Inciting A Riot Christian Day

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Thanks Christian Day! (And screw you, too!)

Recently, a couple of pagans have been attempting to full-on football tackle the nearest news camera/reporter for an opportunity to glean some semblance of fame. Z. Budapest was the first of the two, and on Episode 49 of the podcast Cory and I do a fine job of properly applying both torch and pitchfork (as well as his interesting collection of roots, stones, and bones) to her story of disallowing transgendered women to participate in a Dianic ceremony at this year's Pantheacon. However, since her original outlandish statement was made public, it has been reported that both sides of that debate have sat down and attempted to apologize and find common ground.

So... No further Riot aimed at Z. Budapest. (yet!)

However, the second pagan media whore, Christian Day, has no such luck. In case you don't know who he is (don't worry...you shouldn't), Day is a podcaster, a shop owner, and all around Laurie Cabot groupie. If you'll recall, Cabot was a media grabber herself beginning in the 1970s and running almost three decades, causing mayhem and grabbing newscasters' attention until the mid-90s. Though, arguably, she's still at it, as she was a part of that famous Biography channel special on witches that made us all look like either devil worshipping baby killers or opium addicted special ed students.

Christian Day has apparently been trying to reclaim the word 'warlock.' Warlock either is derived from a middle English word meaning 'oath-breaker' or an Old Norse term meaning 'caller of spirits.' (However, just so you know, the Oxford English Dictionary denies the second derivation, as do most philologists.) Of course, when pagans get pissed off about something, they must go to an extreme, so when Charlie Sheen (of all people) went on one of his recent coked out rants and called himself a "Vatican Assassin Warlock," Christian Day took some offense. Not about wanting to kill everyone at the Vatican, but about the fact that Sheen said the word warlock. Because, you know, Day now has copyright on the term oh wait...no he doesn't...he's just crazy.

Well, good ol' Mr. Day decided that he and his cabal of followers were going to bind Charlie Sheen, but they couldn't just decide - like all other nut jobs with a pentacle and access to too much patchouli - to do it in the privacy of one of their fairy glend. No...that would be too decent. Day had to first publicly make sure that every media outlet available (a small list of them includes, but is most definitely not limited to: CNN, PerezHilton.com, TMZ, the Boston Globe, Fox News, Entertainment Weekly, the Guardian, and a host of other blogs, radio shows, and cable news talking heads) would cover the fact that a few folks were going to dress in cheap halloween costumes and bind Charlie Sheen.

Naturally, being a media whore, Day couldn't stop at merely saying he was going to do this ridiculous publicity stunt. He then had to film it for all the internet to see. (Video, of course, is below.) Which they now have. This has gone viral. And, I don't mean viral in an 'every teeny tiny pagan blogger with a few hundred followers is talking about it' kind of way. I mean this video is being played on major news networks, streamed online, tweeted and re-tweeted, and posted on hundreds of blogs. It is a virus, and it shows the worst of the pagan community.

Did he have to shake a dog-headed rattle at a skull? I mean, really, did he have to dress in a Count Dracula style cape with a visible cross? (Not a crucifix, but do YOU think the average Christian is going to tell the difference between an equal armed cross and a perversion of their sacred symbol? Methinks not, and methinks, also, that Day is probably counting on that.) Did they have to break out a machete sized athame? Did he have to have several news agencies there to videotape and photograph the event?

Answer: Of course he did. He is a media whore, dear Rioter, and this is what they do.

However, I would like to use Day as an example. An example of all those times when podcasters/bloggers say they hate when folks get in front of the camera with their fairy wings or goth get-up, spouting off all sorts of bullshit about the right way to use terms like 'warlock,' 'goddess,' and 'high priest.' For, dear Rioter, I know that I - and several other podkin and bloggers - have gotten much criticism and hate mail for saying that I'd rather normal, functioning adults be put in front of the camera, should the need allow.

I never mean that we cannot dress how we want when we go to parties, functions, conventions, gatherings, etc. We should have a time of play and frivolity. But to purposely seek out the media, and then to go in front of the world dressed up like he is and saying what he says, he sets our entire community and cause back generations. Goodness gracious! He put the video of his poorly put together and rather sad ritual under the Entertainment category on YouTube! This calls into serious question the reason why he would make such a video or launch such a media campaign.

