: Thaum Gordon, a recent graduate of Cherry Hill Seminary will be playing at the Birchmere tonight with his band, David Mallett Band.
- The OHF has been posting regular public updates on the quest for its occupancy papers and permits for the Pagan Community Center. Anyone interested in following their progress should check out their blog. The OHF would also like to remind everyone that tickets are still on sale for the upcoming Witches Ball.
- Starhawk posts a blog about consensus meetings, inspired by her recent involvement with the Occupy DC and Stop the Machine movements from last week. Hecate also shares her views on Occupy DC as well as the upcoming DC40 invasion on her blog.
- Katrina Messenger gives insight into the Reflections Mystery School admissions process.
What's Witchy this Weekend?
- Sticks and Stones' Herb of the Month Club tonight will feature skullcap (Fairfax)
- William Blake Lodge is holding a Journey into the Underworld on Saturday (Baltimore)
- Katrina Messenger's shadow workshop is also on Saturday (DC)
- The OBOD Samhain ritual will be held on Sunday (Fairfax)
- Sacred Circle is hosting a Halloween lore workshop on Sunday (Alexandria)
Thursday, October 13
LibraFest Raises More Than $1800 for the Open Hearth Foundation
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LibraFest, a fundraising event for the Open Hearth Foundation held by several local Librans to celebrate their birthdays for a good cause, raised more than $1800 last weekend. The three-day event was organized by Eric Eldritch and hosted by fellow Librans Tigre, Angela Raincatcher, Jacqui MacMillan, Sean Bennett, and Patch.
The celebration started Friday night with a drum circle at the Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church in Aldelphi, Maryland where more than 40 people came out to drum and dance.
Saturday night featured a public birthday ritual for all Libras in attendance, dinner, and live entertainment at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. Performances included a drag performance by special guests Ophelia and Xavier Bottoms, a performance by Tigre on the drums and his brother Paul on guitar and vocals. Qira Clarenbach singing "Wade in the Water" accompanied by Tigre and Patch on djembes that got the whole crowd into a spiral dance, amusing tales told by Jonathan White, and vocal performances by Kristi and Mariah.
Festivities concluded Sunday with an open house at a private residence where Eldritch was presented with Certificate of Appreciation by OHF Chair Iris Firemoon. In recognition of his outstanding fundraising efforts, Eldritch was also given an OHF Foundation-level membership for the next year.
Wednesday, October 12
Samhain Happenings in the DC Area
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Sunday, October 16, 12pm
OBOD Samhain Ritual
Event Details: Loosely following the OBOD group ritual for Samhain. Discussion and eisteffod afterwards.
Sunday, October 16, 1pm
Where: Sacred Circle Book, Alexandria VA
Halloween: Myth and Magic (class)
Event Details: This class will dig deep into the mystery and lore surrounding the oldest holiday in American and European history.
Saturday, October 22, 1pm-5:45pm
Picnic for the Ancestors with Chesapeake Pagan Community and friends
Where: Columbia, Maryland
Event Details: Please join us for a family-friendly gathering in celebration of Samhain. We'll be meeting at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center in Columbia, MD for an afternoon of seasonal fun with activities for children of all ages, a ritual, and potluck feast to follow. Please bring food or drink to share for the potluck!
Wednesday, October 26, 5:30-7:30pm
Samhain Magick! With Grannymoon
Where: Sticks and Stones, Fairfax VA
Event Details: A night of power, when the veil that separates our world from the Otherworld is at its thinnest. A "spirit night", as they say in Wales . Learn Samhain lore and make a little magick with GrannyMoon!
Friday, October 28, 9pm – Sat, October 29, 12am
Samhain Drumming at the Jefferson Memorial
Friday, October 28, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Samhain Rite with Turning Circle
Where: 7246 Cradlerock Way in Columbia, MD
We celebrate the dark time of the year, and honor our dead.
Event Details: Join us as we gather to celebrate the turning of the year to the dark times. We will explore the ancient Mesopotamian myth of Inanna's descent into the underworld, as we seek to understand the mysteries of light and dark, death and life. We will also honor those who have passed on beyond the veil either recently, or those we remember every year at this time.
