Catholic Church Circulates Anti-Wicca/Witchcraft Guide

Catholic Church Circulates Anti-Wicca/Witchcraft Guide

Saturday February 5, 2011

"It would amuse me if it wasn't so sad: the Catholic Church is publishing a guide to help keep children from Wicca and witchcraft and evangelize to those who already practice.

Really? Of all the things in the world, you think Wiccans are a big enough threat to be specifically targeted? Am I supposed to be flattered? I'm not, really, since I make no attempt to be a threat nor a challenge, merely a disagreeing voice.

Worse, this has been brought about (yet again, as is so common in anti-Wiccan literature) by the popularity of things like Harry Potter. Harry Potter has nothing to do with Wicca, and very little to do with modern witchcraft beyond the word witchcraft. It's about as realistic as Glinda the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz...because it's not real.

Seriously, if your faith is being threatened by a set of fictional children's books, you should spend more effort on introspection and less time making bogeymen out of disbelievers."

Source:
Catherine's Alternative Religions Blog
By Catherine Beyer, About.com Guide
http://altreligion.about.com/b/2011/02/05/catholic-church-circulates-anti-wiccawitchcraft-guide.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1353517/Catholic-Church-issues-guide-convert-Harry-Potter-witches-Christianity.html

The Craft: Spells & Magick

Witchcraft - Wicca, Spells, And Magick

Author: Tasha Palladino

A Brief overview of Wicca:

When witchcraft is practiced as a religion, it is called by the Old English term for witch, Wicca. This term is used to counter all the negative stereotypes that society has given witchcraft. Wicca is primarily a religion that worships nature, and sees all creation as sacred. In fact, all Wiccan holy days follow the cycles of nature and the changes in the seasons. Wicca also worships both a male and female deity, a female Goddess and a male God, who had together created the world and everything in it.

Witchcraft is neither black nor white. Witchcraft is a religion that respects Mother Nature and She is neither completely positive or completely negative, this is the same for witches.

Spells are used by Wiccans, and are a series of rituals and prayers that are conducted in witchcraft to ask for divine help in a certain aspect of life. All spells must adhere to the witchcraft code of conduct, meaning that any spells used to harm another person is forbidden. In witchcraft, spells may also be changed or adapted to suit a Wiccan's personality or specific wishes in casting the spell.

What exactly is witchcraft, spells, and magick?

Twenty years ago, I asked myself those same questions, and I'm still learning the answers. My journey started at 15 years of age, with a very understanding mother and a visit to New Age Shop. I remember entering the shop with a sense of awe, and instantly being put at ease by a wonderfully sweet aroma that hung over the bookcases. Yet, out of all the potions, oils, and books that filled the place, the one thing that stood out to me the most was the man behind the counter. He looked more like George Clooney than something out of Halloween Fairytales, and that was my first lesson. Witches look just like everyone else. Of course you may run into the occasional witch who looks more fiction than fact but other than those, most are just your average Joe, the majority tend to choose to blend in as much as possible. Why? Not everyone is armed with 21st century thinking, and in some cases, witches are put into the same category as Satanists, heathens, and just generally bad people.

I eventually took more interest in magick, oh and not my spelling of magick. Witches refer to spells and divine help as magick, not to be confused with magic, which we consider to be what you would see at a show, a magician sawing a woman in half, card tricks, etc.. Magick, however, is sacred to all Wiccans. Ah yes, back to my story, I eventually took more interest in magic and at the age of 35 purchased an old building in New Jersey and turned into one of the state's only Wiccan Temples. I currently live at home with my two wonderful children and my familiar (husband as most people call it) enjoying life and being at one with nature. I currently make a living supporting my family by offering services at my temple and through my website http://www.witchcraftspellsnow.com/.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/witchcraft-wicca-spells-and-magick-665416.html

About the Author

My name is Tasha and I have been a witch for 20 years. I hope this article helps anyone who is curious about Wicca. Currently, I own Ill-Alli Temple in Northeastern USA and own a witchcraft spells site, WitchcraftSpellsNow.com.

