Article Topic: Pagan

Witches are different, and not just because we celebrate the Goddess and the Horned God under the full moon. The true Witch lives in a world apart from mainstream consciousness, thinks and perceives and feels differently about herself and the universe. Choosing or creating another way of life is a monumental, never-ending task. As we seek to understand what lies before us, Amber K and Azrael Arynn K, authors of the new book How to Become a Witch, identify nine major challenges facing those who have chosen the path of Witchcraft.

Samhain is a hinge that marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. This is a time when the veil between the worlds is most thin, and one can make contact with the spirits of their loved one and their ancestors. The Celts believed that communication with their relatives and friends and animals that had crossed over provided needed love, guidance, and encouragement. For them, this was also a time to give gratitude and count one’s blessings. Sharlyn Hidalgo, author of The Healing Power of Trees, discusses the healing power of the Celtic Tree Calendar, especially at this time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest.

For the past five years, Gede Parma (author of By Land, Sky & Sea and Spirited) has focused on what he believes to be the underlying or core teachings of Witchcraft. This foundation is essentially shamanic, meaning our cosmologies relate to a manifold expression (generally threefold) of realms, and we may travel between and through them in order to learn, change, deepen, and grow. In the process we actualize our divinity, become Gods amongst Gods, and interact with the world as alive and magickally potent. The enabling factor is of course initiation. Here, Gede Parma explains how we reach this point of understanding.

The season of Pagan festivals is upon us! From coast to coast, they stretch in grand array, each with something unique to offer, so many to choose from within your grasp. Bronwynn Forrest Torgerson, author of One Witch's Way, offers up a festival alphabet to make your selection easier and ensure that you have the experience your heart desires.