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How Intentional Misunderstanding Destroys Communities from the Inside Out Communities do not usually collapse because of a single disagreement. They collapse because people stop speaking honestly on purpose—or worse, they listen only to distort. Willful miscommunication is not confusion. It is not a mistake. It is a choice: to misrepresent, selectively hear, reframe maliciously, or refuse clarification when clarity is available. Over time, this behavior corrodes trust, poison

Understanding Abuse, Control, and Power in Spiritual Communities By: Marty Mullenax- Bull and Thorn Spiritual language is powerful. It shapes how people understand the world, interpret experiences, and assign meaning to suffering. Because of this power, spiritual frameworks can be used for healing, connection, and growth—but they can also be weaponized. One of the most harmful ways this occurs is through the manipulative use of “spiritual attacks,” psychic assault narratives,

And as the cunning folk, witches, charmers, and healers of the past knew well: Magic must be lived. Not merely read.

With Historical Citations, Examples of Initiatory Traditions, and Author Quotations By Marty Mullenax-Bull and Thorn Witchcraft has always blended discipline, skill, intuition, and transformation. Although modern practitioners often walk eclectic or solitary paths, the importance of proper training and initiation  remains central—protecting the practitioner, preserving the craft, and grounding magical work in ethics, history, and community. Many modern authors echo this truth

Christian nationalism is rising in the United States, threatening the separation of church and state — and the spiritual freedom of all. This article explores how the toxic fusion of religion and politics endangers Paganism, democracy, and the sacred diversity our ancestors fought to protect.

By Marty Mullenax-Bull & Thorn In the early internet days, when Netscape ruled and chatrooms were the map for anyone traveling the web, a quiet revolution began: in 1997 Wren Walker and Fritz Jung launched The Witches’ Voice  — better known to generations of Pagans simply as WitchVox . For twenty-two years it functioned as a global meeting place, an informal university, a bulletin board, and a record-keeping hearth for Pagan, Wiccan, and witchcraft communities everywhere. Wik

By Marty Mullenax-Bull and Thorn Nestled within the heart of modern Pagan practice, Mother Grove Temple  has been a beacon of devotion to the Divine Feminine  since its founding in 2008 . Established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit church , the temple celebrates the many faces and names of the global Goddess, serving as a sanctuary for those seeking connection, healing, and spiritual growth. A Living Temple of the Goddess From its earliest days, Mother Grove has embodied the sacred rh

By Marty Mullenax | Bull & Thorn Origins and Founding The Correllian Nativist Tradition  traces its roots to the High-Correll family , blending Cherokee Didanvwisgi (medicine practices)  with Scottish Traditional Witchcraft , later influenced by Aradian Witchcraft  and Spiritualism . Founded by Blv. Orpheis Caroline High Correll  in 1879 CE , this syncretic faith sought to unite Pagan and Native paths under one vision of spiritual harmony and universalism. Evolution and Major

By Marty Mullenax- Bull & Thorn Alexandrian Wicca, often referred to as Alexandrian Witchcraft, is a prominent tradition within the Wiccan community. Founded in the 1960s by Alex Sanders and his wife Maxine Sanders in the United Kingdom, it is recognized as one of the major branches of British Traditional Wicca. Wikipedia Alex Sanders, known as the "King of the Witches," was initiated into witchcraft in the early 1930s and later became a member of a Gardnerian coven. Influenc

By Marty Mullenax-Bull & Thorn The Dianic Religion, as articulated by Hearth Moon Rising, offers a profound and empowering spiritual path that centers on the divine feminine. Rooted in feminist principles and the reverence of the Goddess, this tradition provides a sanctuary for women to reconnect with their bodies, cycles, and inherent power. At the heart of the Dianic Religion is the worship of the Great Mother, the embodiment of all gods and goddesses. This perspective sees

