Heathen Priestess Author - Diana L. Paxson Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Heathen/Priestess/Author

Diana L. Paxson

Email: Diana@westria.org

Website: www.Diana-Paxson.com

Facebook; Diana Paxson

First can you briefly tell us about yourself? What is your profession? Any special hobbies?
I make my living as a writer, and have published 29 novels, 5 non-fiction books and a lot of short stories which have pagan spiritual themes, including the Avalon series which I took over from Marion Zimmer Bradley. I am also active as an elder in the Heathen, eclectic pagan and Umbanda traditions. I live in a multi-generational house in Berkeley full of books, cats, and teenagers, and try to find time to paint and practice the harp.

When did you begin your path? What inspired you to walk this journey?
I always wanted to write, and I was god-hungry from an early age. Paganism met that need and gave me something to write about. In the course of writing the Westria novels I discovered what I believed.

Can you tell us a little about your path? How would you describe yourself?

My path is to serve the gods and the community. My primary tradition is Heathen, but I have also practiced Wicca, Goddess Spirituality, Hellenismos and Umbanda, and recently officiated at a Jewish wedding.


Does the path you've chosen affect your profession? If so, how?
My writing and my work as a priestess support each other. Research for the books enriches my practice and vice versa. I have used some material created for my novels in ritual, and adapted some of my rituals for the novels. /Taking up the Runes/ and /Trance-Portation/ are based on classes I have taught for many years, /The Way of the Oracle/ on 20 years of experience performing oracle work, and /Essential Asatr/u on my many years of work with the heathen community.


Is community important to you, or do you prefer to express your beliefs as a solitary?
I believe that information should be shared, and I find it easier to develop my own skills when someone else needs me to be able to use them. My classes have evolved into a thriving community, and I have led or served on the Boards of several pagan organizations. I think that we are much stronger when we work together.


Are you associated with any organizations, volunteer work, or groups that support your spiritual beliefs?
Heathen – Locally, I am gythja of the Hrafnar kindred and community, nationally I am an Elder in the Troth, editor of their journal, /Idunna/, and coordinator of the Clergy Training program.
Eclectic – founder and secretary of the Fellowship of the Spiral Path
Umbanda – Senior medium in the American Magic Umbanda House


Would you say your path has been an easy or difficult journey? Any advice for someone new to this path?
I have been very fortunate in living in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the most tolerant places on earth, which boasts a large number of wonderful, talented people who taught me a lot and appreciated what I had to offer in return. So for me the journey has been relatively easy. My advice to newcomers would be to seek out fellow-journeyers, whether in person or online.


For those who are interested in Heathen religion (Asatru), I recommend www.thetroth.org
For more information on my books, go to my website: www.diana-paxson.com
Finally, what three books would you say most influenced your path?
The fiction and non-fiction of Dion Fortune
The /Elder Edda/
H.R. Ellis Davidson’s /Gods and Myths of Northern Europe/

Stay at Home Mom/Eclectic Pagan - Angi Beck Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Stay at home Mom/Eclectic Pagan

Angi Beck

Email: ftmof4@gmail.com
Facebook: Angi BeckFirst can you briefly tell us about yourself? What is your profession? Any special hobbies?

I am a stay at home mother of 4, ages 16, 14, 11, and 9. I am in school full time to become an Accountant, with 14 more classes to go to a Bachelor's degree. I am an avid reader and scrapbooker.

When did you begin your path? What inspired you to walk this journey?

I began my path after a Sociology class where I did a paper on religion. This was about two years ago. I realized that I did not want to associate myself with the Christian faith anymore due to their history of violence and hate. I found Paganism better suited most of my needs, and my mother has always told me that I am a natural witch.

Can you tell us a little about your path? How would you describe yourself?

I am an eclectic Pagan, who has a relationship with several Greek gods and goddesses.

Does the path you've chosen affect your profession? If so, how?

I don't think this path has had any influence on my profession as a stay at home mom, except that the kids and I do more in nature now than we used to.

Is community important to you, or do you prefer to express you beliefs as a solitary?

I have many witch friends whom I have met through Witchvox and Facebook, but I prefer my rituals to be solitary.

Are you associated with any organizations, volunteer work, or groups that support your spiritual beliefs?

No, but I am always looking for them!

Would you say your path has been an easy or difficult journey? Any advice for someone new to this path?

It is difficult finding material telling you how to do things "right". I have learned that anything you do in this path with the basic Harm none premise in mind, is "right". Go easy on yourself and do what feels right to you, don't be afraid to ask people questions.

