Cora (aka Tink)

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Sophie Reicher for her very interesting and informative  interview. I enjoyed reading your answers and I thank you for sharing with us Sophie!

Today we have a new interview so please welcome Cora (aka Tink). Cora is a Witch and I know you'll enjoy her interview as well!

Here Is Cora aka Tink's Introduction:

Something about me… I’m 43, married and living in IJmuiden, The Netherlands. I have two dogs: Arwen (Bernese Mountaindog) &Foofur (Welsh Corgi / Jack Russell), and three cats called Freyja, Bastet & Maia. My profession is accountant, but due to several medical issues I can’t work anymore. I do voluntary work using my experience with eating disorders and depression (give talks for different kinds of audiences, have led an aftercare group, help others by e-mail, write about it, etc.). I’m a Usui Reiki master. Some of my hobbies are reading, computer/internet, animals, Star Trek, making herbal home remedies, nature, Robbie Williams and lots more!


My blog: http://tinkerbell-nl.blogspot.com/





1) What religion do you practice?
I’m an eclectic witch. I practice witchcraft, also called The Old Religion or The Craft, a pagan religion. There is not one true definition of a witch. There are different ways and traditions within witchcraft, with a lot of similarities but also a lot of differences. The things I tell you in this post are MY answers and not in any way valid for every witch, although a lot is common among witches.


2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was raised a roman catholic, but I always felt some things differently and missed certain aspects. I found them when I encountered witchcraft. Witches don’t convert anyone, most of us are either raised within paganism or discovered it ourselves. If someone is really interested in my path I’ll always try to answer their questions to the best of my ability.


3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
Difficult to say… I don’t feel this really applies to witchcraft. There are people that call themselves witches although they rarely do something ‘active’ with it (celebrate festivals, do magic, etc.). Some groups or solitary witches never miss a sabbat and/or full moon, others celebrate only a few. All good imho.


4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I didn’t choose a certain degree. Witchcraft has a place in my life, is part of my life. I always pay attention to the sabbats, the moon, etc. but the degree of activity varies. During my time in a traditional coven we celebrated almost every sabbat, had lessons, workshops, meetings, etc. Now I’m free to do what I want. Sometimes I do things on my own, sometimes with a group of people. I do workshops, study, meditate, read, do practical things (like divination, working with herbs) and so much more. There isn’t a day in my life that goes by without something ‘witchy’.


5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
Most witches call the afterlife the Summerland. Hell is an invention of christianity, I don’t believe in that concept of punishment.


6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
Everyone goes to the Summerland. In my opinion that isn’t ‘heaven for pagans’ or something. By everyone I mean everyone: people of all religions but also all other living beings. We just give our afterlife different names. Otherwise we would never see our christian, jewish, etc. family and friends ever again!


7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
When I found witchcraft, it felt like coming home. I believe in a Goddess and a God, both equally important. Balance is necessary, or at the least it’s a personal goal. Witchcraft is a nature-based religion. It makes me feel good and matches my general ideas and views. There’s always more to learn. Sometimes it can be a challenge, but I happily accept that. I truly believe this is the right path for me.


8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
I celebrate 8 sabbats or solar festivals, that are closely connected to nature. They are called Yule (Winter solstice), Imbolc, Ostara (Spring equinox), Beltane. Litha (Summer solstice), Lughnasadh, Mabon (Autumn equinox) and Samhain. All have their own celebrations, symbols, etc.


I celebrate lunar festivals too: full moon, dark moon, etc. The phases of the moon have influence on all of us. Some things are better done at the waxing moon, other things need a waning moon.


9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Of course! Why not? As long as there is mutual respect regarding faith I see no problem with that.


