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.