7.03.2008
The Return of the Revenge of Witches on Reality Television
Hard to believe its been nearly a year since I had to post about modern Pagans appearing in a trashy reality television program! I should have known that the siren-call of money and fame/infamy would be too much for some in our extended community to miss. This time its an Australian program entitled "The One: The Search for Australia's Most Gifted Psychic", a game show/reality television program in the vein of "America's Got Talent" or "Hell's Kitchen", only with psychics.
The host and contestants of "The One".
"English statutes against witchcraft were repealed in 1736 and public executions are no longer sanctioned as entertainment, at least not in Australia, but Channel Seven has devised an alternative ordeal - a televised quest for Australia's top psychic. Seven contestants - mediums, psychics, clairvoyants, a "medical intuitive" and a witch - undergo tests to prove their paranormal abilities. They have to find a lost boy in the bush with a bit of help from his teddy, examine memorabilia from celebrities and deduce who they belong to, and find contraband inside a shipping container."
So this spoon-bending Survivor already has one Witch as a contestant, but we get a double-dose this time around, because one of the two judges is a Witch too!
"Using the good cop-bad cop formula loved by reality TV, two judges - Richard Saunders, vice-president of the Australian Skeptics, and Stacey Demarco, a practising witch and author - decide each week who stays or goes until three contestants are left. The winner will be chosen by a public vote ... Stacey Demarco, who teaches metaphysics and has written books on how to apply witchcraft in the boardroom and the bedroom, is the believing panellist. "I'm a rational type of expert, I'm not the purple tie-dye type of witch. I just want people to come into this with a really open mind. It's not a circus act or an act of any kind. "The contestants are normal people, they've got husbands, wife, kids, pets, a house in the suburbs and they are considered weirdos, freaks, satanists just because they have these abilities." Only a couple of episodes have been shot but, Demarco says, the show lives up to its billing that it will make "hairs stand up on end"."
So who is Stacey Demarco? Well, she authored two books for Llewellyn, "Witch in the Bedroom: Proven Sensual Magic", and "Witch in the Boardroom: Proven Business Magic", was initiated as a solitary Witch (though I'm not sure what she means by that), and has a background in PR and marketing (which most likely explains how she got this gig). Demarco's role marks something of a step up for Pagans in reality television, from mere entertainment fodder to playing a role in the selection/elimination process. Of course the larger question is if modern Pagans should be participating in the vapid, soulless, and cheapening reality television market in the first place.
While shows like "Wife Swap" and its ilk have portrayed Wicca and modern Paganism as bizarre lifestyle choices (instead of, say, a serious religious faith), "The One" will most likely portray Witchcraft as an enhancement/byproduct of possessing psychic powers (though I suppose I could live in hope...). Neither of these approaches does much to broadcast an accurate picture of our family of faiths, or give insight into the fact that we worship multiple gods, have our own holidays, and are (generally speaking) rather pedestrian in our lifestyle choices and attitudes. The saddest thing is that every time our faiths get run into the ground on one of these programs, there is always another Witch or Pagan out there who thinks "I'll be different". To them I say, no one is more powerful than the video editors, those great powers who decide which of your words to emphasize, and actions to highlight.
I suppose there is always the chance that this program will be different. But I've been down this road before, and don't hold out too much hope that our faiths won't be trivialized for the sake of entertainment. To my readers in Australia, keep an eye on this show (which premieres on Tuesday) and fill me in on how it is. Who knows, maybe we'll all get lucky for a change.
Labels: Australia, Paganism, psychics, Reality Television, Stacey Demarco, Television, Witchcraft
6.28.2008
Kathie Lee Gifford and the "Nasty" Pagan Controversy
Perhaps I've developed outrage fatigue from covering religious news for so many years, but I just can't seem to muster much energy for the supposed controversy over vacuous morning-show host Kathie Lee Gifford's "anti-pagan" comments.
The trivia question that spurred a tempest in a tea-pot.
"Wednesday June 25th on the Today Show, host Kathy Lee Gifford was quizzing guests of a wedding on wedding traditions. On a question as to the origin of wearing the wedding ring on your left ring finger, an option for an answer was that "Pagans believed it was bad luck to carry metal on the right side." Reading the question aloud, Gifford chose to say "The Pagans, the nasty, bad, Pagans, believed ....." For any other religion, she would not have made the comment, and if she had, a public apology would most likely be released very quickly. The pagan community should not stand for it. Her personal belief may be that we are "nasty and bad", but it does not make it alright for her to say so on national television."
I watched the offending video clip in question, and I just don't see anything worth threats of boycott or starting a petition. I certainly don't agree with Ellen Evert Hopman & Dana Corby's assertion that her off-the-cuff statement amounted to "hate speech".
"Ms. Gifford's hate speech has done harm to American Pagans' ability to live in peace with our neighbors of other faiths. By allowing her hate speech to be broadcast, her direct employer the TODAY Show, and their network, NBC, participate in that hate speech."
Hate speech is something very specific, and Gifford's off-the-cuff riffing on a trivia question doesn't even come close to qualifying. I very much doubt Gifford even realizes there is a modern Paganism movement, much less has a nuanced understanding of pre-Christian religion (she's a born-again Christian). I question the petition's assertion that any Pagan will have their quality of life affected in any way because of what a Regis Philbin cast-off said. This action by Pagans, far from chastising the folks at the Today Show, has only provided more grist for Gifford's "comedic" mill.
