Anna has the distinction of being the longest serving mod. and therefore has watched the Grove grow, from first frantic invitations to the blossoming sanctuary that it is today. Her humour and huge heart have often masked the personal trials caused by self-doubt and the impact of having a beloved husband, who could be called upon to serve his country in a far-off land at a moment's notice. Indeed, he was going to be writing this introduction, until the tragedy in New Orleans caused his deployment there. Anna is an amazing priestess and person, with her vast achievements summed up by the fact that she is shortly to climb Mount Hood. It is an honour and a privilege to be her friend.
(Introduction by Mab)
Please tell me a bit about Norse Witchcraft and how you came to follow this path
The Norse path is one of respect and keeping your promises. There's a concept in this trad called Troth. It means truth. It is the values you hold sacred and strive to improve. The deities are fair but you have to be careful what you wish for, because you might get it. Many of the rituals involve a toasting and boasting and getting together with your friends. There is "magick" associated with the path, but you have to dig deep to get to it.
This path pretty much found me like a rabid dog, grabbed onto my leg and didn't let go. I found it very early in my path, but felt I needed to learn more, so I explored the Celtic trad, Strega, Buddhism, Native American spirituality and a few other things. Finally Freyja showed up and looked at me said, "Let's go!" I am of Scandanavian and Germanic descent, so it was a good fit for me.
What causes or issues do you participate in or support and why did you choose this issue?
I give money and participate in a variety of causes. The Human Rights Campaign (gay, lesbian, transgender organization), a local AIDS group called The Cascade AIDS project, Doctors Without Borders, misc. local organizations I feel deserve some money or time.
I do this because I am able and I care. I am a person that likes to fix things. I don't like to see people being repressed and I don't like to just sit on the couch and watch stuff happen on the local news. My mom always taught me to get involved and help create change. Even if I can't vounteer all the time, I do like to give money when I can.
What do you think is the most important quality/characteristic a person should develop?
Honesty and respect. If you're honest, you will admit it and not blame others for your failings. Respect because it means you know how to walk a mile or 8 in others' shoes and also to know that not everyone is the same.
What is your biggest pet peeve with the Pagan community?
Inflexibility and people who are book witches and have NO experience, then try to tell you how to do something. I don't believe that there is ONE way to do everything. I don't think that you have to have your altar set up according to what Silver RavenCheese says and I don't think you HAVE to call your circle from the east. This path can be very daunting from the start, but if you can't jump into it after doing some learning, then maybe it's not for everyone. I don't like it when people (this happens often in the Norse trad) brag about how many books they read and have no practical application to back up their claims.
What do you consider to be Paganism's best contribution to society at large?
I think we have worked very hard to get our name out there and remind people that we are not freaks, don't worship the devil, and promise not to turn you into a toad. Of course there are people who will feel differently and there are people who sometimes cater to the lame stereotypes, but I feel we are making progress. Also, the fact that many people still partake in many pagan rituals and don't know it gives me a smile. :)
What advice would you offer someone just beginning his or her spiritual journey?
Be honest with yourself and be respectful. Be prepared to make mistakes. Learn EVERYTHING you can. Don't just settle on one thing, because someone told you to. Test out all the pies first before making a decison.
What do you consider to be your best achievement in life?
Gawd... this is a hard one for me because it involves talking about myself. LOL I can't really pinpoint an achievement in particular, but I can say that where I am right now in my life is my best achievement. I have a husband I love unconditionally; I have done a lot of things most people haven't done; I have a strong sense of adventure; and I got the hell out of Fargo, North Dakota. I'm going to do things I say I will do (like climb mountains). Most importantly I have some amazing friends, who I would jump in front of a speeding bullet for.
On the Mod page you say you have a warped
sense of humor. Please share a favorite memory that illustrates this.
If you take a look at my CD and DVD collection that'll prove right there that I'm a little warped. Also, if you take a good look at my friends that'll give you more ammo. LOL However, a good example is a time when my husband and I went out to dinner with my in-laws. My mother-in-law was joking, before we left the house, that she had only packed blue shoes and surely the chef (and owner - who is a celebrity in these here parts) would notice and kick us out immediately, because they didn't really match her outfit. Well! Being the devious one I can be, I excused myself to go to the bathroom during dinner and cornered the chef, who happened to be wandering around shaking hands. I asked if it would be possible for her to sign a plate (for a fee of course) for my mother-in-law and have her write: To Jean: Nice blue shoes! She did. My MIL loved it.
I am interested in learning more about Runes. How did you come to work with them and what sources would you direct someone to for learning more?
Runes found me. I was never very good at tarot cards and, since I was a Norse Trad type, I figured it was time for me to learn them. It took me a long time to learn them. I used many different sources, including asking the deities for guidance and meditating on them. For more mundane resources, I always recommend Freya Aswynn's books. She has very practical, down-to-earth examples of each rune. I do NOT recommend Ralph Blume's books.
Is there anything you are maniacal about or obsessed with?
Books, wine, making lists, fixing things, misc. political and social causes, cheese, music, Nick Cave, and of course Finding New Things.
Is there a special place in your house you feel more connected to?
Yes. My backyard. It's so peaceful back there and I always feel safe. I do rituals out there, when the weather is nice. I feel protected by the big evergreen trees and the flowers make me smile.
What does the future hold for you? What goals do you wish to achieve?
Eventually I would like to travel more. I HAVE to go to India, before I buy the farm, and I want to go to Europe again. I need to get a job that doesn't bore me to tears and I want to retire in comfort. Other than that, I'm game to new things. :)
Please share something about yourself that you don't think many people know. (Note that I am NOT asking about the color of your underwear just as you said in the Grove.)
I'm pretty open about most things on the list, except for things people REALLY don't need to know. I have been to Europe twice and even remember being in Amsterdam (unlike most people). I lived in Washington DC for a summer and a hooker asked me to buy her a Diet Coke. My parents own a hockey school. My husband is going to Afghanistan in April and I have a cat named Grendel. My aunt is a professional clown and my mom has been to Norway 17 times. Oh wait.. this is about me.. I got shot at once in a cemetary in Missoula, Montana and smoked pot at a party with one of the Flying Karamazov Brothers. :)