Stregheria: Italian Witchcraft, Folk Magic & Aradia Tradition By Marty Mullenax - Bull & Thorn Stregheria—often called the “Old Religion” of Italy—is a fascinating blend of folklore, spirituality, and magical practice. Rooted in Italian and Sicilian folk traditions, Stregheria has evolved into a modern Pagan path that honors ancient deities, family heritage, and the wisdom of the strega (witch). Beneath the mystical name lies a story of cultural identity, survival, and adapta

By Marty Mullenax | Bull & Thorn Modern Wicca, as we know it today, owes much to one man — Gerald Brosseau Gardner , a British occultist and folklorist who brought the ancient art of witchcraft into the modern age. His creation, Gardnerian Wicca , became one of the first organized forms of contemporary witchcraft and remains one of the most influential magical traditions in the world. Gardner’s vision merged folklore, ritual magic, and reverence for nature into a spiritual sy

By Marty Mullenax | Bull & Thorn Blog Hidden among the mist-shrouded ridges and winding hollers of the Appalachian Mountains lives a magic older than America itself — a magic born of necessity, faith, and deep respect for the land. Known by many names — Granny Magic, Hillfolk Conjure, or Appalachian Folk Magic  — this living tradition carries the heartbeat of a people who blended the Old World and the New into something entirely their own. Appalachian Folk Magic is a true mel

By Marty Mullenax | Bull & Thorn Blog As the last harvest fades and autumn’s chill deepens, Pagans around the world turn their hearts toward Samhain , the sacred festival that marks the end of the agricultural year. Traditionally celebrated from October 31st to November 1st , Samhain is far more than the “witches’ new year” — it is a time of honoring our ancestors, remembering our roots, and reflecting on the cycles of death and rebirth  that shape all life. In many tradition

By Marty Mullenax | Bull & Thorn Wicca, one of the most influential modern Pagan religions, has blossomed from a small initiatory mystery tradition in mid-20th-century England into a global spiritual movement with diverse sects, practices, and lineages. From the early teachings of Gerald Gardner  to the modern innovations of Correllian Wicca , the systems of Wicca reflect humanity’s evolving relationship with magic, nature, and the divine. 🌿 The Founding of Modern Wicca Foun

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 remain one of the darkest periods in American history. This chapter is marked by hysteria, fear, and devastating consequences for many innocent lives. At the center of this chaos was Tituba, an enslaved woman of African descent. Her accusation of witchcraft not only sparked the trials but ultimately led to the execution of 20 people, a staggering number that reflects the extreme fear and chaos of the time. This post explores Tituba's life, the e

By Marty Mullenax | Bull & Thorn In modern spirituality, few topics spark more conversation—or controversy—than the blending of Christianity and witchcraft . To some, these two paths seem completely at odds: one grounded in biblical faith, the other in earth-based magic and spiritual independence. But for many modern practitioners—and especially those influenced by Appalachian folk magick —Christianity and witchcraft have long coexisted, woven together through prayer, healing

By Marty Mullenax | Bull & Thorn In a world ruled by screens and speed, many seekers are returning to something older, deeper, and profoundly human — the traditions of Paganism. Far from outdated relics, these ancient practices remain powerful pathways to connection, balance, and spiritual authenticity in modern times. Pagan traditions — from solstice fires and moon rituals to herbal healing and ancestor veneration — carry timeless wisdom. They remind us that we are part of n

In today’s thriving pagan community, no topic stirs more debate than this one: what makes a spiritual or magickal practice valid? Across social media, covens, and online forums, witches and pagans share spells, rituals, and traditions — but not everyone agrees on what’s “authentic.” Some say true magick must honor specific lineages and ancient teachings. Others argue that spirituality is a living art, meant to evolve with each generation. So where is the line between honoring

Have you ever wished you could share thoughts without speaking? What is telepathy, a blend of the Greek words tele (meaning “distant”) and patheia (meaning “feeling” or “perception”), lets us communicate through thoughts and feelings. It may sound like a plot twist from a science fiction book, but telepathy is a skill anyone can develop. With a little practice, calmness, and focus — and perhaps a suitable set of cards — you can explore the intriguing world of telepathy. The