10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes, I like to learn about other faiths and have respect for them. If someone wants to share their celebration with me, I’m honoured. It has to be clear though that I don’t have to be ‘saved’ and I’m not there to be converted. I think some people should be more open-minded, a lot of misconceptions and judgments about other religions are based on ignorance and lack of education about them. I have read bibles, koran, tora and other holy books / texts to educate myself. It’s okay to agree to disagree, respect and be respected…


11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
When a muslim woman has freely chosen to wear the burka I have no problem with it, but if she is forced or obliged to wear it I see it as a symbol of oppression and to me that is never good.


Regarding shariah law… Well, unfortunately every faith has its extremists and fundamentalists that abuse it and (mis)interpret holy texts for their own good. In my opinion state and religion should be strictly separated.


12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, imametc.) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Yes, both men and women are allowed to do that. It’s one of the things that appealed to me in witchcraft. In some ways the HPs (High Priestess) is considered more important than the HP (High Priest), but men are not discriminated in the way women are in certain other religions. To me men and women are equal though not the same. I like a mixed group. There are also groups of only men or only women though.


13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
Do you mean whether men and women are kept separate in worship? No, and I’m glad they are not! My place of worship is preferably outdoors in nature but a circle can be cast anywhere, inside or out.

14) 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?
Witchcraft is a way of life. I’m always a witch like I’m always a woman. I can’t switch it off. It is part of my daily life including my decisions.


15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I wouldn’t mind as long as he/she is happy with it. Everyone has a right to choose their own path.


16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
Hell and satan are christian concepts I don’t believe in.


17) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
People in the public domain are not too keen to ‘get out of the broom closet’. Unfortunately there are still a lot of misconceptions about witches.


18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No. I’ve always been open about what I do and believe in. Sometimes people don’t (want to) understand it, and/or make fun of it, but hate… luckily not!


19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Perhaps it does to others, but that’s their problem, their ignorance. I don’t value people according to their path/faith. If a person feels less because of his/her religion it’s probably not the right path for them, but I believe in free will so it’s their mistake to make…


20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes, it certainly does.


21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe in an afterlife and reincarnation. Why? Good question… I just do! I have seen past lives in regression, but I don’t need proof.

Langston Hughes Quote

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Langston Hughes:


Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.


There's a new interview coming up Saturday so be sure to check back!

Facebook and Twitter

Hello and Happy Saturday!
Just a reminder that ymr has a facbook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/You-Me-Religion/116251075068134 and twitter https://twitter.com/#!/youmereligion (hopefully those links work!)

There'll be a new post coming up next Saturday!
Have a great day everyone!

Joni Mitchell Quote

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Joni Mitchell:


There are things to confess that enrich the world, and things that need not be said.

Sophie Reicher

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank E. Perren Hayes for his very interesting and informative interview last week. Thanks so much for sharing with us Perren!

Today we have a new interview so please welcome Sophie Reicher. Sophie is a Polytheist and I know you'll enjoy her interview as well!

Here Is Sophie Reicher's Introduction:

I think my introduction is pretty quick and dirty: Sophie Reicher has been a polytheist and occultist for many years. She has published one book: "Spiritual Protection" and currently maintains a rather sporadic blog at http://sreicher.weebly.com. She is primarily a northern traditionalist, with a special dedication to the House of Mundilfari, but she does maintain alliances outside of the northern pantheon too, most especially the Egyptian Goddess Bast. As a writer, Sophie writes primarily about magic and the occult arts. Occasionally she also writes poetry, prayers, and articles on things of interest to modern Polytheists.

My blog is here: http://sreicher.weebly.com.




1) What religion do you practice?
I am a Northern Traditionalist, a Heathen. My spirituality centers around honoring the Norse Gods primarily, my ancestors, and the spirits of the land upon which I live.


2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was raised nominally Catholic but I left the Church as a teen. I didn't have to do anything to convert to Heathenry. I just had to start the slow process of rooting myself in my ancestral practices and learning to view the world through the lens of that tradition. Part of that involved learning to properly honor the Gods, learning to connect with and properly honor my ancestors, and allowing my growing awareness as an animist to impact the way that I interacted with the world every moment of every day.


