Walking the Path

Gitmo Is Killing Me

ohdysseus — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:41:00 -0400

ONE man here weighs just 77 pounds. Another, 98. Last thing I knew, I weighed 132, but that was a month ago.

I’ve been on a hunger strike since Feb. 10 and have lost well over 30 pounds. I will not eat until they restore my dignity.

I’ve been detained at Guantánamo for 11 years and three months. I have never been charged with any crime. I have never received a trial.

I could have been home years ago — no one seriously thinks I am a threat — but still I am here. Years ago the military said I was a “guard” for Osama bin Laden, but this was nonsense, like something out of the American movies I used to watch. They don’t even seem to believe it anymore. But they don’t seem to care how long I sit here, either.

When I was at home in Yemen, in 2000, a childhood friend told me that in Afghanistan I could do better than the $50 a month I earned in a factory, and support my family. I’d never really traveled, and knew nothing about Afghanistan, but I gave it a try.

I was wrong to trust him. There was no work. I wanted to leave, but had no money to fly home. After the American invasion in 2001, I fled to Pakistan like everyone else. The Pakistanis arrested me when I asked to see someone from the Yemeni Embassy. I was then sent to Kandahar, and put on the first plane to Gitmo.

Last month, on March 15, I was sick in the prison hospital and refused to be fed. A team from the E.R.F. (Extreme Reaction Force), a squad of eight military police officers in riot gear, burst in. They tied my hands and feet to the bed. They forcibly inserted an IV into my hand. I spent 26 hours in this state, tied to the bed. During this time I was not permitted to go to the toilet. They inserted a catheter, which was painful, degrading and unnecessary. I was not even permitted to pray.

I will never forget the first time they passed the feeding tube up my nose. I can’t describe how painful it is to be force-fed this way. As it was thrust in, it made me feel like throwing up. I wanted to vomit, but I couldn’t. There was agony in my chest, throat and stomach. I had never experienced such pain before. I would not wish this cruel punishment upon anyone.

I am still being force-fed. Two times a day they tie me to a chair in my cell. My arms, legs and head are strapped down. I never know when they will come. Sometimes they come during the night, as late as 11 p.m., when I’m sleeping.

There are so many of us on hunger strike now that there aren’t enough qualified medical staff members to carry out the force-feedings; nothing is happening at regular intervals. They are feeding people around the clock just to keep up.

During one force-feeding the nurse pushed the tube about 18 inches into my stomach, hurting me more than usual, because she was doing things so hastily. I called the interpreter to ask the doctor if the procedure was being done correctly or not.

It was so painful that I begged them to stop feeding me. The nurse refused to stop feeding me. As they were finishing, some of the “food” spilled on my clothes. I asked them to change my clothes, but the guard refused to allow me to hold on to this last shred of my dignity.

When they come to force me into the chair, if I refuse to be tied up, they call the E.R.F. team. So I have a choice. Either I can exercise my right to protest my detention, and be beaten up, or I can submit to painful force-feeding.

The only reason I am still here is that President Obama refuses to send any detainees back to Yemen. This makes no sense. I am a human being, not a passport, and I deserve to be treated like one.

I do not want to die here, but until President Obama and Yemen’s president do something, that is what I risk every day.

Where is my government? I will submit to any “security measures” they want in order to go home, even though they are totally unnecessary.

I will agree to whatever it takes in order to be free. I am now 35. All I want is to see my family again and to start a family of my own.

The situation is desperate now. All of the detainees here are suffering deeply. At least 40 people here are on a hunger strike. People are fainting with exhaustion every day. I have vomited blood.

And there is no end in sight to our imprisonment. Denying ourselves food and risking death every day is the choice we have made.

I just hope that because of the pain we are suffering, the eyes of the world will once again look to Guantánamo before it is too late.

Samir Naji al Hasan Moqbel, a prisoner at Guantánamo Bay since 2002, told this story, through an Arabic interpreter, to his lawyers at the legal charity Reprieve in an unclassified telephone call.

Original article here.

talisman: Personal Relationships with Spirits &...

ohdysseus — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:26:01 -0400

talisman:

Personal Relationships with Spirits & Deities

Here are a few pointers to strengthen your relationship with them.

Meditate. First and foremost, you need to have an alright grasp on quieting your mind. You need to have an idea of where your mind wanders and how to clear unwanted thoughts. It also helps calm yourself and prepare your mind to enter a different state of consciousness (like flipping a switch). This makes it easier to contact deities and spirits that may be on another realm of existence.

