Seasons of Eight
Where Magick really does Happen

Rose's Story So Far...

The History of a Rose, the beginning of everything. I'd like to think that it all started in 1998, or even before that. When I look back at my actions I guess I was searching for something to live up to, something to believe in I guess you could say more so. It was back then when I first started focusing my attention towards Wicca, reading books and occasionally looking into 'casting spells' - at the age of 11 who would know better? By the time I was in year 8, now 14, at school I had a fair knowledge on a lot of different things, including herbs and a small amount on crystals. I then stumbled upon someone who soon became a mentor of mine, teaching me a lot of other things and giving me tests of life. These tests taught me a lot of valuable information that I still carry with me today. I still remember the very first question he asked me before he committed himself to teaching me. The question was - What from the Heart and Mind is the point of Magickal Works and it in itself an Art Involving You?. A question that really opened my heart to the truth of things and taught me that Magick is not just about casting spells ( - a lesson not quite easily understood at 11). By now I was helping build web pages, talking to people and becoming apart of an online group known as Wytches - the Circle if Gaia, which still exists today with pages I created back in the day. I still help out on here every now and then. As well as helping with the website we also used to run a chat room that was for discussion about mostly everyday life and living with the craft. A couple of times we would conduct a circle with a few closer members of the group, ones which knew each other both on and offline, since there was such a huge distance between some of us it was easier. It was then I wrote my first circle and ritual by myself. I've written quite a lot of poems and 'eassays' that was my way of getting my feelings out. I had a lot of issues running in my head around this time and needed to get them out.  A few months after that, now at the age of  15/16, I was initiated by my mentor and told I no longer needed his help as much and could choose what I wanted to do by my own choice. From then on I have continued to live by what I've learnt, including my knowledge of dealing with thoughts in our heads.

Around 2000 I had also managed to convince myself to visit a showroom in Wallsend known as Crystal Magick. By this I mean that I was so quiet that I was nervous in doing so and it took me a few months to finally go. If I knew I was going to see what I did I would have went ages before this. Finally a place near home I was looking for. From day one of stepping into Sue's showroom I have been shown nothing but kindness, friendship, truth, honesty, loyalty and well.. the list could go on and on forever. I have come along way since then, from the rather shy 14yr old troubled youth to the now ever learning, always seeking, secured young woman with nothing but the will to appreciate the things that are offered before me. (though still a little quiet at times). Soon after visiting the showroom, Sue started running a workshop called 'Beginners Witchcraft' and although I already knew a lot I went along and met some new people, some I still know today. Sue then started up a circle for ladies, eventually changing into the 'Circle of Wysse Wunz' for men as well (although I think we scare them off - we are a crazy bunch).  We all like to contribute to the circle by bringing along food to share and I always enjoy making something special for the group. It was from here that my dream emerged, the dream of owning my own Cafe - Restaurant. It was then that Cath Howard, Frekali owner, started saying as a joke that we should open a restaurant. Since it was so much of a coincidence that she said such a thing I realised that my dream was possible. I started collecting ideas, objects and pictures to try and get the idea from my mind to paper. I then started on this site, 1 long, very detailed piece of work. I've never had so much commitment to one project and so am self-proud of my success.

Somewhere between Cath's very own Frekali launch and the new year of 2008 I had lost the interest in finishing the site and continuing my dream idea. There was no particular reason and I figured it just wasn't ready. I also lost my Mum 3 weeks before Christmas and so that was a huge set back as well. I'm still nowhere used to her not being here but I also feel ever more so inspired to finish the site and get into action. The first step, this site.. second step, finding a suitable Cafe to get us started and on the way to our dream location.

If only you could explain to someone the support you see if you just stop and pay attention to it all.

Thank you to those who are always there!
 

A few texts and poems I'd like to share.

"Being Different"
 

Being different.. Two words and yet they mean a lot.
               A lot of people will tell you that being different is difficult to live with. Being different comes in many ways, appearance, culture, religion and of course behavior. The thing that mostly caught my attention with being different was the fact that religions and lifestyles fall into this category. Beliefs interest me and with that comes lifestyles. There are many religions in this world, the most common most would say being Christianity. With the majority being Christians any other religion is, in many ways, different. One religion that is far different to Christianity is that of our own - the Pagan/Wiccan and likewise beliefs.
             Being different shouldn't make you feel down. One thing that I had learnt whilst completing this essay and studying the topic is to never be afraid to be different, there are many rewards. If everyone was the same, who would be there to make different suggestions or come up with different designs? The world would be too similar from my viewpoint. If you have a different opinion about something why not express it? Of course you ill get people that don't like you because you are different, but that's their problem and look at it this way, they are the ones different to you! Difference brings with it rewards. My point here being that if you let your difference show then you may get rewards and who knows, it could improve your life.
            If you are to judge someone for being different, do you ever stop and think that you are different to them? I bet a lot of people don't look at it this way. I myself never judge anyone for their religion, lifestyle or anything really. It's too risky for myself, not exactly being the 'perfect' person in society, it's just not worth it or the time. My first suggestion to anyone who wants to judge someone about anything would be to stop and think about it. Are you about to pass judgment before you get to know them? They could be like you in more ways than you think! 'Never judge a book by it's cover' is a famous quote I do believe and it implies for this situation. You have to look on the inside to see the truth.
           To sum it up, I have learnt of all things, NEVER judge someone that is different before you get to meet them and secondly never be afraid to be different!
                                                                        
'does one have the right to judge one for their beliefs?, and if so does everyone?, as every being is equal so does the right to judge live freely within? and then if it lives within why doesn't all listen to hear what others judge upon like they themselves expect people to listen and hear what they themselves judge upon?'