1st_Interview

What are my qualifications to have written this book? Well, if you are asking me for titles I can share them but you see I am a Solitary Practitioner by choice so what do titles really mean? I am a solitary practitioner because I feel that is the best way for true spirituality to be practiced and lived, one on one with the individual and nature and the Gods. I think that it is great to get together with others of like minds, but I grew sick of coven bickering. I was with a good little group while I was in Atlanta just a few of us and we were friends first and foremost, when I left that area, I lost a lot, but inside I gained much as well.

My qualifications? Ok... besides the fact that I was born to a family of the craft? My Great Grandmother practiced, and my Grandmother became a born again Christian, and my mother practiced. However I want to note that just because they were practicing witches it did not make me a WITCH. I was born a witch because it is in my soul, not in my DNA or blood I became a Witch by rediscovering what was already there and by studying and practice. And I also have to say that I do not wholly consider myself a Traditional Witch because I do not practice exactly that of what my mom or Great Grandmother practiced

I am closer to what my Great Grandmother practiced, but I have to much influence from other paths I walked and studied as well. Christianity is a part of me, as is the Native American spirituality, but I am of the earth, I am a witch, and what qualifies me to have written this book? Time, education, practice, failure, falling down and getting back up. I asked questions when others expected me to just accept what I was told. I tried what my soul told me was right and what nature told me was right over what books told me. I listen to my Great Grandmother now that she is one of my guides. But most of all I listen to what the Gods share with me through nature and life and experience. What qualified me to write this book, maybe I am not qualified, maybe no one really is, but I was compelled to share my own thoughts, and experiences and my truth.

I have studied or practiced Witchcraft or Wicca for over twenty years now and that does not count the time that I was exposed to it while I was growing up. I am considered by many as a High Priestess, however you can't really be a High Priest if you have no coven right? And as I said, I prefer to be a solitary practitioner. I am an ordained Minister, I am a teacher of more Traditional views of Witchcraft, the founder of Pagans for Peace and Tolerance, and to be honest, I am an old soul and I know it, and I trust what my soul tells me and what the Gods direct me in. Maybe I am not qualified but I am what I am, and I shared my own truth, which could change and grow as I myself do as a Witch and as a person.

Wow, this is a hard question for me to really answer. I grew up knowing our family had witches in it, so always knew that it was 'supposed' to be in my own blood. I turned my back on Witchcraft for a time, became Christian, but only had more questions. I don't know if I have had a defining moment, it just seems as if I always just have been Nature has always been what was in my blood and that is what has taught me the most.

There are so many different witchy books on the market these days. Many of them have exciting names and promise the world, but end up being the same Wicca 101 books but with a different title. How is your book different than other witchy books?

I think this is a great question! What makes my book different and why would I want to write a book on Witchcraft or Wicca when there is all ready so many excellent ones out there? Well, the answers are plain and simple; although I feel that there are many valuable texts out there already on Witchcraft and Wicca, I personally feel that something is missing, the separation between Witchcraft and Wicca, a distinction between one and the other.

The second reason I wrote Shadows of a Witch, is because I hope to provide a balance within this book that I feel is missing in the literary world today. Today it is so easy to find books totally dedicated to the beautiful religion of Wicca. If you seek them out you can even find books now that are focusing on the actual 'real' darker side of Witchcraft, and even a few books are popping up on Traditional Witchcraft. You can find books on black magic or white magic, but it is very unique to find a book that offers the balance between the darkness and the light. That is one of the things I hope that this book does offer: balance.

The third reason for this book is the hope that it may become a source and guidebook in a sense. Meaning that there are a lot of different things within the pages of this book that may not be found in 'one place' before, but you may find in many different places or several different sources before, but never in 'one place'.

Another difference about my book is that it also shares a lot about Tolerance. And to truly know tolerance you need to have an understanding of other paths. My book shares info on Satanism, and Christianity and the inaccuracies in Christianity. It also covers other topics that seem to come up in the pagan community such as the Other Kin and who they are and some real facts about them. Honestly my book just IS different and it is by far not just another Wiccan 101 book, this I promise. I share a lot of my personal SELF in the book and my experience, good and bad. I do not try to get readers to take my word; I try to get them to trust in themselves, and to always ask questions.