Offerings. And I mean frequently. Not only does it please them, but can invite them into your life and make them more willing to work with you, or be in favor. Its a gesture of honor and goodwill, and shows you are willing to give freely. You can give foods, drinks, sacrifices, incense, burn a candle, make them something. You can also give non-physical offerings such as energy, or sing them a song you wrote for them. It’s quite limitless, and you can use your imagination!

Get to know their personality and what they like. Do research. There’s lots of resources out there. What color do they prefer? What is their element? What is their patron animal? Patron flower? Do they have a sigil? What do they NOT like? What should you avoid when working with them? All these are helpful when invoking a deity or trying to get them to favor you.

Talk to them on a regular basis. Ask them questions. Be sincere with what you want out of your relationship with them. Even if you do not get an answer, it does not mean they aren’t listening.

Set Boundaries. This is more for working with nature spirits, ghosts, and daemons, or things of the like. It’s alright to ask them to come at a different time, or to tell them to leave. Sometimes, you might need to offer a libation (i.e. I’ll give you bay leaves if you promise not to come in my dreams anymore).

Learn defensive magick. This, again, is mostly for working with nature spirits, ghosts, and daemons. Make sure you know what you are doing, and do not start something first. Although you might feel threatened, it does not mean they are malicious or trying to hurt you. Test the energy first, and if you are unwelcomed, leave. You do not want to be powerless against something much, much more powerful than yourself, and you definitively do not want to start something with an entity much more powerful than yourself. This is a last resort.

Keep your magickal space clean. Smudge it regularly to get rid of negativity. Nature spirits do not like unclean areas, especially earth spirits. They will take your things and hide them, or they will disappear altogether. Place protective symbols on your doors, windows, and mirrors. Look into hoodoo and voodoo floor washes if you can, and keep it tidy and looking neat. Recharge your area regularly.

Keep an open-mind. Some spirits just down right hate humans, but have valuable lessons to tell and can be interesting to see as to why they hate us so much. Others like to help and guide us, and can shed new light on situations or turn them around completely. Some may have a very strong dark energy that you might not fully understand, or some may intimidate you. Sometimes a deity will not be what you are expecting, and can frighten you, but remember: they do not go by our human morals or ethics, for they are not of this plane or humanly world.

Be gracious. Give thanks to them, if they were willing to talk or make their presence known. Even if they do not, thank them for listening. Don’t forget about them and put them on the ‘back burner’ because that may infuriate them.

(reblogged from SHADOWCOUNCIL)

This is lovely! :D

The Goddess is Afoot: Basic Aura Color Guide

ohdysseus — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:30:48 -0500

The Goddess is Afoot: Basic Aura Color Guide:

sapphirewitch:

Basic Aura Color Guide

Here is a quick color guide to Auras. Note that these are only the most common colors to see.

1.Purple/Violet
            This is an emotional color. Generally seen on advanced spiritual individuals. These people are highly sensitive and often empaths. The darker the color, the more spiritual the person is. This is never a very strong point of the Aura because spirituality is for the individual. Not for all to see.

2. Blue
            These are strong individuals. If this is a strong point in the aura, these people are ready to go out and live in a cave and survive. They are relaxed, balanced, and born survivors. Blue is also quite an emotional color causing these individuals to be highly spiritual. Many mediums that can hear the dead are blue for they bring calm (another trait of blue) to ones and spirits around them.

3. Green
            Being the color for earth, the meanings of this aura directly relate to earth. These people are straightforward and loyal, wanting to think the best of everyone. Many, MANY doctors and healers are primarily green, since green also represents a willingness to help and heal. The brighter the color, the more natural they are at being a healer. Also, ones with a strong green aura have the green thumb. Now, if the color is a dark green or a sickly lemon green, this is not good. These generally are negative and represent an untrustworthy and jealous person.
            Personal note: my mother and father are both doctors, the both always have a green tinge to their other colors. My mother is also an avid gardener. J

4. Yellow
            Joy, freedom, optimism, unattached. These are all traits of yellow auras. People that have yellow auras are generally very optimistic, generous, and have child like tendencies. However, if the yellow appears in stripes, this person could be struggling with their personality, for society demands grown-ups, not children.

5. Orange
            This is a healing and cleansing color. It happens with the optimism of yellow merges with the vitality of red. This color is a sign of power and a strong spiritual teacher. If one is recovering from an illness or facing a time of change, orange can also appear. Since orange is associated with change, counselors, social workers, etc… Have strong orange auras.

