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Current PAN NewsCurrent news articles of interest to the Pagan community and media releases issued by Pagan Awareness Network. Please see the menu on the left for links to archived news items and external articles featuring PAN. Passing of Rhys OwenIt is with great sadness that we mark the passing to the Summerland of Rhys Owen. Rhys died Sunday 24th Febuary 2013, peacefully in hospital. He is now at peace. The Funeral for Rhys Owen was held on Thursday the 28th Febuary 2013 at 10:00am at T.S. Burstow Funerals, 1020 Ruthven St Toowoomba, QLD 4350. There will be a Memorial service held in Sydney for the people in Sydney who could not make it to the funeral on a date to be shortly confirmed. Blessed Be, Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet again.
MEDIA RELEASE - SAY NO TO EXORCISMS - WITCHESThe Pagan Awareness Network Incorporated MEDIA RELEASE SAY NO TO EXORCISMS - WITCHES. 5thApril 2012 1300 hrs AEST It is a funny old world. Many Christians still believe that mental illness can be treated by exorcisms. But witches and pagans believe that science is better than superstition – and yet we are the ones regarded as weird. “People who are worried about mental health should see qualified doctors and counsellors – exorcisms can cause more problems than they solve,” the Pagan Awareness Network’s David Garland said today. The Pagan Awareness Network (PAN) represents followers of nature-based religion in Australia. The Catholic Church has repeatedly stated that an increase in demand for exorcisms has been fuelled by people’s interest in nature-based religions such as Wicca and modern Paganism. Evangelical churches have followed suit: on Sunday 60 Minutes interviewed three American teen exorcists and their mentor, the Reverend Bob Larson. In response to this worrying trend, the Pagan Awareness Network launched ‘Paganism & Christianity – A Resource for Wiccans, Witches and Pagans’ in December 2011. This book debunks the notion that Christianity holds a superior moral position over Paganism or that interest in alternative religions is a sign of demonic possession. THE REASON FOR THE SEASON: PAGAN BOOK EXAMINES THE REALITY BEHIND CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTMASThe Pagan Awareness Network MEDIA RELEASE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON: PAGAN BOOK EXAMINES THE REALITY BEHIND CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTMAS For release 21/12/2011 2100 hrs AEDST What do Pagans and Christians have in common? The answer: plenty - and the origins of Christmas are just the beginning. This, thanks to 'PAGANISM AND CHRISTIANITY - A Resource for Wiccans, Witches and Pagans', a new book published by the Pagan Awareness Network Incorporated (PAN). The launch of the book was timed to coincide with the solstice, an auspicious date for followers of nature-based religions, both in ancient times and modern. December 25th, three days after the solstice, was celebrated in the Roman Empire as the feast day of Sol Invictus, marking the return of longer days and light to the world. Spirit of Albion : The MovieThere is a whisper on the wind, a sound in the woodland . . . the old gods have not abandoned you. On Damh the Bard's recent tour of Australia, The Pagan Awareness Network (PAN) learnt of the production of a set of Damh's songs into a feature film. PAN's committee has been monitoring the progress of the production via the Website, Facebook and Youtube and are very excited about the project. At a recent committee meeting, PAN has decided to donate £100 ($161 AUD) to the film, we ask you, our members and followers on Facebook to help out as well if you can. As such PAN is hosting our own supporters page for the Spirit of Albion. Urban Faun Merchandise now available.Pan plays his pipes under a eucalyptus surrounded by a uniquely Australian landscape. Beneath sleeps the city unaware of the world that awaits just a step away past the circle’s edge. The design of these items is based on the artwork Joanne Dunster created for the Pagan Awareness Network CD “The Pipes of Pan”. All proceeds from the sale of this shirt will go to PAN Inc Australia to help support the fantastic work they do dispelling myths and educating the public about modern Pagan religions and supporting Australia’s vibrant Pagan community. May the pipes of Pan play on! Passing of Carole ChapmanIt is with great sadness that we mark the passing to the Summerland of Carole Chapman (aka Crafty Crone). Carole died at 2am Saturday 16th July 2011, peacefully in hospital. She is now at peace after a many battles with hospitals and doctors. Carole will be having an open public funeral and anyone wishing pay their last respect is most welcome to attend and bring flowers if you wish. The simple funeral will be held on Wednesday 27th July at noon at the Ann Chapel is located in the Cnr Barrenjoey Rd and Darley Street Monavale. There will be a Ritual in her honour on Sunday 31st of July 2011, at Irrawong Reserve, Irrawong Rd, Warriewood. Blessed Be, Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet again.
