{"id":25063,"date":"2022-02-01T01:10:14","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T05:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=25063"},"modified":"2022-01-11T17:20:04","modified_gmt":"2022-01-11T21:20:04","slug":"witch-hunt-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2022\/02\/01\/witch-hunt-12\/","title":{"rendered":"Witch Hunt"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are witches all around us. You can find them anywhere\u2026<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Witch on Wheels<\/a> has been documenting her findings.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meet: Roberto Vargas<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I met Roberto Vargas about six years ago through a pagan discussion group. He and his husband, Norman, are one of the nicest couples you\u2019d want to meet and we\u2019ve remained friends. Both have their sun in Cancer. The three of us connected with three other friends and committed to planning a public ritual for all eight sabbats during one turn of the wheel. He was unflappable. I learned a lot about how wonderful things turn out even if you feel like you\u2019re flying by the seat of you pants. The best advice he gives \u2013 to peers as well as novices \u2013 is to be easy on yourself. \u201cThere really is no right or wrong when it comes to your craft. Spirituality and magick are so deeply personal, that I don\u2019t think it really needs to be this dogmatic process that can only be learned from books and formal ritual. Commune with spirit in a way that comes natural to you. Stay grateful!\u201d Learn more about my friend Roberto from his answers. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Do you have a magical name you\u2019re willing to share?
\n<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 No<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2. In what state do you reside?
\n<\/strong>Connecticut\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3. How do you make your living?
\n<\/strong>I am a mental health therapist, but I am currently taking some time off to pursue some other opportunities. Specifically, meteorite hunting and sales.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

4. Are you out of the broom closet? \/ Have you felt threatened?
\n<\/strong>Yes, I am out of the \u201cbroom closet\u201d and I cannot remember a time when I felt threatened. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

5. When did you first know you were a witch? How long have you been practicing?
\n<\/strong>I probably knew I was a witch around the age of seven or eight. I remember, my parents had a set of the twenty-six Encyclopedia Britannicas and I remember briefly reading about the history of witches there. When I learned that \u201cwitches and witchcraft\u201d were real, it clicked. I didn\u2019t get my first book on witchcraft until middle school, seventh or eighth grade. The town I lived in had a little witchy shop where I got all my material.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

6. How do you define your practice? Do you follow a specific tradition?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/b>
\n<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0 I\u2019ve always considered myself an Eclectic Wiccan. I very seldom do formal rituals or spell work, unless I feel especially moved to do so. However, a few years ago, I had a chance to partake in a wheel of the year, year and a day, group with a few friends. We met up and planned a ritual for every sabbat. It was a cool experience. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

7. What one object must be on your altar for it to be an altar?<\/span><\/strong><\/b>
\n<\/span><\/strong>I have a wire-wrapped necklace that I had made. It has a 20 Francs gold angel coin from 1892. Those coins have a long history of being thought to be lucky. The wire wrapping is done in sterling silver and also holds an 8-gram fragment of Moldavite. I\u2019ve had the necklace for about 10 years and never take it off, except when I do ritual work at an altar and the one time I had to have it re-wrapped.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

8. Do you have a daily practice?
\n<\/strong><\/b>\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/strong>At least once a day, I try to think of all the things I\u2019ve been blessed with. <\/b>When times get hard, I get grateful. No matter what\u2019s going on, I\u2019ve been through and gotten through worse.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

9. How do you respond when someone asks,\u00a0\u201cAre you a good witch or a bad witch?\u201d
\n<\/strong><\/b>Neither? Both? Depends on the day and the situation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

10. Do you have a familiar?
\n<\/strong><\/b>I wouldn\u2019t say I have a familiar, but my Yorkie, Lily, is my baby. She\u2019s my companion and she\u2019s been with me through thick and thin.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

11. What gifts, skills or powers do you share?
\n<\/strong><\/b>\u00a0 \u00a0 Hard to say, I really like making poppets and sigils, and If asked, I would definitely cook up a spell. Spider molts and snake sheds are free to anyone who asks. I think you also have to be a little empathic to be a good therapist.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

