Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Things may be looking up....

I have begun to cast a few more lures, putting my contact information out into the community and hoping that one of the fish bites....

What have I done? I've browsed Witchvox (a wonderful, wonderful networking site that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in paganism and/or networking within the pagan community) again, and looked for groups and pagan clergy members in my area. I've sent an email or two, and I've called that new friend I mentioned. He has yet to reply to the call, but I won't lose hope.

I have also visited the following three shops:
Evenstar Bookstore:
http://www.evenstarbooks.com/
2401 University Ave. W.
St Paul, MN. 55114-1507
651.644.3727

Eye of Horus: http://eyeofhorus.biz/minneapolis
2717 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN. 55408
612-872-1292

Magus Books & Herbs: http://www.magusbooks.com/
1309 1/2 4th Street S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
1-612-379-7669 (Questions)
1-800-99MAGUS (Orders)

I enjoyed my visits to all three shops, but I found that the people at Magus Books & Herbs were the friendliest and most helpful (it was here that I left my contact information, to be given directly to the leader of a local group called Circle of the Phoenix). The range of products sold at Magus would serve an extremely varied set of traditions/paths. I was particularly impressed with the book selection; while I found very little on Sumerian/Babylonian paganism (perhaps I just need to look a little bit more closely the next time I'm there), I saw books on everything from Gnostic Christian subjects to Yoga to Hellenic paganism. The atmosphere there was wonderful, and I was even treated to free tea, because it was Monday.

Note: If you are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area come Saturday, June 28th, I'd suggest that you stop by Magus Books & Herbs to enjoy the Customers' Appreciation Day festivities!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Merry Meet!

I am in search of something that feels like home. Up until now, I have put forth a very modest effort at best, but I am about to change that. Wishing and hoping are no longer enough. Friends of mine are finding that what they want is not far off, but what about me? I’ve been on the path for almost a decade, and it’s about time I found a permanent place in the magickal/pagan community. I need my spirituality to take a bigger role in my life.
I am ashamed to say that jealousy is a part of what has driven me back into action, but it’s the truth—and here, I cannot lie. Others have found what they want. I feel left out and lonely—and in Minnesota, of all places! We are steeped in magick here, and I want to find a group of people to share it with.
What am I? I am an eclectic Wiccan, and I also consider myself a Witch; however, I can no longer tolerate a vague, lapsed kind of worship. If I could find others like me—a teacher, even!—I would be happier. Sumerian/Babylonian paganism speaks to me, you see….but does it speak to other Minnesotan pagans, too? That is something that I’d like to find out; failing that, a coven to call home would be ideal. All I really want is to feel that I have a community to be a part of. Given my current situation (that of a bisexual Wiccan who is also an undergraduate student at the University of St. Thomas), that seems to be a tall order.

My plan is already in motion, but the possible group—the brainchild of a new Witchvox acquaintance of mine—runs the risk of dissolving in August when said acquaintance leaves to attend graduate school in Chicago. Hopefully, those of us who are members at that point will be able to hold it together.

Here’s to hoping that my new friend's idea comes to fruition!