My name is Patty Wonderly and I’m 69 years old. I found Spells8 when looking for what my natal chart tells me about myself, specifically what the planets in retrograde have to say about my personality. I have a crazy thirst for knowledge right now as I suppressed my natural curiosity as a Christian for over 50 years. I never felt “right”. I suffer from PTSD and anxiety as a result of my treatment in the church. When I threw off those chains 10 years ago, I couldn’t believe how “right” I felt for the first time since childhood. I am a retired elementary school teacher and write middle grade/young adult urban fantasy and have some agent pitches coming up! I love wolves. I live in the PNW, though we transplanted here from central California 8 years ago. I’m very active politically and hope I don’t offend anyone, but the current administration is doing my head in.
@patty Merry Meet Patty
I just wanted to welcome you.
Thank you for sharing I am sorry you have had to conform to whatever was expected by the Church and your internal conflict which has affected you so deeply. There is lots to explore so have a good look around. I do think that having an interest in Politics is a good thing as a lot people do not realise that any decisions that are made by them affect everything in your life be it taxes, all Government and Local Departments.
I am from a small village in Lancashire, England. 
I am a Solitary Eclectic Hedgewitch and my divinations are the 5 Elements which I incorporate into daily life. I am drawn to the Moon in particular but also align with the Sun, Planets, Astronomical Events and of course Astrology, crystals, candle magic, tarot, runes, angel numbers, lenormand, tending outdoor, indoor plants and growing herbs, garlic, I write and create my own spells which is both exciting and rewarding for spell jars, spell bags and looking at different ways of forming new spells, I drink Sun & Moon Water daily, shower meditation as this fits easily into my daily routine and self/home cleansing adding instant magic where I can. I am doing the daily Oracle Cards which is my new go to.
I try to simplify, balance and live intentionally to create a calm, peaceful, relaxing home for my family, two German Shorthair Pointer Dogs. Millie & Bronte and our Koi Fish. I also practice Slow Living.
Everyone is very supportive, caring and helpful with anything you need it is a wonderful coven to be a part of.
Wishing you blessings 
Welcome, @patty and Merry Meet! We’re happy you’re here. I’m Feathertip, from SE Michigan. I’m a lifelong Pagan - but like you, was raised in a Christian household, and those Sunday Baptist sermons used to scare the crap out of me. 
I just knew I was different and stayed far away - as soon as I was old enough to be in control of my movements. When you’re a child, you go where you’re taken, right? I hope you don’t blame yourself; it’s just luck of the draw.
This site is huge, and full of information so you’re in the right place. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything! We all have different paths, and you get to form your own. I work with Nature and all her critters. I love growing and working with herbs and other plants. I practice Yogic meditation and use Lenormand cards for divination.
This isn’t a political site - but trust me, you’re not alone. 
I’m glad you’re active (many of us are) and we need each other to stay sane.
Best of luck with your upcoming agent pitches - how exciting! I’m looking forward to seeing you around the forum and getting to know you. Enjoy your journey, lovely! 
Thanks for taking the time to make me feel loved and welcome. I appreciate it so much.
Thanks so much for welcoming me with such encouragement and beautiful words.
Hi, @patty! I’m Amethyst from Southern West Virginia. Welcome to the forum! 
You are so brave for journeying on a new path at this stage of your life! I tip my witchy hat to you! 
I’ve heard the PNW is a beautiful area; that’s where I’d want to move, I think, if I ever wanted to move.
I’m an Eclectic Witch who’s into candle magic and chants. And while this isn’t a political forum, if you post anything like that, it should be under a blur spoiler. Go up to that little icon on your chat window that has a plus on it. It looks sort of like a Phillips screwdriver. If you click on it you’ll get all sorts of choices, scroll down until you get to blur spoiler. It’ll look sort of like this: I hexed the man I call Darth Cheeto this morning, and it felt good! Then, when someone reads a post, they can choose to click on it or not!
There’s a forum tutorial, with discobot, LOL! It’ll help you learn this site.
Also, I just found this book on Amazon, you might find it interesting! I haven’t read it, but it’s on my Book Wish List!
Anyhow, it’s nice to meet you! I look forward to getting to know you!
Merry Meet, Patty 
It’s truly lovely to meet you! I just want to say how inspiring your story is! That feeling of finally coming home to yourself after so many years of suppressing your curiosity… it’s powerful, and honestly, sacred in its own way, isn’t it? I had my own experience in 2022 and haven’t looked back since!
I’m Stephanie or Eira of the Living Hearth, an eclectic witch from California. My practice leans into hearth and green witchery, along with divination (tarot, runes, oracle, Lenormand), ancestry and shadow work, and weaving everyday magic into home life. I completely understand that deep thirst for knowledge once the door finally opens, it’s like the soul saying, “now we begin.”
Also, a retired teacher and writing middle grade/YA urban fantasy with agent pitches coming up?! That’s amazing! 
Your love of wolves (my spirit animal), your imagination, and your lived experience all sound like they weave beautifully together. I’m rooting for you on those pitches! 
And please don’t worry… this space is full of people from all walks of life. What matters most here is respect, kindness, and shared curiosity. You’re allowed to have your thoughts and feelings about the world, especially after everything you’ve been through.
I’m really glad you found your way here. It sounds like you’re stepping into a very aligned and expansive chapter of your life!
Blessed Be. 
You’re very welcome! Stick around, keep posting, and have fun along the way. 
See you soon!
Hello @patty,
Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you had a long journey to get to where you are now. Congrats to you for following your heart and embracing your magick 
And a double congrats on the pitches for your books, that’s so exciting!
I’m Bry, an Eclectic Witch and one of the moderators here. Just wanted to jump on the welcome wagon with everyone else to say hi. It’s very nice to meet you!
I’ll second Feathertip in saying you’re certainly not alone in your feelings! It’s important to take a stand for what you believe in 
At the same time, this space is a magickal sanctuary where folks come for a safe and supportive environment to practice magick. As such, it isn’t the best place to discuss politics. It is, however, a great spot for making witchy friends! 
Please know that you have a master key to all open discussions, activities, and events - you’re warmly invited to join in anything that calls to you. I hope you’ll find plenty of interesting things to help with your studies. I’m looking forward to chatting with you more soon! Make yourself at home here, Patty.
Blessed be!
Hello and welcome. I’m Tracy from England. My practice is Norse Witchcraft. I work with runes mostly. This is a wonderful coven, make yourself at home lovely 