Real Ones~ )O(

I am not a witch, at the moment I don't think I'm developed enough. This life chosen I am not good at plants and things of nature, but I do love nature, I can feel its radiance and respect it, love it for its gift to me. Or, maybe I just prefer to think of myself as more "wizardly." LOL who knows!



At any rate, I do see a time when I would love to see us altogether for a lovely weekend of visiting. AutumnSwan you seem to have the spot in your mind, and I can feel it. And Hilly, there's still that powderpuff fun shot that we need to do!



I do feel very close to you, my friends, and I am grateful for each one of you and your divinity.

I rather wish I had other witches with whom I got along. My brushes with the local pagan community? didn't click.

I'm afraid having my wife turn into a flaming atheist was a major drag on my own practice, as if I want to do stuff I can't even tell her.

I still fondly remember when she and I celebrated Samhein out in the backyard...I played the God, she the Goddess...



I miss that. I miss that too. We're growing apart. *sadness*

This deserves a proper answer.

I'll come back to it when I'm nnot tired.

Hi ladies I enjoyed your posts on things witch and Pagan. I actually took a class a few years ago for begining witches it was nice but I found it difficult to be a by myself practioner. I would like to read your posts in the area if it's ok. I guess the witch/ crone is part of your name Hilly. I didn't understand why you would call yourself a crone when you are so pretty.

You have really touched a chord here Hilly. I have always held to the tenet "to dare, to will, to know, to keep silence." Keeping silence may have had an element of self protection within it, but it has also revealed it's own wisdom over time. The few self proclaimed witches and pagans I have met have tended to be somewhat sensational and I have "felt" (I may have been wrong though) that they were rather superficial in their beliefs. The anonimity of EP has been a perfect vehicle for learning more about people before moving closer to them. I have at long last found a few like minded friends and it has enriched my life immeasurably.

Autumn's phrase "strong, warm presence" sums things up so well. And coffee with you of course! Blessings.

It is nice to have a group of fellow Witches, or Pagans, to have fellowship with. You'd be surprised at the numbers of us in plain sight.



I'm not Goth or desire to be something I've seen only in movies.



Being in the presence of our fellow witches is truly special. You can chat and maybe compare notes. No one will think you're odd. Learning the Craft is a life long process. It is truly the DIY religion. Liberation anyone?

I too have often longed to have fellow witches near by to gather with occasionally on sabbats, full moons or simply invite to sit in my home and share coffee and chatter with about the vast knowledge there is to learn about our craft. In the past I've mentioned to you there have been times during sabbats or rituals I feel the presence of a few of my EP sister near by; perhaps the energy from their craft has drifted over time and distance drawn to mine and mine to theirs. How marvelous would that be, if that were the case? There are four comfy chairs around the firepit in my garden, and while I enjoy a fire on a crisp evening, stars appearing like hundreds of twinkling diamonds overhead, I would enjoy it so much more, if my crone witch sisters were joining me. Perhaps one day we will all met, even if for just one grand gathering to celebrate the moon or sabbat, but mostly to float in the company of kindred spirits.



There have been a few local witchy gatherings I have observed from a distance, but truthfully, I'm low key in my appearance and life style; I'm not goth, pseudo-vampire, funky smelling aging hippy chick or dower hag clad only in head to toe black, which frankly is not especially practical in the South during the summer when the temperature reaches 100º and the humidity is at 70% by late morning. Not to mention dealing with "personal summers" aka hot flashes while clad in layers of black. No, I might pass more like a middle aged Delta Gamma sorority sister in light colored linen, simple, neutral make-up and an ever present pleasant expression on my face.



In the five to eight years since I have completely immersed myself in learning all there is to know about this craft, I have felt utterly liberated and free, knowing I'm home at last. So many of the "customs" my grandmother and mother followed are so deeply rooted in Paganism, I wish they were alive to ask them questions. Oddly, I see some my son following in my foot steps in small ways, and this pleases me.



I arrived at EP battered from a bad experience on a large pagan web site, where people were belittled and attacked by some of the admins for not following "their" version of Paganism and witchcraft. Really? Did you learn this from flinty Christians who believe it's our way or the highway? It was stupid and boring, much like a gaggle of mean middle school girls. Then I met many of my fellow Pagans here, and came to know a welcoming, eclectic group of people I have come to enjoy and admire a great deal.



Those who know me on EP, know I'm grateful for the strong, warm presence of my fellow sister witches, as well as a few brothers like CrazyWaterSpring. By nature, I'm reserved and keep my distance, but feel a genuine closeness and fondness for many of you, and I'm truly grateful that you Hilly, and a few others are a part of my life.



Thank you for being a genuine spirit. Blessings to you all~