I’ve recently celebrated my 42nd birthday, which means as of this past weekend, I have been pagan for 30 years. That’s a long time for anything, never mind something that needed to be tucked into a dark closet in the back of the quietest, most private part of my mind for fifteen of those years.

In 1997, I began to practice my beliefs without care to who was bothered by it. The way I looked at it, I had every right to believe in whatever god, gods, goddess or tree I wanted to. I still feel that way, and that is something I have ingrained in my girls. If they wanted to attend church services, they were free to do so. And they did. Care almost immediately disliked everything about it all… Rhia took a little longer to realize it just wasn’t for her. I’ve never held them back from exploring anything their spirit wishes to explore… at least in spiritual means.

By 1999, I was public, full on, with interviews and volunteer organizations for Pagan Pride and anti-discrimination.

By 2003, I was burnt out.

We held our last Pagan Pride in 2005, and I relinquished being head of the Canada division sometime after that. Since 2006, our group has practiced without holding any open circles, without inviting others in. I think that may be why our group has survived as long as it has; we work well together, we’re close outside of circle, and frankly, we’re family.

30 years of walking an unmarked path. Nearly half those holding close to others on similar paths. I can not even begin to tell you or them, or anyone for that matter, how much their support over these years has been. The past ten have been the hardest, but no matter what they’ve been there.

Thanks, guys. <3 ’til next week, <3 JL