 Back row: Arcturus, Amber, Meadhbh, Raven Sidhe, Cetacea, Baudrons Grimalkin. | ||
| Lady Kaleah |
Meadhbh
|
Aima Dragon Fire |
Merry Meet! I am Lady Kaleah (e-mail ladykaleah@sacredcrossroads.com), Wise Woman and High Priestess of Sacred Crossroads Coven. I am, first and foremost, wife to my wonderful husband of more than 30 years, and mother to two incredible, grown children. Also part of the family are three Yorkshire Terriers, the youngest of whom, Aubrey, is my familiar and constant companion. Although I am now semi-retired from my profession as an interior designer, I still maintain an interest in feng shui and the creation of healing environments. I now enjoy being a full-time witch, tending my rather large garden, teaching, writing and fulfilling the duties of running the coven.
I first found my way to the Goddess many years ago, while studying self-hypnosis and experimenting with trance states. It was then that I learned to connect with the divine via my subconscious mind. I had one of those "aha" moments and suddenly my spiritual path became very clear to me. I continued my study of hypnosis, becoming a certified hypnotherapist, not beginning a private practice, but choosing to use my knowledge to increase the success of my magickal work. I always stress to my students the importance of learning to use altered states of consciousness. More than once, I have been called a trance junkie.
I've been involved in the Craft for nearly 20 years, first as a solitary, then as an eclectic witch involved in the local pagan community. I am a graduate of the Earthwise "Woman WisdomTM" program and now serve as the ritual leader for the men and women of the Earthwise healing community. I am anxious to help dispel negative stereotypes regarding Wicca, so occasionally I speak with groups and local media who are interested in learning the truth about witchcraft.
My training in Traditional British Witchcraft began in 1997 with the Wyrral Coven in Boston. I wanted to learn about the roots of modern Wicca and experience how the Craft was practiced by Gerald Gardner, Alex Sanders, Doreen Valiente and the others who were responsible for the preservation and revival of our religion. Up there in Boston, I found that I had come home! Much love and thanks to Lady Dea Artia and Lord Auriel.
With feelings of both joy and sadness, I hived off from the Wyrral Coven in the Autumn of 2000 to form the Sacred Crossroads Coven. Now when I cast an initiatory circle, I feel that I am truly passing on a valuable legacy.
Merry part and many blessings.
I am Lord Dagda (e-mail lorddagda@sacredcrossroads.com), High Priest of Sacred Crossroads Coven, and husband to Lady Kaleah. I was born, raised and educated in the Philadelphia area. My spiritual upbringing was Roman Catholic. In elementary school I started to question the teachings of the Catholic Church. I was not satisfied with the answers and the church lost most of its credibility with me. Soon after high school, I married my lovely wife and together we raised two wonderful children. During this time we were involved in a constant search for a spiritual home. When my wife found Wicca, I was supportive of her spiritual practice, but feeling very cautious, I made myself content to listen to descriptions of her spiritual journey. Eventually I decided to proceed very slowly down the Wiccan path and found that I could easily embrace the beliefs of Wicca. I discovered the joy of sharing a spiritual path with my wife and became one of the founding members of Sacred Crossroads Coven.
In my mundane life, for a profession, I work in the business world in sales, and for fun I play golf. I am often teased about chasing a little ball around, trying to get it into a hole. However, I find that playing golf combines competition and personal challenge with being in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature. What could be better?
We travel to Ireland every other year to visit my family. Perhaps my Celtic roots have much to do with my love for Wicca. I have heard many stories about my grandmother that tell me she had a little bit of witch in her and I guess some of it rubbed off on me.
Bright Blessings. My name is Andraste Brid (e-mail andrastebrid at sacredcrossroads dot com). I have taken this name from two Celtic Goddesses. Andraste is a warrior goddess of victory; her strong spirit reminds me to be true to myself and protective of others. Brid (Brigid) is a triple goddess of Healing, Creativity, and Hearth — three things I feel great affinity for. Both are Fire Goddesses, and I take inspiration from their passionate nature.
I have come fully to the God and Goddess and to my Coven through various paths both secular and spiritual, but I have felt intuitively since I was a child that I was a witch. Careerwise, I have been a theatre manager, a private investigator, and currently I am a lawyer working with abused women and children.
I was raised Presbyterian, and rebelled slightly to traditional Christian upbringing as an adult by joining a Unitarian Universalist Congregation (in which I am still active). Some years ago, I read a book called The Feminine Face of God by Sherry Ruth Anderson and Patricia Hopkins. This book was a revelation to me, and I began reading extensively about Women's Spirituality. However, even after all my studying, I felt there was something more to be found.
