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 Teens in the News:
San Diego's channel eight news ran a segment in April on the increasing number of teens attracted to Witchcraft, which they said was currently “all the rage” due to recent films such as The Craft and Practical Magic. Parents were cautioned that if they find their teenager behaving in a disturbing way, not to confront them in a too heavy-handed manner, as this is likely to provoke rebellion. They advised parents instead to have an open discussion on the subject.
     Channel eight's news team interviewed Kat, by all accounts a typical teen, who professed she has been practicing Wicca since she was thirteen. Her father, who was also interviewed, admitted to being concerned when his daughter first 'came out of the broom closet', mostly, he said, due to the stigma against Pagan practices.
     The segment included film footage of ritual events, overall positive, and informed the viewers that Witchcraft, or Wicca, is a religion, and according to Harvard researchers, the fastest growing religion in the US. The reporter did a good job of giving accurate information on Wiccan beliefs and ethics, including the fact that Wiccans do not worship Satan.
     All in all, I believe Channel eight reported in an impartial way on Wicca and did much to dispel some of the negative images that still persist in today's society. I award them four enthusiastic wands.

Wiccan JAG Episode:
The religious rights of Wiccan military personnel have been hotly debated in the political arena of late. JAG, a popular series on CBS, chose to explore this controversial subject in an April episode. In synopsis, a female Lt. Colonel infiltrates a Wiccan coven to investigate charges by a female petty officer that she has been raped by her coven's High Priest, also her chief petty officer, who used magic to overpower her.
     I doubted the producers would make the politically incorrect mistake of portraying all Wiccans as sexual deviates and practitioners of malevolent magick, and I wasn't mistaken. They took great pains in the closing scenes to show that the majority of Wiccans are decent, law-abiding people who do not indulge in unethical behavior. However, they did a terrible job of depicting Wicca in a realistic way.
     The opening scene featured a Hollywood version of ritual with a High Priest (no High Priestess in this predominantly male coven) speaking words from the traditional Charge of the Goddess, in a twisted version that emphasized . . . “be skyclad in your great rite.” I immediately wondered if the writers had a clue as to the meaning of the great rite, but never mind, I saw exactly where this was leading. Consequently, I wasn't the least bit surprised when the coven wasted no time in stripping down to bare metal (as they say in the military), putting a sexual connotation on Wiccan practices from the very beginning. They then proceeded to initiate the female Lt. Colonel, who has barely arrived on base, is a perfect stranger to the coven, and is attending her very first ritual. Wow! This coven believes in getting you through the degrees in no time flat! The High Priest also believes in getting the female initiates into bed in no time flat, which is probably the reason he gives out first degrees so indiscriminately. It seems he makes a habit of casting amorous spells on the female coven members as a means of seducing them against their will. None of the victims share this information with their fellow coven members, strangely enough. Hmmm . . . talk about perfect love and perfect trust.
     Ah, well, what do you expect from Hollywood? I suppose there are good witches and bad witches, after all, as there are good Christians and bad Christians. Every religion has its wayward clergy, and it's not beyond reason that a High Priest might use his status to manipulate gullible neophytes so that he might fulfill his own egocentric needs. It wouldn't be the first time in history that a charismatic religious leader has taken advantage of vulnerable adherents who are looking for spiritual gurus in all the wrong places.

Witchcraft in Saudi Arabia: 
If you fear persecution for practicing Witchcraft in the United States, visit CNN at http://www.cnn.com/2000/WORLD/meast/04/24/bc.saudi.protest.ap/index.html This news story gives some shocking insight into the current laws against practicing Witchcraft in Saudi Arabia.
     Strict Islamic laws call for execution of sorcerers along with murderers, thieves, and rapists. According to CNN's report on the recent killing of a police officer in a protest against the arrest of an alleged sorcerer, Saudi Arabia considers exorcism, healing with talismans, warding off the evil eye, or changing the future with charms, as sorcery. In the last few years, several people have been convicted of this crime and beheaded as a result.
     On this occasion it seems demonstrators gathered outside the home of the Governor, Prince Mishaal bin Saud, nephew of King Fahd, to demand the accused sorcerer's release, burning cars and clashing with guards.
This month's slimy-toad award, five of them, definitely goes to Prince Mishaal bin Saud, though I doubt I would be brave enough to make such a declaration if I lived in Saudi Arabia.

Beltaine in the Park:
Calafia, CoG's local San Diego council, presented another memorable Beltaine ritual at Balboa Park in April. With bright sunshine and a cool breeze, the weather couldn't have been more perfect for dancing the maypole. Between 350 and 400 people were present at the gathering. Prizes donated by local covens and Wiccans for the drawing brought in around $800, I'm told, which will go toward helping the Wiccan community, including a scholarship fund which is awarded each year.
     For those who participated in the ritual and helped to make the day happen, I'm awarding 5 magickal wands. Blessed be.

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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