Interview, The Thrid!

Hello again, Hetshepsit here with another interview. Today we’re talking with Rose, a fellow pagan blogger who has stuck with me since right near the beginning. She runs the blog “Spirit Phoenix: The Fire Deep Within”, a blog that talks about all sorts of topics. So, if I can get started, how long have you been a Pagan?
Hmm. I've always been interested in the occult, new age, paganism, etc. I guess it's just because it was something different. I remember checking out books from the library on any and every topic. (Luckily, my Mom didn't have any problems with those topics.) But officially, I'd say since about April 2005.

There are a lot of different types of Pagan, what would you classify yourself as?
I typically call myself an eclectic pagan. I actually lean more towards Taoism and Paganism. So...Eclectic pagan with Taoist tendencies

Being eclectic means you can really customize your path, which I’ve talked a lot about on my blog. Can you describe Taoism for my readers who have maybe never heard of the term?
Well Taoism is more a philosophy or way of thinking rather than a religion. It's very difficult to describe. Heck, the first line in the Tao Te Ching says, "The Tao that can be named is not the true Tao." (Tao roughly translates to "Way"). But for me, it sort of explains life. In a non-confrontational way. Focusing on the journey and living life in the present.

Is there any tradition or pantheon you’ve been attracted to for most of your life?
Well, I've always been drawn to the Greek (Zeus, Athena, Hera.) and the Egyptian mythologies. (Rah, Horus, Isis) But as for worshiping deities, I don't tend to focus on any one figure. I prefer to talk to the universe. Sort of putting my thoughts out to whomever wants to listen.

Your profile says you’re a “searcher”, can you elaborate on that?
Yeah, I like to research everything. I'm trying to find my path. I never look at my journey as finished. It's more a stop-over. In all honesty, I'm looking for the path that helps me come to that moment where everything makes sense. Though I doubt I'll ever get there. Not in this incarnation anyway.

A lot of Pagan’s use that “home” analogy. When you really began to study Paganism, did it feel like a homecoming to you, or did it feel like something else?
Yeah, it did feel like home in a sense. I felt more a sense of "Now this makes sense." I never got the whole, going to church on Sunday, listening to someone interpret God, tell me what I'm doing wrong/right, and then leaving. I wanted something that talked about the world around me. Meaning nature, rather than just the people.
Does that make sense?

Yes, it does.
Okay, It makes sense to me in my head, but explaining it can sometimes be difficult.

Some Pagans believe that you can’t be an eclectic pagan and customize your path. Meaning, for example, some people who do Egyptian magic—Kemetic—don’t believe that your patron deity can be Quetzalcoatl. What do you think about this?
If that's how they want to shape their spiritual/religious path, then who am I to question it. For me though, I don't think any one group has everything right. So I take what makes sense and fuse it together. I realize that this may be confusing to some. Especially those that are focused in right ways and wrong ways. The ones that believe you have to have a particular herb to work a spell. Or people that believe I have no code of ethics, or rule book. But that's not the case. I do hold myself to a moral code.

Can you explain your own moral code?
Well I live by the golden rule. That cuts across many different religious paths. I do think justice should be handled mercifully but sternly. I don't cheat, or steal, or lie. I offer counsel or help when necessary. I'm responsible, reliable, trustworthy and kind. That are pretty much the major issues. That's pretty much the major issues. Sorry for the typos

No problem, I have spellcheck! Which deities do you work with on a regular basis? Are there any you would like to get into more contact with?
Well I don't really work with any in particular. Unfortunately. I'd really like to work with any of the Greek or Egyptian pantheons, maybe even Celtic. But I have the feeling that if I pick one, I'll be offending another. If one were to reach out to me. (I've heard of people having dreams in which a particular deity is calling out to them. I've never had that and would actually welcome it. If you could tell me sometime how your deities reached out to you, it'd really help. I think you've mentioned Quezalcoatl a few times,)

lol, yes, Quetzalcoatl came to me in a dream. The other ones I've worked with, I've just asked them to stop by and they do. Quetzalcoatl and I have been close since I was probably 8 or 9. It goes back to a star trek episode, believe it or not
I'll have to try that.
LOL. Well I have always been fascinated by Quetzalcoatl myself. so I understand.
You never know what will spark a new intersection. (Goes back to being a searcher.)

