An Interview with
Spiral

Eclectic Pagan and editor of FireFly Newsletter

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a 31 year old person, mother, wife, pagan, gardener…and much more! I work full time as a Financial Assistant in the TV industry and absolutely LOVE what I do!

Q. What kind of Pagan would you describe yourself as?

Eclectic! I have built a very personalized platform for my spirituality and have borrowed building blocks from many paths and traditions! Mainly, I take my ‘lessons’ from my natural environment and respond to the cycles of the moon and the sun. The Wheel of the Year forms a really large part of my approach (on a ritual level and on a personal level) and the 5 elements form the basis for ALL my ritual practice, prayer and magick!

Q. How were you introduced to Paganism in S.A.?

Mmmmm…I guess I would have to say ‘Books’ – which were VERY hard to come by in 1996! The first human contact would be the PFSA.

I first heard the word “Pagan” in 1996 and something inside responded to that word. After reading a few books I knew this was the path for me! Finally, I had found words and expression for something that, up until then, had only been a feeling deep inside.

A friendly book-store owner noticed the type of books we were buying and gave us the number for the PFSA. We attended a general talk and met up with some nice people who invited us to a Sabbat – we also continued attending PFSA events! CORD was formed in 1997 and for a long time we focused our energy on our newly formed coven. In 2000 we decided to ‘come out of the closet’ and started networking with the Pagan community through the CORD (now FireFly) Newsletter, and the occasional open Sabbat gatherings.

Q. What inspires you to continue walking the path you are on?

A deep sense of KNOWING that this is exactly where I am meant to be!

I love the sense of being connected to my natural environment…and I love the fact that I keep on growing and experiencing new things… and I love the people that have shared this path with me!!

Q. Are you open about being a Pagan in your local community?

Yes. I am a very outspoken pagan – at home, with family, at work and generally. Being a pagan influences every part of my life and is not something I can “put away” if the need arises! Because I am so open and ready to share information, I generally find people respond positively. I believe that when we hide our beliefs, we do naught but raise suspicion. I do NOT believe that we should be out there “educating” people at random but that we should freely share information when it is asked for…

Q. Are you active in your community?

Yes. I run the FireFly web site and Newsletter (previously known as the CORD Newsletter). I have also started teaching an “Introductory Guide to Paganism and The Craft” and am immensely enjoying sharing my path and experiences with others! I am involved on the organizing team of the Gauteng Pagan Freedom Day Celebration.

Q. Tell us about Firefly. Where does your inspiration come from?

FireFly is a Pagan Community Newsletter which is published each Sabbat and distributed freely via e-mail! It is a forum for networking, sharing and learning within the SA pagan community. We have regular Sabbat features, articles of interest, poetry, humour, events, a networking page and much more! Subscription is free and members of the community are able to submit contributions or advertising freely! The newsletter began almost 4 years ago as the CORD Newsletter and, at Mabon 2003 it became FireFly. The inspiration is the community – this project is OF the community and FOR the community!

Q. Is there room for more Pagan publications in S.A.?

There is always room for more pagans, groups and publications!! I believe that because our community is so diverse in its requirements and expression – we need many publications to ensure that there is something for everyone!

Q. Tell us more about your involvement with the Pagan Freedom Day initiative.

I am participating because I would really like to do something special for the pagan community... There are many solitary practitioners and small groups in the community and I LOVE the idea of us all coming together to celebrate the fact that we are pagan! My ‘job’ on the day? I am co-ordinating stall bookings and the “soap box” schedule. (The soap box is a forum for speakers to share information on their path, tradition or other pagan related topic)

Q. Is there anything you would like to say to the Pagan community in South Africa?

Yes! Someone asked me the other day what I would choose if I could have ONE Super-Power... I had to say “LOVE” because that is the greatest power of all!! We are a very diverse community and no matter how different we all may be, there is space for everybody! I think we all need to acknowledge our different ways of practicing and LOVE each other for it, rather than allow it to separate us! I also think we need to focus on the path ahead and not the path behind! We have a turbulent history – it has gotten us to where we are now and we have to learn to be thankful for the lessons we have shared (even if they were difficult)! If all other approaches fail, at least our history makes us interesting!!

Q. Any advice for the newbies out there?

Too much to put here…but I will try keep it short! Follow your heart and your instincts without losing your head! Look to Nature for the inspiration and answers that you can’t find in books! Be sensible, be open! Be true to your needs without becoming inflexible! Be prepared to make an effort and be prepared to change and grow. This is a wonderful journey and the learning never stops – so open your heart, body and mind and embrace the energies of the Natural world around you! You will never be the same again!!

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