Topics:

• Ravens

• October Birthstone – Opal

• Half Asstrology – Scorpio

• About OPC

• A Look Back at Past Articles – Pagan Schooling, Shinto the Spirit of Japan, Integrating Cultural Practices into a Traditional Pagan Path

• Upcoming Events

Quoth the Raven: Learn Some More

By Morgan LeFay

“Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,

In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;

Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;

But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door—

Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door—

Perched, and sat, and nothing more.”

The Raven – Edgar Allan Poe

With Spooky Season in full wing (sorry I will flock off with the bird jokes now) different creatures are seen for their connection with witches and the night. From bats, cat, rats and other creatures that do not rhyme I wanted to highlight those in the Corvus genus but I would be giving them an unkindness if I did not say they are more commonly known as ravens. I wanted to go over some of the different ways that ravens are seen in cultural depictions around the world.

Raven have an interesting dichotomy in depiction because of the different aspects they have; being black, shrill call, and a carrion bird causes them to often be connected with death and ill omens. Yet because of their intelligence, they are a talking bird and have even been seen as tool-using and thus also can represent prophecy and insight. This dual aspect often sees ravens as being psychopomps creatures that help the newly deceased.

Looking at different beliefs the raven is common, even throughout the bible. The raven is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and it is the first bird to be mentioned in the bible with Noah having released one from the ark to see if the flood waters had receded before releasing a dove later. In the Quran the story of Cain and Abel includes that a raven that Cain saw working to bury its dead mate, thus gave him an idea to dispose of Abel’s body.

In Greek mythology raven’s are associated with Apollo. They are used as messengers by him and their black colour is from when they brought back bad news about his lover and he scorched them. In Norse mythology Odin has Huginn and Muninn, a pair of ravens that fly over the world to bring information back to him. In Celtic mythology the raven is, along with the crow, connected to the goddess Morrígan as carrion birds found after battle. For the faith of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast they have the Raven Tales that are common creation stories with a raven being responsible for bringing the world into being. 

Even in modern times there are still myths that are followed with the Ravens of the Tower of London being the most well known. The belief is that, “if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it.” This saying is said to come from the Victorian era but still had led to having captive ravens stay at the tower. They are still there and have become part of the tourist attractions that the Tower of London has.

One final thing to know is just how intelligent ravens can be. During studies ravens were able to remember a human who cheated them out of a snack and were also more positive towards humans who exhibited fairer behavior – The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. They have also been seen to use tools to solve problems and even plan for the future. So not really as birdbrained as people might think.

October Birthstone – Opal

By Volanndra 

Opal is one of two October birthstones.  Some sites include the (pink) Tourmaline as the modern birthstone for October.  But, for this magickal newsletter, I’m sticking with the OG.  

Opals are different from most gemstones because they are not made of regularly ordered crystal lattice but of millions of tiny orbs of silicon stacked upon each other.  This uniqueness of silicon contributes to its colors, translucency, and overall beauty.  The opal is often associated with eyes and sight and also The Sight.  Wearing opals helps to open the third-eye and increase your intuitive skills.  They are often used to soothe the mind and encourage happy dreams.

Now, for the gem nerds:

Mineral Information Mineraloid Hydrated silica

Chemical Composition SiO2·nH2O

Color Colorless, white, yellow, red, orange, green, brown, black, blue, pink

Hardness ≥ 5.5-6 (Mohs)

Specific Gravity 2.15

Refractive Index 1.450

Half Asstrology

Scorpio: Magnetic, Mysterious, and Maybe a Little Extra

By Becky

Scorpio runs from about October 20th to November 20th. 

Its anima is the scorpion.

Ah, Scorpio. What is it about this water sign that captivates, terrifies, and makes you feel like you’re either in a spy thriller or a soap opera? Or some combination of the two.

Scorpios are ruled by two planets: Mars, the warrior planet that’s all about action, aggression, and getting what you want, and Pluto, the planet of transformation, death, and rebirth. Essentially, Scorpios are warriors on a mission to dig deep, break things apart, and rebuild them into something far more intense (and possibly more terrifying). They have an air of mystery and an agenda that’s two steps ahead of everyone else.

