For clarification on the duties and definitions of Priest/ess, High Priest/ess, and Ritual Facilitator — My Path to Being a High Priestess. A Priest/ess or High Priest/ess will often function as a ritual facilitator, but a ritual facilitator might not be a Priest/ess or High Priest/ess. A Public Ritual, as I’m going to use it … More How to Facilitate a Public Ritual
“What do Wiccans believe?” That’s a pretty straightforward question. The answer, however, is never as straightforward. “Ask ten different Wiccans that question and you get twelve different answers.” To some people, that’s a sign of what’s wrong with the Wiccan path when compared with other religions, faiths, or spiritual paths. For others, being unable to … More “O” Is For Orthopraxy vs. Orthodoxy
Our world, our cosmos, is full of splendor. It’s both beautiful and terrifying and I’m completely in love with it, but few things compare to the power, allure, and magic of a full moon. At its core, Witchcraft is a natural path of magic. It relies upon a deep love for and understanding of nature, … More “L” Is For Lunar
Festival season for Pagans basically begins in early spring (March) and wraps up in late summer (August), though there are other things going on in the winter as well, and Halloween is especially big with Witches, but I’m sure you knew that already. Festivals can be enormous gatherings with thousands of people attending from all … More “G” Is For Gatherings
“Is [Serpent] coming out to eat with us?” My boyfriend’s mom asked as the family arrived together for a dinner. “No, she is on a fast for tonight and tomorrow.” He told her. His cousin then asked, “A fast? I thought she was a Witch.” “Fasting isn’t just for Christians. Lots of people fast for … More “F” Is For Fasting
When discussing Witchcraft, the word altar conjures all kinds of images and feelings. What is an altar exactly? It is a special, sacred surface that holds your tools or ritual items during your work or act of devotion or ritual. It can be as plain or as elaborate as you want. It can be … More “A” is for Altars
I’ve written previous blog articles about the origins of the Halloween Witch and the explanation for why October 31st is the time between the worlds. Now, I’d like to address some of the confusion and fun with the origins of various holiday customs surrounding Halloween, starting with the Jack O’Lantern. First, a bit of history: … More The Origin of Halloween Customs and Traditions: The Jack O’Lantern
Last night, in a small apartment, my coven re-enacted the battle of the Oak and Holly Kings, and welcomed in the Sun with a ritual celebrating the winter solstice. In our tradition, we refer to the lesser sabbats as “The Albans”. This was the rite of Alban Arthan, also known as Yule, Midwinter, and several … More Welcoming the Sun
Interestingly enough, this is actually one of my top three favorite sabbats. My first favorite is Samhain and second is Beltaine. I’ve said before that the solstices and equinoxes aren’t major holidays in my practice and opinion. They’re important, don’t get me wrong, but important for another reason. Those are the markers that I use … More Imbolc, Brighid, and The Awakening
I wish it were snowing… or snowy. But right now as I look out of my window, the sky is overcast with thick grey and white clouds and a strong wind has been knocking the bare lilac branches against my window for a few days now. For me, this time of year is very … More The Winter Solstice
The Keeper's Path 