Unity

By Wayland Raven

Mid-Summer already? Time is racing by as usual. We are all so busy in our lives that it is a wonder that we can stop and slow down to get centered again. I know I have that problem.

Along with the wedding that I performed, the open gathering and being Captain of a paddle wheeler Sunday night, the Viet Nam Memorial Wall was in Genesee County and I had to be there as often as I could be. One of my best friends is on that Wall and each time it has come to Michigan I print off his photo and put it by panel 41 so that people see a face to put with the name Rodney Roat. After I left the open gathering I stopped by the Wall again, this time wearing my red shirt with the pentacle and the words “Tried By Fire, 21st Century Witchcraft.” There are veterans from a number of wars who help support the project and nobody even blinked at my shirt. I wore it in honor of Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart, 113th Aviation, D company, Mustangs, of the Nevada National Guard, who gave his life for his country. He was killed in action in Operation Enduring Freedom when the helicopter he was in was shot down in Afghanistan by Al Quada terrorists. It was Sgt. Stewart who was used by Circle Sanctuary to obtain the right of Wiccans and Pagans to have the pentacle placed on military headstones.

To me our Coven of the Raven open gatherings are a focus for community in Southeast lower Michigan. I am always amazed at the good people who join us and enjoy the openness of our fire. While we should all have pride in our covens and traditions it is clear to me that we must always be mindful of how these organization should lift us, not separate us. Over the years we have made steadfast friends with people who are not affiliated with the Ravens and we are better for it.

I try to get around to everyone at the gatherings, new friends and old. I am not always successful, but sometimes it actually works. I was so glad to visit with our new friends from Saginaw. I am pleased when the word gets around and people make their way to those beautiful woods to share our ritual, food and friendship. That is the way it should always be.

Between gatherings I hope everyone will join us on our forums, blogs and chat rooms. There are also many links to other people and organizations and if you would like your organization placed there, just send a message to our Webmaster. If you know of events or issues of importance to the greater Pagan community, please let us know.

If you want to contact any of our members, you can send them a message on the site. They will be happy to hear from you. I can be reached on the site or at WaylandRaven@GMail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Enjoy your summer and we hope to see you at Samhain.
Wayland Raven