Kjeragbolten (Forsand, Rogaland – Norway)
Kjeragbolten is a boulder wedged in a mountain crevasse, 3,228 feet (984 m) above the ground. It is a favored spot for BASE jumpers, who hurl themselves from the cliff toward the spectacular fjord below. Visitors without vertigo are welcome to step onto the boulder for a unique photo opportunity—there are no fences restricting access.
Source: Atlas Obscura
Happy Bicycle Day, which doesn’t celebrate bicycles but the effects of LSD:
On April 19, 1943, Albert Hofmann, a researcher at Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland, purposely ingested .25 milligrams (250 micrograms) of LSD at his lab. He thought this would be the threshold dose—the lowest amount taken where there are still effects—when in reality the threshold dose for LSD is only 20 micrograms. But what does a bicycle have to do with the day?
Within an hour, Hofmann began to notice changes in his perception and senses. He decided that he should go home, so he hopped on his bicycle and began riding. Because the drug was already greatly affecting him, he had his laboratory assistant help guide him to his house. At times during his bicycle ride, he thought he was going insane, thought his neighbor was a witch and thought the LSD had poisoned him.
He later wrote in LSD: My Problem Child, “On the way home, my condition began to assume threatening forms. Everything in my field of vision wavered and was distorted as if seen in a curved mirror. I also had the sensation of being unable to move from the spot. Nevertheless, my assistant later told me that we had traveled very rapidly.”
Needless to say, his bicycle ride was quite a trip.
Sanctuary: Realms of Spiritual Growth
Rev Dustin – ashriakok@live.com
Melanie – jaxppa@gmail.com
Mark
Sanctuary: RSG is an open Pagan group for those seeking to share their spiritual knowledge and experiences, practice Paganism, and help our community! Our gatherings include rituals, spiritual discussions, workshops, and community service. Our community service include: charity donation drives, fundraiser walks / runs, trash clean ups, and more! To further support our local community, we run Jacksonville Pagan Pride Alliance, Inc and founded Northeast Florida Pagan Leadership Coalition, Inc. We encourage a friendly spirit of mutual cooperation and positive growth in the community! We maintain a Meet Up group for local Pagan groups and covens to post their events in.
Join us on Facebook or Meet up!
Facebook groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanctuaryrsg
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaxpagancommunity
Meet up Group:
https://www.meetup.com/Jacksonville-Pagan-Pride/
Jacksonville CUUPS
Coordinator: Erin Rogers
CUUPS@BBUUC.org
Jacksonville Covenant of the Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPs) is an affinity group that meets at Buckman Bridge Unitarian Universalist Church (http://bbuuc.org) and is open to ALL people in the Duval, Clay, Nassau, etc counties. You do not have to be a member of the church or identify with any particular tradition or religion to attend our meetings. We do celebrate all solar holidays; perform some full or new moon rituals; hold book studies or have open topic discussions. Join us on Facebook or visit the Buckman Bridge UU Church website below.
FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleFlCuups
Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/473021186108846/
BBUUC website: https://www.bbuuc.org
Olympic House of Venus-Hathor (E.O.C.T.O)
Hierophant Arch-Mages Moonraven
A GLBT-inclusive house serving the Occult Pagan & Alternative Spiritual community in Northern Florida. We are a family of love, fellowship and worship of the Old Gods celebrating each full and new moon plus 10 religious Sabbats per year. We believe that all nature is sacred and that divinity is present in all things. Through Hellenic Alexandrian Traditional Witchcraft, the Old Gods speak to us today through the Greek Esoteric Magical Tradition (Greek, Roman, Egyptian), revealing Their divine wisdom. We offer sacramental rites to all who ask without regard to sex, sexual orientation, race, family status or any other prejudice that separates one from the Gods.
https://www.facebook.com/VenusHathorFL/
Chosen Path Church
Correllian Nativist Temple
Rev Laurie Denman
Founded in 2014 to provide spiritual, social, and educational opportunities for Jacksonville area Correllians and other Pagans. All Paths are welcomed at Chosen Path Church. You do not need to be a Correllian to participate with us. Chosen Path Church is a charter member of the North East Florida Pagan Leadership Coalition. We offer rituals in honor of the Goddess and God for all Sabbats and Esbats, a monthly study group, handfastings and legal marriages, funerals, individual rites of passage, cleansings, Chaplaincy, and other Pagan services, all free of charge. We also have an extensive lending library for members.
The Correllian-Nativist Church teaches that humans interpret Deity in a way that speaks to them. Each interpretation is as equally valid as the other. We work heavily with the Ancestors and psychic training is a core curriculum for our Clergy. Through the Crystal Web, we do energy workings to bring Peace to our members and the entire world.