Yes, there are plenty of folks in the media (mostly fictional) who come off as nice, normal people that just happen to be witches. But, given that our community is quite small by comparison, and given that we are such a solitary and secretive people, the greater community is rarely given a glimpse into the lives of real pagans. Of the folks next door. And, we can say to one another all day long, "Pagans are the lawyers, teachers, retail workers, cops, doctors, etc. in your community. They're normal, average, everyday people just like you and me," but if that message is only reaching a mostly pagan ear, then it is moot. It is meaningless.

What upsets me is that a resounding cry has gone out all across the internet by pagans against Day. But, none of those voices are being heard, at least, not on the level Day has reached thus far. There is not an equal and opposite voice in the mainstream media, welcoming cameras and newscasters into their living rooms. There is no soccer mom witch who is on CNN saying, "Look! See! I am a normal, functioning member of society that looks and acts and dreams just like you. I just happen to be pagan."

And I realize that most of the time when I (or those like me) say these kinds of things, we are met with extreme amounts of criticism. How dare you say I have to be normal! How dare you tell me I have to act or dress a certain way. How dare you act like you're better than me! None of those are the case, unless you also happen to be a Pagan Media Whore. If you are not actively seeking out cameras, reporters, or general fame by being an outrageous, ludicrous, incorrect stereotype, then let your freak flag fly! I say do what you want in the privacy of your home or your community. But, if you are choosing to put yourself out there as the face of the pagan community, which is exactly what Day is attempting to do, then you should have the decency to not make us look like stark raving mad D&D playing, LARPer wannabe, costumed social rejects who cast spells on sitcom actors!

Christian Day is the exception in the pagan community. Not all of us are like that. We know this, but the rest of the population does not. He gives those of us that hold down good jobs and don't dress like everyday is Halloween a very, very bad name. Honestly, I have to say, I pity him.

However, Rioters, Day might make you $1,000 richer! This is what all those Word of the Day segments have been for! Recently, on Day's Facebook page, he offered a $1,000 reward to anyone that can prove to him that 'warlock' doesn't mean 'oath-breaker.' Of course, he puts several caveats in there in order to make sure you cannot claim the prize. Such as, one must take into historical context 'why' the word means 'oath-breaker,' and not merely that the word means what it means. BUT!!! I feel we Rioters should take this as a challenge! If we win the money, I say we put it towards a feast at the Supermoot for all podkin and listeners who can attend - on Day, of course.

Quick question: Do you feel Christian Day falls into the category of legitimate pagan, or does he fall into the 'playgan' category? I'm not sure where I stand right now. He certainly looks one way, but he has definitely dedicated himself to another. Just curious...

If you can stomach watching them, the videos are below - both by Day and the edited version the rest of the world saw.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte
http://goo.gl/9hnaZ1

Thanks Christian Day! (And screw you, too!)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Thanks Christian Day! (And screw you, too!)

Recently, a couple of pagans have been attempting to full-on football tackle the nearest news camera/reporter for an opportunity to glean some semblance of fame. Z. Budapest was the first of the two, and on Episode 49 of the podcast Cory and I do a fine job of properly applying both torch and pitchfork (as well as his interesting collection of roots, stones, and bones) to her story of disallowing transgendered women to participate in a Dianic ceremony at this year's Pantheacon. However, since her original outlandish statement was made public, it has been reported that both sides of that debate have sat down and attempted to apologize and find common ground.

So... No further Riot aimed at Z. Budapest. (yet!)

However, the second pagan media whore, Christian Day, has no such luck. In case you don't know who he is (don't worry...you shouldn't), Day is a podcaster, a shop owner, and all around Laurie Cabot groupie. If you'll recall, Cabot was a media grabber herself beginning in the 1970s and running almost three decades, causing mayhem and grabbing newscasters' attention until the mid-90s. Though, arguably, she's still at it, as she was a part of that famous Biography channel special on witches that made us all look like either devil worshipping baby killers or opium addicted special ed students.