Pluto gives Scorpio its infamous deep nature, like when they’re pondering life’s biggest questions while you’re trying to figure out what you want for dinner. This planetary combo also explains why Scorpios are so good at reinventing themselves. They can emerge from the ashes of their mistakes (or someone else’s) stronger, like a phoenix rising—except this phoenix probably just survived an emotional apocalypse. And loved every second of it.

Scorpios have layers. They’re like onions. Or ogres. But much sexier.
This water sign is notoriously private, intense, and magnetic.
A Scorpio feels everything at an 11 out of 10. If they’re into you, you’ll know (or feel) it. If they hate you, well, you might feel that even more. They’re not interested in surface-level anything, whether it’s conversation, relationships, or life in general. If you’re talking to a Scorpio about the weather, they’re silently judging your soul. For them, it’s go deep or go home.

And ever try getting a straight answer from a Scorpio about their feelings? Good luck. They’re masters of emotional espionage. Scorpios will know everything about you (including that embarrassing thing you did in 5th grade), while you’ll be lucky to know their middle name. Their inner world is a vault, and only the chosen few get a key. And even if you do get the key, expect a few laser beams and booby traps along the way.

Social Engineering

Scorpios aren’t the most social butterflies, but they can command a room when they want to. Typically, they’re choosy about their friends. They prefer a tight-knit circle over a wide network of acquaintances. They need people who get them, who can handle their intensity without flinching.

But if you are part of their inner circle, congratulations—you’ve won the loyalty lottery. Scorpios will defend their friends to the death (not literally… probably). However, don’t expect them to show up for every little thing. They value their time and may disappear into their emotional cave now and then. But when they’re present, they’re all in—Scorpios don’t do small talk.

In Love (or Lust)

If you’re dating a Scorpio, congratulations on signing up for an emotional rollercoaster. Buckle up. Scorpios love deeply, and they expect nothing less from you. They aren’t the “casual dating” type. When they commit, they’re all in, and they expect the same level of intensity from their partners. But this passion can border on obsession. 

They don’t just “like” things—they consume them, body and soul. They can make you feel like the only person in the world, which sounds romantic until you realize they can also make you feel like a fly under a microscope. But hey, at least you know you’ve got their attention! 

But Scorpio’s intensity can sometimes tip into jealousy and possessiveness. They won’t admit it, of course, because, well, they’re too proud. But don’t be surprised if they give the side-eye to anyone who seems too interested in you. They like to feel secure in their relationships, but they’re not always great at communicating their insecurities. Instead, they might test your loyalty in weird, subtle ways—just to make sure you’re as committed as they are.

Scorpios crave deep emotional connections, and they’ll push you to confront your feelings, even if you’re not ready. It’s like therapy, but the therapist has you in tears and then takes advantage of you on their couch… 

If you ever brave breaking up with a Scorpio, good luck with that minefield. Scorpios don’t take rejection well. Break their heart, and you might become the subject of their ‘emotional rebirth.’ They’ll get over you… eventually… after they’ve filled a notebook with sad poems, or burned your love letters in a ritual cleansing, or created a website to inform the world about all your misdeeds… But when they’re done with you, they’re really done. Like, ghosted into the abyss.

Work Bitch.

In the workplace, Scorpios are driven and strategic. They have laser focus, and once they set their sights on a goal, they’ll stop at nothing to achieve it. This makes them great leaders… if you’re into leaders who may also be plotting a corporate coup behind the scenes. Seriously though, Scorpios thrive in roles where they can use their keen instincts, analytical minds, and, let’s face it, occasional sneakiness and manipulation.

Best Jobs for Scorpios?
Detective: Because no one’s better at uncovering hidden truths than a Scorpio on a mission.
Psychologist: Understanding the deepest, darkest corners of the human mind? Sign them up.
Surgeon: The focus and precision of surgery appeals to their intense nature, and they’re not squeamish when it comes to life, death, or transformation.
CEO: Scorpios have the determination, focus, and strategy to run the show. Plus, their charisma draws people in.

