A Bit About Me

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A Bit About Me

My son and I at a presentation for his kindergarten class in 1999

For as long as I can remember, I've always thirsted for knowledge. Not so much knowledge for power, but knowledge for understanding. I've always felt that there was "more" to the world than many people acknowledge. As a child of about seven years old, I remember seeing an ad in the back of a comic book for a mail-order course in witchcraft. This, I thought, was GREAT! At last, a chance to learn about the magick I had always "known" was there. My parents, of course, gently declined with mild concern about the direction of my interests.

Fast forward 11 years to late 1985. Now at nearly 19 years of age, I decided I wanted to see the world and join the Navy. After boot camp and avionics training I left for Japan to serve aboard the USS Midway. It was here, halfway across the world in the cramped seclusion of shipboard life that I was at last able to begin to pursue my interest in magick. Even here, though, I was somewhat hampered by my perceived need for secrecy. The chapter on Wicca and Paganism had only just made its way into the Chaplain's Handbook, and the rumor mill aboard ship practically has a life of its own. I began to read any material I could get my hands on concerning magick, witchcraft, and the occult in general. After five years of service and several short detachments on the USS Kurtz and the USS Mobile Bay, I decided it was time to move on, and left the Navy.

I have continued along much the same course to this day, learning as I could, mostly on my own, and occasionally with a few like-minded friends. In 1998 my wife, Mouse, and I were adopted into a small Muskogee Creek tribe here in North Florida. Several months later I was honored by being appointed as Firekeeper, the caretaker of the central, ceremonial fire of the village. In the summer of 1999, Mouse and I were married according to Muskogee tradition by our Micco.

As I continue to learn more about Native customs and beliefs, and look at cultures and belief systems from around the world that I have either been exposed to in my travels or through reading, I continue to discover common elements of belief and philosophy. Due to this, as well as having had to learn from various sources along the way, I truly believe that there is no "One True Way" other than to respect and honor nature and one another. My path has led me to be truly eclectic, learning from any source available. I am deeply grateful for that, as it has led me to value and respect all peoples and cultures.

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All contents of this site are © 2000-2005 except where otherwise noted, such as in the case of graphics or other content not created by Smiling Panther. Original author/creator retains all rights in those instances. All rights reserved.


	Smiling Panther's Den \| home A Bit About Me My son and I at a presentation for his kindergarten class in 1999 For as long as I can remember, I've always thirsted for knowledge. Not so much knowledge for power, but knowledge for understanding. I've always felt that there was "more" to the world than many people acknowledge. As a child of about seven years old, I remember seeing an ad in the back of a comic book for a mail-order course in witchcraft. This, I thought, was GREAT! At last, a chance to learn about the magick I had always "known" was there. My parents, of course, gently declined with mild concern about the direction of my interests. Fast forward 11 years to late 1985. Now at nearly 19 years of age, I decided I wanted to see the world and join the Navy. After boot camp and avionics training I left for Japan to serve aboard the USS Midway. It was here, halfway across the world in the cramped seclusion of shipboard life that I was at last able to begin to pursue my interest in magick. Even here, though, I was somewhat hampered by my perceived need for secrecy. The chapter on Wicca and Paganism had only just made its way into the Chaplain's Handbook, and the rumor mill aboard ship practically has a life of its own. I began to read any material I could get my hands on concerning magick, witchcraft, and the occult in general. After five years of service and several short detachments on the USS Kurtz and the USS Mobile Bay, I decided it was time to move on, and left the Navy. I have continued along much the same course to this day, learning as I could, mostly on my own, and occasionally with a few like-minded friends. In 1998 my wife, Mouse, and I were adopted into a small Muskogee Creek tribe here in North Florida. Several months later I was honored by being appointed as Firekeeper, the caretaker of the central, ceremonial fire of the village. In the summer of 1999, Mouse and I were married according to Muskogee tradition by our Micco. As I continue to learn more about Native customs and beliefs, and look at cultures and belief systems from around the world that I have either been exposed to in my travels or through reading, I continue to discover common elements of belief and philosophy. Due to this, as well as having had to learn from various sources along the way, I truly believe that there is no "One True Way" other than to respect and honor nature and one another. My path has led me to be truly eclectic, learning from any source available. I am deeply grateful for that, as it has led me to value and respect all peoples and cultures. Background for this page provided by: All contents of this site are © 2000-2005 except where otherwise noted, such as in the case of graphics or other content not created by Smiling Panther. Original author/creator retains all rights in those instances. All rights reserved.