Monthly Meet and Greet opportunities are held so you can come ask any questions you may have, get to know the Temple Keeper and learn more about the Chosen Path Church and the Correllian-Nativist Tradition. http://www.chosenpathchurch.com/meet-and-greet-opportunities-and-contact-form.html
Find out more at our website or by contacting Temple Keeper Rt. Rev. Laurie Denman, AP by text at 904-483-9001
http://www.chosenpathchurch.com
Pillars of Prophecy
Rev Paolo Santo
info@PillarsofProphecy.org
We are a spiritual temple & school dedicated in the aid and devotion to spiritual conditioning and application in the Ancient Esoteric Mysteries and Metaphysical Sciences. The ultimate goal of the Pillars of Prophecy is to guide individuals in becoming a living embodiment of spiritual knowledge and empowerment. We work by employing spiritual techniques which strengthen the “Will” and give control over the mind, allowing the practitioner to bring about personal changes as well as changes for other. Fulfilling the prophecy that every man, woman, & child will live as divine beings in the flesh. Working in the Enochian Tradition for we draw upon many traditions and historical influences including Enochian, Solomonic & Egyptian magic, Greek philosophy, the Mystery religions, Gnosticism, Neo-Platonism, Alchemy, the Qabalah, and Hermetic literature.
http://www.PillarsofProphecy.org
Compassion League Temple
Temple Head: Lady Angela
CompassionLeague@Yahoo.com
Compassion League Temple is a fully chartered Correllian Nativist Tradition Temple established in 2013. CLT offers in-person or online mentoring for First, Second, and Third Degree Wiccan studies.
The Correllian Nativist Tradition offers many study opportunities, including Shaman Training. Compassion Crafts, a division of the Temple, provides chemo caps free of charge to any Pagan undergoing treatment regardless of location.
CLT is proud to announce First Coast Crone Connection, a Pagan Circle by women for women in Jacksonville.
Three Roots Kindred
Gythia/Leader: Nicole Hargis
threerootskindred@gmail.com
Three Roots Kindred was established in 2019 by Nicole and Anthony Hargis. Currently based in the South Side of Jacksonville, Florida. Three Roots is a home and a community for local area Heathens. Three Roots celebrates diversity and community well honoring the Gods and Goddess of the Germanic Tribes, the Old Gods. Three Roots is active in Jacksonville both in working with the local area pagans and the community.
We are a closed group but seeking new members. We have many public events through out the year along with many that are for kindred members only.
We welcome anyone who has heard the calling of the Gods and the ones who want to know more.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/threeroots/
www.threerootskindred.com
Wiccan Church of Florida – ATC
Rev Trisha Parker
RevTrishaParker@gmail.com
Wiccan Church of Florida – ATC is a proud member of the Northeast Florida Pagan Leadership Coalition – a group founded to serve the NE Florida pagan community through education, support, acceptance, consistency and leadership. We are a non-profit, tax-exempt church with the mission to bring Earth based religions into equality with the other varying faiths of the world. WCF – ATC is dedicated to the Advancement of Wicca. Seekers of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca can contact Rev Trisha via email.
Website: https://www.wcf-atc.org/
Coven Albion’s Spirit
Contact Bobbi Jo or Dennis
904-298-0067
Coven Albion’s Spirit is a Gardnerian coven in North Florida that functions as a family made up of diverse individuals. They meet and worship together in a Traditional Manner to ritual and hold observances on the Sabbats and Esbats. They honor the Goddess and God and celebrate our lives. They hold ongoing traditional Wiccan education classes and support the overall Pagan Community. They practice a nature based fertility religion that believes in a female and male aspect of divinity, reincarnation, affecting change through concentration of will and personal responsibility for one’s actions.
Whisperers of the Waters: A Colloquy on Modern Paganism
Rev Symbliene Griffin
Welcome to Whisperers of the Waters: A Colloquy on Modern Paganism! We are a study and action group. We host book-studies on modern Paganism and community service activities, particularly those focused on serving the Earth, as well as rituals and private study groups.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/whisperers.of.the.waters/
Phoenix Festivals, Inc
Neo-Pagan Festival held March & October
Eric and Trisha
Phoenix Festivals Inc. is a registered not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to provide Neo-Pagan education to the public. Every March and October, we gather for a five-day, four-night outdoor event in Gilchrist County (west of Gainesville) Florida to share and celebrate our beliefs. Each day is filled with classes, community meals, live entertainment, rituals, drumming and dancing. We strive to provide an unforgettable, spiritual experience in a fun and safe environment. All people are welcome, and a children’s program is available for families. Check out our “Coming Events” tabs to see when you can expect our new Phoenix Events. Day passes as well as weekend and full event passes are available to help accommodate most schedules.