I'd like to think that I'm fairly tenacious in defense of modern Paganism. I have worked daily to follow stories and bring important issues to light. There are many serious issues facing modern Pagan faiths, and we should remain vigilant and address them. However, the last thing I want to see is for Pagans to adopt the tactics of groups like the Catholic League. Constantly scanning the news looking for the next outrage, the next rallying cry for those who believe some great religious conflict is brewing. I don't want us to become unable to laugh off something stupid, I don't want us to become unable to tell the difference between an innocuous trifle, and real anti-Pagan hate speech.
Should you boycott The Today Show? Sure, if only because it's stupid, lowest-common-denominator television that enriches no one. Not because Kathie Lee Gifford allegedly "hates" Pagans. Let's turn our attention to the endemic discrimination against Pagans in prisons, or the improper influence of Christianity on our military, or the legislative strategies that seek to enshrine a Christian civil religion and relegate religious minorities to second-class status, or the role of modern Pagans in politics. Heck, we could even talk about the reality television shows that actually do some damage to our reputation. What we shouldn't do is manufacture a controversy where one doesn't actually exist.
PS If George Carlin has gone on The Today Show and called Chritianity "nasty" and "bad" (and he's called it far worse things than that) would you call it "hate speech"? Would you think Christians were correct in calling for a boycott, or would you think such an action was an overreaction?
Labels: hate crime, Kathie Lee Gifford, Paganism, Religion, Television, The Today Show
5.02.2008
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
A new issue of the occult e-zine Rending the Veil has been posted. Leading off their Beltane installment is an article co-written by Taylor Ellwood and Lupa on the subject of advanced occult books.
"We think it's important to encourage the writing of advanced books on occultism. There's a small, but steadily growing interest in advanced occult texts. Writing a blog post or a single article, while it can cover an interesting topic, just doesn't provide the needed depth or volume that a book can bring. And while there are some excellent sites for occult writing, including this one, actual texts are needed in order to fully capture and develop some of the more advanced ideas in more detail. Additionally, there's definitely benefit to having your work edited, whether in a (hardcopy or online) magazine, or through the editing staff of a publisher. With all the unedited drek that floats around on the internet, peer-reviewed information, especially advanced, is even more necessary."
Speaking of "advanced" books, keep your eyes peeled for articles and interviews on this blog concerning some groundbreaking new Pagan books by authors like Brendan Cathbad Myers, Emma Restall Orr, and Gus diZerega.
Laura Miller at Salon.com gives Ursula K. Le Guin's new book "Lavinia" a favorable review. Calling it "a tribute to a relatively uncelebrated culture, that of early Rome".
"'Lavinia' is an old writer's book -- Le Guin is 79 -- in the best sense of the word; it is ripe with that half-remembered virtue, wisdom. This, Le Guin seems to be saying, is what it feels like to be the personification of your land and your people, to speak the words and perform the rites of "the old, local, earth-deep religion," to be the sacred guardian of harmony and plenty for a handful of rustic villages and farms, and to carry their past and future in your body. It's not a life any of us know how to live anymore, and most likely not one that most of us would choose, but some of us can still imagine it, and imagine that it was good."
I am very much looking forward to reading this book. You can read my previous post on Le Guin's "Lavinia", here.
Rocketing world food prices aren't just causing concerns over hunger, in India, it has become a serious religious issue as well.
"With prices soaring for staples such as cooking oils, wheat, lentils, milk and rice across the globe, priests like Atrey say they are seeing the consequences in their neighborhood temples, where even the poorest of the poor have long made donations to honor their faith. 'But today the common man is tortured by the increases in prices,' Atrey lamented during one early morning prayer, or puja, adding that donations of milk were down by as much as 50 percent. He had recently met with colleagues from other temples, along with imams from local mosques, who reported similar experiences. 'If poor people don't even have enough for bread, how will they donate milk to the gods?' he said. 'This is very serious.'"
Within Hinduism, milk is seen as a holy substance and is an integral part of daily religious life in India (not to mention dietary life, since many Indians are vegetarians). If a solution isn't found soon, a major crisis of hunger and faith in the country seems inevitable.
Ohio State University's religious studies program has been hosting a lecture series entitled "Through a Glass, Darkly: Public Interest in the Occult." Student paper The Lantern reports on the closing lecture by Lynn Schofield Clark on the intersection of the occult and popular television programs.
"Delving into the topic of current television shows, she attempted to explain why interest exists in them. Television shows about mysterious things have now evolved from scripted shows to reality shows such as SciFi's "Ghost Hunters" and the Canadian series "Ghost Trackers," highlighting the increasing popularity of this genre, she said. Clark connected the popularity of the shows to the nation's attitude post-Sept. 11. She said after the unexpected terrorist attacks, the nation's interest piqued in pop culture that shows unresolvable issues."
The lecture series also featured a talk by Pagan academic Sabina Magliocco, author of "Witching Culture: Folklore and Neo-Paganism in America". As for "occult television", I don't care how "occult" it gets, I refuse to watch "Ghost Whisperer" (though I do admit to watching "Moonlight" now and then).
A Pagan woman was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder after she told a group of teens and twenty-somethings (that she met regularly with at local Pagan gatherings) that a local man (and fellow practitioner) had raped her and her daughter (she also provided materials used in the attempted murder).
"'This is a group of young people with some strange beliefs ... being led by the passionate, distraught histrionics of an older - and in their eyes, much more powerful - mother figure,' York-Poquoson Commonwealth's Attorney Eileen Addison said. 'They got carried away ... but they got carried away because she encouraged them to do so.' According to testimony, Davidson met co-defendants Stephen Walters, 26, Dianna Breznick, 18, Thomas Rogers, 24, and Aaron Meadors, 23, at a shop in Norfolk that advertises itself as carrying Wiccan and pagan supplies. The group regularly attended a pagan drum circle there on Monday nights. Davidson was known to the group as "Red Phoenix." Barron, who was known as "Lord Othis," also attended the circle."