They are usually pretty willing. Just ask them to come by, and they usually will. I asked Ptah to come by for my new room blessing, and even though we didn't techncially build anything, he still came by. Like a building inspector, lol
So true!
See I guess it's just I never thought to ask. Maybe it's because I never had a close relationship with God or any diety growing up. I'll try this out and let you know how it goes.

Awesome! Okay, back to the interview. Many pagans work with a sort of divination device. I know you, like me, adore Tarot. What first got you interested in card reading?
Hmm. Well my mom was never in to tarot. Actually, my aunt has more of a connection with it. I never knew that until recently. But, I think it was probably just a continuation of the playing card divination games I played growing up. You know if you get so many diamonds that's how much money you have. Hearts = love. I can't remember the specifics of the game now, but I guess it grew out of that. I had always heard you had to be gifted a deck. But I eventually said, "meh" and about 10 years ago I bought myself the Unicorn deck. It worked for a while. Then I put it on the back burner. A few years ago I bought the Osho-Zen, Guilded and Zerner Farber decks. Earlier this year I got the Da Vinci Enigma, Transparent, Enchanted, Vanessa, Raider-White, Fradella, Fey and Fantastical Creatures decks. Alchemy, Eros, and Magical Dolphins and Mermaids.

How many decks do you own?
12 decks. And 3 oracle-ish decks.

Wow, quite a collection. What are some of your favourite tarot decks?
Thanks. I like them all I guess. But my favorite does change from time to time. Lately it's been the Fantastical Creatures deck. But the first one to really speak to me and seemed to make understanding the deck easier was the Vanessa tarot. Though that was just the traditional meanings. For intuitive meanings I feel I need more of a depth to the drawings, which is why the fantastical creatures deck has been working out so well.

Are there any decks you somewhat regret buying?
Hmmm. I bought the Raider-White deck because so many other decks are inspired by it. But I've never read with it. The drawings don't speak to me. And looking on the Unicorn deck now, it seems rather simple. And I was a little disappointed with the Guilded deck. I'm thinking that's since it's so close to the R-W deck.

Some people hold by that you can only use one Tarot deck at a time then must “retire” it to use a new deck, others say you can use multiple decks at a time. What do you believe?
I think it depends on a few things.
1. What's the question? I find that more technical questions work better with the DaVinci Enigma deck. More esoteric or universal questions work with the Osho-Zen and so on.
2. What calls to you that day. I've had days where I'll use 2 or 3 different decks. It just depends on what I have with me and what a client wants.
3. Speaking of clients, if I do a reading for someone, I may pull out a few decks to give them a choice. Sometimes a deck that doesn't speak to me will speak to them. It seems to me a waste to be able to only use one at a time.

You read cards professionally. I’ve only ever given readings to close friends, but hope to expand. What sort of advice can you give people looking to read Tarot in a more professional manner?
Oh I don't read professionally yet. I do try to be professional about it. But I don't charge yet. I asked that same question to a reader that I went to. She said to just offer readings to anyone and everyone. Always have a deck with you. And just talk about it everywhere. I've had waitresses ask me about it when I pull my deck out at the table. I've had employees ask me about getting a reading. I just talk about it until I'm blue in the face. Though you can sometimes get people who don't want anything to do with tarot. I offer and if I get the sense they're not into it, I leave it at that. Sometimes, you get people who are tentative about it. They feel worried about certain cards. So I'll either explain common questions. Or ask them outright if they have any questions. Usually though many people are interested in a reading. Especially a free one. I have had a few people offer to pay me. But I don't feel comfortable enough yet to take it.

Now, I know you are married, but I don't remember if you told me if you had children or not (my memory is terrible when it comes to that sort of thing)
No worries. Yes, I'm married and I have one little girl. She'll be 10 months on Thursday

aww, how sweet<3
Is your husband also a pagan?
No. He's actually a methodist. He doesn't go to church, and he doesn't belittle my beliefs. He does ask a lot of questions and sometimes we just agree to disagree.

