A High School Spanish teacher in Texas is suspended without pay after his arrest for 'unlawful restraint,' after forcing two students into a classroom against their will and refusing to allow them to leave. The reason? According to the teacher, he feared the girls were witches and would place a spell on him. (here's hoping they hexed the pants off him)

Another odd story involving witchcraft accusations.

"Legitimating" tales of Satanic black cat sacrifice proves difficult for this reporter, especially when shelter spokespeople won't cooperate.

Rituals planned for Halloween by Satanists in have Brisbane locals in a tizzy, including official warnings from the ASPCA against animal sacrifice.

Pagans in the news

Pagans in South Africa are fighting for the legal right to perform marriages. What's most surprising to me in this article that's otherwise spare on detail is the claim that South Africa has 20,000 pagans.

A brief write-up of a Druid wedding at the Gorsedd stones.

The Toronto Star gives a nice account of the broom's witchy history.

The LA Times has a nice overview of the Wicca Vs the VA issue.

The "Western Bible" pokes some holes in hypocrites who flaunt the scripture while ignoring its central message; inconvenient bits like Jesus' exhortations to aid the poor have been clipped out.

More: Wild About Wicca, Pagans Unite

Vampire Culture

A self-proclaimed Vamp outlines the differences between various vampire 'lifestyles,' although I'm clueless as to why the author seems to link the vampire craze with the 'Musters.' (Um, Anne Rice, anyone?)

Religious Discrimination?

A woman in Illinois is suing her hometown after being forced to display a religiously themed sticker on her car, while a British Airways employee is suing after being fired for refusing to remove her crucifix.

Low Key

Jains in Vancouver take a less festive approach to the autumn holiday Diwali than their Hindu and Sikh neighbors.

Links:

Kenneth Anger: "Occult Hero "

In the Forum: Incubbi and succubi