Why the rise in Witchcraft?

Forget everything you've heard about chanting naked under the Moon

Paganism is like exploring whatever's behind a hidden waterfall – refreshing droplets, presenting a diverse visual experience, and bursting with mystery and life in the backdrop. It's a vibrant tapestry of spiritual paths - all that honor nature's rhythm and the interconnectedness of everything.

Intrigued? Me too! Decades ago (yep. I'm THAT old) after suffering religious trauma from the most popular patriarchal religion in America, I stumbled upon the word "Pagan" and felt a curiosity ignite. "What was this mysterious path?"

I'd feared to even read about other Christian denominations before that. (The adults in my childhood had convinced me that to read anything published outside of the Seventh-day Adventist Church would be to invite Devil possession!)

Let me tell you, the rabbit hole went deep, and I was terrified, but I also felt claustrophobic in a religion that abused its followers. My childhood teachings had only emphasized one male god (the "jealous god" - and we all know that jealousy comes from those who feel insecure and have a very low self esteem). Women could not be leaders in that religion, in fact, when they menstruated, they were "dirty." 

Leviticus 15:19
“Whenever a woman has her menstrual period, she will be ceremonially unclean for seven days. Anyone who touches her during that time will be unclean until evening.

Yet what I read in books on Wicca - a woman's blood was LIFE! The female portion of humanity was to be honored, not shunned! So, after dipping my toe into Buddhism at first, because "witchcraft" was a word that terrified me, I then slowly began to learn about Pagans and it became clear that it was not a bunch of spooky rituals that Pagans were *selling,* but a profound connection with Earth. Witches had the same sense of natural connectedness that I'd always felt as a child while communing with household spirits and a joy for gardening. 

Nature's Whispers, Not Dogma's Chains

Unlike some religions with strict rules for what you can eat, wear, and whether or not you should dance, paganism felt much more like a conversation with the life that's inside all of us; animals, trees, plants, stones and more. Imagine standing barefoot on the cool grass, the wind whispering secrets through the calm love that's offered by the forest. That's the essence of Paganism – just a deep awareness of what you FEEL along with an inherent respect for nature and the belief that the Divine pulsates within every living thing around you.

Many Paths, One Beautiful Journey

Paganism isn't a monolith. It's a constellation of traditions, each with its own unique set of beliefs and practices. Dianic Witchcraft, with its focus on the Goddess, and on female empowerment, might resonate with you; especially if you're a woman who's working to escape trauma from a patriarchal religion (like I was back in the day). Or perhaps Heathenry, where you can connect with the ancient Norse Gods and Goddesses will pique your interest, thanks to all the power that radiates from chanting the Runic names and working with Odin. There's also Druidry, with its emphasis on ancestral wisdom, tree magic (especially the Oak) and the age-old magic from the Celtic nature-centric world. Many times, on my Facebook page, I talk about the plethora of witchy traditions, including Santeria, Hoodoo, Shamanism and much more. 

Finding Your Place Under the Pagan Sky

The beauty of paganism is that it's a choose-your-own-adventure opportunity. You can explore established traditions (such as Stregheria (Italian witchcraft), Brujeria (typically Spanish-related witchcraft but not always) or craft your own unique path from the wonderful genetic mix that makes up your DNA, including Hillbilly/Mountain magic (e.g., Appalachian witchcraft) and/or Hoodoo. Witchcraft can also be described in colors: Green being an herbal/garden witch, Black being affiliated with the dark arts and so on.

Weaving together elements from different practices may be what resonates the most with your soul. If that's the case, then you might be a self-described "Eclectic Witch" borrowing magical tips from a variety of traditions.

Paganism is about forging a personal connection with the Divine, whether you see that as a multitude of Gods and Goddesses (pantheism), a Cosmic force, or the very essence of Nature Herself (e.g., Hoodoo is not a religion but respects the power in roots, bark, and herbs and can sometimes work with religion, depending on the practitioner).

