Introduction from the author: When Calafia asked me to serve as Public Information Officer for the local council, I thought it would be fun to write a column as a way of sharing news and information I gather throughout the year. What's Brewing is the result. It is my hope to provide you with a brief overview of what is currently brewing in the Wiccan community, and when possible, point you toward sites where you can obtain further information. I'll be awarding from one to five wands to those mentioned in my column who are Wiccan-friendly. The others will be the recipients of anywhere from one to five toads. We plan to update the column on a regular basis, so please visit us again soon.

Wiccan Terrorists Mailing Anthrax?: 
According to an article in the New York Post on Nov.1, not only do the FBI and Justice Dept. theorize the anthrax scare might be the work of a twisted homegrown individual, but they suspect this menace might belong to a Wiccan group. Supposedly, investigators are keeping tabs on a number of groups, including a Wiccan group, which they believe has 'radical' members. For some reason, which is not explained in the article, investigators also suspect one of these radical members might have become disturbed enough to take a 'bizarre turn' and is now out to get the media and government.
     Please! If you ask me, the whole theory is bizarre. The perpetrator of this anthrax scare is not some disturbed individual who took a bizarre turn. This is the work of a person or persons with access to sophisticated equipment and a lot of knowledge about how to use it. I'm not saying there are not Wiccan groups out there with radical or even deranged members, but how on earth does that make them suspects in this case? Where is the evidence that connects them to anthrax? Shouldn't this be explained in the article?
     This is not the first time I've heard Wiccans mentioned in connection to terrorism, and it is very disturbing, especially when there is nothing to substantiate the accusations. Before this sort of supposition is thrown out there for the media to spread around, there should at least be a reasonable amount of evidence that gives the rumor some credence. Otherwise, this is nothing more than hate-mongering.
     To read the complete article go to www.NYPOST.com.

School of Wicca Hopes to Dispel Ignorance: 
The Portsmouth Herald reported that Debra Wiley and Scarlett Ridgway are opening Daughters of Avalon, a School of Wicca, in Dover on Nov. 12th. The two Wiccan women hope to dispel some of the misinformation spread about Wicca. They were especially inspired after seeing the message sent out on TV by Jerry Falwell only days after the Sept. 11th attacks on America.
     Wiley, a former high school teacher and mother of teens, believes people need a safe place to come for accurate information about Wicca. She also believes many young people label themselves' Wiccan, yet really have no understanding of the religion. I agree.
     The school will also offer Tarot reading, hypnotherapy, divination, and healing services.
     For more information on the school email daughtersofavalon@hotmail.com. To read the complete article, go to: http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/10_29living_b.htm.

Witches' Night Out: 
This year's annual Witches' Night Out, sponsored by Calafia, the San Diego chapter of CoG, in association with Magical Acts Ritual Theatre, was a great success. Tickets sold out very early. Thanks to generous donations from our local stores - Kindred Spirit, Raven's Loft, Le Sorcier, Starcrafts, and from local covens and individuals, we made a lot of money on the door prizes, which will go toward the Calafia Scholarship Fund (for information on eligibility for scholarship, visit http://members.home.net:80/dsfuller1/).
     On a personal note, I had a devilish good time playing the Horned-One.

Pagans and Patriotism: 
On Saturdays, Oct. 6th and 20th, from 1 to 3pm, Luanna will teach a class on Psychic Self Defense. Cost is $15 per class.
     Luanna will also be teaching a four week series on Sunday afternoons, beginning October 7th, from 1 to 3pm on Astral Projection. Cost is $15 per class. Classes include dream analysis, achieving an astral state, mastering the out-of-body experience, and contacting guides and other planes of existence.
     Wednesday evenings, from 7 to 9pm, Kathy Cybele and Thomas Robinson, HP and HPS of Circle of the Sacred Meadow, will be teaching their 10 week series on Wicca 101.
     Starcrafts has daily readings by appointment in Tarot and Runes, and Reiki Healing sessions are also available. Call the store for more information: (619) 224-4923

