Pagan Community Roundup for January 23, 2025

Pagan Community Notes: Week of January 23, 2025

This week’s Pagan Community Notes features a range of stories and announcements from around the world. From Michael M. Hughes’ White Candle Conspiracy Ritual to Clairo‘s candidness about her disappointment in the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

Michael M. Hughes’ White Candle Conspiracy Ritual

In a recent piece on Medium, author Michael M. Hughes shared his White Candle Conspiracy Ritual, which is meant to keep the light of love and hope alive and burning fiercely inside of us. The ritual is not about pushing back against darkness by wishing it away but rather about building inner strength to take action.

Hughes wrote that we need to do what Dr. King called “the arduous and frustrating work ahead” – marches, protests, boycotts, emailing, phone calls, and other practical actions. However, we also need the inner strength to do it well and effectively.

Clairo’s Candidness

Singer-songwriter Clairo expressed her disappointment in the outcome of the 2024 presidential election on social media. She tweeted, “Witchcraft on Trump ASAP!” The comment was widely shared, although it appears to lack any literal witchcraft behind it.

This is not the first time Clairo has voiced her opposition to Trump. In November, she revealed that she had cast her vote for his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris. Days after the election, during her November 7 concert in Atlanta, Clairo broke down on stage, saying, “I’m full of so much sadness and rage today.”

Pope Francis‘ Comments on Fear

On January 22, 2025, Pope Francis delivered his General Audience in Audience Hall, discussing the prevalence of fear. Media reported that he referenced witchcraft and tarot cards, urging people not to employ either for dealing with their fear about the future.

The formal transcript of the Audience removed the terms in the official circular released by the Holy See. The circular wrote that the Pontiff said, “Do not be afraid.” He also said, “Please, do not be afraid! Do not be afraid! This is good.”

Rev. Patrick McCollum’s Work

Rev. Patrick McCollum is a prominent spiritual leader, activist, and advocate for religious freedom, particularly for minority faiths such as Paganism and Wicca. He has been a trailblazer in advancing the rights of Pagan practitioners in various institutions.

McCollum has dedicated much of his career to global interfaith efforts, working tirelessly to foster understanding and collaboration among diverse religious traditions. His work promotes mutual respect and dialogue, emphasizing unity across spiritual boundaries.

Upcoming Events

• Circle Sanctuary’s 2025 Imbolc Festival will be held on Saturday, February 1 from 10:00 am to 7 pm at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve near Barneveld, Wisconsin.

• Spirit Northwest is a transformative and new format gathering for seekers, offering 90 and 120-minute immersive workshops on Paganism, witchcraft, and natural magick. The event will take place in Portland, Oregon from May 1 – 4, 2025.

Tarot of the Week

The Knight of Swords suggests that the next seven days are likely to offer opportunities for being assertive when applying one’s intellect to understanding and resolving issues. However, there is also a potential for feeling driven to take action but lacking direction, which could lead to frustration and restlessness.