The Call of the Wild

Maybe you're yearning for a way to celebrate the changing seasons, to mark the fall harvest with gratitude, or just want to dance under the Full Moon. Or perhaps you simply crave a sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself that feels tangible. If that's the case, then Paganism might be the answer to the Spiritual connectedness that you've been yearning for.

So, ditch the myriad of misconceptions taught by fearful folks (organized religion)  and embrace your own inner Goddess and truth. Follow your curiosity. There's a whole world waiting to be discovered under the vast Pagan sky. It's time to start exploring!

Crossroads Coven (Tacoma, WA, USA) will ending its hiatus this Fall, 2024

Why do you want to Join this Coven?

If you're a witch living in Tacoma, and you're looking to join a Coven, answer the questions below. Email your responses to XRoadsCoven (at) gmail to express your interest. 

Unlike churches, Covens are quite small. So. understanding YOUR practice, and knowing your commitment to your witchy community is vital to our success as a magical family (which is what a Coven is).

After you submit your answers to the following 12 questions, we will get back to you with a response and will explain whether you align with our community goals or not. If not, we will try to help redirect you to a better fit (so you can find your best witchy allies). If so, a couple of us will agree to meet with you for coffee/tea at a mutually agreed upon venue so you have a chance to evaluate us as we also consider you.

QUESTIONS:

1. What drew you to Witchcraft and what does being a Witch mean to you?
   
   
2. What is your experience with public rituals and community involvement in Paganism?
   
   
3. What are your expectations of a Coven?
   
   
4. How do you envision your role within the Crossroads Coven?
   
   
5. What is your commitment level to attending Coven meetings and/or rituals?
   
   
6. How do you feel about sharing your craft with others within the Coven?
   
   
7. Are there any specific areas of witchcraft that you are particularly interested in exploring? Are there any areas to which you have a personal aversion? Are there any areas where you feel experienced and empowered to teach?
   
   

Compatibility and Group Dynamics

1. How do you handle conflict within a group setting?
   
   
2. What is your experience with group dynamics?
   
   
3. How important is secrecy to you in your practice?
   
   
4. What are your thoughts on different magical paths and traditions? (Meaning: How open are you to learning new things and trying different approaches?)
   
   
5. What are your boundaries around energy work and sharing personal information?

If we accept your application, we will send you a list of monthly (Sundays, 5:00-9pm) when we will be gathering (these meetings are mandatory because they are only once per month). Public Sabbats, field trips, and other witchy events will be communicated throughout the year and will be voluntary. 

Thriving among stress and irritation. Spell working tips for a witch

Thriving amongst stress and irritation. That's what Witches do! Every skilled Witch knows to stay emotionally neutral in all her relationships to maintain a sense of agency and personal magic with self-control. 

Because of interactions with other flawed human beings, any one of us can get kicked out of our personal power zone. We may be having difficulty living up to expectations at work, in the family, or in other places (e.g., a Coven) where we feel emotionally invested. Some coworkers and bosses can be such narcissistic bullies and there's POTENTIAL that we as witches can take strength from those scenarios as well. (Hint: A narcissist RELIES on you to feel weak, hurt, confused, and/or mentally conflicted. Do not give that power to him!)

To avoid getting hijacked, in an emotional swirl, so that you lose your sense of equilibrium or power, it's important to have techniques for maintaining your most calm sense of self. Allowing your emotions to heighten means you become a victim to such emotional vampires. Extreme emotions can make you stop thinking logically. Witches know that their power lies in having the mental acuity to direct energy. They are in charge of whatever narrative they tell themselves. Maintaining a sense of efficacy (the ability to produce a desired or intended result) requires that a Witch be prepared with good mental fodder so she can remain in a state of self-awareness and calm.

Below I present methods for moving stress THROUGH your system (e.g., put on a rage song and dance it out - whatever it takes for you to move rage/hurt out of your body when dealing with someone who is irregular - do that!) That is how you get back into your body and take back control of who you are. 

