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Silver
Ravenwolf is the leader of the Black Forest Circle and Seminary, an
organization containing over 38 Clans (each consisting of several
covens) spanning the United States and Canada. She is the author of
eighteen books, including the acclaimed "To Ride A Silver Broomstick",
"Teen Witch" and "Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows" Silver has commented that the written word of the people of this century is vitally important in the realm of alternative religious practices and theologies. "Without these publications and writers, with their unceasing dedication to the people of the new generation in spirituality, we would be once again under persecution. Silver is a Witch with many cloaks. "A woman once asked me what I do for a living," she chuckles. "I couldn't answer her. I do so many things that I was afraid she would be bored or insulted with my list of `I am's.' " From practicing classical astrology, making candles, fine jewelry, oils and incense, photography, acrylic painting, writing and crafty-crafts -- she's always busy! She even has her own Ebay store! Silver has been involved in various aspects of the Craft since she was seventeen years old. In November of 1991, she received her First Degree from Bried Foxsong of Sacred Hart and is on the rolls of the International Red Garters. She also carries Second and Third Degree status from the Temple of Hecate Triskele of the Caledonii Tradition, and now heads the Black Forest Circle and Seminary. Silver was eldered by Lord Serphant of the Family of Serphant Stone on 29 June 1996 at the Puff Gathering in North Carolina. Her hearthstone coven is known as Coven of the Omega Wolf. Born on 11 September 1956, Silver is a true Virgo; She adores making lists and arranging things in order. "I hate housework, but can't stand a messy house. I have determined a robot/nanny would be useful." Definitely a modern woman, she's hard to pin down. "I spend a great deal of my time with my four children," she says. "They come first in my life. Everyone else has to take a number and get in line after that." What is it like to be an author? Lots of people want to know what it is like to be a published author. I can honestly tell you that there are ups and downs -- just like any other profession, but I wouldn't want to be anything else. Meeting fans, seeing new places, exploring new ways of thinking, making new friends -- these are the wonderful things about magickal writing. Over the years I've had the honor of experiencing the special energies of thousands of loving, magickal people. From famous BNP's (big name Pagans -- or is it Big-Nosed Pagans?) to the individual who has never encountered another magickal person -- all carry that special enchantment about them. I watch the Goddess walk among us and it takes my breath away. There's a downside to magickal writing. Long hours push you to the limit. Juggling family and career make you want to tear your witchie hair out. Dealing with the business end of publishing can be tedious. Then, there is the misunderstanding of our religion that crops up from time to time in the regular world, and you wonder what dark hole of ignorance bred that strange woman screaming in your face. When that happens, I think, "Please don't let me ever be like that person." All authors, magickal or not, deal with these issues (except, perhaps, the last one) and each has his or her way of working around them. You must handle them as they come along. The negatives, however, do not take away the magick or the feeling of accomplishment that resides deep within a writer's soul. Writing is a passion. Magickal writing becomes a responsibility. What to print, what not to print, and how you present issues becomes almost as important as the spirituality you are trying to share. People will hate you -- and people will love you. I can tell you one sure thing about all my books -- they were written to enhance the readers' lives. There is nothing in the world like opening a letter from a reader who tells you how your books have changed their living practices, or shaking someone's hand who excitedly tells you that because of your books, he or she took that first step to finding his or her personal power. You can't be the end-all be-all of anything. There's no such thing, nor is there any such person. The wonderful element of magickal writing is that you can make a difference. When you think of magickal writing in this way, you will be blessed with harmony and fulfillment. If you want to set pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard -- go for it. I believe that writing is one of the most spiritually rewarding professions that you can choose. I know I'm glad I did. |