Questions and Answers

1.How would you explain your path to someone else with no knowledge of it? (please include the name of your path or paths)

Animism? Shamanism? I don't really have a name for my path. Among other people I have always referred to my path as "Free Agent of the Universe"--that is, I am on a path, I do recognize universal power, but how I relate to it is always subject to change and evolve. Then if there are any questions, I'll carefully get into details. I dedicate some time each day to wandering in nature with my dog. Speaking of dogs, I volunteer at an animal shelter, as I feel this is an essential part of me. I also tutor in a variety of areas, from the Pagan Way to history--passing on knowledge.

2.How is your path expressed in practice?

While I don't make a big outward show of my faith, I am aware that I am a walking ambassador not only for my faith but for the beliefs of so many good people out of the mainstream. I try to be a kind, compassionate, warm emissary in my daily life.

3.How do you know if your practice is successful?

I feel calm, at peace, and quietly happy.

4.Why have you chosen the particular path you are following?

I don't think I consciously chose it. I also don't believe I'm following anything so much as blazing a new path.

5.What is your experience of otherworld beings? (e.g. gods, wights, or other entities) Could you give some examples.

I have experienced otherworld beings, but I also realize that my experience is mine and may not bear any similarity to the experiences of others. I feel a constant presence, an energy that guides me and helps me make choices.

6.How do you see your relationship with them?

If I leave myself open and welcoming to them—knowing rather than believing—they will be here for me when I need them. I give them trust and they give me guidance.

7.How does your path relate to other areas of your life?

My path is a part of my life as a whole. It’s so thoroughly a part of who I am that it pervades my life and keeps me full of love and hope.

8.How do you see the relationship of life and death?

Life and death are two man-made words to describe an eternal continuum. Life and death aren’t polar opposites, for in death there is also life. Death is only the release from the fleshy shell.

9.How do you see time?

"Time" is a human yardstick. I don’t believe in one timeline. I do envision time as a spiral rather than as an arrow pointing in one direction.

10.How do you handle ideas of good and evil?

Good and evil are relative terms and should be defined on an individual basis. I don’t have concrete definitions as what is called good eventually turns evil and evil becomes good. They’re also changing concepts. What is evil today might be good next year.

11.How do you view different spaces and objects in your practice or experience? (e.g. circles, hearths, groves; wands, mead-horn, cup, plastic, wood, metal, clothing)

Certain places and items have resonated as being especially suited to me and my faith, but for me nothing is fixed. I look to my otherworld guides for a feeling of what is right at any given moment.

12.How do you feel about other religions?

Everyone has the right believe what they want so long as it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others. In other words, stay out of my face and I’ll stay out of yours.

13.How do you feel about science?

I agree with the Dalai Lama in that science and spirituality are essentially the same thing with two different methods.

14.How do you feel modern Paganisms relate to ancient paganisms?

Personally I don’t try to reach back to the practices of my ancestors. If I am following a certain path now, that path as it may have existed in the past exists in that moment. But I do enjoy researching ancient ways.