Are you planning on raising your daughter with both your religions, or waiting for her to ask her own questions?
Well I guess both religions. Though it'll be up to her to make up her mind.

Have you faced any criticism from your in-laws about your choice of religious beliefs?
No. Though I haven't really come right out and told them. My sister-in-law knows. She doesn't have a problem with it. In fact, one of her best friends is in a coven. People kinda know I walk to the beat of my own drum, so they tend not to ask too much if they don't want to know

How have your spiritual views influenced your life in general?
Well, they've helped me be a more open-minded person. I have become less human-centered. I never understood how in Christianity Man (and Woman) was made in the image of God. But yet the animals weren't. I view people as just another animal on the planet, no better, no worse. I've come to realize that my spiritual path is my own path. Therefore, it's my job to really work at it. I don't go somewhere once a week and learn about it. I have to really work at it.

What are some of your goals with Paganism?
I'm always trying to keep moving. I know there's a time for a pause or rest. But I try to keep moving forward. The only way to do that is to keep searching. Asking questions, Listening. And realizing that the journey never ends. I'd also like to become more focused with dieties. Maybe find one that I mesh well with.

Well, that’s all I have. Any words of wisdom you want to share?
"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming." LOL

YES! DORY!

Seriously though, find something out there that works for you and what you believe. But yet be open-minded enough to know that your way may not be anyone else's way.

Thanks again Rose! If anyone is ever interested in doing a pagan interview, drop me a line!

Interview, Take Two!

Today we’re going to talk with a fellow pagan from the community Solitary Wiccans on LiveJournal, hexeengel. She has a wonderful pagan themed blog on LJ and a beautifully designed personal journal. I’ve been waiting for people in interview for months, and I’m thrilled you’re willing to open up about your spirituality.
Well, let’s get started. How long have you been a pagan?
Technically? Since I was about five (and I'll be 28 in November here) - that was the time my parents began training with a Gardnerian Coven and teaching my younger brother and I non-oathbound, age-appropriate Wicca. I've had a more dedicated and serious interest though since about age 16, so around 12 years now.

So you were raised in paganism? What was that like growing up? Did you face a lot of ridicule from your peers?
To answer the last question first, surprisingly no, but there again, not all my friends knew, especially when I was in grade school. Up until Junior High (7th or 8th grade), only one close friend knew. The parents of the kids in my neighbourhood knew too, since all us kids on the block played together, but even though they were devout Catholics (parochial schools even) my brother and I were never ostracized. The only time I really ran into any prejudice wasn't until High School, when another student who was Evangelical Christian of some kind told me that Witches get their Power from the Devil. I told her that she was free to believe that, but I didn't. I think she was expecting a different response, because she never confronted me after that.

There are a lot of different types of Pagan. On your profile you’re something called a “Hereditary Wiccan”. What exactly is that?
First off, that's a term that not often entertained in Wicca or other branches of Paganism, so I'm not claiming that it's its own category or Tradition or any such thing. I just mean it to apply to me. Disclaimer, disclaimer...
Anyway, what I mean by it is that my parents follow Wicca, they were my first teachers in the religion, and I continue to follow that path.

Are you connected to any pantheon or other traditions in particular?
I do feel called to the Gadnerian Tradition as my parents were, but as for my current personal practice, Celtic Deities are pretty dominant. In specific, Lugh, Blodeuwedd, and An Mhor Rioghain (or the Morrigan, if one prefers). I have a connection to a Horned God as well, certainly similar to Herne or Cernunnos, however He hasn't really identified Himself to me as of yet. Lastly, there is a Bear Goddess, also unnamed, that visits my meditations from time to time.

