Merry Meet Everyone! My name is StormWing. I am a 47 year old Aries (SunSign) with Aries Rising, and Capricorn (MoonSign) male-gendered person. I am also Gay and I do not have a significant other at this time (but I'm always looking for him!
I would just like to say quickly here that I do not have the time or energy to put into this site that I once did, so it could be disappearing in the near future. I wish to thank all of you wonderful people who have written me over the years... it has truly been a great pleasure to share with each and every one of you. However, if this site does disintegrate, watch for me around the Web, 'cause chances are I will be building a new one as time allows. It will most likely be an AOL Website if and when I get the time and energy to put into it. I wish you all love, life, happiness and peace... may the Great God and Goddess bless you all!!!
Now, here is the rest of this current site as it is now...
I consider myself to be an 'Eclectic Solitary Witch' and I personally love the word "Witch". It is a very appropriate word for me as it very much describes what I am, what I believe, and what I live - a daily life in the Craft.
I first became interested in Witchcraft back in the seventies, and I have always had this inherent interest in the Occult - especially Wicca (modern WitchCraft), Magick, and Real WitchCraft itself (the old 'Craft of the Wise')- and finally in 1992 decided to explore it further. In the Fall of '92, while perusing the shelves at a local Occult/New Age Bookstore, I picked up a copy of "Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft". I very much liked what I read, and started buying and reading more and more by many different authors, including Ray Buckland, Scott Cunningham, Starhawk, Margot Adler, Laurie Cabot, Amber K, Pauline & Dan Campanelli, Gavin & Yvonne Frost, and Janet & Stewart Farrar, to name a few. Some of my favorite 'newer' authors are Silver RavenWolf, D.J. Conway, Edain McCoy, and Gerina Dunwich.
Aside from reading and writing about the Craft of the Wise... I have many other varied interests including Tarot card reading, Astrology, Runes, Celtic lore, all pantheons of Mythology, all aspects of Magick in its many forms, Star Trek, fantasy novels, Xanth, Piers Anthony, Harry Potter (big fan!), Shannara, Terry Brooks, lengthy and challenging PlayStation RPGs like the "Final Fantasy" series and some Nintendo64 games like "The Legend of Zelda" games, computers (of course!), the Internet, and much, much more... and after that lengthy sentence I will end this bio with a simple prayer... asking that the Lord and Lady may watch over us all... guarding us and guiding us in Their infinite wisdom... as we make our way through this wonderful experience called life...
Blessed Be Everyone,
*~* Stormy *~*
Wicca is the art, science and neo-pagan religion of Witchcraft. Some people ask "What is the difference between a Wiccan and a Witch?" Many Witches prefer to call themselves Wiccans because the words "Wicca" and "Wiccan" do not carry the negative stereotypes that are associated with the words "Witch" and "Witchcraft". Those of us (myself included) who prefer to be called a "Witch" do so as an act of reclaiming that word, of restoring it to it's proper place, and dispelling the inaccurate "evil" connotations placed upon it by the Church in the Middle Ages. "Wicca" is a relatively new term coined for use by those who wish to avoid the word "Witch" and said connotations. Be aware that most people who prefer the term "Witch" do not consider themselves "Wiccan". As I said, I prefer the term "Witch", however I use both words interchangeably. So... there IS a difference, even if subtle.
Most Wiccans believe in the existence of both female and male energies in the Divine --- usually referred to as the Goddess and the God, or the Lord and the Lady (though in some Traditions, exclusively the Goddess is revered, but never exclusively the God). Some of the other major beliefs include reincarnation, karma, a reverence for Nature, and the Threefold Law of Return. Lastly - but most highly regarded is our only "law" or "commandment" that we all follow as closely as possible, to the best of our ability. That one belief is commonly referred to as the Wiccan Rede: the Wiccan Rede:"An it harm none, do as thou wilt." Basically what this means is that Wiccans believe that all people have the right to choose their own spiritual path and live their life as they see fit, as long as their choices do not bring harm or injury of any kind to another or to themselves. We do not believe in the concept of "sin" as many other faiths do. We do not consider any act, committed between consenting adults where no harm is being done, to be "sinful" or wrong. We believe in complete honor for our Mother Earth and loving and respecting all people.
In addition, to clear up one major misconception, Witches are not Satanists. Satan is part of the Judeo/Christian mythos and has no role in our faith. Witches do not believe in the existence of Satan, therefore we can not worship something we do not acknowledge as existent. As far as what happens after death, we do not believe in heaven, nor in hell. Most Witches believe in reincarnation, as well as a place we call Summerland, which is similar to Catholicism's purgatory.
