Mac Friday
New member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2012
- Messages
- 44
Houston County [/IMG]Georgia’s most progressive county</em>,” but practicing your spiritual beliefs in the Centerville city limits, may land you in jail.Courtney Bibb, owner of Energy Among Us, a spiritual bookstore, gift shop, and wellness center in Centerville, GA, is being threatened by the city to stop illegal activities taking place in her store.No, these activities don’t involve drugs, prostitution or gambling. According to Bibb, a former Macon police officer, she is being targeted for practicing her religious beliefs. Her store is accused of violating Centerville’s archaic ordinance, outlawing the practice of psychic reading, fortune telling, palm reading, and other spiritual activities.In a certified letter from the city of Centerville, Ms. Bibb was notified that her business was operating illegally. Ms. Bibb who runs a "spiritual wellness" business claims the City of Centerville is running her out of town because of an unconstitutional ordinance that prohibits "fortunetelling, phrenology, astrology, clairvoyance, palmistry, spiritualism or other kindred practices, businesses or professions where a charge is made or a donation is accepted for the services." Courtney Bibb says she secured a business license and the mayor attended the ribbon-cutting for her shop, Energy Among Us, in February.
Plaintiff operates a business that focuses on spiritual wellness," Bibb says in her federal complaint. "Plaintiff sells books, candles, incense, crystals, tarot cards, angel cards, and other items relating to spiritual wellness and healing.
In addition, plaintiff offers various services related to spiritual wellness, including tarot card readings or therapy, or therapy, palm reading, group meditation, group energy healing, chakra or energy alignment, reflexology, reiki, dream interpretation, and crystal ball readings."
Apparently, things went well The Macon Telegraph ran a story about her in its March 28 edition. The article mentioned a Mind, Body and Spirit Expo that Bibb plans to host this Saturday. This expo will include "sessions and demonstrations on meditation techniques, life coaching, organic gardening and soap making, drum circles, tai chi and reflexology."
On April 12, Bibb says, she received a letter from the Centerville city clerk, stating that her business violates City Ordinance Section 6-1, "Fortunetelling and similar practices prohibited." The clerk told her to close down her business, she says.
Bibb says the letter stated: "A review of your business license application, filled out by you, describes your business as a 'wellness center/bookstore.' Had you disclosed the entire nature of your business at the time you applied for a license, any lack of awareness, or misunderstanding of the applicable city ordinance could have been cleared up." “I’m not allowed to practice spiritualism. No meditation, no prayer, no healing circles…I can’t do any of that.” Bibb told the Sun News.Failure to comply with the city ordinance could allow Centerville to close Bibb's store. Bibb could also face penalties of up to 60 days in jail, if she continues to charge customers for her services.Centerville, GA Mayor John Harley, supports the city’s decision. He charges that Energy Among Us is in violation of city ordinances, and the store's business license is for a wellness center/bookstore, not psychic readings. City officials also believe that Ms. Bibb did not use full disclosure when she applied for her business license.In addition to trying to save her business, Courtney Bibb believes she also needs to take a stand for religious freedom. She is fearful that the city ordinance could be used to persecute any religious or spiritual beliefs that city leaders deem to be inappropriate.Energy Among Us is located at: 100 N. Houston Lake Blvd Suite S, Centerville GA 31028, across from the Galleria Mall.
Rege, Satanas!*Rege, Azazel!*Rege, Amdusias
PRAISE THE Mighty 4 Crowns of Duat!
Al Jilwah
I remember necessary affairs and execute them in due time. I teach and guide those who follow my instructions. If anyone obey me and conform to my commandments, he shall have joy, delight, and comfort.
-Satan
Mac Friday
www.joyofsatan.com