You mentioned your parents being drawn to this path; besides that, what are some of the reasons you’re drawn to this path?
At first, it was mostly a desire to respect what I believe Gerald Gardner's original vision of Wicca to be. Once I read his book _Witchcraft Today_, however, it expressed and espoused everything I thought to be true about the Gods and the Universe. I cleared up some misgivings I still had about gender roles in Traditional Wicca, and about death-and-rebirth symbolism in initiation rites.
In a nutshell, it felt right. It felt like home.
er, rather *It cleared up

A lot of pagan’s use that “home” analogy. When you really “converted”, it defiantly felt like a homecoming to you?
oh damn, there is a terrible typo there
no prob, I’m sure you'll edit afterwards

My spellcheck hates me sometimes
What I mean is "A lot of pagan’s use that “home” analogy. When you really “converted”, it definitely felt like a homecoming to you?
Yes, it did. In fact, during the first ritual I attended after deciding that I wanted to peruse initiation, I received explicit messages in a guided meditation that I was in the right place.

Some Pagans believe that you can’t be an eclectic pagan and customize your path. Meaning, for example, some people who do Egyptian magic—Kemetic—don’t believe that your patron deity can be Quetzalcoatl. What do you think about this?
I feel that example represents an extreme variation of Eclecticism, but I refrain from making judgment calls about the way another practices and/or which Gods seem to call them. I am very much aware that my choice of religion, and specifically being Traditional-leaning AND Gardnerian-leaning on top of that, are somewhat unpopular in the general Pagan and Wiccan communities, and I don't wish to inflict discrimination on others, regardless of how their path differs from mine or my personal feelings on theirs.

You already mentioned deities you work with on a regular basis. Are there any you plan on connecting with in the future? Are there any you stay away from?
Hopefully I'll one day connect with the Gods named in Gardnerian rituals (Their specific names are oathbound, but not what They represent). I also hope that the Horned God and Bear Goddess I already know give me Their names at some point and time. At this point I'd be a little confused if any non-Celtic Deities came knocking, but I wouldn't avoid or ignore Them. That's a great way to get a swift kick in the spiritual ass.

lol, that's one way to describe it
On a side note, my husband occasionally practices with me, and for his comfort we call Odin and Freya in those rituals. So far, They seem to be gracious enough to attend when we ask, but haven't become personal fixtures for me.

Oh, so your husband is a pagan as well? I just got out of a relationship with a non-pagan. He really took my religious beliefs lightly, and almost ridiculed me for them. On that note, what’s it like worshipping with your husband? How did the two of you meld your beliefs together?
Well, I should say that my husband doesn't identify as anything in particular. He draws spiritual inspiration from his heritage (Scot sh, Norse, and Lakota-Sioux) and from LaVeyan Satanism, but doesn't consider himself anything in particular, except open to ideas
er, *Scottish, what the hell happened there

No idea
So far, our energies seem to mesh well. We perform rituals I've written myself, and I was careful to make them meaningful for both of use. You might say there's a "Wiccan computer" with a "Norse operating system." We've both successfully felt the presence of Deity, and haven't set anything ablaze yet.

As a technopagan, I love that analogy!
You've mentioned rituals; what sort of things do you include in one of your rituals? What else do you do as worship?
The ritual format is basically the same every time - invoke the Elements, draw and cast the Circle, invoke Deity, consecrate the participants, call the Quarters, perform the ritual's purpose, bless and libate food and drink, then dismiss the Quarters and open the Circle. The specific purpose is what differs the most, and can be a channeling, a guided meditation, divination, dance, energy work, etc

Do you belong to a coven?
Not at present, no. I've formally belonged to two Gardnerian Outer Court training Groves (not including the rituals for my parents' trainees I attended before those), and still seek initiation into a Coven (I do have a serious prospect at the moment as well). You might say I'm essentially a Solitary, but I do prefer group work.

I’ve only ever worked solitary or with my mom and a close pagan friend of mine. What’s it like working with a coven compared to working alone?
The energy level is a lot.... more. More intense, stronger, almost more tangible. Also, once you've worked with a group for a long period of time, a group-mind kind of connection begins to form, and the energy and Magick comes easier, and becomes more effectual.

Many pagans work with a sort of divination device. Do you? If so, what?
I mainly read Tarot, although I've dabbled with scrying, Runes, pendulums, and even a Ouija board as well.

I’m a tarot reader as well. A lot of pagans caution against a Ouija board. Do you have any warnings about the boards, or do you think they are pretty safe?
Even though they're manufactured by a toy company (as are many Tarot decks for that matter; plenty are published by U.S. Games), they are a tool. You're basically sending out a "Hey! Look at me!" kind of signal for anyone or anything to answer. You can ASK for someone/thing specific, but that doesn't mean you'll get them/it.

