Would like to start with appologies for being a part of this group for so long and haven't introduced myself. I go by Karlyn Rayne. My mother and grandmother were witches so my path was simple. Both my daughters also chose this path. Sometimes it isn't the simplest route but was the choice I made. Three years ago I came out of the broom closet. It was done as an act of trust in myself to know that people will make their judgements no matter what you do.

With the dark months approaching, now is the time of reflection and turning inward to evaluate the past and plan a better future. As I look back I see a daughter, sister, mother, a dreamer, a neighbor, friend, healer, a shrink for my friends, and someone who although never really fitting in always loved even those who didn't like who-or-what I am. Soon I will move from this place in the woods to a place with way to many people. It keeps me awake. Six months ago I knew what to expect each day. I walked and talked but I was dead, lost in a past life, a life that died 3 years before. Then came the love of my life. Maryanne sent me to a site in which I found a man. I sent him a note saying, "Hey guy! Your in my neck of the woods." The rest was fate. I love you Eric.

I was brought up in a family where spirits, spells and Ouija boards were common place. In a time, when no one understood….. and thought people who could see.... were crazy, those who practiced ....were devil worshipers, and those who heard ....had surely lost it.

This wonderful Mother Earth grants us only what we can comprehend so think twice before you ask for gifts you may not really be ready for. But if you open your hearts and eyes there is a whole other world out there, a world where things that go bump in the night really do exist.

Fergus Falls Staff Quarters
pen, ink & watercolor on paper greeting card, 4 x 5 1/2

Does anyone have a (um, living) grandma who doesn’t?

Grandparents have the best stuff: most notably those gnarly pill cases with the days of the week written on them. More than once, I’ve secretly yearned for a pill case of my own. I’d have to paint it purple so people would say, “How alternative!” instead of “How pathetic!”

I’d also like blue hair.

You know what? Forget grandmas. This picture is pretty much about the ideal me.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1237720/Hundreds-pagans-turn-Stonehenge-winter-solstice--WRONG-DAY.html

the day is actually in-line today, 22nd for the winter solstice.

i can't take credit as my lazy pagan arse went to bed last night w/o doing anything - so for once being a lazy witch boded well!

I deeply apologize if I have missed any comments to a post like this. I looked at the tags and couldn't really find what I needed to know so that is why I'm asking this.

If you are going to make your own oil from herbs and other items, what would one use for a "base"  or "carrier" oil, I think that is what some call it, to add your herbs etc to?

I've read many places that say to use olive oil but you could use other types such as almond oil. Has anyone done this and how was the outcome with the oil you used?

Thanks everyone for your wonderful help.