The Council of Witches
Here at the Grove, we do not have a high priest or priestess. Some of us may have titles and specific positions, but none of us really hold rank over the other. Instead we have a "Council" that runs the group in real time and over social media and the website.
Emari Moon
Age: 34
Bio: I have been a practicing Pagan since the age of 14 and have done much growing, dying, and rebirth on my paths throughout the years. I have run the gamut when it comes to the Occult and various Pagan paths, but am currently focusing on Druidry, Celtic Shamanism, and Hedgecraft (with some Fae and Dragon Magicks thrown in too) I have been solitary most my life, but am hungering for kindred spirits. There is no separation between my magickal and mundane life: everything I do is magick no matter what it is. Besides being a practicing pagan and witch, I am also an author, crafter, artist and mother. I enjoy all things Faery, cosplay, fantasy, sci-fi, and comic books/super heroes. What path do you follow? Eclectic with a current focus on the Fae, Celtic Shamanism, Druidry, Seidr, and Hedgecraft. How long have you been practicing? 20 years What drew you to the Craft or pagan path? Honestly, I don't remember. I have always been drawn to it: believing in magick and mythical beasts and pretending to make potions and cast spells when I was little. I guess it has always been part of me. What are some of your favorite things in the path or in the craft? Everything! But seriously, I love herbs and crystals and connecting with the moon and the Earth. I love communing with the Otherworlds, hedge-riding, natural magick, tending to the Gods and spirits that live around me. What is it about the Spiral Oak and the people involved that drew you to them? Since I am the creator, it was the hunger for more people like me and the fellowship that comes with it. I wanted a Pagan family of sorts and that is what it has turned into. |
Marina Bickford
Age: 31
Bio: I became interested in Paganism at 12, but didn’t get the chance to really start studying and practicing until 14. I have always been solitary, and never followed a set path, though I tend to lean towards the Celtic and Norse gods. My Patron goddess is Brighid, and despite the fact that I haven’t really studied them, my Patron god is Hermes (probably because he is the god of travelers and I am always on the road!). What path do you follow? Mostly Eclectic, focusing mainly on the Celtic gods with others that call to me thrown in here and there. I feel like All paths are correct, and that only those who call to me or answer my calls really watch over me. How long have you been practicing? 18 years What drew you to the Craft or pagan path? A girl on the bus to my new school for sixth grade was reading a book about it and we started talking. Every word she spoke called to me, and after that I knew that the path my parents were attempting to force me down wasn’t for me. It helped that I had never been comfortable in Church or at Church functions. What are some of your favorite things in the path or in the craft? Oh goodness, so much stuff. The way things are explained so well, unlike previously where it was simply “Because, that’s why”. Also using herbs to make smudges and salves, using crystals to store or focus energy is amazing. What is it about the Spiral Oak and the people involved that drew you to them? Well, I was drawn to Em simply because we were both Pagans and I was frankly tired of being on my own. After knowing her for a year or so, she invited me into the council and from there, well, I can’t imagine them not in my life. Being around people with similar beliefs an interest has been fantastic. |
Alex Bulger
Age: 35
Bio: In my everyday life, I’m an accountant for a medical staffing agency that deals mostly with government contracts. I’m also a wife and a mother to a teenager and a toddler. When I’m not at work, or chasing the kids around, I’m reading or watching tv. I live a very boring life, lol. What path do you follow? I’m pretty eclectic… I don’t have a specific path. I do worship the Greek Gods, though. I would like to eventually get into Hellenic Reconstruction, but I need more time to study how that works. Since it is a reconstruction of how the ancient Greeks once worshiped their Gods, there is a lot that goes into know what to do and when. How long have you been practicing? Since 2008. Mabon was my “initiation” of sorts. It’s also one of my favorite holidays. What drew you to your pagan path? I was raised SUPER Southern Baptist, and that never really sat well with me. I prefer the openness and ability to do things the way you want to of most pagan paths. What are some of your favorite things in your path? Never knowing where the path will take you. It’s all up to your personal preferences and the way you understand and perceive the world around you. What is it about TSO and the people involved that drew you to them? I’ve known Emilee a VERY long time, and she was the first person to introduce me to paganism. A lot of what I learned was through her guidance, and she has always been open and accepting. I love that TSO is so varied in the people that take part in it. I love that we all have a place to come together to learn and interact with each other. |