Rape Survivor Devastated by TSA Enhanced Pat Down

An area Wiccan discovered first hand what most of us are still unaware of – many flyers are now being forced to choose between allowing a TSA agent to see them naked or to have their genitals touched and squeezed as part of what the TSA terms “enhanced pat downs.”  Celeste, a survivor of rape, described her experience with the new TSA procedures as devastating.

Celeste is a seasoned air traveler. She estimates that she flies upwards of 60 times a year for her job and she knows all the ins and outs of most airports in the USA. Want to know which airport has the best sushi? Celeste can tell you. What she, and most other people didn’t know, was that on October 29th the TSA changed their security guidelines. “I flew to Chicago with no problems.  Everything was the same as before.  It was when I attempted to fly back to Minnesota that I found out about TSA’s new rules.  What they did to me, in full view of everyone else in line, was like being sexually assaulted all over again.  I was in shock.  I hate myself that I allowed them to do this to me.  I haven’t been able to stop crying since.”

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Paganistan Weekly; November 8-14

Local Pagans were featured in a Halloween story in the Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/faith/106145793.html

There were a lot of wonderful events over the last couple weeks. I hope you were able to make it to at least one, and if not, there will be many more in about 6 weeks or so. This is such a fabulous place to be a Pagan.

The Rainbath Workshop/Mini Retreat next Saturday doesn’t exactly jump off the page as a “Ooh, I should do that” sort of event by the name, but it’s actually pretty cool. I took a workshop from the woman organizing the event and it was fabulous. She takes stone massage to a whole new level. It’s definitely something to check out if you’re able. And if you can’t make it to this, and are interested, be sure to get on her e-mailing list for future events.

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** EVENTS THIS WEEK **

MONDAY; November 8

  • 6pm weekly Community Potluck at the Sacred Paths Center followed by 7pm Reiki Circle at the Sacred Paths Center where good energy is sent to those who need it
  • 7pm Mindful Mondays (meditation) mvanavery@yahoo. com for details
  • 8pm Freyja Study Group; Contact Sara at: kolstad002@yahoo.com for directions
  • 8pm Introduction to Thelema at the Eye of Horus; http://shop.eyeofhorus.biz/Thelema-p/cls-25.htm

TUESDAY; November 9

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Samhain Altars – Part Two

We didn’t want to leave any Samhain altars out, so consider this a bonus.  The top altar is from an area  Blue Star coven.  The ones in the slideshow below are from an extremely talented and diverse group in a livejournal community.

 

 

 

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Editorial – Pagans and Non Profit Corporations

There is a growing trend in our Pagan community to incorporate as non profit corporations and seek federal 501c3 status. Some of the well founded reasons for this trend are to gain the implied legitimacy this status implies, to protect volunteer staff and members from some liability issues, accept tax deductible donations, and to establish spiritual, service, and community organizations that endure. What has not kept pace, in my opinion, is an awareness of the terms upon which our government grants this special corporate status, and the duties and obligations leading these organizations then requires.

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