The College of the Crossroads

A Mystery Tradition Fellowship

Questionnaire
The information you supply is kept strictly confidential

How do you currently define Witchcraft? Witchcraft is a heathen religion (as in of the earth, not referring to delinquent children), which brings the follower inline with the cycles of life and death, along with nature and the wheel of the year. In a loose manner of speaking, it is oldest religion known to man.

What do you hope to achieve by taking the course? To gain a better understanding of the Strega tradition as set forth by its teachers, understanding that this course speaks not for all Strega but is only one way of seeing the beauty of Aradia and her teachings.

What religion was practiced in the home when you were growing up? And did you practice the religion? My family was not actively religious; however, of my own accord I chose to actively attend church. I was baptized at a young age but only after I was able to demonstrate that I understood both the rite of being saved and the ritual of baptism.

When did you first become interested in Witchcraft? At the age of 11.

Is there anything that you have read/heard about the beliefs and practice of

Witchcraft that present a challenge or obstacle for you? None at all.

What aspects of Witchcraft do you see as the most challenging for your practice of Witchcraft? In a solitary setting, I have none. In a ritual setting with others practices of nudity make me very uncomfortable. I am also very cautious of allowing myself to be in a spiritually open state with others whom I do not trust with my life. I am very protective of my spirit, life and power.

Please rate your knowledge of general Witchcraft? (circle one)

very well read

Please rate your knowledge of Italian Witchcraft? (circle one)

well read - (I have read most of the commonly available books about Italian Witchcraft along with Aradia: Gospel of the Witches (expanded version), works by Leland, and articles by peoples claiming Strega lineage of a traditional family practice).

Have you previously take a Course on any form of Witchcraft or Wicca, and from who? I have started formal year and a day classes with both the Georgian tradition of Witchcraft and with Artemisian Faerie Faith Tradition. At this time, I am unable to present names of persons (out of respect) for those in the Georgian tradition, but for the Artemisian Faerie Faith Tradition I was taking classes with one of its founders; Salem.

What books on Wicca/Witchcraft have you read? Which are favorites and why?

Honestly, there would be too many to list. I have been reading books since I was 11 and Ive had a college based reading level since I was the same age. Chances are in favor that any books which had a high visibility by any major publishing company between the ages of 11 and 21, Ive read them. The only book I can recall reading that I would call my favorite would be Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess by Phyllis Curott because of the manner in which it was written. I enjoy materials that share first hand lessons and experience with the readers from a very personal point of view.

Where does your interest lie on the following? (Please rate your level of interest on a scale of 1 (low interest) to 10 (high interest) place number next to topic)

10 Inner Mysteries 10 History of Witchcraft 10 Myth, Legend, & Folklore 10 Ritual 5 Magick 10 Religion 10 Spirituality N/A Other

How often do you go out into nature specifically to feel or experience her? Typically when the feeling presents itself that I need too. I stay tuned in with current beliefs and practices and only venture into heavy nature (areas not commonly tread by people) when the need comes about.

Do you garden? No, but I have managed to keep a vase of bamboo alive for almost a year. Beyond that Ive had no luck in this department.

Are you part of any organization dedicated to preserving Nature (in any form)? No.

Do you have animals/pets? Yes, three cats; or more commonly known as the lords and masters of my life and property. Ive always had close relations with animals and have had just about every kind of domesticated animal possible.

Do you currently possess a: (check all that apply)

Pentacle No Wand No Blade No Chalice No Robe No Cloak No Personal Altar Yes Pentagram ring/pendant No

FOR CURRENT PRACTITIONER: What tradition(s) of Wicca/Witchcraft have you studied/practiced and for how long? During my practice of Wicca/Witchcraft I claimed no tradition because I could not locate one that seemed to be the one for me. At the time that I started learning more about the Strega (of which I did feel was the one) I was at a crossroads of spiritual paths. I had to choose which path to pursue at that time and because of the door that opened for the other path, I had to pause my studies of the craft until a later date.

Are you initiated? Yes, by others

Do you hold any degree and if so what? Yes, but not in Witchcraft/Wicca. I am initiated as Tata Nkisi within the religion known as Palo Mayombe. I am cut to the Nkisi Madre de Agua and hold the both the permission and ase to initiate others (although I have not). I also have multiple initiations in Santeria and am marked for eventual initiation as a Santero to the Orisha Obatala.

Do you currently practice with other people or alone? Currently I practice my beliefs on my own but only because of my location. My initiators span across several states but I know of no others in my area who have similar beliefs or initiations. Generally speaking though, ATRs (African tradition religions) are practiced with others.

Have you had teacher training in any of the following:

Meditation No Visualization No Astral projection No Magic Yes Ritual Yes