What are some of your goals with paganism?
Aside from initiation, which is my most immediate, I feel called to teach. I think that even if I do not ever receive initiation, I may consider beginning a more general Wiccan group, a collection of friends who can learn and honour the Divine together. Of course, if I DO receive initiation, I hope to someday be elevated to High Priestess and then pass on the Tradition to others.

Pagan’s sometimes talk about their “jobs” on earth. What do you think your job is?
Again, to teach. And to be a mom (I've got two beautiful little boys).

What’s it like being a pagan mother?
I can't really answer that, because the oldest is only five and the baby is 7 months. So far though, I feel more reserved about being "out of the broom closet" for their sake, because Gods know people have lost custody of their children because of beliefs similar to mine. I do hope they see the beauty in Wicca that I do, but if they don't that's OK too. My only other hope for their spirituality is that whatever they choose to follow doesn't teach them that their mother is evil and damned.

Do you face criticism from other mother’s about raising your children pagan, or do you not tell people because of the stigma attached to it?
I've been open with some other parents. For the most part, it hasn't been an issue (some have even developed a curiosity that borders on interest). We'll have to see how and if that changes now that my oldest is in school, and there are bound to be playdates and birthday parties.

Do you have any sort of advice you give parents looking to raise their children pagan?
Don't be afraid. I've seen a lot of Pagan parents get all paranoid that they'll push their religion on their kids, as they feel they had their parents' religion pushed on them. Teaching them about your beliefs, and even asking and encouraging them to participate if they wish, is not the same as forcing it down their throats.

How have your spiritual views influenced your life in general?
I think that's a bit tough to answer, being that I've never been anything else. I can say though that not a single day goes by that I don't think about my spirituality.

Well, that’s all I have. Any words of wisdom you want to share?
Just some of Joseph Campbell's wisdom: "Follow your Bliss."

Thanks agan for this peak into your life.
As always, I love to interview people, so if you're interested, please drop me a line at my e-mail address, lea.elisabeth.wright@hotmail.com

Being Pagan Interview

Today I want to bring you something completely different. I’m going to interview one of my closest friends and fellow pagan on her craft.

Hello Lisey. Lisey currently operates the pagan blog Being Pagan, and writes about various pagan topics, including recipes and pagan-friendly makeup.
So, let’s start with the basics. Many people say that converting to Wicca is like “coming home” and not really like a conversion. What was yours like?
It was more about self-discovery for me. When I converted, I was 13 and was in a tough situation at home. Converting allowed me to connect more with myself, and really discover who I was, which brought me a lot of strength in the coming years. My spirituality is what allowed me to stay strong, hopeful, and eventually overcome my clinical-depression. I'm really thankful for that.

Have you always been less interested in mainstream religions?
I don't think it's that I'm not interested in mainstream religions. I'm just not interested in what they have to offer. Some aspects of Christianity are highly romantic, but the beliefs themselves in Jesus and God and the Bible are what really put me off, as are the corruption, patriarchy, and power. So it's more about core beliefs than it is what's mainstream or not. Also, I think there can be too much of a good thing, so if everyone was one religion, that would just be rather detrimental to society. You know, in terms of balance and variety and whatnot. Real self-discovery. Ok, I'm rambling

It’s okay, you can ramble

Ok

You mention patriarchy. I know you always strive for balance. Do you then also believe that a total matriarchy would be just as detrimental?
Oh yes, very much so. Can you imagine a world ruled by menstruating, PMSing, moody, hormonal women? It's not a pretty thought.
I think because men and women think so differently, it offers the perfect balance for what we need as government leaders, local leaders, and even the heads of family (of course, I strongly support same-sex marriage )
The same applies with religion.

You are currently, as I understand, have no connection to any specific pantheon. Do you want to connect to one in particular, or do you want to pick and choose? Why?
I prefer to keep it open. When it's time, I will work with who suits me best. There are many Gods out there who, according to their "description", seem to not be the type I'd get along with. So, as goes the Law of Attraction, I work with who I can relate to, no matter what pantheon.