No proof or charges have been brought against Barron/Othis for his alleged assaults, nonetheless two of the attackers were unrepentant calling his maiming/torture "justice". No matter what the real chain of events that lead to this situation were, the outcome is a shameful one that mocks true justice and brands these Pagans as criminals who replace due process with unrestrained savagery.
In a final note, further memorials to Cora Anderson, who crossed over yesterday, have been posted at The Witches' Voice and the Acorn Guild Press web site. The latter contains a short eulogy from Starhawk.
"Cora was a great inspiration, a wonderful teacher, and a pioneer in the Craft at a time when it was a very hard and lonely path. I will always remember her stories, her humor, and her wonderful blend of mysticism and sheer common sense. I know that she will continue to guide and inspire now, wherever her soul journeys."
Further tributes can be found, here.
That is all I have for now, have a great day!
Labels: academia, books, Cora Anderson, Hinduism, Lavinia, law, Lupa, occult, Pagan News of Note, Paganism, Taylor Ellwood, Television, Ursula Le Guin
4.18.2008
Updates on Recent Stories
I've got quick updates on two recent stories. We'll start off in Salem...
Mainstream Acceptance in Salem: The panel discussion in Salem featuring Margot Adler and Jerrie Hildebrand is continuing to get coverage from the local papers. This time, Lisa Guerriero from the Salem Gazette reports back from the "No Place for Hate" panel, and pairs it with a recent satellite television appearance by two Salem Witches.
"What is life like for a person who considers himself or herself a witch? How do Hollywood images of witches stack up to their real-life counterparts? These are some of the questions addressed by a No Place for Hate panel in Salem last Saturday [see story, Page 1]. Similar questions were posed recently on a Dish Network TV program, "Magnificent Obsessions." While the panel explored the beliefs and lifestyle of Wiccans and Pagans, the TV show addressed a different kind of witch. Wiccans and Pagans draw mainly from a resurrected tradition of communion with nature, whereas the Salem witches featured in "Magnificent Obsessions" focus more on psychic work and spells than Pagan traditions. They're typically the kind of witches you see walking Salem's streets in all black, sometimes with pointy hats."
The two Witches featured in the television show? Christian Day and Leanne Marrama, two Witches who recently opened their own shop in Salem. Guerriero's observation concerning a split between "Salem Witches" and "Wiccans and Pagans" is an interesting one. While Salem Witches like Day and Marrama may not be Wiccan, aren't they Pagan? Should a shift of emphasis in style and practice remove them from the larger Pagan family? Perhaps the problem with press coverage of Witches and Pagans is that it is so polarized between sensationalism and statements of normalacy that people like Christian Day and Margot Adler start to seem from entirely different movements, instead of part of a larger religious continuum.
First Shot Fired in British Psychic Wars: Since I first reported on it earlier this month, the controversy over Britain adopting EU reforms on psychic services and mediumship has grown. Today the Independent, the BBC, and the Telegraph all report on a protest organized by the Spiritual Workers Association in opposition to the new legislation.
"Today, representatives of British mediums will march up Downing Street to deliver a petition containing some 10,000 signatories demanding that the Government change its decision to repeal the 1951 Fraudulent Mediums Act in favour of a new EU directive ... The SWA complains that the 1951 law, which replaced the 1735 Witchcraft Act, guarantees "genuine" mediums legal protection, penalising only those who seek to hoodwink the public. However, by treating spiritualism as merely a consumer service, mediums believe they risk being sued if customers are dissatisfied with advice brought from the other side - advice they say they always point out should always be treated with care. The solution to the present impasse, according to lawyers advising the crystal-ball fraternity, is via the prosaic expedient of a pre-consultation disclaimer, describing any dialogue with the deceased in terms of either entertainment or scientific experiment. It does not sit comfortably with purist believers."
Meanwhile, the Spiritualists' National Union, the largest UK Spiritualists organization, is supporting the law. Expressing confidence that it will only harm con-artists and not divinations or mediumship performed in a religious context. Despite the protest and the petition, all signs point to these new regulations being passed. So we'll have to wait and see if it only harms con-men, or if it will be used as a cudgel by crusading skeptics or oppositional religious groups (a possibility acknowledged by EU regulations supporter Susie Collings, of the College of Psychic Studies).
Labels: Christian Day, Jerrie Hildebrand, law, Leanne Marrama, Margot Adler, Paganism, psychics, Salem, Spiritualism, Tarot, Television, UK, Wicca, Witchcraft
4.03.2008
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
A Connecticut-based animal cruelty task force is leaping into action after six beheaded chickens were found in a parking lot. Some speculate the animals were the results of a Santeria ritual.
"The eight-member Task Force on Animal Cruelty and the Circle of Violence will consider a growing number of animal abuse incidents in the state and their relationship to domestic violence, child abuse and other types of aggression, said Rep. Diane Urban, D-Stonington, who chairs the task force The group hopes to report back with possible policy changes including tougher consequences that could deter animal cruelty, by late this year, Urban said ... 'There is a lot of information that indicates those who display this kind of behavior might escalate it toward wives and children.'"
While actual animal cruelty might be a warning sign for escalating violence, there is no basis for making the same claim regarding ritualized animal sacrifice in a religious context. A point seemingly lost on Rep. Urban, who conflates sacrificing chickens with dog fighting.