Saturday, October 29, 7pm - Midnight
DC Witches' Ball
Where: Silver Spring Hilton, Silver Spring MD
Event Details: "Dancing the light out from the dark." Experience the veil between the worlds thinning in the Nation's Capital. The details will bring you back from the dead. Located at the Silver Spring Hilton.
Costume contest, tarot readers, dancing, munchies, cash bar, and more.
Saturday, October 29, 8pm-11pm
Saturday, October 29, Midnight
Sunday, October 30, 5pm
Samhain Open Circle
Where: Sacred Circle Books, Alexandria VA
Event Details: Join us as we honor the turning of the wheel, divine for the future and visit with The Dark Goddess, the Norns and the Leader of the Wild Hunt. Bring your own drinking vessel / chalice / horn as we will toast to the Mighty Dead. Ritual will be at Sacred Circle. All are welcome but be sure to arrive on time, as once the ritual begins, no one else will be admitted. FREE
Sunday, October 30, 6:30pm
Temple of Sacred Arts /Oakley Circle Samhain Rite and Dumb Supper
Where: Sugarloaf Congregation of Unitarian Universalists 16913 Germantown Rd., Germantown, MD 20875 in the Yurt
Please RSVP so that we know how many to expect, and send any questions to velvetc@gmail.com.
Saturday, November 5, 6:30pm - 11:00pm
Samhain - Journey to the Otherworld with Becoming
Where: Wild Wood Hill, Baltimore, Maryland. Specific directions sent upon
Event Details: Life. Death. Rebirth. This Samhain we walk through the veils between the worlds to face our fear of change, transition, death. Through our journey we are blessed, strengthened and reborn into community.
Sunday, October 16, 12pm
OBOD Samhain Ritual
Event Details: Loosely following the OBOD group ritual for Samhain. Discussion and eisteffod afterwards.
Sunday, October 16, 1pm
Where: Sacred Circle Book, Alexandria VA
Halloween: Myth and Magic (class)
Event Details: This class will dig deep into the mystery and lore surrounding the oldest holiday in American and European history.
Saturday, October 22, 1pm-5:45pm
Picnic for the Ancestors with Chesapeake Pagan Community and friends
Where: Columbia, Maryland
Event Details: Please join us for a family-friendly gathering in celebration of Samhain. We'll be meeting at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center in Columbia, MD for an afternoon of seasonal fun with activities for children of all ages, a ritual, and potluck feast to follow. Please bring food or drink to share for the potluck!
Wednesday, October 26, 5:30-7:30pmSamhain Magick! With Grannymoon
Where: Sticks and Stones, Fairfax VA
Event Details: A night of power, when the veil that separates our world from the Otherworld is at its thinnest. A "spirit night", as they say in Wales . Learn Samhain lore and make a little magick with GrannyMoon!
Friday, October 28, 9pm – Sat, October 29, 12am
Samhain Drumming at the Jefferson Memorial
Where: On the steps of the Jefferson Memorial (map)
Event Details: In October, the OHF teams up with Ecumenicon Fellowship to produce Samhain Drumming at the Jefferson Memorial. This interpath ritual and professionally-
Friday, October 28, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Samhain Rite with Turning Circle
Where: 7246 Cradlerock Way in Columbia, MD
We celebrate the dark time of the year, and honor our dead.
Event Details: Join us as we gather to celebrate the turning of the year to the dark times. We will explore the ancient Mesopotamian myth of Inanna's descent into the underworld, as we seek to understand the mysteries of light and dark, death and life. We will also honor those who have passed on beyond the veil either recently, or those we remember every year at this time.
Saturday, October 29, 7pm - Midnight
DC Witches' Ball
Where: Silver Spring Hilton, Silver Spring MD
Event Details: "Dancing the light out from the dark." Experience the veil between the worlds thinning in the Nation's Capital. The details will bring you back from the dead. Located at the Silver Spring Hilton.
Costume contest, tarot readers, dancing, munchies, cash bar, and more.
Saturday, October 29, 8pm-11pm
Día De los Muertos: Costume & Dance Party
Where: Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA
Event Details: The Torpedo Factory Art Center is partnering with Hungry for Music to host our 3rd Annual Day of the Dead extravaganza, featuring an exhibition of artist-made Altars, in-studio Matchbox Altars, and a festive Costume & Dance party featuring live music, costume contests, and more!