MEDIA RELEASE - FIGHTING EVANGELICAL CHILD ABUSE IN AFRICATHE PAGAN AWARENESS NETWORK INCORPORATED MEDIA RELEASE FIGHTING EVANGELICAL CHILD ABUSE IN AFRICA 9th June 2011 1100 hrs AEST The Pagan Awareness Network Incorporated is campaigning to support the fight against child 'witch' killings in Africa. Tens of thousands of children are abused, abandoned or murdered every year due to allegations that they practice 'witchcraft'. Some are burned to death, some beaten to death, some lynched, some poisoned, and some hacked to death with machetes. Others are abandoned in towns and cities where they face sexual abuse and human trafficking. Police, many of whom share fears about witches, do nothing according to human rights organisations. Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - FIGHTING EVANGELICAL CHILD ABUSE IN AFRICA Pipes of PAN
As Damh the Bard asked on his recent tour "Can you hear the Pipes of PAN?", the Pagan Awareness Network is giving you the answer and that is YES. The Pagan Awareness Network (PAN) is proud to announce the release of it's first compilation CD, "The Pipes of PAN" The Pipes of PAN has been a labour of love for many at the Pagan Awareness Network over the past 7 years, working to create a sampler of Australian Pagan Music, and as a collective the Committee at the Pagan Awareness Network is exceptionally happy with the results MEDIA RELEASE - WITCH PLACARD AT CARBON TAX PROTEST? WHAT'S A REAL WITCH TO DO?THE PAGAN AWARENESS NETWORK INCORPORATED MEDIA RELEASE WITCH PLACARD AT CARBON TAX PROTEST? WHAT'S A REAL WITCH TO DO? 24th March 2010, 2200 AEDST The sight of a carbon-tax protester waving a placard reading ‘Ditch the Witch’ has irritated many real-life witches. "Pagans, witches, and followers of other nature-based faiths vote across the political spectrum," Pagan Awareness Network President David Garland said today. "Our Association isn't interested in weighing into the politics, but dubbing a woman in a position of power as a ‘witch’ is cliched, stupid and offensive." Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - WITCH PLACARD AT CARBON TAX PROTEST? WHAT'S A REAL WITCH TO DO? MEDIA RELEASE - BALLAN AUTUMN FESTIVAL OR MEDIEVAL DRAMA?THE PAGAN AWARENESS NETWORK INCORPORATED MEDIA RELEASE BALLAN AUTUMN FESTIVAL OR MEDIEVAL DRAMA? 22 MARCH 2010, 2200 AEDST A ban on tarot readers, crystals, and books about the tarot at the Ballan Autumn Festival has been branded 'medieval' by the Pagan Awareness Network. "We want to know if flaming torches and pitchforks will form part of the festivities," Pagan Awareness Network President David Garland said today. "Not a day after the Human Rights Commission released a report highlighting the serious discrimination faced by pagans and followers of alternative beliefs in Australia, we are given an example of how it happens." Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - BALLAN AUTUMN FESTIVAL OR MEDIEVAL DRAMA? MEDIA RELEASE - HREOC REPORT FINDS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PAGANSTHE PAGAN AWARENESS NETWORK INCORPORATED MEDIA RELEASE HREOC REPORT FINDS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PAGANS 21ST March 2011, 1300hrs AEDST A report into freedom of religion and belief in Australia, released today by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission, has found that pagans and other followers of nature-based faiths face discrimination and a lack of acceptance within the community. Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - HREOC REPORT FINDS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PAGANS Passing of Glyn JohnstonIt is with great sadness that we mark the passing to the Summerland of Glyn Johnston (aka King of the Faeries, or Glyn Le Fae). Glyn died at 2pm Saturday 4th December 2010, at home, peacefully, surrounded by friends and family. He is now at peace after a long battle with hospitals and doctors. For those that knew him a Send Off Party has been arranged at Bondi Beach Pavilion 6pm Saturday 18th. The party will consist of a Viking burning of his famous red surfboard and scattering of his ashes and will be attended by a lot of Bondi Surfies, Re-enactment archers and broadswordsmen and as many Pagans as we can muster. Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166601156710666 More information: David on 0439 858 017 or 02 9879 7924 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Blessed Be, Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet again. MEDIA RELEASE - India Witch-killings highlight 3rd world poverty.Friday 26th November, 12 noon AEST The Pagan Awareness Network (PAN) is concerned by increasing reports of witchcraft- associated deaths in developing nations. "India in particular is a real worry for us," PAN President David Garland said today. "The witch-killings we are seeing there involve mobs targeting widows or the elderly, and so-called 'witchdoctors' carrying out human sacrifices. In both cases the problem lies in entrenched poverty, lack of education, and the status of women in society." Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - India Witch-killings highlight 3rd world poverty. Win a $200 PAN voucher!The PAN Committee has generously offered contributors to our magazine 'The Small Tapestry', an opportunity to win a voucher for $200 'PAN Dollars'.