Black Orpheus

Marcel Camus' Black Orpheus (a.k.a. "Orfeu Negro") took the art-house film world by storm, in 1959, with its stunning color photography of the Brazilian Carnival celebration and sultry bossa nova beats, winning both an Academy Award and the Palme d'or at Cannes.

Transplanting the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Black Orpheus brings Greek mythology to vivid, frenetic life.

Read Reviews

Feelings Of An Indigo's Heart



Buy Now!

Synopsis

This positive and uplifting poetry book is about inspiring others to reach their higher self from within in the hope of caring for each other.

The Indigo Woman

The Indigo woman Needs love from others

She will feel better

The Indigo woman feels different She knows it 

The Indigo woman needs to be understood She feels lonely

The Indigo woman wants to share some secrets She is scared to share them

The Indigo woman feels suffocated She needs to be listened to
 
The Indigo woman wants the world to be a better place She needs you to be a part of it

The Indigo woman wants to tell you how precious you are She needs to tell you
 
The Indigo woman doesn't want any more segregation For a better world

The Indigo woman wants peace in the world For a better world

The Indigo woman wants justice for those who Can't express themselves For a better world

The Indigo woman wants you to share some love with others For a better world

The Indigo woman wants you to be happy She cares about you Care for yourself Care for others you don't know Know that they care about you You are a part of the world The world needs you 

_________________________
Excerpted from Feelings Of An Indigo's Heart by Annick Nouatin Copyright © 2010 by Annick Nouatin. 

Mysticum - Et id genus omne

“The hymns of the Atharva Veda contain among other things descriptions of charms for curing diseases, prayers for long life and health, imprecations against demons, sorcerers and enemies, charms pertaining to women--to secure their love or arouse jealousy, and the like--charms for securing harmony and influence in an assembly, charms for securing the prosperity of household, fields, cattle, business, gambling, etc., charms in expiation of sins and defilement. The hymns of the Rig Veda, on the other hand, are often praises of various deities, who are frequently mere personifications of the different powers of nature, such as the rain-god, the wind-god, the fire-god, and the like. The prayers in these hymns are praises of the greatness and power, the mysterious nature, and the exploits of these deities, as well as prayers for various favors. Often the favors sought are of the nature of material blessings, such as long life, vigorous offspring, cattle and horses, gold, etc. Prayers for the advancement of the inner spiritual achievements of man, for righteousness or moral greatness, prayers expressing a passionate longing for the divine or a humble submission of the mind to the divine will are not so frequent. Most of these prayers were recited in the performance of certain prescribed rituals. Though from the praises of the gods one might infer that it was the gods who were supposed to bestow the benefits, it was in fact the complete set of ritualistic performances that was considered to be the cause of the showering of the benefits. It was supposed that these ritualistic performances when carried out in all their details, precisely and accurately, could by their joint and mysterious effect produce a mysterious something whereby the prayers were fulfilled.” Excerpted from – “Lecture I, Sacrificial Mysticism” of Hindu Mysticism [1927] by Dr. S.N. Dasgupta

Neo-Pagan Sacred Art and Altars

Neo-Pagan Sacred Art and Altars: Making Things Whole

"Fire-cat masks, earth mother icons, henna tattoos, ankhs, and water altars—these objects may sound like the inventory in an ancient druid's sanctuary. But they are part of the sacred reliquary created by contemporary artists and practitioners of Neo-Pagan ritual.

Calling themselves 'witches' and 'pagans' and drawing inspiration from pre-Christian polytheistic worship, the practitioners of Neo-Paganism have often been misunderstood by outsiders. In the uninitiated, their art and iconography have inspired fear.


In featuring the works of ten artists, Sabina Magliocco's Neo-Pagan Sacred Art and Altars unlocks the meanings of this religion's creativity and symbolism and makes its sacred nature understandable to non-specialists.


A stunning array of color plates and halftones will touch the imagination of insiders and outsiders alike, revealing the imaginative skills of some of the movement's most celebrated artists, as well as amateurs working at home with family and friends.