Scorpio Motto: Trust No One (Except Themselves)

Scorpios don’t trust easily. They view the world with a healthy dose of skepticism, and they assume there’s always something hidden beneath the surface. In their minds, life is a chess game, and they’re always thinking five moves ahead.

Their ability to read people is borderline psychic (thank you, water sign intuition), and they use this power to navigate through life. But here’s the catch: Scorpios can be a little too suspicious. Sometimes, they’re seeing plots where none exist. Their challenge in life is learning to let go of control and realize not everyone is out to get them… but even then, they’re probably still watching you.

So, what have we learned? Scorpios are capable of great passion, love, and loyalty—but also destruction, obsession, and drama. If you’re lucky enough to be in a Scorpio’s life, prepare for one of two things: the best ride of your life, or an intense emotional reckoning. Either way, you won’t forget it.

Next Month: Sagittarius 

About OPC

Our History:

The Orlando Pagan Collective (OPC) started life out as The Wiccan Religious Cooperative of Florida (WRCF) in 1989 when two of its founding members hosted their first public Sabbat Circle in Cocoa Beach at Litha. The WRCF Inc. was incorporated in 1992 and was granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in 1993. We started doing business as OPC in 2011 in order to expand our outreach. With the change to a more inclusive name, OPC has a renewed energy to bring the community together.

The Board:

Here is a quick look at the current board of OPC.

Becky- I found Wicca when I was eleven and it led me down my current path. I consider myself a Pagan Witch. I follow Celtic / Druid traditions. For me, the future of OPC includes a piece of land where we can build space to worship as well as space to teach. 

Morgan LeFay- I found my path as a Druid-Shintoist from looking at what my family’s history had. I was raised Roman Catholic but never felt right in church, so I looked at where my family came from, being Scotch-Irish led me to the Celtic/Druid part of my path. The other part is my connection to Japan from my mom being born there after World War II which led me to Shinto even before I lived there. For me OPC has always been a way for all pagans to come together and feel safe and to grow.

Volanndra- I have been a practicing Wiccan for over 30 years.  During my senior year in high school, my priest counseled me to question and explore the world, including religion. I embraced this advice wholeheartedly.  I found Witchcraft through “Big Blue” by Buckland and Silver Ravenwolf’s first set of books.  Today, I integrate my Filipino cultural traditions (folk magick) and other training into my practice.  I envision OPC as an organization that supports and gives voice to the many pagans that practice in our community.  I would like to see OPC have a permanent place and space for any group or individual practitioner to worship, commune with others, and provide services to the community.

Our Mission: The Orlando Pagan Collective exists to establish a stronger sense of community within the Greater Orlando & surrounding Central Florida areas, by developing mutually beneficial community services to help all Pagans practice their particular path or tradition.

Our Plan: Through fundraising, donations, and all of your support, we want to fund land open to all and for all paths –  a place where we can come together in fellowship, free from judgment or other venue restrictions. This new, community space is where we can dance, drum and sing in celebration of our deities.

Our Vision: We see a future where there will be peace in our Pagan community that will foster more community activities, increase education opportunities, and provide stewardship in the community. It will also provide the non-Pagan community with an understanding of Pagans, their beliefs, and values.

A Look Back

Here’s a peak at some earlier articles you might have missed!

Pagan Schooling

By Becky

From August 2023

When pagans talk about education and school, most of that conversation is relegated to either adult learning or Harry Potter.

Why is that?

Many of us have children, and I’m sure adults and children alike, have spent time imagining what it would be like to attend a ‘school of magick.’

Well, let’s talk about that.

What if there was a Pagan school?

There are christian schools, there are jewish schools. What makes them different from normal public schools? What makes them unique? What would an actual pagan school look like?

If we look at education as a whole, even in the public sector, how some children are taught looks very different from how it looked even just 50 years ago. There are public, charter, magnet, and private schools that aren’t centered around religion and who offer a wide range of education programs. There are schools that focus on S.T.E.M., there are schools that focus on 4H, there are schools that provide a self directed learning experience, etc.

So, what would a pagan school teach? How would it teach? How would it be different from other schools? I think we see pieces of this across the spectrum of modern education.

