The Path I've Chosen

It has recently come to my attention that my family is extremely concerned about me because of my involvement in Wicca.  First, I would like to make it known that I do not consider myself “Wiccan” nor do I follow any formal tradition of Wicca.  I have not been initiated into a coven or tradition.  I consider myself a Witch and a more specific title, should it really be necessary to give myself one, is an Italian (Stregheria) Kitchen Witch.  The path I travel is one I have been on and off of for many years.  I first felt my call or knew I was a witch was in my early teens.  I have always felt very much a part of nature and more aptly put at one with the forests.  I grew up in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in a little town called Sultan, Washington.  I first became aware of a coven in another town closer to the mountain top in Index, Washington of which the founder is Pete Pathfinder; or better known as the Arch Priest of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church.  Some of you may know him.  When I first heard of this group I so wanted to go and meet them all.  I immediately felt a pulling from the inner of my very essence.  When I asked my mother about it, I was immediately reprimanded and told they were Satan worshipers and I would burn in eternal hell.  Being so young, I could only believe that my mother was correct and having been raised Catholic knew all too well about the burning hell and brimstone.  I fault no one and I place no judgment.  We are all entitled to our beliefs and faiths.  However, during my many studies, travels and meetings of all kinds of people who follow all kinds of paths, I know within every bit of my soul I am a Witch and very proud of it.  I do not worship Satan, nor do I believe in him.  I do however, know that fear is a big culprit in the prejudices that I and my fellow pagans, witches and wiccans alike face each and every day. 

I believe in the power and life essence of Mother Earth.  I believe in the many Gods and Goddesses of our history and mythology.  I believe that every living thing on this planet has an energy and essence.  I believe in respect.  I believe in tolerance.  I believe in love.  I believe in caring and nurturing my fellow man, woman and child.  I believe there is no “right way” or “right religion”.  I believe in karma.  I believe in reincarnation.  I believe in the healing powers of herbs, plants, spices, and essential oils.  I believe in the power of the mind.  And I could go on with many more things I believe in and have faith in.  For once in my life I feel complete and balanced with my spiritual path and growth.  I do not believe in harming others which is one of the main rules as stated in the Wiccan Rede.

And, some day I will tell my mother that I have had the wonderful pleasure of corresponding with Arch Priest Pete Pathfinder and he is an amazing, generous, kind, compassionate person.