Check us out at https://www.phoenixfestivals.com/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phoenixfestivals
Heart of Manannán
Rev. E.J. OakLore
oaklore@yahoo.com
Heart of Manannán Coven, FoA is a unique Druidic-Wiccan fellowship serving northeastern Florida that encourages the reverence and preservation of the old ways with the inspired inclusion of contemporary Earth-based ideals. We offer fellowship, guidance, and mentorship to those interested in a serious study of Celtic-inspired Witchcraft and Druidism, a harmony we have come to know as “Druidcraft”.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartofmanannan/
Jacksonville Pagan Parents Group
Jacksonville Pagan Parents is a fun group for Pagan families to chat together and learn from each other. Get togethers usually involve a potluck and/or craft. We teach our children about the turning of the wheel and give them space and time to interact with other pagan children in the area. If you are a pagan parent in Northeast Florida, please join us on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/877951582361541/
Aches & Bruises Balm
A healing balm for aches, sprains and bruises.
3 tablespoons beeswax
5 fluid ounces comfrey-infused oil
5 fluid ounces elder leaf-infused oil
20 drops of wintergreen essential oil
10 drops of marjoram essential oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Melt the beeswax in a bain-marie, then add the infused oils and mix well until fully combined. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for 5 minutes, then add the essential oils and stir well. Pour into jars, seal, label and date.
To use, massage into the affected area up to three times a day for a maximum of 2 months at a time.
Shelf Life: Up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.
Famed British biologist Charles Darwin died 139 years ago on April 19. Often dubbed as the “Father of Evolution,” Darwin provided the world with explanations on the origin and evolution of living things on Earth.
Darwin was born on Feb. 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, England, and was homeschooled with his sister Caroline until the age of 8. He was sent to a boarding school after spending a year at a day school. His father enrolled him to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine. There, he began collecting, hunting, and naturalizing rather than studying medicine, according to Charles Darwin Online.
After graduating in 1831, Darwin accepted a job on the HMS Beagle, a vessel that mapped South America’s coast over a span of two or three years. During the job, he took notes and sent samples and specimens to botanist John Henslow in England. After returning to England after five years on the vessel, Darwin found that his specimen collection amazed Henslow and geologists, zoologists, and botanists.
Darwin’s research during his job on HMS Beagle contributed to the development of theory of evolution and natural selection. He, however, took over 20 years to publish the revolutionary theory — in 1858. He was apparently concerned about the acceptance of his idea. However, the theory turned out to be groundbreaking and was eventually widely accepted in mainstream science.
A few quotes:
“The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.”
“We can allow satellites, planets, suns, universe, nay whole systems of universes, to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once by special act.”
“False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long; but false views, if supported by some evidence, do little harm, for every one takes a salutary pleasure in proving their falseness.”
“At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilized races of man will almost certainly exterminate, and replace the savage races throughout the world.”
“A man who dares to waste one hour of his life has not discovered the value of life.”
“The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
“It is a cursed evil to any man to become as absorbed in any subject as I am in mine.”
“A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.”
“A scientific man ought to have no wishes, no affections, – a mere heart of stone.”
“False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long; but false views, if supported by some evidence, do little harm, for every one takes a salutary pleasure in proving their falseness.”
Herbal Muscle Bath Salt
The salt and herbs in this bath salt work together to relax tired muscles, improve circulation and ease aches and pains.
4 ounces of salts of your choice, e.g. Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts, pink Himalayan salt
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or dried pine needles
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or dried eucalyptus leaf
2 teaspoons fresh or dried lavender flower heads
2 teaspoons dried daisy heads
10 drops of essential oil of your choice, e.g. rosemary, lavender, mint, eucalyptus
Put the salts and herbs into a blender and pulverize them together. This allows the cell walls of the herbs to be broken down so medicinal properties can be extracted into the bath water. Transfer the mixture to a glass or ceramic bowl, add the essential oil and mix well.
To use, add the mixture to a square of muslin cloth. Tie into a bundle at the top with string and then tie this to your hot water bath tap, allowing it to sit just below the tap. Run the hot water directly over and through the bundle, allowing the salt to dissolve and the herbs to be retained inside the muslin (so preventing drain blockage).