These masks and altars, earrings and necklaces create one of the Neo-Pagan movement's most striking features—its ritual art. Yet this is one of the first books to focus on these spiritual objects rather than on the sociology and psychology of the followers. The odd array of costumes and jewelry, as well as the juxtaposition of neo-primitive and medieval-looking styles, troubles outsiders and contributes to the movement's undeserved reputation for attracting eccentrics. Yet its sacred art is part of one of the most flourishing contemporary traditions in the United States."

The Burning Times

The Burning Times

"From the 14th to the 17th Century a hysteria spread across Europe which involved torturing and executing people based on accusations that they were witches. Whether any actual practicioners of a pre-Christian pagan tradition were persecuted as the result of a witch trial is up for debate. These books and texts are period documents which illustrate the methods, rationale (such as it was) and history of this persecution. They shouldn't be taken as illustrative of Neopaganism, but as a warning about religious tolerance and the fragile nature of justice." Read more...

Vodou in New Orleans

A History of Voodoo in New Orleans
By Julia Roslyn Antle

In America, New Orleans is often associated with two things: Mardi Gras and Voodoo. Although only approximately 15-20% of the population of Louisiana practices the religion of voodoo (also known as Vodou), its dark allure has captured the attention of many. Tourists visiting New Orleans regularly seek out voodoo attractions and shops selling voodoo-related items, tantalized by stories of voodoo dolls, possession by evil spirits, voodoo curses, and zombies.

While such fare undoubtedly serves to entertain tourists, it does an injustice to the true meaning of traditional voodoo. Some sects of modern voodoo are indeed occultist in origin, but traditional voodoo has much more in common with wicca and Native American beliefs, and even Christianity.

Traditional voodoo is intended to help practitioners achieve a higher state of consciousness through trancelike communions with the natural spirits of the earth, called Loa, and to attain peace and wisdom.

The reemergence of voodoo in New Orleans and its widespread acceptance in Louisiana can be largely attributed to Marie Laveau. Marie Laveau was the daughter of a Frenchman, Charles Laveau , and a Caribbean, Marguerite Darcantel, who was a practitioner of voodoo. Modern voodoo in New Orleans today is a combination of Marie Laveau's practices and other influences from Haiti, Christianity, and Native Americans.

While Marie Laveau was certainly not the first nor the last voodoo practitioner to be held in high regard, she was certainly one of the most influential during a time period when voodoo was beginning to be accepted again.

Marie Laveau was very well known for her expert knowledge of herbal remedies, and was sought out for her preparation of gris-gris bags. These were small pouches that contained a variety of herbs that were worn by the recipient, and were intended for a number of purposes. The correct combination of herbs could effectively ward off evil spirits or hexes, bring good luck to the wearer, or to cause harm to enemies. Gris-gris bags are still very common today in New Orleans, and can often be seen being worn attached to individuals belts.

Marie Laveau also told fortunes, captured evil spirits in specially prepared jars, and helped cleanse a home of negative energy and bad luck. Her fame spread far beyond the borders of New Orleans, and people traveled far to seek out her services. Her gravesite is a popular tourist attraction, but is well respected. Many who visit the location to pay their respects often make a wish as well, believing that Marie Laveau was so powerful that her spirit is still capable of granting help to those who require it.

Because of Marie Laveau, voodoo in New Orleans is taken very seriously, and there are many who fear its power. Voodoo is not something to be taken lightly and dabbled with by the uninitiated. It is a powerful force best left to those who possess a strong understanding of its natural aspects and are well versed in the sacred rituals.

Considered a Gythia (Asatru High Priestess) among her Coven, Julia Roslyn Antle is a master of divination and dream interpretation. Her wisdom is sought-after by her peers, her colleagues as well as the public. http://www.7witches.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Roslyn_Antle

Publications

The InnerLink Metaphysical Journal and Mystic Owl Curio are pleased to announce our new resource entitled "Publications". This wonderful and informative resource features the publicly available writings of Dr. Kheti A. Sahure.