Christian Day has apparently been trying to reclaim the word 'warlock.' Warlock either is derived from a middle English word meaning 'oath-breaker' or an Old Norse term meaning 'caller of spirits.' (However, just so you know, the Oxford English Dictionary denies the second derivation, as do most philologists.) Of course, when pagans get pissed off about something, they must go to an extreme, so when Charlie Sheen (of all people) went on one of his recent coked out rants and called himself a "Vatican Assassin Warlock," Christian Day took some offense. Not about wanting to kill everyone at the Vatican, but about the fact that Sheen said the word warlock. Because, you know, Day now has copyright on the term oh wait...no he doesn't...he's just crazy.

Well, good ol' Mr. Day decided that he and his cabal of followers were going to bind Charlie Sheen, but they couldn't just decide - like all other nut jobs with a pentacle and access to too much patchouli - to do it in the privacy of one of their fairy glend. No...that would be too decent. Day had to first publicly make sure that every media outlet available (a small list of them includes, but is most definitely not limited to: CNN, PerezHilton.com, TMZ, the Boston Globe, Fox News, Entertainment Weekly, the Guardian, and a host of other blogs, radio shows, and cable news talking heads) would cover the fact that a few folks were going to dress in cheap halloween costumes and bind Charlie Sheen.

Naturally, being a media whore, Day couldn't stop at merely saying he was going to do this ridiculous publicity stunt. He then had to film it for all the internet to see. (Video, of course, is below.) Which they now have. This has gone viral. And, I don't mean viral in an 'every teeny tiny pagan blogger with a few hundred followers is talking about it' kind of way. I mean this video is being played on major news networks, streamed online, tweeted and re-tweeted, and posted on hundreds of blogs. It is a virus, and it shows the worst of the pagan community.

Did he have to shake a dog-headed rattle at a skull? I mean, really, did he have to dress in a Count Dracula style cape with a visible cross? (Not a crucifix, but do YOU think the average Christian is going to tell the difference between an equal armed cross and a perversion of their sacred symbol? Methinks not, and methinks, also, that Day is probably counting on that.) Did they have to break out a machete sized athame? Did he have to have several news agencies there to videotape and photograph the event?

Answer: Of course he did. He is a media whore, dear Rioter, and this is what they do.

However, I would like to use Day as an example. An example of all those times when podcasters/bloggers say they hate when folks get in front of the camera with their fairy wings or goth get-up, spouting off all sorts of bullshit about the right way to use terms like 'warlock,' 'goddess,' and 'high priest.' For, dear Rioter, I know that I - and several other podkin and bloggers - have gotten much criticism and hate mail for saying that I'd rather normal, functioning adults be put in front of the camera, should the need allow.

I never mean that we cannot dress how we want when we go to parties, functions, conventions, gatherings, etc. We should have a time of play and frivolity. But to purposely seek out the media, and then to go in front of the world dressed up like he is and saying what he says, he sets our entire community and cause back generations. Goodness gracious! He put the video of his poorly put together and rather sad ritual under the Entertainment category on YouTube! This calls into serious question the reason why he would make such a video or launch such a media campaign.

Yes, there are plenty of folks in the media (mostly fictional) who come off as nice, normal people that just happen to be witches. But, given that our community is quite small by comparison, and given that we are such a solitary and secretive people, the greater community is rarely given a glimpse into the lives of real pagans. Of the folks next door. And, we can say to one another all day long, "Pagans are the lawyers, teachers, retail workers, cops, doctors, etc. in your community. They're normal, average, everyday people just like you and me," but if that message is only reaching a mostly pagan ear, then it is moot. It is meaningless.

What upsets me is that a resounding cry has gone out all across the internet by pagans against Day. But, none of those voices are being heard, at least, not on the level Day has reached thus far. There is not an equal and opposite voice in the mainstream media, welcoming cameras and newscasters into their living rooms. There is no soccer mom witch who is on CNN saying, "Look! See! I am a normal, functioning member of society that looks and acts and dreams just like you. I just happen to be pagan."

