THE GROVE OF THE UNICORN
P.O. BOX 13384
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30324
Lady Galadriel and Lord Athanor
September, 1985
And what a tale we have to tell! Only the beginning of it, for we are sure there will be much, much more to come. We know there will be if we have anything to do with it, for we are furious and intend to pursue the matter as far as possible. A bit of background: In early Spring a friend of Lady Galadriel and Lord Athanor gave the group permission to use his land (a rural spot outside Atlanta) as our outdoor Temple. The group spent many hours clearing the site, building a stone altar, ringing the circle with stones, erecting cornerstones, planting herbs, etc. All were delightd with the spot and were willing to expend their time and energy in working to make the site as beautiful as possible. Sabbats and Esbats were celebrated there and we felt very fortunate to have such a spot. At no time did we have any indication that anyone resented our being there. There were never any "wild parties" or disturbances of any kind--this was our Temple, we certainly would not desecrate it! As the spot was completely surrounded by dense woods, we felt there was also a natural sound barrier. Everyone would be gone shortly after midnight, or sooner, for most of the group are working folks who must be at work the next day.
In late July, one of the group went out to the site and discovered that vandals had struck. Cornerstones had been overturned, a number of items had been stolen (statuary, cauldron, candles, etc.). Everyone was heartsick, to say the least. But, we got busy, rebuilt the Altar, replaced the cornerstones, cleaned up the mess, put things back in order and felt we had learned a lesson--don't leave removable items unattended--especially in a place that is infested with red-neck teenagers!
Now to the gist of the tale: On Wednesday, September 18, two of our members went out to the site to do a bit of "housekeeping." To their horror they found that someone else had been there and much damage had been done to the circle. A cross had been erected in the center of the firepit, the place was in shambles, and the words "Jesus Saves" and "In God we trust" were scratched in the earth in front of the altar. They rushed back to inform Lady Galadriel of what had happened. Oddly enough, at that time the gentlemen who owns the land was visiting with Lady Galadriel. He, too, was outraged. He left, stating that as soon as he reached home he would file a complaint with the police. Shortly after he left, the phone rang...it was a Lieutenant from the county police, informing Lady Galadriel that the police had been notified that the neighbors at the site had formed a coalition "to stop the witches" and had called a press conference to complain about the witches and the fact that the police would not do anything to stop them! A bit more conversation which boiled down to "stay away from out there or someone may get hurt."
An emergency meeting of the Grove was called for that evening to discuss the situation. All were outraged, but common sense prevailed and all agreed that the best thing to do is to refrain from going out there again. We're sure everyone can understand our sense of violation and frustration in such a situation. In the middle of the meeting the phone rang. It was a reporter from the local paper who had been at the meeting of the neighbors and wanted to hear our side of it. Lady Galadriel spoke with her at length and two somewhat sympathetic articles appeared in Thursday's papers. THEN--the next evening (Thursday, September 19) we were even more outraged by local TV coverage of the matter. On one station, we were treated to full views of the site with police, reporters and "curious spectators" (as quoted by the media) crawling all over the circle. Some of the comments made were less than flattering, to say the least, and many were out and out falsehoods. Then we turned to another station and were even more shocked--they showed basically the same scenes, but with shots of people desecrating the circle site! One man was shown in the act of dismantling the Altar, stone by stone, "to find out what is in there..." while everyone stood by, watching, and allowed him to do so! Another was picking up stones from the circle ring "as a keepsake." We were outraged not only by the actions of these people, but by the fact that others stood by and watched as they desecrated our place of worship. We can't help but wonder what would have happened if such a thing had occurred at the "litle white church in the wildwood!"
Shock waves would have raced across the city and the uproar would have been felt nationwide. Now it was our turn to act/react. And act we did. Lady Galadriel immediately contacted the TV stations to register her protest. One station sent an interviewer out the same evening and small segment of her response was presented on the eleven o'clock news that night. The other TV station responded the next day (Friday), did an interview, and presented another small segment that evening.
