Zoning secured, PSG continues at Stonehouse Park

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Pagan Spirit Gathering still has its festival location – but according to the DeKalb County  Board, they (and any other people attending festivals at the park)  better behave.

From the DeKalb Illinois Daily Chronicle:

“The DeKalb County Board voted Wednesday to keep Stonehouse Park open with a “short leash” attached.

County Board members voted, 13-8, in favor of the permit, but they warned owners that even a single violation could lead to revocation. Paul Miller, director of DeKalb County Planning and Zoning, said the board never has revoked a special-use permit in his 16 years, but if complaints from county law enforcement or neighbors warrant revocation, the board can take action.“

While the owners of Stonehouse Park had hoped to increase the number of people allowed in the park to 4000, a petition circulated by 200 DeKalb county residents asking the park be shut down ended that possibility.

Sharon Stewart, a Pagan who attended the zoning hearing, says that the permit passed in part thanks to local Pagan Spirit Gathering attendees speaking out.  “During the meetings I attended it became abundantly clear we needed local Pagans involved. So, John Dickerman, our Sacred Fire Keeper, Barbara Andree and Ana Bledschmidt with the Crone Temple of Wisdom, and Jim Bledschmidt who will be working with the Sages at PSG this summer came on board and their work was invaluable in this. Then at the meeting last night, my assistant Brian Sather and another local PSG’ers Shawn Skau and John’s wife Caroline were there in support.”

Along with attending meetings, Pagan stakeholders in the zoning hearing wrote letters, met face to face with board members, and worked with the Northern Illinois University Pagan student group to coordinate action through yet more letter writing and email campaigns.

MAY DAY! The Belated Heart of the Beast Parade

The Heart of The Beast May Day Parade took place last Sunday. It had been delayed from last weeks traditional date because of flooding in Powderhorn Park. Many wondered if attendance would be down because of the date change. Fantastic weather and a dedicated audience brought out the masses! Each year the costumes, puppets, floats, and performers get more creative. This years parade was worth the wait!  If you missed it, enjoy the slide show.

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Paganistan Weekly; May 14-20

The closing of the Sacred Paths Center leaves people grieving. All five stages are represented. Anger: “Someone must have done something wrong.” Denial: “So they’ll just have another fund raiser and open up again.” Bargaining, “What can we do to keep it open?” Depression: “There’s just something wrong with us that we can’t make this work.” And acceptance. It was a good three years, and a lot of good came from having the Sacred Paths Center. It was five years between the closing of The New Alexandria Library and the opening of the Sacred Paths Center. Each was open for over 3 years, and demonstrated that this community does want a community center. There are lessens to learn, memories to cherish, and work to continue.

If the Sacred Paths Center had a positive experience on your life, please leave a comment telling about your personal experience at https://pncminnesota.com/2012/05/07/sacred-paths-center-to-close-an-obituary-for-our-community-center/ . If you would like to read more about the situation leading to the center’s closing, you can do so at https://pncminnesota.com/2012/05/10/after-the-obituary-a-post-mortem-on-sacred-paths-center/ It’s also discussed in the popular Pagan blog The Wild Hunt at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/wildhunt/2012/05/the-closing-of-pagan-community-center.html

With the closing of the Sacred Paths Center, several regular events are having to find new locations.

* Coffee Cauldron is still looking for a new home, but for now will be continuing at Caribou Coffee, 1127 Larpenteur Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN 55113.

* The Briar Patch American Tribal Style® belly dancing classes will continue every Wednesday with Level 1 at 6:30 and Level 2 at 7:30 at Shift Studio at 1304 University Ave NE, Minneapolis and more information at http://www.petalsthornsandhips.com/mn/ .

* The Mentoring Elders program will be meeting at various people’s homes, so contact Volkhvy at volkhvy@stonedragonpress.com and include “Mentoring Elders Program” in the subject line to find the next location.

* People interested in classes and sessions with Reiki Laughter can contact Maggie through http://www.reikilaughter.com/

As the community is still recovering from the shock of losing the Sacred Paths Center, it was just announced that Shadow Lights Minnesota will be closing. It’s sad to lose a metaphysical shop, and in the course of one month, we’re losing two. Here’s the entire official notice about the closing of Shadow Lights Minnesota:

Dear friends,
It is with much sadness that Kim and I must make the following announcement. As many of you know, Kim has a full time job outside our store. Her job is now requiring us to move on for her to remain employed. Shadow Lights Minnesota, at least our physical location here in Prior Lake must close to facilitate this move.

This breaks our heart as it’s been our hope to provide something needed to the community and you’ve all responded with great enthusiasm. Albeit our store, since day one, has continued on the right road and has become self sustaining, it is not where we need it to be to support our whole family in our short 19 months of existence. Our little brick and mortar shoppe opened in Sept, 2010 and has slowly continued to prosper in a very tough economy and we owe all of that to you!

As our thank you to our friends and customers, Shadow Lights Minnesota will have a “Moving Sale” starting this Friday, May 11th, 2012. All items in the store will be sold. This is your chance to purchase every item in the store at 40% or more off and this includes displays, tables, shelving, etc. We will sell all merchandise at our cost. This means you’ll be able to purchase all new merchandise at the wholesale price. Displays, etc will be properly depreciated and sold below cost.

Please understand we won’t sell out for less than we’ve invested in this and if you own a business and wish to purchase items “wholesale” bring in your tax EIN, etc. and we’ll accommodate you for sales tax purposes. Kim will continue to make candles and they will continue to be available on our website after the store closes. Thank you all so very much for your support. ~ Kim and John Hinnenkamp, Owners, Shadow Lights MN.

Follow the Moon: Astrology of intention and mindfulness

Teri’s interest with astrology lies with helping people see how following a practice of intention and self-awareness leads to a fuller relationship with Mystery. Astrology is a wonderful tool for this. Her weekly column orients readers to the seasonal energy of each month’s Sun sign in order to set magical/mindful intention for the lunar month beginning at the New Moon.

Each week Teri will write about the unfolding energies that support and challenge our intentions. The ebb and flow of the lunar cycle resides deep in our souls. Through following the phases of the Moon, we remember the natural cycles that guide us.

Astrologers divide the lunar month into eight phases. These are: New Moon: Dreaming Crescent Moon: Beginning First Quarter Moon: Manifesting Gibbous Moon: Perfecting Full Moon: Illuminating Disseminating Moon: Sharing Last Quarter Moon: Evaluating Balsamic Moon: Surrendering

Come follow the Moon as we practice intentional awareness together.

Forecast for May 13, 2012 – May 19

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