An Interview with
Tamra

Pagan Witch and High Priestess of the Grove, South Africa

Q. Who is Tamra?

Aha!! Something about myself then… Well, being a Taurean with Pisces in the ascendant I am afflicted with the pathological desire to keep all things to myself. When a wise woman has nothing to say (chuckle)… She says nothing, and so I prefer to listen and observe, and quietly understand the way others search for happiness. I hide all these traits with a dry sense of humour, which often gets me into the thick of things I know nothing of (forgive my flippancy, it is my way)… I am a creative talent, having taught many forms of dance through the years, as well as staging and choreographing many professional extravaganzas beneath the bright lights of stage and cinema. I am passionate about family, friends, cats and faeries (not necessarily in that order!). Above all however, I am a Witch, and I tend to live my life according to its tenets of peace, love and respect for all… except people who cut my road on the open highway!!!!

Q. Do you consider yourself to be a Pagan?

I am most definitely both a Pagan as well as a Witch.

Q. How did you become a Pagan Priestess?

From the beginning I have been searching for oneness, for that intimate connection with the creator spirit that fulfils the soul and gives direction to ones life. I have felt that connection through many channels, be they Christian, Hindu, Pagan or other. As a child I was sent to a Catholic school, and dazzled by the pomp and ceremony of our holy mother church, I became very pious in my youth. However as I grew older, and was exposed to the frailty of the religious framework and its human component, I began to search for something more personal and unaffected by the interpretation of ones priest. I was looking for my own connection, not sideline seats at the game. I explored the Methodist and Anglican faiths and eventually found myself at the School of Truth with my mother, listening to Nicol Cambell, the then founder of that faith. Whilst accepting the amazing insights and truths of all of these beliefs, I eventually realised that the strictures of Christianity were denying me the very freedom I so required. I tried Buddhism whilst practicing Kung Fu, and Tai Chi, but I forever felt the tugging of an unanswered question in my soul.

It was then that I was introduced to Witchcraft and after a somewhat awkward and disastrous induction I met Ariel Damon and found myself in the thrall of an unforgiving task master (chuckle), putting nose to the grindstone in what became some of the most magical and illuminating years of my life. I knew I had come home and together, we of that circle concocted our dream of ‘taking over the world’, with the first-ever Eclectic College of Witchcraft in the country. After many trials, much politics and heartache, I now find myself High Priestess of one of the largest covens in the country, (even if it was the smallest, I would still be as proud) and still connected in the most intimate of ways to that spirit which keeps my life so full of inspiration.

Q. Tell us more about your own family coven?

With any Pagan spirituality the principles are kept as guidelines rather than rote law. I therefore have retained many of the insights I gained through the avenues mentioned above and formed a system of belief that I can call my own. Mainly family members practice it, each with their own interpretation and input. We therefore benefit from the wisdom of like minds and sometimes from the derision of those not so like-minded. However, it is basically a nature-based path with strong matriarchal tendencies.

Q. You referred to the Grove as an Eclectic College. Would you explain this?

The Grove is an Eclectic College of like-minded Pagans. Each novice we take on is put through a basic year and a day course with a strong foundation in Celtic Wicca, though our first year apprentices are provided with a broad taste of all Pagan spiritualities and traditions, and many of our evenings are absorbed by the words of visiting Elders. We encourage students to question things and to bring their own flavour and beliefs to the classes. From the 2nd year onwards we put the students with Elders that practice along the lines of their natural interests, thereby ensuring that everybody takes something personal home with them.

We encourage our students to have a groundwork in most religious theory, enabling them to not only be interesting at dinner parties, but to be able to respect and understand the workings of other peoples hearts. I think if more mainstream religions were to practice such tolerance, then possibly the world would be a safer place.

Q. How does it feel to be the High Priestess of a Mystery School in South Africa?

I am incredibly proud of the fact that I have such a position and work hard to remain approachable and yielding to the needs of my people. I try to lead by example rather than laying down the cold hard hand of the law. I have met a measure of incredible people, and tested their mettle amongst my friends and family. I have been blessed in that I have an extended family now of people I can trust and adore. I am lucky that the Elder Council of the Grove is composed of my soul mates and friends, and the kinship therein keeps me going through many of the trials I have faced.

Q. What are the responsibilities of a High Priestess of a coven?

I am responsible for facilitating rituals and celebrations held at our Covenstead as well as organizing classes and lectures. I am also here to lend a hand when my people are troubled spiritually, mentally or financially. Of course I share these responsibilities with my High Priest Morgainne Emrhys, my mentor and advisor and senior lecturer to the Grove. I interview all prospective Cowens and place them with suitable teachers.

Q. How were you introduced to Druidry and with whom are you apprenticed?

I have always been fascinated by the Druids and with their tales and when I was told by my High Priest, Morgainne Emrhys, that he would be willing to teach me the ‘ancient ways’ (he is an initiated Druid with near 20 years of experience) I immediately took up my apprenticeship with him.

Q. How do these spiritualities differ, or are they similar?

Druidry and Witchcraft are very similar. It is just the application that is different. They both celebrate the 8 Sabbats and both are nature-based religions.

Q. How may novices contact the Grove and what will be expected of them?

Prospective novices can contact me. We will arrange for an interview between them and the Council of Elders before accepting them as students. They will be expected to attend lectures once a week, attend all 8 Sabbats and at least 3 Esbats for a year and a day, and will be required to pass examinations before initiation will be considered.

Contact Tamra