"Whether it's beheading chickens or dog fighting, it is an alarming sign of people not recognizing the sanctity of an animal's existence."
In reality, proper animal sacrifice pays very close attention to the sanctity of that animal's existence, something your local KFC can't claim. It should be interesting to see how this unfolds, and if the task force will target ritualized animal sacrifice in the interest of stopping animal cruelty.
The Chicago ABC affiliate reports on the publishing of "The Funniest One in the Room: The Lives and Legends of Del Close", and recounts some of the exploits of this seminal improvisational comedian.
"A small-town Kansas boy, his early life included stints as a carnie and traveling horror show assistant. Close hung out with a pre-Scientology L. Ron Hubbard, and also became the embodiment of the Beat Generation. He overcame alcohol addiction using an extreme form of aversion therapy and gave up cocaine with the help of a banishing ceremony performed by a Wiccan coven."
Considering the fact that pre-Scientology Hubbard was heavily into ritual magick, and the fact that a Wiccan coven performed a banishing ceremony for him, you have to wonder if Del Close was a practitioner himself.
It looks like the new BBC-produced television series "Merlin", starring "Buffy" alum Anthony Head, will be appearing on American network television come the Fall/Winter season.
"While most of NBC's new shows had been previously reported, Peacock surprised with its acquisition of "Merlin". FremantleMedia is distributing the series, which is being produced by Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine for the BBC. Murdoch recently acquired the Silverman-founded Reveille. BBC will air the show this fall, with NBC running it in the winter. It's a reversal of the usual Blighty-U.S. programming pipeline."
NBC will also be pulling in the supernatural Canadian drama "The Listener" and the Biblically inspired "Kings" (about a modern-day King David). Kudos to the network for pulling in some talent from Canada and the UK, lets hope it's a trend that continues.
George Phillies, a candidate for the Libertarian nomination for President of the United States in the 2008 presidential race, is courting the Pagan vote.
"Bigotry is a key theme of right-wing Republicanism, going back to the KKK and Concerned Citizens Councils," Phillies said. "Like all other patriotic Americans, Libertarians believe that Freedom of Religion is for everyone. No real Libertarian will ever ask that a religion's harmless practices be banned. This Fall, please take a stand against Republican bigotry. Please vote Libertarian."
If Phillies actually clinches the Libertarian nomination, which seems a bit unlikely at this point, he could be the first openly Pagan-friendly presidential candidate to appear on a nationwide ballot. You can head over to Phillies web site to learn more about his campaign.
In a final note, an interesting exchange is taking place on the Christianity Today web site. Rabbi Yehiel E. Poupko, Judaic Scholar at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, calls out Stan Guthrie, an editor at CT, for his endorsement of the "The Gospel and the Jewish People - An Evangelical Statement". A document signed by several prominent evangelical leaders that advocates a "loving" and "respectful" re-dedication to converting the Jews. Poupko's response is forthright, blunt, and gets right to the heart of the cultural and spiritual dilution and eradication at the heart of most monotheistic missionary efforts.
"The basis of interfaith conversation must be mutual sacred rejection, a clear understanding of the irreconcilable differences between the faith communities ... I reject what is most sacred to the Christian. I am prepared to die for it, as have my ancestors before me. The Christian rejects what is most sacred to me, and is likewise prepared to die for it. Only after respectful mutual sacred rejection, can we identify those beliefs that we share in common ... I don't want Christians to instruct me on what to believe."
At the end of the exchange, Rabbi Yehiel E. Poupko exclaims that Guthrie, as a Christian, is "capable of understanding me only in your terms." A common evangelical attitude that can deeply damage healthy dialog and relations between faiths. Poupko's refusal to acknowledge Jewish conversion attempts as "loving", while coming from a very different perspective than the Pagan one, is nonetheless an attitude shared by many who wish to grow their faiths in peace without worrying over ever-evolving evangelistic tactics to thwart that growth.
That is all I have for now, have a great day!
Labels: animal sacrifice, Christianity, Del Close, evangelism, Judaism, Libertarian, Merlin, Pagan News of Note, Paganism, Presidential election, Santeria, Television
3.21.2008
Merlin Returns to Television
The BBC has started filming a new family drama centered on the Arthurian legends entitled "Merlin". The show will focus on the younger days of Merlin and Arthur during the reign of Uther Pendragon.
Actor Colin Morgan, who plays the young Merlin.
"The BBC has started filming on Merlin, a fantasy drama about Arthurian legend ... The 13-part drama will be broadcast in the autumn ... The drama will be set in the mythical city of Camelot, and focus on Merlin as a wizard on the brink of adulthood who clashes with a young Prince Arthur."
Joining a cast of younger actors will be Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Anthony Head as Uther, and veteran Scottish film and television actor Richard Wilson as court physician Gaius. Scripts will be provided by Julian Jones, who wrote for the occult British television series "Hex" (a show that generated a mixed reaction among viewers).
The big question is what sort of Arthurian world will it portray? Romano-British? Welsh? Fantasy? Will the characters be Christian? Pagan? A mix of the two? Will the young Merlin be portrayed as a pagan survival in a Christianizing world, or as a sanctified potential Antichrist? The only hint the publicity gives is that it's set "in the mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began", which seems to argue for a more fantasy-oriented show.
In any event, our friends in the UK will get to watch it first, and will no doubt spread the word about its quality to the rest of us who have to wait for the DVD (or rebroadcast on BBC America).
