Pagan spiritual observances in 2023 in the United States encompass a variety of practices and celebrations that honor the natural world and the cycles of life. These observances, rooted in ancient traditions, are still celebrated by modern Pagans and Wiccans as a way to connect with nature, honor ancestral spirits, and find spiritual fulfillment. One of the most significant observances in the Pagan calendar is Ostara, which marks the Spring Equinox. This celebration symbolizes the renewal and rebirth of nature, as winter gives way to the arrival of spring. Pagans often mark this occasion by performing rituals and ceremonies that involve planting seeds, decorating eggs, and welcoming the return of longer days and warmer weather. Another conspicuous observance is Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, which heralds the arrival of summer.
Together with Aleister Crowley, the self-proclaimed “Most Evil Man in the World” Valiente recruits a hard-nosed white witch Dion Fortune, the grizzled and gray-bearded founder of Wicca Gerald Gardner, and exorcist and con man in a turban Rollo Ahmed. Together this coven of witches will travel deep into the heart of Nazi-occupied Europe and gamble their lives, their beliefs, and their powers on a mission to help capture Rudolf Hess, fervent occultist, and second in command to Adolf Hitler himself.
In the darkest hours of World War 2, Doreen Valiente, a junior intelligence officer, twenty years old and already a war widow, is approached by a British General who tells her he knows she s a witch and that s how she can best serve her country. Paul Cornell has foraged some highly-charged elements from the historical record - Aleister Crowley s espionage claims and Dion Fortune s psychic civil defense project - and brewed up something magickal.
Another conspicuous observance is Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, which heralds the arrival of summer. This festival, traditionally associated with fertility and the bringing of abundance, is often celebrated by dancing around a maypole, lighting bonfires, and engaging in rituals that honor the divine feminine and masculine energies. Beltane is a time for joy, revelry, and the creation of new beginnings.
The grizzled witch
“Vengefully imaginative occult rewrite of wartime history, full of sharp knife twists, proving yet again that Cornell is a storyteller to cherish.” — Chuck Wendig
Inspired by a true story, The Witches of World War II follows a coven of witches as they embark on a mission to help capture Adolf Hitler's second-in-command, Rudolf Hess.
This magic kills fascists! In the darkest hours of World War 2, Doreen Valiente, a junior intelligence officer, twenty years old and already a war widow, is approached by a British General who tells her he knows she’s a witch… and that’s how she can best serve her country.
Valiente, an expert on British folklore and the occult, is to use her connections in this peculiar community to recruit a group of British ‘magicians’ and use their “skills” to gain some advantage over the Nazi high command, who believe fervently “in all this occult rubbish.”
Together with Aleister Crowley, the self-proclaimed “Most Evil Man in the World” Valiente recruits a hard-nosed white witch Dion Fortune, the grizzled and gray-bearded founder of Wicca Gerald Gardner, and exorcist and con man in a turban Rollo Ahmed. Together this coven of witches will travel deep into the heart of Nazi-occupied Europe and gamble their lives, their beliefs, and their powers on a mission to help capture Rudolf Hess, fervent occultist, and second in command to Adolf Hitler himself.
Inspired by the incredible true story of the New Forest coven and Operation Cone of Power.
About the Author
Paul Cornell has written episodes of Elementary, Doctor Who, Primeval, Robin Hood, and many other TV series, including his own children’s show, Wavelength. He’s worked for every major comics company, including his creator-owned series SAUCER STATE for IDW and THIS DAMNED BAND for Dark Horse. He has also done runs for Marvel and DC on BATMAN AND ROBIN, WOLVERINE, and YOUNG AVENGERS. He’s the writer of the Lychford rural fantasy novellas from Tor.com Publishing. He’s won the BSFA Award for his short fiction, an Eagle Award for his comics, a Hugo Award for his podcast, and shares in a Writer’s Guild Award for his work on Doctor Who.
Valeria Burzo is an Italian comic book artist and illustrator. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, she attended the Italian School of Comix, graduating in 2014 ith honors. Since then she has collaborated with numerous Italian and European comic publications, including La Repubblica di Napoli, Novel Comics, and Glenat.
Jordie Bellaire is an American comic book colorist who currently lives in Ireland and works for DC, Marvel, Valiant, and Image comic book publishers. She has colored Pretty Deadly, The Manhattan Projects, Moon Knight, The Vision, Magneto, Nowhere Men, Hawkeye, Batman, among other titles.
SIMON BOWLAND has been lettering comics since 2004 and continues to work for publishers such as 2000AD, Marvel, DC, Image, Valiant, Dark Horse, and now TKO Studios. He lives in England with his colourist wife, Pippa, and their laid-back tabby cat, Jess.”
Praise For…
“Vengefully imaginative occult rewrite of wartime history, full of sharp knife twists, proving yet again that Cornell is a storyteller to cherish.”
— Chuck Wendig
"Paul Cornell has foraged some highly-charged elements from the historical record - Aleister Crowley’s espionage claims and Dion Fortune’s psychic civil defense project - and brewed up something magickal.”
— Matthew Sweet (BBC Journalist and author of The West End Front)
- Comics & Graphic Novels / Historical Fiction
- Fiction / Historical / World War II
- Fiction / Occult & Supernatural
During summer, Pagans celebrate Litha, the Summer Solstice, which usually falls on June 21st. This observance honors the longest day of the year and the strength of the sun. Pagans may gather to witness the sunrise, perform rituals that acknowledge the power of fire and light, and express gratitude for the abundance and beauty of the natural world. Litha is a time for reflecting on personal growth, seeking spiritual enlightenment, and embracing the energy of the sun. As summer transitions into autumn, Pagans celebrate Mabon, the Autumn Equinox. This observance, which falls around September 21st, marks the midpoint between summer and winter, symbolizing the balance between light and darkness. Pagans may engage in rituals that give thanks for the harvest and the fruits of their labor, as well as reflecting on the balance within themselves and in the wider world. Mabon is a time for gratitude, introspection, and preparing for the colder months ahead. The final significant observance of the Pagan calendar is Samhain, celebrated on October 31st. This festival, also known as Halloween, is the Pagan New Year and a time when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be thinnest. Pagans may honor their ancestors, commune with spirits, and participate in divination practices to gain insight into the future. Samhain is a time for remembrance, introspection, and embracing the cycle of life and death. These Pagan spiritual observances provide opportunities for individuals to connect with nature, celebrate the changing seasons, and explore their own spirituality. By participating in rituals and ceremonies that honor the natural world and the cycles of life, Pagans in the United States find a sense of belonging, fulfillment, and connection to something greater than themselves..
Reviews for "Paganism and Environmental Consciousness: Sustainability in Spiritual Practices in the United States in 2023"
1. Janet - 2/5 stars
As someone who leans more towards traditional religious practices, I found the Pagan spiritual observances in the United States in 2023 to be quite off-putting. The ceremonies and rituals seemed bizarre and disconnected from any personal meaning or belief. I was hoping for a deeper spiritual connection but found myself feeling alienated and confused instead.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars
I attended a Pagan spiritual observance in the United States in 2023 with an open mind, but unfortunately, it was a complete disappointment. The whole experience felt like a bunch of people playing dress-up and pretending to connect with nature. The lack of structure or substance left me feeling unsatisfied and like I had wasted my time. Overall, it wasn't the spiritual experience I was hoping for.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I had high expectations for the Pagan spiritual observances in the United States in 2023, but they fell short. The events seemed disorganized and lacked a clear focus or message. It felt more like a social gathering than a spiritual practice. I was hoping for a deeper connection to nature and the divine, but I left feeling underwhelmed and disconnected.