6. Red
            Ever heard the phrase “seeing red”? This is when someone is in an extreme state of a powerful emotion. They will literally be able to see their own aura growing brighter. Red is the color of stress and/or anger. When tempers flare, one can see a flash of red go through ones aura. If someone has a red overlaying aura to them, this person is an angry person or is a very intense individual. Now, not all red is bad; it can indicate strong ambition. Many politicians or businessmen have red auras around them. Red can also mean sexual thoughts, if one is with another individual and things are getting heated, a red aura can creep in around the edges.

7. Gray
            This is not a very common color but I feel like I should add it. Gray indicates dark, depressing thoughts with unclear motives. Many clinically depressed or disturbed individuals have a gray tinge to all other colors. When this mixes with white, this can indicate that this person is going to committ suicide. Gray can also indicate a dark side of a person, with an abusive personality. If you meet someone with a gray aura, maybe try to help out a little.
Personal comment: I’ve met someone that just had a purely gray and red aura, like honestly it dominated over any other colors. This guy was not a nice guy. REALLY not nice. As a personal tip, stay out of deep relationships with someone who has a dominantly red and/or gray aura

hey, well in need of some help with my yule ritual:L im not aloud to light any candles ( as i am a fire hazard on my own ) and i have a some what chant, because i am trying to help my friend out because she is having a really ruff time atm, so yea heeeelllllppppp:L Have A Blessed Yule:3

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:25:45 -0500

Firstly, are you doing this alone or with friends?

Me before our early-Yule feast on Saturday. :D Bask in my sexy!

ohdysseus — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:47:21 -0500

Me before our early-Yule feast on Saturday. :D Bask in my sexy!

My Natal Chart

ohdysseus — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:05:02 -0500

(Just the houses, I did my planetary/sign chart before).

Sun in XII

Professional success in isolated occupations. Work in laboratories, scientific research, police, information services, hospitals.

Moon in VIII

He has a tendency to bad dreams. Possibly has romantic phantasies. Is interested in the occult.

Mercury in I

Lively, alert, penetrating and ingenious mind. He expresses himself easily, is a born orator. He always looks on the bright side. Very adaptable.

Venus in I

Big-hearted. He is generous, altruistic, devoted, warm-hearted, lovable and sweet-tempered. He is drawn towards the Arts, music, song. He likes gatherings, parties. He has big emotional highs. Peaceful life in love.

Mars in XI

He achieves his ambitions. He is impulsive and presses on without thinking. He starts something new without necessarily finishing the last job. He likes to dominate and lacks diplomacy where friends and professional relations are concerned.

Jupiter in VI

He has a responsible job in an organization. Dislikes working for himself. He helps the sick and under-privileged with kindness. Probably overdoes the good life, he likes animals, the country.

Saturn in II

If he is rich, will always give the impression of being in financial difficulties. If he is broke, he gives the same impression - this time with reason. He has difficulty earning money: his work is tiresome and laborious.

Uranus in II

He has a lot of flair. He is unreliable at work, always ready for change. He must have an out-of-the-ordinary job, in which case all goes well: otherwise, he will often change jobs and will have financial problems.

Neptune in III

He has a lot of imagination, high ideals. He is nostalgic. Likes studying.

The houses in the signs

Ascendant in Libra

He will never leave the beaten track. Married and not living with a partner, if he gets involved in politics it will be in a recognized party and naturally one in power etc…

He is sociable, diplomatic in everything. Likes the Arts.

House II in Scorpio

Financial success will come either through a job connected with death, (funeral director, forensic surgeon, monumental mason etc…) or thanks to an inheritance.

House III in Sagittarius

He will study for a long time, will be erudite. Very intelligent, an open and independent spirit, will have a connection with foreign countries. Fertile intelligence.

House IV in Aquarius

He will leave the family home reasonably young. Likes liberty, wants a life that is out-of-the-ordinary, and certainly one that does not correspond with mum and dad’s.

House V in Pisces

With lofty feelings, he is full of tenderness, sentimentality. Things do not always go his way. A meeting with a person who is either not free, too young or from a different family or social background means that living together will be done in the utmost secrecy while waiting for the chance to legalize the situation quietly, without any trouble. This state of affairs will make him melancholy. A lovely little family will result from this union.

House VI in Aries

Ability to command, knows how to take up his responsibilities at work. Weak point: headaches, fevers.

House VII in Aries

Love-at-first-sight, marries without thinking. Doesn’t want to change his habits, so domestic quarrels to be foreseen.