Finally, what three books would you say most influenced your path?

Natural Witchery, Ellen Dugan, The Intention Experiment, Lynne McTaggart, Paganism, An Introduction To Earth-Centered Religions, Joyce and River Higginbotham

Wiccan - Ethan Pulka Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Wiccan

Ethan Pulka

Email:Paganbeergod@gmail.com
Website: www.houseofgg.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/houseofgg

First can you briefly tell us about yourself? What is your profession? Any special hobbies?
My name is Ethan, I am a Wind technician. I work on wind and solar electric generators. I organized a Farmers Market and community garden in my city. My hobbies are playing guitar and helping the community.
When did you begin your path? What inspired you to walk this journey?
I began my path when I was in my early 20’s. My mom always had a spiritual side that I noticed was different. I found Wicca and learned this is a path I would like to journey on. 
I started out as solitary but found out I learned more from groups, so I started organizing groups to learn off each other. 
Can you tell us a little about your path? How would you describe yourself?
I am wiccan, and most people laugh at that. When you look at the Rede, lots of people do not seem to understand the ‘Do what ye will’ part. This does not mean you have to read a book to know everything. It means you need to find the path that best suits you. First off, you need to know what your intent is and then think within yourself to know how you can focus on the intent. That is Magick. 

Does the path you've chosen affect your profession? If so, how?
The Path I chosen does not affect my profession in anyway. I run my own business and love the fact that I am pushing something that can benefit the earth and people together.

Is community important to you or do you prefer to express you beliefs as a solitary? Community is very important to me, I have had to fight townships for our right to gather and also school others on what our beliefs are. I personally feel being a solitary is not an option in wicca beliefs. Why? Cause we are meant to pass on teachings to others. How did we learn that some herbs were poisonous and others were not? Because, our ancestors passed this knowledge along. If you just hoard all your magical energy then why even gain it?

Are you associated with any organizations, volunteer work, or groups that support your spiritual beliefs?
I am president of House of Goddess and God, a 501c3 certified church. We have many different believers in our church. We all gather for the sabbats and have a merry time.

Would you say your path has been an easy or difficult journey? Any advice for someone new to this path?
My path is not your path. You have to come up with your own inner path to be a successful pagan/wiccan. Reading a book, does not make you a pagan. Just because you have a ‘Guide’ you think you have to follow like a book is not what pagans ever did or will believe. 

When you have personal magical happenings and interaction with the god/goddess then you will see what your own path is that you choose. 

Support your local pagan groups, they may not be perfect. But you can learn more from others then you can sitting alone. 

Do not assume you know someone only because someone told you about a person, get to know that person before you make accusations.

Finally, what three books would you say most influenced your path?
Scott Cunningham- Guide to Solitary Practitioner
Kerr Cuhulan – Wiccan Warrior
Amber K – Covencraft

Celtic Wiccan/Irish Teacher- Domi O'Brien Voices on the Path

Celtic Reconstructionist Druid/Irish Teacher

Domi O'Brien

Email: domiobrien@gmail.com

Had my first Goddess experience in 1957, on a hot dry dusty Lughnasadh day in San Antonio, Texas, when I walked into a cool green space which was not there before or after and encountered a woman dressed in greens and greys. It took me a long time to find out she was Airmid. Second Goddess experience two years later at the Roman ruins in Trier, Germany (I was a military brat), Brighidh. (Did not meet the Morrigan until much later).

Lots of reading, lots of ritual ot of books. Graduated from high school in Virginia in 1964; went to college in NH and was given the name of Ciarridhe Harvey in Framingham, MA. and initiated in Daughters of the Triple Goddess in 1964; also had Cornelius R. Lyle as a professor, and Frangcon Jones.

Third Tepheaic Line of DTG. (allegedly Irish witchcraft, not Wicca; my HPS told me I was the 37th priestess to bear my magical name, in an unbroken line of 74 priestesses going back to the Babylonian Captivity, when the first one was brought by the Prophet Jeremiah to Ireland. )If you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you.)

Three years later initiated in Celtic Wiccan Order (Wicca is of course not Celtic; in 1967 I believed was). Ordained 1968 as clergy.

Cross-initiations etc 60's and 70's numerous trads, while earning my BA and MEd and doing another three years of grad school in Sociology but not getting another degree, and learning some Irish with Nollaig Kilgallen of Fermoy, County Cork, and being involved in the anti-war movement.