Pagans and Patriotism: 
The Pledge of Allegiance will soon be a daily ritual at Grossmont High Schools, and county supervisors are urging all district to allow students to say the pledge daily. This does not sit well with Stephen Last, founder of Atheist Veterans of America, at least not as the pledge is currently worded. According to an article in the San Diego Union Tribune by staff writer Jill Spielvogel, List believes the words "under God" makes the pledge a prayer. Consequently, he argues that students should not be coerced into saying it. He points out, also, that the phrase was added to the pledge in the 1950's.
     I don't see why the pledge is not restored to its original wording. The pledge, I believe, was originally intended as a declaration of ones allegiance to the country, not God. The words "under God" might be offensive, not only to atheist, but to those who worship other deities, including the Goddess. The founders of this country were right when they attempted to keep church and state separate. Let's not mess with a good thing.

Kindred Spirit Events: 
Lady Diana will be teaching Chakra Meditation on Nov. 14th at 7pm. Learn how to ground and center yourself before rituals, healing, or magickal work. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe easily and feel relaxed. Cost is $15.
     On Nov. 28th, elder priestess and Crone of Misty Vale Coven, Ashara, will be the ritual priestess for the Crone's Moon. If you have a favorite ritual instrument, such as drums or a rattle, bring it along. A minimum donation of $5 is required. To get a schedule of ritual events for the year, please call Bethany at the store at: 858-513-1159.
     Beginning in January, Lady Diana will begin a 9-week series on Wiccan practice called Wiccan Ways. Cost is $10 per class. There is a discount if class series is paid in advance. To see a syllabus of the classes, visit the Misty Vale web site and click on classes at: http://members.home.com/mpadilla
     If you're shopping for Yule gifts early, Kindred Spirit is taking 30% off their Medieval Body Care this month. They also have a wonderful selection of jewelry and other gift items.

Raven's Loft Events: 
Every Sunday this month at the store is Cider Sunday. So come in and enjoy a cup of hot cider while you browse some of the exciting new merchandise I've heard is available, and right before the holidays, too.
     Don't miss the Psychic Faire on Saturday the 10th from noon to 5pm. Psychics, Tarot readers, Astrologers, and Witches will all be participating. Lady Brenda will teach two separate classes on Egyptian Magic on Tuesday the 13th and 27th. On Wednesday the 14th and 28th, join Raven Grimassi for classes on Wiccan Mysteries.
     Call the store for more information on any of these events at: 760-746-5636

Starcrafts Events: 
Here's a fun class perfect for the holiday season. From 7 to 9pm on Friday Nov. 9th, 16th, and 30th, Cathrine Duncan will be teaching the Herbal Holiday Gifts workshop. Learn how to make herbal vinegars, moist potpourris, bath salts, pomanders, and spice bags. Classes are $15 and include supplies. Wow! Can't beat that.
     On Saturday, Nov. 10th, join Carol Holaday from 2 to 4pm for Shamanic Tools, a hands-on class for creating personal power tools designed for ceremony and healing rites. Bring sacred bits and pieces you want to incorporate. Some materials will be provided in the $20 fee.
     Saturday, Nov 17th from 2 to 4pm, Carol Holaday will be teaching Crystal Healing, the practical application of healing with stones. There will be hands-on practice, so if you have a healing stone, bring it along. Cost is $15.
     Starcrafts has daily readings by appointment in Tarot and Runes, and Reiki Healing sessions are also available. Call the store for more information on classes at (619) 224-4923, or visit www.starcraftsob.com

Lady Diana
Lady Diana, HPS of Misty Vale Coven, is the current Public Information Officer for Calafia, local chapter of CoG. She teaches an ongoing series of Wiccan classes at Starcrafts in San Diego. You can contact her at mistyvale@home.com or visit the Misty Vale website at http://members.home.com/mpadilla

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