A Wiccan Witch practices the religion of Wicca; a Witch does not practice a religion per se, but more of a way of life that incorporates a connection to nature that is truly spiritual. The biggest difference in a Wiccan and a Witch of more Traditional Witchcraft is that a Wiccan adheres to the Wiccan Rede, and a Witch adheres to no Rede or law other then that of nature and of taking responsibility for ones actions, good or bane.

I felt nearly compelled to write this book because there is so much that is NOT being said in the other books and that bothered me, why is it so hard to share the truth? Maybe some folks just think we can't handle the truth, or hey maybe sweet and light and fru fru sells, I mean it works in Christianity right? But the fact is that life is not all sweet and kind. And neither is nature! And that is what Witchcraft and Wicca revolve around right, nature. And the bottom line is it is time for the truth, I think that the pagan world is more then ready for it and tired of being spoon fed the fluff.

Now funny thing about truth, just because my truth may not be the same as your truth it makes my truth no less the truth, nor does it make your own truth any less real and true. Truth is something that each of us have to discover, but if we are not being at least provided some of the most basic truths about Witchcraft, Wicca and even Magic, how can we make an educated deduction on what is really our truth?

Shadows of a Witch is a book that is for everyone, and I do mean everyone! Whether you are brand new to any form of paganism, or if you are a Christian. If you are a High Priestess or High Priest of a coven, or a solitary practitioner for years this book has something for everyone! If you are physically handicapped, or have asthma, if you are a Trad Witch or a Wiccan this book has something for anyone old enough to have an interest or curiosity about this path.

I do feel that my biggest critics will probably be those that are of the hierarchy in Wiccan Covens. I think my supporters will be, well, my friends support me even if they don't wholly agree with me I guess my supporters will be those that are tired of being spoon fed the same ol, same ol!

You say that some of the ones that will be critical of your book might be the hierarchy of Wiccan covens.. but then go on to say your book is for High Priests and Priestesses... can you explain that?

I believe that this book is for everyone, High Priest or High Priestess on down to the person that this could be his or her very first book ever on a pagan subject. Part of the reason I think that Hierarchy in the Wiccan covens will not be pleased with my book is because many of those that are self professed High Priestess, ones that claim the titles with out the actual education and background will not agree with some of the book, and that is fine. There will be some High Priest and High Priestess that stop and say 'Well it is about time someone got it out in the open', so don't get me wrong, I just think that it will be highly debated with the Hierarchy faster then it will be by the solitary practitioner. However I think that criticism can be a good thing if others and I learn from it!

My biggest challenge was finding a stopping place! Everything I added, I needed to back up and add info so that those new to this path would know what I was talking about to start with. I want so much to share a solid foundation. I don't want to make my way your way I just want you to understand that if you have a good foundation then you can find your own personal truth and balance.

I am excited about Shadows of a Witch, it is my first book and I am exposing my self in many ways in that book but there is so much that I did not put in there still! So yes, I think that there will be a continuation of Shadows of a Witch. But that is not my next goal; my next book will be for the NON-pagan. An info book for those that walk this path, that of a Witch to be able to share with a preacher or a teacher or a next door neighbor to try to explain the beauty of our path, and to help educate and breed tolerance! I also want to do some pagan type children books;) And more... yes there are lots of things that are on the back burner right now;)

My advice would be to listen to your heart, and follow your dreams! If you feel that you have something to share with others that can help them, bring joy to them, educate them, then set your goals and strive to achieve them and never stop believing that you can make your dreams come true! Magic happens, even if you don't believe in it!

You talk about shadows and dark and light in your book. For someone starting out on this path, how can they learn about the balance between light and dark? Do you feel light and dark both have to be experienced to truly understand it, or can it be learned from a book?

There are just something's that can never be taught or learned through any books, that is my opinion. Light and dark, I think that we need to find it within ourselves and be honest with our own selves and admit that no one and I mean no one is all good, and no one is all bad. Balance is precious, and honestly what is my balance may not be someone else's balance. Some folks will discover that they are even with the darkness and the light within them, others may find that it only takes a small about of dark to balance their light, while others find that it only takes a little light to balance out their darkness. But do we need to experience both, dark and light to truly understand it? My personal opinion is yes, for us to understand our own personal balance we need to understand our own personal lights and darks.