I believe in the power of coincidence. On Samhain, 1998, I ended up at a bookstore in Berwyn, discussing my spiritual search with the person who was minding the store that day. She gave me a copy of The Spiral Dance by Starhawk. I began practicing Wicca as a solitary practitioner, using the rites and techniques described in various books, but again felt the need for more. In the Spring of 1999, I took a course called Wicca 101. The class was taught by Lady Kaleah, our High Priestess, and it was wonderful to actually discuss everything I had read, discovered, and felt with others (two of the women in the class are now my coven sisters). It was even more wonderful to find out that there was so much more to learn. Our coven was formed in 2000. I was elevated to the level of third-degree in February 2005.
As you can see by all the reading I have mentioned, I generally take an intellectual approach to new endeavors. For this reason, practicing with a traditional coven appeals to me. I feel the history of the traditional Craft has much to offer, and I feel comfortable working under the guidance of my High Priestess and with my "family." By the same token, we are all encouraged to explore and learn from our own experience, and to incorporate the two paths to gain a full experience of magick and our abilities.
May the Lord and Lady Bless You.
I am Meadhbh (e-mail meadhbh at sacredcrossroads dot com), an initiate to the Sacred Crossroads coven.
My interests include reading, sewing, belly-dancing and ecstatic dancing. I also enjoy hiking, swimming, biking and running.
I was raised as Roman Catholic in Ireland, but found myself extremely disenchanted with what the Church offered, particularly in terms of congregational participation, and the role that women were allowed. When I was fourteen a group called Youth With A Mission (Y-WAM) came to my school. They were a group of Born Again Christians who traveled around the world, preaching and evangelizing to young people. What drew me to them, apart from the wonderful music and liturgy, which included dance and drama, was that their God was a loving God. Having been brought up with the idea of guilt, sin, hell, and punishment, this concept of acceptance and forgiveness was so much more appealing to me.
Later in my teens, whether due to a natural rebelliousness or a genuine soul searching, I left the Christian path far behind.
In my early twenties I began to find out more about the Native American ways and beliefs, which I have been drawn to since I was a child. The sacredness of Earth was something I found missing from the Christian message as I had heard it, and conservation has always been an important issue for me. I bounced around for another few years dabbling in various forms of New-Age belief systems, but never quite finding the right fit for me. Because of my interest in Native American beliefs, I began to read about and practice Shamanism — which I still practice. Through that line of study, I began to learn about Celtic Shamanism. The rituals, deities and celebrations of the Celts, stuck a strong chord in me because of my heritage. A friend invited me to the Sacred Crossroads Beltane celebration in 2001, and it was there that I found Wicca was the path for me. I felt like I had finally come home after wandering aimlessly for years.
I devoured many books on Wicca and took a Wicca 101 course that was run by Sacred Crossroads. It was during this course that I made my decision to apply to the Coven to become a member. I was welcomed by the Coven in January 2002, and I am looking forward to learning and growing with my Coven sisters and brothers. The structure and traditions of the Coven appeals to me greatly, as does the joy, freedom and acceptance that the Wiccan Way encompasses.
Slán agus Beannacht
(Farewell and Blessings)
Greetings! My name is Amber (e-mail amber at sacredcrossroads dot com), and I am a member of Sacred Crossroads Coven. I am married with no children. Well, that's not entirely true. I have three cats, an iguana, an African land tortoise, and a soft-shell water turtle all of whom I love very much and spoil rotten. I have a traditional 9-5 job, and am also studying part-time towards my undergraduate degree in psychology.
I was raised in a Roman Catholic family, and spent twelve years in Catholic schools. As a young adult I found Catholicism did not satisfy my desire for spiritual growth. That is not to say I did not learn anything valuable from my Catholic upbringing. I was raised in a very loving family, and I am grateful to have been taught values and morals which I still incorporate in my daily life.
As early as I can remember, I was aware of having a spiritual connection with nature. To put it simply, nature brings me joy. On the more complex side, nature gives me a medium through which I can connect to universal energies and knowledge. Several years ago, I happened upon my first book on Wicca. I had never even heard of the religion before. When I read the Wiccan philosophy I was amazed to find it was describing everything I had been feeling and experiencing through my connection with nature. I knew then that I had found my true spiritual path. Most recently, this path has led me to Sacred Crossroads Coven. I have come to know Sacred Crossroads as incredibly bright, warm, and genuine people dedicated to a Wiccan way of life, and I am grateful to have found a spiritual home.
Bright Blessings,
Amber
Greetings,
My name is Baudrons Grimalkin (e-mail baudronsgrimalkin at sacredcrossroads dot com) and I am a member of Sacred Crossroads Coven. I took this name to reflect the deep love and affinity I have for cats. They have always been part of my life and I've felt a special bond with all things feline for as long as I can remember. I currently share space with three of them.
