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.

Harry Potter Broomstick Controversy: 
Reuters ran a story recently about a High Priest in London who claims to have cast a spell on Warner Bros. Studios in retaliation for their inaccurate portrayal of the correct way to ride a broomstick. Evidently, in their soon to be released movie, apprentice wizard Harry Potter rides his broom with the handle to the rear! Perish the thought! What is the world coming to? I'm shocked and appalled!
     Then again, let's keep an open mind. What if Harry Potter is right? What if the brush should be up front? Maybe I haven't been able to get my broomstick off the ground because I'm going about it the wrong way! Hey, it's worth giving Harry's method a try, especially with the price of gasoline these days.

Christian Video Demonizes Harry Potter: 
A recent article in Florida Today, by Breuse Hickman, reported on a video distributed by the Christian company, Jeremiah Films, espousing the belief that Harry Potter stories turn kids on to Witchcraft. The video, Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged - Making Evil Look Innocent, has been aired in Brevard County churches as a way of educating parents to the dangers of their children accessing the power of Witchcraft through Harry's tales. Associate pastor to Merritt Island's First Baptist Church, Robert S. McGee, helped create the video, and says that the Harry Potter stories are a gateway to Wicca.
     I'm awarding one slimy toad to Jeremiah Films, and one slimy toad to Minister Robert S. McGee for underestimating children's ability to distinguish fantasy from fiction. After all, Harry Potter doesn't even know which end of a broomstick is up.

Wicca Highlighted on award-winning PBS Series: 
The PBS television series Religion and Ethics Newsweekly aired a section on Wicca recently. Among those interviewed were Wiccan High Priestesses and authors Margot Adler, Phyllis Curott http://www.bookofshadows.net and Patricia Kennealy-Morrison http://www.lizardqueen.com.
     PBS did an admirable job of portraying Wicca in a realistic and positive light. I award them five waves of the magickal wand.

Honoring the Crone Show: 
Grandmothers, who are also self-professed crones, shared their wisdom and talent in a recent art show at the San Diego Children's Museum, Crone Show II: The Full Circle. According to those who presented the show, the exhibits teach children the value of older women, such as grandmothers, presenting them as vital, powerful, and worthy of admiration for their accomlishments in life. It offers children an understanding of past generations of women, and also a glimpse into their own future.
     Exhibitors in the show included women who have been exploring the crones' place in society. Jennifer Case, deputy director, says that presenting art by adults for children helps build a bridge between generations through the medium of art, which has no language barriers.
     I'm awarding three waves of the Crone's wand to the San Diego Children's Museum, and the many talented crones who participated, for presenting such a wonderful concept to the public.

Out of the Pentagon Broom Closet: 
A recent article by Angela Kennedy in Washington, D.C., described Air Force Major Anthony Gatlin's quest to gain acceptance from the military for his religious beliefs. Gatlin, chief of the Military Personnel Division for the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon, is a practicing Wiccan. When he decided it was time to make his religion a matter of public record, he discovered the Air Force didn't list earth-based religions on dog tags or in personnel files. Pagans, of all paths, had a choice between 'no religious preference' or 'other'. Gatlin felt this was offensive, and after doing some research, came to the conclusion that his religion, and the religion of an estimated 15,000 people in the military, wasn't being represented. He spoke with chaplains and worked with the Air Force Personnel Center to coordinate a staff summary sheet. The package circulated for signing, which eventually culminated in Pagan, Shaman, Druid, Wicca, Seax Wicca, Gardnerian Wicca and Dianic Wicca being added to the list of religious preferences in the Air Force Personnel Data System.
     More than 50 service members registered as one of the newly listed earth-based religions in the first weeks after the change. Gatlin said he would continue to work towards mainstream acceptance and tolerance among all religious communities, but feels that all Pagans must take part in this move.
     Five waves of the wand go to Major Anthony Gatlin. He is an inspiration to us all.

Teen Wiccan's Suicide: 
The San Diego Union-Tribune's Religion and Ethics section reported on the following story. In Lincoln Park, Michigan, 12-year-old Tempest Smith committed suicide by hanging herself after school administrators ignored teasing from classmates about her Wiccan beliefs.
     The Wiccan girl's mother has sued the local school district. She claims she told the teachers and counselors at Lincoln Park Middle School on several occassions about the teasing, but her complaints went unheeded. She also commented that, had her child been teased for being Christian, you could bet they would've done something.

Suspected Witches Slain: 
According to an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune by Henry Wasswa, villagers in Kampala, Uganda are being accused of witchcraft and subsequently hacked to death. Diseases endemic to the region are being blamed by local villagers on the supposed witches, who are mostly people displaced by recent wars in the Congo. About 200 people so far have lost their lives as a result.
     Reports released by UNICEF and the World Health Organization say that every facet of society in the region has collapsed, including human rights, economy, housing, education, water and sanitation, and social care.

Raven's Loft Events: 
Raven Grimassi will be hosting open discussions on Italian Witchcraft in the store on August 21st from 7-9pm. The meeting is free, but donations are definitely appreciated.
     On August the 23rd Amalya will be holding a class on Goddess Belly Dancing. The cost is $10. Call the store at 760-746-5636 for information on how to obtain tickets.

Starcrafts Events: 
Author Gerina Dunwich will be available for a free book signing on August 26th from 2-4pm. Her latest books on sale are Exploring Spellcraft and Your Magickal Cat.
     In September, Raven Grimassi will be teaching a series of 4 Wiccan Mysteries classes. You must pre-register and prepay for this series, and there is a requirement that students have at least a 1st degree initiation, though it can be in any recognized tradition. Cost is $60 for the series, and classes will be held on Sept. 5th, 19th, 26th, and Oct. 3rd from 7-9pm.

Kindred Spirit Events: 
Lady Diana (that's me) will be teaching two new classes at Kindred Spirit in Poway. September 5th, is Creating Sacred Space, an advanced class open only to those who have a good understanding of Wiccan basics. September 12th is Candle Magick. Both classes are on Wed. nights from 7-9pm. For more information call Bethany at the store at 858-513-1159.

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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