“One spirit in the dark, like a candle wavers. Many spirits joined as one, burn with the power of the blazing sun. There is strength in community; Circle empowering you and me. Circle binds us, sets us free. In the Goddess Name, so mote it be.”
It is a sad state of affairs we’re in when we look at our local Pagan communities and realize how little any of us know each other, how some of us don’t even know of each others existance, and how we struggle to come together for things as simple as a fellowship gathering of like-minds. This and much more has been witnessed by the Priests I have spoken to, and we are all quite saddened by the lack of community in our…well, community.
In Alabama, there are only two stores that cater for all the needs of Pagans. And, happily, one of these stores is in my local area. Known as The Sacred Paths, the store offers books, statuary, candles, drums, altar decorations, incense, spell kits, gemstones, journals, blank books, CDs, ritual clothing, and much MUCH more. Every Thursday night, from 7pm to 9pm, there is a class, a workshop, a drum circle, or a meet-up (except on five-Thursday months when Loki takes a night off).
While we are able to bring in new people to these events (all of which are FREE, by the way), it is sad to see politics in action with that Craftier-than-Thou mentality that tends to infect many of the “priests” in the area. I serve my Gods as They require, and I serve the community in any way that I can. I have opened up my home on many occassions as sanctuary, as a center of learning, and more, and I have offered counciling and advice, teachings, and more as well. I am there for those who follow simular paths on the worship of the Neteru, and for those who are on other paths. I do not discriminate against those who need help. I am always willing to try, and I rarely give up trying, even when the person I’m trying to help gives up.
There are other “priests” who are in it only for the “power and glory”, and it is these “priests” that I loathe. They serve no Higher Power, much less honor Them, and they dare call themselves Priests, much less High Priests?! I do not see how…
I live in Alabama and I’m looking for like minded people and I would love to know your location and the location of the Sacred Paths Book Store.
Hotep!
Fran