Several radio stations touched on the matter briefly. One, however, may be named in our law suits...announcers on the station made many derogatory remarks about our religion in general and about our group. One can understand that uncomplimentary statements may be made by participants on a "call-in-talk-show," but you would expect announcers to be more professional than to air their own personal opinion. Unfortunately, no one was able to tape the programs at the time, but we are requesting tape transcripts from the station under F.C.C. Regulation 73:234. (Thanks to Pat of the Georgians for passing out information on that subject many years ago--even our attorney was not familiar with the regulation and was delighted to learn about it). (F.C.C. Regulation 73:34 -- Attack Against a Person or Group.)
Lady Galadriel has had several radio interviews and one interviewer plans on putting together a taped program which will go across the nation via satellite. No date for this as yet. The program is "Southwind", so if you hear of it in your area, tune us in! Also, a live TV interview is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, on the local NBC station noonday news. Monday, September 23, we "got in OUR licks," so to speak, through a local radio talk show: WSB AM--750--"Sound-off," 9 p.m. week nights. It is a four-hour program which covers two-thirds of the States--a 75,000 watt station. Reference was made to the news about the witches, then WE started calling in. Not all of us were able to get through--the phone lines were jammed--but many of us did manage to "speak our piece." The program began with the talk show host being a bit snide and tongue-in-cheek, ended with him being defensive of us and our rights. AND an invitation to Lady Galadriel to appear on his program as a guest interviewee. Needless to say, she accepted, although a date has not been set. (We'll try to let as many know as possible when a definite date has been established.) Lady Galadriel is a very good speaker, mentally quick on her feet, armed with a vast amount of knowledge, and able to express herself clearly and concisely, even under adverse conditions. We look forward to the program--it should be a good one. (Note: Lady Galadriel is not typing this, folks...so we can say these things.)
There were calls from Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas, and many other states. Of course, there were those of opposing views who called in to voice their opinion, and the usual garbage one expects to hear when the subject of witchcraft is brought up. But it was very rewarding to note how many people expressed a positive, tolerant attitude. We look forward to the upcoming program--it should be just as interesting and informative. And perhaps educational for some of the listening audience-- at least those who open their ears just a little and HEAR what is being said. Since this report was begun, there has been another development. The plot begins to thicken (or should we spell that "sicken?") One of the group members who had let his religion be known, and had been overheard on the radio talk how, was dismissed from his job. The supervisor who gave him the news almost told him the true reason he was being dismissed, but caught himself just in time, then made the lame excuse that the fellow "just wasn't a team player." Which is ludicrous, as the man had received several commendations from management for the great job he was doing. What will we do? We don't know at this point--no one else was present when the supervisor was speaking with him, so he has no witnesses to what the man said.
Without proof, there is little one can do. It makes us even more determined to follow through. We, personally, feel that it is past time that the Wiccan community stood up for their beliefs. We are all sick and tired of the derogatory remarks, being run out of places, and being generally classed as "low-life" because of our beliefs. And if we have to "get out our soap-boxes and go stand on a corner of the public square," we will do so. The group members are in complete agreement, and so far most of them have said they are willing to go public, if necessary. All of us have something to lose by exposure, but we all feel that we have much more to gain! We intend to take every opportunity to present our viewpoint and to stand up, publicly, for what we believe in. We realize that many people don't believe they can take the chance of going public, realizing the possible repercussions. None of us look forward to what could happen...but until someone stands up to the bigots of the world, they will continue to push us, and all other people with a different belief system than their own around. And, frankly, we are tired of being pushed! Non-Craft people in the area have suggested that it would be best for us to "go back underground," back into the basements and living rooms (with the blinds pulled down, of course), then there would be no more furor. WHY SHOULD WE?
So, there is our tale. We'll try to keep everyone updated as to what happens next. We would appreciate any positive energy which anyone out there would care to send. We've got a feeling we are going to need all the help we can get!
Blessed be!Lady Galadriel, High Priestess
Lord Athanor, High Priest
Lady Rhea, Elder
and everyone from the Grove of the Unicorn.
