It’s been a wild ride these past few weeks! As you may have heard, a TikTok video featuring one of our talented readers, Misti, bravely and lovingly attempting to deescalate a group of evangelical extremists who mobbed our bookstore and threatened to shut us down went viral. They came directly from Avalon, our neighboring multi-faith store, which was also targeted. This same group has been harassing local Christian churches that affirm LGBTQ+ inclusion.
But here’s what I can joyfully report: while we were the targets of what appears to be a training exercise in harassment and intimidation, we are not victims, nor are we intimidated. We have enhanced our security, we are working with powerful allies in the earthly realm, and we have plenty of spirit guardians handling things on the astral plane, too. And, as it turns out, since we are located in a residential area protests at our store are not lawful and will not be permitted.
While this experience was unsettling, the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our local community and beyond has been a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
For 50 years, Spiral Circle has been a place of coexistence, learning, and celebration of all spiritual paths—including Christian or none at all.
We believe true community is built on respect, curiosity, and care for one another. And while we remain vigilant in the face of intolerance, we refuse to let it distract us from our joyful plans to celebrate 50 years as Orlando’s oldest independent bookstore.
We invite you to stand with us and Manyfest a future where love is the way—every day, in every way—this Saturday at the Manyfestival. This special gathering will be filled with collective dreaming, vision boards, collaborative art, and community magic. Event Details: Eventbrite, Facebook
We’ll also be unveiling the concept for our Tea Garden expansion, a project a year in the making. This event is the first in a three-part series that kicks off Spiral Circle’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary, celebrating five decades of resilience, transformation, and connection.
Please invite your friends and support Spiral Circle as we stand strong on the cusp of expansion. We trust that the very real costs of enhancing security will be made insignificant with your support and the abundance of our loving community.
With gratitude & determination,
Julie Wilder, Owner
& the Spiral Circle Team