We've all experienced undesired emotions (sadness, betrayal, hurt, mental fuckery). An experienced Witch does not hold on to such chaos or pain but sends that emotion to move through and away from Her. The intensity of any emotion only lasts in waves that pass in about 90 seconds. That's why deep breathing helps to regain mental clarity. It also helps if the Witch can focus on the situation that's harming Her from a non-emotional point of view while she's doing that deep breathing. "I am breathing. I am alright!"

YOU ARE THE MASTER OF YOUR EVERY THOUGHT/EMOTION

Usually, whatever causes an emotionally tense response in you comes from the story that you're telling yourself about the facts in a situation. So if you can switch your thinking to something that's more objective (less subjective) it will predispose you to get back into your power. 

When Muggles get upset, they ask: "Why is this happening TO me?" As a Witch, when we are in a situation where it feels like things are not going our way - we ask "why might this be happening FOR me?" Therein lies the Witch's power. 

Instead of allowing yourself to feel like a victim, take charge and ask: "What is the learning?" and "What is the opportunity?" These questions enable every Witch to switch Her perspective, and a Witch's perspective is EVERYTHING! That's where her magic lies!

EXAMPLE:
Maybe it's your approach and not the other person who behaves defiantly, that is the problem. Asking "Why might this be happening FOR me?" will enable you to see how your interactions are influencing that other person.

On a personal level, I previously created "problems" just by being too helpful or too kind to coworkers. When they started being MEAN to me, dumping all their work on me last minute after we had all been preparing for a big project together, I had to ask myself, "What is the learning?" "What POWER can I take from this experience?" "Why might this be happening FOR me?" 

In every relationship, there is an exchange between you and the "irregular" who is causing you grief. What is in it for them? Knowing what motivates them will give you more power to capitalize on the situation. Move that energy toward the more desired outcome that you seek. 

In my workplace, I've learned to admit, "No. I don't have time to run those files over to you. I will leave them here in the office for you to pick up." Just by entertaining that small thought - by asking? "How am I contributing to this story? Why is this happening FOR me?" I began to see the energetic strings that connected my behavior to the other individuals. I began setting healthier boundaries and (oddly enough) respect came to me as a result.

RITUAL TECHNIQUES

Other perspectives that can be added to deep breathing follow: (these tips go beyond visualizing that undesirable emotion and moving it down into the Earth, where our Mother can convert it into fertilizer for the betterment of everyone) 

Grounding and Centering

• Meditation and Mindfulness: Regular practice can significantly reduce stress levels. Focus on your breath, body sensations, and the present moment. "At this moment, I am SAFE. Everything is working together for my best interest."
  
• Here's a powerful guided meditation by Louise Hay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSodrY_V3FY
• Earthing: Connect with nature. Walk barefoot on grass, hug a tree, or simply sit outside to breathe in fresh air. This grounds your energy and helps you feel more centered.

Protection and Cleansing

• Protective Spells: Create a personal protection amulet or spell to shield yourself from negative energy.
• Cleansing Rituals: Use smoke cleansing (sage, palo santo) or salt (make a spritz of salt water to call upon the Ocean for strength when you need Her). Do whatever works best for you to purify your aura and space.

Stress Relief and Calm

• Calm and Peace Spells: Utilize herbs like lavender, chamomile, or valerian in spells, baths, or teas.
• Visualization: Imagine yourself in a peaceful place. This can be a powerful tool for relaxation.  
• Energy Work: Practice energy healing techniques like Reiki or Qi Gong to balance your energy field.

Boosting Resilience

• Strength and Courage Spells: Work with symbols of strength, like the ox, an oak tree, a rowan, or High John Conqueror root, to enhance your resilience. Crystals also help empower the Witch.
• Affirmation Magic: Create positive affirmations and repeat them daily to build self-confidence. 

        EXAMPLES:

• "I am the most terrifying fortress of calm in this forest of chaos."
• "My inner strength is far greater than this external storm."
• "I am capitalizing on all the energy that touches down around me and I am redirecting it for my best advantage."

Additional Tips

• Journaling: Write about your feelings to release emotional tension.
• Exercise: Physical activity helps reduce stress and improve mood.  
• Healthy Diet: Nourishing your body supports overall well-being.   
• Sleep: Prioritize adequate sleep for optimal mental and physical health. A Witch needs to be healthy to be powerful. Eat fresh food and take care of your body!

