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13 Questions for: Dawn Black, an Eclectic Witch
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13 Questions for: will feature interviews with local, national, and international Pagans and ask them 13 questions about their Pagan lifestyles. Today, Mamouna One speaks to Dawn Black, publisher of the Motor City Pagans website, an invaluable tool for activities, events and contacts in the Metro-Detroit area.
1) What was your religious/spiritual background growing up?
My matriline is German, so we were very Lutheran and I was very into it. I was an acolyte in the church and I was involved in both the Catholic and the Methodist church. Fundamentally, Lutheran is in the middle of the two. I met my husband in the Methodist church youth group. I really loved the church activities, aside from Sunday morning, which was mind numbingly boring. However, when I started reading the Bible I realized two things. One, that there was not just one God and maybe there were choices and Two, that the main character God-dude in the Bible was kind of a jerk.
I stopped going through the worship motions at that point and didn't go to Sunday morning any more if I could help it and didn't take communion when I did go. I was still involved with fellowship activities, youth group and things, for some time. I loved the organization and fellowship and the support everyone showed each other in the Christian church. Therefore, I clung to it as long as I could, but eventually I came to feel like an imposter, as if I was lying to them, so I had to go my way. This was scary.
2) When did you become a Neo-Pagan, Pagan or Witch?
I started looking for alternatives when I was about 15 or so. Scared my poor devout boyfriend (now husband) half to death with my experimentation. I guess you could say that I was a Witch since then, though I had no clue what I was doing, a Kitchen Witch since I set up housekeeping at 19. I began studying Druidism when I was about 20 and the cosmology still resonates deeply with me but I had a hard time with the Celtic Gods. They just did not resonate with me the way they seemed to with others. It was about 5 years later that I began to connect with the Greek Pantheon and I have been connected since though there have been many twists and turns along the way.
My matriline is German, so we were very Lutheran and I was very into it. I was an acolyte in the church and I was involved in both the Catholic and the Methodist church. Fundamentally, Lutheran is in the middle of the two. I met my husband in the Methodist church youth group. I really loved the church activities, aside from Sunday morning, which was mind numbingly boring. However, when I started reading the Bible I realized two things. One, that there was not just one God and maybe there were choices and Two, that the main character God-dude in the Bible was kind of a jerk.
I stopped going through the worship motions at that point and didn't go to Sunday morning any more if I could help it and didn't take communion when I did go. I was still involved with fellowship activities, youth group and things, for some time. I loved the organization and fellowship and the support everyone showed each other in the Christian church. Therefore, I clung to it as long as I could, but eventually I came to feel like an imposter, as if I was lying to them, so I had to go my way. This was scary.
2) When did you become a Neo-Pagan, Pagan or Witch?
I started looking for alternatives when I was about 15 or so. Scared my poor devout boyfriend (now husband) half to death with my experimentation. I guess you could say that I was a Witch since then, though I had no clue what I was doing, a Kitchen Witch since I set up housekeeping at 19. I began studying Druidism when I was about 20 and the cosmology still resonates deeply with me but I had a hard time with the Celtic Gods. They just did not resonate with me the way they seemed to with others. It was about 5 years later that I began to connect with the Greek Pantheon and I have been connected since though there have been many twists and turns along the way.
You were simply in the exploration stages finding your true path.
3) How long have you been practicing?
If I told you that, I'd be giving away my age. I rather enjoy the shocked looks I get when people realize that the teenager is my daughter and not my sister. Nevertheless, I can say that I've been comfortably settled in my current path, which I refer to as Neo-Hellenic Polytheism, or, on occasion, Hellenic Druidism for about 5 years now.
LoL. Okay.
4) What made you choose this path?
I am very academic by nature. I think the fact that there is so much academic research and so much documented literature related to the Hellenic Pantheon appeals to my nature. Also, the metaphors in the myth jive well with my scientific worldview. It just all speaks truth to me. Eos connected very personally with me and I had to find out more.
4) What made you choose this path?
I am very academic by nature. I think the fact that there is so much academic research and so much documented literature related to the Hellenic Pantheon appeals to my nature. Also, the metaphors in the myth jive well with my scientific worldview. It just all speaks truth to me. Eos connected very personally with me and I had to find out more.
An academic Pagan is rare, but we certainly need more of them.
5) Are you a private or public? Why?