House VIII in Taurus

Happy old age, natural death. Inheritance.

House IX in Gemini

Likes studying, is open to anything new, accepts and recognizes his errors, always develops in a positive sense. Likes travel, discovery, meeting new people and knows how to appreciate them.

House X in Leo

All the leadership qualities are there: authority, sense of organization, initiative, intelligence, but also thanks to outside help. He is a fighter.

House XI in Virgo

Friends must resemble him, anyone having different ideas or ways of doing things cannot be friends. Discussing ideas is not his cup of tea. His knowledge is the result of study but also of the down-to-earth nature that characterizes him.

House XII in Libra

Marriage doesn’t bring luck, honors come as he imagined they might.

Interplanetary aspects

The interplanetary aspects have a strong influence on the character and disposition of the individual and, consequently, on his destiny.

The conjunction aspect is variable and depends above all on the nature of the conjoint planets.

424 Conjunction Mercury - Pluto

He has a great sense of observation and quickly grasps the situation. He is crafty, subtle and critical.

382 Conjunction Venus - Ascendant

He likes everything beautiful, the Arts, balance and harmony. He is amiable and sociable. He likes entertainment and has a loving nature.

-208 Opposition Venus - Jupiter

He is nonchalant, pretentious, full of self-importance. He likes what is beautiful and sometimes ostentatious, and spends lots of money for the sake of appearances. He likes to please and has numerous amorous adventures. He is unfaithful and undergoes tribulations in love.

140 Sextile Sun - Saturn

He likes to work alone, quietly. He pays attention to detail, is serious, methodical, patient and can take on long, difficult and delicate tasks, and complete them.

92 Conjunction Saturn - Uranus

He knows how to be on top of the situation. He perseveres, is determined but ingenious and original. He is very practical. He proceeds slowly, but is always bound to achieve his objectives in the end.

90 Trine Moon - Mars

He is frank, honest, full of vigor and ambition. He is strong-willed and powerful at work. He is a little hard on himself but, above all, on others whose capacity for action is not as great.

-68 Opposition Jupiter - Ascendant

He does not listen to those around him, he is pretentious and goes to excess when eating.

56 Trine Jupiter - Uranus

He knows what’s going on at a glance. He thirsts after knowledge, and is a good organizer. He is very independent, likes his freedom of action, is a non-conformist. He is very agreeable company and is always in demand.

41 Conjunction Venus - Pluto

His emotional and sex life is powerful and rich. He lives out truly passionate love affairs.

-25 Square Venus - Midheaven

He is vain and jealous. Both married life and professional life are difficult with such a character.

20 Sextile Mars - Midheaven

He has a good sense of organization. He knows how to take the necessary decisions rapidly, is independent and uses all his energy to succeed socially.

-16 Square Mars - Neptune

9 Sextile Neptune - Pluto

-3 Square Pluto - Midheaven

He abuses his power, crushing others in order to achieve his objectives. He risks losing everything and having to start from scratch.

Ahoy!

ohdysseus — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:23:17 -0500

So, I’ve neglected you all. :( I feel bad. So let’s play a game- first person to submit to my ask box something they’d like to learn/have discussed (magic/witchcraft/wicca related, please), I’ll do! :)

Have a good weekend!

Got new things today! :)

ohdysseus — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 22:58:02 -0500

Went on an excursion with my girlfriend, and got:

new colored candles
smudge stick
mini bell
Sabbat Almanc
Green Witch Grimoire
Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac

I’m excited. :D

Morning, followers! [Urgent]

ohdysseus — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:31:00 -0500

So, the SOPA bill talks begin today. If you don’t know what that is, click the little sticky link at the top of your dashboard that says ‘Stop the Law that Will Censor the Internet!’. Basically, they want to make using any type of copyrighted material illegal- even in a non-commercial, fan-based sense.

This goes for excerpts from books, karaoke videos, screen caps of your favorite TV shows, and movies; as well as pretty much anything else that isn’t your original content. This could severely damage our right to free speech and expression, and would inevitably be the end of sites like Tumblr, Youtube, Facebook, DeviantART (yes, no fan-art either!) and other sites.

Use the link above to TELL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE NO. Put in your phone number, it calls you, and you hear a message from the Tumblr founder first, and then it connects you to your rep’s office.

Take action, people. ESPECIALLY if you’re over 18! If you’re not, talk to your parents. Tell them that YOUR freedom to speech that they’ve raised you to believe in (and possibly fought for) is in jeopardy because of a few rich folks who want to make more money and imprison kids for having fun.