12. What was your most magical experience?
\n<\/strong><\/b>My friend Lynn Woike used to take me to a Yule celebration that was really special. Great meditative space.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

13. What is your favorite:
\n\u2022Sabbat:<\/strong><\/b> It\u2019s a vie between Samhain and Yule.
\n\u2022Element:<\/strong><\/b> Water
\n\u2022God:<\/strong><\/b> Ganesh
\n\u2022Goddess:<\/strong><\/b> Fortuna
\n\u2022Tool:<\/strong><\/b> Ouija boards, coins
\n\u2022Animal or other totem:<\/strong><\/b> Spiders and snakes. They are always growing. They shed their entire skin and exoskeletons as they grow. Really representative of growth and transformation.
\n\u2022Book:<\/strong><\/b> \u201cSimple Wicca<\/a>\u201d by Michelle Morgan.
\n\u2022Tarot deck or card:<\/strong><\/b> Rider\u2013Waite tarot deck
\n\u2022Gemstone:<\/strong><\/b> Ruby, moldavite
\n\u2022Ritual garb:<\/strong><\/b> My necklace
\n\u2022Fictional witch:<\/strong><\/b> Willow from \u201cBuffy the Vampire Slayer.\u201d
\n\u2022Piece of wisdom:<\/strong><\/b> When it rains, it pours, but no storm lasts forever. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

About the Author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lynn Woike<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