How does someone new to this path discover his or her own balance? By being totally honest with themselves and by doing some soul searching and by being willing to change and grow and ask questions.

Ahhhh a Soul Witch, you see I believe that what makes one a witch is not in the blood, nothing in the DNA that makes one a witch, your mom or your grandma or your dad being a witch does not automatically make you a witch, at least not in my opinion. But I do believe that there are folks that are born witches... however what makes one a witch is not initiation, nor is it blood, it is something in the very soul of the witch that passes from lifetime to lifetime. And I also think that it is that 'something' that draws the Soul Witch ever back to the pagan path.

My own opinion is that your personal book of Shadows is just that... Personal. Shadows of a Witch is NOT a BOS, when I use that term, Shadows of a witch, I mean the lights and darks that make up one witch, that is part of the path of a witch, but my book is not a Book of Shadows, other then it has light and dark in it and the solid foundation in between is what really creates the shadows;)

Well, when it comes to fiction I love Maggie Shayne and Kristine Feehan and Anne Rice. If you want the real stuff then I would say that my favorite author is StarrFire Price, and Scott Cunningham

There are hundreds of witchy mailing lists out there? What elements, in your opinion, make a good witchy list? (Notice my blatant attempt to plug WG.. she didn't take the bait! Good Shewolf!!)

Honesty, tolerance, diversity and respect for a fellow human are the things that I feel makes a good pagan type list. I don't think it is the number of email post or high number of members that make the list, but the amount of honest sharing that takes place. People being there for each other in good times, and bad times to lend a ear to vent, or cry or tell a joke in, or to offer support and healing on many levels. I guess a good list, is a family of sorts and always tolerance is important.