What could I spend it on?
Who can enter?
What can I contribute?
When is it drawn?
What are the conditions?
More info? MEDIA RELEASE - Isaac Bonewits 1949 2010Friday 13th August, 3pm AEST "This morning, August 12, 2010 at approximately 8 AM ET, Isaac Bonewits passed away peacefully in his sleep. All his brothers and sisters arrived at his side last night. His family and friends surround him now." MEDIA RELEASE - Dear Media: What is the big deal about being a witch?Friday 30th July, 11am AEST "The media seems more willing to burn a witch at the stake than to throw Christians to the lions." That's the view of David Garland, President of the Pagan Awareness Network. This follows the guilty plea this week of Melbourne Pagan Eilish De Avalon on serious traffic offences, including dragging a Police Officer nearly 200 metres when his arm became caught in her car window. Media reports state that Ms De Avalon told the Police she didn't need a driver's license and that she was "a being from another world". Ms De Avalon has denied saying that she was from another world. Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - Dear Media: What is the big deal about being a witch? Facebook Offer Prize DrawLast Sunday at the PAN committee meeting PAN conducted the draw for the prize associated with our recent Facebook Membership offer and we are pleased to announce the winner is... ~* Oliver Bladesmore *~Over the next little while our wandmaker Jo will be creating a wand specially designed for Oliver and documenting the process for an article in our regular magazine The Small Tapestry. Feel free to have a look at some of her wand work here: http://www.applegroveonline.com/wands.asp. And remember if you missed out this time Jo has offered another custom wand as a door prize for the Witches Ball. Congratulations on your win Oliver and welcome to the Pagan Awareness Network. MEDIA RELEASE - PAN Leads Pagan Community on Child ProtectionMonday 24th May 2010, 1300 AEST The Pagan Awareness Network Incorporated (PAN) is toughening its rules relating to child protection. "We're making sure the Association complies with or exceeds the expectations of the various state laws that operate around Australia," PAN President David Garland said today. "We run and provide support for many events around Australia for followers of Pagan and nature-based religions. Some of these events cater for families and are open to under-18s. This is an area where we have to get it right." Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - PAN Leads Pagan Community on Child Protection PAN Facebook Discount Offer
This offer will run from the next new moon (Wed Apr 14, 2010) to the following new moon (Fri May 14, 2010) and is open to both new members and those who wish to extend or renew their membership. Plus those who do sign up during the next lunar cycle will go into a draw to win a custom designed wand made by wand designer Jo www.applegroveonline.com/wands.asp To take advantage of this offer just be a current PAN Facebook group member and send your membership form and payment before the new moon of Fri May 14, 2010. Just mark anywhere on your form "Facebook Offer" (preferably in large cheerful lettering somewhere easily seen) and the name you use on Facebook if it is different from your given name and pay concession rates and we will match your details to your Facebook group membership and take care of the rest. If you want to know more about what PAN does and how your membership helps support the Pagan community in Australia you can read the Join Us page on our website, email us here This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call and have a chat with us on 0412 427 343. Visit here to Join PAN. Thanks everyone for making the Australian Pagan community such a supportive and friendly place. Keep up the good work. The Team at PAN PAN Facebook group has reached over 900 members!
