Witchcraft in the United States

October 30, 1999

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On October 30, 1999, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution published an article on the Atlanta Pagan community and the national Pagan ecumenism that resulted from the criticisms of U.S. Rep. Bob Barr (R-Georgia.). Despite the efforts by Barr to ban witchcraft from military bases, Pagans united to counter his efforts. One result of this unity is the Wiccan Pagan Educational Association, an Atlanta-based group that watches legislation that could have an impact on Pagan worship. Ginger Wages of Atlanta operates Magickal Cauldron, CQ, a Web site and newsletter dedicated to disseminating information about court cases, legislative efforts, and media depictions of Wiccans and Pagans. Wages commented on the efforts of the Georgia Representative: "Bob Barr created a lot of good press for us, as far as getting people away from the misconception that we're Satanists...He did more for us than we ever thought about doing." Ravenwood Church, the first public Wiccan church in Atlanta, is about to buy its first congregational property in DeKalb County, GA after almost 25 years of existence. In addition, DeKalb County's Lady Galadriel has just begun her term as first officer of the Covenant of the Goddess, a 24-year-old international organization of over 200 witches' covens.