Pagans Stake Claim to Sacred Site

I caught this story via the Sydney Morning Herald. The accompanying photo is just fantastic.

PAGANS STAKE CLAIM TO SACRED SITE Linda Morris Religious Affairs Writer March 10, 2007 Moonstruck … as a thunderstorm rages, a Sydney pagan lights lanterns at the 10th anniversary of the ritual, Full Moon on the Hill. Photo: Steven Siewert ON A darkened hilltop, against a rolling backdrop of electric storms, a group of Sydney pagans gather to celebrate the full moon. Dressed mainly in black, some in hooded cloaks, one in top hat and suit, these adherents of one of Australia's fastest growing religions, stake out their church by placing candles at four compass points, and invoke the four elements of earth, water, fire and air... Full moon holds special reverence, signifying divine feminine influence or heralding a time of enchantment when the universe can allegedly refuse no mortal requests. Sydney's pagans have been meeting at Rotaract Hill near Seven Hills railway station for 10 years and want to formalise their attachment by establishing it as a sacred site. The Pagan Awareness Network wants to apply for a grant to erect four stones representing the four points of the compass at the hill's pinnacle. If approved, the stone circle would become the first official place of pagan worship in Sydney.... [ Full Story ]