3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
I think that there are degrees of observance in Heathenry. That is pretty much the norm in every religion as they evolve and grow. There are certainly a lot of points of conflict between denominations in Heathenry. In fact, I would go so far as to say that whether or not a person seeks to engage in devotional practice and seeks to be deeply observant is one of those points. I think the biggest issue facing Heathenry today is whether or not personal devotion is a good thing and to which Gods and Goddesses one ought to be devoted. *shrugs* I try to stay out of that mess. I surround myself with people who believe, as I do, that devotion is a good thing and that doing devotion well requires attention, mindfulness and a healthy dose of humility, that the Gods are real and can in fact interact with us directly and that this ought to impact every aspect of our religious lives. I don't waste my time on people for whom that is an issue. Life is too short.


4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I would say that I am very observant. I chose this because I believe this is what it means to live a whole, healthy, responsible, adult life. Being as engaged as I am with my spirituality and spiritual practices enhances every aspect of my life. It makes me a better person, a more aware and awake human being, and it enriches my existence.


5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
There are a number of options for a Heathen after he or she dies. Some of us believe in reincarnation, some believe we reincarnate only within one's ancestral line, some believe that we will go to Helheim, the hall of the dead presided over by Hela, our Goddess of the dead, warriors who die in battle or those claimed by Odin may go to valhalla, others may go to the halls of specific Deities. There are options. The point is to live life honorably and well so that one may meet one's death and whatever comes after with head held high.


6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
umm...this isn't a question that I can really answer since my theology doesn't have the concept of salvation or paradise in the way that monotheistic religions like christianity do.


7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
This is a rather shallow question. It's not about me necessarily. It's about doing what is right and proper to maintain the bonds of connection and obligation that inform my awareness as an inheritor of my ancestral traditions: it's about honoring the Gods, serving them, honoring the dead and maintaining those relationships, and honoring the spirits of the land upon which I live. This is what it means to live an engaged, organic, awake life. It's occasionally inconvenient yes, but it is my duty and obligation to my ancestors and Gods. I suppose what makes any religion a 'good fit' is the response one gets from the Gods, Goddesses, and other Powers. I felt very much called to Heathenry and for me the impetus for that calling was a developing devotional relationship with certain Gods. That's what makes it fit for me.


8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Heathenry has eight holy days: two solstices, two equinoxes and cross quarter days marking the agricultural cycle of the year. I celebrate them all with my kindred, which is what we call our religious groups.


9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
that would depend on the person: if someone is a decent person then sure, why not? If they're an asshole, well, I wouldn't want to be around that person even if he or she was Heathen. I wouldn't refuse to be friends with a person because of their faith. I have friends of all different faiths and value them tremendously.


10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes, and I have done so. Sometimes, it is joining another polytheist to honor a God or Goddess not of the Norse pantheon. I would do this if I felt a particular connection or more likely debt to that Deity. Sometimes it's a matter of having a friend who is having an important ritual celebration of some sort who invites me, in the name of friendship, to attend. I just make sure that I don't break any of my own ritual and religious taboos, and that I know if there are any taboos or requirements within my friend's faith by which I would be expected to abide.


11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I know many Polytheistic women (and some men) who cover themselves...some all the time, some just for religious observance. I find great merit in this practice when it is done as a method of devotion to a Deity, or for a particular spiritual reason, or to enhance one's focus during ritual. I have no issue whatsoever with a woman who chooses to wear the burka of her own free will as an expression of devotion to her god, or personal modesty. I have great issue with monotheistic religions in general and their misogyny in particular. No woman should be forced to wear or not wear the burka. Shariah law is just another excuse for lack of respect for female life. It's a sickness inherent in monotheism. It offends me.


12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
yes, of course they are. It's a non-issue within my religion. How do I feel about it? I don't care if my clergy person is male, female, third gendered, transgendered, or any other gendered so long as that person has a deep devotional relationship with the Gods and the training to be an effective clergy person.