Did legal weddings, ran various groups, got involved in left-libertarian politics, worked in administration, social service, teaching, counseling, draft counseling.

Met Isaac Bonewits and became Preceptor for Ar nDraiocht Fein in 1989. Studied Donegal Irish for three years with Deirdre MacFarland in Philadelphia. Moved to Seattle; ran Garran Siorghlas (Evergreen Grove), ADF for 3 years; taught Irish classes and counseling classes; served as Acting Archdruid for 6 months when Isaac was on medical leave of absence.

Moved back to NH with my three homeschooled kids (now 37, 34, 24). Ordained to the 3rd Circle of ADF, Clergy track, Wellspring 1995 along with Fox. Resigned as Preceptor April 1, 2006. My oldest son, Ragnar Arneson ran Garran Slat Glas, ADF 1993-1996 as youngest elected Senior Druid, with me operating as clergy and hostess.

I have run Druidic Association of North America grove Grove of the Golden Leaves 1996 to present (Isaac was an honorary member.) I teach Irish classes for Gaelic League of New England and am a retired state of NH employee. Along the way I was a member of Keltria for a while, and White Oak.

It's hard to choose only three books, but I'd say Celtic Heritage (Rees & Rees), Carmina Gadelica (Alexander), and A Guide to Early Irish Law are things I consider ever-useful.

Sci-Fi Inspired - Wizzard Schnitthart Voices on the Path.

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Sci -Fi Inspired

Wizzard Schnitthart

Wizzard Schnitthart

• Hi, here are my answers in brief:

• 1. I am self employed as an IT-Consultant in the textile industry.
  Hobby is racebiking, working in my little garden and my dog

• 2. My path began approximately 3 years ago. Inspired by tv- Stargate Universe, Lost and some occasions in my personal surroundings.

• Sorry, time is running, Books from Franz Bardon and Emil Stejnar and David Icke. My profession is not related. I am in no organization and I prefer to walk my path by my own, don’t need a community at all, but i share things with good friends. That’s all I have to say for now.

Grey Path, Author - Ray Nieman Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Grey Path, Author

Ray Nieman

• Name: Dr. Raymond E. Nieman Ph.D.
• Facebook ID The.amber.adept@facebook.com
• Email : Raymond.e.nieman@gmail.com

First can you briefly tell us about yourself? What is your profession? Any special hobbies?
I'm a historian and archaeologist. I'm am currently working on a book that covers the origins of civilization on this planet.

When did you begin your path? What inspired you to walk this journey?
1981

Can you tell us a little about your path? How would you describe yourself?
Grey Path. Basically, we follow a path that allows us the freedom to serve the greater good, not just any particular rule or rede. Most belong to groups as a safety measure but there are exceptions.

Does the path you've chosen affect your profession? If so, how?
It doesn't really. Since I'm primarily a researcher, I work alone or with my research assistant. We share a common path so neither of us care.

Is community important to you, or do you prefer to express you beliefs as a solitary?
If I didn't think I'd get killed or something, I'd be far more open. I live in the South with is mostly hostile-Christian. The bias down here towards non-Christians is intense. We can lose our children to the state, get fired because of our beliefs, or be force-ably committed to a mental institution if we have the "delusion" of being a witch. We can also lose our homes if our Christian landlord sees something as innocent as an altar. In these cases, we usually have no recourse.

Are you associated with any organizations, volunteer work, or groups that support your spiritual beliefs?
While there are some in the surrounding areas, there is none in my particular city that I am aware of. I would if such existed. I did try to join one but it disbanded shortly after I joined.

Would you say your path has been an easy or difficult journey? Any advice for someone new to this path?
It's difficult. While most Pagan Paths in America seem to be light or dark oriented, my path walks the middle line. We serve balance, not any particular side. Our belief is that balance must be maintained in all things, be they physical, emotional, or magickal. Thus we often involve ourselves in things others would leave be. We don't follow a rede or set of rules save to keep people out of harms way. We police our own so nobody can decide to cause grief in whatever form.

I invite you here to share any information you find important that we may have missed in our questions.
I am currently working on a book outlining the origins of civilization on earth. Man has been on this earth, in his present form, for about 200,000 years. I find it odd that out of all that time, it took them 195,000 years to work out how to build a city. New discoveries made recently now make this clear. Obviously, we're missing something or the place we're looking for isn't accessible any more.


