Theitic, like many profiled here on Voodoo Universe, has been both a friend and an inspiration for many years. Born in Providence, R.I. in 1956, he began studying magick in 1968. He graciously agreed to answer some questions for us about divination, and his exciting new projects.
When did you start divining?
I formally began using divination when I was about 12 years old. I was in a store and I found the Swiss Tarot Deck. I wasn’t terribly fond of the style, but I was thrilled to learn of the Tarot. It was some years later that I came across the Rider-Waite deck, and the symbolism spoke to me. I have continued using variations of this style ever since.
With what method?
In my early years, I used numerous forms of divination. However, I always came back to the Tarot as my favorite.
In addition to the Tarot, I have used a variety of other systems to foretell – cowrie, astrology, pendulum, searching the Akashic record and the inner landscape, picking up 3 random objects on the seashore (as taught to me by Elizabeth Pepper) and others.
Which method do you use most often now?
The Tarot (when a deck is available to me) is still my divining method of choice. I use an astrological method to forecast, but only turn the card/s that are necessary for the required answer. No need in complicating the reading or confusing your querent with unnecessary card positions.
How important is the choice/phrasing of the question?
If I am reading for someone, the question must be phrased as perfectly as possible. If I am divining for myself, the intention of the question is more important than the verbalization of it. At all times for the witch and magician alike, what is intended carries the most power and can have the greatest effect.
Do you have a yes/no method of divining you recommend?
Although Tarot is my divination method of choice, when I need a quick yes/no question answered, the pendulum is quite effective.
Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?
Divination is a very personal art. It is best to learn as much as you can about various forms of divination before you choose your primary method. Once you have decided upon your personal choice, practice it in every way possible – read for yourself, for friends, for family, for your pets, for world events, etc. Experience the skill of prophecy in every way that you can. Over time, this will lead to being comfortable enough to look at divination as an extension of your senses.
I’m honored to say we have been friends for over a decade now, there have been a lot of changes in the Pagan community over those years, what has surprised you and what has pleased you over time about the community?
This is a big question, encompassing more than can be answered here. However, I will provide a few brief comments.
I must say that I continued to be surprised by “learned” people mixing traditions, method, deity, etc. all into one practice. It is fine to practice them at different times, but not all at the same time. To me, this is like mixing sweet and sour chicken with spaghetti and meatballs and burritos. The results are not only something you don’t expect, but often not pleasing to the spiritual palette.
I also think that the bickering about “Witchcraft” and “Wicca” is unnecessary. Both systems are equally valid and should be respected as such.
On a positive note, I am very happy to see new generations coming into spiritual power. I am pleased that young people are embracing the environment, nature and time-honored traditions and practices. People are expanding their horizons and learning new things. Meditation is on the rise, battling stress and many stress related diseases. Spiritual practices that were once found in remote parts of the world, now can be found everywhere. Here in RI, the smallest state in the U.S., you can find Hindu worshipers, a Santeria house (or two!), members of an OTO lodge, a practicing Palero, at least two Buddhist temples, Wicca in many forms, several Botanicas, old world Witchcraft and folklore and much more diversity than you would have found in the past 200 years.
You are a gifted author, working on The Witches’ Almanac and more. Everywhere I turn these days I see your wonderful new coloring book, can you tell us about it?
I am very pleased to have put out the Witches’ Almanac Coloring Book this year. It has been a tremendous success, selling out of our wholesaler (Weiser’s) warehouse in just 2 months. We are reprinting it this week.
The coloring book is filled with fun images – old woodcuts, some of which do not reproduce very well, but we wanted to keep the original images without tinkering with them. Stellar images, Egyptian motifs, American symbols and deities, and much more embellish this large 8 ½ x 11 book. Adults and children are enjoying this title, which can also be found at Barnes & Noble.
What’s next for you? Are there any new projects in the works?
There certainly are new projects up my sleeve. Although I can’t talk much about them now, I can tell you that one deals with a very well known author and his love for the Tarot. We are producing a book describing his original Tarot designs and their meaning. This book will be out before the end of 2016, and promises to be beautifully illustrated.
A second project involves the practice of Hoodoo. Many folks have asked about Hoodoo and related spiritualism, and we are answering that need. This is a time consuming project. The final product will be a hefty tome. We are moving along nicely and with luck, this title will also be available before the end of 2016.
As always, the next Witches’ Almanac takes up most of the staff’s time. The 2017 issue has some fascinating material. Here’s a sneak preview of some of the articles – The Beekeeper’s Year, Cemetery Symbols & Funeral Art, Graeco-Egyptian Magic, The Never Resting Sea, Easter Witches, Spirits and Ghosts in Norway, Speaking in Tongues and Poppets!
Theitic’s journey in the craft has been extensive. He explains : I came in contact with my first Coven in 1974, the year I met Gwen Thompson. I was initiated in 1976 into the N.E.C.T.W. Tradition. I became an HP and began running my own Coven in 1978. In 1975 I founded the Center for Exoteric Research and Esoteric Studies (C.E.R.E.S.) in Providence. While continuously practicing the Craft, from 1976 through the present, I also worked with a Ceremonial Magic Tradition and I opened a metaphysical and occult store – the Flaming Cauldron, Inc. During the 1980’s and 90’s I also took initiations in Palo Meyombe, Santeria, and traditional Nigerian spiritual practices.
Currently, I am active in three Covens of the N.E.C.T.W. Tradition, Coven of Minerva has been operational since 1987, Coven of the Crossroads since 2009 and Coven Sidera since 2007. I am also the historian for the N.E.C.T.W. Tradition. In 1995 I was initiated into the Alexandrian tradition (through the Mary Nesnick & Hans Holzer line) and, with Morganna Davies, ran Phoenix Rising Coven for approximately 10 years. Although not running a Coven, I am a 3rd degree Gardnarian.
In my Craft business world, I am running two small publishing companies, Olympian Press and The Witches’ Almanac Ltd (www.TheWitchesAlmanac.com) – which was left to me by my close friend of 30 years, Elizabeth Pepper. Through Olympian Press, I am co-author (with Robert Mathiesen) of The Rede of the Wiccae – a book about the Rede and the family of the late Gwen Thompson (Healy).
I am a 32 degree Freemason – Scottish rite, and have taken most of the York Rite degrees. Charity and the non-profit world have always been important to me and currently I am the Executive Director of Acts of Kindness (www.a-o-k.org) – a pagan run charity, Sacred Ground (http://www.sacred-ground.org), and the Society of the Evening Star (S.O.T.E.S.) (http://www.sotes.org), – all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
He lives in Providence, RI with his husband, Thor and his beloved dogs, Dana and Samson.
If you have enjoyed what you have read here please be sure to check out Theitic’s work, and remember to share, share, share.
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