13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
no. I would not be part of a religion that segregated.


14) 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?
it affects every aspect of my life. It is the center point around which every aspect of my life revolves. It informs every decision I make. For the record, by the way, I am pro-choice and pro-gay marriage. How could I look my ancestors in the face if I were to spend my life preaching discrimination and hatred. They did not suffer and sacrifice to ensure that I had a chance at life so I could spend that life harassing other people for their *personal* choices. These things are not moral questions. They are matters of personal choice and as such none of my business.


15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
That would depend what religion my child wished to marry into. I would not want any of my children to marry monotheists.


16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
...we don't have a concept of hell or damnation. it's not part of our theology.


17) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
For the most part, I don't respect very many of the Heathens who are considered 'leaders' in the community. I think most of them are fundamentalist in mindset and have very little idea of what it means to be polytheist. I don't believe the majority of them have any sense of devotion whatsoever, or connection to the holy. They are, in my opinion, still moving from a very monotheistic mindset that teaches there is one true way. That being said, I respect the work of those theologians and writers mainstream Heathens consider controversial: Galina Krasskova, Raven Kaldera, Elizabeth Vongvisith. I respect the work of other polytheistic theologians like Sannion, Dver...two Dionysians who are doing amazing work, P. Sufenus Virius Lupus, Thracian polytheist Andrew Carlson, or Queen Mother Imakhu, a Kemetic Elder. I respect the work of dual traditionalists Laura Patsouris, and Kenaz Filan. Mainstream Heathens....I don't waste my time.


18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Once I was attacked on the street...I'm not sure I'd call it a hate crime, unless the fact I was a woman alone can fall under that category. Fortunately, in addition to being pro-choice and pro- gay marriage, I'm also pro-right to bear arms and I walk my talk. I frightened my would-be attacker away.


19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
no. Why would I be part of a religion that devalued me? (Something I'd like to ask every monotheist out there, especially the women).


20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
no. It gives me many things, peace of mind is not one of them. I am always challenged to go deeper, examine further, work harder.


21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
yes, I do. I very strongly believe in reincarnation based on some of my own experiences and my understanding of the flow of fate and being that my religion calls 'wyrd' i.e. causality and consequence.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning Quote

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:


An ignorance of means may minister to greatness, but an ignorance of aims make it impossible to be great at all.



There's a new interview coming up Saturday so be sure to check back!

July Interviews

Hello and Happy Saturday!

here's what ymr has in store for the July Interviews:

we'll hear from Deborah Lipp who is a Gardnerian Witch and Cheryl Petersen who is Christian Science.

Both excellent interviews you're not going to want to miss!

Otto von Bismarck Quote

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Otto von Bismarck:

The main thing is to make history, not to write it.


The July Interviews will be listed on Saturday so be sure to check back!

E. Perren Hayes

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Aine O'Brien for her very interesting interview of last week. I really enjoyed reading your answers and I thank you for sharing your faith journey with us!

Today we have a new interview so please welcome E. Perren Hayes. Perren is a Christian and I know you'll enjoy his interview as well!

Here Is E. Perren Hayes's Introduction:


 I am a retired priest of the Diocese of New York, living in the Diocese of Delaware. I was born and raised in Albany, NY, ordained Deacon and Priest in Albany in 1955. I have written extensively on matters theological. I earned my own living from 1971 until 1995. Fund Raiser for the Chamber of Commerce of the US; Securities Principal (NASD). A historian in church and state; using language principles to determine original meanings. Biblical scholar and critic. Raised and showed 6 generations of AKC Champion St. Bernard dogs, 3 of Irish Water Spaniels, and now have a Standard Poodle, black. Love to cook and to preach.