	Interview with Shewolf Silver Shadows By Anna Alexander To see the Original version of this Interview please click here PART ONE First and foremost please explain your background and your qualifications for writing this book. What are my qualifications to have written this book? Well, if you are asking me for titles I can share them but you see I am a Solitary Practitioner by choice so what do titles really mean? I am a solitary practitioner because I feel that is the best way for true spirituality to be practiced and lived, one on one with the individual and nature and the Gods. I think that it is great to get together with others of like minds, but I grew sick of coven bickering. I was with a good little group while I was in Atlanta just a few of us and we were friends first and foremost, when I left that area, I lost a lot, but inside I gained much as well. My qualifications? Ok... besides the fact that I was born to a family of the craft? My Great Grandmother practiced, and my Grandmother became a born again Christian, and my mother practiced. However I want to note that just because they were practicing witches it did not make me a WITCH. I was born a witch because it is in my soul, not in my DNA or blood I became a Witch by rediscovering what was already there and by studying and practice. And I also have to say that I do not wholly consider myself a Traditional Witch because I do not practice exactly that of what my mom or Great Grandmother practiced I am closer to what my Great Grandmother practiced, but I have to much influence from other paths I walked and studied as well. Christianity is a part of me, as is the Native American spirituality, but I am of the earth, I am a witch, and what qualifies me to have written this book? Time, education, practice, failure, falling down and getting back up. I asked questions when others expected me to just accept what I was told. I tried what my soul told me was right and what nature told me was right over what books told me. I listen to my Great Grandmother now that she is one of my guides. But most of all I listen to what the Gods share with me through nature and life and experience. What qualified me to write this book, maybe I am not qualified, maybe no one really is, but I was compelled to share my own thoughts, and experiences and my truth. I have studied or practiced Witchcraft or Wicca for over twenty years now and that does not count the time that I was exposed to it while I was growing up. I am considered by many as a High Priestess, however you can't really be a High Priest if you have no coven right? And as I said, I prefer to be a solitary practitioner. I am an ordained Minister, I am a teacher of more Traditional views of Witchcraft, the founder of Pagans for Peace and Tolerance, and to be honest, I am an old soul and I know it, and I trust what my soul tells me and what the Gods direct me in. Maybe I am not qualified but I am what I am, and I shared my own truth, which could change and grow as I myself do as a Witch and as a person. *Many witches (including myself) seem to have a moment when they look around and say, 'holy #()@!!! I'm a witch!" What was your moment? Wow, this is a hard question for me to really answer. I grew up knowing our family had witches in it, so always knew that it was 'supposed' to be in my own blood. I turned my back on Witchcraft for a time, became Christian, but only had more questions. I don't know if I have had a defining moment, it just seems as if I always just have been Nature has always been what was in my blood and that is what has taught me the most. PART TWO (THE BOOK) There are so many different witchy books on the market these days. Many of them have exciting names and promise the world, but end up being the same Wicca 101 books but with a different title. How is your book different than other witchy books? I think this is a great question! What makes my book different and why would I want to write a book on Witchcraft or Wicca when there is all ready so many excellent ones out there? Well, the answers are plain and simple; although I feel that there are many valuable texts out there already on Witchcraft and Wicca, I personally feel that something is missing, the separation between Witchcraft and Wicca, a distinction between one and the other. The second reason I wrote Shadows of a Witch, is because I hope to provide a balance within this book that I feel is missing in the literary world today. Today it is so easy to find books totally dedicated to the beautiful religion of Wicca. If you seek them out you can even find books now that are focusing on the actual 'real' darker side of Witchcraft, and even a few books are popping up on Traditional Witchcraft. You can find books on black magic or white magic, but it is very unique to find a book that offers the balance between the darkness and the light. That is one of the things I hope that this book does offer: balance. The third reason for this book is the hope that it may become a source and guidebook in a sense. Meaning that there are a lot of different things within the pages of this book that may not be found in 'one place' before, but you may find in many different places or several different sources before, but never in 'one place'. Another difference about my book is that it also shares a lot about Tolerance. And to truly know tolerance you need to have an understanding of other paths. My book shares info on Satanism, and Christianity and the inaccuracies in Christianity. It also covers other topics that seem to come up in the pagan community such as the Other Kin and who they are and some real facts about them. Honestly my book just IS different and it is by far not just another Wiccan 101 book, this I promise. I share a lot of my personal SELF in the book and my experience, good and bad. I do not try to get readers to take my word; I try to get them to trust in themselves, and to always ask questions. You say that Wiccans and Witches are the same and yet different. Why? A Wiccan Witch practices the religion of Wicca; a Witch does not practice a religion per se, but more of a way of life that incorporates a connection to nature that is truly spiritual. The biggest difference in a Wiccan and a Witch of more Traditional Witchcraft is that a Wiccan adheres to the Wiccan Rede, and a Witch adheres to no Rede or law other then that of nature and of taking responsibility for ones actions, good or bane. What made you want to write this? I felt nearly compelled to write this book because there is so much that is NOT being said in the other books and that bothered me, why is it so hard to share the truth? Maybe some folks just think we can't handle the truth, or hey maybe sweet and light and fru fru sells, I mean it works in Christianity right? But the fact is that life is not all sweet and kind. And neither is nature! And that is what Witchcraft and Wicca revolve around right, nature. And the bottom line is it is time for the truth, I think that the pagan world is more then ready for it and tired of being spoon fed the fluff. Now funny thing about truth, just because my truth may not be the same as your truth it makes my truth no less the truth, nor does it make your own truth any less real and true. Truth is something