My Counselor's Crystal Ball Was Cloudy!

So, I finally took the plunge and booked a therapy sesh. I mean, I was at my wit's end trying to wrangle this rebellious, clothes-optional millennial (relative by marriage) into the 21st century. You know, the newcomer who thinks flashing their goods at family gatherings is a totally acceptable form of self-expression.

Going to counseling is not something I've invested time in. Spilling one's guts to another human being makes us feel vulnerable, so, naturally, when I was making the appointment, I requested a therapist who would NOT start dropping "my religion is the only religion" bombs at me.

While I had requested that my counselor would come from either a non-religious or any religion from a string of acceptable (non-pushy) faiths - I was assigned to a Christian who had stated in the directory that she was "agnostic."

Fast forward to the appointment. I walked in to hopefully have a better relationship with the human enigma masquerading as "family," and to gain advice for navigating all the new and weird trends in America. What sort of counselor did I get? A modern-day Mary Poppins with a penchant for proselytizing. I kid you not, this woman launched into a full-on spiritual awakening seminar about Jesus before I could even get a "hello" out. It was like being trapped in a bad religious infomercial. And to top it off, she then began to offload all of her life traumas onto me!

I sat there thinking, "Lady, I'm the one who's supposed to be venting." Yet I did not want to interrupt her because - we are all vulnerable as people, and she seemed in crisis! (She told me about her failed marriage, about the religious shaming she endured following her divorce, about her fights she had with an older brother who shouted "you are going to Hell," and then? Well, read this next paragraph.) 

One of the most entertaining aspect of that counseling session was when she started complaining about being named 'Karen.' Like, excuse me? Karen is a meme, not a personality disorder! (I actually hate that stereotype. I know MANY people named Karen who are absolutely lovely and I perceive of the whole social demonization of the name 'Karen' as terribly racist/sexist and cruel.) We need to stop blaming an entire generation of women named 'Karen' for the actions of a few. It’s like saying that all men are creeps, All Witches are evil or something else equally despicable.

Anyway, to my own horror - this therapist was the epitome of that dreadful stereotype – unprofessional, self-absorbed, and completely missing the point. She behaved like a sexually abused and angry choir boy.

Who knew signing up for a single therapy session could be such a dumpster fire?

To make matters worse, I went into my private medical account and read her counseling notes after the fact. There, she berated me as though I had walked into the session and shouted "I'm PAGAN!" (Like a freak might do.)

What really happened, was - because she had launched into full-on Billy Graham mode -I had stopped her with, "Um, Karen? I'm Pagan." Yet of course she did NOT mention her sermonizing in the notes at all.

There were many other out of context or completely false statements that she wrote - accusing me of being "hyperactive" when, how could she have made that assessment when she did all the talking?

I had sought refuge in a sanctuary of the mind, only to find a tempest.

A therapist is supposed to provide a harbor of calm. She manifested a maelstrom of personal turmoil and religious conviction. It’s a peculiar irony that the individual entrusted with healing should be so deeply wounded herself. Her proselytizing replaced empathy, and her judgment eclipsed understanding. 

To confide in someone only to have your words twisted into a distorted narrative is a betrayal of trust on a profound level. The experience has left me questioning not just the efficacy of therapy but the very nature of human connection. It seems the quest for peace and harmony can sometimes lead one deeper into the labyrinth of isolation and despair.

While I have been openly Pagan, not broadcasting as so many Christian faiths do, never walking door-to-door ringing doorbells or sending out fliers, I faced her disrespect and hatred toward "Pagan" to the degree that I feel far less safe now.

I realize that I was not counseled by a professional scholar. I now wonder how many other people have gone to a therapy session and suffered the same upheaval and disappointment. I had waited more than a month for this appointment, I paid $300 for the intake screening, and took time off from work and I expect a $600 bill for her therapy session so I've been proactive about contacting medical billing about what happened. 