To start, I see a Pagan school as having a strong 4H program. The ‘H’s’ stand for head, heart, hands, and health. 4H curriculums teach agriculture, animal husbandry, carpentry, etc. That sounds pretty earth-loving pagan to me. Sounds like herbology, care of magickal creatures, and wand making.

It would look like a school that has a strong chemistry department. Chemistry is “the branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is composed; the investigation of their properties and the ways in which they interact, combine, and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances.” Couple chemistry with homeopathy and classes on tinctures and balm making… Sounds a lot like potions class to me.

If you want to go a little further into a science rabbit hole and have higher learning on physics and properties of the universe and multi-dimensional theories… Well, that lends itself to teaching about more abstract scientific theories that can encompass astral projection and principles of energy work.

Math is math, but geometry can be sacred.

Music can be a hymn.

Literature, poetry, writing… can be a prayer to the gods, or a spell.

Most spells from Harry Potter are derived from Latin. Early language and etymology can be critical to understanding the meaning of ancient texts. If words have power, their earliest forms have the most.

Art History? Yes. And let’s explore the art and symbolism of tarot cards while we’re at it.

Why couldn’t there be a school which taught a standard education, but also a magickal one? Why can’t we start teaching our children early what, years ago before formal education, they would have learnt at home? Why can’t identifying all of the elements on the periodic table be just as important as identifying in a forest what plants are edible, poison, have healing properties, etc?

I think society has moved into an acceptance of things considered ‘spiritual,’ and this might just be the right time to take a serious look at Paganism and its place in the public eye. For paganism to put a foothold into the realm of education; of teaching and developing our children to create and be prepared for the world we see for them. The world that they will build.

Shinto the Spirit of Japan

By Morgan LeFay

From May 2022

When you ask someone to think of Japan many things can come to mind, from natural wonders like Mount Fuji, modern entertainment like anime and video games, katanas wielded by samurai or even a way to tidy your home. Everyone will think of something different but they have influence from Shinto, the indigenous polytheistic nature religion of Japan.

Shinto loosely translates into “The Way of the Kami (gods)” and has been practiced from 1000 BCE until today. Unlike other major religions there are no set religious texts with most practices being handed down or adopted as the culture shifted. This has allowed Shinto to be a very flexible faith because of the lack of strict dogma which does not force its belief upon others.

As much as nearly 80% of the population in Japan participates in Shinto practices or rituals, but only a small percentage of these identify themselves as “Shintoists” in surveys. Shinto is against egotism, worship is meant to uplift the self and the community. This is seen in the culture of Japan of community versus the self seen in western cultures.

The main thing Shinto follows is the kami. Now the term kami can be misinterpreted as god, but it should be thought more of as a spirit. Everything has a kami, from the stone you walk by to the river you see, the sun above and our ancestors after they pass on. The goal of Shinto is to revere the kami and one such way to is to remain pure in both body and spirit.

Also unlike other religions, nothing is regarded as purely evil. Good and evil are relative. The meaning and value of an action depends on its circumstances, motives, purpose, time, place; however, a person’s heart should be sincere, conduct courteous and proper. What is best for the group is the best for the individual and that which goes against it causes taint and can lead to evil.

Going back to what I listed at the start of this article let me show you how each of the things I list have a tie to Shinto. Mt. Fuji has the greater kami, Konohanasakuya-hime; it is believed that she will keep Mount Fuji from erupting. Any anime or game that brings up kami can be said to tie to Shinto, one classic is Sailor Moon where one of the main characters Rei Hino/Sailor Mars who is a miko (shrine maiden) and uses her powers from it to cast away evil with ofuda (talismans with written on them). Samurai knew that their katana had a kami and would treat it with respect and they trained not only in martial arts but other fields like poetry and tea ceremonies to balance themselves. Finally Marie Kando of tidying fame greets the homes she enters and thanks the clothes when folding them, she also was a miko for three years.

Shinto is a religion that has more influence around you that you mind know, but hopefully you can now see a little bit of it and have learned something new. If you would like to know more please let us know in the comments on topics you might want covered in the future.