GROVE OF THE UNICORN
P.O. BOX 13384
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30324
OCTOBER 11, 1985
Greetings and Blessed be:
As promised, an update on the happenings in Atlanta. Ah, me, keep thinking back to all the times when we could write and say, "Things are quiet here..." Certainly can't say that these days! Seems there is a new development every day. Lady Galadriel as been scheduled for a number of media appearance: A TV noon news live interview whch, though short (five minutes) was very positive; a newspaper article promised (on the religion page--waiting to see if this promise is kept) (Ed. note--it was), several radio appearances scheduled, including "Southwind" (aired nationally - no date set); an interview on a local talk show - Monday, Oct 7 -- again, very positive. "Sound-off" talk show now scheduled for October 30, 9 p.m., WSB Radio, 750 on your dial, from Atlanta. (A 75,000 watt station, many of you far away should be able to pick it up). At least we will get a chance to be heard--the small voice in the Wilderness.....
Now to some of the heavier things: On Sunday, Sept. 29, went to the property to close down the Temple and unwind the circle. We were promised police protection and even changed our chosen time to fit their choice of time. The police were not there when we arrived, but, as there were so many of us, and believing the police would be along at any moment, we proceeded to the site and began setting things to rights. Which was quite a job--the site had been completely demolished--it was heartbreaking. What we had seen on television was minor compared to what we found--the place was in complete shambles--seems they decided that once they had begun the destruction they would finish it up completely--and they did.
We had just begun cleaning up when several smart-aleck rednecks appeared and began hassling us. We got rid of them and went back to work. Another one appeared--we eventually got talked him on down the road. We realized later that these were "scouts sent out by the enemy troops." We had just begun our simpl rite to close the circle when we heard gunshots and trucks approaching and knew it was time to act! As the site is on private land and the dirt road to it is a private road, we blocked the road with a few dead trees after the first men showed up. Thankfully. Up rumble 7 or 8 pickups/jeeps/four-wheelers, all loaded with dyed-in-the-wool rednecks--most of them completely intoxicated. Thank goodness for the barricade--they did stop--for a while. A confrontation followed--you can probably imagine--or can you?
We never could have--before. We've heard a lot of language in our lives, but never so much filth at one time out of human (and we use the term loosely) mouths. Several of them came over the barricade, on foot, to challenge us in their attempts to provoke us into a fight. There were 5 males and 3 females in our group at the roadway, 18 to 20 men in theirs. That's the kind of odds they like. (What they didn't know was that we had left 7 of our females at the circle site about 100 yards away) to send us energy, and 4 oher males stationed as watchers in the woods between the roadway and the circle site.) It was funny, in a way, that when they were counting odds, they stated "There's only 5 ofthem ," discounting the females they were aware of. That could have been a fatal mistake! Severl of them came over the log barricade in their trucks and within inches of running over several of us. Ever have a big pickup with monster wheels coming at you annd stop just inches away from your nose? Several of us did--and believe me, it is not a pleasant feeling. They threw beer cans at us, but mostly it was sewer verbage and threats. The confrontation lasted about 20 minutes, luckily, no one was hurt, no damage done (except to our nerves). Not one blow was thrown, although they did everything they could to push us into it. Everyone stood there, calm, cool, and collected (on the outside--but our astral knees were knocking). That was the saving factor, for the rednecks couldn't deal with our apparent lack of fear. Probably one of the few, if not the only times that someone faced them down and they turned and left. It will take them a long time to get over that.
SO proud of our folks! Through it all not one word was said by our side that couldn't have been said in the First Baptist Church on Sunday morning. In fact, the preacher probably said worse, for not even one "hell" or "damn" was spoken from our side of the line, while pure filth poured from the other side. To back up a bit, after the first men came by, two of our group went to call the police, to find out why they hadn't shown up and let them know they were needed right away. It was almost an hour after they left before a policeman arrived -- one man, one car. By the time he arrived the rednecks had just left, we had finished closing the circle, and were getting in our cars to leave.