I am very public in that I don't hide it, but I don't advertise either. In my first foray into community, I started a website sacredhearth.com; about 8 years ago and at that time, I chose a pen name that I would write under so that I could remain somewhat in the closet. That name is Dawn Black, in honor of my teacher Goddess Eos and the light she shined into my dark confusion. I chose a false name not so much to protect myself but to protect my family who are still very much involved with the church - my mother, step dad, grandparents, etc. I didn't want them to face any stigma. Therefore, I kept Dawn and Robin separate.
5) Are you a private or public? Why?
I am very public in that I don't hide it, but I don't advertise either. In my first foray into community, I started a website sacredhearth.com; about 8 years ago and at that time, I chose a pen name that I would write under so that I could remain somewhat in the closet. That name is Dawn Black, in honor of my teacher Goddess Eos and the light she shined into my dark confusion. I chose a false name not so much to protect myself but to protect my family who are still very much involved with the church - my mother, step dad, grandparents, etc. I didn't want them to face any stigma. Therefore, I kept Dawn and Robin separate.
How very thoughtful. So, you have a pen name.
When my husband and I started getting serious, a "concerned party" decided to out me to his mother. His parents are very devout. Once they knew, there was no point in keeping a secret anymore. I am not good at keeping secrets anyway, so it was actually a huge relief. My co-workers all know and they have had interesting reactions. I have never faced any backlash there, though strange questions and requests (like "can you cast a spell for me?") sometimes arise. I still don't use my real last name in the community if I can help it, because I know my in-laws don't want to be associated with Paganism but the whole name thing has gotten confusing. Many people think I'm two people! I get a lot of well-deserved teasing about my identity issues.
Understandably, but when you’re ready to chose a proper magickal name, the confusion will end.
When my husband and I started getting serious, a "concerned party" decided to out me to his mother. His parents are very devout. Once they knew, there was no point in keeping a secret anymore. I am not good at keeping secrets anyway, so it was actually a huge relief. My co-workers all know and they have had interesting reactions. I have never faced any backlash there, though strange questions and requests (like "can you cast a spell for me?") sometimes arise. I still don't use my real last name in the community if I can help it, because I know my in-laws don't want to be associated with Paganism but the whole name thing has gotten confusing. Many people think I'm two people! I get a lot of well-deserved teasing about my identity issues.
Understandably, but when you’re ready to chose a proper magickal name, the confusion will end.
6) What's your favorite thing about being a Pagan?
The feeling of connection to everything is amazing, but it also feels like a huge responsibility. It's like being super important and completely insignificant all at once. Important makes you feel good, but insignificance is liberating. The Gods are like dear friends. I am never alone. Everything makes sense. I understand the meaning behind my existence. I love life, but don't fear death. My soul sings. What can I say?
You’ve said it all. You are learning to connect and be true to your spirit.
The feeling of connection to everything is amazing, but it also feels like a huge responsibility. It's like being super important and completely insignificant all at once. Important makes you feel good, but insignificance is liberating. The Gods are like dear friends. I am never alone. Everything makes sense. I understand the meaning behind my existence. I love life, but don't fear death. My soul sings. What can I say?
You’ve said it all. You are learning to connect and be true to your spirit.
7) a. What was your family's reaction b. How did you handle it?
When my in-laws found out they were quite upset and gave my husband the "are you sure" lecture. Thank goodness, they never mention it to me and while it may be in the back of their minds, they don't let it interfere with our familial relations and for that I am thankful! My father and grandfather had initially refused to come to Handfasting (wedding) but my mother and grandmother gave them "the look" and my grandfather looked at my dad and said "I'll go if he goes" and my dad said, "I guess as long as they don't sacrifice any chickens". My mom, who had been aware for some time laughed at him and pointed out that we are vegetarians! Of course, they came to the wedding.
When my in-laws found out they were quite upset and gave my husband the "are you sure" lecture. Thank goodness, they never mention it to me and while it may be in the back of their minds, they don't let it interfere with our familial relations and for that I am thankful! My father and grandfather had initially refused to come to Handfasting (wedding) but my mother and grandmother gave them "the look" and my grandfather looked at my dad and said "I'll go if he goes" and my dad said, "I guess as long as they don't sacrifice any chickens". My mom, who had been aware for some time laughed at him and pointed out that we are vegetarians! Of course, they came to the wedding.
Well, you’re not a Santera or Yoruban either and Voodoo practitioners don’t perform blood sacrifice at wedding ceremonies.
There's no hiding anything from my mother. She always knew. She made me a beautiful book of shadows and gets little stamps to make Pagan greeting cards. She's just a blast. All my Pagan friends love her. She doesn't understand it, but she's accepting. My grandmother I can tell is troubled by it, but she's also accepting.
