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Blackmore's Night aren't just beloved Renaissance Faire entertainers: they also have a huge and passionate following among Pagans, Witches, and other magical folks. It's not surprising, really. Their music evokes that Land where imagination touches archetype, that mythic past which never was - yet always has been. Issue #18 features the singer whose voice gives the band its magic - the lovely and exceedingly talented Candice Night. Pinning down the Queen of Faerie (or at least several faerie festivals!) is no mean feat. Thankfully Kohinoor Setora was up to the task. Catching up with Candice on her island estate, Kohinoor was able to bring us stories of haunted castles, Elvis covers, and life on the road: she even reveals some exciting new developments in Candice's personal life! How do you follow Candice Night, you may ask? Faced with that dilemma, we decided that three heads were better than one. So, what happens when you put three amazing magicians and notable Pagan thinkers - namely, Donald Michael Kraig, Lon Milo Duquette, and Phil Hine - in a room with Michael Night Sky? The answer is "Speaking of Magic." Ranging between Platonic symposium and campfire bull session, this interview provides thoughts on magic's past, present, and future from three of its most accomplished contemporary practitioners. Once upon a time sharing this kind of hermetic wisdom with the hoi polloi would have been illegal - or at the very least available only in rare and expensive limited edition grimoires. Here at newWitch it's all part of an issue's work. Speaking of illegal magic, in 1692, Sir William Phips convened Salem's Court of Oyer and Terminer in hopes of stamping out Witchcraft in Massachusetts once and for all. Nineteen hangings, one death by pressing, and three centuries later, Salem has become the most famous Witchy tourist destination in the United States, and a popular vacation spot for Pagans and Witches from around the world. Wandering Witch Natalie Zaman brings us an illustrated guide to the sights, sounds, and stores of this most magical seaside village in "The Wandering Witch Goes to Salem." As we say in New York, "Cotton Mather would plotz." This is traditionally the Season of Shadow, when we confront the monsters under our bed. For many of us in the modern Neo-Pagan culture, guns are scary. We identify them with carnage, crime, and destruction. But magic? In "Witches with Weapons: The Case for Firearms in Pagan Spirituality," Galina Krasskova and Wintersong Tashlin examine the uses of guns as magical tools. If you ever wondered how Jupiter's lightning bolts would fare against a double-barrel 12-gauge, you're certain to love this article! Continuing the theme of self-protection, Michelle Belanger's "Saving Your Neck in 5 Easy Steps" provides shielding and defense tips from one of America's most famous experts on psychic vampires. Issue #18 marks yet another change in seasons: it will be my final issue as Managing Editor. While I have greatly enjoyed my tenure here, I have decided to focus on my true love - writing. You'll still be seeing my articles here: you'll even get to read my ruminations on our new Myspace blog (www.myspace.com/newwitch) and in my PanGaia column, "Rite Behavior." But I'm turning editorial duties back over to Anne Niven, our Editor-in-Chief. The sky is cold and uncannily clear. Outside my window the afternoon sun rises pale and wan over the trees and houses and apartment buildings. A jet slices an off-white trail through the blue-white sky. Beyond the horizon a storm is brewing off the coast. Perhaps it will turn away, or expend its energy at sea. We do not know. It's a fitting metaphor for the season, I think as I close my windows and wait for what the night will bring. Until next time, stay warm, safe and enjoy winter's advent: hope you like the magazine! |
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Welcome to newWitch #18, our winter issue. 