And Dr. Sahure's published articles about topics and subject matter within the realm of Applied Occult Metaphysics are offered to everyone absolutely free of charge. This is one of our many ways of giving back to the Alternative Religions and Spiritualities global community and the world at large! And remember, all of our services are open to all who are interested in the subject matter that we provide.

Em hotep,

Brightest of Blessings

Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Conjure: A Handbook

Description
Hoodoo, voodoo, and conjure are part of a mysterious world of African American spirituality that has long captured the popular imagination. These magical beliefs and practices have figured in literary works by such authors as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Ishmael Reed, and they have been central to numerous films, such as The Skeleton Key. Written for students and general readers, this book is a convenient introduction to hoodoo, voodoo, and conjure.

The volume begins by defining and classifying elements of these spiritual traditions. It then provides a wide range of examples and texts, which illustrate the richness of these beliefs and practices. It also examines the scholarly response to hoodoo, voodoo, and conjure, and it explores the presence of hoodoo, voodoo, and conjure in popular culture. The volume closes with a glossary and bibliography. Students in social studies classes will use this book to learn more about African American magical beliefs, while literature students will enjoy its exploration of primary sources and literary works.

Source: Amazon.com Editorial Reviews

YouTube: Antiquus Research Group

Antiquus Research (Group) is an independent, non-profit organization and project devoted to the research, study, teaching, and cogent analysis of the ancient, ancestral, historical, archaeological, cultural-anthropological, sociological, religio-spiritual (theological, thealogical, theosophical), esoteric - metaphysical paths and practices of humankind who engaged in the vastness of Alternative Religions and Spiritualities (ARS) through modern times. Ancient Afrikan and Egyptian History, Anthropology, Archaeology, and Afrikan Traditional Religions (ATRs).

Here is a collection of some of our favorite films and videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/AntiquusResearchGrp

Witchcraft & Spellwork

Witchcraft Spells: How To Incorporate Magic Into Your Life for Health, Wealth and Happiness

Author: Tenzin Pemo

More and more people these days are turning to witchcraft, paganism and wiccan spiritual practices as more meaningful and inclusive forms of religion.

Since the printing of Gerald Gardner Witchcraft Today, thousands have discovered the power it can have. Although we live in a highly modernized, technological world, the ancient wisdom and knowledge that is imparted through witchcraft is still relevant today, if in fact even more so, since it is a peaceful, inclusive and deeply conscious tradition, that reveres the earth and earthly cycles.

In this day and age, which is dominated by war and wanton environmental destruction, witchcraft offers a gentle nonviolent alternative way of making sense of our world.

Some people sadly, fear witchcraft because they wrongly associate it with the dark arts of Satanism.

This is a grave misconception, which witches everywhere are seeking to dispel. According to Gardner, contrary to the popular perceptions, witchcraft is more to do with honoring the earth and the divine feminine.

In fact, most people who practice witchcraft, do so because it is holistic, non-judgmental and non-patriarchal inasmuch as it honors the sacred creativity of women, and recognizes the life-giving force of the earth upon which we live.

Many people see witchcraft as a deeply ecological religion, that seeks to protect the earth and its gifts to humans.

Whether you want to incorporate witchcraft into your life in a serious and dedicated manner, or simply want to explore this spiritual tradition, learning about it first is the way forward.

Because it is such a poorly understood and much maligned spiritual tradition, many witches are very private about their beliefs. In fact, most will not reveal themselves to be witches.

Whether you go on to join a coven, or merely incorporate magic into your life on a private level, you too can start to weave spells into your life in order to transform your day to day reality.

Many novices start out by practicing what I like to describe as practical magic spells that can be incorporated into your life without requiring much effort or time.

Here are two good everyday spells to add to your spell book.

1) Protection charm

If you are concerned about your own well-being, or the well-being of someone dear to you, make sure you (or that other person) carries something blue on the body. By wearing something blue on your person, you will ward off destructive or negative forces.

A good tip for women is to sew blue ribbon into their bras and underwear so that no matter what you are wearing on the outside, you will always have something blue on your body to protect you.