And I realize that most of the time when I (or those like me) say these kinds of things, we are met with extreme amounts of criticism. How dare you say I have to be normal! How dare you tell me I have to act or dress a certain way. How dare you act like you're better than me! None of those are the case, unless you also happen to be a Pagan Media Whore. If you are not actively seeking out cameras, reporters, or general fame by being an outrageous, ludicrous, incorrect stereotype, then let your freak flag fly! I say do what you want in the privacy of your home or your community. But, if you are choosing to put yourself out there as the face of the pagan community, which is exactly what Day is attempting to do, then you should have the decency to not make us look like stark raving mad D&D playing, LARPer wannabe, costumed social rejects who cast spells on sitcom actors!

Christian Day is the exception in the pagan community. Not all of us are like that. We know this, but the rest of the population does not. He gives those of us that hold down good jobs and don't dress like everyday is Halloween a very, very bad name. Honestly, I have to say, I pity him.

However, Rioters, Day might make you $1,000 richer! This is what all those Word of the Day segments have been for! Recently, on Day's Facebook page, he offered a $1,000 reward to anyone that can prove to him that 'warlock' doesn't mean 'oath-breaker.' Of course, he puts several caveats in there in order to make sure you cannot claim the prize. Such as, one must take into historical context 'why' the word means 'oath-breaker,' and not merely that the word means what it means. BUT!!! I feel we Rioters should take this as a challenge! If we win the money, I say we put it towards a feast at the Supermoot for all podkin and listeners who can attend - on Day, of course.

Quick question: Do you feel Christian Day falls into the category of legitimate pagan, or does he fall into the 'playgan' category? I'm not sure where I stand right now. He certainly looks one way, but he has definitely dedicated himself to another. Just curious...

If you can stomach watching them, the videos are below - both by Day and the edited version the rest of the world saw.

Love and Lyte,

source here http://goo.gl/9hnaZ1

Fire Lyte

September 3, 2014

Beware Christian Day, Pagan Predator

I had just logged in to make a post, and got word of something that I need to pass along. My original post will have to wait for another time.
I want to warn everyone about a tool named Christian Day, a member of the Salem pagan scene who has recently started posting private information about people publicly, including real names. When one of the women he outed informed him that she used a pseudonym because of a deranged, violent stalker, he replied “I hope your stalker has some fun with you,” and “Oh, and by the way, if he rapes you please call out my name while he does so.”
As far as I am concerned, that makes him an attempted rapist. I advise you all to share no troth, or personal information, with this tool.
Mr. Day, you are a nidhling. A contemptuous, honorless troll. Three ises I give thee, and three thurses too. Let all wights hear this nidhing, and give you no peace until you make amends.

source here : https://goo.gl/ehD7kq

Appalling, offensive, and intolerable

Appalling, offensive, and intolerable

9/3/2014

I'm a bit at a loss for words right now. A couple of colleagues and then my partner just shared with me an online exchange that frankly makes the contents of my stomach roil -- and I've been on the receiving end of quite a bit of misogynistic and/or virulent attacks. My partner has written about the specifics here, and provides a screen cap of the offensive comments.

Basically, we have a self-styled "elder" (though I can hardly think of anyone who deserves that appellation less and he's certainly no one of worth, let alone an elder, in any tradition that I practice) Christian Day who recently 'outed' a number of witches in an online forum for working under pseudonyms. When one of these women contacted him pointing out that she was being stalked and harassed to particularly dangerous levels and that she used a pseudonym for her safety, he not only dismissed her comments, but went on to say that he hoped her stalker was successful and that she should call out his (Christian's) name when she was being raped.

Yes. you read that correctly.

This is vile, disgusting, unconscionable.

This is completely unacceptable in any human being but it is especially so in someone who claims a leadership position. Elders and leaders have a sacred trust to their traditions and to their people. Making himself and his co-religionists a laughing stock over an actor's intoxicated rambles is one thing, this is quite another.

I really hope for the sake of Paganism that there is a massive outcry over this and that he faces consequences from his own people. Those in the traditions he practices deserve better in their leaders. So what are you going to do? 


Edit: Wayland Skallagrimson chimes in most emphatically here.

source here: http://goo.gl/ObRVLi

Another day, another BNP behaving badly.

