Pythonic Wicca: as in Monty, not the snake.

Ah, the Crafters. Now here is a piece of Wiccan History that could easily get lost and forgotten, and I don't think it should. Working with them as a teenager was my introduction to being a part of Pagan Circles, and I had many wonderful adventures with the folks who became Family to me then. The Crafters as a group had something interesting to say to the rest of the world of Paganism. Serious, beautiful, elaborate rituals and ceremonies can be wonderful-- but the Divine may also be approached on a down-to-earth level; and has a sense of humor. Laughter in fact, may be an appropriate offering, and a way to build magical energy if one knows how to do that and focus it towards a positive goal.

Much, much more on all of that later.

The Crafters, which has been disbanded for some time, was highly influential in the forming of multiple groups in Michigan. Most of it's members at one point or another taught classes or formed groups of their own. In terms of order of progression, those wonderful family circle moments we shared in a small town effected each of those member's and their perspectives and philosophies, which they have then shared with others. I think it is noteworthy that this group formed a very unique tradition that blended elements of traditional ritual with more eclectic ones- and sometimes, quite eccentric. Our traditions however made sense for us.

Sometimes understanding comes in context. A person who had never been to a crafters ritual and read the notes for a particular circle might wonder why the circle was opened with the phrase "Everybody Duck!" . Being there would make it clear and funny-because you would have seen the HP, a short guy swinging a sword around in a crowded small living room.

Rituals were always lively, and filled with a sense of Love and Family. We were known for the humor we would sometimes incorporate, but we also as a group studied many spiritual and magical traditions and learned a lot together. Although the group no longer exists, there is some material on the web that talks about the experiences those people shared together, which may give insight to others studying the craft or having their own experiences and explorations.

The image at the top of this post was the Crafter's Logo, drawn by Figment, who was the high priest of the group and known for his creativity. :-)


Here are some relevant pages:


PYTHONIC WICCA



CRAFTER's WEBPAGE


FIGMENT's RECCOMENDED READING LIST

PS Fig- May the circle be unbroken, and may we prove that the miles don't matter. That said, I'm never going to get the ninja surprise Eldering- so, do I at least get mingions now? ;-)~

Ah, it's that time of year....

I remember the first time I attended a Pagan Yule Gathering. I was sixteen, and an older girlfriend of mine called and invited me to go. We were dressed in Renaissance knock-off thrift store finery, with our best ribbons in our hair. That one event was the doorway I had been looking for into the world I belonged to. I had been having my own private spiritual experiences since I was a child, particularly in moments when I was out by myself in nature. I was very attuned to the Pagan spirit of things and some forms of Wiccan tradition, even though I didn't have those words until I was about 11. After I found several books that really talk about the history and philosophy of natural magic in a sphere of spirituality, I had spent several frustrating young years looking for a gathering like this.

I met that day quite a few people that came to mean a great deal to my life. ( I don't think any of those folks would mind their names being used, after all, once you're on the cover of the Detroit New's what's the point of hanging out in the broom closet? But, still. )One day one of them will stumble through here, and hopefully it will make them smile to be remembered. I wonder if they had any idea how excited I was to be there, if it shined through my eyes like I bet it did.

There was a huge circle, which was properly prepared and cleansed, the elements were invited, the God and Goddess called, and a Divine play was performed about the Holly King and the Oak King. We did some meditation and asked for blessings in the coming year, and did a great communal dance that began as a circle and became a spiral. Winded and full of laughter, we all shared a huge pot luck feast. I think that might have been the night of Nathan's Wiccaning, too- I remember Pascal saying "I give you power over fire." and having him blow out a candle.

That time for me is steeped in them memory of forming deep and lasting friendships that had a sense of being family on a soul level. The way I value things in life may come from a principal I have about regarding and respecting the value of connection and community.

think there was a tradition somewhere.....

we would gather together in the cold to share warmth and bread, and light and laughter; and as the evening deepened there would be stories......
so perhaps this winter I will share some of mine, and try to get some interesting Pagans to share some stories of their own personal journeys.

:-)

Nicolette Stevens/ Sylviana