To celebrate this and to thank all of the wonderful and supportive Pagans out there PAN has decided that when we hit the magic 1000 members mark, we will make a special offer just for our Facebook members, so keep an eye on this space! MEDIA RELEASE - Fred Nile threatens teen couples special day9th March 2010, 1500 AEDST Christian Democrat Party leader and anti-pagan campaigner Reverend Fred Nile is out to destroy a teenage couple’s plans to be joined in a Pagan handfasting ceremony. He was quoted today as saying: ”(Handfasting) can’t be in any way acknowledged by the state and should not be listed as a genuine wedding. Our party will do what it can to stop pagan weddings and witchcraft or Wicca activities.’’ Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - Fred Nile threatens teen couples special day MEDIA RELEASE - Who doesnt want teens forming committed relationships?...Meet the Australian Family Association Sunday 14th March, 1500 AEDST The Australian Family Association has called a teenage couple’s plans for a commitment ceremony early next month ‘deplorable’. The two teens, Jenni Birch (16) and Alex Stewart-Pole (19), of Brisbane, plan to be handfasted in a traditional Pagan ceremony. Their hands will be bound together with cord as they vow to be true to each other for a year and a day in front of friends and family. Jenni’s mother, Pagan priestess Sue Birch, will officiate at the ceremony. Paganism is a nature worshipping pre-Christian belief ranked as the seventh largest religion in the US. Around 30,000 Australians identified as following a Pagan or nature-based faith in the 2006 Census. But with no discernible trace of irony, the Australian Family Association’s John Morrissey said today: "If such mock weddings lead to consummation and some status as a common law wedding, there is something wrong," he said. Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - Who doesnt want teens forming committed relationships?... Michael York at Pagans in the Cafe, LiverpoolMichael York will be attending the Pagans in the Cafe at the Black Rose Cafe in Liverpool on Monday night the 14/12/09. Michael sat on many of the panels at the recent Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne. Michael York is Professor of Cultural Astronomy and Astrol...ogy at Bath Spa University College, UK, an instructor at Cherry Hill Seminary, and author of "Pagan Theology: Paganism as a World Religion". We discussed the evolving place of modern Paganism at the Parliament, the importance of the Pagan voice in interfaith interactions, and how polytheism promotes democracy. Michael has been involved in the ongoing discussions about definitions of Paganism on the Wild Hunt Blog - http://wildhunt.org/blog/2009/12/after-the-parliament-whos-indigenous-whos-a-nrm.html Michael is wanting to meet a few Pagans from Sydney, so come along and join us for an evening of good company and good conversation. A survey of Goddess beliefs and practices in AustraliaDr Patricia Rose and Dr Tricia Szirom are undertaking a study of the Goddess in Australia - how she is expressed, how worshipped, how manifest. They invite you to contribute to their work by completing our online survey. Read more: A survey of Goddess beliefs and practices in Australia Book Release - Ten Years of Triumph of the MoonTen Years of Triumph of the Moon, Academic approaches to studying magic and the occult: examining scholarship into witchcraft and paganism, ten years after Ronald Hutton’s The Triumph of the Moon A collection of essays edited by Dave Evans and Dave Green Contributions by: Ronald Hutton, Amy Hale, Sabina Magliocco, Dave Green, Henrik Bogdan, Phillip Bernhardt-House, R.A. Priddle, Geoffrey Samuel, Caroline Tully & Dave Evans PAN at the Parliament of the World's Religions
Since 1993, a Parliament of the World's Religions has convened every five years in a major international city. The 2009 Parliament is being held in Melbourne, Australia. Pagan participation has grown this year with many guests and speakers visiting from all over Australia and the world. The Pagan Awareness Network has several delegates attending including David Garland (President) along with Gavin Andrew (Media Officer), Linda Ward (Interfaith Officer) and Lisa Kenny (PAN member). These lovely PAN people will be meeting local and international Pagan delegates and will also be available for interviews. To coincide with the parliament several events have been organised by members of the local Pagan community:
Television coverage of the Parliament can be seen on a-pac (Australia's Public affairs channel) and is also streamed from their website http://www.a-pac.tv/ To find out more about the Parliament of the world’s religions and keep up to date on Pagan happenings at the event please visit the links below: MEDIA RELEASE - Sex Witch 'Not welcome among his own kind.'21st October 2009, 1030 AEDST If convicted child sex offender and 'witch' Robin Fletcher is released back into the community, he will not be welcome among other witches and Pagans. That's according to the Pagan Awareness Network Incorporated (PAN), an association that represents followers of nature-based religions in Australia. "Fletcher is regarded by the entire Pagan and witch community with revulsion," PAN President David Garland said today. "His claims that child sex is part of the Wiccan religion are false and contemptible – he has slandered our community in the worst possible way. Most people I talk to about this man would be happy if he simply died in prison." Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - Sex Witch 'Not welcome among his own kind.' MEDIA RELEASE - Halloween newsflash Tips for safe trick-or-treatingOctober 30, 2009 1030 AEDST It’s Halloween, and time for kids to dress up in their scariest costumes – as goblins and ghosts, as witches and devils, or even (gulp!) as televangelists. It’s time for carved pumpkins, things that go bump in the night, and of course, lots of processed sugar. Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - Halloween newsflash Tips for safe trick-or-treating MEDIA RELEASE - Easter - The Pagan FestivalThursday April 1st, 2010, 18.30 AEST Easter, the most important festival of the Christian calendar, is actually a Pagan holiday. That's according to the Pagan Awareness Network (PAN), an association that represents modern-day followers of Europe's indigenous spiritual traditions. MEDIA RELEASE - Witchcraft is in the BonesThursday May 21st, 2010, 13:00 AEST Sunday night on Channel 7 sees Temperance Brennan and FBI agent Booth face one of their strangest cases: an investigation into the mysterious world of Wicca and witchcraft. But have the writers and producers of the hit show Bones got their facts straight? Magick Happens and Cirque NoirThe Victorian PAN committee will be presenting a Melbourne version of the successful Magick Happens event that PAN has been running in Sydney in past years. Magick Happens takes place on Saturday the 5th of December 2009 at Arts House (North Melbourne Town Hall) to coincide with the World Parliament of Religions being hosted in Melbourne. Magick Happens will be followed by Cirque Noir a witches ball. This day long event showcases goods, services, entertainers and information from the various spiritual, holistic, Earth honouring, and Magical communities, companies and individuals from all over Australia, and even overseas. Magick Happens provides a great opportunity for these individuals and organisations to mingle with the community at large and promote their products and services. With local and international guest speakers, Pagan artists, various performances and a range of workshops, Magick Happens will be an opportunity to experience the vast diversity of this spiritual community. Then once darkness falls, the black circus comes to life, bringing you a night of heathen passion thinly veiled behind velvet, silk and leather. Come and dance with the internationally renowned Spiral Dance and Wendy Rule. Also appearing are The Stiletto Sisters, burlesque dancers, and various strolling performers, as they lead us to a dark world where the magick of the night comes alive. Finger food will be provided, and drinks are available on the night – this is a licensed event. Come and be part of this unforgettable experience. Visit www.magickhappens.com.au for more information MEDIA RELEASE - Witches have better things to do, Mr Nalliah. . .September 9th, 2009 1100 AEST Bizarre accusations of animal sacrifice by a coven of witches are baseless, according to the Pagan Awareness Network. The accusations, aired on the website of controversial Pastor Danny Nalliah, centre on Mt Ainsley in Canberra. Mr Nalliah alleges that fresh blood has been found there, the result of sacrifices by a local ‘witches coven’. He has called on Christians to engage in what he terms ‘spiritual warfare’, and claims that witches ‘are cursing the Federal Parliament’. Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - Witches have better things to do, Mr Nalliah. . . MEDIA RELEASE - Danny Nalliah's witch hunt is off the mark.15th October, 2009 1100 AEDST Pastor Danny Nalliah's call for Christians from around Australia to gather at Mt Ainslie on October 17th, 2009 is a good old-fashioned witch-hunt. That's the view of the Pagan Awareness Network, an association that represents witches, Pagans, and other followers of nature-based religions in Australia. "We're wondering if we'll see pitchforks and flaming torches at this event," Pagan Awareness Network President David Garland said today. Read more: MEDIA RELEASE - Danny Nalliah's witch hunt is off the mark. PAN Launches New WebsiteThe Pagan Awareness Network Inc is proud to open the doors to our new web site www.paganawareness.net.au. The new layout provides fast access to the latest community information from around Australia in an easy to read format. From the welcome page visitors can search, access news, events, information and more. The Join PAN page has an updated membership form and a range of payment and support options including PayPal. For more details about these convenient options please visit the Join Pan page. A new forum is now available allowing visitors to quickly register and participate through the fully functional web forum. We invite you to visit our new online home and provide your feed back through the contact us link on the welcome page. |
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Can you hear the Pipes of PAN?
The Parliament of the World's Religions brings together the world's religious and spiritual communities, to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are discussed and explored in the context of interreligious understanding and cooperation.
