I was discussing witchcraft with a friend and mentioned the types of witches that are out there. Although people usually mistake me for being such, I'm not Wiccan. I was for many years, though (first became a pagan/witch at age 18). However, I'm currently an eclectic, solitary hedge witch/hedge rider. I've fashioned a personalized path that makes sense to me.

Of course, I'm still open to working with and mingling with sisters and brothers of the Craft who follow different paths. That's how we keep learning and growing. There are many paths to explore if you're pagan and/or a witch. There is no right path and your path is unique to the person you are.

If you desire more info, there are countless resources out there, both in print and online. Once again, an enduring go-to resource is witchvox.com.If you have any questions, contact me by e-mail. I'm always glad to assist people in understanding what it's like to be a real witch and to dispell glaring misconceptions.

)0( Raven Athena Rowan )0(

The (bloody) red line

Yes, I know there was another shooting today – and, thankfully, the elementary school was locked down or who the hell knows how high the victim count might've been.

I'm at my wit's end. So frustrated, angry, sad. And TIRED of it. It's like screaming into the void. Like watching an upcoming train wreck while you're bound, gagged, restrained and forced to watch the carnage. More trains are gonna wreck. More people are gonna die.

You see the succession of trains coming down the tracks. Your eyes are held open against your will. One train. Two trains. Three...four...five...ad nauseam. They're all gonna wreck. These tracks only lead to pain, suffering, death.

There will be blood, brain matter, ragged holes blasted into supple flesh, vacant eyes staring from shattered skulls. Lifeless tongues lolling out of mouths, future words silenced forever. Rigor mortis.

The metal taste of spattered blood lingers in your own mouth.

You want to stop it. MAKE IT STOP!

People mill about, uttering, "Nothing we can do. It's a shame. So sorry. Thoughts and prayers." Patting your head, patronizing you. Hot tears stream down your face, hit the pavement, mix with countless pools of blood dotting the scenery.

Here, have a bump stock to make you feel better. How about a free membership to the NRA? That should calm you and keep you numb for a while.

But really, there's nothing we can do. The trains...well, those trains are going to keep running. And you, my dear, you will keep watching.

Whether you want to or not.