Labels: BBC, Merlin, Paganism, Television, UK
1.19.2008
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
A priest in the Church of England has voluntarily resigned his clergy status after it was discovered he was taking courses in Witchcraft from The College of the Sacred Mists.
"The Rev Chris Horseman agreed to resign his licence to officiate at church services as an Anglican priest following a meeting on Wednesday with the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Price. The decision will mean that Mr Horseman will no longer be able to conduct services in any C of E church"
Horseman, who is also involved in Druidry and Spiritual Humanism, plans to continue his "Rent a Rev" business within the context of his new spiritual home(s).
The Evansville Courier Press talks to local screenwriter Rod Spence about the superstition that served as an inspiration for The Hallmark Channel's production of "The Good Witch".
"The shadowy figure some believe haunts Willard Library suggested a legend featured in Evansville resident Rod Spence's screenplay for "The Good Witch," a two-hour movie set to screen at 8 p.m. tonight and again at the same time Jan. 25 and Jan. 31 on the Hallmark Channel. "I used the legend of the Grey Lady of Willard Library, only I made her the Grey Lady of Grey House," Spence said."
But while Evansville cheers on its native son, television reviewers haven't been too kind to the film.
"Nightingale's enemies are as benign and generic as her magical arts. It says something when a movie about witchcraft and its detractors can unfold without a mention of religion or the occult. But the real missing ingredient here is any chemistry between Nightingale and her love interest. Bell's witch may not ride a broomstick, but she straddles the line between cool understatement and complete disinterest."
I'd just like to say that I totally called that one. Only Hallmark could produce a movie about a persecuted "witch" without mentioning religion or the occult.
Santeria (and other Afro-Caribbean faiths) continues to interact with the mainstream. First up, a Santero has been dealt a legal setback in Texas as he fights to gain the right to sacrifice goats in his home.
"A Santeria priest who sued Euless for the right to sacrifice goats in his home lost a key round in court Thursday when a judge ruled that one of the laws he sued under doesn't apply ... Mr. Merced argued that the ritual was protected under the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which says governments must show a compelling public interest before enforcing laws that could interfere with religious practices. But U.S. District Judge John McBryde ruled that the city's slaughtering ban regulated only conduct, not the use of land."
Without the RLUIPA claims, the case will be much harder to win. A trial is set in March for the remaining claims. Meanwhile, in Florida, the Florida International University is reaching out to Afro-Caribbean faiths at a conference on African culture and religion.
"Scholars, priests and spiritual leaders gathered in South Florida on Friday, seeking an understanding of African culture and religion in the mainstream. The aim is to achieve mainstream acceptance of practices that some might view as extreme ... "So many Cuban Santeria here, Haitian Voodoo specialists, we want to use their knowledge and mainstream them into our academic curriculum," said Dr. Akin Ogundiran, who specializes in African New World Studies for FIU."
Also at this conference, Ernesto Pichardo, founder of the Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye and a visiting fellow at FIU's African-New World Studies program, has donated a very rare book of the Yoruba-Lukumi religion to the school.
"The text, The Book of Diagnosis in Ifa Divination, was drawn from the religion's oral tradition and first published in the 1940s. The original text and its copies were kept from the public until the present day ... The text is a compilation of Yoruba and Afro-Cuban history, culture and philosophy. It was written in Yoruba and Spanish."
For more of my coverage on the very public and vocal Ernesto Pichardo, click here.
Alabama paper The Dothan Eagle reports on a visit by crusading Christian apologist Cky J. Carrigan. Carrigan will speak about the "dangers" of the growing New Age movement and modern Paganism.
"Witchcraft is becoming less and less hidden," he said "Most every larger and medium-size town in America has some pocket of people practicing witchcraft, even in the Bible Belt. The greatest expansion is coming from teens and 20-somethings, but there are significant pockets of 30 to 50-somethings."
In addition to warning people about Paganism, Carrigan is also vigilant concerning the spiritual dangers of Unitarian-Universalism, Harry Potter, and Pokemon. No doubt he'll be a big hit at the Southside Baptist Church in Dothan (where Pokemon abuse is reaching critical levels).
The Rabbi's Tarot? Now I've heard of everything.
"Forget the ouija board - the occult has much more to offer. One option might be The Rabbi's Tarot, an illumination from the kundalini to the pineal to the pituitary, by Daphna Moore. While there are more tarot sets than you can shake a wand at available in every bookstore, The Rabbi's Tarot is special. According to Ms. Moore, it "reveals how the practical occultist develops the pineal and pituitary glands by energized currents coming through the seven centers or Chakras ... When the pineal gland is energized by the transmuted sex force (THE MAGICIAN's wand), the sex force is then turned into the White Light." Who knew that the tarot could be so spicy? I can only assume that this book was written with Reform rabbis in mind - energized pineal and pituitary glands can't possibly be kosher enough for the Orthodox."
In a final note, a new web site is aiming to unite "geek culture" in Montreal. The site's co-founder explains who is into what when talking about geeks.
"Megelas hopes the website will unify seemingly disparate elements of Montreal geekdom. "If you've got a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, that's probably someone who's pretty keen on pagan culture," he explains. "And your average hacker is going to be a big Star Wars fan."
There it is folks. If you are into Buffy, you'll probably love Pagan "culture", if you aren't already into it.
That is all I have for now, have a great day!
Labels: Christianity, Ernesto Pichardo, Pagan News of Note, Santeria, Tarot, Television, The College of the Sacred Mists, Wicca, Witchcraft
1.10.2008
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
The Baltimore Sun runs a touching obituary for Disney employee and Wiccan Heather Hurd, who died tragically in a car accident on January 3rd.
