While reading Sue's October 2nd post, I thought it a good idea to do the same.

My names for me

Harlow- It's my maiden name, and the one I call myself when I need to speak sternly. As in, "Get a grip, Harlow!" :)

Tracie- It's my first name, and how I'm known.

Ashirin- It's how I'm known online most of the time

Ashensoul- it, too, is how I'm known online in some places

Things people call me

Sis- It's what my parents called me as a child after my younger brother was born. I haven't been called it for a long time, and it's the closest thing to a nickname I've ever really had.

Trace- short for Tracie....I have never liked it, and will tell people I prefer my full first name.

There were also the stupid names people call fat women. Those names make me laugh now.

B- My favorite person calls me that, it's short for Baby.

Dear-My boyfriend calls me that. He's not big on endearments, so I'm rather attached to that one. /grin


Sue did this to find a new "witch" name. I've not ever been one to use other names for myself, except on the internet, and I'm comfortable and glad that the Goddess knows me by the name I know myself.

Firstly I know I've been gone for ages. A LOT of things have been going on for me, and I'm sure you'll hear about it, as my spirituality has been a liferaft in this crazy time.

Earlier I was asked a question I get a lot, in different forms. Apparently saying that I'm pagan is too vague. So, I get variations of "So what sort of pagan *are* you, anyway?"

For the first time, I have a solid answer, that I can get behind. I told her that I am an Irreverent Witch.

characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality; "a certain irreverent gaiety and ease of manner"

That's what www.thefreedictionary.com says about the word Irreverent. (Granted, I'm absolutely aware of other meanings, which, to me, make it more fitting for my worship.)

I have the utmost reverence for the Goddess, and there are, as in all things, times for seriousness. But entirely too many people mourn their faith. I celebrate the joy I feel in the ways I worship the Goddess. Wet grass on my feet on a summer's morning, warm cocoa on a cold night. The rain in my face, the sun on my skin. My favorite song, my favorite novel.

Being a witch is a joyful calling, it really is. And I, for one, am thankful that I am on this long walk.

I've spent the day thinking about what to write here, and I sat down at my computer to puzzle it out. (I'd actually planned to talk about Music and worship...maybe I'll do that another day.)

Instead of writing anything, I opened up one of my paint programs, and several hours later, this is what I had. I'll just let it speak for itself today.

In the pagan community at large, it sometimes can seem like everywhere you turn, there is a group waving it's virtual banner around in the name of the Goddess and some cause or other. I believe that people should feel strongly about some things. I have causes that I am passionate about., but I really don't feel as if the Goddess is telling me to take up banner in such causes. Maybe She is telling others, I obviously can't know.

There are some things that are rather a given, regarding paganism, and one's political disposition. Of course we're going to be far more environmentally friendly, and personally active in such areas. It's one of the ways in which we worship Her. I don't have the urge to get on a soapbox about it for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, to me, it sounds an awful lot like proselitizing, and I am here to learn, not preach. And secondly, I hear pagans point out how often other religious groups have done horrible things in the name of their gods. "But this is different!"

Maybe. So far. But we already see intolerance in the pagan community. Groups who're intolerant of another pagan's path, groups that are intolerant of any other religion, how many of these same pagans are willing to be militant in their political stance in the name of the Goddess, and what makes them any different?

This is something I've been thinking about, and this morning felt like a good time to try to make heads or tails of it.

Merry Part.

It was suggested to me that I start a "blog" like this so that I could more easily monitor my own spiritual growth. It makes sense to me, because I have a secular blog, and have had for a few years now, and when I look back, I sometimes think "Wow. I felt that way? How odd." *smile*

My intention is to update this every day with some thought of the Goddess, of my faith or of my journey. I encourage readers and friends for several reasons, not the least of which is that if I know I have an audience I will be less likely to be lazy in my typing. :)

Goddess Bless.