Sources: http://realpagan.net/profiles/blogs/pagan-meme;http://gleewood.org/threshold/2011/02/17/a-pause-for-some-background/#more-1124
Please describe briefly your Path:
The technical term for my path I suppose would be "Solitary Eclectic Non-Religio-Specific Pagan Witch". I'm eclectic because I incorporate elements from other belief systems into my own created belief system; I'm a solitary because I have no groups or covens in which I work with. Somewhat my choice because I like to work alone, however it's also not by choice as I have yet to find a group or coven in my area that won't take a tank of gas to get to. I refer to myself as being "Non-Religio-Specific" because I don't follow any specified religion. As stated above, I incorporate elements of other systems into my own, and some of those elements come from Native belief systems as well as other Pagan religions including Wicca. I don't follow any ONE religion, but a conglomeration of different ones including my own personal spiritual beliefs. I am Pagan because my path is nature oriented, and Pagan rooted. And I am a Witch simply because I practice Witchcraft.
Please describe briefly how you practice it:I practice in a variety of ways. While I believe in a Goddess, I will honor her through nightly prayers and semi-monthly ritual celebrations (though I am inconsistent in this because full and dark moons fall at times when I can't always practice alone). There will be times when I will participate in spell work or other craft related..."craftings" (lol).
When did you first commit to your Path?
I don't have the exact date committed to memory as through my path, I came to it on and off for a variety of...personal reasons. I will say that it is roughly about 10 years that I have been practicing.
How is your practice different now than it was then?When I started I was incredibly naive. I wanted the powers I seen in movies and thought that I could gain such powers, even in an instant. I quickly realized that these powers weren't real, however that didn't diminish my desire to learn more and practice. I wanted to know what it really entailed and properly practice. At the time I was a Wiccan and attempted proper Wiccan practices...however after time, I realized that numerous beliefs and ethics didn't sit well with me so I "evolved" (for lack of a better world) into my own interpretation. Now, I don't hold guilty thoughts when I cast for negative reasons and realize that what I put out **May** return, but I don't believe it returns in any pre-set form, nor do I believe that one can outright prevent doing any type of harm...period.
Is your practice different today than how you thought it would be back then?
Sort of. Back when I started I thought it was something I should keep secret...today there are so many people who are VERY open about their beliefs. Personally I'm not necessarily hiding, but I'm also not bragging about my beliefs either.
What is your heritage and how do
es this inform your Path?
I'm of Native Canadian Ancestry as well as of Irish heritage (with perhaps other ancestry mixed in there somewhere). Much of my knowledge of Native beliefs and practices are somewhat incorporated into my practices...I have always believed in animism (that everything has a soul), reverence for nature, some knowledge of healing and sacred "medicine" plants and the belief in a Creator. Recent discoveries (thanks to my father) have revealed to me the perhaps pre-destiny of my Pagan path, in that family members on my fathers side were Druids; the belief in Celtism somewhat intrigued me in the beginning, but not much of it has stayed with me (at least that I can recognize at this moment).
I'm of Native Canadian Ancestry as well as of Irish heritage (with perhaps other ancestry mixed in there somewhere). Much of my knowledge of Native beliefs and practices are somewhat incorporated into my practices...I have always believed in animism (that everything has a soul), reverence for nature, some knowledge of healing and sacred "medicine" plants and the belief in a Creator. Recent discoveries (thanks to my father) have revealed to me the perhaps pre-destiny of my Pagan path, in that family members on my fathers side were Druids; the belief in Celtism somewhat intrigued me in the beginning, but not much of it has stayed with me (at least that I can recognize at this moment).
The main influences of my path are elements of Wicca and Traditional Witchcraft. Because I started my path with Wicca, much of the practices stayed with me (but much of the ethics left). I also go with intuitive practices and beliefs, that which I believe were practices centuries ago by "country dwellers" and forested Witches. Just because these are my interpretations of Witchcraft DOESN'T make them wrong!!!
Which do you do more: practice or research?
At this point, I do more research and study than I do practice...only because I have two small children who do not allow me to have time to myself, as well as a husband who must know what I'm doing all the time (I can assure my readers, i
t's not that he's controlling, it's that he's nosey).
However, I don't mind so much of this. I like to learn. I'm always on the look out for new things to learn. Soon enough I will be able to get back into practice as my youngest will be going to school soon and I will have quiet times for myself to re-begin practice.
Do you feel that one is more important than
the other?
No. I think each bring unique properties to the table. Research teaches the practitioner new and interesting ways of practising their craft or belief. Practice allows the practitioner to hone and perfect their craft so that they can do them flawlessly.