Finally, what three books would you say most influenced your path.
There are no books that cover my path, at least none that I'm aware of. It was a personal choice made years ago when I was but an initiate in a Lodge in the UK. It's a rather hard concept the grasp, really. Those who do generally understand the concept of "Greater Good". Sadly that's gone by the wayside in the last century and a quarter.

Librarians of the Craft - Mike Mclaughlin Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Librarians of the Craft

Mike Mclaughlin

domain : rebirthofrennisance.com

email : masterpheonix@rebirthofrennisance.com

facebook : www.facebook.com/pheonixofthewhisperingwolves

First can you briefly tell us about yourself? 

I am a dedicated druid under the obod tradition 34,a father of 3 with 6 more that i care greatly for.

What is your profession?

I have had many but the two that have stuck is graphic design, also I am trying to teach myself web design

Any special hobbies? 

All revolving around my tradition, computers and nature

When did you begin your path?  

I have always been different, some could argue December 1996 but i didn't begin any formal learning until april 2004.

What inspired you to walk this journey?

The possibility of understanding my "differences"

Can you tell us a little about your path?

Commonly referred to as the "librarians" of the craft ... we rely alot on divination and observance to gain the answers we seek ... another common difference is the belief about sacred space. Although we sanctify the space we work in we do not believe in sacred space because all space is sacred.  

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as a normal person ... most would call me the vigilante druid of the Wasatch front ... simply i do not have the heart to let screwed up things happen to good people ... I would say I have a heart of stone ... others might say it's a size too big

Does the path you've chosen affect your profession?  

A short time ago I ended up fighting quite the epic court battle for custody of my kids ... to lose meant my soul would die. I was spared then and spared sofar recently so I have created rebirth of renaissance. 

If so, how?

rebirthofrennisance.com is my effort to self teach web design and computer programming so that I can purchase solar panels and software to design better wind / water turbines to generate power without much if any carbon footprint.

Is community important to you, or do you prefer to express you beliefs as a solitary?

I have worked in both settings ... both have their advantages and disadvantages ... I would say to work in a group one must definitely choose the right group to work with, as the craft is not about power trips nor is it about belittling anybody.

Are you associated with any organizations, volunteer work, or groups that support your spiritual beliefs?

Other than my grove, no. However I am trying to start one such organization

Would you say your path has been an easy or difficult journey?

Very difficult, but very much worth the effort i have put into it.  

Any advice for someone new to this path? 

Stick with it, it will be hard to take one's self apart and rebuild from the core. But if one ends up a better person free from almost all hate, isn't that worth it alone?

Finally, what three books would you say most influenced your path?

As a young "witchlet" I would definitely say the 21 Lessons of Merlin. second is a book called "the Way" by gawr. Last but certainly not least I would have to say the White Goddess by Graves

Best Regards,

Nicole

AKA BookShelf

Also I have a storefront and auction house that are both empty on the domain ... if anyone wants to put products up there please do ... email me first though.

PaganGrandDad - Jim Weeder Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

PaganGrandDad

Jim Weeder

Email: pagangranddad@gmail.com
website: http://www.Pagan-Place.com



Right now I work at Wal Mart. I have been a Fire Fighter, Corporate Escalations Agent and many other jobs. Some of my hobbies are Wood working and photography.

About 7 years ago. I had thought going on my journey many years before but until I met my now wife I really had not started.

Mainly Druid but I also follow Wicca, and a bit of many others.

Well being in the “bible belt” I have to keep closed on my path.

Once again being in the bible belt we do remain semi solitary besides online groups. Prior to moving to NC we were more open.

My journey has been easy. My advice is to read up and study in all areas. Find what feels best to you, don’t feel that you need to follow just one. If more than one path feels good use it.

Shaman English Teacher - CoyoteSkyWoman Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Shaman English Teacher

CoyoteSkyWoman

Email: themythstress@aol.com

First can you briefly tell us about yourself? What is your profession? Any special hobbies?
I am 42 year old and I teach English at several local community colleges. I like to work with plants and I do leatherwork when I find the time. I also write and read copiously.

When did you begin your path? What inspired you to walk this journey?
I began my path when I was 18 years old, and I found it through some friends of mine who thought I might fit into the scene. It fit with so many of my beliefs that I started doing some research and looking into what was out there in the world around me.

Can you tell us a little about your path? How would you describe yourself?
I consider myself to be a Shaman, following more of John Matthew's Celtic Shamanism and Michael Harner's belief of Core Shamanism than any specific Native American path. It is really a rather eclectic blend, though I do prefer Native American styling over Siberian.

