It’s crazy to think that over two years ago, I began writing here at Patheos. I started writing a regular column over at the Agora blog in January of 2013, and now I’m thrilled to be turning The Busy Witch into a regular blog. Why The Busy Witch, you might ask? Well, this post still holds the key to the name of my blog. And as for who I am, I’m an author of both fiction and nonfiction, a teacher, a student, a travel junkie, and a priestess of Isis. I’m also perpetually busy (and eternally type-A), so a big part of my spiritual practice has always revolved around disciplining myself enough to carve out the time I need to feel centered, whole, and strong.
In all honesty, who isn’t busy? We’re usually rushing from place to place, our schedules packed with activities, some fun, others not so much. We are experts at filling our days, and while it might seem a bit paradoxical that I’ve taken on another writing commitment in an effort to slow myself down, that’s exactly what happened. My hope is that, by making The Busy Witch a regular part of my week, I’ll reconnect with my spiritual practice in ways that I simply haven’t been making the time for lately. Ever since I had my daughter earlier this year, I’m sad to say that I’ve been a rather pathetic witch, and only a slightly attentive priestess: in fact, my altar was blocked for about three months when we moved around furniture to accommodate the bassinet, and, unfortunately (but not unexpectedly) I didn’t have the space or time to really miss my nightly practice. But things are settling into an ever-changing rhythm around here, and I’m ready to feel my way into magic as a mother rather than a maiden.
One thing I’ve started doing is using my mornings to rekindle my meditation practice. Luckily, I’ve got a little one who doesn’t get up when I do (finally!), and I’ve been making a daily effort to sit facing a window, working through my mala with a mantra that I’ve been using for years. It only takes about ten minutes, and that, coupled with the ritual of brewing a cup of tea, has helped me ground and center from day to day. It feels good to be taking time to tune in again, and I’m looking forward to seeing how my practice is (and isn’t) the same as it was before.
Here’s to a magical transition, and to dancing along the spiral of life!