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.

Beltaine in the Park 2001: 
If you live in California, don't forget to put Beltaine in the Park on your calander. This year's annual community ritual, sponsored by CoG's local chapter, Calafia, will be held on Sat. April 28th at the same old stomping ground in Balboa Park, San Diego. Bring a picnic lunch and prepare to spend a magickal day in the warm California sunshine in honor of our Lady and Lord. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet others in the Wiccan and Pagan community. There will be great prizes, music, laughter, maypole dancing, and much more. For more information, including directions, visit Calafia's Beltaine web page: http://members.home.com/dsfuller1/beltane.html

Starcrafts Event: 
Starcrafts magickal bookstore in San Diego is holding a special event on April 29th. Author Gerina Dunwich will be signing her latest books, Your Magical Cat and Exploring Spell Craft, from 2-4pm. The address is 1909 Cable St. in Ocean Beach.

Raven's Loft Events: 
Raven's Loft has two exciting events this month. On April 7th author Raven Grimassi will be signing his latest book, Beltane, from 1-3pm. The book has a plethora of rituals, lore, and celebrations that pertain to Spring. Also, on April 27th Donald Michael Kraig, author of Modern Magick and Sex Magick will be teaching a class on Sex Magick. The cost is $20 per person and will go from 7-9pm. Because of limited seating, it is recommended that you register in advance.

Hair Controversy: 
According to an article in the Religion and Ethics section of the San Diego Union-Tribune, two boys have been barred from attending a public school in East Texas because their hair is too long. The boys' parents, David and Korey Tuttle, say that their religion, Stregheria, an Italian tradition of Witchcraft, forbids the boys' hair from being cut until they reach the age of thirteen, when they are expected to end childish pursuits and take on adult responsibilities. The Tuttles plan to home school their children while the policy is disputed.
     I spoke with Raven Grimassi, a practitioner of Stregheria and author of a book on the subject entitled, Italian Witchcraft. He said he is not familiar with any taboos by practitioners of Stregheria on cutting a child's hair before age thirteen. He also felt it unnecessary to put a child through this sort of ordeal. "When in Rome," he said, "do as the Romans do. To a degree, of course." He added that we should consider which battles are worth fighting and which are not.
     I agree wholeheartedly.

Religious Freedom Quilt Project: 
The Covenant of the Sacred Moon is organizing a Freedom Quilt Project to make President Bush aware of the unity and strength in the Pagan/Wiccan community.
     Similar quilts have been successful in raising awareness for other causes. The Religious Freedom Quilt will be outlined in colors of the American flag (red, white, blue), and will contain patches sent by solitary practitioners, Wiccan or Pagan organizations, covens, or other defenders of religious freedom. All are welcome to participate, whether pagan or not, as long as contribution conforms with the following specifications.
     Decorate a 6" square of fabric with symbols that are meaningful to you. Covens, for example, might include emblem, name, tradition, etc. You may send one patch for your organization and one per individual member. If you choose this option, use the same color fabric for all squares as the coven members' squares. If you use fabric paint, make sure it is washable. Add 1/2 inch for border on all sides. No depictions of violence will be accepted. Place square/s in plastic bag for protection and mail to: The Goddess Shoppe, C/O Covenant of The Sacred Moon, 214 Depot Street, Clark Summit, PA 18411. Deadline for entries is June 30, 2001.
     The organizers of this project intend to take the finished quilt to Washington, D.C. to display during a peaceful Religious Freedom Rally.
     If you would like to be included in the list of supporters announced at that rally, include your group name and/or magickal name with your completed piece. If you want to be notified of the dates of the rally, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your quilt piece. For more information, email Covenant_of_the_Sacredmoon@yahoo.com with subject line "Freedom Quilt" or snail mail to the address above.

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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