Does the path you've chosen affect your profession? If so, how?
It allows me some reflective wisdom on how people learn. I tend to approach my students more as individuals rather than a lump class of people. As a result, I have made some interesting friends along the way.

Is community important to you, or do you prefer to express you beliefs as a solitary?
Community is important to me, and I work with a group of very diverse people who all have their own view points. Shamanism isn't about being mystical and holy. Shamanism is about serving both the spirits and the mortal community around you. It is hard to separate the two as they are so deeply tied together. Often, I act as an intermediary for the two.

Are you associated with any organizations, volunteer work, or groups that support your spiritual beliefs?
I work with A Sacred Place in Canaan, NH and am on the Board of Directors there. They are also a very diverse group of people, and see themselves as working with the land spirits and preserving a place for people to come and enjoy nature. I can respect that.

Would you say your path has been an easy or difficult journey? Any advice for someone new to this path?
For the first few years, it was a lonely one. I started before the internet was a big deal, and there wasn't easy access to information the way there is now. I had to read a lot and study in order to get my feet solidly under me. Then it was a matter of honing and refining...which I still do a lot of. To new people I would say that they should read a lot before deciding that this is their path, and look carefully at groups to make sure that they are really dedicated to the work they are doing and not just self-agrandizement. I would also not take anyone's word as law. Verify, verify, verify, and trust that inner voice when it tells you something isn't right. Or that something is.

I invite you here to share any information you find important that we may have missed in our questions.
I think that it is important for people to understand that Shamans are more than just healers of people. They are counselors, go-betweens, students of the world, land healers, and often the mischief makers. Nothing says learning like being tricked into seeing yourself for who you are.

Finally, what three books would you say most influenced your path?
I tend to be a huge fiction reader, so I'd have to have Charles DeLint's "Moonheart" here, but also Richard Bach's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull", and Richard Matheson's "What Dreams may Come." The latter two are more philosophy-in-fiction guise, and definitely shaped my concepts of reality and death. Matheson's book is nothing like the movie and is ten times more research based. He also wrote "Somewhere in Time", ( I love both the book and the movie), "I Am Legend", and a slew of other really good books. "Dreams" is his only really researched book (that I am aware of), and has an actual bibliography of studies to back up its premises. "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" may be pooh poohed by critics of the 70s, but most of the people who look down on it have never really read it. The soundtrack to the movie was the first music I ever tranced to, and it remains a very spiritual influence to this day, possibly only surpassed by Peter Gabriel's "Passion". Charles DeLint, who has other Shamanically-influenced books as well, first gave me the concepts of I had of Paganism and Shamanism in "Moonheart" several years before I picked up my first Pagan book (it was Starhawk's Drawing Down the Moon, by the way). His descriptions are lyrical, if not completely accurate, and have provided a solid base for many of my beliefs over the years.

Chaplain, High Priestess, Author - Lady Lyrion Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Chaplain, High Priestess, Author

Lady Lyrion

Email: sbmillett@tds.net

Lyrion ApTower - biography
The Granite Tower ­at The Covenstead - Wilton, NH

      Lyrion ApTower is High Priestess of the (New Hampshire) Granite Tower and an accomplished ritualist who conducts all Rites of Passage for individuals and Covens throughout the New England area.  In addition to conducting or facilitating Wiccan Sabbats and Esbats, Lady Lyrion has written and led many dozen Wiccanings, Handfastings, over 57 legal weddings, Elderings or Croning rituals and rituals of passing, transition and loss of all types. She is regularly consulted by practitioners of different spiritual paths about life crises and she creates personalized ceremonies to help ease those crises.  

      Lyrion and her husband/Priest Raven ApTower host a series of open and free Salons on the 2^nd Sunday of each month on all aspects of Spirituality including archeological findings, scientific discoveries, religious /philosophical debates, essays, documentaries, current events and so on and how they impact spiritual inclinations in each attendee.

      Lyrion mentored a group of 16-20 Pagan/Wiccan students in the Franklin Pierce University campus’ Pagan Meet and Greet Club during the ‘07 and ‘08 scholastic years, and has kept in touch with most of the students and has been asked to marry three of them in 2012. She will be traveling to Ohio to perform one of the weddings.

      Because Lyrion is also a Chaplain in the Universal Life Church, she was asked to write and conduct a full Sunday Service for a (Christian) Unitarian Congregationalist Society in the area. The title of her sermon was "Filling the Emptiness". She has been asked to return as guest minister in the future.

