We're proud to share an historic announcement - the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) have assumed full management of the Bison Range!
Formerly known as the National Bison Range, the land was restored to the Tribes by the Montana Water Rights Protection Act when signed into law on December 27, 2020.
After a two-year period of transition and continued partnerships with USFWS, the Bison Range is now under full management of CSKT as of January 2, 2022.
“Returning the Bison Range to its people is a momentous occasion, honoring lands, relationships, and conservation successes of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes,” said USFWS Director Martha Williams. “We’ve worked collaboratively with CSKT for many years and look forward to continuing to work together to conserve wildlife. I can’t wait to visit the CSKT’s Bison Range in the future.”
Learn more: http://ow.ly/tbfs50IqFuZ
Photo: Bison and her calf in Montana by Mike Borgreen/USFWS
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the barred owl is a species of owl found primarily through the eastern portion of north america; it has also spread into the western portion, and are sometimes considered invasive there. they prefer mature forest habitats. they prey on a variety of animals, but prefer to hunt small rodents. they are known for their longevity; multiple banded birds have surpassed 20 years of age, and the longest-lived example of the species in captivity was 34 years old.
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Chocolate tube slime, Stemonitis sp., a species of plasmodial slime mold, growing on a log at a nature center in Houston, TX, USA.
photograph by Paxon Kale CC
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[Book Review] New World Witchery, by Cory Thomas Hutcheson
I’ve always enjoyed New World Witchery (the podcast). Here, Cory Hutcheson addresses some of the same subjects, plus more.
The title alone excites. So many works on folk magic focus on Europe and the British Isles. It’s great to see a shift in focus towards the traditions on the left of the Atlantic. It’s also much appreciated by us American witches!
North America’s magical traditions speak to the unique history of the continent. Hutcheson doesn’t shy away from the painful aspects of that history.
We’ve recently seen a (welcome) acknowledgement of colonialism’s psychic trauma. New World Witchery discusses this, and provides resources for further exploration.
This book does mention live animal sacrifice. It’s such a ubiquitous feature of ancient (and some modern) religions. I would’ve found the book incomplete without some mention of it.
The details on it that the author provides are appropriate. New World Witchery doesn’t give any how-to information for animal sacrifice, of course. Still, expect to learn a lot about its history in America.
This book mentions corpses (human) too. For millennia, locks of hair, bits of clothing, etc, have all connected sorcerers to their dearly departed. This book discusses the historical role corpses have played in North American magic. Hutcheson writes respectfully and with nuance, doing justice to this serious topic.
The author admits that magic can veer a person into strange situations. Hutcheson willing dives into the spooky stuff. This is fitting in a book about North American traditions, so many of which connect with local High Strangeness experiences. Mothman wants you to read this book, in other words. I asked him.
I love the author’s look at how secular North American holidays might relate to magical timing. The book also raises questions about the origins of magical materials, like gemstones. I would like to see this topic expounded upon by other authors - I think we, as a community, need to talk about this more.
There’s a lot of folklore in this book - spells, formulas, charms, leaving me with quite the appetite for it. I realize that much more would’ve made the book massive, though. Hutcheson provides ample sources for further reading.
The author’s treatment of recent New World occult phenomena interests me most of all. The book includes instructions for a classic creepypasta game hailing from online haunts. This brought me fond memories of life online in the illustrious mid-2000s. As online occult spaces become increasingly relevant, I love seeing authors address it. This book’s a gem.
Some will question the author’s choice to include a chapter on the Satanic Panic. I find it apt, timely, and important. We currently see the resurgence of a new such fear outbreak, spurred by the likes of Qanon and Pizzagate. Hutcheson shows how modern conspiracy theories often copy older blood libel legends. Not a fun thing to read about, but definitely important!
This is more than a collection of folktales and rituals from the Americas. New World Witchery gives us a vivid, dynamic picture of America’s psychic landscape. I give this book five out of five stars. It’s available from most online book retailers, and I highly recommend it!
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the wood thrush is a common passerine bird throughout much of north america. they are primarily known for the male’s distinctive, often regarded as beautiful, song. they primarily feed on invertebrates, with a preference for earthworms. they are often solitary birds dwelling in deciduous forests, but may forage and feed in mixed-species flocks.
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Is it too soon to talk about the first snow of the season? (Hint: No) ❄️
by @Climatologist49
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