Welcome To Arkansas Pagans

Welcome to the Arkansas Pagans© website. Arkansas's first pagan only dedicated information/networking website we are open to every pagan to promote pagan ideas, information, networking and businesses from around the state. Those events and/or information that are of concern to pagan can be freely posted here for all to see. It is the policy of this website that we are open to all pagans and that we are a commercial free site. So if you have something to share with pagans in Arkansas please feel free to submit it.

Discrimination against Pagans

Court won't rehear appeal by mother accused of practicing Wicca
Thursday, Nov 20, 2008

Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK - The state Court of Appeals on Wednesday declined to reconsider its decision in a child custody case in which the child's father claimed the child's mother practiced Wicca.

Two judges dissented, accusing the majority of embarking on "a grand inquisition."

In a per curiam order, the appeals court denied without explanation a petition for rehearing filed by the child's mother, who claimed a Chicot County circuit judge's decision granting custody of her child to the child's father was based in large part on the judge's finding that the mother was involved in a "cult."

Wicca, also known as witchcraft, is a religion that "draws its strength from the diversity of nature itself," according to the Web site of the Church and School of Wicca. It should not be confused with Satanism, according to the organization.

The Court of Appeals upheld the circuit judge's decision in a 4-2 ruling last month. Judges Sarah Heffley and Josephine Linker Hart, who voted in the minority, said Wednesday they would have granted the petition for rehearing.

In a dissenting opinion Wednesday, Hart said Circuit Judge Robert Vittitow interrogated the mother about the practice of Wicca and made an explicit finding that she was practicing Wicca in his written order.

Even if the mother did practice Wicca, "there is absolutely no evidence that practicing Wicca was in an way harmful to the child," Hart wrote.

Hart also accused the child's father of making "vile and slanderous" statements in his response to the petition for rehearing, including comments that "Mormons practice incest and child marriages," and that "this court is committing a grievous error if it allows cult activities to be protected."

"I lament that this court has accepted the appellee's invitation to embark on a grand inquisition," Hart wrote.

Story found on Arkansas News Bureau

Arkansas Court of Appeals

The business formerly known as The Broom Closet has changed its name and is under new management! Lizzie Thomas, Proprietress, purchased the business in January of this year. Along with remodeling, rearranging and adding new products, the business has changed its name to The Spirit Totem and partnered with The Academy of the Five Winds. Thomas continues to provide metaphysical supplies and gift items to the pagan community as well as new services and products to benefit those on all spiritual paths. Services include a guided meditation every Friday night, Reiki circle on alternate Fridays, Hopi ear candling, Reiki training, Reiki healing sessions, Crystal therapy, Aura cleansing and Chakra balancing, Palm and Tarot readings, Spiritual counseling, House cleansings and Blessings, Handfastings, and Classes and Workshops on a variety of metaphysical and spiritual subjects. Come in and let us help you fill your Yule Wish List!

The Spirit Totem will continue to host Springfest and Autumnfest each year. These events are growing and provide the pagan community a fun day for the entire family. Come enjoy the growing list of craftsmen, readers, vendors and entertainment and end the day with an Equinox celebration.

The Spirit Totem will be carrying Bach Flower Remedies and Young Living Essential Oils.

Both can be consumed and or absorbed thru the skin.

Other essential oils carried here are Nature’s Alchemy and although they are 100% pure it isn’t recommended to take them internally.

Coming in 2009

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