Pagans set up in Christian-dominated Midstate

In the city of churches, there's a new congregation in town. Its numbers are small, but its gods are many.

The Many Rivers Grove is the latest enclave of pagans in a city where their Bible-Belt bashfulness is fading.

"There's a ton of pagans in Nashville," says Andi Houston, an organizer of the grove (or congregation). "I've found Nashville to be very open and welcoming."

The summer sun is high, and so are pagan spirits. Local celebrations are set for next week's midsummer solstice. Many Rivers Grove hosts a family-friendly celebration at Long Hunter State Park in Hermitage today and Sunday.

Other local celebrations can be found at www.witchvox.com, a worldwide database of pagan gatherings and ideas (see "events"). Full Story

Related: religion, wicca, pagan, spells