HOME / NEWS /

Paganism

Is Witchcraft Too Mainstream?

April 6, 2020

 

In the East Village of New York City, filed away in a row of neat storefronts, a neon sign reads “CRYSTALS, MINERALS.” Packed full of sparkling gems and cut stones, Rock Star Crystals is the type of place you might expect to see a geologist or gem collector.

But stepping inside is a different story. Signs point customers toward chakra stones for energy healing, boxes of brightly-colored agate for creativity and strength, and even bundles of sage for purification. The store is one of many businesses that aims to appeal to a rising demographic: witches.

... Read more about Is Witchcraft Too Mainstream?

Superstitious or just a little 'stitious? Friday the 13th is nothing to fear

March 13, 2020

 

It's a date that happens once, twice, maybe three times per year. It's inspired a horror film franchise, several novels and two extremely long words (paraskevidekatriaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia, both meaning the fear of Friday the 13th).

But for some in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Friday the 13th is not something to fear. In fact, the date represents two things — and neither of them are scary.

Omni Rogers-Mueller, a pagan and Covenant of the Moon High Priestess in Fargo, says while other pagans may not view things in the same way, Friday the...

Read more about Superstitious or just a little 'stitious? Friday the 13th is nothing to fear

The Witches of Manitou Springs: History, hysteria and wand-waving Wiccans behind a stubborn urban myth

February 17, 2020

Manitou Springs, a picturesque mountain town nestled in the shadow of Pikes Peak, is full of whispers of witches and witchcraft.

Maybe you’ve heard it from an Uber driver on the way to an area bar or while scrolling through a travel site. It’s a tale that often wanders through word of mouth. Wherever it comes from, legend has it there are witches in Manitou Springs. More, perhaps, than usual.

But is there an overabundance of witches in this town at the foot of America’s mountain, where at least one apothecary sells miniature broomsticks — or is it just a persistent...

Read more about The Witches of Manitou Springs: History, hysteria and wand-waving Wiccans behind a stubborn urban myth

Nevada Guard soldier receives OK to sport Norse pagan beard

December 30, 2019

A Nevada Army Guard soldier serving in Afghanistan has received a uniform religious exception to sport a beard based upon his Norse pagan beliefs.

The Nevada Army Guard said this month Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Hopper is the first guard soldier to receive a religious accommodation approval for a beard.

Norse paganism is a polytheistic religion that is based on ancient beliefs and practices associated with the geographic area of...

Read more about Nevada Guard soldier receives OK to sport Norse pagan beard

The Pagan Power of 'Frozen II'

December 2, 2019
When I say that Frozen II was a profound spiritual experience for me, I know that makes me sound a bit insane. But it’s nevertheless true and I know from conversations I’ve had in the week since the film’s release that I’m not alone. For me, it spoke to my own spiritual practice as a Wiccan and student of goddess lore but it works on a deeper level too. Frozen II is an amazing film that takes its heroine on a profound journey and in doing so it touches on elements of paganism and goddess archetypes in a way that’s rare and astonishing. Source: ... Read more about The Pagan Power of 'Frozen II'

Massachusetts "bodywork" bill could impact some spiritual practices

October 25, 2019
Bill S. 168 that is currently being considered with the objective of deterring human trafficking and providing more safety to the public when seeking the services of a massage therapist or “bodyworker” contains some potentially problematic language and definitions. Practices like Reiki, and Qi Gong, frequently involve little, if any, actual physical touching between an instructor/practitioner in practice, and in many cases are part of a defined spiritual practice. Source: ... Read more about Massachusetts "bodywork" bill could impact some spiritual practices

How do Seattle witches celebrate Halloween? A look into the modern religion known as Wicca

October 25, 2019
There are witches among us. Halloween approaches, signaling the time of year when dentists crack their knuckles with glee and Amazon overflows with sexy versions of otherwise reasonable costumes. But Samhain (pronounced sow-ain) is the original Halloween, a modern(ish) version of an ancient Gaelic end-of-harvest festival. Co-opted by the Catholic Church as “All Hallows’ Day” or “All Saints’ Day,” Samhain lands midway between the fall equinox and the winter... Read more about How do Seattle witches celebrate Halloween? A look into the modern religion known as Wicca