My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.

Sixties superstar (and father of Ione Skye) Donovan is working on a new album in Ireland that is promising to dig into pagan themes.

“After completing his current tour, Donovan plans to return to Ireland, where he lives with his wife Linda, to record new songs for a forthcoming studio CD, tentatively entitled “Ritual Groove.” He likens his new songs to his late ’60s songs “Hurdy Gurdy Man” and “Barabajagal.” “I’m fusing ethnic sounds like I did when I started in the mid-’60s, but with extraordinary results,” he said. ‘I’m kind of experimenting with an ancient pagan chant that I’m making up on the spot. It’s kind of a Celtic thing.’”

I suppose now isn’t the time to talk about my guilty-pleasure enjoyment of his song “Atlantis” is it?

The Crave column at the UK edition of CNET looks at all the tech toys that won’t be getting to Europe in time for Christmas. They even give you a guide for what to say (and not say) to make the kids feel better. For instance, the UK edition of Final Fantasy XII for the PS2 (that won’t be ready for Christmas).

“Real magic spells are much better than virtual ones, so I’ve bought you this book on Wicca.”

So this Christmas, why not give the gift of Paganism?

Charles W. Bell takes a look at an emerging form of congregational modern Paganism in New York. The American Pagan Church. They even proselytize.

“We proselytize, every chance we get,” he [Ross MacKae] said. “It’s not to say, ‘You’re wrong,’ but to say, ‘You’re right, let us show you how.’”

Time will tell if such an approach to Paganism is successful (they currently only number around 20 congregants or so).

Did you know that a character on the hit television show “Heroes” is a Wiccan? Sadly the character isn’t one blessed with super-powers, but is instead Zach the friend of cheerleader Claire Bennet who possesses a Wolverine-like healing factor. His religious affiliation is revealed in the promotional MySpace page created for him.

For more on the show check out the Entertainment Weekly profile.

In a final bit of paganism in pop-culture, freak-folkie Joanna Newsom’s new CD is named “Ys” after mythical city of Breton lore. The cover illustration has her dressed (in the words of NME) as a Druid priestess.

“…cover art depicting Joanna Newsom as a Druid priestess”

No word on if this represents some sort of new theological allegiance to Druidism on the part of Newsom.

That is all I have for now, have a good day!

Tags: Paganism