A Word of Introduction

Hi and Merry Meet.

I'm so glad you've found me.

Althought I've chosen the solitary path (for reasons that will become clear in future posts), there is a part of me that wants to reach out and make what I have learned accessible to others. In my own self-teaching, I've found that it's been terribly important to read the thoughts of others as a backdrop for developing my own Way. Although I've not always agreed with their Way or found it useful to my own Journey, the thoughts of others have invariably helped launch new questions and new answers of my own. It has been these questions and the process of finding answers that have framed my own Journey.

In particular, I've ended up spending quite a bit of time thinking about what it means to be a pagan in the modern world, and also what it means to be a gay pagan. Along the way, I've come across answers that work - at least for me. And, as what modern Wicca calls a "Solitary Practicioner", that's really what it's all about - asking the questions that have meaning for you and seeking the answers that expand that meaning.

So - I am offering this blog as a sort of "virtual" Book of Shadows, not as a dogma for you, but as a framework that will hopefully help you find your own questions. As I explained to a dear friend, a Book of Shadows is kind of like a Bible - the difference is that Solitaries write their own Bibles. Each is unique to their own experience, and each is a beautiful reflection of their own understanding of the indescribable. Not all of these are written down - after all, Solitaries don't have to worry about passing it on or teaching it. For most, it is enough that you carry your holy book within your own mind - editing and adding to it as you find new questions and new answers.

A Solitary's Book of Shadows is a very personal thing. It's one person's ongoing dialogue with themselves about how the universe works, and what it means to be alive. I seldom talk about my own beliefs out loud except to a few extremely close friends - and at that, I don't share it all.

There is magick in that which is known only to you.

That being said, the Teacher in me directs me to find a way to share my thoughts with others who may find them of some help in their own Journies - just as the writings and thoughts of others continue to guide mine. Thus I am come to begin composing my thoughts in a form that others may find helpful.

With that, I can offer only the following guidance as you read:

May you find questions that lead to new questions, and may the answers bring even more questions in their season. Questions are, in many ways, more important than answers. Our worlds are framed by the questions we ask. May you never run out of things to learn.

Blessed Be.