Add cold water to the bath to the desired temperature. Soak and relax in the bath for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: This mix can be made in bulk (with dried herbs) and stored in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Longyearbyen, Svalbard – Norway)
A winter night in Longyearbyen lasts four months. In the ice-covered mountains, the darkness is broken only by a slim concrete building that emits a pale blue glow as it overlooks the 1,000-resident town. The simple structure offers no hint as to what’s protected inside: a collection of seeds that could save humanity.
Due to the loss of genetic diversity among commercially cultivated crops, which tend to be grown from clonal monocultures, many worldwide food crops are at risk of disease. Mutated strains of fungus, or a new bacterium, could potentially wipe out an entire world crop in a matter of months, causing massive food shortages. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault was established by the Norwegian government in 2008 to function as a sort of genetic safe-deposit box.
The facility has the capacity to conserve 4.5 million seed samples. Under the current temperature conditions in the vault, which are similar to those in a kitchen freezer, the seed samples can remain viable to begin new crops for anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 years.
Svalbard was chosen as the location because it is tectonically stable and its permafrost provides natural refrigeration in case of a power failure. There is no permanent staff at the seed bank, but it is monitored constantly using electronic surveillance. Access to the vaults, open only to employees, requires passing four locked doors protected by coded access keys.
Sources: Atlas Obscura
On this day in 1909 Joan of Arc was beatified (Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a deceased person’s entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name), nearly 500 years after her execution; which is somewhat coy of the Vatican when viewed in the light of recent fast-tracking of saintly candidates.
Regardless of the supernatural elements of her story, she remains an interesting historical character. Quite how a teenage peasant girl in the early years of the 15th century managed to convince a garrison commander and then the uncrowned king of France Charles VII that she could lead an army against English forces remains to this day a mystery shrouded in legendary tales.
#JoanOfArc #Beatificatio
On this date in 1857, Clarence Darrow, later dubbed “Attorney for the Damned” and “the Great Defender,” was born. For a time he lived in an Ohio home that had served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. His father was known as the “village infidel.” Darrow attended the University of Michigan Law School for one year, then passed the bar in 1878 and moved to Chicago. There he joined protests against the trumped-up charges against four radicals accused in the Haymarket Riot case. Darrow became corporate counsel to the City of Chicago, then counsel for the North Western Railway. He quit this lucrative post when he could no longer defend their treatment of injured workers, then went on to defend without pay Socialist striker Eugene V. Debs. In 1907, Darrow successfully defended labor activist “Big Bill” Haywood, charged with assassinating a former governor. His passionate denunciation of the death penalty prompted him to defend the famous killers, Loeb and Leopold, who received life sentences in 1924.
His most celebrated case was the Scopes Trial, defending teacher John Scopes in Dayton, Tenn., who was charged with the crime of teaching evolution in the public schools. Darrow’s brilliant cross-examination of prosecuting attorney William Jennings Bryan lives on in legal history. During the trial, Darrow said: “I do not consider it an insult, but rather a compliment to be called an agnostic. I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure–that is all that agnosticism means.” Darrow wrote many freethought articles and edited a freethought collection. His two appealing autobiographies are The Story of My Life (1932), containing his plainspoken views on religion, and Farmington (1932). He also wrote Resist Not Evil (1902), An Eye for An Eye (1905), and Crime, Its Causes and Treatments (1925). His freethought writings are collected into Why I Am an Agnostic and Other Essays. He told The New York Times, “Religion is the belief in future life and in God. I don’t believe in either” (April 19, 1936). D. 1938.
“I don’t believe in God because I don’t believe in Mother Goose.”
~ Clarence Darrow, speech, Toronto, 1930.
Immune System Tonic Tincture
Echinacea and elderberry are two herbs used to boost the immune system for prevention and treatment of infection. Combine the health-enhancing effects of mushrooms and anti-microbial properties of eucalyptus and you have an all-round infection-busting tonic.
7 ounces fresh elderberries (or 3.5 ounces dried)
2 ounces dried echinacea root
10 eucalyptus leaves, shredded
5 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, chopped
Vodka
Place all the ingredients, except the vodka, loosely in a large, sterilised preserving jar to about two-thirds full. Fill the jar with vodka. Seal the jar, then store in a cool, dark place, shaking the jar every couple of days for a month.
Strain, discarding the plant material and keeping the liquid. Pour the liquid into a sterilised bottle, seal, label and date.
Take 1 teaspoon in a little water, up to three times a day, as needed.
Shelf Life Up to 2 years in a cool, dark place.
Mark Bere Peterson’s Counterculture, Urban Legends, Paganism & Witchcraft 