For men, carrying blue beads in your pocket is one way of performing this charm. Although this is a simple charm to carry out, it is extraordinarily effective. I recently gave a blue bead on a string to a male friend of mine who had been unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend.

He told me that within a day of carrying the bead he had not only gotten over his negative feelings about his girlfriend, but had secured a highly lucrative art deal and was felt he was on a path of rebirth.

He carries his blue bead everywhere as a matter of course now.

2) House charm

Many people want to know how they can protect their homes from negative forces. This is a very simple spell that ensures your home draws in positivity, friendship and love.

It can be performed at any time, but I recommend your do it when your family or flat-mates are not present, as you do not want to be interrupted. To cleanse the house of any negative spirits or emotions, you light a candle and go from room to room, reciting the qualities that you want to exist in your home.

When I performed this spell, I went from room to room, saying things like Peace, Happiness, Creativity, Love, Friends, Laughter etc etc. Once you have visited every room, take a sprig of lavender and tie it above each external door.

By tying lavender above the entrances to your house, you ensure that only good elements pass into it.

The two charms above show how easy it can be to practice magic. Whether you intend to delve more deeply into witchcraft, or merely incorporate a little practical magic into your life, witchcraft is a deeply spiritual and conscious religion that draws on ancient wisdom and knowledge that can truly enhance your life.

About the Author:

Free fortune telling to equip yourself with the ancient knowledge to predict your own patterns of the future! http://www.tarotreadingsecrets.com/fortuneteller/index.php. Learn to increase your good luck using my amazing free resources!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Witchcraft Spells: How To Incorporate Magic Into Your Life for Health, Wealth and Happiness

Anthroposohia & Anthroposophy

I. Anthroposohia
"Anthroposophia, the emissary of this wisdom as revealed to the world by Rudolf Steiner....

Anthroposophia In The World

The challenge of our time is to manifest ever greater humanity in our thoughts and deeds. The head-centered knowledge of today has not been able to achieve this. What is needed is a wisdom of the heart. Only the heart is capable of uniting polarities and harmonizing discord. When the head is informed by the wisdom of the heart we will act on behalf of all humanity. This wisdom of the heart - the wisdom (Sophia) of mankind (anthropos) - is embodied in
Anthroposophy. It is a spiritual force bearing the wisdom both appropriate and necessary for our time. It is a seed for the future. Anthroposophia, the emissary of this wisdom as revealed to the world by Rudolf Steiner, is indeed 'the image of our true humanity'."

▪ Elizabeth Sevison

Source: http://www.anthroposophia.org/home.html

II. Anthroposophy
"Anthroposophy, a spiritual philosophy based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, postulates the existence of an objective, intellectually comprehensible spiritual world accessible to direct experience through inner development — more specifically through cultivating conscientiously a form of thinking independent of sensory experience.[1][2] In its investigations of the spiritual world, anthroposophy aims to attain the precision and clarity of natural science's investigations of the physical world.[1] Whether this is a sufficient basis for anthroposophy to be considered a spiritual science has been a matter of controversy.[3][4]

'Anthroposophy is a path of knowledge, to guide the spiritual in the human being to the spiritual in the universe.... Anthroposophists are those who experience, as an essential need of life, certain questions on the nature of the human being and the universe, just as one experiences hunger and thirst.[5]'

Anthroposophical ideas have been applied practically in areas including Steiner/Waldorf education, special education (most prominently the Camphill movement), biodynamic agriculture, anthroposophical medicine, and the arts.[6][3][1][7] The Anthroposophical Society has its international center at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthroposophy

III. The Anthroposophical Society
"The General Anthroposophical Society is an organization dedicated to supporting the community of those interested in the form of spiritual philosophy known as anthroposophy. The society was initiated during 1913 by members of the Theosophical Society in Germany, including Rudolf Steiner who was at the time General Secretary of the German section. The Society was re-founded as the General Anthroposophical Society in 1923/4 'to nurture the life of the soul, both in the individual and in human society, on the basis of a true knowledge of the spiritual world.'[1][2] It includes an esoteric school at its centre, the School of Spiritual Science. The Society's headquarters is in the Goetheanum, located in Dornach, Solothurn, Switzerland. The Society has national Societies in many countries, including every English-speaking country.[3] Its primary activities include organizing members' meetings and conferences, supporting research and providing communication channels for a variety of purposes. The Society also tries to encourage sustainable initiatives in the many practical fields in which its members are active.