      Lyrion and Raven teach classes about Wicca and are regularly interviewed by local and state media, frequently invited to present the Wiccan worldview at ecumenical discussion panels as well as at civic / fraternal organizations and to contribute to Spiritual/Religious editorials in the New England media.  They currently host a series of monthly Salons covering topics related to myriad aspects of Spirituality. She hosts an annual gathering of women at the full moon in August to bring together women of all ages and paths for empowerment and cross-pollination of diverse ideas .

      Lyrion is on the Advisory Council to the Board of Directors for the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, NH to help this institution be more fully inter-faith. For 10 years Raven & Lyrion have been asked to return and teach a segment on Wicca at Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH’s Psychology Department's “Deviance & Social Control” class. 

      Lyrion has been a featured guest on "Morning Mystics" radio program, (Lawrence, MA), the JD Page radio show (100.1 FM The Fox, Worcester) and was featured in the October 2006 segment of Channel 9 WMUR-TV "NH Chronicle". She has twice been a guest on Keene television’s “Your Metaphysical Connection” and the podcast, “Changing Times Changing Worlds.”

      In her role as Priestess, Lyrion was consulted by a lawyer in California to write a brief for a case going before the California State Court, describing how the ethics of a conscientious Wiccan applied to circumstances in that case. She was exclusively interviewed about Wicca as part of a Salem (Massachusetts) State College graduate student's thesis. Additionally, she was interviewed by a Master's student at Antioch College (Keene) about wild edibles available in the local woods for that student’s advanced degree.

      Lyrion has published a collection of short stories, essays and poems about the Wiccan experience titled Passwords and Passages, with one of the pieces, "Name", winning a top placement in the National Organization of Women' s (NOW) Essay contest. The chapbook celebrates the cycles of Nature and individual human experience that make this spiritual path so rich, joyful and comprehensive. Selections from Passwords Passages have been used by several Wiccan groups in rituals and ceremonies. Many of her other essays and poems have been published.

      For over 18 years, Lyrion has practiced the art of Cleromancy, an ancient form of divination interpreting found objects which are cast on a specially prepared field. In addition, she is a continually learning herbalist who, with her husband, Raven ApTower, conducts Wildcrafting walks and healing "brews". She sells her healing and seasonal-use herbs under the brand name “Lyrion’s Local Wild & Fresh Seasonal Herbs”.  The beams of her kitchen are often laden with current seasonal herbs and mushrooms and her cupboards are filled with tinctures, teas & syrups.

For further information, Lyrion can be reached at sbmillett@tds.net

Seeker - Rev. Dr. Timothy Lake Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Seeker

Rev. Dr. Timothy Lake

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/timothy.lake1

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Schenectady-Pagan-Cluster-Tradition-of-the-Capital-District/108562209171007

Email:rev.timothylake@gmail.com

My name is Rev. Dr. Timothy Lake. I am a seminarian graduate of the Armanic Traveling College( now defunct) and follow the Heathen path called Irminenschaft Gesselcraft.

My particular order are Rune magicians based on the works of a semi-important 19th century family dedicated to the German language and Culture. I am one of the few teachers of Runic Yoga in the country and maintain a daily practice of Runic yoga.

I have also been active in the New Age business community for decades as the proprietor of a series of magick shops in Plattsburgh, NY,Schenectady and Albany ,NY. In 1998 to meet the needs of the burgeoning unserviced eclectic Pagans and Pagan like folks, I started a Tradition and congregational church called the Schenectady Pagan Cluster Tradition. Before entering Seminary I was initiated into an American Gardnerian Coven to the 3rd degree. I also over the years began Bardic training with the ADF and saw a stint with the Ring of Troth and with the Correllian Nativists. I've also done extensive work with the Sonic monks of the Midwest.

I currently am a substitute teacher and educational consultant for many States. I help score and design and give quality control for State elementary and high school competency exams. My undergraduate degree is from SUNY Plattsburgh and is Cultural Anthropology and Economic Geography with minors in Latin American studies, Urban Planning and Archeology. I also carry a ThD in Germanic Theology.

I am a Celtic musician, play the bodhron professionally, sing accapella Gaelic pieces and Sea chanties and am a published performance poet. I am an avid hiker and have recently finished the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. I have also run for State Senate and am well known for Community activism.

I am currently working with Transition from Peak Oil communities doing such things as teaching urban Gardening and starting a Time/skill sharing bank.

