Philadelphia 2008

On April 23, after 10 years of campaigning by the Pagan community, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved the pentacle for use on Pagan headstones.

The approval came as the result of a lawsuit brought by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Circle Sanctuary on behalf of two Circle Sanctuary members, both widows of war veterans. The VA had a list of 38 approved symbols which could be put on veterans' headstones after their deaths, including multiple symbols for Christianity, some for non-mainstream religions like Baha'i and Eckanar, and even an atom representing athiesm. However, multiple applications for the pentacle by the families of Wiccan soldiers were either denied outright or put on hold under years of red tape.  

We had our meeting on Saturday, May 31, as planned, but weather and other factors kept many attendees away.

Fortunately, Michael and I were able to use the time to discuss ideas and share more thoughts about the potential future of the site. I also had the opportunity to see much more of the site than I ever had before. This only left more excited at the potential the space has to offer once we have it secured and start getting up and running.

Our next work day is Saturday, June 7. Hopefully we'll have plenty of brilliant weather and people out to help us that day. We're also discussing some, "fun only," meetups in the neighborhood, just to give DVPN members a chance to see the environment our center will eventually inhabit. This neighborhood is really starting grow and change; a few years from now, we'll be in the middle of a thriving arts community here!

Anyway, more details later. Hope to see many of you on June 7.

Blessings!!

Pagan gardening workday for the com?

Starting on April 23, Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections shut down 16 storefront fortunetellers across the city, sending a wave of alarm through the professional and amateur readers of the Delaware Valley. 

A spokesperson for L & I told the Philadelphia Inquirer that they began the crackdown after the Philadelphia police "came to us a few days ago and showed us where the crime code prohibits psychic readings. We looked into it, and it's clearly illegal. I was surprised."

The Pennsylvania state law prohibiting fortunetelling "for gain or lucre" has been on the books since the 1970s. Why the police developed a sudden interest in shutting down psychics is unclear. 

We want to send out a big thank you to everyone who came out on Sunday, despite it turning soggy later in the day. We got a lot of work and planning accomplished - detailed maps of the two cleared courtyards, lists of materials needed, and a lot of good discussions on what sort of plants will do well in the courtyard.

We also want to thank everyone who came out for the open house, it was great to see so many new faces!

Moving forward, we're continuing to gather info and make plans long-term for the outdoor space. We'll also be soon publishing the plans for our next work day. Carpenters & builders, be ready to show up with tools! It's time to lock down the site, and start building raised planting beds :)

Watch here and on our traditional email lists for more details over the next 2 weeks.