On April 23, after 10 years of campaigning by the Pagan community, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved the pentacle for use on Pagan headstones.

The approval came as the result of a lawsuit brought by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Circle Sanctuary on behalf of two Circle Sanctuary members, both widows of war veterans. The VA had a list of 38 approved symbols which could be put on veterans' headstones after their deaths, including multiple symbols for Christianity, some for non-mainstream religions like Baha'i and Eckanar, and even an atom representing athiesm. However, multiple applications for the pentacle by the families of Wiccan soldiers were either denied outright or put on hold under years of red tape.  

Work day two was another success! We moved more piles of refuse, but still had time for touring the site, dreaming, and discussions of the future. We have an extremely long way to go, but each time I touch the project, I am more convinced than the last time that this is going to all come together with time and persistence!  (Click on the photo for a gallery of images.)

Starting on April 23, Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections shut down 16 storefront fortunetellers across the city, sending a wave of alarm through the professional and amateur readers of the Delaware Valley. 

A spokesperson for L & I told the Philadelphia Inquirer that they began the crackdown after the Philadelphia police "came to us a few days ago and showed us where the crime code prohibits psychic readings. We looked into it, and it's clearly illegal. I was surprised."

The Pennsylvania state law prohibiting fortunetelling "for gain or lucre" has been on the books since the 1970s. Why the police developed a sudden interest in shutting down psychics is unclear. 

Here's a few quotes and details regarding a report of our first courtyard and community garden workday at the Phactory site.  People from all walks of life came down to get involved in the community garden/space phase of the project. Consisting largely of members of DVPN, and a few others -- people came from all over philly, the burbs, and even as far as central jersey..

Our next workday is Sunday the 27th of April.  There are many ways to participate.  If you want to see the Please Take Materials Exchange reborn, it is imperative that you get involved to help make it happen! Please RSVP to me if you intend to come on Sunday and pitch in.  Every little bit helps!  If you are unable to attend on scheduled work days, but still want to be involved, feel free to email me, there are many different ways to lend a hand.