This chapter may have been a stormy one, but within every tempest, there's an opportunity for renewal. With my spirit unbroken, I'll continue to seek out spaces where my truth can be honored and celebrated. After all, a witch's power is in resilience.

Putting the "Witch" in Your Playlist This Summer

Healing Chant by Bunny Lo (female chorus and chanting)

Mother Earth by Karliene

Mother I feel you by Windsong (female vocals, drumming)

Hekate, by Ann Danzza (guitar, drums, male and female vocals)

Karliene - Dance with the Fire (female vocals, piano, drumming)

Earth My Body, Water My Blood (female tribal vocal joined with drumming and male voices - becomes a chant)

Song of the Witches by S.J Tucker (light-hearted female vocals with male voice accompaniment, guitar)

Solitude by Blackbriar (pagan folk/rock with haunting vocals and wood instruments, lyrics about past lives and enduring love).

Anything by Stevie Nicks (of Fleetwood Mac fame) Blues/pop band with the legend. The lyrics to "Bella Donna"  (rock with lyrics hinting at witchcraft and herbal lore) include: 

And the lady's feeling

Like the moon that she loved

Don't you know that the stars are

A part of us

And the lady's feeling

Just like the moon that she loved

Ancestors, by Lindie Lila (female vocalist with a ghostly/spirit theme)

Ancient Mother by Robert Gass (female vocals, nature sounds, women chanting)

Blackbriar - I'd Rather Burn (Lyrics about returning after death-by-fire)

The Earth, The Air, The Fire, The Water, Return (female vocals/chant song)

"I Kiss The Night" by Dana Gavanski (folk guitar with a darling melody and lyrics about the Moon)

I Kiss The Night (lyrics)

holding up to things

i've built a fortress in my mind

take apart the thoughts

and leave the furthest far behind

and i needed you to help me

but every night i put myself to sleep

it's just the moon that i see

hey hey ha ha ho ho

hey hey i kiss the night

hey hey ha ha ho ho

hey hey i kiss the night

milk-white words of love

falling on your sleepy hair

draw a picture of the faces

that were never there

and i looked for you to help me

but every night i put myself to sleep

it's just the moon that i see

hey hey ha ha ho ho

hey hey i kiss the night

hey hey ha ha ho ho

hey hey i kiss the night

Willow's Song (a Pagan maiden's ballad from the original 1973 movie: Wicker Man.") 

Mother Of Darkness by Circle Of Women

May The Circle Be Open (female choir vocals, Pan flute)

How to Make Witchy Friends

The Witch’s path can sometimes feel too solitary. Brewing potions in your basement, muttering incantations under the full Moon – it's not exactly the recipe for a bustling social life. But fear not! When you meet another soul who has similar likes and passions as you: MAGIC HAPPENS!

There are amazing people out there just waiting to be your friends (and allies on your magical journey). Below are some tips to find your besties, build your self-esteem, and create a magical support system.

If you feel the path of the Witch feels best walked alone, then kudos! Yet even the most independent Witch craves connection. It's in our DNA as people (to find our tribe).  So that is what this blog article is about. 
YOU: Finding YOUR tribe.

Pagan Meetups and Festivals: Many towns have Pagan groups or interfaith gatherings, which are great for socializing. Check online or at metaphysical shops for local events.

Examples:

• Saturday, June 8, 2024 Crescent MoonGifts is sponsoring a Tacoma Pagan Meetup. (Meet in the Tea Room!) 
• Sat Jun 15 2024 at 10am - 4pm, Summer Solstice Witches Market, church cantina, 5240 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma WA 98409. 10am - 4pm
• Take a witchy class at a local metaphysical shop. Most offer courses of interest to Pagans.
• June 30 - This  psychic fair happens at MysticSanctuary on Sun, June, 30th, noon-5pm, Free entrance
• Manic Mermaid is a rock and crystal shop located at Point Ruston in Tacoma (5020 Main St Suite M, Tacoma, WA 98407).
• Rock & Mineral Show. Cascade Rock Gem & Jewelry Show - Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30, 2024, 10am-5pm @ Kent Commons, 525 4th Ave N. Kent, WA 98032. cascademineralogicalsociety.org/cascade-gem-mineral-show-2024/
• This year, Pagan Pride Pagan Pride will be happening in September 2024. 
• If you're at the South Hill Mall, stop in at Gentilettispass. It smells of incense, has witchy books and supplies, and the clerk will be happy to greet you.
• Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire, July 19-21, 26-28, August 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 2024, 10am – 7pm, 18601 Sky Meadows Lane, Snohomish, WA 98290