There's no hiding anything from my mother. She always knew. She made me a beautiful book of shadows and gets little stamps to make Pagan greeting cards. She's just a blast. All my Pagan friends love her. She doesn't understand it, but she's accepting. My grandmother I can tell is troubled by it, but she's also accepting.
Your mom is cool.
Those people I give my love to I give it to them without conditions and I expect the same from those who give me their love. If there are conditions on it, I don't want it. I answer their questions because I understand that they have concerns. I have empathy for that feeling that they know they are going to heaven and I am not and that's heartbreaking for people to know that about someone they love. All I can give them is honesty and time and so far, I've gotten respect back, at least from everyone that matters.
That’s really a beautiful sentiment.
Those people I give my love to I give it to them without conditions and I expect the same from those who give me their love. If there are conditions on it, I don't want it. I answer their questions because I understand that they have concerns. I have empathy for that feeling that they know they are going to heaven and I am not and that's heartbreaking for people to know that about someone they love. All I can give them is honesty and time and so far, I've gotten respect back, at least from everyone that matters.
That’s really a beautiful sentiment.
8) What is your primary tradition (if you have one)?
My religion is Neo-Hellenic Polytheism, that is, I am a hard polytheist and I worship the Gods of ancient Greece in a modern way-a way that's somewhat close to ADF Druidism, I am still a card-carrying member- so you could say that I am a Hellenic Druid. I am also a kitchen Witch of the Sacred Hearth tradition.
Essentially, you’re an Eclectic.
My religion is Neo-Hellenic Polytheism, that is, I am a hard polytheist and I worship the Gods of ancient Greece in a modern way-a way that's somewhat close to ADF Druidism, I am still a card-carrying member- so you could say that I am a Hellenic Druid. I am also a kitchen Witch of the Sacred Hearth tradition.
Essentially, you’re an Eclectic.
9) What made you choose this tradition?
I kind of invented the Sacred Hearth tradition or helped it evolve. It was necessary to create a tradition that suited the beliefs and idiosyncrasies of all the other women I worked with and allowed room for our children to be a part of it. So, we created it. The nearest Hellenic Pagans and Druids are an hour and a half away. I have two jobs and a 12-year-old car. I need to keep it close to home. Although to be clear, I don't consider kitchen witchery to be a religion so much as a lifestyle, but its application is guided by my religion.
Well, as an eclectic, you really don’t have to label it all, since what your practicing is borrowed here and there from many cultures and traditions.
Well, as an eclectic, you really don’t have to label it all, since what your practicing is borrowed here and there from many cultures and traditions.
10) Whose your favorite God, Goddess or deity? Why?
I honor many Gods; I'm a hard polytheist. I don't like to pick favorites. You're talking to the girl who used to sleep with her stuffed animals in alphabetical order as a child. I have never had a "best" friend though I have many friends I love dearly; some I've had so long I don't remember when we met. I honor the Gods at their appropriate times and some are more interested in me more than others. Hestia I honor daily because the Hearth is so important. Hermes is also very important to me. I thank Aphrodite for the passion my husband and I share. Eos was the first of the Hellenic Gods to make contact and I maintain a close personal relationship with her. I do not feel that it is appropriate from my standpoint to pick a "favorite" God like you would an ice cream flavor.
Interesting. I was referring to deities and spiritual beings that may have inspired you or guided you, not actual people you’ve known in your mundane life. It appears you have many favorites.
I honor many Gods; I'm a hard polytheist. I don't like to pick favorites. You're talking to the girl who used to sleep with her stuffed animals in alphabetical order as a child. I have never had a "best" friend though I have many friends I love dearly; some I've had so long I don't remember when we met. I honor the Gods at their appropriate times and some are more interested in me more than others. Hestia I honor daily because the Hearth is so important. Hermes is also very important to me. I thank Aphrodite for the passion my husband and I share. Eos was the first of the Hellenic Gods to make contact and I maintain a close personal relationship with her. I do not feel that it is appropriate from my standpoint to pick a "favorite" God like you would an ice cream flavor.
Interesting. I was referring to deities and spiritual beings that may have inspired you or guided you, not actual people you’ve known in your mundane life. It appears you have many favorites.
11) Are you active on the Detroit Pagan scene? If so, what's your favorite event or activity?
I am and I am not. I don't like to do a lot of the things that other Pagans like to do. I am also very much a homebody and I'm a little bit of a control freak. I like to feel safe, and I feel safe at home so I welcome those who want to come celebrate and worship with me, but I don't necessarily want to go out and get involved with some unknown ritual or event. I spend time with my family, I have a Circle that I work with, and I am comfortable enough with those people to go to their private events.
