Pagan Community Notes: Seasonal Celebrations, Community News, and Upcoming Events

This report covers the turning of the seasons, recent organizational news, statements from community figures, and details on various gatherings planned for May, June, and July 2025.

Seasonal Reflections: Beltane, Samhain, and May Day

Early May marks a pivotal moment in the Wheel of the Year, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. Around May 1st, many modern Pagan traditions celebrate festivals like Beltane, Bealtaine, May Day, Floralia, Protomayia, and Walpurgis Night. These vibrant celebrations welcome the arrival of summer, symbolizing merriment, bounty, and fertility. It's often seen as a liminal time when the veil between worlds is thin. Walpurgisnacht, specifically on April 30th, is traditionally associated with witches gathering.

Related ancient observances are also acknowledged. In ancient Greece, Anthesteria, now often called Protomagia, celebrated nature's rebirth and the return of Persephone from the Underworld. While some modern Hellenic polytheists observe this earlier, many celebrate it on May 1st. As spring progresses, some traditions also honor Thargelia as a birthday celebration for Apollon and Artemis.

However, this perspective shifts for those in the Southern Hemisphere. For them, May 1st signifies the height of autumn and the conclusion of the harvest season. Celebrations like Samhain are observed, focusing on honoring the dead and ancestors as they prepare for winter.

Beyond the religious observances, May 1st is also recognized internationally as Labour Day in many parts of the world, celebrating the achievements of workers, often resulting in a long weekend.

Community News Updates

ADF Elects New Archdruid: Rev. Jan Avende Focuses on Empowerment and Connection

Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF) recently announced the results of their popular vote for new leadership. Rev. Jan Avende (they/them) has been elected as the new Archdruid. With nearly two decades of involvement and a decade of priestly service within ADF, Rev. Avende brings extensive experience, having previously served in roles such as Vice Archdruid, Initiate Program Preceptor, Regional Druid, and Chief of the Bardic Guild.

Rev. Avende's background also includes professional chaplaincy work in hospital and prison settings, and they are nearing board certification. On a local level, they have been a Grove Priest for nine years. Their educational background includes an M.A. in Education, which informed their authorship of three books on ADF Druidry: "The Spiraling Sun," "Kindling Sparks," and co-authoring the "Hearth Keeper’s Way" training program.

Notably, Rev. Avende is the first ADF Archdruid who is not a cisgender man. They expressed a hope to demonstrate that modern Druidry is open, welcoming, and inclusive, acknowledging that while progress has been made, there is still growth needed. As Archdruid, their priorities include strengthening members' connection to the organization, serving as a compassionate contact point, empowering volunteers, completing the new ADF website rollout, and improving administrative structures to better support a trust-based, inclusive religious organization.

Rev. Avende also aims to better integrate ADF within the broader Pagan community, believing their resources in spiritual care and leadership can benefit the entire movement. The formal installation for Rev. Avende and the new Mother Grove is scheduled for ADF’s Wellspring Gathering in late May 2025. Their official term began May 1, 2025, running for three years.

Author Mortellus Issues Statement Regarding Book Releases and Publisher

Author, Witch, and High Priestex of the Coven of Leaves, Mortellus, has released a statement addressing delays and issues concerning her books, particularly the highly anticipated "Necrobotany: The Morticulture of Death" and her previous work, "The Bones Fall in a Spiral: A Necromantic Primer."

Mortellus expressed disappointment that "Necrobotany" is not yet available and uncertainty about its release date. She stated that she discovered in September 2024 that her publisher, Crossed Crow Books, had not registered the copyright for "The Bones Fall in a Spiral," which had been released nearly a year prior, and that many other works by the publisher were also unregistered. Efforts to resolve this with the publisher were unsuccessful, leading to settlement discussions involving attorneys. Mortellus noted the situation remains unresolved, and communication regarding her books' marketing and sales has been poor.

Adding to the complexity, Hurricane Helene significantly impacted Mortellus's home in Western North Carolina shortly after these issues arose, leaving her unable to fully engage with the situation for weeks. She indicated that during and after this time, Crossed Crow Books continued to market and pre-sell "Necrobotany" despite the underlying issues.

