Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true,
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...” - For Good, Wicked
As I sat down to write my first blog post, For Good from Wicked came on and I was full of gratitude for all the people that have come into my life and helped me get this point of launching my website and my Online Coven: Spiral Within. To all the people that have inspired me and sat in circle with me, thank you! And here’s to the people that deserve an extra special thanks.
I first lovingly give so much gratitude to my web designer, accountability buddy, and great friend Stephanie Briggs. This site would not exist without her, on so many levels. Yes, she physically created it, but she also held me accountable throughout the process, giving me the deadlines and structure I so needed at that time (and I need all the time if I’m being honest). She gave me her experience and expertise on building a business in this field and how to speak to my clients authentically. Her astrology and Akashic records readings have helped me so much, both to know myself and to get focused on my business. Thank you Stephanie for all your hand- and space-holding though this process.
You can find Stephanie’s beautiful website for her business Heart Blossom here, and she’s available for astrology, Akashic records readings, and more.
I wouldn’t be half the witch I am today without knowing Lynn Woike. She hosted both our former coven and our Year and A Day training in her home, and though she would lovingly disagree, from my perspective, she’s been in the role of High Priestess too many times to count. Its a hat she’s so comfortable in, she doesn’t realize she’s even wearing it. A fellow traveler, she’s now exploring the US in her converted school bus, Karma, with her cat Pye. She inspires me so much with her generous, giving heart and endless knowledge of all things witchy. And her collection of vision board supplies is second to none!
She has a delightful blog and is available for Tarot readings and spell work though intention candles, mojo bags, and more! Her page is The Witch on Wheels, and it was also designed by the talented Stephanie Briggs.
I can’t forget my original High Priestess - the woman that first welcomed me onto this path, the magical, beautiful, strong Angela Luna! We met in massage therapy school and she invited me to my first gathering for Lammas over 5 years ago, and I was hooked. Her circles inspire my practice so much, led by intuition and inspiration, not beholden to rigid rules of how things “should be”. From past lives, through this one and beyond, I’m so grateful to be walking this path with such a magical lady as my inspiration and friend.
She has so many talents, but the one I’ll share with you is her beautiful music.
And I can’t forget my magical sister and basically twin (besides the hair) Amy Dubenetsky. We met on our first day of joining a new coven and have been building our awesome friendship ever since. Fire spinning, witching, massage therapy, ecstatic dance, and views on life and love are all things we share, as well as multiple office spaces and a house at one point! Growing with her has been an absolute pleasure and I can’t wait to keep inspiring each other.
She is an amazing massage therapist that specializes in craniosacral and reiki located in Glastonbury, CT and you can check out her business Body and Beyond here.
Another little magical being that deserves some love is the amazing Tori Cummings. Though we haven’t sat in circle, we’ve shared our healing with each other in many ways. Her yoga classes are so inspiring beyond just the physical and I use her hand and heart crafted wellness products every single day. Her drive and focus is so inspiring and empowering. She’s in her early twenties and already runs multiple business and is opening a wellness hub and yoga studio in North Brookfield, MA in January. Watching you grow is an honor love bug!
Check out her company Little Lotus Trading Co. and buy some lip balm. Seriously, its the best lip balm on the planet. I’m partial to the lavender flavor.
Some other notable souls that have helped me along the way are Kurt and Deborah Ravenwood. Thank you for believing in me and sharing your lovely home and work space. Deborah’s Emotional Archaeology, flower essences and book Silence were all inspiring, as well as her honesty and healthy boundaries. I can’t thank Kurt enough for all his help in various gardens, building my van and knowing the perfect time to invite me to Magdalene Circle. Thank you to everyone that attends Magdalene Circle at Ravenwood, especially Gloria Amendola for facilitating and creating such a beautiful space to exchange knowledge and healing. Thank you to Lisa Burch for inviting me to create amazing sound meditations with you and unlock more of my vocal healing abilities. And thank you Brittany Martin for being one of my first friends I could talk to about these topics without feeling crazy and for inspiring me to sing again. Singing this song with you was one of my favorite performances.
Thank you to the Occupy Movement, because if I hadn’t joined the Hartford branch, I would not have met any of the above people. Though none of the lovely people mentioned above were involved, the people I met there put me on this path, such as Diane, who is basically the Matriarch of my coven, and Debra who invited me to Pagan Discussions and to join my first coven.
Thank you to old friends and loves that “came into my life for a reason, bringing something we must learn”. Even if we no longer speak, “because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
And last, but not least, I need to give a big shout out to the man that's chosen to walk (and drive his van) beside me, Adrian. “Because I’ve known you” I’ve grown so much. Seeing the reflection of myself in your eyes, witnessing the strength, stoicism and conviction you carry, and supporting each other’s dreams has made this relationship so impactful, important and inspiring. I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow together. Finding someone with all my “matching hashtags” has been a dream come true, my vegan, spiritual, van dwelling, Gemini, yogi!
“So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart.
And now whatever way our stories end,
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend.”