Deb Dove

Hello Everyone and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Kris "Mrs. B" Bradley for sharing her perspective with us. A very unique and interesting read!
Today we have a new post! Please welcome Deb Dove.
Deb is a Garden Witch and I know you're going to enjoy her post as well.

Here is Deb's Introduction:


I'm Deb, aka Wildflower. I am a Garden Witch, which comes under the umbrella term of Wicca or Pagan. I have been practicing informally for about 35 years and formally for about 5 years. I am married and enjoy cooking, gardening, herbs, herbalism, and nature. My husband and I own and operate a New Age shop and I work outside of the home as a nurse.
My blogs are mystikdoveshop.blogspot.com and dovesart.blogspot.com

Btw: Namaste means "the spirit that is in me, honors the spirit that is within you"

1) What religion do you practice?
I am a Garden Witch. Being a Witch comes under the umbrella term of Wicca or Paganism. My practice is more eclectic then Wicca.

2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
My Fathers family was Catholic and my Mothers family was Methodist. I grew up between the two. As I child of the 70's I learned to question everything, including the dogma of religion. I began studying the basics of Paganism in High School. There was little information that could be obtained without raised eyebrows back then, but I knew that it was the spiritual path I would eventually adopt. As an Adult, I began reading everything I could find on Earth based religions and spirituality. I also took a good long time and studied the Bible as well as other religions before I finally committed myself to my current Spiritual path. To become a Witch, one must first recognize within one's own heart a deep love of the Earth. I've always felt that it is our responsibility to protect and care for Her. And then one must study. Mostly from reading books and talking with others of like mind.

3)Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Other. One does not earn their Spiritual path by following it, but by living it. But everyone needs to follow their own path.


4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
I would have to say "other". My relationship with Spirit is always growing and evolving. Meditation is a big part of my practice. With meditation, as well as, reading, studying and learning, there is plenty of room for change and adjustments in my thinking and practice.

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Following a stated dogma or a set guideline for religious doctrine would be conservative to me. Following your own path exactly as you've laid out and within room for growth, would also be conservative. Allowing yourself the opportunity to live and grow within the tenets of your path would be more moderate.

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
The Summerlands is the place were we all go after death. It is there that we reunion with loved ones, review the lessons we have learned during our life time, rest and plan the lessons we will learn in the next life time.

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Every soul is here to learn lessons. Every soul continues to come back here until all of the lessons are learned. Mass murders as well as those deemed to be Saints in the eyes of the church are all here for the same purpose and all will be back again to learn more lessons. When your soul has accomplished all of it's lessons and paid back all of it's karma then we reach a state of nirvana and the eternal rest and "vacation" we would then deserve.

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
My religion is part of me. It is who I am.

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
We celebrate 8 holy days every year, along the wheel of the year. Samhain (your Halloween) is our most holy day. It is our new year and a time to honor our ancestors. Yule is the winter solstice and is celebrated much the same as Christmas. Imbolc, is your Ground Hog's day, February1, is a time to celebrate the coming of Spring, Ostara, is the Vernal equinox and is celebrated much the same as Easter. Beltane is May Day or May1. It is opposite Samhain on the wheel of the year and equally important. It celebrates Spring's arrival and the fertility of the earth. Midsummer, is the Summer solstice and Lughnassadh celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and is on August 1. Mabon is the autumnal equinox and is our Thanksgiving. We celebrate each by holding ritual with friends, and a time of fellowship. There really isn't enough space here to go into more detail.

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
absolutely! I would be rather lonely if I didn't, there really aren't that many of us yet.

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
I would, I have. I am a life long student of religion. I want to know what draws people to their spiritual path and why. I love the pageantry associated with many of the religious traditions!

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I believe everyone has a right to their own religion and their own path. I don't want anyone judging the tenets of my spiritual path and I don't judge theirs. When/if they're ready to reevaluate the dogma associated with their path, they will. It's not my place to have an opinion.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I'm a witch. Women and men are completely equal. My husband and I are both ritual leaders and founders of our "church". Every Pagan is his or her own priest or priestess.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
We don't segregate. We may ask new comers to Paganism to observe from outside of the ritual circle, but all men and women are equal.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
I am my spiritual path, as I've stated previously. My opinions on these hot button issues were formed long before I committed myself to Paganism. When I need to make a decision about anything important, my first questions always involve the effects that my decision will have on the environment and humankind in general. I follow the Wiccan Rede to "harm none"

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion Every person must find and follow their own spiritual path. Paganism is something that is part of your soul. Not everyone, including a child of mine, is necessarily drawn to it.

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
There is no hell. Everyone goes to the Summerlands. Everyone is here to learn lessons and pay back karma.

18) Who do you think is not a practising ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not ?
Everyone practices their faith in their own way. Everyone's way is valid. Many of those following a Pagan path are still in the "broom closet". Other than poor media coverage showcasing extremists, I really don't think anyone is attempting to speak for us.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
My husband and I run a New Age shop and Sanctuary, church if you will. We are somewhat open about our beliefs because of that. We have had questions from many curiosity seekers, but no hate crimes.

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
I am my spiritual path. It empowers me.

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
absolutely! I know that within my meditation are the answers that I seek for any trouble or uncertainty that exists. I also know that I am doing my part, in my very small way, to help the Earth heal from the abuses She has suffered over many years of "progress"

22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
Reincarnation is a basic part of our Spiritual path. It is what the Summerlands are all about.