Hi all! I’ve been reading for a while and taking the free classes, but decided to take the plunge with the 50% off deal and become a member!
I grew up Catholic and strayed pretty heavily in high school when I no longer found myself believing in the core tenets. At the time and even through college, I pushed away from organized religion since I was so indoctrinated as a child and had such a high-demand religion experience. As I grew and matured I explored other faiths and happened upon Unitarian Universalism, a multi-faith group in my area during COVID. They had an active pagan group there (not yet a CUUPs chapter, but maybe someday) and I felt welcome and for once allowed to grow in whatever path I sought. I joined the “church”. Since then I’ve been participating regularly in sabbats with the pagan group at the church and learning more about witchcraft. Who knew you could learn about witchcraft at church?!
My cultural background is French-Basque. And I feel connection to those women who were persecuted in the forests in the Basque country for witchcraft. I feel connection to folk witchcraft and traditional witchcraft although I am still learning all the different styles and paths of witchcraft, so I cannot say that is definitely where I will land.
I live alone with my one sweet protector dog 
, Luna, Goddess of Nightmares (yes that is her full name). She is a Dutch Shepherd and is a protector dog, literally and figuratively. So in a way, I would also say I am a solitary.
I am DEFINITELY not out of the broom 
closet, I’m so new. If anyone asked in public, I would say I was maybe earth-based spirituality or maybe, gasp, pagan. I went to a Intro. to Paganism at my UU Church 
and there was a heathen and a witch/hoodoo practitioner there (a heathen and a witch walk into a bar, haha!). And I was so amazed at how open this woman was with her spirituality, “Yes I’m a witch, yes I’m in a coven.” I’m just a lot more quiet about stuff due to my public facing job, I guess? Judgement from others? I’m not sure. But I was impressed with her confidence!
I’m new to all of it, so I’m reading a lot. On Spells8, I’ve done the Wicca Self-Initiation Class and am working through the Spellcasting course as well. I’m eager to join the Spells8 Book Club as I’m an avid reader!
I enjoy regularly working with Oracle and Tarot 
. Oracle is easier for me, but I’m learning more bit by bit tarot. I’ve found Llewellyn’s Little Book of Witchcraft to be handy so far for some basics about witchcraft and I’m eager to learn more. I’ve done a few basic spells 
(protection, abundance, intuition) with good results. One of my big goals in 2024 is to work on building a regular meditation practice.
I have a pile of books 
to read and I know there are many great resources on this site. With learning even more through interactions with each of you I’m sure!
I’m excited to join this community and continue my journey with the craft. Merry meet.
). Make yourself at home Lovely 
Make yourself comfortable, explore, and feel free to ask questions!
its nice to meet you!
and welcome home 
always