that each of us have to discover, but if we are not being at least provided some of the most basic truths about Witchcraft, Wicca and even Magic, how can we make an educated deduction on what is really our truth? Is this a book for those who are new to this path? Or is it for people who are more "advanced"? Shadows of a Witch is a book that is for everyone, and I do mean everyone! Whether you are brand new to any form of paganism, or if you are a Christian. If you are a High Priestess or High Priest of a coven, or a solitary practitioner for years this book has something for everyone! If you are physically handicapped, or have asthma, if you are a Trad Witch or a Wiccan this book has something for anyone old enough to have an interest or curiosity about this path. Who do you think will be your critics and your supporters will be? I do feel that my biggest critics will probably be those that are of the hierarchy in Wiccan Covens. I think my supporters will be, well, my friends support me even if they don't wholly agree with me I guess my supporters will be those that are tired of being spoon fed the same ol, same ol! You say that some of the ones that will be critical of your book might be the hierarchy of Wiccan covens.. but then go on to say your book is for High Priests and Priestesses... can you explain that? I believe that this book is for everyone, High Priest or High Priestess on down to the person that this could be his or her very first book ever on a pagan subject. Part of the reason I think that Hierarchy in the Wiccan covens will not be pleased with my book is because many of those that are self professed High Priestess, ones that claim the titles with out the actual education and background will not agree with some of the book, and that is fine. There will be some High Priest and High Priestess that stop and say 'Well it is about time someone got it out in the open', so don't get me wrong, I just think that it will be highly debated with the Hierarchy faster then it will be by the solitary practitioner. However I think that criticism can be a good thing if others and I learn from it! What was your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge was finding a stopping place! Everything I added, I needed to back up and add info so that those new to this path would know what I was talking about to start with. I want so much to share a solid foundation. I don't want to make my way your way I just want you to understand that if you have a good foundation then you can find your own personal truth and balance. Do you have any other projects on the back burner? I am excited about Shadows of a Witch, it is my first book and I am exposing my self in many ways in that book but there is so much that I did not put in there still! So yes, I think that there will be a continuation of Shadows of a Witch. But that is not my next goal; my next book will be for the NON-pagan. An info book for those that walk this path, that of a Witch to be able to share with a preacher or a teacher or a next door neighbor to try to explain the beauty of our path, and to help educate and breed tolerance! I also want to do some pagan type children books;) And more... yes there are lots of things that are on the back burner right now;) What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of writing a witchy book? My advice would be to listen to your heart, and follow your dreams! If you feel that you have something to share with others that can help them, bring joy to them, educate them, then set your goals and strive to achieve them and never stop believing that you can make your dreams come true! Magic happens, even if you don't believe in it! PART THREE (On Being A Witch) You talk about shadows and dark and light in your book. For someone starting out on this path, how can they learn about the balance between light and dark? Do you feel light and dark both have to be experienced to truly understand it, or can it be learned from a book? There are just something's that can never be taught or learned through any books, that is my opinion. Light and dark, I think that we need to find it within ourselves and be honest with our own selves and admit that no one and I mean no one is all good, and no one is all bad. Balance is precious, and honestly what is my balance may not be someone else's balance. Some folks will discover that they are even with the darkness and the light within them, others may find that it only takes a small about of dark to balance their light, while others find that it only takes a little light to balance out their darkness. But do we need to experience both, dark and light to truly understand it? My personal opinion is yes, for us to understand our own personal balance we need to understand our own personal lights and darks. How does someone new to this path discover his or her own balance? By being totally honest with themselves and by doing some soul searching and by being willing to change and grow and ask questions. Without giving away too much from you book, how would you describe a Soul Witch? Can this be "earned" or are you born with it? Ahhhh a Soul Witch, you see I believe that what makes one a witch is not in the blood, nothing in the DNA that makes one a witch, your mom or your grandma or your dad being a witch does not automatically make you a witch, at least not in my opinion. But I do believe that there are folks that are born witches... however what makes one a witch is not initiation, nor is it blood, it is something in the very soul of the witch that passes from lifetime to lifetime. And I also think that it is that 'something' that draws the Soul Witch ever back to the pagan path. Some metaphysical writers have published their Books of Shadows. Do you think this is something that should be published or best kept to oneself? My own opinion is that your personal book of Shadows is just that... Personal. Shadows of a Witch is NOT a BOS, when I use that term, Shadows of a witch, I mean the lights and darks that make up one witch, that is part of the path of a witch, but my book is not a Book of Shadows, other then it has light and dark in it and the solid foundation in between is what really creates the shadows;) Miscelleany Who is your favorite metaphysical author? Well, when it comes to fiction I love Maggie Shayne and Kristine Feehan and Anne Rice. If you want the real stuff then I would say that my favorite author is StarrFire Price, and Scott Cunningham There are hundreds of witchy mailing lists out there? What elements, in your opinion, make a good witchy list? (Notice my blatant attempt to plug WG.. she didn't take the bait! Good Shewolf!!)** Honesty, tolerance, diversity and respect for a fellow human are the things that I feel makes a good pagan type list. I don't think it is the number of email post or high number of members that make the list, but the amount of honest sharing that takes place. People being there for each other in good times, and bad times to lend a ear to vent, or cry or tell a joke in, or to offer support and healing on many levels. I guess a good list, is a family of sorts and always tolerance is important. Interview with Shewolf Silver Shadows By Anna Alexander Copyright © 2003 and WitchGrove Back To Main Page