So you firmly believe in the Law of Attraction? Can you share any personal examples?
I do firmly believe in the Law of Attraction, in many ways. I believe it goes hand-in-hand with Karma, what you do comes back. Of course, I don't believe in the 3-Fold Law per say, but I believe your emotions and intentions amplify what you get in return, and not just the actions or thought itself. For example, all my life I've staunchly opposed drugs, and promiscuous sex (i.e. just being a general slut, not treating your body like it should be treated), and treating your body horribly (with things like smoking and diet pills). I refused to date anyone unless they were like me, because I didn't want anything toxic in my romantic life, because I had too much negativity and abuse in my childhood. So, because I emanated such values, and stayed true to my moral beliefs, and really acted on them, I met my current boyfriend (and first boyfriend), who is the exact same, except perhaps harder working physically (seeing as though he's a US Marine). I think that is my most recent example of the Law of Attraction - he reflects who I am perfectly, except he's 6'3" with a penis haha

Paganism is a rather customizable religion, as in everyone can take elements they like from various paths to combine into their own eclectic path. As an eclectic pagan, what are some of the path’s you’ve made your religion from?
I would say I've taken elements from Celtic Paganism, American folk Witchcraft (New England-style ), a bit of Norse Paganism (Heathenism), and I also study and incorporate elements of Kitchen Witchcraft and Hedge-Witchcraft in my practice. I don't think I've taken anything from mainstream religions, though that doesn't mean I'm opposed. I merely take what fits with who I am.

Why do you think you were drawn to these paths in particular?
You know, I'm not quite sure. My whole life I've adored Arthurian legend and Celtic history, as well as British history (thanks to my mom). I'm fairly attracted to some aspects of Heathenism, I can't really explain it, it just suits who I am as a North-oriented, Winter-souled, Earthy snow bunny. For Kitchen Witchcraft, food and cooking has always been a part of my life. I started "cooking" when I was one, "helping" to make dumplings. Hedge-Witchcraft is another thing that inspires me and really touches me. And about the New England-style American folk Witchcraft, well, I was born and raised in New Hampshire - Enough said

Some Pagans believe that you can’t be eclectic and customize your path. Meaning, some people who do Egyptian magic—Kemetic—don’t believe that your patron deity can be Quetzalcoatl. What do you think about this?
I think they should relax a little. It's cool to want to preserve tradition, but in today's day and age, less and less people really want to conform to any one belief system because they find perhaps only 70% of the total belief system actually coincides with their personal beliefs, and I would much rather see people be true to who they are, they try to fit into something they're not.

Let’s talk a bit more about deities. Which ones do you work with? Which ones would you like to work with? Which ones would you stay away from?
For deities I currently work with, I say the Lady and the Lord, and occasionally I'll call down someone else, even if they're not a deity, to help me, particularly my guardians. As for who I'd like to work with, I want to discover more domestic Gods and Goddesses to work with to make me a better Kitchen and Hedge Witch. As for deities I stay away from, anyone who has to do with anything evil, adultery, rape and abuse, drugs, smoking (of any kind), and alcohol, simply because those are things I am staunch against.

So, you work more with various “critters” (your word) than Gods and Goddesses. Any reason why?
I just like keeping it casual, keeping it real. I don't think we need to use a deity to get the same result. I often think being a deity is just for formality, or a title. For example, some deities were merely protectors or guardians of a town or village who recieved the title of God or Goddess by the locals, and that grew and melted into the mainstream religion/path. I also find the Gods and Goddesses are cluttered with all sorts of requests for appearances and blessings, and little critters have much more time (and also the strong desire and enthusiasm) to help anyone. Also, they're really cute and make excellent companions, especially when feeling lonely, or sad, or sick. Some of them are great healers

Who are some of your “buddies” from the planes?
You know, they come and go. I once found a baby mouse on death's doorstep, and tried to heal it, but when I knew there was no hope, I merely held him until he passed. That little mouse stayed with me for a year (I nicknamed him Tim the Enchanter, he was grey) as a totem against demons, and I miss him. I've made many other little friends along the way, but there's always a time for them to move on, so I accept that.