I started the path of the Seeker in 1988 and I wasn't seeking. I was actually living on the streets of the Bronx and ran into my first coven in Pelham Bay Park while out scrounging for food. Up until that point, I tended to be conservative and growing up was a young republican. My experiences led me to a pretty quick turn and I wound up being a socialist and wobbly for many years. I have over the years moderated back to the center left. My early years saw me do some rather radical things and I hooked up with the Reclaiming witches as well. I actually was introduced to my "Patron"( Asatru doesn't have Patron Deities, but this happened before claiming that path) at a protest vigil in the West of a nuclear weapons facility. It would be accurate to say that I wasn't looking to be a Witch, Pagan( and at that point, I didn't know the option for Heathen) but that I was discovered by the Divine and was offered a vision of brave new worlds of possibility.

As an active businessman, civic leader and church founder, I have a very public face and people in the greater community recognize my efforts. It is fun to be the face of the clergy in groups sometimes having the same level of authority as other respected clergy. It has taken discipline, courage, honor and grace to attain that level of respect and a constant love of the people and the greater spiritual dialogue.

As a joke when writing my church's 501c3, I put my birthday in as a religious holiday. To my surprise, it was accepted by the Board of the church, the membership and the Feds. It and Earth Day have been added to a holiday structure standard to the Pagan Wheel of the Year. All of these are recognized by my employer and I can take them off--although usually, I don't). We also offer letters of support for congregants wishing to take these days off for religious purposes. I appear at work with my ritual headgear( a top hat with a Gjallahorn pin and a bronze boar pin with my measure cords tied round. We have quite a few pagans at work.

As a leader of the church, I offer weekly rituals and classes and outdoor experiences for the local Pagan and Pagan like community. I also host a Pagans in the Pub event and am helping to create a PPD like event in the area. I have been a constant advocate for the normalcy of what we do. I am not a big fan of closeting. I feel it is being dishonest to those you love and trust and there is nothing perfect about that. I have made all sorts of relationships and connections to non-pagan people of faith. We work with the Nipponzon Myohogi Buddhist Monks, The catholic workers, Campus ministries, the Spiritualist church, the Unitarian church and the Unity church. All sorts of voices that wouldn't normally be heard together. the interfaith dialogue is really important for me as it helps me to discern other ways to understand the Divine in Its many splendid glories.

My path has been one of constant growth and constant attempts at understanding. Some of those have failed; others were more fruitful. In each choice along the path, I have garnered valuable information and gnosis to help provide new folks who are also seeking a beacon. Although i have been Heathen for sometime now, I am convinced that there are no pure religious people( lay or ordained) that know or have finished their path--no pope, Imam or Rabbi. We are all seekers and all continue to grow in our understanding of the universe as it continues to unfold. I enjoy witnessing and being active in that unfolding. It's sort of like reversed engineering origami.

Pagan Book Shelf - Nicole McAlister Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Pagan Book Shelf

Nicole McAlister

Email: paganbookshelf@gmail.com
Website: www.paganbookshelf.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PaganBookShelf
First can you briefly tell us about yourself? What is your profession? Any special hobbies?Ok, so let me start with my profession, Currently I am a domestic Goddess. For those of you that don't know what that is, let me explain. I clean the house, do the wash, tend the garden, take care of the fish, dogs, cats, spiders, shop for and prepare nearly every meal, care for the children and entertain as well as transport them to where ever they need to be. I became this about six years ago. I've taken an occasional part time job to make ends meet here and there...but otherwise my 'Domestic Goddess' duties are my priority.

Prior to that I'd done retail, apartment management, call center, collection, etc. I've also attended approximately two years of colledge for Journalism, and taken a course on Law enforcement and Criminal Justice. Yes, at one time I fancied I'd be a cop and newspaper reporter.

Some of the things I enjoy doing …. writing obviously , as well as painting and just being creative. Sometimes, and I rarely get to do this as often as I should....I enjoy sitting out on my rocker on my front porch just looking at the sky, the trees, the birds, the plants, and the geese as well as just enjoying the kids playing in the yard.

When did you begin your path? What inspired you to walk this journey? I remember around ten hanging out on the playground talking about Myths with my girlfriends. I remember the first time I was introduced to the Greek Mythology in Language arts, and how liberating it was to realize that there wasn't just one God to fit all. No offence, I've always been a plus size girl and that one size fits all tag is a load of crap.

Around seven I had a neighbor I hung out with, her mother was Thai and I remember her Budha room, which on alternate days served as a wash room. I remember how lovely her shrine was and wanting one myself. I never guessed you could have such things in the privacy of your own home.

