The Official newWitch Blog

From today’s mail comes this gem from Rotting Corpse Records.

Elite Chicago Black Metal veterans Ezurate have inked a deal with Rotting Corpse Records for three forthcoming albums, anticipated to be released over a one-year period. Their 2000 debut “Infernal Dominatio”has been completely reproduced (re-recorded, remixed, remastered) using their current lineup and is expected to be made available in July.

“Holocausto and Ezurate are very proud to announce our signing withRotting Corpse Records, so we can finally get our elite pure armafuckingeddon, soul-raping black metal art and evilness out to the world! Now, we have arrived.”

Congratulations are in order to the band, particularly to Holocausto Inferni, who is responsible for “vocals and Impaler of Christianity.” We should also give props to the drummer, Sir Marbas Daemoneus Hellstorm: let us hope his career does not end with him exploding or choking on someone else’s vomit.

Today’s New York Times features an article on Wicca in the Virginia suburbs.  While the piece (which focuses on “broom closet Pagans”) is generally respectful, I wonder why the author felt it necessary to consult an expert on historical Christianity and a sociologist for information about Wicca.

It’s not that their information was bad - it was accurate and to the point - but were all your Pagan sources in the broom closet too? Chas Clifton, Judy Harrow and Margot Adler all have a web presence; surely their thoughts on the topic would have been interesting to Times readers.  If you want to get an authoritative cite for your article on Wicca, perhaps you could use Wiccan authorities, no?

General Butler State Resort Park will be hosting a “Spirits of Butler” paranormal weekend on May 19-20.

The program features a study and investigation of paranormal activity at the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, built in 1859 and former home to one of Kentucky’s most famous military families. For more information, contact PsyTech of Kentucky

The May 5 Washington Post featured Pagans who use rosaries or prayer beads as part of their regular worship practices. According to Meg Williams, a Pagan from Maine:

It makes me feel very connected to God…Going through this cycle of prayer, it switches your brain into recognizing that something holy is happening and God is with you.

Among the Pagan authorities quoted are Chas Clifton, Raven Kaldera and Christopher Penczak. Kudos to the Post for a well-researched, well-written, respectful and insightful article.

If you’re in or near Edinburgh next April 30, be sure to attend the Beltane Fire Festival.  Just to whet your appetite, here is a description of this year’s festivities:

The festivities began just before 10pm, when giant fire sculptures were lit, representing gods and goddesses, as well as a centaur, a fish and a bolt of lightning.

Torchbearers then led the procession, headed by the May Queen, through a burning gate and around the hill. They used birch twigs to clear a path through the crowds. She was followed by her White Warrior Women - who represent truth, law and order - and druid spirit guides known as Blue Men.

The procession visited four points on the hill, representing the elements of earth, water, fire and air. Dancers and musicians dressed as goblins and nymphs entertained the crowds at each point. The performers then joined the procession, until it was almost 300-strong.

As they completed the circuit, they were ambushed by the mischievous Red Men, who scaled the hill symbolising lust and chaos. They were fought off by the White Women.

The festivities reached a climax when the Green Man, a symbol of the first growth of summer, arrived and was crowned by the May Queen. As they lit a fire, the Red Men and White Women joined in a courtly dance.

If you ever needed an excuse to visit the country which gave us Scotch, Robert Burns, tartan plaids and  R.J. Stewart, now you have one.