Posted on 09/03/2014 by thehouseofvines

Following on the heels of Z. Budapest’s incendiary remarks, news is circulating that Christian Day, a prominent figure in the Salem, Mass. occult and pagan scene you may remember from his attempt to curse Charlie Sheen, has been sharing people’s private information in a public venue. When contacted by one of the people he “outed” who explained that among the many reasons she used a pseudonym was to elude a violent and threatening stalker, the “world’s best-known warlock” responded as follows:

Yes, you read that correctly. This guy actually said:

I hope your stalker has some fun with you.

As well as:

Oh, and by the way, if he rapes you, please call out my name while he does so.

I am sickened beyond words. This vile creature’s ego is so bloated with hubris that he believes not only that speaking to an abuse-survivor in such a way is permissible but that he will suffer no consequences, either professionally or magically, for doing so.
Perhaps it’s time to show him otherwise.

Source here: https://goo.gl/Yz0lQ9

A Stand Against Abuse

Polytheist.Com Update  — Release Delay: A Stand Against Abuse

Our long-awaited and very exciting launch of Polytheist.com — a new online hub dedicated to Polytheist community dialog, discussion, theology, writing and movements — was delayed briefly early this week due to some technology related issues, which have since been resolved. However, while we prepared for our launch, a very disturbing thing took place that rippled across various spiritual, magical, and religious circles on the internet. Amidst one of many online controversies and disagreements, a prominent leader, voice, and business owner of the occult and broad pagan community both online and in the cities of Salem, MA and New Orleans, LA, took it upon himself to “dox” a few dozen internet users involved in the other side of an argument, taking actions to release their public identities to the internet (and stripping them of their pseudonyms, magical aliases, and religious names). When one of these — who is one of our columnists here at Polytheist.com — communicated that she employed an alias online in order to protect herself and her young children from a violent predator, this prominent community leader and business owner responded with a statement of bemused sadism so vile I will not repeat it here.

What followed was several days of important community dialog, at least two radio shows dedicated to discussing this (and other recent issues in religious and spiritual leadership unbefitting of our — or any — communities), and innumerable blogs, Tumblr discussions, and private discourses around the subject of exactly why using the language of violent sexual assault against another human being — especially a woman who has just expressed very real concerns for the physical safety of her young children — is never, ever going to be okay. It doesn’t matter how angry you are. It doesn’t matter what “led up to” that point. It is never acceptable for anyone — especially a person claiming titles of leadership and influence — to say these things.

Our community took to the internet and championed this message. An apology was issued, a response to the apology was issued, and — most importantly — the victim of this criminal and morally unforgivable act was heard, respected, honored.

I got to know this courageous woman more closely than I could have expected to, over the last few days, and spent a lot of time in conversation and support with her. I saw fear, stood witness through terror and tears, and watched a person I am proud to count amongst this site’s growing team, champion herself and the rights of all women, mothers, children, and survivors of all stripes. I watched integrity happen, and I watched this set of transformations take place in a backdrop of humility, hesitation, concern, shame, dignity and a torrent of frantic emotions around a transition from hidden anonymity to public spectacle and “outed” identity.

This last word is an important one: identity. It is what this site is all about, in some pretty literal ways: space for the right to differentiate and self identify our religious selves, practices, movements, communities, in safety and unmolested dignity, grace and foundational respect. The very act of stripping a person or a group of their right to identity is counter to everything in Polytheist movements and efforts, just as it is counter to basic human rights. It is a disgusting violation unbecoming of any community in any land or context anywhere in our world. Assaults on identity are used in torture and interrogation and confinement practices to fundamentally strip a person of their own human dignity, Will, and voice. These assaults will never be tolerated on our watch. As a hub providing space for Polytheists of a diverse set of configured identities and places — including two columnists who are literally absent freedom as they write from present terms in state prisons — we will endeavor to champion the cause of the rights of devoted Will, and of voice, and of the gods-given and gods-guarded dignity of identity.

In light of all of this, we have delayed the launch of our site, in order to not allow its unveiling to distract from the important discussions that happened around this very important issue and the events associated with it.

