Magickal Correspondences
November 18, 2007
by Jeffrey Pierce
Many apologies for the lateness of this week's article, "
How to Craft a Ritual," the latest installment of
The First Cycle course. The delay was unavoidable. It's been a crazy week. A couple of additional people in my world passed away, two of my friends were robbed on two different days, and it seemed as if someone needed me or I was taking care of others, not just on a daily basis, but several people a day. My body crashed, I called in sick and slept away nearly the entire day on Wednesday, and hit the ground running once more Thursday morning. Ironically, this coming Saturday's installment of
All Around Us is titled, Balance, something that I continually struggle to achieve in my own path.
In addition to the latest chapter in the special feature on
sacred sites (which will publish on November 27), and the upcoming feature on teaching children and younger students, I've begun work on a series focusing on the crafting and use of tools, incense, oils and the like. Sparrow and Bear are ready to begin their magickal training and, among their Solstice gifts, there will be hand-carved wands and hand-sewn cloaks that they can use and wear as they begin their formal training. I'll be photographing and documenting the entire process - and of course I will share it with you.
And now onto your email.
From time to time I receive correspondence from someone who seems very sincere but, and it's difficult to put this politely, but I have no idea what they're asking me. For instance, the following popped up in my in-box this week. "I never get in contact with people about my spiritual journey and I don't really know why I'm sending this to you. Much of what I have learned over the years has found me, be that mostly in the way of dream and a little in observation from events usually not understood until later, I tried to gain understanding from a wide range of texts and haven't done to badly and to be totally honest quite lazy about it. I feel now I'm more secure within my self to perhaps take that next step. Also in the beginning I tried to find guidance and was not right for me since then have been holding back. I look forward to your response perhaps you have help me along me journey."
I would love to be able to at least respond to this individual, but I have no idea where to begin. Keep in mind, I'm usually pretty exhausted by the end of my work week when I finally get the opportunity to check my email. On top of what I do here at Old Ways, I work ten hour shifts at the office, commute approximately two hours a day, and have the whole single parent thing going on. If you have a question for me, please make sure that the question is clearly phrased. I may only be able to respond through
Magickal Correspondences, but I'd still like the opportunity to reply.
A lot of people wrote in this week about wishing they could send
donations my way but, for various reasons are unable to do so. Please allow me to clarify the situation. As odd as it sounds in this day and age, Old Ways is my gift to you. What I offer the pagan community, regardless of whether it's here at Old Ways or lessons that I teach in person, I do so free of charge or any expectation of compensation. I strongly believe that the mantle of spiritual leadership, whether that person is the head of a coven or simply a teacher like myself, is one of servitude. I'm humbled that I've been given the opportunity to offer what little knowledge and wisdom I've stumbled upon along my path. In all honesty, it's an honor and I'm deeply blessed simply to be considered for that role.
Old Ways has been offered free of charge for over ten years now. There are folks out there (myself included) who like to express gratitude by giving something back. I've actually been scolded by readers because I haven't accepted donations in the past. So I finally relented earlier this year and started accepting donations for the first time. They aren't necessary and I'm not asking for them - I simply gave in as not accepting your thanks seemed like a really silly argument to continue having year after year.
Victoria wrote to offer condolences for the death of one of my co-workers. "My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of grief. Sorry to hear of your loss." She wasn't the only one to write in and offer their thoughts and prayers. A very sincere thanks to all of you.
Kat, a talented musician and a dear sister in the Craft, wrote in with some very kind words regarding the new layout of the site. "Can I say your site is truly beautiful!" She also asked for permission to place a link on her site (
www.katzkorner.com) that leads to Old Ways. Of course you can, Kat. Links are always welcome.
I've intentionally chosen not to promote Old Ways. It's the whole concept that we've all heard time and time again, "When the student is ready, the teacher will come." People come across the site or receive a forwarded article from a friend exactly when they're meant to do so. What started out as seven subscribers ten years ago has organically grown to almost 3,000 readers. While some folks follow links like that Kat asked permission to place on her site, most stumble upon Old Ways while simply wandering around the Web. Rhianna wrote, "I found your site by accident and I love going to it regularly." Thank you so much for your very kind words. I'm truly honored that you've found something useful on the site.
And with that, I'm off. May you and yours be well and truly blessed.
In peace and light,
Jeffrey Pierce
www.oldways.com