Crap! and I was so content to just quietly live my life, sell my soul to corporate america like everyone else making enough to play as I wished and relax when I could... But Noooooooooo! She had a task for me...
Out of the blue, I'm supposed to inform, educate and help bring her children home to her nurturing embrace... Yeah, like a middle aged, somewhat kinky, no, that's a fib, more than somewhat kinky ex biker/bad boy Pagan/Witch is going to be a great role model for anyone! LOL...
Anyway, While at times I'm somewhat slow to learn, I have learned enough over the years to know NOT to provoke a thump upside the head by the Goddess... So, after minimal whining, I set about building this grove as a place of truth and unyielding dedication to the principles of the old traditions. Just a personal site with a couple of basic writings at first...
Judging from the 3 plus million visitors through TCC and thousands of letters we've received, we've been somewhat successful in creating a sense of unification within the diverse, yet still widely scattered Pagan community.
At conception, the main purpose of this site was, and still is, to provide information and educate about the old beliefs in hopes of dispelling the myth, superstition and misconception which have surrounded our ways for so many centuries. The second focus is to provide those who follow this path viable contact opportunities with those of like mind and spirit.
Unfortunately, each of us who follow the old traditions are continually faced with attempts to restrict our ability and right to follow our beliefs and path by groups which are powerful and deeply funded by their supporters. They continually lobby Congress and the Law Makers in every State to remove or limit our rights to worship as we choose based on superstition, fear and misconception.
This site and several like it stand at the forefront of working to dispel the fear and superstition, but our resources are limited. More times than not, much of the operating expenses to keep the site online and do our work comes out of our own pockets.
Now please, do not take me wrong, I am not bidding for sympathy or whining in the least. I have little sympathy for whiners anyway and am not about to become one anytime soon. I/we began and carry on with this site because there is a need. I will continue to work 14-16 hour days until I crossover because that is what I am to do. I do miss vacations and days off sometimes though but that's beside the point and I'd only get into trouble anyway. You do need to understand however, sites this size, with the traffic we receive are expensive to operate. It is a harsh and sometimes bitter pill for me to swallow, but the simple fact is, without support and involvement from the community, sites such as this will eventually fade into the mist.
One by one, the sites that work for religious freedom will disappear and the large, well supported religious special interest groups will win. They will get their agendas pushed through Congress and State Legislatures and our ability to follow the spiritual path we choose will be compromised and we will be told what we are allowed to believe.
Even though you may not be in a position to come out of the Broom Closet with family and friends, you can still be a tremendous asset in our struggle to achieve spiritual freedom. Just the simple fact that you may be afraid to express your beliefs, clearly shows there is a long way to go in educating the general population.
We are doing everything we can to educate and inform the public, governmental and religious leaders, but ultimately, we cannot succeed without your support.
Through your catalog purchases and supporting donations, we are able to continue working toward these educational and awareness goals. If you are tired of living in fear of persecution and prejudice about being Pagan, Wiccan or Witch, I urge you Stop The Fear and get involved or nothing will change.
By becoming a supporting member or purchasing products through our catalog, you help support our efforts and your own ability to follow the spiritual path you choose without fear. No matter how small you may think it is, it is still an investment in your future and does help.
While more subtle than centuries ago, The Burning Times were a stark and brutal example of how the followers of Pagan belief's have been persecuted and judged with ignorance and prejudice throughout history. These same fears, hatred and lies are still with us today. There are many in our society who would like nothing more than to see all who follow alternate forms of spirituality judged as criminals, stripped of their rights and locked up or worse... Make no mistake about it, they work toward these goals on a daily basis, are well funded, and will win if we are complacent and believe that one voice can't/won't make a difference...
This site is an indelible example that one voice can make a difference. It began as my single voice writing a couple of letters expressing my humble thoughts, feelings and views... It then slowly grew into something more and truly magickal because of the Council volunteers and each and every one of you. YOU can make a difference.
Please select the Support Option link below or visit our online catalog and help us help your voice be heard.
Thank you and Gentle Breezes!
Herne