The society has approximately 60,000 members as of 2008."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthroposophical_Society

IV. Anthroposophy in the United States
"The Anthroposophical Society was founded by Rudolf Steiner in Switzerland in 1923. It seeks to support individuals who are working on their own inner development and who wish to bring the fruit of that inner work to benefit the wider world. As a modern path of knowing, its doors are open to all who seek its approach and who wish to support its activities. Today, anthroposophical activity is alive in communities around the world."

Source: http://www.anthroposophy.org

V. Theosophy
"Theosophy is a doctrine of religious philosophy and metaphysics originating with Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891). In this context, theosophy holds that all religions are attempts by the 'Spiritual Hierarchy' to help humanity in evolving to greater perfection, and that each religion therefore has a portion of the truth. Together with Henry Steel Olcott, William Quan Judge, and others, Blavatsky founded the Theosophical Society in 1875."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy

VI. Theosophy (History of Philosophy)
"Theosophy (Greek: θεοσοφία theosophia 'knowledge of things divine', literally 'god-wisdom'), designates several bodies of ideas since Late Antiquity. The Greek term is attested on magical papyri (PMag. Leid. W.6.17: ἡ ἄγαν θεοσοφία)."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy_(history_of_philosophy)

*****Additional Information:
Theosophy Library Online
http://www.theosophy.org

"Esotericism, the Occult, and Theosophy"
By Dr. James A. Santucci
http://hss.fullerton.edu/comparative/Esotericism%20and%20Occultism%20.pdf

The Hindu Book of Astrology
by Bhakti Seva
[1902]

"For thousands of years the Hindu Astrologers have by their knowledge of the solar system been enabled to formulate a system of Astrology which enables them to speak with scientific authority and certainty with respect to the planetary influences upon mankind.

Each person is born in or under one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac and is thus influenced more or less throughout life by the planetary conditions at time of birth.

In this work I propose to state the natural tendencies of each person and in a certain way indicate what they should do and what they should not do to make their life a success..."

Excerpted from the Introduction -
http://www.sacred-texts.com/astro/hba/hba03.htm

Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah

Merry Meet,

To my fellow Santeros (Babalawos and Padrinos), Santeras (Iyanifas and Madrinas), et al:

With the recent upheaval and in light of Santerian Priest Rafael Giral ["Animal Cruelty Case Goes to Court" - 30 Oct 2008 - Source: http://www.rootsandrooted.org/?p=719], across the United States, concerning religious / devotional animal sacrificing--I must urge everyone to know your Constitutional rights (and the local ordinances for the geographic location where you reside, preside, and practice your freedom of religion and religious choice). Below is the synopsis of the landmark 1993 Supreme Court decision concerning "Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah". And do not forget about Wicca becoming recognized as a religion, in 1986, via the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit case "Dettmer v. Landon":

[1] http://altlaw.org/v1/cases/533250
[2] http://www.tylwythteg.com/landon.html
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dettmer_v._Landon

If ever has a time arrived, we must show our support of and for our religio-spiritual calling! We all should have become quite weary and very tiresome of the religious intolerance and ignorance perpetrated upon us by certain factions within the United States of America and abroad! We should never bow down to supidity!