"In 2006, she entered an intern program at Walt Disney World, where she was an employment assistant for two years. This year, she was promoted to the diversity team. Last year, Miss Hurd received the Mousecar Award, presented by Walt Disney Studios, for her work. "She loved everything about Disney," said her father, W. Russell Hurd III of Abingdon. Miss Hurd, who was a Wiccan, enjoyed attending the theater and was interested in Celtic music and culture. "Her dream was to go to Ireland and visit Cork, where our family came from," Mr. Hurd said."
The family is starting a fund in her name to support other Disney interns who are having trouble making ends meet.
Today is National Vodun (aka "Voodoo") Day in Benin, the commonly acknowledged birthplace of the syncretic faith, where the country's 4.5 million practitioners, in addition to pilgrims from around the world, converge to honor their faith and remember the legacy of the slave trade.
"After Benin lifted a previous ban on the practice of Voodoo, it was declared an official religion in the former French colony in the mid-1990s and Jan. 10 is celebrated as National Voodoo Day, a public holiday ranking with Christmas and the Muslim Eid ... Such celebrations draw thousands of tourists each year to Benin, especially to the coastal city of Ouidah, from which hundreds of thousands of African slaves were shipped by European traders in past centuries to the Americas and the Caribbean ... Voodoo has a strong popular presence in Haiti and similar African-origin rituals are celebrated in Cuba under the name of "Santeria" and in Brazil as "Candomble"."
The Reuters article linked above also looks at concerns about the spread of "bird flu" virus (H5N1) through chicken blood used in traditional ceremonies, an issue I have discussed previously on this blog.
The Hallmark Channel is airing a new original movie entitled "The Good Witch", starring Catherine Bell (an adherent of Scientology, btw) as a mysterious woman who moves to small town and attempts to open a metaphysical store.
"Cassie is an enchanting beauty with a gentle spirit, an outrageous sense of fashion and a "wicked" sense of humor. She also seems to be something of an enchantress. She has a magic touch with men (although Jake is slow to respond, as he hasn't quite gotten over his wife's death several years ago); she has a magic touch with children (Jake's kids, Brandon and Lori, are drawn to her, maybe because she smells "like gingerbread"); she even has a magic touch with savage beasts (Cassie rescues the children from an attacking dog, then "tames" it with a few choice words). It seems that Cassie has the ability to charm everyone she meets, with the exception of Martha Tinsdale the mayor's busybody wife who also is the tsk-tsking head of the local Citizen's League. In fact, when Cassie opens a shop called Bell, Book and Candle - a "new-age" shop that carries Celtic, metaphysical and Wiccan items - Mrs. Tinsdale immediately launches a protest."
I wonder if they will actually make the character a Wiccan. Some of these movies end up with the character vindicated of all strangeness, and shown to be far more "normal" than the antagonists originally suspected. Maybe instead of a Witch, they will all discover she is really a Scientologist, and there will be free stress-tests for everyone!
In a final note, Religion Clause brings word of a court ruling that could have broad ramifications for Wiccans and other Pagans who wish to file as conscientious objectors.
"In Hanna v. Secretary of the Army, (1st Cir., Jan. 9, 2008), the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2-1 decision held that the Army's Conscientious Objector Review Board had no basis in fact for denying conscientious objector status to Army doctor, Captain Mary Hanna. It rejected the Army's reliance on the timing of Hanna's claim and its argument that Hanna's beliefs were not gained through rigorous training, study or contemplation. Chief Judge Boudin, dissenting, argued that pacifism is not a belief of Hanna's Coptic Church, that her position could not easily be described as reflecting rigorous study, and that the timing of her application could be considered as a factor. The majority's decision affirmed last year's decision by a Massachusetts federal district court."
This ruling would help address the problem of philosophic and moral diversity concerning objectors to military participation (or participation in wars believed to be unjust) for religions that aren't explicitly pacifist like Wicca (or Catholicism, for that matter). If this decision stands, it could make it far easier for pacifist Pagans to register for Conscientious Objector status in the case of a draft.
That is all I have for now, have a great day!
Labels: law, Military, Pagan News of Note, Paganism, Passings, Religion Clause, Television, Vodou, Voodoo, Wicca
12.08.2007
Greek Gods Come to Television
News has come out that Ben Stiller has optioned a new book for development as a television comedy series. The book in question? "Gods Behaving Badly" by Marie Phillips. The book checks in with the Greek pantheon, now sharing a flat in London, to find them living a very modern (and mundane) existence.
Cover to the American edition of the book.
"Come down in the world since their days on Mount Olympus, the gods are now crammed together in a run-down town house where they continue their eternal squabbles and plotting. Phillips has given each of the gods appropriately modern - and fairly unimaginative - occupations: Aphrodite, goddess of love, works as a phone sex operator; Dionysus, god of wine, runs a nightclub; Artemis, goddess of the hunt, walks dogs for a living."
From what I can glean, it seems very much like Neil Gaiman's "American Gods", with an emphasis placed on the story of Orpheus (instead of Balder, as in Gaimain's novel). According to this news story, Stiller's Red Hour Films are currently searching for a writer to translate the work to the small screen. Is the world ready for a comedy television series starring Zeus, Dionysus, Apollo, and Artemis?
As for the book itself, it is being released to stores on December 10th (though you can order it now from Amazon), and I look forward to giving it a read-through. The reviews have been middling, but I'm a sucker for stories infused with classical myths.