More often than not, when Wiccans/Witches get together to celebrate (or plan to celebrate alone), a protective Magick Circle is cast - utilizing the Powers That Be - those of Nature, including Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. One of the symbols of our beliefs is the five pointed star within a circle, known as the Pentagram. The five points on the Witches' Pentagram or Pentacle are each associated with one of these Elements. The left middle point is associated with the element of Air, the bottom left represents Earth, bottom right is associated with Fire, middle right is for Water, and the uppermost top point is represented by Spirit which encompasses all five when the circle is drawn around the five-pointed star. There are even special sigils/symbols assigned to represent the four major forces of Nature, and Spirit, as I have shown below. There are also colors, attributes, and one of the cardinal directions for the four main elements, as well as for Spirit (see below for all) associated with each.
Earth is represented by this sigil and most Wiccans assign to it the color Green, although I have heard of it being associated with the colors Brown and Black. It corresponds to the North in most Traditions, and is attributed to the physical body, healing, grounding, foundations, money, prosperity, and growth.
Air is represented by this sigil and most Wiccans assign to it the color Yellow, although I have heard of it being associated with the colors Sky Blue, White, and even Red. It corresponds to the East in most Traditions, and is attributed to the intellect, communication, knowledge, wisdom, and imagination.
Fire is represented by this sigil and most Wiccans assign to it the color Red, although I have heard of it being associated with the colors Orange and White. It corresponds to the South in most Traditions, and is attributed to the Will, vitality, energy, courage, creativity, sexuality and sensuality.
The last one I will talk about here - Spirit - is represented by this sigil and most Wiccans associate it with the colors Purple, White, Silver, and Black. Spirit corresponds to the direction of Center (or Above and Below), and is attributed to Spirituality, Magick, Peace and Serenity.
There are many, many "Traditions" within Wicca/Witchcraft (sorta like the "denominations" in Christianity), and each of these has its own teachings - its own ways of doing things. Some examples are Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Faery Wicca, Dianic Wicca, Frosts' Wicca, Circle Wicca, Celtic Wicca, Seax-Wica, Pecti-Wita, the Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), and The Church of All Worlds (CAW). However, if you are a Solitary - in particular an "Eclectic" Solitary - you may decide to draw from many different sources for your own ideas of "what to do". This is often a personal choice, and depends on WHAT WORKS FOR *YOU*... and the best way to make these decisions is this:
Many Wiccans also practice the art and science of Magick and incorporate it into their rituals. This is most commonly referred to as the casting of Spells, but also includes the creation of Magickal objects such as Talismans, Amulets, Charms, Mojo Bags, Potions, and many other things. When we "cast spells" - which is essentially our form of prayer - the primary difference is that magick is far more concentrated and focused than prayer as performed in other religions (at least as done by non-clergy). Most spellwork is done for healing, prosperity, protection, balance, fertility, or some combination of these. We do not hex or curse people or attempt to manipulate people or cause them harm through use of magick. In addition to our "Harm None" ethic, we also believe in a concept known as the "Three-fold Law of Return," which is simply the belief that everything you do (good and bad) returns to you three times over.
I used to have some Spells listed below right here, a "Star of Love" Spell, a Prosperity Spell, and a "Ritual for Becoming the Green One". I found that this was not the thing to be posting on the Internet, at least not on MY Web Site. I have had many, many, many inquiries from people who had no idea what they were doing and wanted to MANIPULATE people to do their bidding (especially as in a Love Spell), using magickal words and props from these spells I had listed. Manipulation is NOT an accepted practice, in my Witchly opinion, in ANY instance. A Love Spell should be done only as being OPEN to the Universe for the ***Powers That Be*** to handle - NOT you! You should never direct a Love Spell toward any particular person as this is MANIPULATING their will!!! NEVER EVER do any magick involving another person without that person's knowledge of what you intend to do! NEVER!!! EVER!!! WitchCraft/Wicca is a beautiful RELIGION and should be treated as such. I have chosen to leave the two following Ritual/Spell pages, as I can see them only as a good thing... I know for a fact that they have helped others and hope that they continue to do so... Nuff said on that topic...
Earth Day Ritual --- April 22nd
Pagan/Wiccan religious festivals are held in observance of the Full Moon and other astronomical (and agricultural) phenomena. We have eight religious holidays in the year, these are called Sabbats. These holidays are Samhain (October 31), Yule (circa December 21), Imbolc (February 2), Ostara (circa March 21), Beltane (May 1), Litha (circa June 21), Lughnassadh (August 1), and Mabon (circa September 21). Each holiday has different meaning and symbolism. Our actual practice differs depending on which holiday is being celebrated... LOTS more information on the Sabbats is listed below... We also celebrate the cycles of the mMoon, these are commonly called Esbats (more information below, keep reading!).