I first became involved in Wicca in my early twenties but I have always had a fascination with magic and the supernatural. When I was a child, I spent hours in the children's section of the library reading books on mythology and was particularly fond of the Greek and Norse myths. Those books shared space with other books about ghosts, witches, and other supernatural phenomena and I devoured those as well. It wasn't long before I was reading more adult books on the subject.
Even though my family was not very religious, I came into contact with some fundamentalist Christians in my preteen years at a Bible camp. I now realize that they meant well but their tactics of trying to convert me left me confused and angry. After that, I wanted no parts of organized religion for a long time to come.
As a teenager, I would often spend hours by myself in the woods and fields of Chester County. I was sitting by the Brandywine River one day when it occurred to me that the river had its own voice. As I listened to the water gurgle among the rocks and stones on its way to the sea, I felt a presence. The river's spirit called to me and I answered. At some deep level beyond everyday consciousness, a connection was made and I started seeing the world around me in a different light.
When I was around twenty, I discovered Real Magic by Isaac Bonewits. That book was like nothing I ever read before and gave explanations to some of the phenomena I experienced but never could classify. From there, it was a short leap to Marian Green's A Witch Alone, the Campanelli's Ancient Ways, and the work of Scott Cunningham. Those books put into words the things I already believed but could not describe. With those books as my guide, I delved into magical practice as a solitaire. This was an exciting time in my life but a lonely one as well. No one I knew then shared the same interests and I longed to share my discoveries with someone who would understand. I craved contact with others on the same path but had no idea where to find them.
A few years later, my life busted apart at the seams from some of the things I was involved with and I reached depths of despair I never imagined possible. A lengthy period of reconstruction lay ahead and I spent months picking up the pieces of my shattered life with the help of an understanding fellowship. My magical studies took a backseat as I embarked on the spiritual path suggested by my new friends. For a time, I believed the two paths incompatible and I concentrated on putting my life in order. But my interest in Wicca remained and was sparked whenever I looked up at the moon riding the night sky or sat listening to the ocean crash against the shores of an empty, windswept beach.
Four years ago, I returned to my studies wholeheartedly and found both paths met and intertwined to form a new road. I discovered I could use both spiritual practices to enhance my life. Things had changed, and I was able to make contact with other Pagans through the internet. This led me to my first open circle with Sacred Crossroads at Imbolc, 2002. It felt like coming home after years of searching.
I saw that for the first time since starting out on the Wiccan path, I had the opportunity to learn from teachers other than books. After attending a Wicca 101 session, I petitioned for entry into the coven and was accepted. In doing so, I gained a spiritual family that I have to come to love very much. I am looking forward to continuing my training with Sacred Crossroads and, in time, passing the lessons I learn on to others.
May the Gods keep you until we meet on the Path.
Hello, my name is Tara (e-mail tara at sacredcrossroads dot com) and I'm happy to be a member of Sacred Crossroads. My pagan path started as a child, reading young adult fiction about witches and runes while exploring the many Christian options in my neighborhood. I'm not sure why I became interested in religion at a young age. It could actually be because my parents were agnostic and did not have any religious affiliations, but whatever that cause may be, I became interested at an early age and have continued to stay interested to this day.
In general, I identify most with Unitarian Universalism, paganism, and Tibetan Buddhism. I've had Red, White and Green Tara empowerments and I have recently decided on a Red Tara practice in the Nyingma tradition. I feel drawn to pagan witchcraft for many reasons, including the empowerment of male and female as Divine, a feeling of connection to the rhythms of the Earth, and a shared belief in the power of the mind and spirit in transforming our lives.
My interests include Aromatherapy, Natural Health and Well-Being, Chakra and Energetic Healing, Chanting and Drumming, Singing and Music, Digital Photography, Fantasy Fiction, and Ethics and Social Responsibility. I am a registered member of the Green Party, dedicated to the environment and nonviolence as well as a Vegetarian dedicated to doing all I can for the animals. And, last but not least, the Ocean is very important to me. I find that life is always better at the Shore!
Hello. My name is Nimue. In 2005 I made the decision to join Sacred Crossroads Coven after working with several other covens in Pennsylvania and Maryland and attending our open rituals for a number of years. I hold experience in herbalism and Nordic runes, and give special attention to developing myself as an Oracle of the Goddess and Nature. I am married to Emrys and have a daughter who enjoys "dancing in circles" every Sabbat.