As a young girl I remember going to both the Catholic and Protestant churches with my mother and father alternately. I had friends who were Mormon who on occasion would invite me to events. I was not allowed in the temple, but the gardens were so lovely. I loved learning about other peoples belief and was always open and accepting. However I never committed.

Can you tell us a little about your path? How would you describe yourself?I've been called by many labels. Wicca, Witch, and many things in between. However my choice...if you tied me up and threatened me with torture, would have to be Darkling. Some people claim to work in the light, some drawn to the dark. I believe we are all shades of Gray. The Darker spectrum is not a 'evil' place to be. The Dark is a reference to the under/other world, the other side of the veil. It is also a reference to living outside the ordinary and enjoying things other people might find 'different'.

Does the path you've chosen affect your profession? If so, how?
My number one job is Mum. The oldest profession in the world, also a very magickal profession. Who else kisses the boo boo's better. I include my children as much as possible in my lifestyle while encouraging them to experience their own journeys.

Is community important to you, or do you prefer to express your beliefs as a solitary?

Being there to support my community, building a network to help others new on the path, and sharing friendships is extremely important to me when it comes to my beliefs. Which is why I made my facebook page and website. However, my beliefs and practices tend to be very personal.

As a note, as my way of helping those new on the path and sharing with my community, I'm working on a course that will be free called 'Just the Basics'. This course shares very basic information that I wish I'd known in the beginning. It is thirteen weeks with daily exercises. As one works through it works like a personal journal as well. Information about this can be found on my website and facebook page.

Are you associated with any organizations, volunteer work, or groups that support your spiritual beliefs? My facebook page is my link to the Pagan Themed World.

Would you say your path has been an easy or difficult journey? Any advice for someone new to this path?
I'll be honest, it's been both. The difficulty lies in the struggle for acceptance especially by close friends and family. As well, in finding direction in the path, the ongoing search for a mentor is definitely been a uphill journey. On more than one occassional I'd met people I thought could lead me, and they'd end up following. So many of us are searching for a teacher, and at one point I thought I'd found her, and then she disappeared off the face of the earth. In the beginning my self confidence in my beliefs and practices felt lacking and insignificant because of this. Then I awoke to a realization, I was meant to learn intuitively. There was much I was born knowing and I needed just to trust myself. We are our own teachers, and our potentials are limitless. Accepting that I may never find the right mentor, and learning to rely on my gut feelings was an incredible boost along the journey and made things a lot easier.

Finally, what three books would you say most influenced your path?

There are so many choices here, it's hard to narrow down:

Mists of Avalon – A work of fiction reflecting many Pagan beliefs. Reading this I fell in love with this story and book. It also helps to understand that stories are told from perspective, and ones perspective in the story can be different than another. And what is life about....but perspectives.

Finn MacCool by Morgan Llywelyn – Demonstrates how events and actions shape Myth. This is one of my favorites.

A Kitchen Witches Cookbook – This was one of the few 'spell' books I'll refer to. Cooking is the ultimate casting....When I'm referring to this book I feel like I'm the Witch, stirring her cauldron in secret, working the deepest of Magicks.

Norse Student - Olaidi Voices on the Path

Voices on the Path-

A Collection of Interviews

Norse Student

Olaidi

Email: Private

I do a lot of volunteer work, I'm a honor roll student in the seventh grade at this point. Hobbies, well I'm a heavy gamer, avid reader, and building building my natural habitat.

I started along my path when I was about 5. My mother had a eclectic clan she was in and I would go to the meetings, most of the people there were pagan. Somewhere along the lines I met with a Nordic family and he gave me a book filled with storied of the Nordic gods. I never met the man again. I believe it was a sign that I was supposed to be Nordic. So i adopted it into what i already believed in.

I don’t know what to call myself but I'm a follower of Nordic paganism, the path has been difficult because I'm used to groups, but I've met with another Nordic man and we are talking about it.

I don’t think my religion will affect me becoming a pilot in the Air Force, but you never know.

A community is important to myself but I've been fine being solitary.

Right now no, but in the MMORPG World of Warcraft I'm in a guild called the Mystic circle were we discus are beliefs. They accept all religions. Olaidi is my user name on World of Warcraft.

The path has been difficult for me. To someone new I say talk to as many other people you can.

Three books hmmm, There’s the Rites of Odin and Nordic Gods and Heroes but other then those two I've not read many other Nordic books .