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 Comic Book Heroine: 
Writer Chris Wichtendahl, a follower of Wicca, and artist Jeff Zugale, are the co-creators of a rather novel comic book series called Mystic for Hire. Their heroine, Rachel Danara, is a young witch who fights crime in the fictional setting, Pagan City.
     According to a recent article in the San Diego Union, Chris Wichtendahl says the purpose of this series is to let people know a little about what Wiccans are really like, without sounding preachy.
     Mystic for Hire was featured amongst the religious-themed comic books available, predominantly Christian, at Comic-Con International in the San Diego Convention Center recently. I award the creators of Mystic for Hire three waves of the magical wand for attempting to make Pagans a positive presence in the world of religious comic books.
     You can visit the Pagan City website, where Mystic for Hire is available on line, at http://www.pagancity.com.

Wiccan Real Life Heroine: 
Alternative Religions Educational Network (AREN, formally WADL) proudly announced this month that Bonnie-Ann Brill Keagy, AREN board member and legal advisor, has recently been admitted to practice law in front of the Supreme Court. Says AREN, this means that the Pagan community now has their own attorney with the ability to, if necessary, plead their cases before the Highest Court in the land.
     Ms. Keagy, who was once vice-president of WADL, has a extensive experience in cases involving Pagan Rights as well as standard law practice, focusing primarily in criminal defense and Family Law. She has also authored articles for Llewellyn Publishing under her pen name, Creide Stewart, and has been active in Civil rights, Religious Rights, and Politics for many years.

Deity Days for All Religions? 
On 17 April 2000, Texas Governor George W. Bush signed a memorandum proclaiming June 10th as 'Jesus Day' in Texas. According to Bush, this "challenges people to follow Christ's example by performing good works in their communities and neighborhoods."
     His proclamation was issued in support of a national celebration of Jesus Day, an annual event supported by proclamations from other governors and mayors throughout America. It is no longer available for viewing on the Governor's section of the web site for the State of Texas. Only the last few month's of proclamations are kept on the site. However, you can see the proclamation by going to the following URL: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/jesusday.htm
     What ever happened to separation of church and state? I award Bush and all the other governors and mayors who are willing to participate in such blatant religious discrimination five toads each. That is, unless they're willing to redeem themselves by proclaiming a state 'Goddess day'. Of course, there are those who will want a state 'Mohammed Day', and others who feel the need for 'Krishna Day'. Oh, and 'Buddha Day', 'Horned God Day', 'Jehovah Day'. The list is endless. But are there enough days in the year to honor all the deities that inspire people to performing good works in their communities and neighborhoods? I don't THINK so.

Wiccan Church's Tax-exempt Status Disputed: 
Ozark Avalon, a 150 acre Pagan spiritual retreat and land sanctuary located on the Missouri River, is established as a Church of Wicca. It is registered in the state of Missouri as a non-profit religious organization, and is recognized by the US Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt.
     Recently, Ozark Avalon has become involved in a tax dispute. When they applied to Cooper County, Missouri for property tax exemption, their request was denied. There seems to be some points the county tax assessor finds difficulty in understanding; for example, why a church shouldn't be located in a building, and whether or not the church fulfills the requirements set down for 'religious worship'.
     Ozark Avalon is attempting to exhaust administrative remedies before proceeding with legal ones. The next administrative hurdle is appealing the county's decision to the Missouri State Tax Commission. Legal representation, at this appeal, is required by state law. Ozark Avalon is seeking assistance in this matter.
     To get further details about Ozark Avalon's tax dispute, or find out how you might be of help, visit their web site at: http://www.ozarkavalon.org or email ws@undata.com
     By the way, this looks like an absolutely wonderful place to visit. Take a look at all they have to offer the Wiccan and Pagan community.

Anti-Tarot Ordinance in Denver: 
I've not been able to confirm this story, but it comes from what I would consider reliable sources. According to Isis Bookstore in Denver, the local police made an unexpected appearance in response to a complaint that there were Tarot card readings on the premises. They went on to explain that an ordinance had been passed on May 30th, making public Tarot readings illegal within the city and county limits, and that readers were subject to arrest and large fines.
     When the people from Isis Bookstore contacted the Denver Police Department the next day to find out more details, they discovered that the ordinance had indeed passed without public review or comment.
     If this story is accurate, and I assume it is, then a couple slimy toads are definitely bound for the Denver Police Department.

And the Winner Is: 
This month, the Five Toad Award for ignorance and bigotry goes to none other than one of our most prestigious institutions of knowledge, the Encyclopedia Britannica. The unprofessionally written, biased definition of Witchcraft given in this Encyclopedia Britannica Online article is shocking, to say the least. When we read from the Encyclopedia Britannica, we expect to get unbiased facts, not bigotry and editorial comments meant to denigrate the religious beliefs of others.
     I urge you to take a look at this article at the URL below, and if you are outraged by what you read, contact the editors at the following addresses with your objections. Editors@us.britannica.com Editorial-comments@us.britannica.com http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/1/0,5716,115001+1+108515,00.html

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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