 I am preparing a Paper for the local parish Summer Series on Spirituality -- my topic is "Science and Religion Intersect." To be presented in St. Peter's Church in Lewes, Delaware, on Thursday, June 29.

thefaithfulsceptic.wordpress.com



1) What religion do you practice?
I am a Christian, Catholic within The Episcopal Church



2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
 I was born free (to quote St. Paul! I was baptized within two weeks of birth.


3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
 Yes to the first question; books are written (and wars have been waged) about the second question


4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
 I am what is called an "Anglocatholic." I chose it for mystical, spiritual and historical reasons


5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
I was brought up with the statement "No one has ever returned from the dead to tell us anything at all about what happens when one dies. There is no reason for reward or punishment -- God loves us because God made us, and there is nothing we can do that will ever make God stop loving us. (see the Epistle to the Romans, chapter 4 etc.)


6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
See the answers to the previous question


7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
Within the parameters of the historic faith, it allows great freedom of and for interpretation.


8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
 In order of importance (highest first) Easter, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi, Christmass and a number of individual saints days; see the Book of Common Prayer -- the "source book" for the Episcopal Church.


9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Sure -- all God creatures are friends, because were are siblings of the same God who loves everyone God created.


10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Except for my niece, the vast majority of my friends are christian; with some of them a celebration of their holy days is interesting; if any ask me to join their celebration, I am interested to join -- but I am not interested to be talked to about "converting." I tend not to do this, because I often become an observer, and not a participant -- to me, this is a kind of making fun of others. I don't want to do that.


11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
My thoughts are being raised by this question. In general it is not my business to question the practices of religions which are not my own -- I have no idea why these are part of their religion, and so I cannot condemn -- which is what I seem to think you would like me to do. There is nothing in christianity that directs any such thing under general practice. Although monastic communities -like the Convent where I was briefly a chaplain -- often use and even require similar practices.


12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
 Yes. When it first happened, back in the early 1970s, I was very opposed: contrary to historic practice; violation of Canon Law; full participation of the laity (non-ordained persons) was omitted; irregularly done. I joined an internet discussion, became a leader in it, and over a time of some length, The Episcopal Church regularized the first ordinations, and amended the Canon Law and regularized the procedures. Today women are fully and completely part of the ordained ministry, and our Presiding Bishop (Highest official) is a woman Bishop


13) Does your place of worship segregate?
No, but the number of non-whites in Delaware where I live is small, so they are few. If yes, how does this make you feel? However, since I was raised in a parish where -- as a kid --- a black man whose job it was to clean toilets in the public buildings of the city in which I was raised often was the partner of the white Mayor in bringing the money to the altar. They walked together, side by side, and knew each other well.


14) 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?
My religion IS my daily life, and I like to believe that every decision I make is influenced by it. It greatly affects my opinion on abortion (I and the official position of the Episcopal Church) are "pro-choice." The Episcopal church consecrated an openly gay man, l.iving in partnership, as bishop of New Hampshire. I spoke before the Special Committee of the Senate of the State of Delaware urging them to permit "FULL Civil Unions" in this state. (They did; the governor signed it, and we are now trying to make Civil Union just plain Marriage.)


15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I have no children, but I suspect that I would support such a decision.


16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No. See previous answers about the extent of God's love.


17) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
If by "religion" you mean "Christianity" I believe right wing politicians, fundamentalists and clergy seeking to make Christianity the National Religion do NOT speak for me. In fact, they make me wonder if they in fact deserve to be called christians.


18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
 Yes, but nothing really serious. My desire and work  for "Peace" in Vietnam got me passed over for some positions; and my support for Gay Rights have shortened the list of my friends.


19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No, but with all the c--p coming from the mouths of some of those in the answer to 17 above would sure give you that impression. Remember: There is nothing -- absolutely nothing - that you can ever do that will make God stop loving you for even an instant.


20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Absolutely -- that is part of the purpose of spirituality, mysticism and christianity.


21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
 No. There is no reliable evidence