Tuesday, October 1, a group of us went to file charges against these people for trespassing and simple assault. Th detective was saying there wasn't anything they could do--we kept saying there had to be. Our attorney, who was with us, also kept saying something could be done. Eventually, the detective became a bit more cooperative. We had the license plate numbers of 5 of the trucks, the name of one man, photos of some of them, and a tape recording of the entire incident.
Yes--we were well-armed in one respect. Just happened to have cameras and tape recorders with us and the presence of mind to use them. The tape came out loud and clear, so there is no question of who said what. The detective finally called us back after identifying several of the people through their license plate numbers and photos, and our attorney advised us that our best course of legal action would be to file criminal trespass warrents against the persons involved, leaving the assault charges to the discretion of the judge who hears the trespass case(es).
Many of you have asked what you could do to help. Your support means so much to us for there is much to be done and so few of us to do it. We certainly appreciate the positive energy which has come our way--we have been very aware f it and know it has helped sustain us through some harrowing times. What can you do to help? Energy directed to help us through the harassment and legal battles; to helping us find another site for our temple (with 30 to 40 people at each sabbat and New Moon, living rooms get crowded); to helping us find the finances for the legal fees (our attorney has spent, and will spend many hours working on our behalf without charge, but he can't afford to pay filing fees, deposition fees, etc., for s. And the USPS gets richer while we get poorer. Even SASE's would help.)--all these are very much needed. Information on how others have handled similar situations would be helpful, also. We have been asked, on several occasions, why we are standing to fight instead of quietly folding our altar cloths and stealing back into the shadows, as some have suggested we do. We are certainly not doing it just for ourselves, as witnessed by the fact that at least two people have lost their jobs and the rest of us realize we could be next. It is costing us dearly--in money, time, energy, and wear and tear on our nerves. One person walked out of work to find "witch" scrawled across the windshield of her car--what will the next act be?
We believe if we allow this to happen without protest, then every other group in our area, and in other areas, may meet with the same fate. We are proud of our religion, and feel that we have as much right to follow our beliefs openly as anyone else does. We do not ask others to believe as we do--each person must walk their own path--but we do ask-- no, insist--that we be allowed to walk our path with dignity and in sunlight, not in shadows. We are beginning to wonder if these incidences of persecution (of us and other groups, and the Helms bill) at this time could be part of some gigantic game plan. Perhaps the Lord and Lady are tired of being hidden away in basements, back rooms, garages, and secret places, and have decided that it is time to claim Their Place in the Sun. And only we, Their sons and daughters, can bring them out of the shadows and into the Sunlight. Going public and fighting this injustice was not an easy decision to make, for we all have much to lose--jobs, families, friends. But, someone, somewhere, must make a stand--this time it is our turn. Others have done it before us, we know others will have to do it again in the future, but each time one of us wins a small skirmish, we altar the pattern of the future. As several people have reminded us, all religions have gone through a period of persecution. Those who perservered, who stood up for their rights and religion, found acceptance. Where would the Baptists, Methodists, Mormons, Catholics and other major faiths be today if they had hidden in the shadows? Should we be less strong than they? It is our dream that someday our children can walk proudly, without fear, in the light of the Sun, to their Circle site. That's why we are determined to see this through, as far as we can take it--for ourselves, for our brothers and sisters of the Craft, and for the future of all Pagans and Wiccans, wherever they may be. To all of you, again, our sincere thanks for the support and encouragement you are giving us in our struggle.
Brightest blessings!
Lady Galadriel, Lord Athanor, Lady Rhea
GROVE OF THE UNICORN
P. O. BOX 13384
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30324
Hi there:
Finally--an update on happenings in Atlanta. Sorry to be so long in getting this out, but all of us have been so very, very busy. With no urgent news to dispense, and the holidays claiming their share of time and energy, time quickly slipped away! (Then the flu bug struck!) The furor here has calmed down and we are almost back to "normal" (whatever that is!). The things that have transpired since our last letter have been, for the most part, favorable.