Labels: Ben Stiller, books, Gods Behaving Badly, Marie Phillips, Paganism, Polytheism, Television
11.24.2007
A Gift-Guide For the Pagan in Your Life (Part 2)
Continued from yesterday, this is a round-up of gift suggestions for the Pagan or Heathen in your life. Just in time for all the Winter Festivals!
Video: There are plenty of good choices out on DVD right now for the polytheisticly inclined. With a wide range to please even the most picky Pagan. We'll Start with a favorite of mine, "Robin of Sherwood". This British television series from the 1980s, featuring a Pagan Robin Hood, is a cult favorite and has been repackaged this year at a lower price (you had to pay import prices before). The show is packaged into two sets, split by who was playing Robin Hood at the time. Another television series that is quickly becoming a favorite among Pagans is HBO's "Rome". This epic show with a huge budget (which ultimately became its downfall) featured one of the most realistic portrayals of religion during the Roman empire (even if the history itself was quite off at times). The previous price-points for seasons one and two had been quite high, but Amazon has slashed prices by 60%, making their purchase far easier.
Turning from television shows to movies, the obvious first choice for the Pagan cinefile would be the two-disc platinum edition of Guillermo del Toro's masterful "Pan's Labyrinth". A dark fairy-tale with no filters, it is sure to shock (and delight) anyone looking for a quality film (read my review). Being that I'm a huge fan of "The Wicker Man", I recommend getting a copy for your Pagan loved one (if they don't already own one), just be sure it includes the superior "extended cut", not just the garbled theatrical release. Other films worth looking into are "Beowulf & Grendel" (especially if you prefer a live-action Beowulf to a rubbery CGI creation), the excellent documentary "Ile Aiye (The House of Life)" (a David Byrne-directed film about Candomble), and the surprisingly decent documentary about Aleister Crowley entitled "In Search of the Great Beast: 666".
Finally, for the Pagan who has everything, give them the gift of the worst Pagan-themed movie ever made. The re-make of "The Wicker Man" starring Nicolas Cage. Snag an used "unrated" version for just over a dollar, then head over to RiffTrax and purchase an audio accompaniment produced by Mike Nelson of MST3K fame. Then sit back and watch the best (unintentional) Pagan comedy ever produced.
Music: This has been a great year for Pagan music, and since many Pagans are huge music fans it should be easier than ever to stuff their stockings with quality releases from the past year. For the Hellenist in your life (or anyone who enjoys amazing music inspired by Greek antiquity), check out Daemonia Nymphe's "Krataia Asterope". If you prefer something a little more Eastern-European in scope, The Moon and The NightSpirit's "Rego Rejtem" (from Hungary) is an energetic folksy tribute to the old gods. Looking for something a bit more universal in scope? Monica Richards' "InfraWarrior" is everything you could hope for in a Pagan-friendly record, while Italy's Ataraxia explores a Robert Graves-ian vision of Pagan initiation in "Kremasta Nera". The Netherlands' own Omnia brings more "Pagan folk" on "Alive!", while their friends in Faun produce a more ethereal and haunting sound on "Totem".
Finally, for the more rock-oriented, the font of modern Pagan rock Inkubus Sukkubus has a new album out entited "Science and Nature". Ever-consistent (perhaps to a fault), it is sure to please fans of their past albums. For even more music gift-giving ideas check out my "A Darker Shade of Pagan" site, or my new music blog "A Sweeping Curve of Sound".
I'll end my guide here. I'm not knowledgeable enough in Tarot decks to give proper recommendations, and I'm assuming that everyone knows that candles, and (good) incense are almost always welcome gifts. So good luck with your gift-hunt! As yesterday, I encourage my readers to chime in and give their own gift suggestions.
Labels: gift guide 2007, movies, music, Paganism, Television
10.09.2007
Entertainment News
Some movie and television news that should be of interest to my readers.
The first item is a bit of good news. Kathryn Price NicDhana, at her blog Paganachd Bhandia, reports that the film "Spirits for Sale" has won Best International Film at the 2007 South Dakota Film Festival. "Spirits for Sale" is a documentary that tackles the appropriation and exploitation of Native religion and ceremony by outside groups.
"Europe has also seen a growing interest in so called Native American spirituality. Ceremonies and rituals together with sacred objects are being sold on websites and in papers. Cults and organisations offer people to become 'an Indian shaman' or a medicine man during a weekend course. Seldom or never do Native voices get heard and because of the lack of information, con-men make a considerable amount of money while they violate the spirituality of mostly Plains Indians. This film will address the issue of spiritual exploiters and the harm they do towards Native cultures but also to followers who, in many cases, 'don't have a clue'."
This film currently in the process of applying to other film festivals, no word yet on distribution or sale of the film is available at this time.
We turn from the appropriation of Native culture, to the snubbing of a native language. In this case it involves a striking new film that explores the folktales and mythic landscape of Scotland. The film, "Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle", has been getting rave reviews from critics and many expected that it would submitted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts for consideration as a foreign-film Oscar contender.
But instead, "Seachd", a picture filmed entirely in Scots Gaelic, and a Welsh-language film "Calon Gaeth (Small Country)" were both rejected by the London-based BAFTA film committee causing an uproar of controversy in the UK.
"AMPAS rules state that only an "outstanding" film should be submitted. BAFTA has given no official reason why its jury, comprising six members of the film committee, rejected both candidates this year. But insiders say none of the jurors considered either film strong enough. Problem is that this verdict, based on DVD screeners, is at odds with the response "Seachd," at least, is getting out in the real world, on the big screen. Pic was warmly reviewed at the Edinburgh fest, and is in competition at Rome this month."