Where: Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA
Event Details: The Torpedo Factory Art Center is partnering with Hungry for Music to host our 3rd Annual Day of the Dead extravaganza, featuring an exhibition of artist-made Altars, in-studio Matchbox Altars, and a festive Costume & Dance party featuring live music, costume contests, and more!
Saturday, October 29, MidnightWhere: ShadowGrove
Event Details: This event is for members, candidates and their guests.
Event Details: This event is for members, candidates and their guests.
Sunday, October 30, 5pm
Samhain Open Circle
Where: Sacred Circle Books, Alexandria VA
Event Details: Join us as we honor the turning of the wheel, divine for the future and visit with The Dark Goddess, the Norns and the Leader of the Wild Hunt. Bring your own drinking vessel / chalice / horn as we will toast to the Mighty Dead. Ritual will be at Sacred Circle. All are welcome but be sure to arrive on time, as once the ritual begins, no one else will be admitted. FREE
Sunday, October 30, 6:30pm
Temple of Sacred Arts /Oakley Circle Samhain Rite and Dumb Supper
Where: Sugarloaf Congregation of Unitarian Universalists 16913 Germantown Rd., Germantown, MD 20875 in the Yurt
Event Details: We honor the dead at a Dumb Supper by eating in silence and mentally "talk" to those who have gone before. Although we are not silent the entire time we are in the yurt, the silent portion will be denoted by the ringing of a bell at the beginning and end.
Please note: Please do not wear or bring anything scented to the rite. Bring an unscented white candle in a glass holder for the rite. We have members with chemical sensitivities. Thanks.
Please note: Please do not wear or bring anything scented to the rite. Bring an unscented white candle in a glass holder for the rite. We have members with chemical sensitivities. Thanks.
Please RSVP so that we know how many to expect, and send any questions to velvetc@gmail.com.
Saturday, November 5, 6:30pm - 11:00pm
Samhain - Journey to the Otherworld with Becoming
Where: Wild Wood Hill, Baltimore, Maryland. Specific directions sent upon
Event Details: Life. Death. Rebirth. This Samhain we walk through the veils between the worlds to face our fear of change, transition, death. Through our journey we are blessed, strengthened and reborn into community.
Tuesday, October 11
Pagan Film Opens in DC, Silent Souls
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A Pagan foreign film will open in the District for one week only starting October 21 at Avalon Theatre. The film is produced by Shadow Distribution and is Russian with English subtitles.
5612 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington DC 20015
202-966-6000 • www.theavalon.org
Showtimes/Tickets for Fri. 10/21-Thu. 10/27: Available Mon. 10/17 online and at the Box Office.
Ticket Prices: $11.00 Adults; $9.00 Students; $8.25 Seniors (see website for other discounts).
Avalon TheatreSynopsis: SILENT SOULS (Ovsyanki) is the lyrical, dreamlike feature from Russian director Aleksei Fedorchenko. When Miron's beloved wife Tanya passes away, he asks his best friend Aist to help him say goodbye to her according to the pagan rituals of the Merja, an ancient people from western Russia whose customs live on in modern day. As the two men travel on a cross-country journey, Miron shares intimate memories of his conjugal life, as is custom for the Merja. But as they reach the banks of the sacred lake where they will forever part with the body, he realizes he wasn't the only one in love with Tanya…
5612 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington DC 20015
202-966-6000 • www.theavalon.org
Showtimes/Tickets for Fri. 10/21-Thu. 10/27: Available Mon. 10/17 online and at the Box Office.
Ticket Prices: $11.00 Adults; $9.00 Students; $8.25 Seniors (see website for other discounts).
Friday, October 7
What's Witchy this Weekend?
With all of the jam-packed Pagan events in the area, CapitalWitch presents you with our "staff picks" of exciting upcoming events. Nearly all of our staff will be out and about covering as many of these fabulous events as possible. We hope to see you there!
All Weekend
"Your Divine Work", workshop with T. Thorn Coyle. Yours truly will be on site covering this event.