No. I think each bring unique properties to the table. Research teaches the practitioner new and interesting ways of practising their craft or belief. Practice allows the practitioner to hone and perfect their craft so that they can do them flawlessly.
What values and ethics are important on your Path and in your practice?
I'd say the most important ethic to me is that of responsibility. While I'm not always the one to put up my hand when I've done something wrong, I am learning that any actions I do are my own doing and if anything goes wrong as a result of those actions, I must take responsibility. It's a learning process and I am human.
I'd say the most important ethic to me is that of responsibility. While I'm not always the one to put up my hand when I've done something wrong, I am learning that any actions I do are my own doing and if anything goes wrong as a result of those actions, I must take responsibility. It's a learning process and I am human.
My practice goes through the cycles of practice vs. study. There will be times I will go through periods of only study, others I will go through periods of practice. It would be nice if I could go through a period of both at the same time.
What is one of the greatest obstacles or struggles you have had to over come?
The biggest struggle I have (and currently still struggle with it) is my ability to not care what people think about my practice (particularly my husband). I know I have the right to believe what I want; I have freedom of religion and belief, but
things aren't that simple. To have to explain every detail of what I do takes up too much time and energy to have to do that on a daily basis. Again, with my husband being nosey, I'd have to explain what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, the fact that it's "weird" and that I'm a "weirdo" for doing it doesn't help me with my practice, particularly this practice that NEEDS confidence in order to work. With a nagging husband giving me negativity such as that, leads to more and more unsuccessful practice sessions...perhaps another reason why I'm in a cycle of study rather than practice
How do you see yourself practicing in ten years?
I would hope to be practising openly and regularly, perhaps teaching my children that Christianity is not the only path out there and that it ISN'T the only belief system out there that's right.
How do you incorporate your practice into your life?
At this point I pray and celebrate some esbats when I am able. I research local plant life growing in my area and am attempting to make my own essential oils for use in spell and ritual work.
At this point I pray and celebrate some esbats when I am able. I research local plant life growing in my area and am attempting to make my own essential oils for use in spell and ritual work.
Has walking your Path changed you as a person?
I like to believe I have gained somewhat more confidence with myself...I'm more opinionated and open, especially when I ask for strength from my Goddess. I feel less guilty when I do things and have actual thoughts and reasons for the negative things that happen in my life other than "The Devil caused/did it"
I like to believe I have gained somewhat more confidence with myself...I'm more opinionated and open, especially when I ask for strength from my Goddess. I feel less guilty when I do things and have actual thoughts and reasons for the negative things that happen in my life other than "The Devil caused/did it"
Do you consider yourself to be a priest/ess? How so?
Being the only practitioner in my particular path, I suppo
Being the only practitioner in my particular path, I suppo
se I would be, however I don't feel I have enough study or practice to warrant carrying such a title.
A witch? How so?
I DO consider myself a Witch merely because I practice Witchcraft. I don't consider myself Wiccan as I don't adhere to the main ethical formats of the religion, but I fall under the Pagan umbrella.
I DO consider myself a Witch merely because I practice Witchcraft. I don't consider myself Wiccan as I don't adhere to the main ethical formats of the religion, but I fall under the Pagan umbrella.
A shaman? How so?
No. I don't consider myself a Shaman. I have my own opinions as to what a Shaman is, and that belief doesn't reflect a lot of other people's beliefs, however I
do not practice a Shamanic lifestyle, as by my definition, I would need a lot of personalized training
Which matters more: getting the vocabulary right or the actual practice of what we are trying to define?I...don't...really think either matters more. Both are important yes, but not mandatory. Lately I have been having troubles with my speech (my brain thinks faster than my mouth can move), so I sometimes mess up what I'm trying to say, and sometimes I get forgetful and forget key components of my rituals, be it candles, cauldron, needed ingredients/herbs/oils/etc... so I have to stop what I'm doing to get these items. So long as the underlying meaning is there, and I ultimately complete what I'm doing, how it's done and
what I say don't really matter to me.
One of the most profound things anyone ever said to you was:
I'll have to come back to this one
I'll have to come back to this one
A defining moment on your Path was:
The death of my son. That was the point I knew I needed something more. I needed more answers, and Christianity wasn't willing to give me those answers. They just wanted me to accept that it was "God's Will" and be done with it, and that wasn't enough for me
Have you ever taken a “leap of faith”?
At this point? I don't think so.
