The Roman Baths are an interesting little piece of history, but the real magic and wonder lies in the temple ruins that once stood nearby. Here the gods of old were worshipped and honored, and when I visited the city of Bath, I could feel them near me, just as they would have been 2000 years ago. Read more
"Witch Rock" is occult-laced low-fi hard rock with female vocals and psychedelic influences. It's probably not the "next big thing" in music, but it beats a lot of the alternatives. Come check out some of the hardest working and most amazing bands in rock music today. Read more
Thanksgiving is the simplest and most basic of holidays. At its core it’s a harvest celebration, perhaps the last “pure” agrarian holiday shared by most Americans. That it's being lost in an orgy of consumerism isn't just troubling, it's deeply saddening. Read more
Modern Paganism has grown up in the shadow of Christianity, and Christianity grew up in the shadows of the numerous paganisms that existed in the first few centuries of the Common Era. Paganism and Christianity share holidays and sometimes even beliefs. There's an inter-connectedness to these two very different streams of thought that may never go away. Read more
Since elementary school I've been intrigued by the magic and mystery of Stonehenge. On my recent visit to the United Kingdom visiting Stonehenge was a priority, and an awe-inspiring moment of Pagan pilgrimage. Read more
In the Autumn many of us celebrate and lament the sacrifice of the Horned God. He dies so the Wheel can turn once more, but what's it like to walk in the steps of the Horned One during such an experience? Read more
Once a candidate is brought to second or third degree, a period of further learning follows, no matter how well-prepared and how apt the candidate may be. Every BTW coven is autonomous, independent, and a law unto itself. This autonomy means that the newly minted third degree witch—theoretically—springs forth fully formed with lore and wisdom at the ready. In practice, any new coven leader consults with her mentors while “finding her feet.” Read more
Whether an initiate has been once or thrice round the Wheel of the Year and its sabbat cycle, elevation to the second degree brings many responsibilities and connections. First and foremost, second-degree elevation connects an initiate to the current of energy specific to initiatory Wicca. Read more
Within British Traditional Wicca there exists a structure known as the degree system. One’s first degree is initiation, or becoming one of the Wicca. Second and third degree initiates are acknowledged to be more experienced initiates of progressively greater skill, talent, or “power." But what does it all mean in practice? Read more
Are Witches real? I certainly think so since I'm writing this and self-identify as a Witch. I just wish others were aware that Witches are a part of our society, and a growing one. Fairy tale witches might not exist, but Witchcraft is a real and thriving tradition in the present day. Read more
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