·   Online Witchy Communities: There are tons of Facebook groups, forums, and even apps dedicated to witchcraft. It's a fantastic way to connect with witches from all over the globe!

There are MANY other metaphysical shops and communities between Seattle and Olympia. Do a search! Explore the store and post their event in the comments below.

Volunteer opportunities:

• Support your local metaphysical shoppe when they're hosting a special event like a Fairy Festival. 
• Visit a lonely senior: The Senior Friends program matches volunteers with lonely and socially isolated elders in communities throughout Pierce County. 
• Volunteer to work in a Garden: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/volunteers/chip-in/garden-volunteers/
• Attend, volunteer, and/or support) Pagan Pride. 
• Visit Mystic Sanctuary or another occult shop! Talk to witches in person. 
• Get involved in the community (one way or another). Attend neighborhood council meetings, for instance. Your life will be enriched as you learn what investments and activities are going on in your neighborhood. 
• Pick up trash whenever you see it lying around. Giving back is sacred and special and builds relationships with Nature Spirits and Deities. 

If you have more ideas for meeting Pagan friends, please reach out via comment (below) or send an email to XroadsCoven at Gmail!

Splashes of Mermaid Myths From Around The World (Under the Waves)

MERMAIDS! Half-human and half-fish, they weave tales of mystery, beauty, and sometimes danger across cultures. And, while Mermaid stories are told from every continent, their reputations might convey fear or fondness, depending on where you are from. Some lore surfaces such thought-provoking insight the sayings fiz with Mermaid magic!

East vs. West: A Mermaid's Morality

In European folklore, Mermaids, such as Sirens, are hostile and might lure sailors to their doom. Similarly, in Rusalka of Slavic myths, these vengeful water-dwelling fey will seek out men to drown them. No wonder the old saying goes, "Don't trust a mermaid with a dry sense of humor!"

From the East, Mermaids are often much more benevolent. Japan's "Amabie," for example, is believed to bring bountiful harvests. Also, there's a fascinating tale posted by Keele University  
about the Japanese "Ningyo." Eating the flesh of this person/fish will grant immortality to the human!

Africa's Alluring Waters

Africa boasts a fascinating array of water spirits. Mami Wata, for instance, can be a beautiful and seductive figure, but also a dangerous one. This duality is captured in the West African saying, "Fine face, but fishy tail – beauty can be deceiving."

Common Sayings with Aquatic Charm

Mermaid mischievousness and magic infiltrate our language. Feeling overwhelmed? You might be "drowning your sorrows." Is someone acting suspicious? They could be "keeping their fins crossed." And if you feel lucky, "you might just catch a Mermaid!"

Mermaid Mania: Dive Deep into Their Global Nicknames!

Norse: The fearsome Margygr (a Seagiantess,’ of old Norse literature) lurks in Scandinavian waters, while the Huldra, half-woman, half-fish, can be either benevolent or dangerous.

AI-generated Mermaid picture

Scotland: Celtic folklore features the Ceasg (pronounced "kaysh"), as beautiful but deadly creatures who lure men to their deaths.

Philippines: The enchanting Sirena is similar to the European mermaid, but with flowing, seaweed-like hair.

South America: Lara, a captivating guardian spirit of the Amazon rainforest and its rivers, is another fascinating mermaid figure.

West, Central, and Southern Africa: The captivating Mami Wata is revered in various forms. In Benin, she's associated with the water goddess Mawu, while in Yoruba religion (aka Santeria) she shares characteristics with Oshun, the river Orisha along with Yemoja, the ocean Orisha.