Now, you are what would be called a “psychic”. Do you like this term? Which term would you rather use?
I don't like the term because it has so many negative associations today with fraud and false-propheting. I just like to say I know stuff. Or, rather, I like to think I know stuff

Have you always been a “psychic”? Is it something you were born with, or did you grow into it?
Yeah I was definitely born with it. It revealed itself in stages, starting when I was very young and making simply prophecies that came true (i.e. who would win the horse race), as well as reading energy, and seeing into people and situations from a very mature perspective (i.e. I shouldn't be near that person) while still very young and seemingly inexperienced with life. I never realized I was "psychic" though until mid teenhood. Before, I thought seeing spirits and everything else was just natural

How would you describe your first “psychic” experience?
Besides predicting the winner of a horse race? Seeing a demon when I was 5 or 6 hehe Or, my first complex experience, when I learned how to tap into the mind of my horse, and he would respond to what I'd say. Sadly, this is a talent I've fallen out of because I haven't had a pet in so long.

When counselling me on opening my third eye, you talked a lot about the demon you saw when you were young. Would you recount the experience so my readers know what the hell we’re talking about?
Well, I was sleeping in my parent's bedroom. It was a very hot summer night, where it was 90 all night long, and their room was the only air conditioned room in the house. My entire family slept in there, us kids on the floor together. From a deep sleep (I've always been comatose in my sleep) I was awoken seemingly for no reason, and I saw this thing - it consisted of a large skull, and boney arms outstretches, hands handing limply, with a tattered white cloth in the shape of an upside-down triangle across its arms and hanging. It was floating, no legs. Also, if I do recall, it had some skill still left on it's face and hands. It was completely green.
By “skill’ you mean skin, right?
Yes lol

Typos--they happen to everyone! Would you say this experience shaped you in any way?
Yep. I always believed in ghosts, but that solidified it for the rest of my life. Ghosts play a huge part in my spirituality, so yeah I'd say that shaped me.

Some people read cards, some people read runes, some people read minds: what sort of “psychic” gifts do you have? Are there any you would like to develop further?
I can read people very well, and read energy. I'm pretty good with recognizing spirits and talking to them, etc. But I can't see/hear numbers very well, names, or unfamiliar words, and so that's something I'd like to develop further. Also, I'd like to read Tarot. I have had no luck with Oracle card thus far (I suck at memorizing meanings!)

How about on the other end, are there any you stay away from?
Anything that involves invading privacy, I'd say, or that's used in harming anyone.

Let’s move on to your worship. What do you do as worshipping?
Well, simply put, I pray every day, and often look up to the Lady and the Lord (psychically) and talk to them when I need guidance.

Can you tell me why you dislike rituals?
It's not that I dislike them, it's just that they're not for me. The formality actually feels awkward for me.
Especially with other people involved.

A solitary Wiccan through and through eh?
I suppose so
Well
I wouldn't say Wiccan
I'm definitely not Wiccan.

What would you call yourself then?
A general Pagan, and a Witch. That's all. Wicca is one semi-organized religion, not the umbrella term for this entire subculture of beliefs.

I would like to ask you about your Book of Shadows. How is yours set up? Is it more like a journal, or more like a reference book?
I don't really have one. I keep starting one, and keep falling away from it. I'm not sure what my beef is, but I can't really answer this question lol

What are some of your ultimate goals with Paganism?
To create a local community wherever I settle down, to help and guide those who have no one to look up to or to learn from.
Also, to defend those who have similar beliefs of mine and yet get criticized for them, even within the Pagan community, such as eclecticism and certain philosophies (such as being "straight edge")

Pagan’s regularly talk about their “jobs” on the earth. What do you think your job is?
As a Teacher, almost like as a general Grandmother type to whatever community I find myself in.

Well, that’s all I have for now at least. Any words of wisdom you want to share?
Ehh, not without sounding too cheesy

Lol, okay then. Thanks a lot Lisey!
Thank you!!

This is my first interview, and I hope to do more. If you, or someone you know, is interested in doing a Pagan interview, please drop me a line to my e-mail address lea.elisabeth.wright@hotmail.com