Merry Part,
Summum Bonum,
Reverend Dr. K.A. Sahure VIº, DD, MscD (DMet)

Elder Arch High Priest & Arch Heirophant

Temple of Kemetic Wicca

U.S. Supreme Court

CHURCH OF LUKUMI BABALU AYE v. CITY OF HIALEAH, 508 U.S. 520 (1993)
508 U.S. 520
CHURCH OF LUKUMI BABALU AYE, INC. v. CITY OF HIALEAH
CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR
THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT
No. 91-948
Argued November 4, 1992
Decided June 11, 1993

Petitioner church and its congregants practice the Santeria religion, which employs animal sacrifice as one of its principal forms of devotion. The animals are killed by cutting their carotid arteries, and are cooked and eaten following all Santeria rituals except healing and death rites. After the church leased land in respondent city and announced plans to establish a house of worship and other facilities there, the city council held an emergency public session and passed, among other enactments Resolution 87-66, which noted city residents' "concern" over religious practices inconsistent with public morals, peace, or safety, and declared the city's "commitment" to prohibiting such practices; Ordinance 87-40, which incorporates the Florida animal cruelty laws and broadly punishes "[w]hoever . . . unnecessarily or cruelly . . . kills any animal," and has been interpreted to reach killings for religious reasons; Ordinance 87-52, which defines "sacrifice" as "to unnecessarily kill . . . an animal in a . . . ritual . . . not for the primary purpose of food consumption," and prohibits the "possess[ion], sacrifice, or slaughter" of an animal if it is killed in "any type of ritual" and there is an intent to use it for food, but exempts "any licensed [food] establishment" if the killing is otherwise permitted by law; Ordinance 87-71, which prohibits the sacrifice of animals, and defines "sacrifice" in the same manner as Ordinance 87-52; and Ordinance 87-72 which defines "slaughter" as "the killing of animals for food" and prohibits slaughter outside of areas zoned for slaughterhouses, but includes an exemption for "small numbers of hogs and/or cattle" when exempted by state law. Petitioners filed this suit under 42 U.S.C. 1983, alleging violations of their rights under, inter alia, the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Although acknowledging that the foregoing ordinances are not religiously neutral, the District Court ruled for the city, concluding, among other things, that compelling governmental interests in preventing public health risks and cruelty to animals fully justified the absolute prohibition on ritual sacrifice accomplished by the ordinances, and that an exception to that prohibition for religious conduct would unduly interfere with fulfillment of the governmental interest, because any more narrow restrictions would [508 U.S. 520, 521] be unenforceable as a result of the Santeria religion's secret nature. The Court of Appeals affirmed.

Held:
The judgment is reversed.
936 F.2d 586, (CA 11 1991) reversed.

Source: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?navby=CASE&court=US&vol=508&page=520

Musing: Hoodoo, Voodoo...

"Hoodoo, or Voodoo, is burning with a flame in America, with all intensity of a suppressed religion. It has its thousands of secret adherents."
~ Zora Neale Hurston

Fear and Ignorance

"...fear feeds on ignorance and starves on a diet of fact."
~ Bon Houngan Reve We Chemen Ginen,
Vodou Shaman [2003]

Truth Be Known

"Truth Be Known
religion spirituality mythology archaeology history astrotheology archaeoastronomy
online since 1995"

http://www.truthbeknown.com

"Pan, Muse of Nature"

PAN, MUSE OF NATURE

Great Pan, we hear you
Piping in the meadows...
You are father to the animals,
Consort to lithe Diana
And a Muse of Mother Nature.

Oh dance before the Moon
Skyclad in your rites,
For Pan and Diana join us
This glorious Beltane night!

Son of mischevous Hermes,
With beautiful, sensuous voice
Kind eyes, and merry laughter;
Bring fairies and nature spirits
To dance with us tonight.

Oh, dance before the Moon
Skyclad in your rites,
For Pan and Diana join us
This glorious Beltane night!


© Copyright 4/29/08
Beth Clare Johnson
(Mystic Raven)


*NOTE: If you wish to say this in a ritual, just
change it from Beltane to 'Full Moon' night, or
whatever works best.

Santerían Religious Practice in the News

Santeria priest loses suit against Texas town's law banning animal... http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gTS9YQP3yAESzr-RhLY40MNo331g

Judge rules against allowing Santeria priest in Euless to...
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-santeria_1met.ART.State.Edition1.466276c.html

Judge backs town's animal sacrifice ban
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/5608460.html

Judge rules against man who challenged animal sacrifice ban
http://www.kswo.com/Global/story.asp?S=7994727