Special note: We have heard many lamenting not being able to attend this due to scheduling conflicts. Because of this, we want to let you know about a special lesson program offered by Thorn. From their press release:
LibraFest 2011
This three-day fundraising event is hosted by Eldritch, Tigre, Angela Raincatcher, Jacqui MacMillan, Sean Bennett and Patch with all proceeds going to the Open Hearth Foundation, an initiative to build a national Pagan center in Washington, DC. CapitalWitch staffer Maria Aquila will be on site covering this event.
Massapalooza at William Blake OTO
Celebrations of the Gnostic Mass, workshops, feasts, and more.
Friday, October 7
Sticks and Stones Drum Circle, Fairfax
Element Drumming w/ Toby Christensen, Alexandria
Saturday, October 8
Book signing with John Michael Greer, Alexandria
The Most Excellent Order of the Black Hat, Fairfax
Wicca 101, Laurel
Sunday, October 9
Becoming's Circle of Connection, DC
"Your Divine Work", workshop with T. Thorn Coyle. Yours truly will be on site covering this event.
Special note: We have heard many lamenting not being able to attend this due to scheduling conflicts. Because of this, we want to let you know about a special lesson program offered by Thorn. From their press release:
Join author and mentor T. Thorn Coyle for Fiat LVX!, a bi-monthly video series designed to inspire deep thinking, explore different magickal concepts and teachings, and cultivate a deeper spiritual practice.For a $20 monthly membership fee, you will have access to two professionally produced videos each month. The first installment will examine a different spiritual idea as it directly relates to our lives; the second video will guide you through the steps of putting that concept into direct experience. A forum led by Morningstar Mentors and Thorn will enable you to ask questions, delve into your experience with other participants, and hopefully inspire us all to keep practicing! Twice monthly practice prompts will support and further the work.Topics include: Becoming the priestess, able to mediate the space between the Twin Pillars of yes and no, push and pull, light and dark. The power of Integrative Magick that enables us to bring all parts of life to bear on our great work. Aligning the parts of our soul, connecting our animal, human, and divine natures. The series will grow and expand over time, facilitating our own growth and expansion.
This three-day fundraising event is hosted by Eldritch, Tigre, Angela Raincatcher, Jacqui MacMillan, Sean Bennett and Patch with all proceeds going to the Open Hearth Foundation, an initiative to build a national Pagan center in Washington, DC. CapitalWitch staffer Maria Aquila will be on site covering this event.
Massapalooza at William Blake OTO
Celebrations of the Gnostic Mass, workshops, feasts, and more.
Friday, October 7
Sticks and Stones Drum Circle, Fairfax
Element Drumming w/ Toby Christensen, Alexandria
Saturday, October 8
Book signing with John Michael Greer, Alexandria
The Most Excellent Order of the Black Hat, Fairfax
Wicca 101, Laurel
Sunday, October 9
Becoming's Circle of Connection, DC
Thursday, October 6
Guest Post: Occupied
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The following is a guest post written by DC's Nicole Franklin of Becoming, who traveled to New York City for the Occupy Wall Street actions:
Well-organized, peaceful and crawling with media. Occupy Wall Street has come under scrutiny from multiple sources for lacking a cohesive message and a failure to issue demands. Though things are changing rapidly, when I left DC a few days ago OccupyKSt had not coalesced for example, here is a walking tour of what I heard and saw at Liberty Plaza.
Information booths are posted at the entrances to the park. I picked up a flyer welcoming us to the event that contained guidelines on how to behave during the important general assembly meetings, what to expect and what to bring. As we entered the park the first thing that struck me was the large presence of both the media and the police. As I learned later in a peaceful protest workshop, the police can arrest you at anytime, for any reason and the recent violence and mass arrests probably contributed to the welcoming but tense atmosphere. I made way to the media umbrella located about half way through the park where I conducted a quick interview with one of the media representatives. Though informed and friendly, for technical reasons I will not publish the audio file here. Because the use of bullhorns is illegal the residents use the “human mic.”, cell phones and text messaging to communicate inside the park.