Samhain / Hallowe'en and Its Lore *~* October 31st
Samhain Solitary Ritual *~* easily editable for groups*~*
Yule / Winter Solstice and Its Lore *~* circa December 21st
Yule Solitary Ritual *~* easily editable for groups*~*
Imbolc / Candlemas and Its Lore --- February 2nd
Imbolc Solitary Ritual - easily editable for groups
Ostara / Spring Equinox and Its Lore --- circa March 21st
Ostara Solitary Ritual - easily editable for groups
Beltane / May Day and Its Lore --- May 1st
Beltane Solitary Ritual - easily editable for groups
Litha / Summer Solstice and Its Lore --- circa June 21st
Litha Solitary Ritual - easily editable for groups
Lughnassadh / Lammas and Its Lore --- August 1st
Lughnassadh Solitary Ritual - easily editable for groups
Mabon / Autumn Equinox and Its Lore --- circa September 21st
Mabon Solitary Ritual - easily editable for groups
Wiccans also celebrate the changes in the cycle of the Moon. Most Wiccans practice a ritual observance of the Full Moon and some also do at the New Moon, Dark Moon or other phases. All Lunar Celebrations are referred to as "Esbats". I am currently working on a "Moon Lore" page and will eventually follow with pages for Full Moon, New Moon, Dark Moon and other Esbat Rituals and cover this information in detail... but for now, if you wanna see a work in progress, click on the link below... I will have it done as soon as time allows...
Moon Lore & Interesting Information
Below are some links to other great Pagan sites on the World Wide Web
For LOTS more information on Witches, what we are about, what we believe, and what we do, check out the wonderful website of The Witches' Voice, a News & Education Network.
Can I still be a Witch even though I'm Gay? Of course you can! For much more on the topic, click here!
Circle Sanctuary is a non-profit Nature Spirituality center serving Wiccan, Shamanic, Goddess, Druidic, Celtic Mystic, and other Pagan folk worldwide. Founded in 1974 by Selena Fox, Circle Sanctuary is dedicated to research, spiritual healing, counseling, and education. The Circle sponsors gatherings, encourages Nature preservation, and is an advocate of religious freedom through the Lady Liberty League. Click here for much more information about this wonderful organization...
Starhawk is one of my favorite people. Although I have not yet met her in person, I find a strong sense of spiritual connection with her. I very much relate to her beliefs and have the same feelings about spirituality as her. The organization she works with most closely is called the Reclaiming Collective. She is a Witch and a fabulous authoress, having written such titles as "The Spiral Dance", "Truth or Dare", "Dreaming the Dark", and "The Fifth Sacred Thing", which is her first work of fiction (and, IMHO, an *excellent* novel!). Her most recent book is "Walking to Mercury", just published by Bantam. "Walking to Mercury" is another work of fiction and is a prequel to "The Fifth Sacred Thing". Click here to find out what's happening in her world, as well as more info about Witchcamp.
Reclaiming is a collective of San Francisco Bay Area women and men working to unify spirit and politics. Their vision is rooted in the religion and magic of the Goddess -- the Immanent Life Force. They see their work as teaching and making magic -- the art of empowering themselves and each other. In their classes, workshops, and public rituals, they train their voices, bodies, energy, intuition, and minds. They use the skills they learn to deepen their strength, both as individuals and as community, to voice their concerns about the world in which we all live, and to bring to birth a vision of the new culture. Click here to find out more about Reclaiming Collective, and more info about Witchcamp.
Rainbow Wind is a group for Lesbigay Pagans and their friends. It was formed in the summer of 1995 as a response to three needs: 1) the need of Pagans to develop a greater sense of connectedness with the Pagans around them, 2) the need to define the frequently undefined role of Lesbigays and transgendered people in Paganism, and 3) the need to respond to the wave of attacks on Lesbigays, TGs, and Pagans by the radical Christian fundamentalists who are now very close to controlling the Republican Party.
I have been overwhelmed with e-mail lately and a lot of it is of a nature that I am not able to handle at this point in my current life. Many people have written asking me to become their Wicca Teacher or Mentor and I am unable to comply right now. I am Disabled from a serious back injury and just sitting here writing/answering e-mail causes a large increase in pain, so I usually simply cannot do it. Otherwise, my plate is about as full as it can get. I'm sorry, but don't write asking me to do this for you, but please continue to write with your questions, comments, and suggestions...
Please feel free to use the information contained on my Wiccan Web Pages for your own personal use or for the teaching of others... remembering the Wiccan Rede... and harming none... May You Never Thirst, StormWing...
You are Visitor number since April 21, 1997.
(when I first put the counter up...)
Thanks for stopping by! Merry part for now...
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May the Peace of the Creator burn in your Heart. |
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As this candle is carried from one site to another, the flame of spiritual love and healing continues to light the way for those who seek to know the true self. Take this light with you to your page that it may light the way to love and healing. Watch as it travels from one place to another and in so doing it embraces our world with hope. |
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Peace, Love and Light ! |
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