That being said, I am also somewhat of a busybody and I like to be "in the know". I like to keep track of what's going on in the state of Michigan and I maintain a list at another one of my websites, motorcitypagans.net and let everyone else know with a newsletter. I also maintain a directory of Pagan owned and Pagan friendly businesses, organizations and clergy at motorcitypagans.net. I help organize the Metro Detroit Pagan meet up group and I'm helping out with the Witches Ball this year, even though I haven't actually been to the Witches Ball in a few years. I try to support the community but I'm not really comfortable inside of it. My friends tease me about how I never want to leave my house and it's true. Maybe I should see a therapist about that. But I do put on a nice spread when folks come to my house and I love to entertain but we lost our house earlier this year so I don't see us doing much of that in the future so I am making an effort to get out more.
Well, you sound very busy within the confines of your nest. However, perhaps a deeper spiritual connection with a specific deity could help you with your paranoia.
I am and I am not. I don't like to do a lot of the things that other Pagans like to do. I am also very much a homebody and I'm a little bit of a control freak. I like to feel safe, and I feel safe at home so I welcome those who want to come celebrate and worship with me, but I don't necessarily want to go out and get involved with some unknown ritual or event. I spend time with my family, I have a Circle that I work with, and I am comfortable enough with those people to go to their private events.
That being said, I am also somewhat of a busybody and I like to be "in the know". I like to keep track of what's going on in the state of Michigan and I maintain a list at another one of my websites, motorcitypagans.net and let everyone else know with a newsletter. I also maintain a directory of Pagan owned and Pagan friendly businesses, organizations and clergy at motorcitypagans.net. I help organize the Metro Detroit Pagan meet up group and I'm helping out with the Witches Ball this year, even though I haven't actually been to the Witches Ball in a few years. I try to support the community but I'm not really comfortable inside of it. My friends tease me about how I never want to leave my house and it's true. Maybe I should see a therapist about that. But I do put on a nice spread when folks come to my house and I love to entertain but we lost our house earlier this year so I don't see us doing much of that in the future so I am making an effort to get out more.
Well, you sound very busy within the confines of your nest. However, perhaps a deeper spiritual connection with a specific deity could help you with your paranoia.
12) What would you like cowans (non-believers) to know about your religion?
A lot of folks seem to have the impression that if I just read the Bible I would see the "light". I have read the Bible. I've read several translations and apocrypha. I'm actually quite the theological scholar. I guess I just want folks to know that I went into this with eyes wide open and after careful study and consideration. I've even had formal education. I'm not afraid of Hell, I don't want to go to Heaven. I don't want to be saved, I don't want to be chosen. This is my Earth and I don't want to leave it. I appreciate their concern for my soul, but it's my soul and I'm willing to take the risk. Yes, if I'm wrong I'll go to Hell but it's no skin off their backs if I burn. I'm also not out to convert anybody. I think trying to convert people is rude. I hate rude.
A lot of folks seem to have the impression that if I just read the Bible I would see the "light". I have read the Bible. I've read several translations and apocrypha. I'm actually quite the theological scholar. I guess I just want folks to know that I went into this with eyes wide open and after careful study and consideration. I've even had formal education. I'm not afraid of Hell, I don't want to go to Heaven. I don't want to be saved, I don't want to be chosen. This is my Earth and I don't want to leave it. I appreciate their concern for my soul, but it's my soul and I'm willing to take the risk. Yes, if I'm wrong I'll go to Hell but it's no skin off their backs if I burn. I'm also not out to convert anybody. I think trying to convert people is rude. I hate rude.
Amen.
13) What three books would you recommend as primers about your religion?
Hesiod's Theogany and Works and Days, The Homeric Hymns. My website at sacredhearth.com might also be helpful.
If you're interested, I have several Pagan websites:
http://www.witchmoot.com
http://www.witchipedia.com
http://www.sacredhearth.com
and
http://www.motorcitypagans.net
13) What three books would you recommend as primers about your religion?
Hesiod's Theogany and Works and Days, The Homeric Hymns. My website at sacredhearth.com might also be helpful.
If you're interested, I have several Pagan websites:
http://www.witchmoot.com
http://www.witchipedia.com
http://www.sacredhearth.com
and
http://www.motorcitypagans.net
Thanks Dawn. Blessed Be.
Dawn Black and her love altar.
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