Liberty Plaza is flanked by mosaics of hand made signsthat range in tone, but the overall message is the now familiar rally cry ,“We Are the 99%”. Sounds of live music drift through the park – drums, guitar, voices, a few people dancing. At one point a man walked through with a large sign reading “Nazi Bankers” and shouting inflammatory remarks. Residents quickly held up signs next to his letting the crowd know that his remarks were not associated with the official Occupy movement.
As I was leaving the park this young man caught my eye. His simple statement of fear and determination captures what I believe a lot of those who have been watching this movement unfold may wrestle with. We hesitate, we question, we fear for security but we do have an opinion, even if it must be expressed silently. Still, regardless of personal and political views, standing up for what you believe is worthy of note, respectable and patriotic. I applaud those who have taken up residency in Libery Plaza and those around the country who are risking their security to speak out at other demonstrations.
The following is a guest post written by DC's Nicole Franklin of Becoming, who traveled to New York City for the Occupy Wall Street actions:
Well-organized, peaceful and crawling with media. Occupy Wall Street has come under scrutiny from multiple sources for lacking a cohesive message and a failure to issue demands. Though things are changing rapidly, when I left DC a few days ago OccupyKSt had not coalesced for example, here is a walking tour of what I heard and saw at Liberty Plaza.
Information booths are posted at the entrances to the park. I picked up a flyer welcoming us to the event that contained guidelines on how to behave during the important general assembly meetings, what to expect and what to bring. As we entered the park the first thing that struck me was the large presence of both the media and the police. As I learned later in a peaceful protest workshop, the police can arrest you at anytime, for any reason and the recent violence and mass arrests probably contributed to the welcoming but tense atmosphere. I made way to the media umbrella located about half way through the park where I conducted a quick interview with one of the media representatives. Though informed and friendly, for technical reasons I will not publish the audio file here. Because the use of bullhorns is illegal the residents use the “human mic.”, cell phones and text messaging to communicate inside the park.Liberty Plaza is flanked by mosaics of hand made signsthat range in tone, but the overall message is the now familiar rally cry ,“We Are the 99%”. Sounds of live music drift through the park – drums, guitar, voices, a few people dancing. At one point a man walked through with a large sign reading “Nazi Bankers” and shouting inflammatory remarks. Residents quickly held up signs next to his letting the crowd know that his remarks were not associated with the official Occupy movement.
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Wednesday, October 5
Everyday Magic Giveaway Winner
Congrats Kat, enjoy!
We will be doing more of these in the future (free stuff is so much fun) so keep checking back for future contests.
Tuesday, October 4
Starhawk and Pagan Cluster to Occupy Freedom Plaza
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This month is the 11th anniversary of the invasion of Afganistan and the start of the 2012 austerity budget. Starting on Thursday, October 6, activists from all over the country will come to Freedom Plaza in DC to occupy the area and "engage in creative acts of civil resistance."
Among the occupants will be Starhawk, Pagan elder and founder of the Reclaiming Collective. Gathering with her will be the Pagan Cluster. From their description:
"The Pagan Cluster is a loose gathering of individuals and affinity groups who bring an earth-based spirituality to global justice and peace actions. With courage and friendship, our community strives to create a better world. We practice the art of changing global consciousness by incorporating music, drums, ritual, myth, humor and magic into our actions."
"The Pagan Cluster is a loose gathering of individuals and affinity groups who bring an earth-based spirituality to global justice and peace actions. With courage and friendship, our community strives to create a better world. We practice the art of changing global consciousness by incorporating music, drums, ritual, myth, humor and magic into our actions."
Starhawk plans to begin the Pagan Cluster presence in Freedom Plaza from the very beginning. More information on the campaign can be found at october2011.org. You can follow live tweets via @PaganCluster.
PNC-DC will be on-site at Freedom Plaza frequently covering the occupancy, so stay tuned for updates.
Update 10/5: Starhawk's first blog on the actions can be found here.
Update 10/5: Starhawk's first blog on the actions can be found here.
Monday, October 3
NOVA Pagan Pride Day in Photos
Saturday's Northern Virginia Pagan Pride Day drew hundreds of people from all over the area with workshops, rituals, shopping and other activities. The festival, which featured author Dorothy Morrison, was quite the event even with the rain. Below are just a few of the images we took from the busy day.
Click here to view the entire album.
(click each image to enlarge)
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