For over 9 months the Long Island Samhain Witch festival has been scheduled to take place on Saturday October 29, 2005 at the Knights of Columbus in Lindenhurst, NY. ( phone: (631) 226-3240, fax: (631) 226-7837 ). Just a 2 weeks before the event was to take place, the Knights of Columbus breached their contract with the us, Crescent Moon Goddess, and decided to lock the doors on the festival. They contend that they have received many complaints and threats from Catholic organizations saying they would picket, protest and riot at the event. In addition, Knights of Columbus claimed that they did not like that the advertisements using the words Pagan, Samhain, and Witch. Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween) is a pre-Christian Celtic holiday celebrating the end of Summer as well as a time to honor and remember those that have passed before us.<\/p>\n
The Long Island Samhain Witch festival was to have speakers, workshops, entertainers and over 45 vendors. Not willing to cancel the entire event, we at Crescent Moon Goddess worked diligently to find another venue which is Sheraton Hotel in Smithtown, NY. The original date was not available and is rescheduled for Saturday November 12, 2005.<\/p>\n
We whole heartedly believe we were Discriminated againist based on our religious beliefs and backgrounds, by what was expressed to us by the Knights of Columbus, and we will not conceed to religious intolerance by anyone.<\/p>\n
We are very sorry for the inconvience and disapointment that this may have caused. We hope to see you all on November 12, 2005 at the Sheraton Hotel to show your support and spend a enjoyable day together in harmony. [Source<\/span><\/a>]<\/p>\n First off, I guess this witch did not cast a spellchecker spell on her writings before posting.<\/p>\n I doubt the threat of rioters, but what in the world ever made this council of the Knights of Columbus ever enter into a contract with Crescent Moon Goddess in the first place? Talk about a lack of prudence and then only correcting the mistake after numerous complaints. You would think that "Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council # 794" would brook no Pagan competition for Our Lady and her Son. Especially to an organization that would be selling spells, charms and forms of divination.<\/p>\n Ironically I found this at the Knights of Columbus easily searchable catechism<\/a>.<\/p>\n 2138 Superstition is a departure from the worship that we give to the true God. It is manifested in idolatry, as well as in various forms of divination and magic.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n