ANGST - Part 2

Written on October 3, 2011

Yesterday, I wrote about my dissatisfaction with all the craft politics that are happening in the pagan circles.  Today, I'm getting a bit personal, and speaking about myself, and what I am.

I am not your typical witch: 

1.  I don’t have a cat, nor am I ever going to get one. 

2.  I am without a partner, and like a cat, don’t ever want to get one. 

3.  I’ve been celibate for close to two decades (now there’s TMI, if there ever was any!). 

4.  I am an abysmal gardener, so herbs die before they can grow.

5.  I hate summer, because it does a really bad number on my health.

6.  I love large cities.  Country living is not appealing to me for too many reasons to list here.

7.  I do like animals, but am not wildly involved in animal rights.  Cows are provider of steak to me.

8.  You won’t be able to sway me with “cute”.

9.  I don’t see auras, feel energies, see dead people, do astral travel or encounter demonic spirits.  The basics of astrology escape me completely and numerology – well, it deals with numbers, and I don’t do numbers.  Magick like lighting candles without matches or a lighter, teleporting objects, reading people’s thoughts, or predicting future events – none of this is within my scope of talents. 

On the other hand, I’m very handy in the kitchen and can do some pretty good magick with food (bring in the herbs!).  One of these days I’ll make you some lemon-tarragon chicken, or boston blue fish in mushroom sauce, or my signature pasta sauce…

I probably could give more examples, but you get the idea.   In fact, I consider myself a witch much less than I consider myself a Priestess, but even there I tend to have my own view as to what a Priestess is.

Quite simply, I am someone who has dedicated my life to the service of the Gods.  More specifically, The Goddess, although occasionally I do work with the male energies.  This differs from most Tradition definitions that define priesthood as people who lead covens by passing on the Tradition “secrets” and leading the various rituals in the proscribed way.  And let me make this clear:  I really have no doubt that each of these people serves the Gods too.  

So, not having any of the supernatural gifts I listed above, what is it that I can offer any one?  I do have one gift (at least I think it’s a gift) that I treasure very dearly.  I have developed a direct and very clear connection with the Goddess, who in turn has graced me on many occasions by Her presence.  Whether She appears as Hakate, Quan Yin, Brid, Oya, Yomaya, or The Baba Yaga, I feel distinct characteristics and energies that identify one aspect from the other.

I love that!  I love being overtaken by this Divine presence, to listen to the words of wisdom that filter down to me, and to see my way open up in the manner of Her wishes!  Sometimes, when She speaks, I write this all down, and I swear it’s like taking dictation!  Not my words, but Her’s…

I also feel I have a gift of dreams.  I do not entirely believe that all dreams represent aspects of myself.  I honestly believe that occasionally I tap into the astral and bring back images and messages that come from a higher source.  For that I am indeed grateful indeed.

Something happened during the initiations I went through.  Ceremonies are very important and for this I am very grateful to my former Elders – they taught me how to construct, write and perform ceremonies and rituals that I still use today.  I use them not because they are “Tradition”, but because they make sense to me.  The integration of the Elements, the calling of the Gods, the working or spell-casting, are all necessary to open astral and spiritual doors to bring about the manifestation of the spells.  Most of my Workings are designed to give praise and honour, celebrate the Wheel of the Year, and only after that is done are petitions made for health of others, and other works.

As Priestess, I facilitate in this.  I perform rituals for this reason alone – that the spiritual and astral doors be opened here on Earth for the Gods to perform the magick.  And this is something that anyone can learn, something I will be very happy to teach!  My job as Priestess is to help people recognize this potential within themselves. 

No secrets, just mysteries. 

If there is one message I can give here this is it:  Everyone is an embodiment of the Divine.  Thou Art God, Thou Art Goddess, The Kingdom of God is within you, Know that I am with you always – all these speak of the same thing.  Everyone has the innate ability to connect with the Godhead without intersession from anyone else.  Everyone’s spirit is connected and entwined with the Great Spirit!  Once this is recognized, the rest falls into place, and you will know, completely and totally, that you are never alone!