thewitchonwheels.com<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

All my life I have known magic was real. As a child, I played with the fae, established relationships with trees and \u201cjust knew things.\u201d In my maiden years I discovered witchcraft and dabbled in the black-candles-and-cemeteries-at-midnight-on-a-fullmoon magick just enough to realize I did not understand its power. I went on to explore many practices including Zen, astrology, color therapy, native traditions, tarot, herbs, candle magic, gems, and, as I moved into my mother years, Buddhism, the Kabbalah and Reiki. The first man I dated after my divorce was a witch who reintroduced me to the Craft, this time by way of the Goddess. For 11 years I was in a coven, but with retirement, I have returned to an eclectic solitary practice. When accepting the mantle of crone, I pledged to serve and teach. This is what I do from my skoolie \u2013 a 30-year-old school bus converted into a tiny house on wheels that I am driving around the country, following 72-degree weather, emerging myself into nature, and sharing magic with those I meet. Find me at <\/span><\/span><\/span>thewitchonwheels.com<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>, Facebook and Instagram.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  There are witches all around us. You can find them anywhere\u2026 The Witch on Wheels has been documenting her findings.   Meet: Roberto Vargas \u00a0   I met Roberto Vargas about six years ago through a pagan discussion group. He and his husband, Norman, are one of the nicest couples you\u2019d want to meet and we\u2019ve remained friends. Both have their sun in Cancer. The three of us connected with three other friends and committed to planning a public ritual for all eight sabbats during one turn of the wheel. He was unflappable. I learned a lot about how wonderful things turn out even if you feel like you\u2019re flying by the seat of you pants. The best advice he gives \u2013 to peers as well as novices \u2013 is to be easy on yourself. \u201cThere really is no right or wrong when it comes to your craft. Spirituality and magick are so deeply personal, that I don\u2019t think it really needs to be this dogmatic process that can only be learned from books and formal ritual. Commune with spirit in a way that comes natural to you. Stay grateful!\u201d Learn more about my friend Roberto from his answers.   1. Do you have a magical name you\u2019re willing to share? \u00a0\u00a0 No 2. In what state do you reside? Connecticut\u00a0 3. How do you make your living? I am a mental health therapist, but I am currently taking some time off to pursue some other opportunities. Specifically, meteorite hunting and sales. 4. Are you out of the broom closet? \/ Have you felt threatened? Yes, I am out of the \u201cbroom closet\u201d and I cannot remember a time when I felt threatened. 5. When did you first know you were a witch? How long have you been practicing? I probably knew I was a witch around the age of seven or eight. I remember, my parents had a set of the twenty-six Encyclopedia Britannicas and I remember briefly reading about the history of witches there. When I learned that \u201cwitches and witchcraft\u201d were real, it clicked. I didn\u2019t get my first book on witchcraft until middle school, seventh or eighth grade. The town I lived in had a little witchy shop where I got all my material. 6. How do you define your practice? Do you follow a specific tradition?\u00a0 \u00a0 I\u2019ve always considered myself an Eclectic Wiccan. I very seldom do formal rituals or spell work, unless I feel especially moved to do so. However, a few years ago, I had a chance to partake in a wheel of the year, year and a day, group with a few friends. We met up and planned a ritual for every sabbat. It was a cool experience. 7. What one object must be on your altar for it to be an altar? I have a wire-wrapped necklace that I had made. It has a 20 Francs gold angel coin from 1892. Those coins have a long history of being thought to be lucky. The wire wrapping is done in sterling silver and also holds an 8-gram fragment of Moldavite. I\u2019ve had the necklace for about 10 years and never take it off, except when I do ritual work at an altar and the one time I had to have it re-wrapped.\u00a0 8. Do you have a daily practice? \u00a0 \u00a0 At least once a day, I try to think of all the things I\u2019ve been blessed with. When times get hard, I get grateful. No matter what\u2019s going on, I\u2019ve been through and gotten through worse. 9. How do you respond when someone asks,\u00a0\u201cAre you a good witch or a bad witch?\u201d Neither? Both? Depends on the day and the situation. 10. Do you have a familiar? I wouldn\u2019t say I have a familiar, but my Yorkie, Lily, is my baby. She\u2019s my companion and she\u2019s been with me through thick and thin. 11. What gifts, skills or powers do you share? \u00a0 \u00a0 Hard to say, I really like making poppets and sigils, and If asked, I would definitely cook up a spell. Spider molts and snake sheds are free to anyone who asks. I think you also have to be a little empathic to be a good therapist.\u00a0 12. What was your most magical experience? My friend Lynn Woike used to take me to a Yule celebration that was really special. Great meditative space. 13. What is your favorite: \u2022Sabbat: It\u2019s a vie between Samhain and Yule. \u2022Element: Water \u2022God: Ganesh \u2022Goddess: Fortuna \u2022Tool: Ouija boards, coins \u2022Animal or other totem: Spiders and snakes. They are always growing. They shed their entire skin and exoskeletons as they grow. Really representative of growth and transformation. \u2022Book: \u201cSimple Wicca\u201d by Michelle Morgan. \u2022Tarot deck or card: Rider\u2013Waite tarot deck \u2022Gemstone: Ruby, moldavite \u2022Ritual garb: My necklace \u2022Fictional witch: Willow from \u201cBuffy the Vampire Slayer.\u201d \u2022Piece of wisdom: When it rains, it pours, but no storm lasts forever. *** About the Author: Lynn Woike thewitchonwheels.com All my life I have known magic was real. As a child, I played with the fae, established relationships with trees and \u201cjust knew things.\u201d In my maiden years I discovered witchcraft and dabbled in the black-candles-and-cemeteries-at-midnight-on-a-fullmoon magick just enough to realize I did not understand its power. I went on to explore many practices including Zen, astrology, color therapy, native traditions, tarot, herbs, candle magic, gems, and, as I moved into my mother years, Buddhism, the Kabbalah and Reiki. The first man I dated after my divorce was a witch who reintroduced me to the Craft, this time by way of the Goddess. For 11 years I was in a coven, but with retirement, I have returned to an eclectic solitary practice. When accepting the mantle of crone, I pledged to serve and teach. This is what I do from my skoolie \u2013 a 30-year-old school bus converted into a tiny house on wheels that I am driving around the country, following 72-degree weather, emerging myself into nature, and sharing magic with those I meet. Find me at thewitchonwheels.com, Facebook and Instagram.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":210,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10004],"tags":[11802,12900,11549,13489,12415,12416],"class_list":["post-25063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-monthly-columns","tag-community","tag-get-to-know","tag-meet","tag-roberto-vargas","tag-witch-hunt","tag-witch-on-wheels"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/210"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25063"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25063\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25065,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25063\/revisions\/25065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25063"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}