Please join us early next week as we take our site live, with an initial release of ten Polytheist columns, which will each be updated in weekly and monthly intervals. Our bold and diverse team of regular columnists is over two-dozen strong, and these voices will join the site in sequence following our initial launch, with new and exciting columns slotted for release in regular intervals.

– Administrative Team of Polytheist.com

webmaster @ polytheist (dot) com

source here 

http://goo.gl/vyd7pg

Christian Day Warlock flushed down toilet

Christian Day Warlock flushed down toilet
 Posted in Satanism
by satanicviews
   Christian Day is a self-described warlock in the pagan community, who considers himself more Satanic than Satanists, offers an interesting case study of a fame hungry fraud who destroyed himself when encouraging rapists to rape women much to the anger of all his customers in the pagan community. Christian Day built up his personal brand of fantasy through manipulation of the gullible US media rather like the Satanic Temple has done, building up a successful business and personal reputation amongst the pagans and other dabblers of the occult. Based in Salem USA, the location of famous witch trials, Christian Day enjoyed riding around the city in full warlock regalia on his motorbike whilst pitching himself to the world as the chief spokesperson of all pagans. Christian Day in recent years made US headlines with a public cursing ceremony of Charlie Sheen for daring to describe himself as a warlock, and has claimed he now owns the warlock brand with his own unique definition of the word. Though in the context Daniel Defoe uses warlock in his 1726 The History of the Devil he describes a warlock as a male witch: “Of the Tools the Devil works with, (viz.) Witches, Wizards or Warlocks, …” (CHAP. IX) Note Defoe lists witches, followed by wizards and the key word “or” to link wizards and warlocks together. It is unfortunately the case that mostly all pantomime pagans or Satanists like Christian Day are theatrical clowns who are largely ignorant about the paths they parade about in clothed in their Halloween costumes. Pagans love their female goddess archetypes so the worst thing a self-described pagan can do is to encourage people to rape women as Christian Day did during a trollish flame war between himself and other pagans. Feeling it was his moral duty Christian Day has been outing fellow witches by publishing their personal details on the internet, and in one case of an individual claiming to be stalked he said: “I hope your stalker has some fun with you… Oh, and by the way, if he rapes you, please call out my name while he does so.” One thing a business brand does not do is upset its customers, and Christian Day managed to achieve a spectacular torpedo strike against his own business when he upset the pagan community, his potential customers, when he encouraged the rape of women. I know that some pagans feel they are better than us Satanists, but then I see this clown Christian Day, and I ask “really?”

 Source Here 

http://goo.gl/vyd7pg

So This Thing Happened . . .

The On-going Spiritual Saga of the Witch, Photographer, Artist, and Poet Amorella Moon.

So this is a thing that happened… Christian Day, a pagan writer and store owner, sent me this love letter after outing my account name on Facebook. Like many people who have an alias on facebook, I have a rather good reason for doing so. (I have a... So this is a thing that happened… Christian Day, a pagan writer and store owner, sent me this love letter after outing my account name on Facebook. Like many people who have an alias on facebook, I have a rather good reason for doing so. (I have a Meatspace stalker, who use to mail me bits of dead things, and threaten my children, because he wanted me to bear only HIS children. It was a living nightmare that I lived for over six months.) Alas… I was not very happy with Mr. Day for this, and told him so. This screenshot shows his response. You are not misreading that. He actually said “…if he rapes you, please call out my name while he does.” Facebook has been less than helpful during all this… As a matter of fact, they have sided with HIM, yanking my post with this screenshot on it, and putting my account on a 24 hour hold for “Harassment.” of Mr. Day. I have… No real game plan at this point, other than not allowing this to go unseen by the many Pagans on the web. I have had such an outpouring of support from my friends and the general pagan community on facebook that it honestly made me cry. On another note, I have had to un-relax, knowing my stalker is still out there and can find me now. But, I will not back down. This shit IS NOT OK for our so called “Pagan Leaders” to do. Rock on my Beauties… Pass this along if you wish, repost it everywhere, and let us not allow this “Man” to have a moment peace until he answers for what he has done.

Source Here 

http://goo.gl/vyd7pg