I've burned myself with candle wax. I was attempting meditation and a sales person came to my door. It scared the hell out of me and I rushed to blow out my candles. In my haste I gathered up my candles to put them away and spilled liquid wax on my hand. It hurt like hell, lol. Did I learn my lesson? Yes. Practice in a private room...not in the open, like in my living room, lmao.
What is the most frustrating thing about your Path?
The fact that it's not widely accepted, that I can't simply live my path without overly opinionated people trying to convince me my path is a one way ticket
The fact that it's not widely accepted, that I can't simply live my path without overly opinionated people trying to convince me my path is a one way ticket
to hell.
Have you ever been frightened?
Absolutely. Even today I sometimes am frightened by my own practices, but that's just because echoing former beliefs seep to the surface.
Can you perform ritual without a script?
Because I don't regularly practice, I must continue with a script. I am in the processes of putting my rituals into some sort of book form so that it's easier for me to read during ritual, until I learn it all by heart.
Have you ever preformed spontaneous magick/spellcraft?
I have, but even that had to be structured, and took some time for me to perform.
Have you ever preformed spontaneous magick/spellcraft?
I have, but even that had to be structured, and took some time for me to perform.
What are you still exploring or experimenting with?
Spell work. I would like to practice more spell work but can't think of reasons to practice them for.
What (or whom) are you the most committed to in your practice and on your Path?
Perfection of my path. Educating myself and others on what Witchcraft (and yes even Wicca) actually is.
Unnecessary but are nice to have. I love utilizing tools in practice because it makes me feel powerful. I can practice perfectly well without them but given the choice, I'd probably choose using my tools
Magickal tools are …
Magickal tools are …
See above
Seeking personal power is …
Important. Without it, my path is useless.
Seeking personal power is …
Important. Without it, my path is useless.
Politics and your Path are …
Incompatible.
Incompatible.
One thing you wish people would understand about your Path and/or practice is:
That it's nothing evil, nor is it what's shown on tv or in movies. Witches aren't evil; Witches have no supernatural powers; symbols have no inherent powers of their own; spell work isn't done merely to bring demise and destitution to people's lives, etc.
Do you teach?
No. I don't feel I have gained enough knowledge to teach. Other's may feel differently, but I wouldn't know where to start.
What do you feel is the role of clergy in modern Paganism and Heathenism?
The role of Clergy in any belief system is roughtly the same...to provide spiritual assistance when needed
The role of Clergy in any belief system is roughtly the same...to provide spiritual assistance when needed
When the Veil (or Hedge!) is thin, how does that feel to you?
I'm not sure. I don't recognize that the Veil is thinned at a particular time, however Samhain (October 31) has always felt like a powerful night to me. I always feel a burst of energy whenever Halloween/Samhain comes around.
I'm not sure. I don't recognize that the Veil is thinned at a particular time, however Samhain (October 31) has always felt like a powerful night to me. I always feel a burst of energy whenever Halloween/Samhain comes around.
What entities do you work with most? (ancestors, gods, fae etc)
Currently the only entity I work with is my Goddess, Hecate. At times I work with the elements but that's only during circle castings and ritual work.
Currently the only entity I work with is my Goddess, Hecate. At times I work with the elements but that's only during circle castings and ritual work.
I hold respect for it, however I don't connect to it as often as I should.
The main purpose of ritual is:
The most important aspect of ritual is:
Belief, concentration, focus
I don't really use any form of divination. I dabbled in pendulum dowsing, and attempt to read Tarot now and then, but have far from perfected those crafts.
What was the most difficult book you ever read? (Either difficult to understand or hard to face what it said or both)Raymond Buckland's "Complete Book of Witchcraft". For some reason I cannot get past the tools. I also cannot get through Phyllis Currott's "WitchCrafting". I just find both books difficult to read.
Scott Cunningham's "Wicca" and "Living Wicca", as well as "The Complete Idiots Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft" I find these books to be the most easiest to read and comprehend books out there...especially for those freshly new.
What is you favourite podcast (if any) and favourite blog (other than your own)?I don't listen to podcasts, nor do I have a favorite blog.
If you could impart only one last piece of wisdom or knowledge, or share one experience with the world at large, what would it
be?That Witchcraft and other Pagan religions are just as fulfillin
g as any of the three major abrahamic belief systems. Everyone has their own beliefs and those beliefs don't always reflect what another may believe. Let everyone believe what they believe. They don't need you trying to "save" their soul. Doing so does nothing for either party...it doesn't guarantee you the seat next to Jesus, nor does it necessarily save anyones soul from anything they themselves have created within.
Please finish this meme with a picture, image or photograph of some sort:
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| Artist unknown |
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