Welcome to my page... I plan to add some interesting things once I familiarize myself with the way the site works. But for now I'll just give whomever stumbles by this way a bit of information about myself & why I'm here. ≈

I guess you could say I have always been a pagan, but didn't know the 'term' for it until about 5 years ago. I've always loved the outdoors, animals, collecting rocks, etc., and have had a deep concern for our Earth since I was a kid. ~ I tried to 'find myself', faith-wise, via many traditional Christian routes - study, churches, interaction with others. I've attended Baptist, Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, Interdenominational, Non-denominational, and Catholic churches. I even serious studied the Catholic faith for about 6 months. When all of these failed to spark a connection I started studying my heritage - Native American (Cherokee), Celtic, Scottish & English. I found I was very drawn to all things Native American, even more so in my late teens/early 20's than in my younger years (when I went to pow wows more often). I have been reading about and practicing the basics of Native American spirituality for about 17 years now. ~ Several years ago I began reading Zen and delving into Buddhism. Although I don't consider myself Buddhist, I still really enjoy reading books by the Dalai Lama, and feel there is much I can learn from many religions... and that I need to keep myself open & tolerant of others in order to practice my faith in a way that is true to me. ≈

My brother 'introduced' me to Paganism/Witchcraft a few years ago, shortly after he starting exploring the path. Friends of his, the 'leader' being someone I knew from years past, were in a coven together... One I subsequently joined. (Twice to be exact, but that's a long & boring story!). I loved being together with like-minded people where nature and faith were concerned, but, ultimately, couldn't stay due to conflict and egos within the group (3 wanted to be 'leader numero uno"). ~ I still miss many aspects of coven life, but have found that being solo has its own benefits. ~ The main reason I came to covenspace is to interact more with other pagans... (being from the "Bible Belt" means you don't come in contact with many 'open' witches, and life can be a bit isolated in that respect).

As for my path... How to label?? lol I've referred to myself as everything from Shaman, Witch, Green Witch, Hedge Witch, Kitchen Witch, Pagan, Healer, to Wiccan. ~ If you're wondering 'why Wiccan?', it's because I study via a Wiccan school & have studied Wicca. I don't discount any of the Wiccan teachings, but don't call myself Wiccan simply because I don't follow any set rules/guidelines (as useful as I believe them to be). ~ These days I go by Pagan or Witch and figure if people I meet want to know any more, they'll ask.

The basis of my faith rests with Mother Earth. I believe - (and this is only my belief/opinion) - that to be of an "Earth Religion" you need to truly care about the Earth, and do all you can for Her. Therefore: I reuse & recycle, eat as natural & healthy as I can, am an activist for the environment/animals, and try to be an inspiration to others. I donate to, and shop at, thrift stores where proceeds help animals/people.... You get the idea.

But, activism is only one aspect of my life. Having faced, and currently facing, health problems & challenges has given me new respect & perspective when it comes to natural and alternative healing therapies. ~ I study herbalism (am in an 'advanced' course now - would one day like to travel to be able to test to be a certified Master Herbalist). I also study about psychic ability, chakras, animals, reincarnation, the Moon, healing/health alternatives (such as different massage techniques & forms, homeopathy, Bach flower essences, etc.), and all things 'green' or natural in relation to Witchcraft. ~ I've previously studies about different Gods & Goddesses, Egypt, Numerology, Astrology (to a small extent), Tarot, etc. ~ I have always  enjoyed reading & learning.

Other stuff about me: 

I own a rainstick, rattle, peacepipe, and zen chime. I collect feathers, rocks, (incl. arrowheads), crystals, herbs, books, journals (and the like) made from recycled or non-wood papers, and quill pens.  ~   I've been writing poetry (and a handful of short stories) since I was 16... (I'm up to about 820 or so poems).  

Some of my favorite actors & actresses would include: Keanu Reeves (my man!!), Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Sally Field, Reese Witherspoon, Daniel Day-Lewis, Mel Gibson, Jack Nicholson, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Connelly, and Samuel L. Jackson. 

I think I've posted plenty here, lol  ~  If you've made it to this point, congratulations on having read quite a bit about my boring life! If you've found my rambling interesting, I hope you'll check back with me from time to time and see what I'm ranting or raving about - or maybe just observing.  ~  Until then, I wish you Bright Blessings, Peace & Love!

"The goal of life is living in agreement with nature" ~ Zenon

"Look! Between the stones is a blade of grass;

 and all the rites of the high mysteries,

 and the runes of all witcheries, are written upon

 it." ~ Doreen Valiente       

Merry Meet!

New from my little corner.... I've gotten my first digital camera and am having loads of fun with it. I hope to post some more pics here soon. ~ Been to 2 lakes in the last 2 weeks: To Springfield Lake in hopes of seeing an eagle (no such luck, but did get rained on! lol), and to Fellows Lake for a picnic. It was the first time in 10 years since I'd been to Fellows. The last time I was there with my mom to scatter the ashes of my father. The outting was bittersweet because of that memory, but it was an enjoyable time and the weather remained bearable until we were packing up to leave. =o)

Barack Obama has the Democratic nomination - Yay!

Detroit RedWings won the Stanley Cup - good for them (again!!!), but too bad for the Penguins.

Have seen a few good movies lately.... LOVED "Across the Universe" & "Sweeney Todd". "Bella" and "Cleaner" were both good. "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" had a good enough story but seemed way too long to me. ~ In my initial blog post I listed some favorite movies... I'd have to add these to that list: The Last King of Scotland, Rowanda, the Descent, and The Kite Runner.

I watched one of my Godsmack videos earlier... Hadn't seen it in a long time. The drum battle between Sully & Shannon, and Sully's performance of "Serenity" are great to watch over & over (and over!!). =o)

I'm about finished with "The Face" by Koontz. (On page 543 of six hundred & something). It's been really good, but has taken me forever to get through it because I usually only read at night and it puts me to sleep, so I'm lucky if I get through 2-3 chapters at a time. ~ After this one I'm switching gears a bit... I'd started "The Blackstone Chronicles" by Saul, but have decided to try to get back to "Tapping the Dream Tree" by DeLint and starting something different (maybe a new pagan book - "Natural Witchery" is nearby, or a Native American book, not sure which).

Since the weather is rainy/stormy tonight (ths morning) & predicted for the day I'm going to get some cleaning done, change out my altar, hit the yoga mat and do some studying (have been on the same lesson with my metaphysical studies for way too long!).

^i^ Sending you Blessings & Smiles ^i^