“I think it’s my adventure, my trip, my journey, and I guess my attitude is, let the chips fall where they may.”

–Leonard Nimoy

I’ve pretty much always marched to the beat of my own drum, even as a child. Following popular culture, norms, and things like “have to,” and “should,” have been things I’d rather not do. Religion is something that I follow on my own path. I was raised by pagans who came from pagans who came from pagans, though my grandmother abandoned practicing early in her life, and so my mother learned from her grandmother (my great grandmother). While I continue to maintain some of the beliefs I was raised with, I’ve also incorporated additional practices from reading and other people I’ve learned from over the years. I continue to increase my knowledge and explore different areas of practice, because I enjoy learning, and part of my path involves growth and change.

My spiritual path is my own, just as your spiritual path is your own. There is no right or wrong way, though sadly throughout the years I’ve come across people who believe otherwise. I’ve witnessed people look down on others for the type of paganism they practice. That’s downright shameful. Pagans have been persecuted enough without us persecuting each other! Some even believe that in order to be a proper witch/pagan/occultist/etc. one must essentially put in the work of a doctoral candidate in reading/study. This is not the case. If doing vast amounts of reading works for you and is the path you choose, wonderful! But don’t look down on those who don’t do the same. There are those who believe certain tasks must be performed at certain times in certain ways…again, if that works for you, great! It is not everyone’s way. I have no patience or tolerance for gatekeeping. I also believe that someone who is new in their spiritual journey can bring a wealth of knowledge; you must be humble enough to listen. A Crone is not a Crone merely because of age; it is a level of maturity, wisdom, grace, humility, authenticity.

Your journey is yours, walk your path as you see fit. That path may change at times and take different directions, or you may choose to leave the path and return to it later. Sometimes you may even want others to walk next to you. Just remember: if anyone tries to tell you you’re doing it wrong, tell them to blow it out their ass and Countess Wolf sends her regards!