Jan. 2007
 • January 2007: "How to Get Thousands Interested in Your Cause"
Twelve years ago I determined to reinstitute the olde, sacred gatherings entire towns enjoyed for centuries on end. I took a bold leap of faith in this regard, as I had no roadmap, no guide, no mentor, and no predecessor for the trail I intended to blaze. Since then, though, my annual, free, public Witch ritual has become a cherished tradition attended by thousands nationwide. Indeed, its success has been emulated by folks as far away as Australia. Creating and conducting huge, public gatherings takes nerves of steel, transcendent vision, media savvy, and a wicked balance of tenacity and flexibility that few folks dare to achieve. But once you learn my secrets for ensuring their success, you too, can get thousands to attend gatherings that highlight your cause or idea! ... (read more)
Aug. 2007
 • August 2007: "Witch Work: The Bliss of Besting Bigots"
This week I succeeded in compelling the Virginia Dept. of Corrections to reverse its policy and allow Pagan inmates to use Tarot. Although I live in North Carolina, I’d been advocating for a VA inmate who’d contacted me for help. VA DoC’s resistance to my efforts on his behalf continually stoked me and turned what should’ve been an easily resolved matter into a needless battle of wills. VA DoC became my personal hobby; 60 + letters later, I was thrilled to hear the goodly news. ...  

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in upholding RLUIPA that any prison or institution receiving federal funds must grant full and equal rights to all inmates to practice their religion -- specifically including Wicca.  Coven Oldenwilde has compiled a packet of legal rulings and texts of laws (including RLUIPA) for Wiccan prisoners, their advocates, and prison officials to read and download. ... (read more)
Feb. 2008 • February 2008: Part 1 of "Pagan Persecution a National Travesty," a 3-part series on the rampant religious persecution of Pagan families by government child-protection services and departments of social services.
“We desperately need your help! We’re a Southern family being ruthlessly persecuted by governmental forces due to my wife’s faith (she’s an open Witch). A neighbor filed 60 dismissed complaints against us with local cops. Tired of being constantly called out by this bigot, the cops turned matters over to Department of Social Services.  Angered that we maintained our innocence, DSS got the cops to file serious legal charges against us, and threatened to keep our R.O.T.C., 17 year-old until he reached the age of his majority. These no-win, Witch-hunt tactics finally succeeded in forcing us to sign over custody to a family member. We’ve been forced to flee to try to clear our names. Our family’s ruined. What can we do?!"

To many in the alternative spiritual community, the crisis call above may read like bad movie fiction or paranoid delusion. Most would be shocked to learn that persecution against Pagans and Wiccans is rampant, and that punitive laws and prejudiced organizations enable this national travesty on a daily basis. ... (read more)
March 2008
 • March 2008: Part 2 of "Pagan Persecution a National Travesty"
A family torn apart, parents put to fugitive flight by Social Services and police persecution because of their faith:

Wise folks that desperate people turn to for counseling or aid may get pleas and cases such as this. It is helpful to learn from a pro how best to help them. Some cases are quick to remedy, while others may take weeks, months, and even years to fully resolve.

Many may be tempted to not involve themselves in an issue with legal implications. The fact is, the majority of people in need are suffering because they are being suppressed by arbitrary laws. These differ state-by-state - be they bigoted workplace policies, anonymous department of social services accusations by mean-spirited neighbors or debatable criminal charges. ... (read more)
April 2008 • April 2008: Part 3 of "Pagan Persecution a National Travesty"
This is my third, final article about Pagan families persecuted nationally by Departments of Social Services, and highlighting the plight of one South Carolina family in particular.

Their words are poignant, and their ongoing pain is palpable: “We stay in remote places, such as deserts, plains, and frozen wastes. We hide any identifying info and frequently change our appearance. Sometimes we pose as illegal ‘aliens’, as people seem to stare straight through us then. We’ve found ways to control our e-addresses so that we appear to be simultaneously computing in many states and countries. And we use planted spies to give DSS misinformation about our status and location.” ... (read more)

• Also in April 2008: "Witch Music," a poem by Lady Passion.
Tinkling windchimes
Vowel strings
Chomping woodworm poetry
Rain that dashes to death itself
As once upon a rusted roof it pelt ... (read more)
May 2008 • May 2008: "How To Avoid Magical Mistakes"
True stories from real, infamous Witches’ archives:

"I prayed to the Full Moon for the mate of my choice — only to get an Incubus I can’t get rid of!  To banish Him, I used a mirror in a silver bowl with Ocean water.

Obviously It didn’t work, but how, and how can I fix this now? I mean, my family’s at stake, for Goddess’ sake!"

Replace your magical stalker with a helpful enity conjured since ancient times. ... (read more)
Sept. 2008 • September 2008: "Temporary Autonomous Republic of Magnolia"
For the past 6 weeks & 2 days (as of August 12) Lady Passion, High Priestess of the Coven, has maintained a 24-hour vigil to protect the rare twin tree from destruction by the developer. Hundreds help support Lady Passion with food, supplies, and eyes on the tree. Fellow tree watchers who come to “sit a spell” in the tree’s cool, fragrant shade have dubbed the disputed property the “Temporary Autonomous Republic of Magnolia,” and strive to promote democracy and free speech through open discussions of government and development -- as well as smiles and waves to passers-by, in true Southern genteel style. ... (read more)
Nov. 2008 • November 2008: "Magnolia Summer: Spiritual Techniques for Protecting Your Environment"
Sometimes you have to sit down to stand up for your spiritual ideals — go out on a limb to save an endangered tree, brave public scrutiny and risk ridicule, backlash, and failure to win a righteous cause. I recently proved this theorem true when I spent 2 1/2 months living beneath an ancient magnolia, striving by Witchy will alone to save it from a rapacious condo developer’s ax. ... (read more)
Jan. 2009 • January 2009: "Spiritual Resolutions: How to Start Walking the Path of a Magical Life"
In this volatile time, many folks feel compelled to improve themselves and their lot — to walk a different path than the narrow career track their modern overlords have deemed is essential to their identity. They’ve grown to suspect that technology doesn’t liberate them so much as overwhelm them, and to reject wealth as being the sole arbiter of their worth as human beings. Indeed, many yearn to learn and use the wisdom of ages past and resolve to devote their lives to practicing ancient spiritual arts that benefit themselves, their loved ones, and the planet. ... (read more)
June 2009 • June 2009: Summer Solstice & Spiritual Meltdown: How to Keep Your Cool When Life’s Hot!
... Why do tempers flare during a season of freedom, a gathering immersed in natural bliss? Because the Sun is high in the sky. Many seem as unaware of the incredible impact that the Sun exerts on their emotions as they are of their prejudices and motivations. Taught as they are that the Earth’s electro-magnetic shield protects them from the majority of solar rays, they nonetheless doublethink dismiss their need for ever-higher degrees of sunscreen. They deny the mind-blowing might of the Sun’s real exertion, and thus pay it as little heed as they do the sway their birth and rising signs have on their temperament, goals, and actions. ... (read more)