More Wicca-related things tonight! I promise!

Blessed be,

Steve

Here's the thing about (most) Pagans...

ohdysseus — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:33:46 -0500

Here's the thing about (most) Pagans...:

We don’t judge.
We don’t recruit.
We don’t try to prove our religion to others. We just believe, and that’s all that matters to us, so long as we’re respected as much as atheists, agnostics and mainstream religions. We just want to be treated fairly.
We choose and define our own paths by what feels right to us.
We don’t use 2000 year-old literature or “God’s Will” to excuse our bad judgment/narrowmindedness.
We don’t use our religious beliefs to try to take away other people’s rights.

Pretty accurate. :)

The Difference Between Pagan and Wiccan (my take).

ohdysseus — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:57:55 -0500

So, I’ve been seeing a lot of posts around these parts about people using ‘pagan’ and ‘wiccan’ interchangeably. Please, please, please realize, this isn’t always true!

The definition of pagan is technically one who is polytheistic (believes in multiple deities). A lot of times, pagan is defined as anyone who isn’t a christian, jew, or muslim. I’m not going to argue semantics, here. A pagan may or may not be a witch, and may or may not practice magic. That pagan may be a Wiccan, may be a druid, or may not have any structured belief system that they take part in. As long as they believe in more than one deity, they are pretty much pagan. That is the generalized term.

Wicca is a denomination of Paganism, if you want to get technical. Wiccans [usually] believe in more than one deities (sometimes a dozen!), sometimes practice magic, and may take stock from druidry, and different parts of non-Wiccan witchcraft. Loosely, think of Wicca to Pagan as you would Baptist to Christian. In example:

The Wiccan is Pagan, but the Pagan isn’t necessarily Wiccan.

The Baptist is Christian, but the Christian isn’t necessarily Baptist.

And even inside Wicca, there are different ‘trees’ if you will- a specific tradition of beliefs that one follows. There is Caledonii, Celtic, Gardenarian, Alexandrian, Dianic, and others. And then there are those who are just ‘Wiccan’ witches. They may, like myself, pull from multiple traditions to shape their Path. And the lovely thing about Wicca, is that is okay. And then there are those who may follow a specific Pantheon- Celtic, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Norse, etc. The different traditions in Wicca are only that- traditions; practices adopted by a certain group/coven, passed down over decades or centuries.

Not all pagans necessarily practice magic, or believe in the same deities. In the same, not all pagans identify with the pentacle. I would venture to say that a good percentage do, but not every single ones.

This is just my take on the whole situation- there might be more that I didn’t explain, or there might be different opinions on it. But those who I’ve talked to, and those in my group seem to have the same, or a similar viewpoint on the topic.

Now it is your turn! What branch of Wicca/Paganism do you follow? If none, what do you believe in connection with those systems?

Blessed be!

-steve

hi followers!

ohdysseus — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:24:44 -0500

so, i’m back to work after a weekend that wasn’t NEARLY long enough. i’ll get to some posts here very soon. i’m feeling quite weak and ill and could really use some positive thoughts and energy.

keep sending in questions and suggestions! i’m here for YOU!

-steve

hi i'm really interested in becoming a Wiccan and i was wondering if you could tell me where to start because i'm not sure what to believe really, even though i'm very open minded. none of my friends or family will support me with any of this so it would be really great if you could help me out (i'm very lost and confused) thank you :)

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:09:57 -0500

well, thank you for being honest, but I wish you weren’t anon!

The first thing I would recommend is picking a day, maybe the day before Yule begins, or something like that (December 20, as Yule starts on the 21st) and start your ‘Year and a Day’. Over this time, you’ll learn- as much as you can! Read books, check out web sites, ask questions, etc. This will help you decide if Wicca is really right for you. It will also help you decide which Path is right for you. Feel free to ask more questions! :)

G'day followers! :)

ohdysseus — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:07:00 -0500

Already had two question submissions and ~~EIGHT~~ NINE FOLLOWERS! Thanks so much for support.

Nothing to report today, though I’ve got a group meeting tonight, which I’m pretty excited about. I love having Wiccan friends, especially around my age! Not that I don’t appreciate my older friends, but sometimes its just nice to converse with peers who are like-minded.

Feel free to submit suggestions and questions!

