Ròcas Cearcall Intro

[Ròcas Cearcall]

Hi. I'm new and have been studying Wicca for about a month.

I’ve always been interested in Wicca, but have been held back by my conservative Christian background. I have nothing against that upbringing, but it has kept me from finding my path sooner.

This year, after Wicca came up in a casual conversation, I felt a sudden need to learn. I started reading books, beginning with Scott Cunningham’s Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner. Everything felt so comfortable. My existing beliefs and intuitions seemed to align with the Wiccan religion. I started taking walks in the woods and standing beneath the setting sun and the rising moon. I read more books.

One morning, walking through the woods, saying prayers and chants that I had learned, I reached a branching path. A crow sat in a tree above me, kawing. I recognized its spiritual significance and greeted it. The crow flew down one of the paths and lighted on a new tree. I decided to follow.

It’s new perch was long dead, but thorns and ivy and various other plants grew upon it. It was beautiful, a full symbol of life, death, and rebirth to a new purpose. I thanked the crow, and it flew further down the path before veering off to the side.

I followed again and found that it had lead me to a small, hidden clearing. Dead trees leaned like fingers in the palm of a hand as running creeks carved the clearing in to a small island. A stone fire ring, unused, sat in the center. I worked my way down the bank to the clearing.

I stood next to the fire circle and looked up at the crow, who still kawed above me. Inspired, I cast a circle, the best I knew how, inviting the Goddess and God to teach me and thanking the crow for leading me there. I could feel the energy of nature pulsing around me, like static on my skin. I released the circle and thanked the gods for their attendance. The crow then flew off. By that time, I was starving and sweating profusely.

I don’t know if the crow was a manifestation of a god or goddess, or if it was just a messenger. I do know that it affirmed my desire to keep following the crow, and fueled my need to learn the mysteries of witchcraft and of the gods.

Upon returning home, I performed my first altar ritual with butter knives, birthday candles, and anything else I could find.

I'm still not entirely sure what happened, but I do know that it was the most spiritual moment of my life.

[Firebird]

Greetings! That sounds like a really lovely journey, how nice to happen upon this little clearing. Were you able to start a fire in the ring?
We have no places that that very near me except for a well established campground that is so busy you must reserve your space 6 or more months ahead of time.
Welcome to the board! Come on in and mosey around.
Bb, Firebird

[Ròcas Cearcall]

I didn't try. It's located in a public park, and I didn't want to draw too much attention to it. I go back on most mornings, unless the rain and mud make it impassable. I occasionally find cigarettes or drink bottles, so someone else must know about it, as well. I pick up their trash often enough. Either way, it is a nice place to go at sunrise and prepare for the day.

[SpiritTalker]

Mm-m, your story gave me goosebumps. Welcome.

[Ròcas Cearcall]

Thank you. I am actually a writer, so I enjoy the compliment.

[planewalker]

Greetings Gentle Being,

Welcome to the forum. You will find a great deal of information to help you on your path. You'll also find that there are even more caring open-hearted people then there is information. My your trip be joyous and my all your needs be fulfilled before they become wants.

Planewalker

[Pallando]

Pssssstt...
You're doing it right.

[Shekinah]

My career with the Agency necessitated many and frequent moves globally. One of the first things I always did when arriving at a new location was to seek a sacred space where I might find tranquility, solitude and inspiration when in a meditative frame of mind. Fortunate for you Rocas Cearcall to have been led to that fire circle and to have had the presence of mind to essentially dedicate it as sacred space. We all need a sacred space to find an interlude in the affairs of life to touch the presence of Spirit intimately.