The row has turned political, and even the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has questioned BAFTA's rejection of "Seachd". The cast and crew of the film have been asking those who want to support the film to help put pressure on BAFTA so the picture can be considered for a foreign-film Oscar. A Oscar nomination, even if they don't win, would be a huge boost for Celtic-language film-making in the UK, and would help ensure a wide distribution in America.
Turning from movies to television, Lifetime television is airing a two-part miniseries during the Halloween season entitled "The Gathering", about a man searching for his wife who has seemingly been kidnapped by an evil coven of Witches.
A crow! It must be Witches!
"Michael Foster seems to have it all: a great job, a beautiful wife and a teenage daughter who's only a bit of a handful. But on a particularly romantic evening, Michael's beloved wife disappears from their locked home, and his world collapses. Michael soon discovers that his wife's vanishing act may be linked to other mysterious disappearances and that the explanation for them may be a mystical one. Something scary is happening, and there's no one for Michael to trust when it looks as though everyone is a part of the conspiracy. Before he knows it, Michael is mixed up in a case involving witches, black magic and murder. Can he save himself and his daughter before it's too late?"
The series premiers this Saturday. I don't have cable so someone will have to watch it for me and tell me how bad it is (or isn't). Will there be blood sacrifice? Ambiguously ominous rituals? Inquiring minds want to know!
In a final quick note, for fans of the theologian Jack T. Chick (you know who you are), a new film re-enacting Chick's loopy and demented cartoon ravings entitled "HOT CHICKS" is hitting the film-festival circuit. You can purchase a DVD of the nine Chick-inspired film shorts via their web site.
Labels: BAFTA, film, Hot Chicks, Jack T. Chick, Lifetime, Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle, Spirits for Sale, Television, The Gathering, UK
7.28.2007
More "Reality" Pagans
Ah reality television, that fly trap for those who think they should be famous but lack any appreciable skill for achieving those goals on their own. This insatiable Warholian industry thrives on dysfunctional and driven personalities who lack the self-awareness that they are merely fodder for an increasingly indifferent viewing audience. Sadly, our faith community has been hard-hit by this faux-reality spectacle, and many are the appearances of these often ill-prepared spokespeople for our faiths. So it should surprise no one when I tell you that yet another Pagan has entered the fray.
David from the British version of the "Big Brother" show.
"The Big Brother [UK] housemates have spent time with 'halfway housemate' David, as they get to know the five new arrivals. The 25-year-old Scot - who claims to be a witchcraft-practising pagan - was given a rapturous welcome by the current housemates - with Liam recognising him from the audition he had attended. "Is there any alcohol?" he asked before settling down with the housemates for a drink and a chat ... he told the others that he predicted through pagan rituals that he would be joining the housemates on Big Brother."
I think the whimsical eye-makeup and leopard-print scarf is a nice touch don't you think? Gives an air of the "exotic" to modern Paganism. This isn't the first time that the British reality program Big Brother has put a Pagan into the mix, but she didn't last long. So it remains to be seen if David's powers of prediction will hold true and he'll join the main household for more than just a visit. This latest Pagan appearance all feeds into my theory that Pagans and Witches (especially Witches) have become just another stock character for those casting reality television. Which I suppose could mean that we have truly entered the mass-consciousness (and therefore the "mainstream") of modern culture.
For some better news (at least in my opinion) concerning television and paganism, they have finally released a complete DVD set of the classic 70s television show "Isis".
"The live-action show, created as a glamorous complement to hunky Captain Marvel on "Shazam!," featured gorgeous JoAnna Cameron as Andrea Thomas, a high school science teacher who went on an Egyptian archaeological dig and discovered an ancient amulet -- which she kept, of course, like any good tourist -- that gave her incredible mystical powers courtesy of the goddess Isis."
Here is a refresher on YouTube in case you may have forgotten (or were too young to see it when it was on television). Look at all that majesty!
Labels: Big Brother, Isis, Paganism, Reality Television, Television, UK
5.24.2007
Occult Television
The New York Times looks at the new wave of occult-tinged shows that will be premiering come the fall television season, and wonders if this sudden popularity is due to an increase of anxiety with Americans.
"The prevalence of supernatural plots 'is reflective of increasing anxiety - personal, economic and national' that pervades the American mood, said Mr. Rash, who was in New York last week to attend the networks' presentations ... Most of the coming new shows 'are playing to viewers' desire to be in fantasyland,' said Shari Anne Brill, senior vice president and director of programming at Carat USA in New York, part of the Carat division of the Aegis Group, adding, 'The real world has become such a horrendous place that people are looking for magic to avoid the tragic.'"
Among the new supernaturally themed shows premiering is "Moonlight" a vampire-themed romantic detective series on CBS, "Eli Stone" concerning a lawyer who has visions, "Pushing Daisies" about a man who has the power to bring people back from the dead (both of those shows are on ABC), and Fox's "New Amsterdam" about a immortal homicide detective. These shows (and several more fantasy/supernatural-themed programs) are, according to the article, much due to the success of the super-hero drama "Heroes".
"Yet the popularity of 'Heroes,' which ends its first season tonight, is widely thought to be the inspiration for the escapist trend for next season. NBC is even hoping that lightning will strike twice; it is planning a six-episode spinoff, 'Heroes: Origins,' expected in spring 2008."
It remains to be seen how successful this new rash of occult-tinged programming will be with American audiences, but it does seem to point to a new willingness to explore the fantastical. My only regret is that the only witch-themed television show coming this fall will be in Spanish (without English subtitles).
Labels: New York Times, occult, Television