Blessed be! )O(

I must ask: Have you been initiated into a Gardnerian coven and if not how do you incorporate any Gardnerian practices into your own witching path, since Wica is an oathbound tradition as set down by Gerald Gardner the founder?

ohdysseus — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:01:00 -0500

Good question! This actually leads me to feel the need to clarify- I am not in a Gardenarian coven. However, I use a few basic Gardenarian principles in my Path, especially; “The basic principle of acting “with harm to none” is mentioned repeatedly in the Ordains, a body of traditional guidelines for behavior both within the coven and within the larger human community.” Also, Gardner’s belief was that you could not be a witch alone- meaning you shouldn’t abandon your working life, academics, or social existence due to spiritual growth, which is where he differed from other Wiccan traditions. And finally, I don’t like to put a label on my Path, as I take from other paths, what I feel is right or proper. The best way to characterize it, though, is as ‘British Traditional’, being that I largely combine practices of Celtic witchcraft with many of the Gardenarian ethics. However, now that I think about it, I would imagine I would be better to include Alexandrian Wicca, as they are more eclectic and liberal in practice. Like I said, I don’t like to put a label on my Path unless absolutely necessary. When you get into specific labels, you begin to pigeonhole yourself, which is one of my main problems with mainstream, organized religion such as Christianity or Islam. Good question, though, I really appreciate it.

I don't know what spells or charms are. A lot of people think of spells as "hocus pocus" type wording. Obviously I'm not insinuating that or saying thats what you do. SO, what exactly is a spell or charm?

ohdysseus — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:51:00 -0500

A spell may have different meanings to different people. Generally, a spell is a ‘mini-ritual’ of sorts, done within a cast ‘sacred’ circle. A spell could be as simple as an incantation spoken while focusing on a deity or energy; or as elaborate as using implements such as herbs, candles, visual representations, or the elements. The purpose of a spell is to describe your intent, focus your energy, and use either your focus or your focus combined with your corresponding implements (for instance, sage is used often to banish negative energy and to protect a space) to send your will into the cosmos, and have your intent cause the change you are focusing on. The best equivalent I can give is that it is similar in nature to a Christian’s prayer to their god- focusing on their intent, and sending that message and intent to him to have him do it. The difference is that magick is usually more in-tune with nature, and witches don’t rely on the god and goddess to do everything for them, but to empower the caster with the necessary energy, strength, wisdom, etc., to have their will be done. Hope it helps!

Merry meet, friends!

ohdysseus — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:20:00 -0500

So, I decided to spearhead this a bit early- welcome to my chronicle of my walk along the Path (as I like to refer to Wiccan spirituality and the practice of magick and witchcraft). The Path can refer to many different traditions or ‘divisions’ of Wicca or just witchery in general (one does not have to be Wiccan to be a witch).

A bit about me: I’m 24, have been studying the craft for 10 years, collectively practicing for about 4 of those 10. I recently, however, made it public that I am in fact, Wiccan (and a witch), and came all out of the ‘broom closet’ so to speak. I’m eccentric and eclectic (as my friends tell me) and I’ve got just as many flaws and issues as the next guy. My interests are all over the spectrum- from video games to hiking to medieval and Celtic traditions. I’m quite the geek, or at least I like to think I am. I’ve got a wonderful girlfriend of nearly two years whom I love very much, some of the best friends in existence and a great family unit (my family is huge!).

My Wiccan path is best described as British Traditional- a mix of Celtic traditions and Gardenarian practices (note- I am not a member, nor have I ever been initiated as a Gardenarian coven, I simply pull certain practices from Gardenarian Wicca) as well as Alexandrian; though, I don’t limit myself there. I call upon multiple pantheons and use practices and methods demonstrated by many different groups throughout history. I believe the everyone in the world, past and present are all united each moment into the future.

One thing to know about me: I’m basically transparent. (Not physically see-through). By transparent, I mean, I’ve nothing to hide. I’m a very friendly person (though not exceedingly trusting), and have no problem talking to pretty much anyone- as long as you don’t come spewing hate and vitriol at me. I’ve got a serious problem with closed-minds who won’t accept alternate ideas’ existence, and I’m not afraid to say it. Note: If you come at me, acting crazy and being hateful, I do not have a problem putting you in your place. I’ve got too much good in my life right now, and I’m on the path to balancing the bad, and I don’t have the time nor the want to allow someone to cloud my energy with their negativity. If you want to debate, fine, but keep it civil.

I answer all questions, craft-related and otherwise (though, try to keep personal questions on my personal blog, http://istevesmash.tumblr.com).

I hope you all enjoy this blog, and can find something useful here! (Be sure to see the description at the top, I will have links to tagged posts!)

Blessed be, and stay frosty,

Steve )O(