In 2017 I went to the Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG), having not completed my gender reassignment surgery. I was still technically, still biologically, a male, even though I was, and had been legally female for over 3 years.
What a difference a year makes! I was excited to attend this PSG as a woman. For some time, I had wondered what would be different. I was still on the layout crew, helping get everything ready for the vendors. Hekate was still with me. One thing that had changed was that I was still recovering from my surgery. My energy levels were down significantly from the previous year.
What else had changed, you may ask. My attitude had changed, for the better. For the first time in my life, I could say that I was what I said I was. If I wanted to go skyclad, I wouldn’t be ashamed of my body. Just so you know, I did it, and I didn’t feel anything but unconditional love! It felt so good to be able to communicate better with other women. I was now one of them authentically — not just a transwoman.
Speaking of being a transwoman, there will always be a part of me that will never escape my past life as one. I personally feel that’s part of what I am, and will always be. I, for one, unlike others like me, do not intend to hide that, and won’t. In my world, we call that “going stealth.” Moving away from where we live, living somewhere that nobody knows us…
That means leaving our friends, supportive family, and others who we depend on for our support. I’d thought about doing that for many years. I understand how some might benefit from such an arrangement; however, after many talks with my High Priestess and other friends in my chosen family, you, Pagans, I decided to stay where I live. I can always visit other places if I choose. But for me, Wisconsin is where I will stay, for now anyway. And it helps that I have a lot of really good physicians to keep me healthy.
Besides, how could I leave Circle Sanctuary, Pagan Spirit Gathering and my chosen family? No, not for this elderly hippie chick! Think young, stay young — great motto. Until next time, somewhere in the future…
Mighty Hekate, Queen of the Witches,
Blessed am I,
To call myself one of Your chosen.
(Above used with permission from Cyndi Brannen..with many thanks and love)
Special thanks also to Starlight Witch, for her help in editing.