I grew up in a Baptist orientated household. After attending several classes at my private Christian college, I began to ask questions that no one was able to answer. I soon met my future husband (Emrys) who gave me some of the answers I sought. After graduation, while attending graduate school, I began attending a Quaker meeting. This provided me with an opportunity to experience an "alternative" form of worship, prayer and seeking a sacred stillness in my life. During this time, I began to feel the tug and pull of the Feminine Face of God. This led me to explore some of the origins of today's mainstream Christianity as well as Dianic Wicca. My path finally led me to celebrating with a local coven. After careful consideration, I chose to join several traditional covens as a student.
At this time I currently walk a dual path of Wicca and Quaker study. I find that the balance of active ritual worship and meditative stillness is sacred and essential in my every day living. My heart is with the Goddess and God whether I am the booming Voice of the Lady or the quiet Friend on a wooden bench.
Greetings. My name is Emrys. Along with my wife Nimue, I am one of the newest members of Sacred Crossroads Coven. The journey that has brought me here began in high school. I was raised Catholic and was first introduced to the concept of the divine feminine through a Benedictine monk who addressed the Holy Spirit as "She". In college I continued to be active in Catholic student organizations, but at the same time learned to read Tarot cards. After college, I fell away from the Church when I could no long reconcile their teachings with the realities of the world around me.
I was soon introduced to Wicca through a family member who was an initiate of a non-traditional coven in New York City. I began study and practice the Craft both independently and under teachers in the Baltimore, MD pagan community. In the mid-90's I combined my spiritual and professional studies when I earned a Masters degree in Humanistic/Transpersonal psychology.
I later moved to the Philadelphia area and along with my future wife, began to attend and later join a local Quaker Meeting. I found that the quiet disciplines of Quakerism balanced my more active ritual work in my pagan celebrations. In 2002, I attended my first open ritual run by Lady Kaleah and Sacred Crossroad Coven. I later went on to take her Wicca 101 class. In the following years, I actively participated in the open rituals and came to know many of the members of the coven. In 2005, I made the decision to seek membership and training in the coven.
My personal interests include ritual design and development, hypnotherapy and trance states, and mythology, especially Celtic and Hindu. I continue to read Tarot cards.
In the Light,
Emrys
Bright blessings, I am Aima Dragon Fire. I am a Witch. For as long as I can remember, I have thought of myself that way. I was raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania in a very traditional Lutheran home. I had doting and adoring parents and a protective big brother. I went to Sunday school and summer bible school and attended church or a more-or-less regular basis, but I always felt closer to God in the woods or the garden.
Lutheran confirmation classes were the undoing of traditional church worship for me. The teachings just didn't add up for me. The study of religion and my connection to divinity still occupied a lot of my time and much of my reading. In my search for answers, my connections still came through Nature.
My readings naturally brought me to books about the Craft and Magick. Starhawk, and Cunningham brought me home. In the mid 80's I self-dedicated to Wicca, but had some difficulty finding my community. As a practicing solitary, I felt very alone.
In 1996 I met my husband, Wand. He was immediately fascinated by Wicca and me! The connection was instant. We have been inseparable ever since. Together we sought out a larger community and connected with Sapphire Star Coven. Just as we were about to join, the coven disbanded when the High Priestess moved out of the area. Again we were alone.
In 2002 I walked into a new shop in town, Crow Haven Corner (now Gwendolinda's). Gwendo and I became fast friends. Gwen connected me to Sacred Crossroads Coven through the open rituals. The rest is history and here we are.
My interests center around bringing the sacred into everyday life, maintaining a Magical home and promoting a positive and accurate image of Wicca to the public. I study the Tarot as a path-working tool and enjoy other divination tools such as pendulums and runes. I employ crystals, candles and herbs in my everyday worship and healing rituals.
As a mother, I am endlessly fascinated by the intuition and insight of my children and other children, raised in a Magical environment. I live each day in anticipation of what this new generation will bring to the Universe.
Light, Life, Liberty and Love,
Aima
Blessed be! Hello my name is Wand, I dedicated to Sacred Crossroads in the summer of 2006 after being a member of the Inner Path since its formation. I am handfasted to Aima and we have been active in the Wiccan community for many years
My religious background is Lutheran — attended Lutheran schools from Kindergarten through college. I graduated college in the teaching ministry and then taught in a Lutheran High School for 4 years. During my time at college I began to differentiate between the "Church" and religion. I saw many things that disturbed me about "Man's Church" especially the Missouri Synod's attitude toward women. Over the years I lost interest in being a part of organized religion but still believed in the existence of a spirit who directly impacts our lives.
When I met Aima, she introduced me to pagan beliefs and we have explored Wiccan teachings together.
My mundane work is a combination of building trades and adult education. Most of my career has been in the corporate world working in departments that provide training for customers and employees. Since high school, I have always had a part time construction business doing carpentry and home improvement and since 2002 I have done this full time.
Please come and join us at the open rituals at the Unitarian church in Media.
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