Looking ahead, Mortellus announced her intention to re-release her works, including "Do I Have To Wear Black?", "The Bones Fall in a Spiral," and "Necrobotany," as well as future projects, under her own imprint and control. She plans for these re-releases to feature expanded and uncensored content, reformatting, and new art, available in audiobook, eBook, and print formats. She thanked readers for their patience and support while she navigates this challenging situation alongside hurricane recovery, activism, deathcare work, and continued writing.

Upcoming Community Events (May - July 2025)

Several events are scheduled for the coming months, offering opportunities for connection, learning, and activism within the Pagan community.

Race Against Hate 2025

For the sixth consecutive year, Thor’s Oak Kindred in Chicago is participating in the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. The event takes place on June 15th in Evanston.

Thor’s Oak Kindred is a diverse Chicago-based Ásatrú organization committed to practicing the religion, honoring deities, land spirits, and ancestors. They emphasize community building and stand firmly against discrimination, particularly white nationalism that misuses Ásatrú. Their participation is a direct action to push back against hate and promote positive change by joining with allies.

The race honors Ricky Byrdsong, a Northwestern basketball coach murdered by a white supremacist in 1999. Proceeds support the YWCA’s mission in racial justice and violence prevention, funding programs that educate youth and adults on challenging prejudice, fostering healthy relationships, and engaging in constructive dialogue and action. The Kindred invites individuals to join their walking team or donate to this cause. Information is available on Thor's Oak Kindred's website and the event registration page.

Spirit Northwest: West Coast Pagan Conference

A new format gathering called Spirit Northwest is scheduled for May 1st through 4th, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. This event is designed for seekers interested in immersive workshops on Paganism, witchcraft, and natural magick.

The conference features 90 and 120-minute sessions aimed at providing in-depth, hands-on learning experiences with well-known speakers and practitioners. Featured presenters include award-winning author Amy Blackthorn, author and folk magician J. Allen Cross, and tarot reader Maria Minnis. The event is hosted by Courtney Weber, Kanani Soleil, Hilary Whitmore, and Silent. More information can be found on the Spirit Northwest website.

EBSAT Meeting: Embracing the Divine Feminine

An online Zoom meeting, part of the EBSAT series, is scheduled for 5:00 pm PDT on an upcoming date in May. The topic for this session is "Embracing the Divine Feminine: Mesoamerican Mother Goddesses." Connection details are available through the event organizers.

IshtarFest 2025

IshtarFest, a virtual festival, will be held online via Zoom from June 6th to 8th, 2025. The theme for this year is "Building on Herstory," celebrating the legacy of the ancient Sumerian goddess Inanna and her later forms like Ishtar and Astarte.

The festival explores Inanna's mythos, including her descent and return, as an inspiration for modern narratives of empowerment, resilience, and leadership. Offerings will include classes, rituals, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, and other spiritual activities centered on Sumerian mythology and culture. The event aims to reclaim, reinterpret, and revive Inanna’s wisdom through art, storytelling, ritual, music, and community. Early bird registration discounts were available for those registering before specific April and May deadlines. Information on registration, vendor opportunities for the marketplace, and presenter proposals can be found on the IshtarFest website or by contacting the event email.

Mystic South 2025

The Mystic South conference is set to return to Atlanta, Georgia, from July 11th to 13th, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia. This three-day event offers a full schedule of workshops, rituals, panels, academic presentations (PAPERS), and opportunities for community building.

Headlining the conference are Pamela Chen, Mawiyah Kai El-Jamah Bomani, and Courtney Weber, supported by over 100 additional presenters. Evening entertainment includes a Friday performance by Ginger Doss and Lynda Millard, followed by a dance party on Saturday. The Mystic South Vendor Hall will feature over 20 vendors selling Pagan craft items and is open to the public. A divination room, also open to the public, will offer readings from community members. Tickets for the conference are currently on sale. More information and ticket purchases can be made through the Mystic South Website.

These notes provide a glimpse into the diverse activities and concerns shaping the Pagan community during this dynamic time of year.