LUNAGUARDIA REPORT FOR 2010 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Nelspruit is home to a number of Pagans and Pagan sympathisers, although this number remains small. Paganism is practiced mostly in small groups or as solitary individuals. Lunaguardia this year proposed a Gathering of the Clans and moots but few felt it was safe to step out into the open.

The end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 saw the arrival of some new members: Artemisia Divina, Evora Olympidora, Yumna, Hetsia Hellespontina, Christine, Arianna Zenovia, Amberstorm and Martin – we would like to take this opportunity to welcome them and wish them abundant blessings on their respective journeys.

The local Pagan community still remains within the shadows of society. Lunaguardia, however, have engaged in various public debates on an online community forum called WOMF (Word of Mouth Forum) run by the local newspaper and other inter-faith events. The topics of these debates range from the abuse of the environment by corporations and developers to innocent and sometimes sinister curiosity about Paganism in South Africa and the Lowveld specifically - the current outcome of each being similar: while the conservative layman maintains his aggression towards any minority that does not conform with his view of “the Truth”, we have witnessed tolerance and unbiased fact seeking by a few individuals, some religious and others not. And the number appears to be growing, albeit slowly. We sincerely hope that this is a sign of things to come.

With regards to the media, we have undertaken to engage them wherever possible with the objective of highlighting the importance of a capital “P” when referring to Paganism and Pagans in South Africa, demonstrating prejudice with regards to articles on ‘witchcraft violence’, etc. This allows us the necessary platform to inform the media as often as possible that Paganism is in fact a legal and recognised religion in this country.

Solus Ambika Leucothea and Rayden Acheron relocated some time ago from Nelspruit to Witbank, where they hold meetings with local Pagans and together also tackled the local newspapers re Halloween, our religion and other Pagan sensitive issues.

Furthermore, Lunaguardia is actively involved in an anti-pollution campaign alongside RATS (Residents Against Toxic Sonae) and are advocators of sustainable living projects in the Lowveld. Lunaguardia remains active in local press and environmental issues.

Lunaguardia presents weekly discussions and lectures to the public. Some of the topics dealt with are:
- Archeoastronomy (presented by Mr E.Furter from the Theosophical Society in Melville)
- Theosophy – comparative study of religions
- Women in Sparta
- Lectures on Socrates (as well as Crito and Phaedo)
- Virgil’s Aenid
- The Orphic Hymns, etc

The Elders of Lunaguardia have paid visits to members in outlying areas, namely Johannesburg, Barberton, Kaapsehoop, Lydenburg and Witbank and Sabie.

Lunaguardia’s teaching program for this year is broken down into four primary Courts:
Dragonscourt – the training of young adults conducted by Rayne Selene and Endymion Helios.
Ravenscourt – Asatruar/Theodish group of reading, discussion and ritual overseen by Morgause.
Aradian Court – Group commencing with Stregheria.

All of the above Courts focus on the individual students, taking into consideration the emotional and intellectual capacity of each in an effort to make the learning process as easy and enjoyable as possible. Introduction to the relative schools of study gives way to the contemplation of the inner mysteries at a speed that is conducive to the individual’s understanding and digestion of knowledge.

The Philosopher’s Court – this is the Inner Court where the Elders and long-standing members discuss matters pertaining to Religio Romana and Hellenic studies and texts.

Due to the intense teaching program carried out by coven leaders Aurelius and Morgause as well as their involvement in the SAPC and SAPRA, they have handed the title of High Priest and High Priestess over to Endymion Helios and Rayne Selene respectively for 2009-2011.

Lunaguardia will be hosting the 2010 Nelspruit Pagan Freedom Day on the 27th of April. This is an open event that will open with a talk on Paganism, and present fun activities such as:

- Paintball duels
- Kendo fights
- Knife throwing
- Archery
- Crafts and wares market
- Pagan display
- Fire dancing
- Rain-dances
- PFD Raffle
- Drumming circle
- Thanksgiving
- PowerPoint presentation by Morgause
- The launching of Drychten (Angus Burns) CD celebrating the 8 sabbats.

Four members of Lunaguardia have moved away from this area: Gaia, Dionysus, Arianna Zenovia as well as Esmeralda and her three children. May the Gods be with them always.

We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Amberstorm and Martin on their engagement. Their Handfasting will take place on Beltane this year, under the auspices of Lunaguardia.

Thank you.
Rayne Selene and Endymion Helios