Lady Galadriel appeared on a number of local talk shows during the "Halloween" season, including "Sound Off", which covers about 40 states. Listener response was encouraging, and, to be honest, a bit surprising, for the majority of calls, both while Lady Galadriel was on the air and after she left (the program continued), were positive. Many may not have agreed with our beliefs, but they stood up for our right to follow then. There were also a number of newspaper articles about the group, and several about individual members of the group. We were pleasantly surprised when media interest continued past Halloween, with a newspaper article on our "resident herbologist" and TV coverage of our Samhain rite. (We follow the astrological, rather than the calendar, dating of Sabbats.) The reporter and cameraman observed the rite, had us "re-stage" parts of it for filming and it was shown later that evening and the next day. Numerous small positive incidents have taken place, such as neighbors of those identified as Wiccans dropping by to offer support. And, most surprisingly of all, we have received only one anti-Wiccan religious tract at our P.O. box!
We can't deny that there have been a few unpleasant incidents, but they have been so outnumbered by positive ones that we are very encouraged and feel more strongly than ever that we did the right thing in going public with our protests against the desecration of our sacred site. On that subject, our efforts to deal with the situation through the legal system were both frustrating and rewarding. We received token support from the local police, but they didn't go out of their way to help us identify those who actually desecrated the site. We did take warrants against three of the men who were involved in the second incident, when we were accosted and threatened by the group of drunken rednecks who were tresspassing on our property.
The case was scheduled to be heard in November, but at the last moment was postponed until December. And guess when they scheduled it? Friday, the 13th..... We found that rather interesting, and still aren't sure if it was just a "coincidence", or if someone at the court house has a sense of humor! It went well, and most of the spectators (the courtroom was packed) were obviously pulling for our side. However, because of a small legal point which our attorney was not familiar with (even the judge was a bit surprised when the defendant's attorney pulled this one out of the depths), the men were let go with a stern warning and a public injunction was made to the effect that we are guaranteed the freedom of worship without harrasment and that anyone doing so would be subject to prosecution to the full extent of the law. The legal point? Falure to file notice of the posting of the property to the courthouse. A very obscure and unknown law which meant that even though we had posted the property and put chains across the driveway, the posting was not official because we had negelected to file a notice of same with the county authorities...
We feel that even though we "lost", in one respect, as the men were not officially punished, we still "won", for they were punished in other ways. The suffered the indignity of being arrested, spending time in jail, and having the newspapers report these facts. They spent money to make bond, and money on attorneys who were some of the more expensive in the area, which means they were frightened of what the consequences of their acts could be. And the worst punishment of all, they had to spend all that time listening to their wives and mothers berate them for their "evil ways"!
All of the events, from the original desecration through the court case, were reported by the media, and the majority of their reports were very slanted toward our defense. We feel that much was accomplished through bringing our views into the light, for many discovered that "witches" aren't what they thought we were!
We sincerely thank all of you who sent us so much support. We were very aware of the inflow of positive energy, drew on it, and know we couldn't have made it through all of the turmoil without that support. All of us at The Grove of the Unicorn say "THANK YOU!".
We have debated the subject of pursuing these matters further, through court cases against the police, individuals, etc., but reached the decision that no real purpose would be served. The persons who desecrated our site did so more from ignorance and fear than anything else, and the police were caught in the middle of a situation which they had never come up against before and weren't quite sure how to handle. We will continue our efforts to educate the public as to our beliefs and open practices, and perhaps these efforts will help to avoid such clashes in the future. After all the publicity the cases received, we elieve others will think twice before acting in the same manner as the people who desecrated our site.
Court cases cost money. After consultation with our attorney, we acknowledged that we don not have the finances to pursue this through the courts to the full extent. The only thing we would gain through further legal action would be a monetary award, which would have to be paid for by the taxpayers. Our right to worship openly and as we please has been recognized and legally documented, which was our basic purpose in the beginning. We will continue to work with and through the media in an effort to help the public understand us and our beliefs a little better. We have learned many things from our various experiences, one of the most important being that there is unity amongst the Pagan community when there is need. To all our new friends, our thanks and our love.
Blessed Be!