Integrating Cultural Practices into a Traditional Pagan Path

By Volanndra

From November 2022

First off, I want to state that culture is broader than your DNA, your country, your county/city or your local neighborhood.  Culture consists of many aspects of humanities, like religion, language, food, etc.  However, for this article, culture refers to your ethnic background and current community.  Secondly, traditional pagan path may sound like an oxymoron but I am referring to established paths with set methods of practice, such as Wicca, Druidry, and Asatru.

As a Filipino practicing Wicca, which is commonly associated with European heritage, I could say I am out of place in this religion.  But just as culture is broader than your DNA, so is your religion.  But I mention this here, as it appears to be a trend recently to study certain pagan paths because of 23andme or Ancestry.com results.  I definitely understand wanting to connect to your heritage and bring that culture into your religious practice.  I encourage you to research the religious practices of your family and your culture.  I have found that I incorporate not just my Filipino heritage into my practice, but also my Catholic religious background.

When incorporating elements from ‘other’ cultural practices into your traditional path, it is imperative to understand why the practice is performed and its function in religious practice.  Once the why and what has been established, then you should determine how to bring that practice into your path. For example, I was confirmed Catholic and was given Saint Joan of Arc as my patron Saint. Saints are common in Catholicism, but they are not a part of traditional Wicca. However, I still wanted to honor this Saint and use her in my practice. Using my established methods of honoring the Gods, I used the same methods for Saint Joan. I created sacred space, an altar, for her. I regularly venerate her in her space. I use the same prayers I have always used, but adjust them slightly to no longer refer specifically to other Christian entities that are no longer a part of my practice, like “Christ the Lord” or “Jesus Christ”. I still have my Saint Joan of Arc medallion that I have consecrated in typical Wiccan form as an amulet. This is just one of many ways to use other practices into your current path.

I would also like to make a short statement of cultural appropriation.  Many pagans find themselves learning about multiple worldviews and cultures when learning and developing their religious path.  Adopting practices from this study is not inherently wrong.  However, care should be taken when using these practices.  Research the author that you are getting the information from and determine if you can find where they received this information if it does not seem to “naturally” be part of their heritage.  Approach practices that are not from your heritage or your current community with respect.

Overall, the integration of cultural practices into a traditional pagan path may seem no different than discovering your personal path. However, many traditional paths have set methods of practices, specific worldviews, and other rules that define it as a religion. Integration is respectful on both sides when bringing an outside practice into your current one. Pagan paths are meant to evolve as we grow – one of the benefits of not having a single resource of (old) dogma that dictates our practice. I encourage you to read and research and then experiment and integrate to build a practice that resonates with your soul.

Events:

Bubble Bubble Talk and Trouble, A Pagan Chat Night

Tue, October 15, 2024, 7:30 PM EDT

RSVP link 

Welcome to Bubble Bubble Talk and Trouble, A Pagan Chat Night!

Come join us on Tue Oct 15 2024 at 7:00 PM for a night of enchanting conversations and mystical discussions at Denny’s. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just curious about Paganism, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the world of magic and spirituality. Don’t worry if you cannot meet us in person because we also offer an online option to participate as well!

Bring your questions, stories, and open mind as we gather to share knowledge, experiences, and maybe even show off some crystals, herbs, or tools! Don’t miss out on this chance to dive deep into the realms of the unknown and embrace the mysteries of the universe with fellow seekers.

So mark your calendars and get ready for a night of magic, mystery, and meaningful connections at Bubble Bubble Talk and Trouble, A Pagan Chat Night!

Orlando Pagan Collective Annual Board Meeting 2024

Saturday, October 19 · 2 – 3pm EDT

RSVP link

About the event

These meetings are held every year to let the community be directly part of the future of OPC/WRCF. This includes going over the plans for next year, voting for the next board and hearing from the community on what you want to see OPC do.

If there are board members up for election this will be done during the meeting. To vote you must be a member for over a year. To join OPC as a member all you need to do is sign up to our Patreon at the $5/month Member level or higher. If you are interested in running for the board you must be a voting member in good standing for a year. By joining the board you can have a direct impact on the community as a key part of OPC.

We hope to see you there so we can continue to help serve the Greater Orlando Pagan Community in the coming year.