In Memoriam: Kyril Oakwind (1951-2013)

March 12, 20132 Comments

Wiccan priestess and Pagan elder Kyril Oakwind died at her rural Wisconsin home on Saturday, March 9, 2013 after a long struggle with metastatic breast cancer.

We are thankful for Kyril’s many contributions to Pagan organizations, publications, events, and other endeavors over the years, including her help with Circle Publications, Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve, and Pagan Spirit Gathering during their formative years.

During her long service to the Pagan community Kyril was a Gardnerian Priestess, Church of All Worlds Priestess, board member of Sweetwood Temenos, publisher of Converging Paths magazine, and founder of the Madison Area Pagan Tea and Talk. She also was involved in the organization of Madison Pagan Pride Day for several years, ran numerous Pagan training groups, was part of the Madison Area Pagan Alliance, and was a professionalastrologer.

Blessings to Kyril in the realm of the ancestors. Condolences and support to her family, friends, and all mourning her passing.

via Circle Sanctuary

Pagan Leader Passes – Obituary Editorial

February 20, 2013February 20, 20134 Comments

I received word at Pantheacon Sunday morning of a friend’s passing. He was not a famous author, or leader of a tradition, or a major contributor to the intellectual development of Pagan philosophy. For many in the Madison, WI area and the Midwest, Circle Sanctuary, Pagan Spirit Gathering ( PSG ), and hand drumming community, he was their rock.

Dennis Presser
1958-2013

Dennis Presser passed peacefully and unexpectedly of natural causes Saturday, Feb 16th at the age of fifty-four. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Laurie Blue Heron, and his two children; Hunter and Allegra all of Madison, WI.

The details of his long history of service, as a veteran and through his dedication to environmental organizations are elaborated on his official obituary. As an activist conservationist he worked, often in leadership positions, to preserve and improve the outdoors he loved so much as a Pagan, hunter, and trout fisherman.

The loss of Dennis is felt across the breadth of his influence as a force of dedicated service to others. In the Pagan community, he was known as a man of great personal strength, generosity, commitment, and ethical responsibility. He was willing to speak out and act in support of the people, community, and the natural environment he so loved.

Dennis was generous with his time and hands. He was an avid brewer and mead maker, and always a cheery and welcoming host. His easy-going and good-natured disposition made him a natural choice for anyone who needed help. If you were in need, he would do whatever he could to help. He was a man of his word, a commitment from Dennis was one you could count on. In a world of opportunistic ethics, Dennis was one who would stand for his beliefs, whatever the cost. Continue reading →

Karina Besnett Graduating Le Cordon Bleu Saturday

November 2, 2012

Karina Besnett

Karina Besnett is graduating from the baking and patisserie program at Le Cordon Bleu on November 3rd. She has grown up in our Pagan community, has worked security at Sacred Harvest Festival, and played the maiden Goddess for a COG Beltane. She was awarded two scholarships during her time at Le Cordon Bleu. One was a cooking competition where she took first place. The other was a merit scholarship awarded on the recommendation of former employers and teachers. She currently works as a waitress at Fat Lorenzo’s in Minneapolis and is the lead baker at Brasa in St. Paul.

Life Cycle Announcement: Tremaine completes gender reassignment

October 26, 2012October 26, 20121 Comment

Minneapolis resident and Pagan community member Katie Berger-Tremaine completed the process of gender reassignment by surgery on August 2, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kate Saturday gave the passage ritual acknowledgement two days before Tremain’s departure with ritual at Hidden Falls Park attended by a dozen friends and Berger-Tremaine’s partner, Betsy.

Says Tremaine of completing her transition, “I feel more in touch with myself and thank my Lords and Ladies for the opportunity to go through with this much earlier than I had allowed myself to hope, and thank you to the Paganistani community for being highly supportive.”

Share Life Passages Announcements!

October 23, 2012

Have you or a loved one just experienced a recent major life passage? Announce it! PNC-MN invites all members of the Pagan community to share their life changes.
Appropriate events include, but are not limited to: