Some of the most memorable parts of 2015 in the Pagan community are celebrated. The historical occultist and court mage John Dee is remembered. And the syncretic nature of Celtic reconstructionist polytheism is examined. It's Watery Wednesday, our weekly segment on news about the Pagan community around the world. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

Over at Patheos, Jason Mankey gathers a list of what he thought were some of the best and most memorable people and events of 2015, including categories like "writer of the year" and "festival of the year." You can read the list here.

Perhaps the most famous historical court mage was John Dee, a famed alchemist, astrologer, and spymaster who worked for Queen Elizabeth I of England. The Telegraph takes a look at the fascinating magician and his mysterious library here.

For most, observing Twelfth Night is more a formality than an actual holiday. But that hasn't always been true and it's not true everywhere today. The International Business Times describes how rural English people celebrate Twelfth Night in the modern age, by preserving centuries-old folk traditions.

Is Celtic polytheism inherently syncretic? That's the argument made by P. Sufenas Virius Lupus at Polytheist.com, who writes that Celtic polytheism has always blended traditions and that the modern reconstructionist variety is no different.

Do you use cauldrons in your magical practice? Then witch blogger and writer Tempest would like to hear from you. Check out the call for submissions here.